T H E
I N N O V A T I V E
T R E N D - S E T T I N G
M A G A Z I N E
October 2017
DR. MAHMOUD STARS SAYEDPLASTIC
SURGEON
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RELATIONSHIPS
SIGNS HE IS CHEATING ON YOU
AMANY EL CHERIF MILAN ELEGANCE
EXCLUSIVE
MICHELLE PFEIFFER
TALKS ABOUT
MOTHER!
HALLOWEEN MUST READ
SLAUGHTER TRILOGY by A. I. Nasser
FASHION & TRENDS
14 Designer
Amany El Cherif Milan Elegance
Amira Tharwat talks to Egyptian fashion designer Amany El Cherif, to reveal all about her latest collection that she shot in Milan, what inspires her, the celebrities she dressed and what she aspires to.
Beauty
28 Star
Michelle Pfeiffer in Mother!
A couple’s relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. Lounge brought you an interview with non-less than Michelle Pfeiffer who plays the role of a mysterious woman along with Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardemand, Ed Harris in the horror thriller movie Mother!
20 Beauty Buzz
The latest & newest beauty products & news you need to know.
You, Love & Life
22 Relationships
7 Signs you are being Cheated On
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Cheating or infidelity is one of the most challenging problems that can come up in a relationship or marriage. In most cases, even when you confront your partner with accusations of cheating, it will be denied or you will be made to feel like the “crazy one”. Unless you have evidence or proof, most will not admit it. There are many behaviors and signs that indicate cheating. However, it is quite possible that your partner could have these behaviors and not actually be having an affair, but it’s most probably an alarming sign. Nora Abdallah will tell you some of the signs and behaviors that you should take into consideration and may start investigating further.
Entertainment
24 Cover Story
Dr. Mahmoud Sayed Stars plastic surgeon
Amira Tharwat talks to Plastic Surgeon Dr. Mahmoud Sayed Abdel Hameed about the secret behind the huge success of PG cosmetics clinic, the people who influenced him, the latest techniques in cosmetic surgeries and brought you all you need to know about Brazilian butt.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
32 Ask
Your Guide to Prenatal Testing
Taking good care of yourself during pregnancy is the most important way to have a healthy baby”. There is much a pregnant woman can do to take care of herself during pregnancy. Following a healthy, safe diet; getting regular exercise as advised by your doctor; and avoiding exposure to potentially harmful substances can help reduce the risk for problems during pregnancy and ensure the infant’s health and development.
34 Health Desk
The latest & newest health and fitness news you need to know.
BUSINESS
36 Profile
Caroline Simolian Director of Sales at Hassan Allam properties
Being one of the top real estate companies in Egypt, Hassan Allam properties managed in the past 25 years to guarantee itself a distinguished place in the market. Amira Tharwat talks to Caroline Simolian, Director of Sales at Hassan Allam properties, where the mother of two reveals all about the secret behind the success of Hassan Allam properties, their coming projects and her tips for women to master both the world of beauty and business.
OUT & ABOUT
38 Must List
Slaughter Trilogy by A. I. Nasser
The difference between the name on the cover of a horror book and the person who actually wrote the story can sometimes be two worlds apart. Nothing proved that more than my meeting with A. I. Nasser, author of the Slaughter Trilogy. This Halloween, Miriam George brought you all you need to know about the scary trilogy and the man behind it.
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40 Feature
The World’s Best Design Cities
The world is an amazing place. As humans,we seek beauty in many forms, and for Medy Navani, Founder and Creative Director of Design Haus Medy, his travels across the world continue to inspire and propel his passion for design and architecture. Below, Medy takes us on a tour to his top five cities for design and architecture from across the globe.
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EVERY ISSUE
6 Chairman’s Letter 7 Editor’s Letter 10 In The Know
Everything you need to know to be in the know, from celebrity to entertainment news to what’s in style, Lounge keeps you fully updated.
54 Horoscope
Happy Birthday Scorpio
56 Well Said
10 Signs you are obsessed with Halloween
We all can’t wait to celebrate any occasion and we take it as a chance to have something to look forward to. However, some people became obsessed and when you are a maniac about an occasion like Halloween then you might need help and you need to keep your mind occupied with something more fruitful. This month Lounge brought you signs that your passion for the scary occasion turned into an obsession.
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Chairman’s Letter CHAIRMAN Ahmed Helal EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Sherif Ibrahim EXECUTIVE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Amira Tharwat GENERAL MANAGER Ahmed M. Hanohoum ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER Khaled Ashraf Hegazy SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR Ikram Zaki
In this month’s issue of Lounge we brought you Plastic Surgeon Dr. Mahmoud Sayed Abdel Hamed to tell us all about his success story and the latest techniques in the medical field when it comes to beauty. We also brought you Dr. Mohamed Tarif who tells us all about prenatal genetic testing and how vital it is for a successful pregnancy. As for fashionistas we brought you Egyptian/American fashion designer Amany El Cherif who shares with us her Milan shoot and tells us all about the fabrics she uses and the celebrities she still dreams of dressing. A healthy relationship could never exist without mutual trust between both partners, this issue, we devote our relationships section for signs that you are being cheated on in an attempt to be alert earlier and try to work things out between you and your partner or reconsider the relationship. Last but not least we celebrate this year’s Halloween by going up-close & personal with A. I. Nasser, the author of the Slaughter Trilogy to know the secret behind his love for writing scary Novels and what is the trilogy is all about.
DESIGNED BY Bassam El-Naggar IT ADVISOR Amr Fakhr El-Din FINANCIAL ADVISOR Ahmed M. Abd el Latif OFFICE MANAGER Nora AbdAllah SOCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER Sameh El Mansy DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Haytham Hanoura
LOUNGE’S COVER: DR. MAHMOUD SAYED
DISTRIBUTION Charisma International All rights reserved to Lounge. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Website: www.lounge-eg.com E-mail: info@lounge-eg.com www.facebook.com/LoungemagazineEG PRINTING International Printing House To subscribe or advertise, please contact our offices at: 17 Nakhla El Motaey St. 6th Floor Apt. 601 Heliopolis, Cairo - Egypt 02-2642 2298/7
Photographer: Khaled Fadda
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EDITOR’S
letter
PERFECT TIMING So after 28 years I’ve lived long enough (won’t say being 32 years old makes me any old) to witness the glorious moment of Egypt participating in the world cup. I am not into soccer and by that I mean I can’t stand watching a 90 minutes match of 22 adults running after one ball, surrounded by all the support cheering and passion around them from (again) fellow adults. However, this match I was excited to watch knowing that I am not watching a football match I am rather watching a battle of exercising powers between countries and those adults are not just running after a ball to score a goal but rather to make their country prevail and standout in the world. The past couple of years were so hard for Egypt and us as Egyptians, Egypt was showing us most of the time only its bitter side, and instead of being one of the developing countries, we started moving even more backwards. Perhaps that is why the significance of winning the match and participating in the world cup was deeper and more exciting than any other time during the past 28 years. I won’t be revealing a secret when I say that during the pressure we
as Egyptians encounter in the past couple of years we lost our passion to our homeland and we lost our pride, we only spoke negatively about the country and when anything patriotic pops up it becomes a source of either laughter or sarcasm. However deep down we know that no matter how rough things might seem, as soon as any of us travel abroad we miss the mess we left behind, and our love for Egypt returns back into our veins much stronger than it ever was. I am not saying that just because we won an important match, but because after all, this country deserves to be loved, cherished and worked hard for. This land deserves our support in hardships even more and no matter how much the economical situation sound challenging these years Egypt will and should always be in our hearts and prevail. Might sound cliché but if you get into the words read it with your heart before your eyes and you will feel every word I am saying. Now back to the fun, Russia here we go, and if we lose the very first match the fun and the excitement we feel now was so worth it, enough the social media jokes that doesn’t stop cracking me out with laughter, enjoy the fun and Long Live Egypt.
Amira Tharwat
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LOUNGE
in the know
Liam Neeson Announces Retirement From Action Films Selena Gomez reveals kidney transplant, best friend was donor
Selena Gomez has revealed that she had a kidney transplant operation this summer linked to her lupus. In an Instagram post, the singer says that her friend Francia Raisa donated an organ to her and says she wanted to explain why fans hadn’t heard much from her despite having new music out. “So I found out I needed to get a kidney transplant due to my Lupus and was recovering,” she writes. “It was what I needed to do for my overall health.” Selena Gomez also thanked her friend, The Secret Life of the American Teenager actress Francia Raisa, in her Instagram post.
Following a decade of kicking ass in roughly a dozen action films, Liam Neeson insists he’s retiring his particular set of roughhousing skills. While attending the Toronto International Film Festival, the 65-year-old actor announced that although Hollywood still has plenty of interest in more projects, it felt like the proper time to leave action behind. “They’re still throwing serious money at me to do that stuff,” Neeson said. “I’m like, ‘Guys, I’m sixty-fucking-five.’ Audiences are eventually going to go, ‘Come on.’” The actor, whose career underwent a resurgence when Taken revealed his flair for the genre, looks to be staying true to his 2015 prediction, that he had, “Maybe two more years [of action films].
In the know... Celebrity
Paul Walker’s Daughter Meadow Marks Her Dad’s Birthday With Heartfelt Throwback Photo
On what would have been Paul Walker’s 44th birthday, the actor’s famous daughter took to social media with a wish for all her followers.Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to pay it forward.”In honor of my dad’s birthday today, we’re challenging you to DO GOOD! Share a video or photo of your random act of kindness and nominate 4 people to join the challenge!” Meadow wrote on Instagram. “Be sure to tag the foundation as well as hashtag #PWFdogoodchallenge, so we can check out all of your posts! As an added bonus, Meadow included a throwback photo from when she enjoyed a dance-off with her dad.
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Catherine Zeta-Jones’ Daughter Carys Douglas Is Her Mini-Me
Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx go public
After years of speculation, it has been confirmed that Katie Holmes and Jamie Foxx are a real deal couple. Yep, they’ve only gone and been spotted holding hands on Malibu beach.They’ve actually been linked since 2013, however reports state that Katie Holmes was banned from publicly dating anyone for five years due to a clause in her divorce contract with Tom Cruise. Admittedly these aren’t the first snaps of the couple to surface. They have been spotted on occasions together - earlier this year a fan snapped them having dinner together and the internet went wild.
