Feb2012

Winter Issue

8 L.E.

Staying away from

germs Getting to know In Line with technology

Prada

J.LO

Now you're talking

to your iphone

What's next?

15

foreword 2012 The Year o f Hope

2011 is finally over, so let’s be start this year with positivity, put your goals and dreams infront of you and act to achieve and realize them.

Positive energy attracts everything that is good and everything you’ve always wanted. Write your dreams on a board infront of you so you can read them everyday and remember them every morning and take actions and make an effort to achieve them.

Riham Fouad

Reading will help you collect your positive energy so read at least 30 minutes per day and you will be happy and it will help you to be on the right track as it refreshes your mind and nurtures your soul.

This issue I will not mention our articles, they are all amazing articles “A Must Read” so I’ll leave you to enjoy reading and to find out what’s new, and how technology is an essential part of our lives.

Enjoy our issue and always keep in touch with us ;) info@technostylemagazine.com Twitter: @TechnostyleMag Facebook: Technostyle Magazine

Technostyle Magazine is published by Dinari 1021 Cornish El Nil St., Cairo - Egypt.

Tel./Fax: (+202) 2365 10 67 Mobile: (+2) 0100 666 88 24 E-mail: info@technostylemagazine.com All rights are reserved to the publisher.

Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden save with the permission in writing of the publishers.

Issued under the registration no. 34013.

Printed at International Printing House (IPH).

Technostyle Magazine is distributed by Al-Ahram.

contents

8

Unveiled Grab that Gadget

Music Get to Know J.Lo.

14

Unveiled iPhone 4S: Siri

Improve your Immune System

18

Feature

Horoscope

28

Body Language

Feature Egypt’s Ad Culture

Health

Dec./Jan. Horoscope

Travel Top 10 Winter Destinations

38

50

56

58

TechnoStyle Team

Managing Director Editor in Chief Content Director Marketing Manager Senior Staff Writer Contributing Writers

Riham Fouad Ashraf Al. Wardani Hoda Youssef Ghada Fouad Karim Zein Heba Abdul Shahid Mena Ghali Sarah El Etribi Art Director / Designer Hoda Youssef NYC Correspondent Donia Bashir Distribution Team Ramy Akram Mohamed Ahmed Adel Mohamed Financial Manager Mohamed el Sawy

unveiled

This is our choice of gadgets that are halfway between fashion and personality, they are devices that can travel with us or be appreciated at home, and that make a point about who we really are, or perhaps the style that we want to be known by...

Grab That Gadget!

Samsung MV800 Camera

Samsung GALAXY Tab 10.1 Delivering the ultimate mobile entertainment experience, Samsung’s GALAXY Tab 10.1 offers the perfect way to enjoy the huge variety of entertainment opportunities. Powered by the 3.0 Honeycomb platform; which is the latest version of Android™, the lightweight, ultra-slim tablet is an unrivalled device for experiencing the hundreds of thousands of games and applications available from Android Market™. You can enjoy all these features through a 10.1” (WXGA TFT LCD) display with crystal clear resolution (1280 x 800) and dual surround-sound speakers to immerse you even more fully.

The device also includes an 8 megapixel rear-facing camera with Auto Focus and a 2 megapixel frontfacing, in addition to the Android browser and Flash 10.1, which makes it the perfect tool for consuming the world of the internet content wherever you are.

The Galaxy Tab 10.1 is equipped with a Dual Core processor, low power DDR2 memory and 6860mAh battery, make it perfect for task management in an energy efficient way and also included super-fast HSPA+ 21Mbps, Bluetooth® 2.1+EDR and Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n connectivity to support rapid mobile download speeds and reduce data transfer times.

The Samsung MV800 is the perfect blend of style, fun and functionality. Its unique ability to capture images from every angle, its minimalist standout design and premium picture quality make it the perfect companion for every photography enthusiast. With the Flip-out Display camera, equipped with a 3.0’’ Wide Flip-out Display and a 16.1 mega pixel, 5x zoom lens, you can explore a world of artistic possibilities. You can flip the screen out up to 180° to adjust it at the angle you desire. Capturing photos from extremely high and low angles will not become an uncomfortable experience anymore and you will surely no longer need to ask random strangers for help. With this feature, you will get dynamic, striking and effortless self-portraits to impress in your online profile. Also by holding down the shutter button and sweeping the camera across your favourite landscape, the Live Panorama feature will allow you to capture the widest of angles in one photo. More impressively, if you are hesitant on the best angle for a photo, the MV800 can do it for you. This means, you can take a photo and the camera will capture two photos at different zoom levels, and then you are free to choose your favourite angle.

Samsung Monitors Lead the Global Market for 20 Consecutive Quarters Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd, market leader and award-winning innovator in consumer electronics, was named “leader of the global monitors market” by the International Data Corporation (IDC). Despite the global economic downturn, Samsung has maintained this leading position for the last 20 consecutive quarters, reaffirming its undisputed leadership.

According to IDC, a premier global provider of market intelligence and advisory services for the information technology and consumer technology markets, Samsung achieved 14.7% unit sales in their global monitors’ market in Q2 2011; retaining their solid leadership position, which they have had since Q3 2006.

In Q1 and Q2 of 2011, Samsung sold more than 5 million monitors, the most sold by any individual company, in the world.

“We are extremely proud of achieving and maintaining such positive results.” said Duke Park, General Manager of Samsung Egypt. Continuing, “We truly believe that our success in the market is based on our insistence to continue to innovate and create the next generation of electronics that we known are consumers are waiting for.

1

unveiled Epson launches high definition 3D projectors that explore new dimension in home cinema The EH-TW6000 and EH-TW6000W produce the brightest 3D images available on the market Epson has announced the Middle East launch of its latest range of high-definition 3D projectors - EH-TW6000 and EH-TW6000W that produce the brightest 3D images available on the market1 and is helping the company explore a new dimension in home cinema.

These projectors also offer easy-to-use features, including Full HD wireless connectivity, ensuring any film enthusiast, gamer or sports fan will be able to enjoy a powerful 3D experience in the comfort of their own home as well as high quality 2D images. Thanks to Epson’s 3LCD technology, high quality images are projected and images are clear, bright and easy on the eyes.

Epson’s luminance enhancement technology creates 3D content that is noticeably brighter than other Full HD 3D home cinema projectors1. By doubling the refresh rate from 240Hz to 480Hz, the blackout period between left and right eye images is dramatically reduced. This allows users to see a brighter 3D image that is more comfortable to watch.

Super-easy superzoom for all the family – Canon Middle East unleashes the PowerShot SX150 IS Canon Middle East announces the launch of the PowerShot SX150 IS – a high resolution, high-zoom digital camera, packed with fun features that make it easy to capture memorable moments in stills and HD movies. With an impressive 12x optical zoom and sharp 14.1 Megapixel resolution, the PowerShot SX150 IS allows all members of the family to improve their photography skills, or simply let the camera do the work, delivering high quality pointand-shoot photos.

Boasting a compact, ergonomic design available in red, black and silver, the PowerShot SX150 IS offers an impressive range of features. Whether on holiday, weekends away or family days out, it’s simple to capture treasured memories, providing the ideal option for users looking for outstanding performance, simplicity and value in one package.

13

unveiled Canon Middle East unveils the stylish IXUS 1100 HS - the slimmest 12x optical zoom in its class Canon Middle East unveils the incredible IXUS 1100 HS – the ultimate touchscreen IXUS with an amazing 28mm wide-angle 12x optical zoom lens which retracts fully into a compact, stainless steel body, making it the slimmest camera in its class1. This new flagship IXUS is the latest model to offer Canon’s advanced HS System for beautiful, low-noise images in all conditions. The IXUS 1100 HS also features a new Intelligent IS system to ensure any subject is captured in crisp detail, whether up-close, in low light, or at the fullest extent of the zoom.

Combining the latest imaging technologies with Canon’s premium IXUS styling, the IXUS 1100 HS is one of the most advanced IXUS models to date – allowing photographers of all levels to capture breath-taking stills and Full HD movies. A huge 8.0 cm (3.2”) touchscreen provides exceptional fingertip control, making it easy to frame and play back images and movies, whilst Full HD video with high quality stereo sound makes the camera the ideal companion on holidays and nights out.

PRADA AND LG CREATE A STATEMENT IN STYLE With a heritage of producing handsets that combine the best in style and substance, PRADA and LG today unveiled the partnership’s latest must-have smartphone, the PRADA phone by LG 3.0. This highly anticipated handset is the third phone to come from the collaboration and represents a key design venture for both companies.

Styled with PRADA’s clean and sharp design philosophy, the handset features a full glossy touchscreen to the front and PRADA’s signature Saffiano pattern to the back, all finished in clas-

sic black. With every detail designed for chic simplicity, this handset also boasts LG’s signature Floating Mass Technology, optically enhancing the thinness of its already impressive 8.5mm depth, with minimal hardkeys completing the sleek simple finish.

Key Specs: Operating System: Android Gingerbread • Memory: User 8GB • Size: 4.3” • Resolution: WVGA (800 x 480) • NOVA Display: 800 nit • Camera: 8MP • 1.0GHz Dual-Core/ Dual Channel Processor • Battery 1540mAh

•

HTC brings the world’s first Beats by Dr. Dre-integrated smartphones – the Sensation XL and Sensation XE – to Egypt The HTC Sensation XL and HTC Sensation XE smartphones are the first to offer a Beats Audio experience, a combination of software and hardware that allows the user to listen to music the way that the artist intended it to be heard. When used with the exclusive Beats by Dr. Dre in-ear headphones, the handset automatically switches to the bespoke Beats by Dr. Dre sound profile, delivering audio tracks tuned specifically for the headphones. This new addition enhances music services available on the Android market by offering fuller bass, crisper vocals, and a new level of clarity and range.

Both phones come with storage capabilities that allow you to carry thousands of songs with you in your pocket (the Sensation XE has options of 8GB or 16GB microSD card; the Sensation XL comes with 16GB as standard), while the exclusive Beats

by Dr. Dre in-ear headphones, a complimentary accessory included with both smartphones, feature a remote control that allows you to play, pause or skip through tracks as well as answering or ending calls while the smartphone remains in your pocket.

HTC’s Sensation XL smartphone operates a 1.5GHz processor, with a 4.7 inch screen and 480x800 resolution. Its dimensions are 132.5mm x 70.7mm x 9.9mm, with a total weight of 162.5g, including battery. HTC’s Sensation XE smartphone runs on a 1.5GHz dual core processor, with a 4.3 inch screen featuring 540x960 resolution. The smartphone’s dimensions are 126.1mm x 65.4mm x 11.3mm, with a total weight of 151g, including battery.

Tech-savvy consumers can now easily get their hands on innovative and intuitive HTC products at various electronic outlets across Egypt.

NETGEAR Powerline 500 Nano and the N900 Video and Gaming WiFi Adapter

NETGEAR’s new Powerline Nano 500 (XAVB5101) has been specifically developed for users who want a simple plug-and-play networking for a single device like TV’s or gaming console units. The unit instantly converts a standard electrical wall outlet into a high-speed network connection that easily accommodates the most demanding multimedia tasks.

Major advantages of using the Powerline Nano 500 is its easy plug-andplay set-up, top speed connectivity

and sleek small design. The new unit is also being packaged as the perfect complement for single device units like gaming consoles, Blu-ray player, Smart TV, HD set-top box, Network DVR, PC and other devices. Gamers will particularly benefit from using this engaging new device because of its exceptionally low latency. The Powerline 500 Nano can work on speeds of up to 500 Mbps, seamlessly accommodating HD and 3D HD video streaming, multimedia, multiplayer gaming and other bandwidth intensive tasks. The device also comes with NETGEAR’s unique ‘Pick-a-

Plug’ function, which automatically tests the connection at any electrical outlet and displays the results in the form of color coded LED lights.

Meanwhile, NETGEAR’s N900 Video and Gaming 4-port WiFi Adapter enables consumers to connect up to four Ethernet-enabled devices at the fastest WiFi speeds available today. The adapter makes use of multiple wireless streams and dualband technology to support multiple, simultaneous HD video streams in 1080p resolution and fast, lowlatency multiplayer gaming. Utilizing the unit will allow users to wirelessly stream high resolution entertainment from multi-media streaming sites like Netflix, Vudu, YouTube and Hulu to virtually any Ethernet-enabled entertainment device in the home.

15

S y i e

ri

H

unveiled

It was a long day at the client’s office and all I was thinking about in the middle of my presentation was “oh boy, the new iPhone will be announced tonight! What would it do? Communicate with extraterrestrials?

Project a 3D model of Megan Fox in real size? Automatically answers my phone calls with a very accurate impersonation of my voice?”

They were all questions in my head and just as I was holding a big sign that said “Aliens, hey how’s it going” the Apple iPhone’s keynote broke me down to pieces.

By: Karim Zein

I gathered my shattered pieces that night and came to know the iPhone 4S. It was exactly the same shape as its predecessor but under the hood it was a damn V8.

This article is going to be a fake interview with Siri (the iPhone 4S’ state of the art voice command app) but it will still give the correct facts about the iPhone.

