bazaar June 2018 issue by bazaar magazine

June 2018 | Issue # 227 www.bazaar.town

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About the cover:

June 2018 | Issue # 227 www.bazaar.town

So, here we are, right smack in the middle of Ramadan, and right in the middle of a constant food high. You’re either thinking about food, or eating food, or planning your next futoor, or suhoor, or stuck in traffic on your way to a crowded supermarket to buy food. And if you’re not preoccupied with food, then you’ve got the shows. Yeah, the two dozen Arabic musalsalaat (series) that you’re trying to juggle in-between eating and sleeping of course. Funny, how none of us even think about watching Arabic shows for the rest of the year, and funny how nobody produces great quality, highly entertaining Arabic shows except for Ramadan consumption. And then finally you’ve got the ads. Those glorious TV ads that only come out in Ramadan when every single bank, restaurant, telco, charity, and real estate company tries to outdo itself and release an ad that makes you laugh, cry, donate, buy, and share all at once. All in all, a very hectic month that endlessly plays with one’s emotions especially when all you’re thinking about is that ‘party for two weeks on the beach’ trip you’ve got lined up that starts during the Eid break. Pretty ironic, huh! With the World Cup right around the corner, we’ve got a terrific issue lined up for you! We begin with the uber-talented sports writer Motez Bishara in up close and personal, and our Mohamed Salah cover feature with aspiring graphic artist @Lloydart will get you super excited about the upcoming matches. If that’s not enough, then you will love our dedicated feature about The Pharaoh of Anfield himself written by local writer Hoda Abbas Marafie. Enjoy this profile about Salah’s humble beginnings, and how he’s captured the hearts of millions across the world. You’ll also love us just a little bit more this month, simply because we went ahead and drew up a complete World Cup schedule for the upcoming matches as a personal keepsake. Rip it out, fill in the scores and enjoy the games!

The bazaar team... Boss Ahmed El-Adly

Operations Tim Burns

Business Development Ihab Mokalled

Content Coordinator Yasmine El Charif

Mixed Media Solutions Jennifer Cádiz

Design Ahmed Al-Ashab

Staff Writer/Online Media Amira Haroun Yasmine Dalloul Yasmin Gamal

Online Producer/Project Manager Umika Pidaparthy

Communications Hala Y. Sharara

Editor

From the World Cup to exploring our locale, we discover more stories to share with you in this issue. We introduce Byte Tech, a startup focused on collaboration and community when it comes to technology, and we better understand the incredible effort that designing women Noor Al Sabah and Nur Kaoukji present with local lifestyle brand ecru. We are once again wowed by the works of Amira Behbehani, and speak with the artist to learn all about her latest exhibition: The Eternal Ta’a.

Alia Al Duaij

There’s always something quite exciting about picking out a new outfit for Eid. While some might consider this an outdated cultural norm, we still like to practice this ritual. Get Eid ready with our fashion shoot Modern Relics, easily one of our favorite Bazaar Studios productions to date with Harvey Nichols Kuwait! If you’re looking for an exciting dining destination for that perfect Eid feast—then check out our review of Kuwait’s newest Peruvian establishment, Usquyu.

Cover By

Happy reading, and Happy Eid! Ahmed El-Adly

Whether he does play in the upcoming World Cup or not, we all look up to Mo Salah. The young footballer’s grit and lovable personality has gained so much support across the world, that we are constantly reminded of why we love this sport so much. Our June cover art another young talent, 17-year-old Lloyd of @Lloydart. With his dedicated World Cup Player series, we fell in love with the aspiring designer’s vision, and how he is choosing to celebrate the most anticipated upcoming sports spectacle of the year!

Contributing Writers Ayman Nassar Barry Rodrigues George Tarabay Hoda Abbas Marafie Dr. Susannah-Joy Schuilenberg Lloyd Wood

Syndicates & Sources Baraka Bits Fast Company Kingdome.co LA Times MCT International Newsweek

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w w w. b p aw w. c o m The views expressed in bazaar magazine are those of the respective contributors and not necessarily shared by the magazine or its staff (but sometimes they are).

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No one likes to be dumped;

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‫شجع فريقك وعيش الكاس‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫كــأس العالــم ‪2018‬‬

‫‪intersport‬‬

INDEX JUNE 2018 54

122

MOTEZ BISHARA

USQUYU

Ever wonder why the ecru brand is a gorgeous one? Because it’s sourced from the most beautiful of friendships! Meet Nur Kaoukji and Noor Al Sabah in a very special edition of Truth or Dare, where they talk about their friendship, professional partnership, and the brand that encapsulates all the precious memories they share.