Catherine Zeta-Jones brought her 14-yearold daughter Carys Douglas, with whom she shares with her husband Michael Douglas, to her first-ever fashion show. And when caught up with the motherdaughter duo for an exclusive interview at the Michael Kors New York Fashion Week show, we had to talk about how much Carys resembles her mom. When it’s mentioned that Carys could be her minime, Zeta-Jones replied, “Yeah, well she’s pretty individual, very strong young lady and that I think is what I admire about her more than anything.”The actress continued, “She’s strong and smart, has good morals and good judgement, which for a 14-yearold, you never quite know what you’re gonna get.”So will Carys be getting into modeling, like other kids of celebrities are doing these days?”Yeah, I love fashion,” Carys told us.
Ben Affleck Says Batman is Finding Hope Again in Justice League
Ezra Miller revealed earlier that The Flash will not have a costume ring in the Justice League movie, and now Ben Affleck and Gal Gadot have talked more about Batman and Wonder Woman in the highly-anticipated film as well. Talking to US Weekly, Affleck and Gadot addressed how their characters have changed since we last saw them. “She’s grown up — it’s been a century, after all! She’ll bring her specific qualities to a group dynamic, and she understands the enemy better than anyone else,” Gadot said about Wonder Woman, while Affleck added, “In Batman v Superman, he was at the end of his rope. But in Justice League he’s finding hope again. He has to open up and play well with others. He knows he needs them.
TAYLOR SWIFT TRANSFORM INTO A ZOMBIE FOR ‘LOOK WHAT YOU MADE ME DO’ VIDEO
There’s still one more week until Halloween, but Taylor Swift’s already giving us some major costume inspiration. If you’ve seen Taylor’s wild video for “Look What You Made Me Do” (and if you haven’t, what have you even been doing with your time?!), you know that she emerges from a grave as a zombie, ready to stake her revenge and defend her reputation. Now, in a new behind-the-scenes video, Taylor gives fans a quick but fascinating look at her elaborate transformation into an undead ghoul. Turns out, it took a village to complete the look, and Taylor was totally calm and collected while her team painted and discolored her skin for what must’ve been hours.
In the know... Entertainment Kate Winslet to Receive SAG Actors Inspiration Award
Kate Winslet is an inspiration to many people, and it’s about time she’s recognized for it. The Oscar-winning Brit will receive the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Actors Inspiration Award at the Patron of the Artists Awards ceremony. The star-studded event will take place on Nov. 9 at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills. Winslet is being recognized for her many, many career achievements and admirable philanthropic efforts over the years. SAG-AFTRA Foundation President JoBeth Williams said in a statement, “Without a doubt, Kate is an incomparable actress who we admire for her work and contribution to our craft. Yet, what makes Kate this year’s honoree is the work she does behind the scenes making a difference in the lives of children and adults living with autism through her Golden Hat Foundation while simultaneously supporting so many other worthwhile charities.”
James Gray’s Ad Astra, starring Brad Pitt, is coming January 2019
20th Century Fox has set a January 11, 2019 release date for director James Gray’s Ad Astra, starring Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Donald Sutherland, Jamie Kennedy and John Finn. The sci-fi epic Ad Astra, which started filming last month, will feature Jones as the father of Pitt’s character who, 20 years ago, left his son on a mission to Neptune in the search for extraterrestrial life. Pitt’s character, named Roy McBride, then sets out two decades later to find out what happened to his dad. Gray, who last wrote and directed The Lost City of Z, wrote Ad Astra with Fringe writer Ethan Gross. Pitt’s Plan B is producing alongside Marc Butan of Mad River, Anthony Katagas of Keep Your Head Productions, Rodrigo Teixeira of RT Features and Gray himself. RT Features, which financed development of Ad Astra, also has Sophie Mas and Lourenço Sant’Anna serving as executive producers.
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3AL BA7R A unique, local online home rental platform facilitating travel
It is time to explore, discover, and travel! With colourful canvases of coral reefs and walls, vibrant and shimmering coastlines, and endlessly fascinating landscapes, there is simply no country more bountiful than Egypt. So why travel to the Bahamas, Thailand or even Bali when the most unrivalled coastal destinations are at your doorstep? Enter 3al Ba7r. A community driven Hospitality Company, 3al Ba7r understands there is something missing when it comes to local travel.
Kate Hudson Joins Michael Kors to Watch Hunger Stop
In the know... Style & Design
Michael Kors is pleased to announce that actress, author, entrepreneur and humanitarian Kate Hudson is once again lending her talents to support Watch Hunger Stop, the brand’s annual campaign to fight global hunger. Watch Hunger Stop, established in 2013, raises funds and awareness to help achieve a world with Zero Hunger. The brand’s partner in the effort is the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), and funds go to support WFP’s school meals program. The sale of special products is one way Watch Hunger Stop raises funds for WFP.
Coty Inc. Introduces James Molloy as Rimmel London’s New Global Make-Up Ambassador Rimmel London is excited to announce James Molloy as the newly appointed Global Makeup Ambassador. A rising star known for his incredible creativity and skills in creating unique, coveted looks for high fashion runway, editorial and red carpet. James has been recognized by the brand as a powerful voice to communicate Rimmel’s edgy and evolving beauty vision to both the consumer and influencer across all social and media platforms. This new partnership is part of Rimmel’s move to develop and nurture up-and-coming, inspirational talent that connects with our consumers.
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Versace Home at Salone 2017: The debut of Shadov; Le Jardin de Versace; the sleek new VM11 range
Versace Home introduces three new lines at the Salone del Mobile 2017: a brand new family titled Le Jardin de Versace, featuring also the exclusive print of bedding and textiles; the sleek VM11 range; and the iconic new Shadov. Le Jardin de Versace Like a summer dream come to life, Le Jardin de Versace is the print for Versace Home epitomizing a brand new family for living, dining and bedroom. It is a romance of nature in sumptuous vivid color, centered by a bold butterfly motif and surrounded by golden baroque swirls and flowers. Butterflies fluttering across the design like they were in a garden. Ladybugs and honey bees add to the decoration that is a vision of curves, with no straight lines. Shades of blue and touches of pink match with accents of gold and cool grey, to give an air of noble aristocracy.
FASHION & TRENDS
LOUNGE
designer
Photographer: Cinzia Melendez Model: Elisa Franzone
AMANY EL CHERIF Milan Elegance a
mira Tharwat talks to Egyptian fashion designer Amany El Cherif, to reveal all about her latest collection that she shot in Milan, what inspires her, the celebrities she dressed and what she aspires to.
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Tell us more about you... I am 52, American/Egyptian Fashion designer. I had a Bachelor degree and got associate degree from duCret School of art tuition & Rutgers University. I am a Virgo and I am married. How did your passion for fashion come about? Since I was a little kid I used to draw simple designs and try to implement them with the help of my mum. Then when we moved to USA I tried to pursue my dream by getting studies and at that time I was designing and sewing my own cloth and as consultant designer in fabric land so I started my own business. Who supported you in your decision to run your own fashion line? My Husband and mum. Tell us more about Milan project‌ Thinking about fashion and art, and when I was there to get my seasonal fabrics. It came to my mind why not use the new fabrics and design the fabric on the model and have a shoot at Milan where I can mix between the Italian fabrics and my own designs. What are the fabrics you used? Silk, taffta, embodied tulle and organza.
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You dressed a lot of Egyptian celebrities, would you share with us some of the names‌ Salma Abu Deif, Hanan Motawie and Heba Magdy. And who is the star you would love to dress? Anoshka and Ghada Adel. Your bridal gowns are elegant and classy, how do you make each gown reflect the personality of each bride? Before we start the design phase I sit for a small discussion to get to know her and her fiancÊ wedding theme and talk about her favorite style, body shape and preference for her dream wedding dress. Then we move to the second phase where we start to put the design and she sees it on the paper and then once we agree we start the implementation.
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Describe Amany El Cherif’s ideal customer‌ Customers who come on time to their appointments and plan ahead before the occasion the more time we have the better and relaxed we move forward in the implementation phase. And off course customers who know what they want are my favourites. What is the biggest challenge you encounter when putting your designs into life? Mixing fabrics and delivering customer needs by putting into consideration what fits the customer body shape. Who are the designers you aspire to? Dolce & Gabbana and Christian Dior. What are the fashion trends for Autumn/winter 2018? Olive green and red mixing it with gold embroideries and material while incorporating edge designs.
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BEAUTY LOUNGE
news
Y T U A E B
CLARINS LAUNCHES GRAPHIK 2017 AUTUMN MAKEUP COLLECTION
Express yourself and have fun! Magnetic eye shadow, hypnotic colors, graphic line this season, the eyes captures all the attention. You don’t want to cast a shadow on your complexion or lips so why not add a touch of flattering light? Are you ready for an eyeful? Eyeliner is the ‘star’ of this season’s make-up and sculpts the eye contour with style and a graphic effect. On the eyelids, shadow and light play together and create a perfect architectural effect.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY LAUNCHES HER AWARD-WINNING MAKEUP REVOLUTION IN THE MIDDLE EAST
BACCARAT ROUGE 540 EXTRAIT DE PARFUM UNVEILED AT PARIS GALLERY
Joining forces around common values of expertise, creativity and excellence, Maison Francis Kurkdjian and Baccarat are extending the collaboration they initiated in 2014 for the Rouge 540 anniversary fragrance launch. Originally an Eau de parfum, Baccarat Rouge 540, Baccarat Crystal’s olfactory signature, is now available in a new form: an Extrait de parfum.
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Charlotte Tilbury, the world’s number one makeup artist, is taking the next momentous step by bringing her revolutionary makeup, skincare and scent brand to the Middle East with three standalone stores, and her first ever stand-alone Beauty Wonderland outside of the UK. Starting in September 2017, the magic will begin at The Avenues, Kuwait with an epic 240 sq. m., two-storey store – the largest in the world, followed by Doha Festival City in October and then The Dubai Mall in early 2018.
L’OCCITANE’S NEW ROSE LIMITED EDITION
What makes red roses the symbol of love? Our perfumers have been studying the mysteries of the rose’s aromatic powers for years. Today, they’ve finally cracked the case of the purple petals - presenting a new fragrance that embodies the purest essence of the true love. Deep in the heart of Provence, there once were four sisters. Their father, the count of Forcalquier, gave them each a rose to tend as they waited for true love. With unparalleled beauty in all the land, the sisters attracted four handsome kings who wrote them beautiful letters. To express their passion, the sisters signed each letter with the unique fragrance of the magnificent Red Rose, a symbol of their purest love. “I wanted to express the mystery of what happens in our hearts when we are in love”, says Claire Chambert, the expert perfumer behind the new Roses et Reines fragrance. The ruby bottle embodies the purity of romance, combining the scent of blooming red roses with pink peony, berries and musky undertones. This new fragrance will help you leave a passionate mark on the world.