Hey Siri, tell me a little bit more about the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S come as a major hardware upgrade to the iPhone 4 model. With exactly the same shape as the previous model, you get a Dual-Core A5 chip which means double the power for you to browse the web, check apps or even play games. It’s a much faster phone and even up to 7 times faster graphics for your games.

Ok with such a fast processor, does this take away from battery life?

Absolutely not, we’ve made sure that the Chip deliver on efficiency so that users use the telephones various functions without running out of battery.

Hey Siri, What about the camera?

We’ve included an 8MP camera which is an outstanding improvement including advanced white balance, greater color accuracy and even a face detection meaning that you’ll capture your moments the

way they actually are. That’s not it but we’ve also incorporated a full HD 1080p video recording enabling users to shoot films like no other.

Siri, FaceTime and the superb retina display are still there aren’t they?

Yes you still get FaceTime and the retina display. The IOS five is just brilliant in the way everything is much more organized and easier to handle than before. I mean, a notifications tab for every task on your phone, a much better Safari, an iMessage for chatting like the BBM on blackberry.

Hey Siri, Tell me more about yourself?

I’m a top notch voice command app that really acts as a personal assistant. Just ask me anything and I’ll be glad to help be it weather updates, stock exchange, sending email, sending text, setting an alarm, and even finding the closest exotic pet store. You name it I’ll do it.

Siri, I got a question for you that might annoy your bosses!

Were you guys at Apple scared from the Samsung Galaxy S2?

I mean before the 4S was even released the Samsung Galaxy S2 boasted a very fast processor, an 8 MP camera, 1080p video recording and even great voice command software?

Siri must hibernate now! ….

Away from the interview I give it to Apple that they made a really good personal assistant, the Siri, but I would definitely consider the iPhone 4S just an answer to the competition. Don’t get me wrong I am trying to maintain objectivity but an outstanding and a leading technology manufacturer could have done things that not only could teach competitors a lesson, it would actually cause a major change in the course of history. The iPhone 4S is quite comparable to the Samsung Galaxy S2 in terms of features and honestly I’d give Samsung the credit because of releasing such features first. Objectively I could argue that Samsung was an actual pioneer this time and all Apple did was adapt the technology to its iPhone with a little bit of spices and a bitten apple at the back.

I’m a tech freak and I really like to have an innovative product but I won’t give Apple credit this time. Even if it is the Gucci or the Bentley of smart phones, I have to salute Samsung this time for freaking Apple out with their Galaxy S2. For those who would argue Galaxy is an iPhone wannabe, I’d politely nod my head in disagreement. Both companies are great but not every surfer stays on the wave for long.

17

Maadi New Year’s Party Usually, house parties are small gatherings of close friends who just want to chill and have a few drinks without the hassle of dressing up or going out. For the “Maadi New Year’s Eve house party” that Ironically took place in Mirage, that was NOT the case! This New Year’s Eve bash had all the elements of a blowout soiree. An amazing estate in Mirage city was transformed into the perfect venue for the countdown to the new year. The huge pool was covered and turned into a packed dance floor where all 490 guests danced their way into 2012 to great music. Champagne showers, fireworks during the countdown, and nonstop dancing is what you would find at the “Maadi house party”.

Special Thanks to Al Ahram Beverages.

feature

By: Heba Abdul Shahid

The art of understanding

body language

different things. For example, someIt is also important to know that body Communication is a skill that many one with arms crossed might be oflanguage is a complex topic and you people lack. Being able to properly fended or might be cold. Someone only e messag can’t judge a person’s communicate is misunderstood by scratching their nose might actually e languag body two or one through many individuals. Communication is have an itch rather than telling a lie. signs. It is important to read the pera talent just like other talents such as So it all depends on the situation and signals all r son well and put togethe singing or drawing or playing a sport. how the sign you noticed relates to of anding underst an form to get you All those skills need practice and nurthe circumstances. that person. Through body language turing to grow and become stronger impresyou can tell someone’s first and eventually turn into attitude then Next I will give you the most amazsion of you and can convey the behavior. It is very important to be ing tips to read someone’s body give to want you ion impress perfect lanable to identify people’s body language and control yours. to people about yourself. How we guage and control your own if you them position and move our bodies want to communicate professionally have a lot to do with how we feel with people around you whether at like and what we think. For examBody family. work or with friends and • Eyes can incredibly non-verple, how we position our bodies, the relato relevant very also is e languag bally communicate space we leave between us and othtionships outside of work, for examLooking right generally has to • ers, our facial expressions, our eyes ple in dating and mating, and in famido with imagination, lying, stoespecially and how our eyes move lies and parenting. Your own body rytelling, and fabricating; deand focus, how we touch ourselves language reveals your feelings and pending on the situation. and others, how our bodies connect impressions to others. Other people’s left generally means Looking • with other non-bodily things, for inbody language reveals their feelings recallor ering rememb stance, pens, cigarettes, spectacles and impressions to you. The sending you ask when So facts. ing and clothing, our breathing, and othand receiving of body language sigsomeone something and they er less noticeable physical effects, unand us nals happens on conscio look left, most probably they for example our heartbeat and respiconscious levels and if you manage know the answer and are tryration are all perfect body language to understand it well, you will have ing to remember. indicators. But as said before, do better control of it and will be able to Direct contact when speak• rs not depend on one or two indicato easily communicate your messages/ ing indicates honesty but be because one sign can mean two feelings through your body.

EYES

• • •

aware of those who can perfectly fake honesty.

Direct eye contact while listening indicates interest Blinking frequently generally implies excitement or pressure.

Raising eyebrows generally indicates interest or recognition.

Head

• • • • •

Mouth

• • • • • • • • •

A pasted smile which is one that appears quickly and remains there longer than a usual smile is usually faked.

Tight lipped smile indicate secret holding Twisted smiles indicate mixed feelings or sarcasm.

Laughter is a sign of relaxation and feeling at ease.

Forced laugh can indicate nervousness or cooperation.

Chewing gum can indicate tension.

Smoking indicates self comforting.

Nail biting indicates frustration and suppression Hand clamped over mouth indicate shock or holding back

• •

Arms

• • • • •

•

Nodding indicates agreement.

Slow nodding indicates interest Held up indicates alertness Head held high up indicates arrogance, fearlessness, superiority Head tilted downward indicates criticism Head shaking indicates disagreement Chin up indicates confidence and pride

Crossed arms usually indicate defensiveness Gripping your own upper arm indicates insecurity Having one arms across your body clasping the other indicates nervousness and discomfort Holding your arms behind your body with hand clasped indicate confidence and authority Holding a handbag or anything else in front of your body indicates nervousness

Frequently adjusting accessories such as a tie or watch also indicate nervousness along with holding a drink on one side of the table with your opposite side hand or scratching your shoulder sing the hand from the other side.

Hands

• • • • • • •

Palms up or open indicate honesty, submissiveness, appeal, and truthfulness Palms down indicate authority, dominance, and strength Hands on the left part of the chest means you are seeking to be believed Pointing at a person indicated threat and aggression and also emphasis Clenched fists indicate resistance, aggression, and determination Cracking knuckles indicates attention seeking or it is a comforting habit Rubbing hands together indi-

21

I won't tell her, I'll show her He thinks I don't know why he did that

• • • • • • • • • •

cates anticipation Touching your nose while speaking indicates lying or exaggeration Touching nose while listening indicates thoughtfulness and suppressing a comment Nose picking indicates daydreaming and social disconnection and stress Neck scratching indicates disbelief or doubt Chin resting on thumb indicates evaluating Hands in pockets indicate disinterest or boredom and also a lack of confidence Hands through hair indicate flirtation Hands clasping wrists indicate frustration Hand on hips indicate confidence, readiness, and availability Removing your glasses are an alert that you wish to speak

Handshake • • •

• •

Palm down: dominance Palm up: submission Using both hands: trustworthiness, honesty Equally vertical: relaxed, non threatening Pumping: excitement, enthusiasm

• •

Firm: confidence With arm clasp: seeking control

•

Legs and Feet •

• • • • • • • • •

The direction of legs or feet while sitting is the direction of the something or someone you are interested in.

Uncrossed legs: openness Parallel legs: properness Crossed legs: cautious 4 leg cross: independent and stubborn Open legs while sitting: arrogance and sexual positioning Ankle locked: defensive Standing at attention: respectful Legs crossed while standing: insecurity Shoe playing: relaxation, flirtation

•

Common flirting signs that males use: •

• •

Male/Female interest signs •

• • • •

eye contact - anything more than a glance indicates initial interest. eye catch and look away – hooking male reaction pupil dilating - interest, liking what is seen, arousal. looking sideways up - displays interest and vulnerability/coyness, parted lips - significant and po-

tent attraction signal. self-touching - drawing attention to sexually appealing parts of the body; neck, hair, cleavage, thigh, etc. self thigh-stroking - usually while sitting down - same as self-touching. foot pointing - direction can indicate person of interest.

• •

posturing - erect stance, chest out, shoulders back, stomach in. wide stance - legs apart (standing or sitting) ‘chest-thumping’ - a metaphor describing various male antics designed to draw attention to themselves, often involving play-punching or wresting other males, laughing too loudly, headtossing, acting the fool, etc. dress - clothing: style, fit, cleanliness, etc - is all an extension of personality and is therefore part of body language.

Twisted smile – to confuse you and make you see two different reactions on his face.

Opening Soon in Maadi, Road 9

feature

Before I get my job at the company I work at, I always heard people complaining about their bosses and how unprofessional, stubborn, or short tempered they were. Others complained that the work load was too much for them to handle or that the working environment is unfriendly. Then I got my first job at a company (Mengheer zekr asami tab3an) that gave me a totally different meaning to the word DISGUSTING. We have a boss that takes everything to a totally different level.

– Men el akher MOBALAGH FEEH. Exaggeration is a skill he masters and there is not actually something specific you will hate about him.

You will just hate all of him to the extent that hearing his voice makes you nauseous. He has been living in the States for quite some time and is managing his “so called” INTERNATIONAL company through some cameras he has at the office and screen monitors for our computers. I was dying to include his photo in this article and the only reason I didn’t was because I really didn’t want you guys to sympathize with him. Cause he looks.... sad. BUT looking at SID from Ice Age, you are looking at a cartographic picture of him!...LITERALLY. Not to mention the fact that..there is no way to say this in English so let me say “EL RAGEL BAKHEEL MOLLA”. And as I said before he takes this to another level. We are not talking big money here. We are talking about setting a budget of 100 Egyptian pounds per month for ALL KITCHEN SUPPLIES at the of-

fice including tea, milk, coffee, and sugar. Oh and the toilet paper and soap too. –AH walahi. Not to mention that he gets a mini heart attack when he goes into the kitchen and sees the word NESQUICK or Nescafe GOLD! “MESH LE DARAGET GOLD YA GAMA3A!!!!!!” – 7aga kida bebalash walahi el ragel da

If he had the chance, he would actually make us pay for all that stuff which we do of course when the budget runs out and yes we did talk to him about that and yes he knows we pay to get those things but as they say in Egyptian culture, “Eli ekhtasho mato”. That is of course before I decided to tell him 2ad eh howa rekhees fa etkasaf men nafso w lagha el budget. He has the complete ability to surprise us EVERY day. He claims that he doesn’t turn on the cameras during working hours and that he has them for security in case any robbery incidents happened and the truth is, if a thief comes into the company and tries to rob it, they will feel sorry for us when they open up the company’s safe which rarely has any currency higher than a 20 pound bill w shewayet coinat kida lel zan2a.

So anyway, although the cameras are “off”, he manages to call every single one of us as soon as we get up to do anything. He wants us to be seated at all times because “Da Wa2t melk el sherka”. He says he is not a sick man and that we should be totally comfortable at the office knowing that he is not watching and we actually act according to that assumption. For example, we stick

up our middle fingers right at him in front of the camera, we claim to be at our desk’s when he can see we aren’t, and we might even deny the presence of someone that is standing right there in front of him. But after all, “he is not watching” right? So he can never confront us because he is actually a coward too.

As for the computer screens that he monitors all day, that is never an issue because we either have our own laptops or we just do whatever we want until he calls to say “Kefaya FACEBOOK ya gama3a!!!” and that is of course after he waits for us to be done with watching a complete photo album or reading a message because in addition to all the horrible traits he acquires, he is also nosy as shit. During sad, dark, and depressing days that he joins us here at the office; he feels that it is completely normal for him to walk in on us during our lunch break and ask us what we were laughing about or even sit there with us to engage us in meaningless, stupid, and lame conversations. The sad part is, he expects us to laugh and we never do but he never learns. He thinks we don’t know that he is there just to hear what we are discussing or laughing about. Mota2amer w Ahbal. That is of course after he asks us to order him something to eat while we order for ourselves like we are there to pamper his sorry ass and then walk into the lunch room yelling “WHERE IS MINEEEE!!!!!????????” (referring to his food). Howa fee kida?! Ne2olak bas matez3alsh?

E d ee n i Fel ANBOOBA!?!