What better than a sports writer to pump us up for the World Cup? That’s exactly why we chose Motez Bishara as this month’s Up Close and Personal! The published author and journalist’s voice has graced sports platforms like ESPN, CNN, The Blizzard and Al Jazeera – and we aren’t surprised by his talent – he certainly has a panache for storytelling!

Akin to its namesake, the ancient Quechuan word for “Wild Cat”, we’re absolutely wild for Kuwait’s first Peruvian concept! Trust us: one taste of their ceviche and you’ll swoon. From inventive mocktails, highland classics to corn cake galore, read about our delicious experience in this issue.

AMMAR AL MAZEEDI

AMIRA BEHBEHANI

116 BYTE TECH

EID WITH HARVEY!

We all need a bit of a push to get ourselves going in the right direction, and we couldn’t think of anyone better than Ammar Al Mazeedi to motivate us! In this issue, we meet with certified co-active life coach Ammar who gives us some tips on what helps him, and others, stay so motivated.

We’re huge fans of local artist Amira Behbehani’s work, and so when her latest body of work, The Eternal Ta’a, showcased at Dar Al Funoon, we had to pay her a visit! Read all about Amira’s brilliant mind and how she translates her compassion into art.

Ahmad Alrashed, Jarrah Alhassan and Khalifa Alkhalifa introduce us to their premier brainchild, Byte Tech – a startup that builds devices, little machines and develops the code to make them function. Sound confusing? It isn’t to these three young geniuses! Get techy with us and learn more about Byte Tech.

Adorn yourselves this Eid with Harvey Nichols Kuwait’s breathtaking looks inspired by modernized versions of the rich culture and history of the region. Indulge in one of our favorite Bazaar Studios fashion shoots to date, and don’t forget to shop the collection for your summer holiday season!

MOHAMED SALAH Mo Salah, Mo Salah, Mo Salah, running down the wing – Salah, la, la, la, la, la, la – the Egyptian King! Our guest writer Hoda Abbas Marafie is as excited for the World Cup as we are, and this year, we’ve all got our eyes on the Pharaoh of Anfield! Read her thrilling piece on his humble beginnings and achievements in this issue.

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what's on June 2018

TIES RAMADAN PUBLIC IFTAR Location: Ties Center, Shuhada Date: June 18th (and every Monday during Ramadan. The TIES Center will be hosting iftars on Mondays in Ramadan, and the opportunity to learn more about the Holy Month through the communal experience of breaking fast. Non-fasters are welcome. Find out more via Instagram @tiescenterq8.

THE DIVANS SALON: THE 48 LAWS OF POWER Location: Sirdab Lab, Kuwait City Date: June 5th Robert Greeneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bestseller is a manual for anyone looking to observe, gain or defend against power. Check out the book, and then join The Divan in discussing it on June 5. For more information on this event, and future events, visit www.the-divan.com.

TWILLING TWEEDS AND SADU HERITAGE EXHIBITION Location: Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Center Date: 12th May-30th June The Twilling Tweeds and Sadu Heritage: Textiles in Dialogue project is a celebration of traditional craft and culture. The project brings two diverse groups working with textiles to provide a global context for a local craft. Twilling Tweeds, a collaboration between Scotland and Pakistan, will be displaying their work alongside Sadu House, a local museum and nonprofit. For more information on events at Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Center, visit www.ascckw.com.

MAKER SPACE Location: Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Center Date: Daily Maker Space is a walk-in workshop that introduces visitors to the concept of digital fabrication; such as, 3D Printing, Laser Cutting, and Robot Programming. The workshops are based on simple educational kits that include a manual with items ready to build. Your kids can enjoy building the product, taking photos of it in the special studio, and even take it home! The duration of the workshop is between one to two hours. All parents are welcome to join their children at Maker Space! For more information on events at Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Center, visit www.ascckw.com.

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what's trending June 2018

What: @dear.nin Info: Your wearable travel diary. Editor’s Note: Pre-order on www.dearnin.com

What: @thedivan Info: Book club, movie nights and music jams. Editor’s Note: Keep updated with events!

What: @mandalaymr Info: Yogi Tara South’s page for class and retreat opportunities. Editor’s Note: She teaches at Skinnyfork!

What: @bybea.kw Info: Raw and eco-friendly accessories. Editor’s Note: We spent a day obsessing at the office!

www.bazaar.town

What: @eradaincubator Info: An incubator licensed and accredited by the National Fund. Editor’s Note: Starting a business? This might help.