GUERLAIN LAUNCHES LUI THE EXCLUSIVE COLLECTIONS
LUI is a fragrance that likes to blur the boundaries. Not entirely feminine, nor truly masculine, it is both at once. Its ambiguous fragrance trail is based on benzoin: an ingredient that also has numerous facets. Floral, spicy and woody in turn, this resin is revealed in all of its complexity as the composition created by Delphine Jelk (Guerlain Perfumer), under the creative direction of Thierry Wasser (Guerlain’s Master Perfumer), unfolds. After an opening burst blending a soft pear note with a lively clove note, benzoin merges with the powdery and spicy accents of the carnation accord.
PRISMOLOGIE’S SKIN MOISTURIZES YOU CAN USE WHILE STILL IN SHOWER
Does your skin feel dry even after you religiously moisturize it with a rich cream? Do you get lazy at times to wait and slather on lotion after your shower? Did you know your skin has only a 30 second window of time after drying off to hydrate it, before all the moisture on your skin evaporates? Prismologie’s Bath & Body Oils are the purest way to seal in this moisture, even before you step out of the shower. The water on your skin is the perfect carrier to drive these gorgeous oils deep into your skin, helping it soak in much quicker. These beautifully scented products combine the best parts of nature to deliver high-quality moisturizing goodness into your primping routine. Plus, you only need less than a palm full to hydrate the entire body! Consisting of two ultra-hydrating products, Prismologie’s Oils are both created with unique gemstones and enriching ingredients to enhance your mood. So go ahead and take your pick, depending on how you want to feel through the day.
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YOU, LOVE & LIFE LOUNGE
relationships
c
SIGNS YOU ARE BEING CHEATED ON
heating or infidelity is one of the most challenging problems that can come up in a relationship or marriage. In most cases, even when you confront your partner with accusations of cheating, it will be denied or you will be made to feel like the “crazy one”. Unless you have evidence or proof, most will not admit it. There are many behaviors and signs that indicate cheating. However, it is quite possible that your partner could have these behaviors and not actually be having an affair, but it’s most probably an alarming sign. Nora Abdallah will tell you some of the signs and behaviors that you should take into consideration and may start investigating further.
They come home later You are used that your partner or husband is home by 6 p.m. and all of a sudden you find that this changes. When the whole schedule and routine changes sometimes these changes to a person’s routine is an alarming sign, especially when you ask about where and what he was doing and you don’t get an answer about it. Also when there are blackouts, this means when there is a long period in the day where you don’t know where he is and you can’t reach him, he doesn’t respond to your calls or texts and he don’t give a viable explanation about it. Emotional distance and miscommunication You notice that your partner have become moody suddenly and eager to start fights. Sometimes a cheating lover will displace his shame, anger and guilt onto you by starting a fight, which can then be blamed on you. They need a place to throw their negative feelings. You also notice he stopped talking to you, he always had things to say and suddenly has become distant. You don’t go out as much as you used to and he always have excuses like being tired or having to
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work late. Secretiveness A healthy relationship is an open one. When you partner answers the phone and immediately moves to a room where you can’t hear the conversation then you have to watch out. When you are out together somewhere and every time he goes to the bathroom he has to take his phone with him, then this is worrying as well. You want to check the time on his phone or any other thing and once you are about to touch his phone he gets so nervous and alarmed. All these are warning signs. Physical appearance You have to be careful with this one because may your partner’s desire to be more physically attractive might be a result of trying to look more professional for work or may be just trying to catch your eye. However, if you find he always smell different or changed the way he dresses completely and trying new things that he never used to like before, this could be a sign he is trying to impress a different person with different taste. Social profile If a partner is unfaithful, he will most likely
make his social media profile look very “single”. Like updating his profile picture to a solo shot or with friends and hiding photos of you as a couple. Also if you notice there is an obvious increase in the amount of time he spends on social networks each day. Another big sign is when he the history on his computer is cleared regularly, and this goes also for his phone log. Increase in gifts Partners who are being unfaithful will often try to cover their guilt by buying a lot of gifts. If you are surprised by the sudden amount of attention and gifts he is giving you, then you might want to find out what is the motive behind them. Lying and giving different stories Cheating partners of course always lie. When you ask about something and he gives you an answer or a certain story, wait a couple of days and ask again. You will find that he is unable to remember the details he said before, and may be even give you a totally different story. Also you might find him lying about trivial things that wouldn’t require that.
the mo Finally thing is st always defin your intuyour gut feelin ite g and ition. If somethin yo cases so g is wrong, u feel that to him mething is re then in most forward, you don’t havally wrong. Ta me. You by saying y e to be straig lk o some can tell him th u are cheatin ht and youthings you feel at you feel theg on r is fe a defen lt uncomforta different rece e are ntly s b iv le e a a b n o d sign tha t he mig angry responsut it. Having ht be ch caring p e is a la want to artner will heaeating. While ast c r out, andlear things and you out and th is is the kin work things you wo d of par u ld w ant tne otherwis e then it to hold on to, r ’s time to goodby say e.
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ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE
cover story
Photographer: Khaled Fadda
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DR.MAHMOUD STARS PLASTIC SAYED SURGEON a
mira Tharwat talks to Plastic Surgeon Dr. Mahmoud Sayed Abdel Hameed about the secret behind the huge success of PG cosmetics clinic, the people who influenced him, the latest techniques in cosmetic surgeries and brought you all you need to know about Brazilian butt.
Tell us more about you... I’m an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery, a member of the Egyptian society of plastic Surgery, member of the American society of plastic surgery. The only Egyptian Arab Surgeon who got license from the American Board of plastic surgeons to work all over the world as a plastic Surgeon , and also the youngest plastic surgery consultant in the Middle East. I’m 37 years old, married and have 3 children: Waad, Yassin and Selim. What is the secret behind the huge success of Dr. Mahmoud Sayed Abdel Hameed? The secret behind my success is my parents, my Father is one of the most popular and well known professors of Obstetrics and Gynaecologist, as he was insisting to educate me well and he sent me to Europe and the United States to get the western experience and the up to date techniques in Plastic Surgery. I was lucky to have my training in Rome, Italy and in Duke University in North Carolina in the United States during my masters period, and then in Barcelona, Spain in the international university of Catalonia as I was supervised by the most famous plastic Surgeon in Spain Professor Serra Renom. I worked with him in Barcelona for 2 years during my medical doctorate degree, and my target since that time is to bring all the system and the recent advances in plastic surgery in the western countries to Egypt with the same quality and
luxury. And I would like to thank God that I was one of few Surgeons in the Middle East to do plastic surgery operations with the International standards in Cairo, Egypt. Who are the people that influenced you? People that have great Influence in my life are my father and mother, my wife “Aliaa Sobhy”, Tamer Hosny , Ahmed Abo Hashima and Osama Yassin Taha who is the best Bariatric Surgeon all over the world and my first teacher in Plastic Surgery. The patient’s general health is your number one priority, how do you manage to do so? The patients of plastic surgery are not actually patients; they are healthy beautiful people who are looking for perfection, so that’s why Their general health is my first priority. We have to make sure that people asking for plastic surgeries should be fit for Surgery and Anaesthesia, and to consider them members of your family in taking the decisions concerning the type of surgery and taking care of them during the pre, intra and post-operative periods. How did you manage to be one of the few trust worthy plastic surgeons in Egypt? Honesty and caring from the heart to the patients help so much to make people trust you, and most patients seeking plastic surgery are well educated and searched well before visiting the surgeon, so they already got the information about what they want to do. They can recognize the difference between honest doctor and business man doctor.
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What distinguishes PG Cosmetics clinic from any other medical clinic? Caring and educating the patient with every tiny detail about the manuver he will have, and sharing with the patient the best decision for his/her case. This is what makes PG cosmetic clinic special than any other clinic. What is the best age psychologically and practically for doing a plastic surgery? The best age psychologically and to safely undergo plastic surgery is from 18 to 65, unless the person who is asking for cosmetic surgery is having a chronic sickness that could make him unfit for surgery. Why you refuse to use Mesotherapy treatment with your patients? Actually I don’t recommend Mesotherapy except for hair treatment. All other usage has proved to be ineffective and might even be harmful in some cases as in the case of Meso Lipolysis, it changes the nature of fat cells into fibres which might be very dangerous on the long run. What are the certain procedures the patient should bear in mind before doing plastic surgery? Each person willing to do plastic surgery should follow the coming steps: educate himself about the procedure he wants to go for by reading and searching through the internet, visit the doctors 2 times at least before doing the surgery and ask about everything regarding the operation he will undergo, do blood investigations to make sure he is fit for doing such surgery, and to ask about the doctor and the clinic license to make sure that the people he is dealing with are Professionals and authorized to do such surgeries. They should also ask about this cosmetic Surgeon and his reputation from other patients who tried him before, never trust a clinic doing advertisements all the time about magical techniques that no one on earth can perform except their surgeons, never trust clinics who are pushing the patient to do the surgeries very fast without taking full history and doing blood labs and explaining everything about the operation. What are the latest techniques your clinic offers... The latest technique our clinic offers are Brazilian buttocks, Vaser 4D liposulpting of the whole body, mini scar face and neck lifting, mini scar tummy tuck, mini scar breast enhancement and lifting, natural looking nose job, and enhancing the shape of the genitalia. How do you see Kim Kardashian figure and is there such a thing as the ideal figure? As Angelina Julie changed the taste of the lips look all over the world, by making the concept
of big lips more attractive during the last 10 years, also Kim Kardishan has changed the world look for big buttocks with very small waist to be the most attractive and most wanted from all women all over the world and for all ages. She made all women ask the plastic surgeon for big buttocks and small waist. And for the last 5 years this is the most popular cosmetic operation surgery, which is Brazilian Butts or Kim Kardishan’s Butt. What are the things you consider the most when doing a nose job? In my opinion , the most important thing while doing the nose job is to preserve the identity of the face with the new nose , as this might lead to negative psychological impact on the person after having his/ her new nose despite of how perfect the nose was done. You’ve dealt with a lot of celebrities in the Arab world, would you share with us some of the names? I want to thank God for everything I’ve achieved. And one of these achievements is to get the trust of most of the Arab celebrities and the Arab Royal Families who used to do their plastic surgeries abroad and now they come and ask me to do their surgeries here in Egypt with me, and this was my target from the start. Besides being one of the top plastic surgeons in Egypt what are your hobbies? My hobbies are travelling, reading, charity work and watching movies. Being one of the few doctors certified to practice medicine abroad, what do you think of the level of plastic surgeons in Egypt? I think Egypt is growing very fast in the field of cosmetic surgeries as we have many great and well educated plastic Surgeons who have skills much more than any other surgeons all over the world. Now we are leaders in our field, and we got visiting doctors who come all the time to watch and learn from us from Europe, Latin America, Asia and of course Africa and the Arab countries. In my opinion, in Egypt we only miss how to market our work, how to show the world in a good attractive way our experience and our results like the western way. What are your dreams for PG cosmetics clinic in the future? My dream is to become one of the most trustful, honest and popular surgeons all over the world. And my target as a Professor of Plastic Surgery in Egypt is to educate the new generations of plastic surgeons how to get their skills, how to be honest and how to consider plastic surgery a medical service and not a way of earning money.