By: Heba Abdul Shahid

25

feature

That is of course in addition to some minor things that he does to make us feel sick at the stomach. Like calling us to hear about what we have been working on and beginning the phone call with a “HAAA! TELL ME”. (Tab manta fate7 el shasha w shayef…3ayez a enta?). Or making us read him the text that appears on the screen which he can read by himself. Or making you work on something for hours and realize he doesn’t need it after all. And unfortunately my job entitles me to communicate with him the most and go to meetings with him or update him with the latest projects and reminding him of his emails and appointments and writing emails for him to send to people – W la2a 3alafekra ento fehemto ghalat, ana mosh el sekerteera beta3to :D… I am actually an account executive but in this company we all do “DONKEY work” 3ala ra2yo tab3an and he is so busy all day and has no time for things like these and continuously needs reminders because clients are so important to us. Not because we offer them our services and not because we are professional but because “E7na KHADAMEEN el client”.

As for our salaries, I won’t even go there. I think I could make more money picking my nose or playing trivial games. The time we spend at the company actually wastes our productivity. And our raises or benefits or compensations…wait a second.. WE DON’T HAVE ANY!

Why? “3alashan e7na fe wa2t sa3b ya gama3a lazem nesta7mel ba3d”.

– La2 mana mesh moshtareka fe gam3eyet Resala!... fakerna motatawe3een ebn el…..And if he ever decides to distribute a profit share for employees, he would exclude the maximum number of employees as he could for reasons that are so stupid, you wouldn’t know where to start if you wanted to argue with him. Please keep in mind that we are a total of less than 10 people. And people who DO get a profit share wish they didn’t :D it is humiliating to them to receive amounts like the ones he decides to give them. Not to mention of course that once he decided to be generous w ye3mel 7araka LARGE and give out a gift in one of the feasts so he decided to go around placing a 100 Egyptian Pounds on the desk of each employee. NA3AM? , and I thank God I was not yet employed there because I don’t know what I could have done at a situation like that. Or I do know but it is so inappropriate to mention that here.

Bas besara7a to be honest 3ashan mab2ash zalamto... When any of us does something extraordinary or comes up with an original idea or accomplishes something beyond expectations, he rewards us be 3ADAD WA7ED WAGBA DELIVERY men ay mat3am men ekhteyarak be 7ad AKSA 30 geneeh w el 3ard da esmo el “free lunch” w howa Sary le fatra ma7dooda (which is the time it will take us to plan how to beat the

living shit out of him) - wana el mafrood lama aksab el wagba a3mel a ba2a? a7eb 3ala 2eedo?

So anyway, when I first took the job I used to take things personally and get upset and lose my temper when we went to meetings where he treated me like I was there to carry his laptop or write down things he wanted to record. I even cried sometimes. I would also get upset when we left a meeting and he would stop a cab, get into it, wave goodbye and leave me standing there because he had another meeting. Tab3an wana el mafrood 3ashan fakra eno ragel I expected him to stop a cab for me first.

And then I realized that taking things personally got me nowhere. Fa el wa7ed 2al yesta3mel ma3ah 2elet el adab w yeszboto and it worked like a charm. He did not change and he is still the same asshole that he is but at least talking back and humiliating him makes us all feel so good. And the thing is, sometimes I feel like he likes to be humiliated. For example, when I was going away to the States for a vacation; he was suggesting places I should go shopping at to get my dad some BOXERS. - Da 3ala asas en baba eshtakalo men 2elet el gheyarat w a3ed 3eryan fel beet mestaneeni arga3.

And we all die a little inside each time our desk-phone rings and we think it is him. The funniest part of all ba2a are the comments and phrases he uses to act like he is creative,

smart, or educated asasan. Other than the fact that he translates Arabic phrases to English with no respect to grammar. Or the fact that he is the biggest and most confident liar I have ever seen in my life, or the fact that he has 3 imaginary branches of the company in Dubai, Lebanon, and Germany. – Ya3ni aslan el imaginary branches aktar men el real ones!!! Or the fact that he actually has their phone numbers and contact information on the company’s website and is totally convinced that it is okay to do something like that. And other than the fact that all of the company’s work is done in our branch in Egyptwhich I think is the only branch that actually exists because I am starting to doubt the Washington branch too, he claims that all work is done abroad. And putting aside the fact that he wanted me to change my name in my email signature to Heba ABRAHAM to suit the “AMERICAN” company I work at (3ala asas en Ibrahim howa el moshkela lakin Heba esm 3ala el mooda fe Washington) and changed his ex- wife’s family name from Ashry to ASHLEY - who does this shit? Kol da mesh mohem ba2a. Eli yeda7ak we ye2ref fe nafs el wa2t ba2a eno mestansa7 nafso awi ya3ni. W howa aslan moghafal.

You show him a design and he randomly says “7lwa awi! el movement fel 7araka!!!!” – a da?

You tell him you couldn’t make it to

work because you had to go to a funeral in another city and he screa ms“WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOW”- wow a mesh fahma?

He likes the design but it is always missing the “WOW effect”- howa a? ay 7aga keda hansameeha effect?

Danta 3andak SAMAGA effect

Or he uses sentences like “ WE7YATY balash condensed!” – we7yatak eh enta hatsa7ebna!?

And about the translating idea I mentioned above, here is an example: “I will sleep over them shewaya” da 3ala asas eno haynam 3ala el 7aga kam youm ya3ni.

And then once we went to a meeting together and were discussing the issue of speeding in Egypt with a respected organization and the meeting included doctors and intellects – w ebn el habla yeroo7 ayelohom “In Egypt, speeding is equal to an orgasm”. And then sat there smiling like an awkward smelly piece of SHIT– Tab ya3ni a2olo a da wenaby? Enta mesh fe meeting ma3a PLAYBOY.

And let us not forget that he begins his presentations to other companies with a slide carrying the title “RESPECT MY ELEPHANT”. – and he thinks it is okay w moktane3 tamaman w rady 3an nafso.

He tries to explain how emotions

drive people and how the elephant is our body and the rider of the elephant is our heart or emotional side and that no matter how strong or powerful or huge the elephant is, the rider will always be in control.

– Tab3an da 3ala asas en el FEEL howa aktar 7ayawan el nas beterkabo. Mesh el 7osan masalan…

And finally “EDEENI FEL ANBOOBA” was his way to express complete amusement to a design that one of our designers showed him.

So the designer shows him the design and he likes it so much and screams that out to him. – Tab ya3ni yenfa3 kida?

(and please note that the design had NOTHING to do with wala anabeeb wala fire wala ay 7aga momken tekoon aw7etlo be e7sas el anbooba so GOD only knows what he wanted at that moment)

So all of you are wondering why we keep up with all that and don’t just leave. Well first of all we will not be able to disrespect any other boss the way we disrespect him, we will not laugh as much as we do in any other company, we will never meet a specie like him again, we mastered the skill of provoking him, pissing him off, and humiliating him and we enjoy it, and most importantly, we enjoy every minute we spend together at the office laughing, sleeping, watching movies, making fun of that sad creature, and God Forbid working

Winter Recommendations

The Arrogant Years: One Girl›s Search for Her Lost Youth, from Cairo to Brooklyn Lucette Lagnado In The Man in the White Sharkskin Suit, Lucette Lagnado offered a heartbreaking portrait of her father, Leon, a successful Cairo boulevardier who was forced to take flight with his family during the rise of the Nasser dictatorship, and of her family’s struggle to rebuild a new life in a new land.

Egypt, the Arabs, and the World Hani Shukrallah In a collection of articles originally published between 1995 and 2011 in Cairo›s Al-Ahram Weekly and Ahram Online (as well as in The Guardian and on Salon.com), Egyptian journalist Hani Shukrallah examines his own culture and society during what he terms «a tempestuous period of history for the region and for its relations with the rest of the world.»

The Lion Of Cairo Scott Oden On the banks of the river Nile, from a palace of gold and lapis lazuli, the Fatimid Caliph al Hadid rules over a crumbling empire. His city is awash with intrigues and in the shadow of the Grey Mosque, generals and emirs jockey for position under the scheming eyes of the powerful grand vizier, Jalal. In the crowded Souk, these factions use murder and terror to silence their opposition... Egypt is bleeding and the scent draws her enemies in like sharks: the Sultan of Damascus, the pious Nur al-Din, whose master is the rival Caliph of Baghdad; Shirkuh, the swaggering Kurd who would lead the armies of Damascus to victory and then, of course, Amalric, Christian king of Jerusalem whose insatiable greed knows no bounds.

The Question of Palestine Edward W. Said Still a basic and indespensible account of the Palestinian question, updated to include the most recent developments in the Middle Eastfrom the intifada to the Gulf war to the historic peace conference in Madrid.

Screw Business As Usual Richard Branson Can we bring more meaning to our lives and help change the world at the same time? Richard Branson, at his brilliant and motivating best, reveals how with his exciting new vision for the future. It is time to turn capitalism upside down - to shift our values, to switch from a profit focus to caring for people, communities and the planet.

The Pregnant Body Book Paul Moran The Pregnant Body Book is a comprehensive visual guide to every aspect of conception, pregnancy and birth exploring the important changes that take place in a completely revolutionary way. State-ofthe-art images, extraordinary photography and accessible text track each stage of both the mother and baby›s development from fertilisation to birth week-by-week.

One Day David Nicholls ‘I can imagine you at forty,’ she said, a hint of malice in her voice. ‘I can picture it right now.’

He smiled without opening his eyes.

‘Go on then.’

15th July 1988. Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew meet for the first time on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways. So where will they be on this one day next year? And the year after that? And every year which follows?

The Cooking Book Victoria Blashford-Snell This is the ultimate bible for today›s busy cook. It is the cookbook that really understands what you need in the kitchen, answering all your culinary questions, from what the finished dish should look like and if it can be prepared, to what to do with leftovers.

A Fine Balance Rohinton Mistry With a compassionate realism and narrative sweep that recall the work of Charles Dickens, this magnificent novel captures all the cruelty and corruption, dignity and heroism, of India. The time is 1975. The place is an unnamed city by the sea. The government has just declared a State of Emergency, in whose upheavals four strangers--a spirited widow, a young student uprooted from his idyllic hill station, and two tailors who have fled the caste violence of their native village--will be thrust together, forced to share one cramped apartment and an uncertain future.

The Natural History Book A monumental and extraordinarily beautiful guide to the Earth›s natural wonders 5 years in the making, covering over 5,000 species, The Natural History Book is one-of-a-kind; the only book to offer a complete survey of the Earth›s natural history.

books wedding

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Digital Ad Age Bel Masry

By: Karim Zein

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It's selectivity! People want something that they can control. The minds are not waiting to be fed anymore with visuals, they're actually seeking content themselves

"

I QUIT! Is the best way to start a rant not an article but yea! I’m just stating the facts. As much as I entered the career of advertising full of passion and ambitions is just as much as I hated the process that the creative department goes through here in Egypt. That’s why on the eve of October 31st I quit my job. Don’t call it a lack of persistence just yet but as the saying goes “sometimes you gotta let go of small dreams in the chase of bigger ones.”

I have to admit that I learned a lot and trust me what I learned were skills that help you in life more than in business. Among the things I learned is the DEATH OF TV (dramatic music fades slowly)! Yes eventually television is going to rest in peace and the reason why is simply; the World Wide Web. People are becoming more and more selective in the content they watch, screening out what seems to be inappropriate to their tastes or culture. You’ve got Facebook and Twitter now acting more like news channels instead of social networks.

The World Wide Web has given us all a chance to download all the things we missed in life, stream music, join forums, solve problems and even ask the most trivial questions in life. It is the media haven and slowly third world countries are going to be more involved with it.

The Egyptian revolution is one big proof that the digital world is the next big thing. I mean comeon, how many of you guys were against Facebook and then joined it just because of that? (The place darkens suddenly and a spotlight falls on a man till he admits) I know a lot of parents who joined because of the revolution.

You want another proof about the strength of the triple w? Smart TVs (commercial music fades in as we hear the announcer: “we present the Smart TV, now you don’t have to use your computer for Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube the Smart TV comes with integrated social media and works on WifI”) as the announcer grins and we see a beautiful product shot you get to know that something’s up. I mean

why would great manufacturers create Smart TV’s if they don’t know the power of the internet?

ness. Imagine using digital billboards where people can scan QR codes on the billboard for extra content.

It’s selectivity! People want something that they can control. The minds are not waiting to be fed anymore with visuals, they’re actually seeking content themselves (some music from National Geographic as we see a visual of a brain running in the fields of the Savannah hunting down its prey of the various media.)

I remember once seeing a video of my favorite toy brand doing 3D projection on a building. It was outstanding. The building came to life and it looked like you’re seeing cars running and jumping on and off the building. Keep in mind that you still have a strong word of mouth in Egypt (Mabyetbalesh fe bo2ena foola) so people will keep on talking about it if it happened.

The Egyptian revolution does not only prove how we use digital media there are a lot of apps out there that we use to know traffic updates for example. We are getting to become more and more tech savvy! Comeon the super hero cyclist who holds the bread on his head in extreme balance owns a cell phone (SFX: Crash! cyclist falls from the envious eyes).

Now fellow advertisers and clients let us all think about the beauty of digital. Imagine creating absolutely creative content tailor made to specific needs in extreme cost effective-

Another example would be a prominent telecom agency that created augmented reality (it’s a mixture between real and unreal. For example you point your phone’s camera at the statue of liberty and suddenly it dances, you see it with your own eyes as a still statue but the camera digitally sees it dancing and translates that to you through the screen.)