What: @beechnutkw Info: Real food for real babies. Editor’s Note: Nutritious and nommy for your little one!

What: @artspaceq8 Info: Home of Marketspace at every last Saturday of the month. Editor’s Note: Don’t forget – they’ve moved!

What: @eduq8 Info: Connecting the community with educational opportunities. Editor’s Note: Kickstart the summer by learning something new. What: @rskinco

As much as we work our hardest to give you one rocking print issue after the other, we’re socially active (or try our bestInfo: to be, we are bazaar humans after all) and we love it! A multi-brand skincare website based in Kuwait. Find us online: It makes our day when we see your tweets/mentions/likes/comments/shares about your Editor’s favorite more.range for summer. Note:features The perfect and skin hydrating

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bazaar tries

MODERN DAY MICHAELANGELOS Doing the graffiti thing with Monstariam By bazaar staff

We walk through the admittedly downtrodden pathways of a void parking lot in a nondescript urban background situated within the side roads of downtown Kuwait City. It’s a twist and turn of somber dreariness, illuminated by surprising pops of color, courtesy of the graffiti spray painted on by “Mo” Monstariam and his supporting crews. Amidst my fascination, my trance is interrupted by Mo calling out in his baritone “watch your step – that’s human feces right there on the ground.” Welcome to Kuwait’s Graffiti scene: an underground haven where some of the greatest local artists have graced the walls with their cans of spray paint. These modern-day Michaelangelos tend to spend their weekends and hours outside of work creating masterpieces together. Our guide and guru du jour, Monstariam, is renowned as one of the most respected artists in the scene. Known for both his own work and collaborations, he also fancies himself an honorary member of the KUZ crew, and SKC family. And so, we’re quite honored that he had agreed to give us a tutorial, allowing us a glimpse into the day of a life of a graffiti artist for a very special edition of bazaar Tries. But first, like any good host, he gives us a tour of his home, showing us recent and older works done by himself and his fellow artists along the way. “People love that we’ve basically turned this place into an art gallery,” he tells us as I cautiously look around, trying to avoid stepping on shards of broken glass, defecation, or errant illicit paraphernalia. Dust caked cars with makeshift graffiti strewn around the abandoned parking lot [“I love when people use their surroundings to make art”, he tells me to ease the look of horror in my face.] Obscure sayings like “Y so serious” litter the walls which promptly causes him to roll his eyes at hoodlums who are trying to jeopardize the graffiti crews’ peaceful practices. “We really don’t like to cause any trouble. We’re respectful when we’re here, we only come during the daytime, and we just want to make art. Nothing else.” As we continue our walk down the somber alleys, Mo points out different talents who have made their mark on the walls. Akin to listing off Santa’s reindeer, there’s Blitz, [whom Mo calls “one of the biggest budding talents” at the tender age of 16.] Bo50, one of Mo’s most respected artists, and other favorites from the crew: the newly-adopted Boris, SAQ, MNK, Bastaki and more. But now it’s our turn! Mo leads us to his car to pick up a couple of cans of spray paint. He pops the trunk, revealing what looks like at least 100 different colors to choose from. I select teal, green and purple, and oblige to walking up 7 flights 30

Monstariam and Joegraffi do graffiti

bazaar does graffiti of stairs in order to gain “the full experience”. Huffing and puffing along the way, I keep wondering: How will bazaar make its mark in this art movement? It turns out that bazaar’s mark was an ugly one, but Mo was nonetheless supportive. Watching him transform his can into a pen, pencil or marker of sorts onto his canvas (i.e: the wall) was so mesmerizing, it gave me the boost of confidence I needed to start my masterpiece. Then, before I knew it, my determination was compromised as I tried to imitate his swift movements, and promptly failed, leaving a huge, ugly gray streak on the wall. However, a couple of strokes later, I believed myself to get the hang of it. I drew a tree. I drew an ugly leaf that I managed to convince everyone was a koi fish. My comrade drew a hilarious bird, and of course, Mo prettied up the

whole thing as best as he could – until of course I started branding it by signing my name all over the thing. The overall experience, however, had me feeling like a bad mama jamma – even though we were doing this in an abandoned room that was littered with broken CDs, dust-bunny cushions, and undoubtedly lice. I can’t truthfully say that I’ll be finding myself joining the graffiti art movement anytime soon, however, and judging by my artwork, they’ll be happy to know that. I’ll leave creating the bright beauties to Monstarium and the KUZ crew. To see more of his work, follow Monstariam on Instagram @monstariam, and visit www.monstariam.com for more information.