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ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE
star
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In m ne Ci as on th e th
18
O of ct
MICHELLE PFEIFFER
IN
MOTHER! a
couple’s relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence. Lounge brought you an interview with non less than Michelle Pfeiffer who plays the role of a mysterious woman along with Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem and Ed Harris in the horror thriller movie Mother!
mother! is such an unusual production that had an unusual process by a director who always keeps us guessing. Was it that intrigue that lured you to this role? If so, please elaborate. This was the first time I had worked with him. I am a huge Aronofsky fan. Requiem for a Dream is one of my favorite films. So I was very intrigued by the script and challenged by this part. I felt like this was very risky and a big undertaking that would be a lot of fun. For such an accomplished actress known for her preparation time preferred in complex roles, can you share, as artist-to-artist, the journey this director took you on and how that affected your performance and possibly changed you as an actor going forward? I knew it would be very different. I was not accustomed to doing it this way. During this process, preparation and rehearsal offset (in a Brooklyn warehouse), we were not allowed to walk through (make-believe) walls! That was a big deal. Darren wanted us to be able to move around as if we were on set because he wanted to shoot some of the scenes as a long shot without cutting.He knew it would be challenging for us once we were on set. He wanted us to be prepared but he also didn’t want us to be distracted by that so that we would focus on what we needed to. So there was sort of a lot of acrobatics involved in this performance!Doing the pre-production and rehearsal this way, I found
it exhilarating and challenging. I can’t think of anything that really comes close to (an experience like) this except when I worked with (Director Robert) Zemeckis. He, like Darren, really uses the camera. I realized early on that I had to approach this like a dancer – it’s all about the movement with the camera. This production had a very different birthing process so to speak. Is it true that during the months-long rehearsal in the Brooklyn warehouse, Aronofsky filmed the entire movie on his iPhone? How was that for you? Oh the iPhone. Yes the iPhone. I found it very creepy and really intrusive. You catch people doing this on sets, trying to record without you knowing. But I’m always – “I see what you did.” There’s probably an entire version of this film on his cell phone floating out there somewhere. But no I didn’t like it and neither did Ed. What can you tell us about your character and why she plays such a pivotal role in the story? Well I would say my character is very predictable in some ways. It was about finding a balance between being off-putting and charming. She is a woman who is committed to and cares about her husband. He is on this crazy journey and she supports him in that. (Pivotal?)On one hand she creates doubt in the way Jennifer’s character is accepting of certain ways that she’s living her life and the sacrifices she’s making. I think she represents a power and sexuality that Jennifer’s
character is not in touch with. She’s tough. In some ways the woman is like a dark prophet for mother: It is she who tells mother “You give and you give and you give: Its just never enough.” How does your character force mother to look at her marriage and her life? Here is this middle-aged couple very much in love, sexually active and in a way they are very youthful. She awakens something in Jennifer (mother). What was it like to work with your screen husband Ed Harris? We had so much fun working together. We literally met each other on the set. First day:“Hello how are you?’And it immediately felt really comfortable. You know doing any kind of sex scene - not easy. I have been through this before (with co-stars) but Ed was such a mensch on that day. And then you have the conversations with the director. These conversations with the director and the actor you are working with, they are always uncomfortable for actresses. With Darren, I had a lot of questions about how the scenes would be shot, the lighting, the angles. You don’t want to go into something like this and have it become something else.A lot of directors really don’t want to talk about those scenes. But Darren had no problem talking about it! He is very clear about how it will be shot, exactly what will be done and he does what he says. And because of that it made me feel comfortable and safe.
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What was it like to work with Javier Bardem and the rest of the cast? First let me say I was very lucky to have worked with this cast. I have been such a huge fan of Javier for so long. Ed and Jennifer? Amazing. I have found that when you enjoy the people you are working with, as much as the process of filmmaking and especially when it is so challenging, that is the difference in a great experience. The older I get, as an actor that is equally as important as the process. It was an extraordinary experience with this cast and director. You have said you had a visceral reaction to seeing the film. Why? Jennifer’s performance is so powerful. I think what happens to her, to this mother and child is so upsetting. I think being a mother it is pretty hard to react to this any other way. What do you hope audiences will take away from seeing this film? I think everybody is going to have a completely different reaction. There will be wildly different interpretations of this film. I saw Black Swan three different times and each time I saw something different. This is definitely going to be very controversial.
Š 2017 Paramount Pictures. All rights reserved.
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HEALTHask& FITNESS LOUNGE
YOUR GUIDE TO
PRENATAL TESTING
Dr. Mohamed Tarif
Ass. Professor of Clinical Pathology and Hematology Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. Co-founder and Director of Genetic Diagnostic Center Email: mohamed.tarif@gdc-egypt.com Tel.: 010 999 222 05
t
” aking good care of yourself during pregnancy is the most important way to have a healthy baby”. There is much a pregnant woman can do to take care of herself during pregnancy. Following a healthy, safe diet; getting regular exercise as advised by your doctor; and avoiding exposure to potentially harmful substances can help reduce the risk for problems during pregnancy and ensure the infant’s health and development. Avoiding tobacco smoke and alcohol use during pregnancy have been shown to decrease the risk for “Sudden Infant Death Syndrome” and birth defects. In addition, taking 400 micrograms of folic acid daily reduces the risk for neural tube defects by 70% (birth defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord). However, taking good care of yourself during pregnancy might not be enough and your doctor will ask you take some tests to make sure you’re in good health and that you don’t have any illnesses or other conditions that could affect your pregnancy. LOUNGE 32
Routine Prenatal Tests On your first prenatal visit to your doctor, you’ll be asked to do blood tests to determine your blood type and Rh factor; your iron level and hemoglobin level to see if you’re anemic; your blood glucose level to check for diabetes. Through your pregnancy, you will also be tested for HIV, hepatitis B, syphilis and other viruses like cytomegalovirus, as well as whether rubella (German measles), since coming down with these illnesses while pregnant, especially in the first three months, can cause pregnancy loss or birth defects in your baby. Prenatal Genetic Tests Screening tests: These set of prenatal tests will be performed between weeks 14-18 of the pregnancy, and will include an ultrasound screening, which can help determine your due date more accurately, and also look for abnormalities in the fetus. During this time, your doctor will ask you to take blood tests (known as a triple screen or a quad screen) that will measure blood levels of alpha-fetoprotein, Estriol, hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), and inhibin. A newer blood test name ‘First Trimester Screening”, conducted earlier at 10-14 weeks of the pregnancy and used in conjunction with an ultrasound screening. This test measures PAPP-A (pregnancy-associated plasma protein A) and free HCG in mother’s blood and now is considered part of the routine prenatal care especially for women who are at risk of having a baby with a chromosomal abnormality.
Try not to be too anxious with these many prenatal tests! Remember, that “the vast majority of unborn children are perfectly normal, provided the mother has taken care of herself and her child.”
These tests are screening tests that can tell you if your baby has a higher risk of having a certain disorder or disease, but they can’t tell you for certain that he’ll be born with it. Depending on the results of the screening tests, the age of the mother (ages 35 and above), or the family history of the motherto-be, the doctor may then suggest further confirmatory tests, such as non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT), chorionic villus sampling (CVS) or amniocentesis. Amniocentesis and CVS: The invasive tests For decades, amniocentesis or CVS were considered the gold standard confirmatory tests for detection of chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. CVS can be performed at weeks 10-12 of the pregnancy, either by passing a thin tube from the vagina into the cervix to remove a sample of tissue from the chorionic villi (which makes up the placenta), or by inserting a needle through the abdominal wall to obtain a tissue sample. Amniocentesis, which is performed between weeks 16-18 of the pregnancy, involves the insertion of a needle through the abdominal wall into the uterus, removing some of the amniotic fluid (fluid around the baby). However, as both involve inserting a needle to the pregnancy sac, they carry a small risk of infection or miscarriage and hence they gained the name of “invasive prenatal testings”.
The Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT): NIPT, is the most recent way to test a fetus for the presence of chromosomal abnormalities— particularly Down syndrome—without the risks associated with more invasive procedures like amniocenteses or CVS. What seemingly differentiates NIPT from other prenatal tests is providing conclusive results equivalent to that of invasive procedures like CVS or amniocentesis, with just the ease of obtaining a sample of maternal blood and avoiding complications of the invasive methods. This sample of the mother’s blood contains some of the fetus’ DNA sufficient in the presence of trained experts and the high-end machines in detecting possible chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects with approximately 99% accuracy. Why NIPT is Done The purpose of non-invasive prenatal testing is to screen all of the fetus chromosomes for abnormalities that might lead to abortion or birth defects. The most common chromosome anomalies are Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome), Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome), Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome) and Monosomy X (Turner’s syndrome). NIPT can be done for any pregnancy, but it is especially recommended for pregnancies in which there is a significant risk for chromosomal abnormalities. These are pregnancies in which:
• The mother is over the age of 35 by the due date • There is a family history of chromosomal abnormalities, such as the birth of a previously affected child. • Have had miscarriages or stillborn babies in the past. • There have been abnormal results from a pregnancy ultrasound. • Poor result of the screening methods (PAPP-A and free HCG). When NIPT is Done It is possible to get a useful result from an NIPT test anytime after the 10th week of gestation, and the test can be performed at any time throughout the remainder of the pregnancy (typically at 10–22 weeks). How NIPT Works Fetal cells can persist in maternal blood for years, but NIPT looks for circulating fetal DNA that is not attached to any cell. This cell-free fetal DNA remains after fetal cell breakdown but disappears within hours, meaning that any such DNA found in mom is from the baby she is currently carrying, not an older sibling. Thus, with the right technology (which took more than ten years to develop), specialized labs, trained doctors can now isolate and measure the amounts of fetal DNA present in the mother’s blood.