The telecom company created imaginary monsters in augmented reality and distributed them in Germany in various locations virtually. People

would open their smart phone’s cameras and start scanning the streets for the monsters and hunt them down all virtually through their phone’s screens.

Marketers here In Egypt should really start looking beyond just having a Facebook group or page. They should start accepting ideas that create conversations with the costumer. Consumers aren’t waiting anymore for their favorite brand’s new status on Facebook, they’re waiting for the next competition, the next new exclusive content on their phones or even the next app that will easily tell them if a specific spare part for their car is available or not.

Egypt is a very fertile soil for a digital advertising revolution because it hasn’t been really exposed to that much of digital content provided by various marketers. In fact whatever marketers release digitally would be a novelty that people would talk about for ages.

Technology has made us lazier is

something that I could agree to and many marketers might ask about the consequences of implementing digital in their media spending. Well it all depends on the idea you have, trust me what ever makes people’s lives easier and more fun the better. A lot of companies have implemented ideas that even made people run and chase something which is brilliant in the way it didn’t only sell a product or implement an idea, it actually made people healthier!

For the country to reach a status of a well developed one we can never expect less or dream small. We have to dream big and really know how to become innovators instead of imitators. This country has a great chance of becoming a digital haven and a source of great ideas.

To my fellow readers, I suggest you type “augmented reality” and “3D Projection Mapping” on Youtube and see the beauty for yourself =).

That’s the bigger dream I am chasing, a digital ad revolution in Egypt.

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How to Attract-Tips!

By: Heba Abdul Shahid

Virgo Gemini Aries Aries individuals act first and think later so don’t misinterpret their actions. Take your time with Aries because they might rush into things they regret later. Aries love challenges and to attract and engage them you need to continuously challenge them and play mind games with them. They are also leaders so when dealing with an Aries male, make him feel like he is in control.

Competition drives them crazy and this can be a way in which you attract an Aries. They are aggressive and love action but very passionate and affectionate. They are also lovers of stimulating their bodies and minds. They are very active and want someone to share their activities with them. Aries also love to take initiative and will always take the first step. Aries can teach you what true love is.

Random Facts about Aries • Will always go after what they want • A bit selfish • Quick tempered and bossy • Rarely get shy

Taurus Taurus are very down to earth and traditional individuals. They value appreciation of who they are but are very stubborn people. Never try to obviously direct the Taurus because they will do anything but admit you are right. They are very determined and will fight for what they want.

They are fun and outgoing and want someone that they can go wild with but someone they can trust because loyalty is very important to Taurus. It also takes quite some time to break into the deeper inner side of the Taurus and see their true feelings. The Taurus is also a sexual signs and are stimulated by sensual touches or sexual gestures. Admitting a mistake is not an option for them unless you were really able to reach their inner self.

Random Facts about Taurus • Great lovers • Lose self control when angry • Hate complaining • Have the ability to reason everything logically

The Gemini is full of passion. They are always willing to take a chance and try something new. You will never have a full moment with them.

As one of the strongest intellectuals of the Zodiac, there will always be something interesting to talk about.

They know a little about every topic.

Never underestimate the intelligence of a Gemini because that bothers them. The Gemini avoids commitment and likes excitement and adventure. They like conversations and intellect. To attract Gemini individuals you have to engage their minds before their hearts. Never try to tie them down and be sure that they will always be social butterflies even if they get committed to you. Gemini individuals can be interested and attracted to multiple lovers at once and this is why you have to be different to get their full attention. Avoid boredom because that will just push them away and always talk about memories the future to engage their minds. And most of all ACT NOW, Gemini individuals are the most flirtatious of all the signs and don’t wait long for someone or something.

Random Facts about Gemini • Sensitive but hide it with humor • Can talk for hours • Like to be the center of attention • An ideal combination of beauty and brains

Cancer Cancer is all about emotions. They are having emotional impulses about everything that some see Cancer as very weak people. They are also vulnerable and are affected by people around them but this happens when you succeed to get closer to them and know how to influence them. Attract a Cancer with a good heart and sense of humor.

They don’t trust people and open up very easily but when they do, you can influence them in every way possible. Cancer individuals are always very aware of their surroundings and you need to get them in the right mood for whatever it is you are doing. Cancer also believe they are in control of their own destiny and value someone that encourages that thought. They are fragile but are caring, loving, forgiving, and generous. Don’t break their heart Random Facts about Cancer • Rarely seek revenge • Often questions their own intentions • Compassionate lovers • Are never jealous of the success of others

Leo Feed their ego, this is the universal law for all Leos. They have a huge ego that they love to boost whenever they can. Leos hate being wrong and love to control everything around them. If you are not willing to give a Leo the upper hand then don’t even try getting close.

They believe they can do anything you can do even better than you would do it. You need to continuously flatter Leos and make them your center of attention. They want to feel like whatever they do is appreciated and so you have to show recognition even to the smallest things they do. Never tell them that they are not capable of something because they will always prove you wrong. They are outgoing and very bold but can be pushy at times. The most important thing to know is that when a Leo lets you go they will not bring you back even if it means their sadness forever. Leos don’t take random decisions so be careful.

Virgo is an earth sign and is always looking for perfection and purity. The Virgo has a strong sense of duty and willing to work. They are value honesty very much and hate to be lied to. Yet, they are very critical of many things and you should understand that and not take it personally. Also, Virgos hate to be criticized in any way. Virgos also value tidiness and cleanness and proper grooming so be aware of that too around a Virgo. They are perfectionists and analyze a situation way more than it deserves so avoid being careless and avoid jumping into quick decisions. Take your time with a Virgo and never lie to them because might lose them forever. When they love they give much more than they deserve to get and make great parents and be sure to orally please them with compliments or recognition of their accomplishments or new look.

Random Facts about Virgo • Realists • Deeper than most signs • They worry themselves sick • Secret romantics that crave a perfect lover

Random Facts about Leo • The most loyal friends • They have trouble following rules • Great kissers • Will go for what they want and make the best out of the competition

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Libra

Sagittarius

Libras are bright, sociable, and extremely charismatic. A Libra is noticed when they walk into a crowded room. They like someone to have common interests to them and appreciate their interests. Someone who they can talk to about everything. They are also conversationalists and you have to engage them with words. They are very sensitive and they like to give so much in a relationship and expect the same in return. Never be selfish with a Libra and be careful, a Libra loves to be in a relationship but are totally fine with being alone so you need to make a difference in their lives. Libras are also very sociable and do not like to be controlled or tied down. They socialize a lot and are lovers of all kinds of arts and beauty. Engage them in a conversation about music or nature. Their love is one of a kind and they love peace and luxury.

This is the most independent of all signs. They love exploring new things and traveling. They also want an equally independent partner who also wants to do something with their life. They have a human side that is philosophical and idealistic and an animal side that is fun, loving, and free spirited. They hate being tied down and around them you need to know what to say and how to act which they notice more than outer appurtenances. And the best and number one way to attract a Sagittarius is to plan exciting trips and travel around. They often unintentionally flirt and they are fun to party with. Those individuals love to feel like they are entertaining others so always make them feel like you are interested and engaged in their activities.

Random Facts about Libra • Very confident • Trustworthy • Sometimes they seem arrogant.

• When they love, they love hard

Scorpio Scorpios are observers. They are the most passionate and sexy of all the zodiac signs but they value excitement in everything around them.

Scorpios love to explore and find out about people without revealing much about themselves. Engage a Scorpio in a conversation where you teach them something about you. Scorpios might tell you a lot of things about themselves but there are millions of secrets they don’t share with anyone and so never try to invade the Scorpio’s privacy.

And be aware, if you are not willing to be loyal in a relationship, do not go for a Scorpio. They take revenge even if it is years later. But they are very sexy and charming and always keep their lovers on their toes and will never tell you everything you need to her to keep you interested.

Random Facts about Scorpio • Will never forget your bad or good deed • Hardly fall in love but fall hard • Like to be in control for self preservation • Masers of manipulation

Random Facts about Sagittarius • For them, it’s all about the journey • Easygoing • Want things to go their way • They are not haters. They don’t care much

Capricorn Capricorns are cautious and calculate every step they take. They don’t rush in things and being patient is very important when dealing with a Capricorn. Capricorns set very high standards and it is hard to seduce them and sometimes they seem snobbish. Never be too excited or too boring around a Capricorn or they will avoid you. To be able to understand a Capricorn you need to follow their small steps and behavior because they are careful not to reveal too much about themselves. They also value sense of humor and like to have fun. Capricorns are also ambitious and want to do something with their lives and don’t mind climbing the ladder from the very bottom to get to what they want and you have to be understanding of their love and commitment to what they do. Compliment a Capricorn and you are halfway there. They are very talented in hiding feelings even when they are deeply in love.

Random Facts about Capricorn • Extremely intelligent • They know what they want in life at an early age • Takes them too long to get over a lost love.

• Have trouble trusting others

Pisces

Aquarius Aquarius individuals are outgoing but unpredictable. To make an Aquarius fall in love with you, you need to win their friendship first and let love follow afterwards. They don’t like to jump into relationships and take their time in choosing their partner. Yet, when they commit they do it for life. Make sure you know how to deal with them because they tend to avoid confrontation and so it take a smart person to be able to face an Aquarius. They also find it hard to stay realistic and wander with their minds and so you need to be willing to keep up with that. They hate it when someone tells them what to do and this is something you have to be very careful with. And with an Aquarius, what you see is what you get. They are independent and are very honest and expect the same in return.

Most importantly, Aquarius might not be very passionate as much as they love intellectual engagement.

This is one of the very romantic Zodiac signs and to attract them you have to be dreamers. They like to be surprised with spontaneous acts. They value passion very much and don’t trust people easily. They are also very sensitive and so you should really be careful what you say and how you say it because they are prone to self-hurt when their lover leaves. And NEVER destroy their dreams or make them feel like their dreams are not worth it.

You need to be able to understand them and connect on an emotional level and make the Pisces feel special because emotions have a very strong impact on them and being cold to a Pisces will only make them run as far as they can. Yet although they are very emotional, they don’t fall in love easily so sweet talk is not all it takes to get their heart.

Random Facts about Pisces • Charming and like flirting • Can be very stubborn • Trustworthy • They often escape from reality

Random Facts about Aquarius • They don’t hide anything • They will never forget betrayal • Value money to achieve success • Can seem cold to protect themselves

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TOP GUN MIRAMAR

THE NEW PILOT’S WATCHES FROM IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN

IWC Schaffhausen gets off to a powerful start in 2012: the year of the Pilot’s Watch. With five new models, the TOP GUN collection establishes itself as an independent formation within the IWC Pilot’s Watch family. The year’s high-flyer is the TOP GUN Miramar: a tribute to the place in California where the myth of the elite pilots was born. And two Pilot’s Watches featuring many of fine watchmaking’s greatest achievements prepare for takeoff: the Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN and the Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month.

“For the new TOP GUN Pilot’s Watches we drew on our long tradition of manufacturing unusual deck watches. In the 1940s, Pilot’s Watches made in Schaffhausen were widely used as so called B watches for flight navigation,” explains Georges Kern, CEO of IWC Schaffhausen.

“Back then, only wristwatches with the highest possible precision were good enough for navigators: the pilot and his crew would synchronize their watches to the navigator’s.”

Since the main priority for navigation is optimum legibility of the seconds and minutes, these two were often the only indicators shown on the outer ring; the hours would be relatively small and appeared on a central ring. This particular detail inspired IWC’s designers to display

the hour circle and the chapter ring separately on the dials of the Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN Miramar and the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Miramar. “The process of retracing the historic roots of our Pilot’s Watches gave us the idea of using the Miramar to create our first line with a military style design,” adds Christian Knoop, Creative Director at IWC. “This allows us to combine various styles in an imaginative way – even with luxury elements, if we wish. That’s one of the reasons the new Miramar line is such a perfect fit for IWC: premium-class watches with outstanding mechanics and a rugged, almost hardedged feel.” The dark, metallic sheen of the grey ceramic case and the matte anthracite of the dial all waken associations with precision instruments used in aviation. The use of specific camouflage colours such as beige for the hands and chapter ring, together with green for the strap, underscore the desired look. The textile strap leans visibly on the tough webbing belts.

It is complemented by two hightech materials, typical for TOP GUN, that were introduced to watchmaking by IWC as early as the 1980s: zirconium oxide for the case, along with titanium for the controls and the watch back. Both the Miramar models – like the entire TOP GUN collection, incidentally – are equipped with IWC-manufactured calibres.