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THE TALENT BEHIND THE TALENT An interview with @Lloydart By bazaar staff

If there’s one thing we pride ourselves in at bazaar, it's our ability to find a work of art to display as our cover. This month, we’re extremely proud to have an awesome visual of the Pharaoh of all pharaohs, Mohamed “Mo” Salah gracing our cover. Injured shoulder or not, we all look up to Mo Salah. His talent has gained so much support, reminding football fans around the world why we love this sport so much. Sharing the football-enthused sentiment with us is the artist behind our cover, Lloyd Wood of @ Lloydart. He sits down with us to delve into the details of why Mo Salah inspires him as an artist, and what led him towards the creating his exciting World Cup Player series and the image that would eventually become our June 2018 issue’s cover. Hi Lloyd, please introduce yourself to our readers (a little snapshot about yourself, age, where you are based, etc) I am a 17-year-old student from North London who has a massive passion for digital art and graphic design. When did you start creating digital art? I first got into digital art at the age of 14 or 15. I discovered artists on Instagram and I thought it was something that I could try too. At the time, it started off as a hobby but has since turned into what I want to do for the rest of my life. Is art something that you have been interested in since childhood? Being creative has always been one of the first words that I would use to describe myself. From a young age I have enjoyed hands on creative activities: building with Lego, drawing cartoons, dance, music, painting, sculpture, doodling etc. the list goes on. Also, film and animation are both things I have enjoyed trying. It was only a matter of time before I found an art medium that really stood out for me. Why did you decide to focus on sports when it came to your art? I was born and raised a Liverpool FC fan (which I wouldn’t want any other way!). The love and enjoyment I get from watching my club provides me with tons of inspiration to create new work. It is not just sport athletes I draw, I also draw musical artists too. For me, it is all about using my interests to inspire my work and I hope to further broaden my horizons in terms of the content I produce. Tell us more about the World Cup Player Series, how did the idea come about? 32

The World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world. I saw it as a good opportunity to challenge myself by trying out a new style and a way to put out new work every day. I have drawn a key player from each of the participating nations, using that nation’s flag’s colors in the image. Beginning 33 days before the start of the tournament as a countdown leading towards the World Cup, I am posting one image each day. On the day the tournament begins, I will post the final piece which will be made up of all the player faces from the series. It will be available to buy as a poster.

selling my work for nearly one-and-a-half years now. I still have the same feeling of joy and self-pride now as I did when I sold my first! The idea that someone around the world enjoys my work enough to spend money on it is a feeling that you can’t describe. Are you rooting for a specific team in the upcoming World Cup? Of course! I am backing England in the World Cup. Having said that, I wouldn’t mind seeing Belgium win for the first time, or Messi! With Salah in the side, I do feel Egypt could be one to watch in the competition too.

Do you have a favorite player from your World Cup Player series? If so, who is it, and why is he your favorite? I have a handful of favorite players from the series; the Liverpool boys of course: Salah, Firmino and Mane! However, in terms of the quality of the drawings, Suarez, Ronaldo and Messi stand out most to me.

What's next for Lloyd? I am very excited about what my future may bring. Next year I will be finishing college and then I hope to go on to study a graphics course at university. I hope to develop a range of new skills and styles which will one day inspire other people to do the same - just like I was.

You also sell your cool art online in various formats, from t-shirts to personal and home accessories. How has that experience been for you so far? It is a truly exciting experience for me. I have been

Follow Lloyd on Instagram @Lloydart. To buy his World Cup Player prints and to see more of his work, visit www.redbubble.com/people/LloydsArt/shop.