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HEALTH & FITNESS LOUNGE
news
FOREO ESPADA: Aim for a clear complexion
FOREO introduces ultra-powerful Light Pulse Technology with surgicalprecision targeting to eliminate Acne at the source. Swedish beauty brand FOREO proudly steps into a new category of professional at-home beauty treatments. So put away the creams, masks, serums and toothpaste and light the way to perfectly clear skin with ESPADA. Myths, treatments and experiments have been tried and tested by acne sufferers for decades. ESPADA is here to change that by delivering a weapon to fight off blemishes once and for all.
Longer maternity leave lowers risk of postpartum depression
The risk of developing postpartum depression may be higher in those who take shorter maternity leave, according to a new study. Postpartum depression affects about 13 percent of new moms, with the greatest risk occurring in the first three months after childbirth. Previous research has suggested that returning to work too soon may increase the risk of postpartum depression, but the research was preliminary and the studies were small.
HEALTH DESK Is dried fruit healthy?
Yes, dried fruits -- including dried apricots, dried cranberries, raisins, dried dates, dried figs and prunes -- pack a big nutrient punch for their shrunken size. The reason is that nutrients and fiber are more concentrated when water is removed from fruit. For comparison, a half-cup of dried apricot halves has 4.7 grams of fiber, but the same amount of fresh apricot slices has 1.6 grams of fiber.
Women have more stamina and muscle endurance than men
Caring for a sick pet can increase anxiety, depression
Caring for someone with a chronic or terminal illness is usually a very stressful task, whether you are a healthcare practitioner or a concerned relative, partner, or friend. This type of stress has a medical name, “caregiver burden,� and it can expose the carer to depression, social isolation, and a poorer overall quality of life. But although caregiver burden has previously been studied in humans looking after other humans, it has rarely - if ever - been addressed in the case of pet owners or veterinarians.
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Women have greater muscle endurance than men, a study appears to show. Researchers found women were less tired after natural muscle exercises than men of a similar age and athletic ability. For the study, nine women and eight men were asked to flex their foot against a series of sensors as quickly as they could 200 times. The speed, power and torque - rotational force - of their movements and electrical activity of their muscles was recorded.
BUSINESS LOUNGE
profile
Caroline Simolian Director of Sales at Hassan Allam properties
Being one of the top real
estate companies in Egypt, Hassan Allam properties managed in the past 25 years to guarantee itself a distinguished place in the market. Amira Tharwat talks to Caroline Simolian, Director of Sales at Hassan Allam properties, where the mother of two reveals all about the secret behind the success of Hassan Allam properties, their coming projects and her tips for women to master both the world of beauty and business.
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How did your study of Tourism help you in the real estate field? It’s all about passion of sales and Marketing. I love my country and chose to be touristic guide so I can market my country and explain to tourists its beauty by talking about our history, monuments, stories behind each piece of this gorgeous land. It made me know quite well how to sell anything once with passion, made me know how to control a group of at least 10 people, how to manage big team and how to always put a smile on my face and start the day. Being a mother of two and a career woman how do you balance both in such an exceptional way and how do you take care of your look? My biggest achievement in life was becoming a mother of 2 lovely boys (Alex 13 and Marc 11) I took 4 years off from my career to be a full mum till they reached nursery. But having a great mother who is my support and backbone helped me do the balance. My aim is always to be their friend and also to make them proud of me. My son asks me every day: mum how many houses you sold today? And I keep him always in the loop and I see pride in his eyes. It’s hard to balance between a very demanding job and hyper energetic kids. But I am a LEO and I seek success and I love challenge. My happiness in life is providing happiness to people. When a woman is happy, full of positive vibes she reflects that on all her surroundings. My day is simple: I wake up at 6.15, wake the kids up, have breakfast, they go to school and I head the gym, take my shower then go to work. Then when I am back home, I spend time with the kids (if they don’t have practices) then I make sure to have a life. My friends are important too and my social life is essential to make the balance between home, work and the” ME “time you have to give every part just the right amount. You have to receive your day and life with positive attitude and spread love. As a top performer director and a top performer team ... it’s known how your team loves you and is very dedicated to you... What is your secret? “Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence win championships.” I believe in teamwork, I believe in motivation and I believe in rewards. I chose my team not according to their sales skills but according to their energy, vibe, soul, enthusiasm, and their eagerness to compete and achieve. My secret is love and Passion. I do love my team, each one of them as a family member, I became their friend, I make sure to give them the best work atmosphere so that they all wake up wanting to run to work and do their best to make me proud. I encourage them, I support them and I am always at their back. Their success is my success as simple as that. I always give them the credit and the appreciation they deserve. How were you able to keep your
distinguished position in the real estate market for the past 25 years? We’ve only existed for a quarter of a century. We try and keep things simple. By delivering quality projects ahead of schedule and with the necessary facilities and amenities that our clients require. We sell lifestyles and levels of comfort, along with our homes. There are so many levels to these lifestyles that go beyond the tangible things you see on a master plan or brochure. And our existing projects are testimony to that. How do you manage to keep the levels of your projects as first-class residential and distinguished communities? So far, we have been looking to position ourselves as one of Egypt’s foremost boutique developers because we feel there is somewhat of a void in that part of our industry. With minimal marketing campaigns and hotline sales, targeting particular clientele most of which know one another or have mutual acquaintances, and doing so through a strong well-connected sales force has allowed us to achieve this for the most part. Also we sell mostly to end users as opposed to investors, so you will find that our projects have minimal resale and rental offerings despite the significant increase in real estate prices in the recent period, as well as high occupancy rates. How do you see the future of real estate in Egypt during the challenging economic conditions Egypt is witnessing? I’m extremely optimistic on all fronts. Egypt’s real estate market is extremely healthy and the future looks very bright. Despite the increasing number of developers over the past 5 years, we still have a huge supply deficit in all segments of society; from A class to C. Less than 20,000 A class units and less than 250,000 B and C class units are delivered each year. With one million marriages each year, there is a huge under supply. Adding to that, mortgages are practically non-existent. People have been talking about a real estate bubble for years, but this only happens in over supplied and over leveraged markets. We are neither. Tell us more about your latest Project Swan Lake North Coast. Swan Lake North Coast will be the luxurious new beach destination in Egypt to rival any world-class resort,with the serenity of its white sandy beaches and glittering vistas of crystal blue sea. With elegantly constructed villas and spacious chalets, SwanLake North Coast is known for its tropical landscapes, contemporary designs and serene crystal lagoon views. Only a few hours away drive from your home: an exclusive community where your family will unwind in the privacy of like-minded neighbours and friends. Swan Lake north coast it’s all about family. You are also introducing Alcom Interiors (Ai), as the latest Hassan Allam Properties subsidiary; tell us more about it... HAP, as a real estate developer felt that they would like to provide their clients with the
opportunity to finish their homes; as so, we provide our clients a one stop shop. Alcom interiors (Ai) was meant to cater our projects, but because of the excessive opportunities and demands on finishing contracting we have expanded and are welcoming any client to come and ask for our professional experience and support. Ai offers finishing services for residential, commercial projects, offices and turnkey solutions all around the country. Ai is lead by architect Ahmed Khalifa and his team of top qualified engineers to give you their experience and complete your dream. Because of the unforeseen changes in prices of raw materials and dramatic increase in cost of labour, it has become so difficult in accomplishing such a dream. Ai came up with a new model that will allow all home owners to complete their homes and actually move in no matter their financial capabilities. Alcom Interiors (Ai) have been building their team and preparing to attack the market as they have a mission to upgrade the finishing standards, make Ai a trade mark to look for when purchasing a new property (Ai standards), thus, increasing the value of your property. Another new addition to Hassan Allam Properties is KH Studio. We have joined forces earlier this year to offer clients with personalized architectural and interior design services. What inspires Hassan Allam Properties when executing a new project? To continuously raise the bar for real estate developments in Egypt. For instance, I find that many of the suburban projects labelled as “first class” are so simple due to their price and location. It’s one thing to sell beautiful homes in a centrally located project; It’s another thing to fill this project with amenities, facilities, aesthetic beauty, and services that satisfy the most particular of needs. If you expect your clientele to leave their downtown homes and move their lives to the suburbs, then you have to provide them with all the comforts and conveniences they currently enjoy, and much more. Would you share with us some of your coming projects? We already have an existing project Swan Lake El Gouna that is designed with a heartshaped master plan with exclusively first row units overlooking exceptional crystal lagoons. We have some projects in the pipeline (tagamoa and October) to be revealed soon. Who is your inspiration? And one last word you would like to say. My life inspiration is my father (may he Rest In Peace) he is the one who was so proud of me and always encouraged me to achieve my dreams. He shaped my character and I owe him who I am today on a personal level. On a professional level, I thank Mohamed Allam and Wissam Omara who had trust in my abilities, had a vision and introduced me to the real estate world.. They supported me and encouraged me so I owe them a lot.
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OUT & ABOUT LOUNGE
must list
Slaughter Trilogy by
A. I. Nasser
the difference between the
name on the cover of a horror book and the person who actually wrote the story can sometimes be two worlds apart. Nothing proved that more than my meeting with A. I. Nasser, author of the Slaughter Trilogy. This Halloween, Miriam George brought you all you need to know about the scary trilogy and the man behind it.