Like the other Big Pilot’s Watch, the Big Pilot’sWatch TOP GUN Miramar is equipped with the largest automatic movement made by IWC, with a power reserve of 168 hours. This also explains the 48-millimetre case diameter. The calibre 89365 found in the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Miramar is one of the most advanced and robust chronograph movements ever produced. It has a flyback function as well as an analogue display for stopped minutes and seconds. Commenting on the family’s positioning in the international watch market, Karoline Huber, Director Marketing & Communications at IWC, explains: “Flying enthusiasts all over the world think of Miramar in California as the birth place of the Top Gun legend. With our new TOP GUN Miramar design line, we are addressing watch lovers who consciously embrace IWC’s long-standing tradition of manufacturing Pilot’s Watches but who also wish to benefit from the technological advances of the 21st century and the inimitable quality typical of IWC.” Classic TOP GUN collection: black and white with red highlights The TOP GUN edition has held a permanent place in IWC Pilot’s Watches collection since 2007. The elaborately equipped Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar TOP GUN comes with a host of advanced features, including

a perpetual calendar with its four-digit year display, moon phase display and seven-day power reserve. The Big Pilot’s Watch TOP GUN unites the clearcut instrument look of the 1940s with ultra-modern watch technology. The tiny aircraft silhouette on the seconds hand creates an eye-catching signalred highlight on the black and- white dial. The Pilot’s Watch Chronograph TOP GUN, which comes with a fly back function and protection against magnetic fields, is also equipped with an IWC-manufactured movement.

Rising fast: the Spitfire combines fabulous contours with first-class mechanics In 2003, IWC Schaffhausen launched a Pilot’s Watch line that took not only its name from the Spitfire but also reflected the elegance and outstanding technology of the legendary single propeller aircraft.

Now, the designers and technicians have subjected the Spitfire watches to a thorough general overhaul. With a streamlined design and new features, they remain firmly on course for success. All the latest models are fitted with IWC-manufactured calibres. The gold and stainless-steel cases are meticulously machined by hand; the result is a vibrant interplay of shiny, silky matte and structured surfaces. The sun-pattern finish gives the slate-coloured dial a metallic sheen that optically references

its namesake. The Spitfire Perpetual Calendar Digital Date-Month in its red gold case combines tasteful design with the art of watchmaking at its finest. It is the first IWC Pilot’s Watch to show the date and month digitally in the form of four large numerals; in visual terms, it goes perfectly with the instrument appearance and revives the tradition of the Pallweber system, now dating back well over 100 years. The Spitfire Chronograph with its IWC-manufactured 89365 calibre is available in red gold and stainless steel. With its vertically arranged numerals, the date window is an unmistakable sign that the engineers had the shape of an altimeter in mind when they designed it. The metal bracelet supplied with Reference 387804, is fitted with a newly developed fine-adjustment mechanism. Simply pressing the IWC button in the folding clasp lengthens the bracelet; to shorten it, the bracelet is pushed together until it is the correct length. Both the pin buckle and folding clasp are slightly bolder, in order to match the larger case diameter.

Classic Pilot’s Watches – slightly modified The Pilot’s Watches made by IWC in the 1930s and 1940s established a legend that lives on in the classic Pilot’s Watches family. The most conspicuous change compared to their predecessors – with the exception of the

Big Pilot’s Watch – is the vertical triple date display at “3 o’clock”, whose form underscores the cockpit-style design more emphatically. In 2012, the Big Pilot’s Watch will appear with its familiar looks as well as the highly efficient IWCmanufactured 51111- calibre movement. Compared with its predecessor, the Mark XVI, the Pilot’s Watch Mark XVII is 2 millimetres larger at 41 millimetres. With its new red design features, the dial of the Pilot’sWatch Double Chronograph is even more attractive, and thanks to a larger case diameter – now 46 millimetres – it is also significantly more legible. The stainless-steel case of the Pilot’s Watch Chronograph has increased by a moderate 1 millimetre to 43 millimetres. The new Pilot’s Watch Worldtimer has a 24-hour ring that enables the wearer to look at all 24 time zones, including the Universal Time Coordinated (UTC). The city ring shows the names of 23 places around the globe, each of which represents a time zone. The dial shows local time, which can be adjusted forwards or backwards in one-hour steps – also when crossing the International Date Line. “It is with pride and confidence that IWC looks forward to 2012, our year of the Pilot’s Watch. We have six exciting new models, including two Perpetual Calendar models, with some of the most complex watchmaking features imaginable, the new Miramar design line and the new-look Spitfire collection,” sums up Georges Kern.

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Quick Facts

NAME: Jennifer Lopez OCCUPATION: Actress, Dancer, Singer, Reality Television Star BIRTH DATE: July 24, 1969 EDUCATION: Preston High School in the Bronx, Baruch College PLACE OF BIRTH: Bronx, New York ZODIAC SIGN: Leo

Once a dancer on the television show In Living Color, Jennifer Lopez, often nicknamed J.Lo, is an American actress, singer, record producer, dancer, television personality, fashion designer and television producer. Lopez’s first leading role was in the biographical film Selena, in which she earned an ALMA Award for Outstanding Actress. To date, Lopez has sold over 25 million albums worldwide.

Early Career Breakthroughs Born July 24, 1969, in Castle Hill «Bronx», New York, Lopez began her career as a dancer, appearing in stage musicals and various music videos. In 1990, she won a national competition and earned a spot dancing on the popular Fox comedy television series, «In Living Color,» as one of the «Fly Girls.» A series of small acting jobs followed, including parts in two more series and a TV movie, Nurses on the Line: The Crash of Flight 7, in 1993. Lopez’s first feature film was the critically acclaimed Mi Familia, or My Family, in 1995. She also appeared in Money Train (1995), opposite Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson, and in Jack (1996), di-

rected by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Robin Williams.

ential examples of the growing Latin cultural influence in pop music.

Lopez’s first big break came in 1997, when she was chosen to play the title role in Selena, a biopic of the Tejano pop singer Selena Quintillana Perez, who was killed by a crazed fan in 1995. She earned widespread praise for her performance, including a Golden Globe nomination, and became the highest-paid actress in history with her paycheck of $1 million. That same year, Lopez starred in the forgettable Anaconda and in Blood and Wine, opposite Jack Nicholson. Her role as federal marshal Karen Sisco in Steven Soderbergh’s Out of Sight, a film based on the Elmore Leonard novel and co-starring George Clooney, further enhanced her image as a bankable movie star.

Early in 2000, Lopez was nominated for Best Dance Performance for her second hit single «Waiting for Tonight,» but lost the award to veteran diva Cher. In the summer of 2000, she starred in the science fictionthriller The Cell, in which she plays a child psychologist helping to track a terrifying serial killer. The same year, she starred in Enough, a portrayal of spousal abuse.

Music Career Lopez’s musical career also began to take off, as she released her debut Latin pop album, On the 6 in June 1999. The album, fueled by the success of her hit single, «If You Had My Love,» went platinum within two weeks, making Lopez—along with Ricky Martin—one of the most influ-

The popularity of the multi-talented Lopez reached new heights in early 2001, when her album, J. Lo debuted at No. 1 on the pop charts, while her film, the romantic comedy The Wedding Planner, shot to the top spot at the box office in its first week of release. In December 2002, she performed another one-two punch with the release of the record This Is Me ... Then and a starring role in the comedy Maid in Manhattan, which was a box office hit, if not a critical one. In 2003, she co-starred with Ben Affleck in the box office bomb, Gigli. Other projects included Jersey Girl (also with Affleck) and An Unfinished Life, in which she played a

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music

“I am positive - determined to move forward with my life, bring up my babies, and do the best job I can as a mother, entertainer, and person.”

single mom taken in by her father-inlaw played by Robert Redford. She also starred opposite Richard Gere in Shall We Dance?, a remake of the top-grossing Japanese flick.

Personal Life in the Headlines Lopez was briefly married, in 1997, to Ojani Noa, a model and actor. She then had a lengthy and widely publicized relationship with rapper Sean «Puffy» Combs. In December 1999, Combs and Lopez were allegedly involved in a shooting incident outside a New York City nightclub, in which three people were injured. Combs was later charged with gun possession and bribery, as prosecutors claimed he offered his driver, Wardel Fenderson, $50,000 to say that the loaded gun police found at the scene of the crime was Fenderson’s.

He was acquitted of all charges, but Combs confirmed in mid-February that he and Lopez had separated.

Shortly after her breakup from Combs was made public, Lopez be-

gan dating Cris Judd, a dancer who appeared in the video for her hit single «Love Don’t Cost a Thing.» After much media speculation, the couple announced their engagement in August 2001. They were married in late September. Nine months later, the couple separated. In the fall of 2002, the star began dating actor Ben Affleck; they announced their engagement in November. Following rumors of the relationship’s demise, the couple broke up in early 2004. Lopez subsequently married singer Marc Anthony in June 2004 at a private ceremony at her Los Angeles mansion.

Returning to the big stage, Lopez has found time to join forces with her husband in 2006. She acted along side him in the film El Cantante. In the film, Anthony played Hector Lavoe, the internationally acclaimed salsa singer. True to life, Lopez played Puchi, Lavoe’s wife.

In 2007, Lopez released her first Spanish language album, Como Ama una Mujer, which did well on

the Latin and pop charts. She found musical success again later that same year with Brave. While the title track has received some attention, Lopez’s personal life generated more media interest. Once known for her revealing fashions, Lopez started wearing loose-fitting tops, creating speculation about whether she was pregnant. Many photos of her seemed to show a «baby bump,» but the official announcement didn’t come until November 7, 2007. Lopez gave birth to twins February 22, 2008. The baby boy and girl were the first children for Lopez and the fourth and fifth for her husband, salsa star Marc Anthony.

In July 2011, however, the couple announced the plans to separate. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Lopez didn’t reveal the cause of the breakup, but said, «I loved myself enough to walk away.» With a new hit song out, the superstar refused to be deterred. «I am positive—determined to move forward with my life, bring up my babies, and do the best job I can as a mother, entertainer, and person.»

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news

TechnoStyle News 1st Edition

Dec 2012

Agthia Group inaugurates Al Ain Food & Beverages in Egypt

After the success of its three operations; Al Ain Mineral Water Company, Al Ain Vegetables and Grand Mills for Flour and Feed, Abu Dhabi based Agthia Group has added a fourth entity to its growing group of companies.

The new Egyptian base was inaugurated in the presence of for HE Maged Salem Al Romaithi Agthia Vice Chairman, HE Ahmed A. Al-Meel Al-Za’abi the UAE Ambassador in Egypt. This is the first entity to be established outside the UAE, and re-enforces the Agthia Group’s mission to deliver superior value to its stakeholders.

Speaking at the inauguration, HE Maged Salem Al Romaithi, Vice Chairman, Agthia Group (P.J.S.C), said: “The Agthia Group is proud to have set up its new entity in Egypt.

We would like to thank the Egyptian government for extending its support and encouraging our presence here. Without their cooperation, it would not have been possible to fulfill what we see here today. This is the first international

expansion for the group and indeed marks a milestone in Agthia’s growth story.”

Mr. Iilas Assimakopoulos, CEO, Agthia Group (P.J.S.C), added, “We have set up this modern facility with state-of-the art machinery to almost triple our existing capacity of processing fresh tomato into tomato concentrate. This is not only a sourcing point for our UAE business but also an opportunity for export to the international market. This move is intended to capitalize on the fast growing tomato paste and frozen vegetable categories, both in the UAE and the international markets and further tap into synergistic and profitable related products and segments.”

The new state of the art Al Ain Food & Beverages L.L.C Egypt will employ 110 people and process 1000 tonnes of fresh tomatoes per day. This in turn will provide an accelerator to the processing capacity for Al Ain Vegetables that itself processes 600 tonnes of fresh tomatoes per day from its facility in Al Ain (UAE).

Wednesday BBQ in Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars

Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars offers Barbeque for all in-house guests every Wednesday during the afterwork reception where every guest can enjoy delicious hot items ranging from vegetarian food, Indian food to mix grill and delectable salads in addition to a refined selection of local wine.

After-work receptions are hosted by Mohamed Ibrahim the General Manager and the management team every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

BBQ is a fantastic way to spend a winter evening, and it has a different aroma In Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars as guests get a backyard cookout experience in the terrace giving them a chance to relax and meet their neighbours, reflecting the unique spirit of Staybridge suites about being more home than hotel.

Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars is the first upscale extended-stay hotel brand to open in the Middle East and Africa by InterContinental Hotels Group.

The location and suites design are created to accommodate the needs of a wide range of business travellers or those looking for a ‘home away from home’ experience while on holiday as well as those who are relocating to the area or even seeking temporary housing during household renovations.

1st Edition

Dec 2012

Shadi Bakhour appointed as General Manager of Canon Emirates

Canon Middle East (CME), a leader in imaging solutions, has recently announced the appointment of Shadi Bakhour as the new General Manager of Canon Emirates (CE).

With his extensive experience as a senior sales and marketing executive in the region, Bakhour is expected to provide leadership stability and bring fresh business insights, driving Canon Emirates’ growth plans for 2012 and beyond and supporting the company’s future business direction as it moves towards becoming a solutions and services-oriented organization.

“The appointment of Shadi Bakhour coincides with the announcement of Canon’s plans to accelerate business growth in the UAE and across the region. Mr. Bakhour’s management skills and extensive industry know-how will surely be crucial as he takes up the challenge of leading Canon Emirates to achieve long-term business growth.

CE represents Canon’s direct operations in the business imaging solutions industry, and in line with our closer to customers strategy, Shady will be leading CE to be closer to

the UAE’s business market and drive the company’s future plans of providing customers value-added solutions and services,” said Anurag Agrawal, Managing Director, Canon Middle East.