Gulf bank

THE FACETS OF LIFE Profession versus passion By Ayman Nassar

There is a common misconception that the ultimate goal of enlightenment is attained when profession and purpose coalesce; become a single entity, a 'pufession', if you will. However, it is this writer's humble opinion that this is a fallacy. A multifaceted 3D image will always trump a one dimensional drawing. Your profession is one side, your passion is another, once they mix, as George Costanza has taught us, worlds will collide, and one will eventually overcome the other. By their very nature, profession and passion are worlds apart. A profession is defined as a paid occupation involving prolonged training and formal qualification. Colloquially, it is referred to as the "9 to 5", "the trenches", "the office", "the home away from home" and sometimes, "prison". For almost 90% of cases, profession is the tool used to pay the bills at the end of the month. In a sense, a profession is both the cost and income of living on this planet. Quite the vicious cycle, it pays you monetarily but requires a hefty sacrifice of your time (and in some unfortunate cases, mental health). Passion, however, is defined as an intense desire or enthusiasm for something. That driving factor that wakes you up at 4 am with an abundance of energy equivalent to excessive consumption of caffeine, with no jittery side effects except a zest for that which propels you forward. Contrary to how you spend your day at your profession willing the clock forward, your passion absorbs time as an afterthought. Your passion could be singing in the shower, running around the streets of the city, building complex creations from match sticks or even setting up the most epic domino effect in all of history. In your profession, you must be professional; you must show up dressed in a certain way, speak with a specific tone, arrive at a pre-agreed time and interact with certain restrictions. Professionalism is a form of collaborative dictatorship whereby a group of professionals draw up a rule book with goals and consequences, move and counter-move, budgets and fiscal years, profits and losses etc. Passion projects come with no such restrictions. You could be lying in bed at 3 am on a Tuesday morning and suddenly get up all energetic and faux-caffeinated to write that line of poetry you saw in your dream, or paint that amazing picture you glimpsed just as your eyes fluttered open and a jet of light flooded your irises. You can be sitting in your pajamas or upon your solitary throne (you know the one where sense of time is lost and a sense of relief is achieved), there are no restrictions, no requirements. In a sense, profession is the final resting place of 34

passion. A spark is ignited within the human psyche in the form of passion, it becomes your escape from the tiresome monotony of the day, a skill that is honed and perfected until such time it becomes your profession. That spark is now a roaring flame, however the human condition will seek to replace this passion turned profession with another passion, in order to keep the momentum moving forward. Passion is the tool with which we maintain our firm grip on sanity, lest it evaporate in a wisp of professional pressure. We all need an escape every now and then, a chance to connect with our inner self and explore all the limitless possibilities we have to offer. The road to profession is paved with passion, for once upon a time, every successful blue chip company started off as someoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite pastime from their regular profession.

As soon as the once lackadaisical pastime of passion, which could be done for no monetary return in the past, metamorphoses into profession, a raison d'ĂŞtre that puts food on the table, without which there would be no said food on the table, at that point it ceases to be a passion. One can still be passionate about their profession, however that does not make it their passion, as now we have introduced deadlines, writers block, unpaid bills, needs and wants and above all, performance pressure. In all persons there must exist a balance between profession and passion. Focusing on the former alone will lead to failure, focusing on the latter alone will lead to lethargy. For without passion, there is no purpose, and without profession, there is no income. Profession and passion, two sides of the same sane coin.

Jumeirah

AN AALAMING RESULT

Neymar Junior’s Five newcomer Al Aalami’s surprise win By bazaar staff

One of the most exciting players in the world, Brazilian Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, affectionately known as Neymar Jr, challenges 60 teams to “Outplay Them All” this summer at the Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr., the institute which provides extracurricular educational and sporting activities to the most socially disadvantaged children and their families in Praia Grande, Brazil. A private, non-profit association dedicated to social causes, Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr. was set up by Neymar Jr. and his family. It is located in Jardim Glória, in Praia Grande, where Neymar Jr. spent much of his childhood growing up and learning football skills. The Institute is an 8,400m2 education and sporting complex catering for 2,470 underprivileged children aged 7-14 and their families. The competition that Neymar Jr. has created is used for social good and has been taken up across the globe. The Neymar Jr.'s Five is an exciting game of five-a-side with simple rules. Each match lasts an intense ten minutes, there’s no goalkeeper and whenever a team scores, the opposition loses a player. You need to outplay them all to be the last team standing! The tournament is open to teams of five to seven players aged 16 to 25. In each team two players over 25 are allowed in the squad as well. While over 100,000 participants were involved last year, Neymar Jr.'s Five 2018 is set to be even bigger as more players than ever will get the chance to experience this beautiful game. This year across the globe, women only teams and mixed teams have both been seen joining the competition in some countries. Country qualifiers were held over five action-packed days with teams and players displaying skills of finesse and sportsmanship. Twelve teams made it to the Kuwait National Final. The competition was sponsored by Intersport, Platinum, Talabat, and Acqua Eva, and took place on May 4 at Boulevard Salmiya. In front of hundreds of excited spectators, the final kicked off with four groups of three teams, each playing against both other teams in the group. Only two teams made it from each group to begin the knock out phase. Spectators waited anxiously as the final four teams, “Back Remuntada”, “Al Aalami”, “Bayern Neverlusen”, and “Bader Hamed”, went head to head in the semi-final. Ultimately, the final game was between last year’s champions, Back Remuntada and this year’s newcomers, Al Aalami. Al Aalami surprised participants and spectators alike, as they secured the winning goal, earning the title of Kuwait National Champions. bazaar can’t wait to follow this team’s progress at the Neymar Junior’s Five World Final on July 21. To learn more about Neymar Jr.’s Five visit www.neymarjrsfive.com. Follow Red Bull on Instagram @redbullkuwait. Photo courtesy of Red Bull. 36