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The first time I was introduced to A. I. Nasser’s trilogy, the books were leant to me by a friend who had attended one of the author’s book signings a year or so ago. I was definitely a little hesitant, not because the covers made me think that I was going to step into someone’s twisted and malevolent mind, but because I had no idea what an Egyptian horror author writing in English would actually be like. I am a big horror fan, and despite recent movie disappointments, books are something I feel very passionate about. Needless to say, the books stayed on my nightstand for quite a while until one night I decided to pick them up and read them. Which was definitely a surprise! After a week of not being able to put the books down, I called my friend and asked for the author’s contacts. The books had left a haunting feeling inside me, and what I expected when I dialed his number was something akin to the voice of Satan answering the phone. Instead, I was surprised to find myself talking to someone who sounded like a mix between your college friend who usually keeps to himself and a man who is quick to hide his discomfort with jokes. We ended up meeting at a coffee shop close to where he lived. “It’s a little weird being on the other side of the microphone,” Ahmed Ibrahim Nasser says after quick introductions and hasty orders. Following a decade working in the magazine industry, conducting interviews just like this himself, one would expect Nasser to be a little more at ease. On the contrary, he seems quite shy and a little uncomfortable. After discussing his university years in med school, Nasser goes into details on how shifting careers was a little problematic, and the trials of working as a middle school
English teacher. Considering the title of the trilogy’s first book, ‘Children to the Slaughter’, one begins to wonder if maybe his students have had some influence over that. “They’re definitely wondering the same thing,” Nasser says. “But no, the book is all about my own childhood fear of the boogeyman. I love my students.” The smile that accompanies that remark is a little unsettling. The Books The Slaughter Trilogy follows the story of Alan Carter, a disturbed young man who had witnessed the abduction of his sister by what we can only assume is the Boogeyman. After ten years, he returns to his hometown of Melington and tries to shed light on the mysterious disappearances that have been taking place for centuries. Through three books, we come face to face with one of the most horrific monsters ever, and are brought back to the times when we hid under the covers and shook in fright at the shadows in the dark. Hands grabbing you from under the bed, raspy whispers in your ear, and burning red eyes in the dark are just some of the things that will keep you up with the lights on. The books aren’t just scary, but have brought about quite a following as well. Since they’re publication on Kindle in 2016, many of the reviews have been incredible, and the first book, ‘Children to The Slaughter’, even made it to Kindle’s Top 10. Since then, he’s published 6 more books, with a special trilogy on its way this Halloween. “My publisher’s definitely worked hard to get these books recognized,” Nasser says. “I can’t imagine the amount of work that goes into distribution and marketing.” International Distribution and Ghostwriting Nasser continues to shed light on how he’s
A.I. Nasser’s books can be found here: http://www.scarestreet.com/ainasser/ https://www.amazon.com/A.I.-Nasser/e/B01EI7QDII/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1 https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/ainasser
been able to reach beyond the borders and get his books international distribution. A lot of the credit, he says, goes to Scare Street, his publisher, who took a chance on an Egyptian author no one’s ever heard of. Unlike the traditional way of sending his manuscript out to publishers, Scare Street actually reached out to him during his time as a ghostwriter. “I know a lot of people in Egypt think ghostwriting is a little immoral, but at the end of the day, it’s a job, and you meet a lot of great people, including my publisher. Plus, it’s a hell of a good way to practice.” Not to mention that of the hundred or more books he’s written, there are only five or six he would have loved to have his name on. The others were works he would rather not be associated with. Still, immoral or not, the hard work did pay off. With his books sold on Kindle, Kobo, Smashwords and Apple, the days of ghostwriting have definitely paid off. “I just hope I keep doing this (writing), and scaring people while I’m at it.” After reading the Slaughter Trilogy, I for one hope that the scares keep coming. Synopsis of Book One, Children to the Slaughter “Melington has changed. There is an evil lurking in the darkness, under the beds and behind closet doors. It seeks vengeance and retribution and will not be denied. No one knows this more than Alan Carter. Returning to his hometown after a twenty year absence, he is resolute in uncovering the truth behind his sister’s abduction and the strange disappearance of children. Joined by his childhood friend, Alan finds himself thrown into the middle of a conspiracy led by the town Council as it desperately tries to hide its secrets from the world. No child is safe in Melington, and Alan Carter needs to stop the curse that has haunted his hometown for generations. But as Alan’s brushes with death become more frequent, he finds himself running out of luck.”
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OUT & ABOUT LOUNGE
feature
The World’s Best Design Cities
t
he world is an amazing place. As humans, we seek beauty in many forms, and for Medy Navani, Founder and Creative Director of Design Haus Medy, his travels across the world continue to inspire and propel his passion for design and architecture. Below, Medy takes us on a tour to his top five cities for design and architecture from across the globe.
BERLIN Of course being German it is on my top five list! A city which can write many historical books. Mostly know for its Berlin wall built after the second world war by the USSR. Standout structures include The Reichstag, which was on fire and rebuilt with great difficulty and the Potsdammer Platz, with its many new architectural buildings. Berlin has an unparalleled underground art and music scene, which is surprisingly different and laid back and somehow disconnected from the commerce of the city.
ROME One of my favourite places in the world, the whole city is like a huge open air museum with no restrictions on architectural style or epoch. You can find almost every architectural style in Rome, renaissance, gothic, baroque etc. The relic of the grandiose Colosseum and the almost dismantled Forum, The Pantheon which has the largest un-reinforced dome in the world, or the beautiful St. Peters Basilica in the heart of Vatican City.
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BARCELONA Another great city which is famously dominated by Antoni Guadis’ modern gothic and oriental techniques, using organic shapes to create urban spaces. I am blown away by the the Sagrada Familai, Park Güell, the stone, steel and mosaic work you find on the roads, and the incredible architecture you observe when wandering up the Passage de Gracia (La Pedreira).
PRAGUE This is one of the most blessed cities in Europe, left almost unaffected by any war or natural catastrophes and making it rich in historical architecture. I am in love with its in-tact gothic, renaissance and baroque structures. One is left inspired by The Clementinum, with his historical collection of buildings or the many cathedrals and bridges spread throughout the city.
FLORENCE Home to the best Italian cuisine in a city full of Renaissance beauty. A city which once ruled Europe by the Medichi Family. There is so much fantastic architecture and art to be found in Florence, and it is of course the birthplace of some of the world’s best fashion designers. The architecture is dominated by symmetrical and geometrical structures, columns and domes. They’re most visible at Florence’s Duomo and Basilica of Santa Maria Novella.
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editorial
ICONIC SHERATON CAIRO REOPENS AFTER EXTENSIVE RENOVATION Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, part of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ:MAR), announced the reopening of the iconic Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino, a city landmark for more than four decades. A highly anticipated reopening, the hotel emerges after extensive renovation to reveal a distinct and vibrant aesthetic with modern interiors, refreshed public spaces and innovative and revitalized dining concepts. Perched on the West Bank of the River Nile, it enjoys a prime location, in the heart of the city, just steps away from the Egyptian Museum, Cairo Opera House and the iconic 70 story Cairo Tower. With signature brand experiences and the warmth of the familiar hallmark Sheraton service that goes above and beyond to make every guest experience meaningful, the hotel is poised to quickly regain its glory of yesteryears. “Sheraton Cairo was our first Sheraton hotel in Africa and has been a local icon since it’s opening in 1971,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International.“The reopening of this hotel is a milestone in our journey as it not only showcases our transformation efforts around the Sheraton brand, but also reinstates our commitment to Egypt as a strategic growth market.” The hotel’s 326 fully renovated rooms and suites feature a harmonious blend of modern design with a warm palette offering unmatched comfort and the Sheraton Signature Sleep Experience. Sheraton Club rooms offer exclusive access to the Sheraton® Club Lounge, a private space located on the 26th floor providing spectacular views of the city, where guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast, drinks and snacks during the day. Leisure facilities include an extensive fitness center with cutting edge equipment available 24 hours a day for in-house guests, a luxurious pool and a fully equipped wellness center Six distinctive restaurants and bars create an enriching culinary voyage and offer authentic and unique experiences. El Mawardia Depuis 1985, a social institution on the west side of the Nile for over 30 years, a place to see and be seen is
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back in a new avatar showcasing local cuisine paired with international favorites complemented by a thoughtfully cultivated assortment of coffees, teas, beverages as well as unique shisha flavors. Giannini’s, the first New York Italian style restaurant in Egypt, explores the joy of communal dining as the acclaimed chef prepares special dishes that will surely electrify the most refined taste buds. Inspired by mystical voyages and the many magical lands and travels that have found their place in Egyptian heritage, Rawi features undiscovered pairings of local ingredients and regional Arabic cuisine that lend their unique flavor and distinct identity to the menu at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can look forward to starting the day with fresh coffee, pastries and savories served at the Bridge Café located in the hotel’s upper lobby, before moving to the Pool Bar to enjoy the fun atmosphere and eclectic mix-and-match menu, followed by an evening of music and classic cocktails at Studio70. With more than 1400 square meters of dedicated and unparalleled meeting space, Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino features a lavishly appointed ballroom, 13 meeting rooms and a fully equipped business center, all with state-of-the-art facilities and seamless connectivity through high-speed Wi-Fi.
The hotel provides both choice and flexibility together with thoughtful and personalized services making it an exclusive option for large-scale business meetings, social events, weddings or even smaller intimate gatherings. “For over 45 years, generations upon generations of visitors have marveled at the breathtaking sights surrounding the iconic Sheraton Cairo Hotel and experienced its warm and welcoming service, “said Hans Joerg Kreitner, General Manager, Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino. “We are committed to going above and beyond to relive that promise as we begin a new journey that stems from this rich and cherished legacy.” Marriott International currently operates 18 hotels in Egypt across 7 brands including JW Marriott, The Ritz Carlton, Le Méridien, Marriott Hotels, Renaissance, Sheraton and Westin. It also has two additional hotels under advanced development including Mena House and The St. Regis Cairo. For more information on Sheraton Cairo Hotel & Casino please visit www. sheratoncairo.com, or follow the property on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
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editorial
Your Wedding Day at
InterContinental Cairo Citystars
The wedding day … the day when dreams come true, when fairytale becomes a marvellous reality. A day that is full of sights, sounds and laughter to give you memories to last a lifetime. And at InterContinental Cairo Citystars it is also a day of guaranteed luxury. We have created the perfect world for weddings, from the minute the bride and groom arrive at InterContinental Cairo Citystars. Our hotel is unique in that Al Saraya is the only ballroom in Cairo to be directly connected to two Bridal Suites, offering privacy and seclusion as well as luxury. Private foyers are provided exclusively for the bride and groom, while the grandeur of sweeping staircases guarantees a spectacular entrance and the ultimate wedding experience on this unique day. Grand and extravagant, intimate and private or maybe somewhere in between; whichever style of wedding is required, InterContinental Cairo Citystars will create the perfect occasion. Our team of dedicated wedding experts will take care of the details so the bride and groom can enjoy the romance. Our venues include Al Saraya, the largest banqueting suite in Cairo for 2,200 guests, and the enchanting Al Hambra, inspired by Spain’s Al Hambra Palace and ideal for a more personal occasion. As the bride regally steps down the sweeping curve of the staircase; the bridesmaids hold the tail of her dress as she enters the day that has been created specifically for her. Truly, at InterContinental Cairo Citystars we have thought of everything. An illuminated dance floor, chandeliers, spotlights and
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coloured effects are among the options along with individual reception rooms. Choices of decoration for chair covers, table linen and settings, floral arrangements and silverware provide infinite variety to paint a glorious picture of this day to remember for a lifetime. And at InterContinental Cairo Citystars our expert team of specialists help the bride to create her own menu for the day either à la carte or buffet from our comprehensive range of culinary delights. The day will be filled with memorable images, laughter, music and sounds that will be with the bride and groom throughout their days together. One of the happiest moments will be ‘cutting the cake’ – a cake designed, baked and decorated by our dedicated wedding cake chef. Our team of professionals will orchestrate the day and ensure the stunning arrangement of the ballroom captures every desire … from table decorations and flowers, to the individually chosen menus, crockery and cutlery. At InterContinental Cairo Citystars we make dreams come true.