Shadi Bakhour said: “Canon is one of the most well respected and renowned brands in the world, so it is definitely an honour to be part of this great organisation. I look forward to the challenge of continuing Canon Emirates’ strategy, guiding the company towards the next phase of its growth plans and further strengthening its position as world leader in imaging solutions. It is a huge responsibility to build up on what Canon has achieved so far in the UAE market, but I am confident that Canon Emirates has invested in all the right people and resources to realize its growth plans.”

Bakhour, who previously served as Director of Sales & Marketing Operations at Xerox Saudi Arabia, has an Executive Masters degree in Business Administration from the American University of Beirut (AUB) in Lebanon and is a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt holder.

NETGEAR targets Middle East home user and consumer segments with release of latest ReadyNAS Duo and ReadyNAS NV+ versions

Included mobile application for Android, IOS, Windows and Mac OS to deliver 128-bit SSL access to information stored on the ReadyNAS from anywhere NETGEAR, a worldwide provider of technologically advanced branded networking and storage products, is looking to target the Middle East region’s home user and consumer segments with the launch of the latest versions of ReadyNAS Duo and ReadyNAS NV+ network attached storage systems. Recognizing the significance of quick access and connectivity in today’s connected world, the newest editions now allows value-conscious business users and home media enthusiasts to access data twice as fast as their previous generations at a price that is 30 per cent less than its competitors. Both the ReadyNAS Duo and ReadyNAS NV+ come with a mobile application for Android, IOS, Windows and Mac OS platforms that deliver optimum 128-bit SSL access to information stored on the ReadyNAS from anywhere in the world.

The release of the updated versions of networked attached storages follows a recent Gartner report naming NETGEAR as the over-all leader in global vendor revenue share for NAS/unified storage systems priced under USD 5,000.

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news 1st Edition

Dec 2012

Google Introduces Voice Search in Arabic

Fast, reliable search results are even easier with Google voice search queries in Arabic Everyday, there are more than one billion searches on Google, making it the world’s most popular search engine. In line with the company’s ongoing mission to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful, Google is pleased to announce users can now search using Voice Search in Arabic.

The overall objective of search is to help people convert data and information into knowledge. With users increasingly accessing the web through their mobile phones, Voice Search facilitates the process by allowing users to search by simply using their voices. Voice Search uses Google’s speech recognition technology to turn the spoken word into text and run a search on Google just as if the query was typed by hand.

“Google is leading the way in mobile and speech recognition innovation,” said Najeeb Jarrar, MENA Product Marketing Manager. “Our universal search technology makes information accessible to users all over the world and Voice Search in Arabic is an important step in allowing users greater access to these innovations across the MENA region.

This new service is just one more way that Google is showcasing the remarkable possibilities of the Internet.”

Voice Search is powerful and fast, because all the computing takes place in mere seconds through Google’s datacenters. The threestep Voice Search process starts

when Google streams sound files to their datacenters in real-time. They then convert the audio information into phonemes, into words, into phrases. Finally, Google then compares phrases against the billions of daily queries to assign probability scores to all possible transcriptions and delivers results.

Continuously committed to providing Google’s cutting-edge applications worldwide, Google’s engineering team worked to combine local expertise with their global speech recognition technology to bring Voice Search to Egypt.

The speech recognition technology that powers Voice Search was developed entirely in-house. Google experts taught computers to understand the sounds and words that make up spoken language to form the foundation for speech recognition. To build Voice Search Arabic, Google worked directly with native speakers in Egypt, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Jordan to collect speech samples on the ground.

Google recruited local staff who, in turn, recorded local native speakers.

Volunteers were asked to read popular queries in their native tongue, in a variety of acoustic conditions such as in restaurants, out on busy streets, and inside cars. The team spent weeks collecting spoken words to create the specific models which power the service. The results were then sent to Google speech scientists in the US worked to refine the speech models.

Koleston Leads Hair Coloring Innovation

At a glamorous event hosted by Proctor and Gamble - Near East, the company launched its new Koleston Color Intense Foam from Wella, the lastest innovation in hair coloring, at le Salon Vert, Mariott Hotel in Zamalek.

The event was presented by Rana Arafa, who first welcomed the guests and media representatives, then introduced Mr. Abdallah Boustany, PR Manager, who talked about the innovative foam. Mr. Boustany highlighted that Koleston Color Intense Foam is a revolution in hair coloring at home, bringing forth the latest and most convenient home hair coloring technique to women in 60 years.

To bring the product to life, the event proceeded with Mr. Kriss Helou, the well-known hair expert, who explained in detail the product properties. Mr.Kriss emphasized the many advantages it offers, with its non-drip, easy to spread and intense color properties. This encouraged two of the guests, Rania Halim and Marian Nabil, to try the experience firsthand in front of everyone, where Mr.Helou then demonstrated the application of the foam, showing how easy it is to apply it for home hair coloring. While applying Koleston Color Intense Foam, Everyone were impressed by the final outcome. Rania Halim, after seeing the results on herself, said that what really makes Koleston Color Intense Foam distinctive is its convenience, where it is very easy to use and less effort consuming in comparison to other hair coloring techniques.

This is, without a doubt, what makes Koleston Color Intense foam a dream coming true for women who suffer the hassle of home hair coloring.

1st Edition

Dec 2012

adidas Women’s Fall/ Winter Collection 2011

adidas celebrates women’s training with the introduction of the fall/winter 2011 collection, featuring the highend concept adilibria, the danceinspired and the gym-focused Clima 365 as well as the adizero collection. adilibria, the outstanding high-end women’s training collection, once again impresses this season with highly functional but stylish products that are very comfortable, making them suitable for yoga classes. The standout features of the apparel are the soft touch and lightweight fabrics with feminine print details.

The Clima range features highly functional performance products across apparel, footwear and accessories, using adidas’ leading body temperature control technology Clima 365.

The collection features the Clima Feminine Tee and Clima Trend Capri that provide outstanding breathability and moisture management. Complemented with 3-Stripe elements and strong colors these products are the perfect choice for any gym workout or aerobics class.

Last but not least, adidas introduces the Response and Essentials collections for Fall/Winter 2011. With its fresh new look, the efficient light weight tennis training line Response is great for lovers of the game. The adidas Essentials collection offers timeless classics that can be worn playing any type of sport.

The new adidas women’s fall/winter collection was launched in November 2011 and is available in all adidas stores across Egypt.

Curves Maadi Gives Away Winter

“Work out this winter on us!”

Cold and rainy winter days mean less time spent outdoors and more hours in front of the television, where miraculously the kilos pile on. But this year, Curves Maadi1 is banishing the winter blues and helping you to battle the seasonal bulge by offering a warm, fun and healthy alternative to the sofa at a special price.

Spending time at Curves is the perfect way to keep your spirits high while maintaining your fitness and well-being. We all know budgets are tight, but we want to encourage women to stay happy and healthy this winter, so we’ve put together a great incentive!

To help the women of Maadi choose good health, Curves Maadi1 is offering rest of the winter for FREE for those who join between November 17 and December 31, 2011.

With the proven Curves 30-minute circuit, members work every major muscle group and burn up to 2000 Kjs a workout. And with thousands of locations worldwide, members can visit Curves anytime they are fleeing winter for warmer shores.

Whether you’re interested in getting more exercise to have increased energy and stamina or to lose weight and tone muscles, give us 30 minutes, three times a week and we’ll show you that Curves works. We’ll help you all year long.

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1st Edition Horizon Group: 35 Years Young

The Horizon Group of Companies, one of the Middle East’s leading advertising, marketing and communication groups, reaches major milestone as it celebrates 35 successful years.

Founded in 1976 by Rafic Saadeh, Chairman & CEO, and Saad Hijjawi, Vice Chairman, the Horizon Group is the Middle East arm of Draftfcb comprising of 20 offices across the region and 4 companies – Horizon Draftfcb, the advertising agency; BrandConnection, the media planning & buying agency; GolinHarris, the public relations firm; and Blue Barracuda, the recently introduced digital agency. With a combined portfolio of over 60 clients and over 400 employees, Horizon Group operates offices across the GCC, North Africa and the Levant.

Reminiscing the long growth journey of the group, Rafic Saadeh said: “35 years ago, we dreamt of contributing our skills and passion to the region’s communication industry which was still in a nascent stage.

From a humble start with limited resources to the transformation into a prominent integrated solution company, a humane career oriented environment and an organization that realizes that clients are the reason of its existence, the journey so far has been incredibly rewarding”.

Saad Hijjawi added: “It is indeed a matter of pride for our entire group to have completed 35 years in the industry and to have matured into a company that provides best-inclass offerings to some of the most reputed regional and international companies, while remaining true to its culture and values.

Dec 2012

Lg Named Thomson Reuters 2011 Top 100 Global Innovator Venerable Information and News Organization Honors Companies that Invent LG Electronics has been named a Thomson Reuters 2011 Top 100 Global InnovatorSM, recognized for its achievements as one of the world’s most innovative companies. In developing the list of Top 100 Global Innovators, Thomson Reuters, a leading provider of intellectual property solutions and information, analyzes patent data and related metrics in a proprietary methodology to scientifically identify the most influential organizations globally.

The Thomson Reuters 2011 Top Global Innovators program evaluates performance in three areas: companies that invent on a significant scale work on developments that are acknowledged as innovative by others around the world, and whose inventions are globally protected due to their importance.

“Our innovation has been one of our priorities, in order to ensure that our products meet customer experience, satisfaction and value for money. Over the years, LG has been investing in research and development to give our customers the best.” said Mr. Thomas Eom, LG Egypt Managing Director.

In September, LG was named by Jeffries & Co., a global securities and investment banking group, as the world leader in LTE patents. This finding was based on the company’s analysis of 1,400 LTE patents that the investment bank categorized as “essential.” LG’s LTE patents accounted

for 23 percent of the 1,400 patents.

Jeffries & Co.’s report clearly singled out LG’s unrivalled leadership in LTE technology which was valued by the bank at nearly USD 8 billion.

Thomson Reuters Derwent World Patents Index® (DWPI), Derwent Patents Citations Index™, Quadrilateral Patent Index™, and Thomson Innovation®, the IP and intelligence collaboration platform were used to carefully analyze patent data for the Thomson Reuters 2011 Top 100 Global Innovators program. Comparative analysis was done using the Thomson Reuters Eikon platform, the single source for turning financial information into action.

“Innovation is a means of growth and prosperity for companies seeking to overcome sluggish economies and achieve competitive advantages,” said David Brown, president of the IP Solutions business of Thomson Reuters. “We salute the Thomson Reuters 2011 Top 100 Global Innovator companies and their leaders for the innovative spirit they foster and their commitment to protecting intellectual assets.”

health

Improve Your

Immune

System With

Food By: Mena Ghali

Prevent sickness by stocking up on these items the next time you’re at the grocery store.

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health

Nobody plans to get sick. On the contrary, your efforts to avoid it sometimes seem borderline OCD: Don’t sneeze into your hands, always cook your chicken to exactly 170 degrees, and hose down every germ-carrying preschooler in sight with soap and water. And yet, no matter how many times you gargle with salt before bedtime or coat yourself in antibacterial hand cleanser, now and again the inevitable rumble in your tummy or tickle in your throat hits. Hard. Suddenly, you’re down for the count and up to date on the daytime soaps. What are you doing wrong? Probably nothing.

But you can do a few more things right. Certain foods and drinks have a natural immunity boost; to tap their benefits, just open up and say, «Ahh.»

Tea Off Against Colds Not just any hot tea, though. Chamomile, according to researchers from London’s Imperial College, is the one that’ll help prevent sickness. In a recent study, they found people who drank five cups of the brew a day for 2 weeks had increased blood levels of plant-based compounds called polyphenols, some of which have been associated with increased antibacterial activity. Levels remained high for 2 weeks after subjects stopped drinking the tea, says lead researcher Elaine Holmes, Ph.D. (Bonus: chamomile tea also raised levels of glycine, a mild nerve relaxant and sedative.)

Knock ‹em Dead

There’s a killer living in all of us.

Known as a macrophage and produced deep in your bone marrow, it’s a white blood cell that roams the

body, picking fights with bacteria, viruses, or any other intruders. But it only works if you help it. These killer cells are activated by beta-glucans, a component of fiber foods. The best source? Oats, says David Grotto, R.D., director of nutrition education at the Block Center for Integrative Cancer Care in Evanston, Illinois.

So eat your oatmeal. The steel-cut oats, like McCann’s Irish Oatmeal, have double the amount found in the rolled, quick-cooking kind.

Dressing for Success Eating a salad for lunch is smart.

Drowning it in fat-free dressing isn’t. A recent study from Iowa State University found that without dietary fat, your body doesn’t absorb some of the disease-fighting nutrients in vegetables. Researchers fed seven people salad for 12 weeks and tested their blood after each meal. Those who topped their salads with fat-free dressing consistently failed to absorb carotenoids, antioxidants that have been linked to improved immunity. Fat is necessary for the carotenoids to reach the absorptive intestinal cells, says lead researcher Wendy White, Ph.D. Choose dressings with healthy fats from olive or nut oils, such as Many Seeds of Change (available at Whole Foods or in the crunchy section of your neighborhood market) and many Annie’s Naturals dressings. If you’re feeling adventuresome, try making your own. For an Italianate, try 2 or 3 parts extra virgin olive oil to 1 part balsamic vinegar; for something with an Asian influence, go 3 parts sesame oil to 1 part rice wine vinegar.