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up close & personal

THE SPORT OF STORYTELLING MOTEZ BISHARA ON THE LIFE OF THE PENsil By bazaar Staff

“It’s like you’ve lived a million lives,” I say to Motez Bishara, as he shifts comfortably onto his seat. I was lucky enough to catch Motez during a transitionary period, where he had just emerged from what he described as one of the busiest past few months of his life. “My last week in London, I had taken on a job with ESPN to cover NBA week, and so I was writing 5-6 articles that week alone, and had a day to find a sublet for my apartment, pack and get my dog to Kuwait with me. I haven’t had a moment to breathe since then.” But even as he seems flustered, there’s a gleam in his eye suggesting that he wouldn’t have his life any other way. That the life of journalism is a whirlwind one worth living – which is why he replies to my statement with “and I hope to live many more”. 38

Motez Bishara: journalist and feature writer by profession, storyteller by passion. The Kuwaiti-born New Yorker and sports and music enthusiast’s work has appeared on the pages of CNN International, ESPN, Al Jazeera, and The Blizzard. Motez has also just completed 16 weeks teaching journalism at GUST, and has a published book out as well as another on the way. The list is long, not unlike Motez’s career in the field. “I actually started off my career in finance,” he tells me between sips of his tepid Nespresso. “But right after obtaining my MBA [at Tulane University in New Orleans], I came back to Kuwait and worked a side job at Kuwait Television co-hosting a show called On Screen.” It was during that time that Motez had been bitten by the journalism bug, falling in love with the newsroom, the cameras, “everything. The backstage of it all, I was just hooked. I knew I wanted to work in journalism and after 8 years of working in the field, I took a sabbatical to get my Master of International Journalism at City University in London.” After receiving his Master’s degree, Motez continued to write on a freelance basis while working at the same company for about 8 years. By then, however, Motez was getting enough work to pursue journalism full time, and had written

and published his first novel, Beating the NBA: Tales From a Frugal Fan (2013). “It’s funny, I never thought I’d write a book, but was inspired to do it after meeting someone who had predicted I would one day be a published author.” But the ultimate inspiration came from an article he’d read about, where a writer had visited all the NBA arenas and ranked them. “I like to think I’m street smart, so I thought to myself ‘I could beat that’, and created a repertoire on different shows, concerts and games I’d been to while making deals on the tickets.” This resulted in 25 or so chapters where each excursion tells an in-depth story highlighting the experiences of unforgettable moments he’s shared with friends, family and even strangers on bleachers and seats. “When you buy a spare ticket, you usually end up with someone sitting alone (at a seated event) – someone whose friend etc. couldn’t make it. Once, I went to a Miami Heat game and got to sit in the “Friends and Family” section because the guy who’d sold me the ticket was one of the players’ cousins. There’s always an interesting story to tell behind these experiences.” Motez’s writing style is eclectic, giving him the self-proclaimed title as a “generalist”, somebody who, as a feature writer, is able to cover anything and everything. But his most recognized

works heavily nod towards sports writing, specifically about players and their personalities and perils off court and field. One of his more memorable stories is Son of the King. Published in The Blizzard, it was an in-depth feature following the legendary Brazil player Pele’s son Edinho’s legal issues. His panache for storytelling was such a success in this piece, that it landed him an honorary mention by the Goalden Times for its WorldBall list of best football writing of 2017. On top of that, he has a Drum Online Media Award under his belt for Best Freelance Writer, and a 2015 nomination for a Sports Media Pearl Award for his article "Wimbledon: Below the top 10, a life of budget dwellings and last-minute deals”. Clearly, he’s managed to find his forte. But as soccer-enthusiasts who are anticipating the 2018 World Cup in Russia, we cannot help but press for details, asking him to share snippets of those he has interviewed. He graciously obliges, hinting at Ronaldo’s tax affairs, England manager’s Sam Allardyce’s entrapment issues, and former two-time Chelsea Player of the Year Pat Nevin’s moonlighting hobby as a DJ – an interview straight out of his sophomore title, Athletes Who Rock. The book is an expansion from features about athletes and their musical careers, forming a kinship to what his two greatest passions are: sports and music. But it doesn’t stop there with Motez, as he’s keen to keep adding to the list of amazing people he’s met. “I’d love to one day interview LeBron James, because I have so much respect for him.” And what about Mo Salah, who will be playing for Egypt’s team in this year’s World Cup? “I think Mo Salah is great! But, I’d like to wait and let life sink in before I interview him. He’s so young! I’ll let [CNN’s] Becky Anderson have him right now.” We wouldn’t expect any less from a storyteller.