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seen
Chillout Media Event at Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers
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Automech Formula 2017 Motor Show
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Waleed Ko uta & Moh amed El M asry
Bride & Groom
Yara Adel & Mohamed Hany’s wedding
Bride’s sister & father
Khaled, Rodayna & Salma
Sayed El Yamany Ahmed Saad & El
Mohamed Fouad & Mohamed Abbas
annad & bride & groom er Hosny, Tam LOUNGE 48Moh
The bride & her frie nds
Loai, Mohannad & groom’s family
OPENING OF ORA RESTOBAR
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Hamaki, bri de’s sister & family
Bride & groom
Mostafa Foud & Honada Sayed’s Wedding
Wedding guests
Bride’s family
n & his fiancée Mohamed Hassa
Groom’s family
Bride’s friends
Bride’s sisters
Groom’s parents
Mohamed
Bride & Groom
Yakout & Fa mily
Nashwa Hassan & Mohamed Essam’s Wedding
hter Eman Tarek Ismail & his daug
Wedding guests
sister Bride’s brother &
Farah Seif & friends
Mr. & Mrs. Ibrahim Rezk & Mai Fitar
Amr Moselhy, Tare Mohamed & Yous k Ismail, his son sef El Hamamy
Mr. & Mrs. Tarek Ismail
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brand news
PRESTIGIOUS PORTFOLIO OF STEIGENBERGER HOTELS AND RESORTS IN EGYPT
Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts’ portfolio comprises 60 fascinating locations around the world. The brand represents luxury and ultimate hospitality. From historic buildings with a long-standing tradition to lively city residences right through to spa oases with amazing natural surroundings – there is an extensive range of hotels with distinctive Steigenberger flair. While “Steigenberger Hotels & Resorts Egypt” encompasses seven properties that are, “Steigenberger Makadi Hotel”, in Madinat Makadi – Hurghada & the company’s latest and first venture in Marsa Alam – “Steigenberger Coraya Beach”, in Madint Coraya, both dedicated for adults Only.
CHIEF CONCIERGE AT LE MERIDIEN PYRAMIDS JOINS “ LES CHEFS D’OR “
Reda El Waheed , The Chief Concierge at Le Meridien Pyramids Hotel & Resort became a member of “les Clefs D’Or” organization in Egypt. LES CHEFS D’OR “ is an International Association of Hotel Concierges that has been formed under the name UNION INTERNATIONALE DES CONCIERGES D’HOTELS « Les Clefs D’Or » that include professional hotel Concierge with common interests, goals and a combination of inside information, intelligence and communication. The association is based on friendship between members to assist international travellers and tourists.The purposes of UICH is to foster the development of the hotel industry and tourism in general through networking with other travel professionals in support of international travel, establish and promote high professional and ethical standards, organize meetings and congresses on the international level serving to sustain and propagate the “Clefs D’Or” ideals, publish and distribute newsletters/ magazines relevant to the professional life of the concierge and to the promotion of the highest standards of service for hotel guests.
EMIRATES NBD EGYPT OPENS TWO NEW BRANCHES IN REHAB CITY AND MOHANDESIN As part of Emirates NBD Egypt’s effort to expand in the Egyptian Banking market and its commitment to providing the best retail banking services to customers wherever they are, the bank has recently opened two new branches in Rehab City in New Cairo and Sudan Street in Mohandesin. The two new branches offer all services at the highest level, including an electronic queuing system and a comfortable waiting area for customers equipped with displays and sound system. They also feature a fully equipped Priority Lounge with meeting room for Priority clients, in addition to the latest interactive banking technology recently introduced by Emirates NBD, which includes Interactive Voice Response (IVR).
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BIRDCAGE AWARDED 2017 WORLD LUXURY RESTAURANT AWARD RECOGNIZED AS THE TOP THAI RESTAURANT IN AFRICA
Semiramis InterContinental Cairo announced that it has received the World Luxury Restaurant Award for its iconic Thai restaurant, BirdCage. The award inspires excellence and ignites healthy competition in the Luxury Restaurant Industry and enables restaurants to compete in their chosen category, from a list of 81 categories. The World Luxury Restaurant Awards aim to highlight special features of restaurants, thereby increasing competition globally and ultimately raising the level of food quality and the standards of service in the luxury restaurant industry. The winner is selected based on the number of votes received, which is based on the food experience as a whole, combined with aspects of service excellence, presentation, quality and menu choices. Votes are mainly from guests, but also from industry professionals that approve and support the establishment.
FILKHEDMA RAISES A NEW ROUND OF CAPITAL FROM ALGEBRA VENTURES AND GLINT TO STRENGTHEN ITS LEADING POSITION IN THE HOME SERVICES MARKET
FilKhedma.com, Egypt’s leading home services marketplace, has just closed its second investment round led by Algebra Ventures and Glint Consulting. Founded in 2014, FilKhedma is a marketplace for high qualityhome maintenance and home improvement services including plumbing, carpentry, electricity, air conditioning, painting, home appliances and satellite dish. The superior quality, reliability and clear pricing associated with the offered services has allowed it to grow in service range and geographical coverage to serve thousands of customers with 9 on-demand services and at a repeat order rate greater than 75%. This investment comes after KiAngel invested in FilKhedma in 2016. “We are happy to welcome Algebra Ventures and Glint as partners in our vision to solve Egypt’s daily pain with home services. Our growing team is now working hard to revamp our technology and offer a seamless customer experience in what has always been a messy process in Egypt,” said Omar Ramadan, FilKhedma’s founder. The investment will help attract more talent to its operations, development and marketing teams and significantly grow its user base.
A MEXICAN BONNE CUISINE TASTING AT FAIRMONT HELIOPOLIS & TOWERS
Fairmont Heliopolis & Towers is famous for being the first choice for public figures. On the occasion of the 207th anniversary of Mexico’s Independence, the hotel recently hosted H.E Ambassador Jose Octavio Tripp and his spouse to a “ Mexican Bonne cuisine tasting” along with a selective number of media key figures who were generously invited to sample the creative Mexican Authentic dishes. “Mexican Bonne cuisine tasting” offers regional specialties and contemporary fusions that trace the lineages of a cuisine that boasts continental flavor and international flare. The Ambassador and his wife as well as the rest of the invitees expressed their admiration for the hotel, its fusion architecture as well as the standards and quality of service. The invitees were pampered by chef Diego Ayala, Maria’s authentic Mexican chef who delighted their palate with his sophisticated delicacies and brought his flavorful cuisine to the eager diners of Cairo.
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brand news MERCEDESBENZ PARTICIPATES STRONGLY AT THE 2017AUTOMECHFORMULA MOTOR SHOW
Mercedes-Benz reaffirms its commitment to the Egyptian market by participating at the 24th Automech-Formula motor show taking place at the Cairo International Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 20-23, 2017. The company introduced its outstanding line up and latest innovations with10luxurious models that were carefully selected to meet the needs of the Egyptian market. For the first time in Egypt, the brand with the silverstar unveiled a special dream car: the new E-Class Coupé, in addition to the new SUVs, the segment leading GLC Sports Utility Vehicle andGLC Coupé. The displayed models include the tenth-generation of the E-Class with two models namely the E180 Exclusiveand E300AMG, the new generation GLA that witnessed great success in the Egyptian market, as well as the striking new CLA and CLA Shooting Brakemodels available for the first time in the Egyptian market. Mercedes-Benz also displayed the exceptional C-Class Cabriolet, C-Class Coupé, and C-Class Estate.
TATWEER MISR PARTNERS WITH UNICEF AND ABDEL WAHAB FOUNDATION TO BRING COLOR & HOPE TO EGYPT’S EL-BOROLLOS AS PART OF A TWOWEEK SYMPOSIUM
Egyptian Real Estate developer, TatweerMisr, is continuing its goodwill effort with a focus on art and development in 2017. In its latest CSR project, Tatweer Misr hassigned a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund in Egypt (UNICEF)and Abdel Wahab Foundation. With this agreement, the foundation will provide alternative solutions for children and youth at risk of unsafe migration promoting community cohesion and helping young people and adolescents to become self-employed using artistic and vocational training. The foundation will leverage the International Symposium for Drawing on Walls and Boats held annually in the coastal village of Borollos (overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and Lake Borollos) with renowned Egyptian and international artists from around the globe to provide art and vocational training to youth and adolescents in Borollos and Baltim. The symposium will take place from 1 to 15 of October, 2017.
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTELS GROUP CAIRO CITYSTARS ORGANIZES A BLOOD DONATION CAMPAIGN FOR 57357 HOSPITAL
In continuing efforts to support the community, InterContinental Cairo Citystars, Holiday Inn Cairo Citystars and Staybridge Suites Cairo Citystars organized a blood donation campaign as part of IHG Foundation week activities. The event was held at the staff lounge in collaboration with the Association of Friends of the National Cancer-free Initiative. The hotel set up a clinic at InterContinental Cairo Citystars in the Staff Lounge where the blood donation process took place and employees from all departments in the three hotels were eager to donate. The donated blood was given to cancer patients treated in the Children Cancer hospital 57357.
MOTOROLA MOTO E4 & MOTO E4 PLUS LAUNCH IN EGYPT
Lenovo, through its subsidiary, Motorola Mobility,has launched the Moto E4 and E4 plus in Egypt. Moto E4 will be available at an affordable price of EGP 2599 in Gold, Grey and Blue, and the Moto E4 Plus will start at EGP 3699, and is available in Gold and Grey. There’s no shortage of valuetier smartphones in today’s market. Many options include the common, expected features, and quality among these devices can differ. This often means you are left with few options that meet your standards and needs. Enter the new Moto E4 and Moto E4 Plus. With a sharp look and major upgrades, they deliver the things you want – all day battery, outstanding display and advanced camera capabilities – at the price you want it for.
VIVO RISTORANTE; THE NILE-RITZ CARLTON, CAIRO LAUNCHES “ONEHOUR EXPRESS” BUSINESS LUNCH
Renowned for its Italian culinary creations, Vivo Ristorante – located at The Nile RitzCarlton, Cairo – announces the launch of a one-hour express business lunch on October 1st, 2017.Served daily from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm, the express menu options will change weekly to cater to all taste buds. Offering a tantalizing new menu,guests can choose between a selection of soups or salads to accompany a main course – such as Panzanella Salad with cannel of ricotta cheese or the famous Pumpkin Soup with crouton and balsamic vinegar; and a delightful main course such as Chicken Confit with Peperonata or Veal Tenderloin topped with Pizzaioli Sauce and Gonzo Romana.The à la carte menu also features risottos such as the Risotto Lemon Butter with Shrimp; pastas such as Rigatoni Pesto; and tempting desserts such as the classic Tiramisu.