Fight Bugs this Whey

A shot of whiskey might be one way to feel better, but whey protein is a much more effective immune-boosting cocktail. Whey is rich in an amino acid called cysteine, which converts to glutathione in the body. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that fortifies cells against bacterial or viral infection. For the highest concentration of protein, try something called powdered whey protein isolate, which is more pure — and more expensive — than concentrate. Fortify your morning smoothie with whey protein powder or try another source: yogurt. The clear liquid that forms on top of most cartons of yogurt is pure whey protein — so don’t drain it off, just stir it back into the yogurt.

Tomato Trumps Chicken To beat back a cold, you slurp chicken noodle soup. To avoid getting sick in the first place, ladle out some tomato. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 10 subjects ate a tomato-rich diet for 3 weeks, followed by a tomatofree diet for 3 more weeks. While subjects were on the tomato diet, their infection-fighting white blood cells sustained 38 percent less damage from free radicals — atoms in the body that damage and destabilize cells — than when they ate no tomato products. Researchers speculate that the lycopene in tomatoes acts as an antioxidant, helping white blood cells resist the damaging effects of free radicals.

Give Ma Nature a Taste of Her Own Medicine Butterbur may sound like something that makes you sneeze. But the herbal supplement actually helps you fight allergies. Scottish researchers found that patients with grass and pollen allergies who popped 50 mg of the plant extract twice daily had 13 percent better nasal airflow than those who took a placebo. Another study published in the British Medical Journal reported that butterbur treated seasonal allergies nearly as well as the prescription medication Zyrtec. It’s effective against all symptoms of allergic rhinitis, including sneezing, itching, and conjunctivitis, says Andreas Schapowal, M.D., Ph.D., the author of the study. Butterbur is believed to block leukotriene, a chemical that causes allergic reactions, while at the same time controlling eosinophils, the white blood cells that accumulate when allergic reactions take place, says Dr. Schapowal. What’s more, there’s no drowsy effect with butterbur. You can buy the supplement ($25 for 60 capsules) at most health food stores or at iherb.com.

Down a Sports Drink Not only will guzzling Gatorade help your body recover from a tough workout, but it may also protect you from the latest strain of the flu. According to a study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition, when 10 triathletes drank more than 1 cup of sports drink every 15 minutes during intense exercise, they had significantly better immune response than they did when they drank a placebo.

Wine, then Dine

Drinking wine with your meal, in addition to being good for your heart, may help ward off food poisoning before it happens. Scientists at Oregon State University recently found that wine can put the kibosh on three common food pathogens: E. coli, listeria, and salmonella. In lab studies, the wine’s combination of ethanol, organic acids, and low pH appeared to scramble the bugs’ genetic material. All wines have some effect, say researchers, but reds are the most potent.

University asked a group of slightly overweight people to cut 100 to 200 calories from their daily food intake.

The result, in addition to weight loss and a drop in cholesterol counts?

Participants boosted their immune system response to disease-causing microorganisms. Researchers aren’t exactly sure why, but speculate that the benefit comes from a combination of effects. One thing is certain: Cutting 200 calories out of your daily diet is easy. At your next restaurant meal, ditch the baked potato with sour cream and order steamed vegetables instead.

Feel the Burn Several animal and laboratory studies have shown that capsaicin — the compound that gives chili peppers their fire — can help stop sickness before it starts. Mice in one study were given a daily dose of capsaicin and had nearly three times more antibody-producing cells after 3 weeks than those given no capsaicin. More antibodies mean fewer colds and infections. Results of other studies suggest that eating food containing hot components such as capsaicin may improve immune status, says Rina Yu, Ph.D., of the University of Ulsan in South Korea, the lead researcher.

The point is, it can’t hurt. At the very least, a dash or two of hot sauce might help flush out some toxins.

Change Your Numbers Game Losing a little extra baggage will not only reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but also will help shape up your immune system. Researchers at Tufts

55

Monkey Momentum

By: Sarah El Etribi

Questions of identity, doubtful; all is uncertain with the absence of serenity Midst the clash of two worlds monkeys fight for another evolution creating nothing less than a bloody revolution Leaves clutter for space burning within the fire wiping any war trace leaving the worlds in haywire A single machiavelli thought inspires the monkeys to rule us all with no halt People let out cries of help- we scream but we know those bloody monkeys don’t feel we shall be silenced but our wounds will never heal Two worlds now exist as one where we bow before the crowned monkey and the historical bloodshed will never be undone As the airless winds choke us all we pray the reign would soon fall but the 3 wise monkeys know better and they promise to further stall Cars lose their almost audible motion the sun already lost its shine we gain glorious death with notion and the monkeys grow more divine.

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horoscope

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Libra

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

Wayne Gretzky

Scorpio

Sagittarius

Aries (March 21 - April 19)

Libra (September 23 - October 22)

Taurus (April 20- May 20)

Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)

Your outlook in life seems to be going through a complete transformation as lessons that you had at your home are giving you a lot of food for thought. There could be lots of communication concerning your outside sources of income and investments, you are learning and still you have much more to learn. Interchange of ideas about your personal responsibilities is in a very vague mode for you but it will work out very favorably.

Your area of shared resources is in the spotlight for you this month. There are many slow changes in this area that are being felt by you more and more as time goes by. Learning to communicate seems to be one of the lessons that you have to learn right now as this could cause you some agitation concerning your mate or partner. Your mutual goals should be defined, as there is some tension and disagreement concerning them between you especially concerning your personal resources. After the 15th unexpected expenses could appear connected with the past.

Gemini (May 21 - June 20)

The spotlight for you this month is on your area of marriage and partnerships. Your thoughts are very much absorbed with this area. Past experiences will come to mind. Unexpected developments connected to your shared resources will appear that should be very encouraging. There is a very optimistic outlook in general for the future in this area. Your philosophical outlook in life and personal beliefs are going through a very constructive change and you will feel a more mature approach to all this.

Cancer (June 21 - July 22)

Your work area is very much in the picture this month. Lots of communication will take place in this area. Your past performance is being reviewed. There is a very good opportunity in the future for you accompanied with some difficulties. Being aware of all the angles will be very important at this time. There is a strong desire to take a vacation but there are many responsibilities that will create some difficulties in doing so. A friend could be instrumental in some tension with your outside resources. Lack of vision is responsible for this.

Leo (July 23- August 22)

Thoughts about taking a trip or a vacation are crossing your mind this month but some minor friction at your work place could interfere with this. Future changes at your work place could be around the corner that might be very beneficial to you. Your sense of reality in regards to your responsibilities is very much veiled by unrealistic expectations and this is affecting your relationship with your mate or partner as there is tension in this area. Approach should be done in a constructive manner.

Virgo (August 23 - September 22)

The spotlight for you this month is on your area of home and things related to your base environment. There will be much communication of a pleasant nature related to this area. Many changes that have been happening here in a very slow manner have been the object of a very important lesson for your life. Some tension at the work place should be handled in a pleasant and constructive manner. Unexpected circumstances seem to be surrounding this in a favorable way. Some investments or speculation that you are dealing with could bring to you what you have been working so hard for, but illusion could also be present.

“

Horoscope

“

Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Your area of communication is in the forefront this month. News concerning your personal resources could come from afar and this could present difficulties as more responsibilities and tightening of your budget will be necessary. Taking this with a grain of salt could teach you a thing or two that would be very important in your future endeavors. Reaction to all this will be very positive at you home base but reality has not sunk in yet. This could be better than you think.

Your area of personal income and resources is accentuated this month. You could be coming across in your personal communication in a very charming way concerning this area. There are some foreign matters that seem to be of concern to you as you are learning at the same time how to handle your outside sources of income in a positive way. Happenings in this area could bring sudden positive changes at your home base. News concerning your outside sources of income could reach you in a very vague way so much awareness should be used on this.

Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)

This month you could be having many private thoughts about pleasant circumstances surrounding your marriage or partnerships. You have received many lessons that you have learned well and you are being compensated for this.

The future will be bringing more learning experiences that will assist you in growing as a better human being. Your area of personal resources seems to be a little vague for you but your mate or partner will show some support to you in this area. An outside source of income could be the cause of some worries for you and you are learning in a very slow manner how to handle this situation.

Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)

The spotlight for you this month is on your area of behind the scenes activities. Lessons that have come to you in a slow manner are being beneficial for you and your mate or partner. There are some worries and concerns that you are having in connection with this but they will show to be unfounded. You could be mixing these behind the scenes activities with some activities connected to friends. Some worries could be felt by you connected to a short trip but this will show to be of unnecessary concern. This tension seems to be coming from your area of personal resources as you probably could have the tendency to spend more than is necessary at this time.

Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)

Activities with friends are very much in the spotlight this month for you. Your thoughts are pretty much involved with your goals and direction in life and the picture seems quite rosy, but you are having many worries concerning your job as you have been learning an awful lot lately, and situation could be very positive for you on this area. Any investment or speculation that you have done in the past seems to be in a very vague mode now but what you have learned and are learning will bring you the reward that you deserve.

Pisces (February 19 - March 20)

Career and goals in life are very prominent for you this month. Your outlook in life seems to be colored by more optimistic thoughts. There could be some agitation emanating from your area of work but you will enrich your life with a profitable experience coming from all this as an opportunity seems to be there. A trip of a short duration could also be on the agenda for you and this will be of a very pleasant nature. You could be repeating an experience with a friend that you had in the past and this will come in a very sudden way.

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TOp 10

winter spots

Cappadocia, Turkey

Straddling the line between East and West, Turkey is an up-and-coming destination for travelers. Istanbul, the lively capital, is full of diverse markets, restaurants, and clubs, but head about 450 miles southeast to the ancient city of Cappadocia and you’ll find yourself in an incredible land of rock formations, caves, and wine country. Cappadocia is cold but romantic and beautiful this time of year, and you can find warmth in the Turkish baths and intricate underground cities. These hidden pathways are where Christians first found refuge from the Romans. And it’s those Christian roots that allowed for a burgeoning wine industry, a business that wouldn’t have taken hold were the original settlers predominantly Muslim.

Where to Stay The Museum Hotel takes the region’s ancient landscape and infuses it with luxury. The rooms are restored versions of cave dwellings, mixing exposed rock carvings with thick Oriental rugs and heavy gilt mirrors.

The hotel’s restaurant offers classic Turkish dishes as well as modern

cuisine. This combination of new and old is what distinguishes Turkey from its European and Middle Eastern neighbors.

What to Do Intricate networks of awe-inspiring, ancient underground cities snake through Cappadocia, complete with stables, cellars, and wineries. People created these tunnels to get around the jagged terrain. If you’re claustrophobic and would rather stay above ground, take a balloon ride over the magical landscape. After an invigorating day in the crisp winter air, warm your bones in the hammam.

These Turkish baths aren’t like the spas you’re used to. As you lie on the natural hot stone, prepare for total service and pampering by your assigned attendant.

What to Buy Once you’re relaxed, you can throw yourself into the chaos of the marketplace. Gorgeous handmade rugs are what Turkey is known for, so leave room in your suitcase. For handcrafted, fine pottery, head to Avona, but make sure to haggle.

Whether you’re buying a thick pat-

terned sweater, a colorful scarf, or a blue evil eye for your home, remember the price is always negotiable.

want to brave the cold at all, escape to one of several spas and afterward go shopping.

Whistler, Canada

What to Buy Whistler’s a prime spot to buy winter gear. Showcase is great for skis, snowboards, and more. For high-end snowwear that will keep you warm and stylish but won’t break bank, there are outlet stores for Columbia, Salomon, The North Face, and Burton.

On the Coast Mountain range of British Columbia, Whistler is paradise for skiers and snow bunnies. The region won countless awards for everything from snow lodging to ski runs to just having a high standard of living. The small community inspires a laid-back attitude that will take hold of even the most stressed-out BlackBerry-carrying career person.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Where to Stay The Adara is Whistler’s first boutique hotel. This place doesn’t have a clunky-rustic-fireplace-in-a-skilodge feel. With its minimal cool decor, it’s perfect for the city girl who is looking to relax but not rough it.

Warm and fun this time of year, Buenos Aires is a pulsating city full of culture—and parties. Known for its delectable food and intoxicating dance (and wine), this Argentine capital is a terrific destination for night owls who want to ring in the New Year at midnight—and keep the party going until dawn.

What to Do Whistler is heaven for skiers and thrill-seekers. For advanced skiers, there are gorgeous heli-skiing tours.

But for those who can’t stand up straight on a pair of skies, there’s snowshoeing and dog-sledding in the backcountry. And if you don’t

Where to Stay The Faena Hotel and Universe is decorated with the most gorgeous, opulent furniture—all red and white.

Think Queen of Hearts. Designed

by Philippe Starck, these rooms are equipped with enormous bathrooms…the ideal place to get ready

for a wild Buenos Aires night. The hotel is known for its raging New Year’s Eve party, so you may want to “stay in” that night.