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE What do you most value in your friends? Two things: dependability and a sense of humor. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Reading a great magazine article or book on my sofa to go with my morning coffee, with acoustic music playing in the background and my dog Floyd collapsed by my side. What is your greatest fear? Probably losing any more musical legends anytime soon. It’s inevitable, but losing Tom Petty and Prince in back-to-back years was a double gut-punch. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? I can be brutally honest sometimes. What is the trait you most deplore in others? Self-righteousness. The lack of listening to other people’s opinions and considering they have valid points. That and dishonesty, which go hand in hand. Which living person do you most admire? Barak Obama. And, of course, my dad. What is your greatest extravagance? Every once in a while, I will splurge on taking business class on a long flight. Fifteen hours of getting pampered on BA is not a bad thing. Which words or phrases do you most overuse? Ones that I probably shouldn’t say publicly. What is it that you most dislike? I cannot stand watered down liquid soap. It completely does my head in. Why do people do that? Which talent would you most like to have? I would love to work on my singing, songwriting, and guitar soloing. If you could have any job, what would it be? I’m already doing what I love, which is feature writing and journalism. You can’t ask for more than that. What would you consider your greatest achievement? I just finished teaching a newswriting course to 54 students at GUST. Seeing their faces after I publish their work, and witnessing their writing and reporting skills develop is so rewarding. What is your most treasured possession? My Martin D-35 vintage acoustic guitar, which I got in Nashville a few years ago.

What is your most marked characteristic? Probably my unshakable New York accent, along with wearing baseball caps most days. Where would you most like to live? Venice Beach, California, and Paris – at least for six to 12 months, to play music and write. What are your favorite words to live by? Always make the extra effort.

For more on Motez Bishara, visit his website and portfolio at www.motezbishara.com. 39

WHAT IS YOUR WORK BREAK LIKE?

What to do on 15-,30- and 60-minute breaks to boost your productivity By Stephanie Vozza

Science has shown that breaks are good for you. They refresh your focus and help you get more done. Being disciplined enough to take them, however, isn’t always easy. With long to-do lists and an eye on productivity, stopping to pause seems indulgent. If you’re not seeing the benefits of a break, perhaps you’re not using them correctly, says Carson Tate, author of Work Simply: Embracing the Power of Your Personal Productivity Style. “You need to make a complete disassociation from work,” she says. “Don’t have snack and check email at same time. It needs to be a mental release from work.” Used properly, taking a break is like hitting a reset button. “When we come back from a break, we can be more creative, innovative, and focused,” says Tate. “We’re not as prone to self-interrupt, such as taking Facebook or email breaks. We’re more passionate and connected to work.” So, what do you do in that time away? Here are some ideas for making the most of your minutes. 5 TO 15 MINUTES Any type of movement is going to yield positive returns, such as heightened creativity and focused insights, says Tate. “Walk up and down one set of stairs, go outside and walk around block, do pushups or jumping jacks,” she says. “It doesn’t matter, anything to physically get the blood moving. A fiveminute break can be more effective than a 30-minute break if you incorporate movement.” Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is nothing, says Maura Thomas, author of Work Without Walls: An Executive’s Guide to Attention Management, Productivity, and the Future of Work. “Instead of diving into your to-do-list, it can be just as productive to practice mindfulness, do a guided meditation, or some deep breathing,” she says. “You can do these activities in two minutes or 20. Little breaks like this keep your mind energized, and they can lead to those ‘aha!’ moments of creative insight.” Or stare out the window and daydream–but only if your view includes green space. A study published in Harvard Business Review found that “green micro breaks” improve attention span and performance. 30 MINUTES If you’ve got a half hour, take a brisk walk, suggests Laura Stack, author of The Exhaustion Cure: Up Your Energy from Low to Go in 21 Days. “Sitting at a desk for hours at a time can decrease your energy level,” she says. “If it’s raining or severely cold, walk up and down a flight of stairs a few times instead. Make do with what you’ve got; take a brisk walk around 40