INTERCONTINENTAL, HOLIDAY INN AND STAYBRIDGE SUITES CAIRO CITYSTARS CELEBRATE IHG FOUNDATION WEEK
InterContinental, Holiday Inn and Syabridge Suites Cairo Citystars hotels joined IHG® colleagues from all over the world in participating in the IHG Foundation Week, an event that aims to raise awareness and funds for IHG® Foundation. This year, IHG has encouraged colleagues to participate in as many activities as possible during the week-long event so InterContinental Hotels Group Cairo Citystars organized various activities to match each employee’s preference; along with some new initiatives to help the environment, such as No Bottled Water Day, and No Elevator Day, when employees were asked to refrain from using plastic disposable bottles for one day to minimize plastic waste and use stairs as a way to minimize power usage and have sufficient physical activity.
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zodiac
Capricorn Dec.23 - Jan.20 This month your professional and family lives are strongly impacted by the two eclipses. Your life will undergo changes that will be longstanding. The solar Eclipse of the 3rd takes place in your House of Career. This along with the benevolent effect of Jupiter will transform the Capricorn personality’s profession for the better. Your career growth will be excellent and you may change over to a more lucrative job or start a new business. Love will be fun and entertaining in October for the Capricorn personality. Commitment is missing in romantic relationships this month. Singles will find love in spiritual environment in meetings and ceremonies. People in relationships are unable to decide on the future of their relationships. In spite of all the love and romance associated with the partnership you are still not sure if you want to get pregnant this month. Health will be wonderful throughout the month due to the favorable aspects of Saturn.
Aquarius Jan.21 - Feb.19 Professional issues for the Aquarians will dominate over domestic and emotional matters. You should not neglect family matters and must pay enough attention whenever required. Family will be happier with your career growth and will be supportive of your professional ambitions. Aquarius, your life will shed old things and a new way of life will emerge because of the impact of the two eclipses in October 2017. People pursuing academic careers will make significant alterations to their institutions and their educational requirements. Sometimes they may not work out and result in negative results. The spiritual beliefs of the Aquarius personality will also undergo modifications. Your career development will be enormous and there will be promotions and monetary rewards. If you are seeking a change of job, you will get many openings with better salaries and status. Friends and social organization will help in furthering their career. All current relationships and friendships will be put on trial this month.
Pisces
Julia Roberts October 28, 1967
Feb.20 - Mar.21 Astrologically this month is quite turbulent and things look bizarre. You are affected by the significant transformations happening in the world around you because of the planetary influences. Both Sun and the Pisces career planet Jupiter will bring in major changes in your business profession this month. Only time will tell if the changes are for the better or worse. Social activities and organizations will attract the attention of the Pisceans this month. Sun and Mercury will also influence your activities and you will use your innovation in doing normal things or will look for working on strange things. There will be conflicts with the Pisces compatibility in social groups. You have to be diplomatic to maintain good relationships with your friends. Planet Mercury will be moving swiftly this October. This will bring in rapid changes in the Pisces outlook towards love. Planet Venus will provide you with more personal charm and magnetism.
Aries Mar.22 - Apr.20
Happy Birthday
Scorpio LOUNGE 54
The Aries personality will be highly aggressive in October 2017. You should control your irritability. You should avoid fights with others as arguments can lead to disastrous consequences. In October the Aries man or Aries woman will be interested in enhancing their spiritual faculties and mystic ideas dealing with knowledge of life and death. Before the end of this month you would have achieved your social objectives. Professionally this is a good month for you. You will be able to complete pending career projects. Growth for the rams will be impressive on the career and business front. The presence of Jupiter in the 7th House indicates the possibility of marriage. You will have many opportunities to get into romantic partnerships. You will be able to attract the opposite sex with your personal magnetism and charm. Married Arian couples will lead a blissful life with filled with joy and happiness. Pregnancy and related issues too need your attention this month. Your health will be fragile for most of the month. It can be enhanced by paying attention to health problems promptly.
Taurus
Gemini
Apr.21 - May 21
May.22 - Jun.21
Family and emotional concerns will be in the background while career and worldly ambitions will be predominant for the Taurus zodiac in October 2017. Neptune becomes favorable for the Taurean’s professional growth this month. Career projects will start moving and you can focus on achieving your goals as per your strategies. Your career prospects are also influenced positively by the Solar Eclipse of the 3rd of October 2017. There will be significant changes in the professional environment of the Taurus sun sign due to the favorable aspects of Jupiter. Businessmen might face labor problems. Work environment will be pleasant and you may look for a change of job to improve your prospects. Solar Eclipse will bring up the conflicts in the family relationships. This will give you an opportunity to resolve them to establish a harmonious environment.
Gemini’s progress in life will be super-fast with many planets influencing your life in various directions in October 2017. Gemini, you will try to do things beyond your capacity or will be hit by extraordinary situations from the 1st to the 15th of October 2017. It requires plenty of fortitude to be stable during this period. Businessmen will add more people to their work force. Geminis looking for jobs will have an excellent time and will be able to get into worthwhile jobs. Businesses run by the Twins will prosper in this month. Love will be more passionate than romantic this month. You and your partner are more interested in changing each other for the better. The single Gemini will find love opportunities during the last week of the month. You are looking to help your partner and expect him/her to take care of your problems. Love partnerships lack commitment and marriages should be avoided.
Cancer
Leo
Jun.22 - Jul.23
Jul.24 - Aug.23
You will face significant changes in your lives this month. You are influenced by the planets Jupiter and Mars, while the Solar and the Lunar Eclipses also impact your lives for the better. The Lunar Eclipse of October 2017 changes the basic Cancer personality and you emerge as a new identity. The way you present yourself to the outside world will change radically in October 2017. There will be many conflicting areas of interest in October for the Cancer star sign. You will require all the energy at your disposal to overcome these challenges. Your career will undergo major changes this month. You will be examining the prospects of the present job and the professional environment. You are ready to make a move to another job if required. You will also be looking for a job which can make use of your innovative skills and at the same time be enjoyable. Jobs and business that are deeply connected with children will be of interest to the crabs. Solar Eclipse of October 2017 shakes up the foundation of the Cancerian’s family structure and a new one is emerging.
You will come across all types of challenges in life. Your success in October depends on how you manage various interests and people with your experience and wisdom. Events will be affected by the two eclipses this month. The Solar Eclipse of the 3rd of October 2017 will influence your basic outlook and your idea of self. You may indulge in detoxification of the body to get rid of impurities. Leo personalities pursuing academic career may have to switch over to a different subject or a different institution. Others may be drawn towards higher studies or intellectual faculties. Leo’s professional objectives should be accomplished with complete emotional stability. You should try to have pleasant relations with your colleagues and the management. Sun will influence the Leo business life till the 20th of October. There will be hectic activity in your career environment. The organization will undergo significant transformations and you may be forced to look for another job.
Virgo
Libra
Aug.24 - Sep.23
Sep.24 - Oct.23
Professionally the Virgo personality will have a good period. You will accomplish your targets in your job or business through hard work. Lunar Eclipse will put your social circle under trial. All underlying problems in relationships will surface and have to be rectified. In the process there may be some break-ups in the Virgo compatibility in friendships while others will become stronger. Pregnancy too will be discussed this month. Prospects of love are much better in October for the Virgo person. Single will be able to form romantic alliances during the end of the month. Single Virgins are socially active and will attract the opposite sex by their charm. Love is highly unpredictable for the Virgo sun sign in October. You should look for more fun than commitment in your relations.
The Solar Eclipse of the 3rd of October 2017 will give the Libra zodiac an opportunity to change their traits and beliefs which will be beneficial in the long run. You will make changes in your personal outlook and the way you present yourself to the world. Professional prospects are unsteady and unpredictable this month. You will achieve success in your profession or business after numerous trials but at a future date. The Solar Eclipse may bring up the defects in a friendship and also may force changes in your social association. Venus will make the Libra man or Libra woman more amorous and considerate in matters of love. You are seeking absolute love in October 2017. For you love is the ultimate thing in life. Love will be more emotional and perceptive but your behavior will be peculiar.
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Oct.24 - Nov.22
Nov.23 - Dec.22
The Sun happens to be your Career Planet and hence the Solar Eclipse will create turbulence in your professional life. Saturn and Jupiter also will influence your career environment. Scorpio, Jupiter will help you to change for a better job with more benefits in October 2017. If you are stuck in the wrong profession or business, the planets will help you to move to a better and interesting career. Career and job prospects will also change for the better by the Lunar Eclipse of the 17th of October. Venus, Pluto and Mars will affect your love life this month. Your personal allure will be wonderful and you are able to attract the opposite sex with your stunning appearance and magnetism. You will have plenty of romantic openings and present Scorpio compatibility in relationships will see more commitment in October. This is also a good month for planning for a baby. Scorpio should be cautious about their health towards the end of this month.
Your spirituality gets a fresh look and you will discover new facets of spirituality from your own understanding of life. If you are ready to take on challenges at work, then this month will be favorable. Be it a new job or business, the Sagittarius personality will be filled with energy to put their best foot forward. The Lunar Eclipse of the 17th of October 2017 will happen in the Sagittarius’ House of Children. This may affect one of your romantic alliances and you have to take steps to keep the relationship moving. Your attitude towards children and pregnancy will undergo major alterations. The Lunar Eclipse of October 2017 may create a conflict in a running Sagittarius relationship. First week of the month will result in many romantic partnerships.
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SIGNS YO U A RE OBSESSE D WITH
Halloween w
e all can’t wait to celebrate any occasion and we take it as a chance to have something to look forward to. However, some people became obsessed and when you are a maniac about an occasion like Halloween then you might need help and you need to keep your mind occupied with something more fruitful. This month Lounge brought you signs that your passion for the scary occasion turned into an obsession.
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You start thinking about your costume for next year as soon as you return from this year’s Halloween party. When taking the Halloween decorations off, you do it carefully as to be able to reuse it next year. You love scary movies and it is the one thing that gets you excited. You are relieved that it is the one time of year when you suggest watching a scary movie for the billion time to your friends; they actually take you up on it! You enjoy scaring your colleagues, your family members and friends. A huge space in your wardrobe is occupied with wigs and stupid funny masks from previous years Halloween costumes.
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You go to work on the 31st of October in a Halloween costume and you don’t care if your boss welcomes the idea or not. You take the 1st of November off as you got tired from last night’s big party. You put a Pumpkin on the back of your car. You feel offended when someone says they don’t like dressing up for Halloween.
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You get angry when Christmas decorations replace Halloween decorations halfway through October.