What to Do You can fill your days gallery-hopping and sightseeing, but Buenos Aires is all about the nightlife. Revel into the wee morning hours in the city’s myriad nightclubs, lounges, and restaurants. For authentic, sensual tango and club dancing, try the milongas.

During one of your party-fueled talks with an attractive Argentinean, ask about the exclusive speakeasies sprinkled around town.

What to Buy Nurse that inevitable hangover with a big brunch in Palermo Viejo before exploring one of the city’s trendiest neighborhoods. The stylish area is peppered with small boutiques, where you can find excellent local design. For something a little more traditional, pick up a treasured relic or antique at the Sam Telmo market, in Buenos Aires’ oldest neighborhood.

Sapporo, Japan

Prepare to be amazed by snow

sculptures, skiing, traditional Japanese architecture, and hot springs.

The painstaking attention to detail for which the Japanese are known makes for glorious, unbelievable snow carvings as intricate as finely trimmed bonsai trees. About a fourhour flight from Tokyo, this vacation spot is for those who want to go slightly off the beaten path.

Where to Stay The Ginrisou ryokan is a wonderful alternative to a standard hotel. Ryokans are traditional Japanese bedand-breakfasts that originated hundreds of years ago. From a basic inn to luxury accommodation, there is a wide range of ryokans from which to choose. The Ginrisou is a luxury ryokan with panoramic views of the sea, red cedar hallways, and natural hot springs on site.

What to Do For a change of pace, do the « hatsu hustle” this year. Hatsu means first, and the Japanese ring in the New Year by marking the many “firsts” of the year. There’s the first dawn, the first dream of the year, the first prayer—and the first shopping!

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Once the New Year has passed, replenish your body with your first soak in an onsen, or hot spring.

What to Buy Impress your friends with toylike electronics you uncover at Don Quijote, megastore chain open until 5 in the morning that carries products you couldn’t dream up.

Try horse-oil soap or shampoo, if you’re looking to experiment with something you won’t find stateside. The Japanese often use horse fat in these cosmetics and say it penetrates the skin, leaving it well-moisturized and nourished—a detail you may want to leave out when your friends ask about your radiating complexion.

Prague, Czech Republic

For literature lovers who also like a party, plan a trip to Prague. Home to Franz Kafka and Milan Kundera, it’s a city of opulence and nihilism, culture and the attempt to erase it, all of which makes for a mind-bending experience. Between the architecture, historic landmarks, and underground nightlife, the Czech capital is ripe for exploration.

Where to Stay In a seventeenth-century building on a quiet cobblestone street, you can retreat into the Alchymist Residence Nosticova with your books and imagination. A residential hotel with full kitchens, it’s excellent for do-it-yourself foodies who like to experiment with cooking Eastern European cuisine. Once you’ve polished off the meal, you’re just blocks away from bustling nightlife.

What to Do A beloved destination for architecture lovers, Prague may have been what Goethe meant when he said architecture is “frozen music.” From the Prague Castle to the famous Astronomical Clock, you will certainly keep busy. For a taste of modern Prague, check out DOX contemporary art center. The exhibit up this winter may be a wee dark for the season to be jolly, but check out “The Lucifer Effect,” which aims to show how easily people become evil. You’re certainly going to need a drink after that, so treat yourself to a glass of absinthe.

What to Buy Don’t leave Prague without a mari-

onette. The city, and country, is famous for its wide variety of handcrafted wooden puppets. Aside from the toys, pick up some colorful domestic crystals. And if you’re one for hats, try Tonak, of the city’s premier millinery shops, which specializes in all sorts of toppers. And finally, grab a bottle of absinthe to share with your friends back home.

Northern California, USA

Stay domestic and take a road trip through Northern California, the center of the country’s wine industry. Drive past the waves of mustard flowers that dot the landscape in the winter season and arrive at the vineyards of Napa Valley for the region’s famous wine tours.

Where to Stay Go retro and stay in a 1960s-style motel along the way— the Astor Motel in Santa Rosa is a well-preserved, character-filled time machine with shag carpets, upholstered armchairs, and—in the ultimate ’60s throwback—smoking rooms.

What to Do Start in San Francisco and make

your way north. The holidays are rainy season in this part of the country, but the mistiness adds a beautiful mystique to the passing landscape.

Take a break from tasting delectable pinot noirs and dry Bordeauxstyle wines along the way and hike through Redwood National Park, a candidate for one of the seven natural wonders of North America. Or go vintage-cycling through wine country. Looking for a spa experience to soothe those sore muscles? Drop in at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay. What to Buy Deciding what to buy in wine country is easy. It gets tricky only when you start to choose the wines. For a large winery and an in-depth tour, go to Quintessa for its Bordeaux-style wines. Then pick up a bottle and soak in the scenery at the five acres of gardens at Frog’s Leap. For a much smaller, more personal shopping experience, visit wine country’s answer to the food truck and get a bottle of pinot noir from Kent Fortner.

Arusha, Tanzania

Known for its stunning East African landscapes, Arusha, seated on the southern slopes of the volcanic Mount Meru, is home to wildlife that

includes elephants and zebras that roam the surrounding savanna and 400 species of birds that orbit the slopes. Indulge in local coffees from community-harvested beans and explore the city’s famed national park.

Where to Stay The Arusha Coffee Lodge is a cozy, rustic lodge on the green foothills of Mount Meru, one of the continent’s largest mountains. With its dark wood paneling, the sprawling hotel has 30 plantation houses and a dozen over-the-top luxury suites. A rambling coffee plantation is the focal point at the lodge, making for a breathtaking landscape—and delicious aromas.

What to Do The Arusha National Park is known as northern Tanzania’s safari capital, where you can find blue monkeys, warthogs, leopards, and spotted hyenas. Watch the giraffes graze on the grassy hills, then head to the overgrown bush to spot the dikdik, a breed of small antelopes that stand no more than 16 inches tall.

From the lush swamplands of Ngurdoto Crater to the tranquil Momela lakes to the slopes of Mount Meru (know as “Kilimanjaro’s cousin”), the

area sports tours for amateur explorers and avid naturalists alike. The park lodge also offers coffee tours that delve into the inner workings of Tanzania’s booming coffee trade.

What to Buy Arusha has a bustling central market where you can find ebony wood carvings, vibrant, local tinga-tinga paintings, textiles, and handmade jewelry, made of locally mined Tanzanian gemstones.

Kauai, Hawaii

Indulge in the time-tested splendor of Hawaii’s beaches without the throngs of tourists you normally find in go-to destinations such as Honolulu and Maui. Kauai, the oldest of the principal Hawaiian Islands, features low-key valley plains, coastlines backed by the mountains of Nā Pali Coast State Park, and beaches tucked away in hidden peninsulas.

Where to Stay The Kauai Country Inn, which sits on two acres of sprawling farmland on the western side of the island, is home to a private Beatles museum that includes a trove of rare memorabilia, adding some unexpected quirk to the typical Hawaiian experience.

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About four miles from the shore, the inn offers an relaxing inland experience to punctuate your sun-soaked beach days.

What to Do Take in the Hawaiian Islands’ “Garden Isle” with a helicopter ride, or ride the waves during peak whale-watching season—January through April—to glimpse the island’s beautiful sea life.

Go hiking, biking, or snorkeling before hitting the beach to unwind.

What to Buy The island is known for its cosmetics and all-natural health products. Noni products are made from the noni fruit, which is indigenous to the area.

Try the fruit leather and the IcyHeat Lavendar lotion, which locals say have strong healing properties.

Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Once a sleepy Mexican fishing village, Zihuatanejo is quickly becoming one of country’s top resort destinations. Located on the Pacific Coast, the city includes a bustling waterfront marina and seaside boardwalks, while its surrounding mainland region offers rugged, unspoiled natural beauty.

Where to Stay Playa Viva, just outside Zihuatanejo, is an eco-friendly, sustainable boutique resort that houses its guests in breezy, stylish tree-house suites that pack all the comforts of a luxury resort.

What to Do Playa Viva provides an all-inclusive experience with a focus on ecofriendly indulgences and environmental exploration. Spend some time with native turtles on the beach, where the community has set up a sanctuary to protect the animals from poachers. Animal lovers can sweep the shores at night with a local tour guide to collect turtle eggs and watch over them until they hatch the next morning. There’s also hiking, birdwatching, and gardening in a serene on-site field, or relax with yoga and massage sessions as well as facials with scrubs that use local ingredients.

What to Buy Visit the famed marketplaces of Zihuatanejo for its silver, crafts, and trinkets, or bring something back for your gourmand friends with Sal Viva, traditional artisanal salt cultivated by local salt farmers.

Lisbon, Portugal

For a nice balance of shopping, seaside escape, and nightlife, head to Lisbon, one of Europe’s lesserknown jewels. You can have the cosmopolitan feel of a big European city but still enjoy the intimate Mediterranean atmosphere of one of the continent’s smallest countries.

Where to Stay The As Janelas Verdes Hotel is an eighteenth-century mansion that once belonged to famed writer José

Maria Eça de Queiroz. It has been converted to a charming boutique hotel that provides a tranquil atmosphere overlooking a beautiful courtyard. The hotel preserved its eighteenth-century roots with woodpaneled walls, ornate armchairs, and antiques.

What to Do Eat pasteis, a local sweet, and cataplana, a mixed-seafood soup served in beautiful bronze dishes. To walk off those hearty regional dishes, explore the Belem neighborhood, the cultural center of museums, cathedrals, and spectacular views of nearby Tagus River, before taking in a fado show of mournful folk music akin to Portuguese flamenco. For a taste of something more modern, go to the Museum of Design and Fashion.

What to Buy Shop for one-of-a-kind antiques at the Feira da Ladra flea market, open from dusk till dawn. The market, known for its idiosyncratic vendors, has offered designer pieces since 1882 for prices tailor-made for bargain hunters with a discerning eye.

Find hand-crocheted doilies, embroidered napkins, large tablecloths, and even handmade espresso cups.

Look out for pieces by Ana Salazar, the country’s premier designer.

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Yahoo! Business & Human Rights Program and Yahoo! Maktoob Host Women Leaders from Middle East and North Africa for

“Change Your World! Cairo” Summit on Social/Digital Media

Entrepreneurs, Journalists, Human Rights Activists and Social Media Leaders Discuss Women’s Use of Technology and the Internet to Create Positive Change in the World.

Yahoo!’s Business & Human Rights Program, and Yahoo! Maktoob, and in partnership with Vital Voices, hosted the first “Change Your World!” summit on women and social and digital media in Cairo.

The summit brought together women in leadership from across the Middle East and North Africa to showcase and share lessons learned on how women are using technology, the Internet and social media platforms to create positive change in the world.

Moderated by award winning journalist and human rights activist Mona Eltahawy, participants focused on how technology and media can amplify women’s voices and support women’s leadership in four specific areas: women’s economic empowerment, political leadership, journalism, and human rights and women’s rights. Attendees were also able to share experiences, collaborate on best practices and spark innovation.

Panelists and participants include: 1. Maria Al Masani, social media pioneer and founder of Yemen Rights Monitor; 2. Fida Ouri, deputy director of NISAA FM in the West Bank, one of the first all-women, non-

political radio stations in the Arab world; 3. Shereen Allam, Egyptian entrepreneur, co-owner of Eco-tek and founder, Association for Women›s Total Advancement and Development; 4. Lara Ayoub, Jordanian digital media pioneer and digital media director, Al Ghad and AlWaseet 5. Dalia Ziada, Egyptian women’s rights activist and blogger who has been hailed by the international media as one of the most influential women in the world; 6. Lamees Dhaif, Bahraini journalist and human rights activist.

“Women across the Middle East and North Africa are using the Internet, technology and social media to learn, to lead, to inspire, to connect and to change the world. We are hosting this summit to shine the light on extraordinary women, to facilitate an ongoing exchange of ideas, and to identify areas where companies can use their technology and platforms to amplify women’s voices,” said Ebele Okobi, director of Yahoo!’s Business & Human Rights Program.

Summit sessions included, “Technology and Economic Empowerment,” “After the Revolution: E-lections and E-governance,” “Journalism, Women and the Internet” and “Safety Online for Women and Activists.”

There was also a screening of ex-

cerpts from ‘Women, War & Peace,’ the documentary series that tells the stories of women in conflict zones around the globe, which included the award-winning documentary ‘Pray the Devil Back to Hell.’ The event concluded with a session entitled “What’s Next? Continuing the Conversation” – a facilitated workshop to elicit ideas for tools, platforms, technology and media to foster and promote entrepreneurship, political leadership, journalism and women’s rights.

Ahmed Nassef, Vice President and Managing Director, Yahoo! Maktoob, Middle East and North Africa, said, “Since Yahoo! acquired Maktoob two years ago, we have grown to become a trusted destination for many who come to us for news and information, and to connect with likeminded people on our forums. We are very proud to be hosting this event as an extension to our online platform, especially as we discuss a topic that is so relevant to our region and these times.”

Vital Voices president and CEO Alyse Nelson said, “At this time of exceptional change in the Middle East and North Africa, we have a unique opportunity to engage in a conversation on the power and possibility of women’s leadership. We are proud to partner with Yahoo! as we convene some of the region’s pioneering voices in social and digital media for this innovative event.”

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