your floor or through the parking lot or around the building. You can even make the fire stairs into your own Stairmaster.” Decluttering your workspace can be a good break, says Thomas. “Talk to me all you want about messiness and creativity, but in my work I’ve seen over and over that clutter equals stress,” she says. “Your clutter sends the message to yourself and others that you’re overwhelmed and not in control, and that there may be things buried in the clutter that need your attention.” Breaks are also impactful if there’s a connection with another human being, says Tate. “Call your friend or check in with your significant other or spouse,” she says. “Stand up and chat with a colleague; not about work, though. Maybe talk about the weekend.” 60 MINUTES With an hour to use, get out of your workspace. Go to lunch or get a cup of coffee with a friend, co-worker, or mentor, suggests Thomas. “Strengthening work

connections is good for your career, and unwinding with friends and family reduces stress and energizes your brain,” she says. Use the time to do a “brain dump,” which can help get things off of your mind and on paper where they can be looked at more objectively. If you have a big project coming up, organize your thoughts in writing, says productivity coach Deb Lee. “This is a quick and easy task that allows you to better prepare when it comes time to sit down and knock the project out,” she says. Or take a break from screens and read. Reading a novel, in particular, can relieve stress more than listening to music, taking a walk, or having a cup of tea, according to a study from the University of Sussex. Reading lowers your heart rate and eases muscle tension, helping you relax and escape your worries.

Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash.

Regencey 1

THE TRUTH BEHIND INFLUENCER MARKETING By Barry Rodrigues

Although Kuwait has developed a reasonably large number of influencers and social celebrities over the last few years given the size of the country, influencers have been around since the early 2000s, mainly in the form of blogs which were the earliest and most primitive forms of social media. While a lot of them were forced to either shut down or transition from a blog to a more sophisticated, inclusive and engagement-friendly version of it i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat etc. aka social media, some like 248am have managed to stay alive, stay relevant and reinvent themselves with sound content strategies to retain the interest of their followers. It was only in the last five years that we have seen a dramatic boom in the amount of Instagram and YouTube celebrities who tout products and services on their feeds while they showcase their daily lives, visually documented for posterity on their channels. After they first started out, when these guys told you that the new coffee shop that opened down the street served the best flat white coffee, you believed them. It was a simpler time back then it was more about letting people know about the best and the worst places to eat, shop and hang out. These guys didn’t have any ulterior motive other than help the community and maybe somewhere down the line, make a few extra bucks for their trouble. The problem started when a certain set of people gained overnight popularity on their Instagram and YouTube feeds and started making quick cash for recommendations and endorsements. While they made a big dent in the advertising industry in the earlier years, lately users have started doubting their intentions and their sincerity. The question is: Would you pay big money to someone to talk about your products and services and “influence” people to buy them? While I am personally not a big fan of influencers, I have to admit that there is some value to it if done the right way and I speak from personal experience. Here are a few tips to help you get started. Make sure your chosen one identifies with your brand based on their history and lifestyle. It is imperative that your influencer should embody your brand in some way that is believable to your users as well as theirs. At the end of the day, your followers should believe that the influencer you’ve chosen really uses your product. This works the other way round as well; the influencers’ followers should believe in that as well. If there is even a slight disconnect here, not only will the campaign fall to pieces but the credibility of both parties will suffer. 42

Instead of looking for pure vanity numbers, try to look for tangible conversations that can help generate some buzz for your brand. At the start of the Influencer marketing era, everyone was obsessed with numbers without any justification. So if an influencer charged you an amount, he or she was going to post something about your product on their feed and try to endorse your brand to their followers. While this tactic worked in the beginning, it has become increasingly difficult to generate interest for brands purely based on likes and comments. As users have got smarter, they want to not only see usability but some kind of interaction between the brand’s and the influencer’s account where there can be an exchange of traffic. So in addition to building a strong association, you also end up getting new followers that identify with your brand and may one day become your customers. Use Influencers as a tactic to compliment your marketing strategy; do not use it as the only strategy Many brands make the mistake of only using influencers to market their products and services and

totally ignore other channels. While this may work in the short term, it will definitely end up hurting the brand in the long run. The key is to use influencers in conjunction with your existing marketing touchpoints to accentuate the advantages and benefits of your product in a relatable way. At the end, influencers are not an instant solution to your marketing strategy. You may see a quick spike in sales for the day or week but this is not the metric to judge the success of a campaign as it is not sustainable in the long run. The right way is to use it is in conjunction with a high level of creativity and relevancy to your target audience on a regular basis with a focus in mind; that is when it will truly start to show results.

Barry Rodrigues is Head of Marketing & Product Development at Future Communications, Kuwait and founder of NexGen Digital. Barry also provides pro-bono consulting services for small businesses to help them achieve their marketing objectives. For comments, please email Barry at barry.nexgen@gmail.com.

int opt

ONLINE UNIVERSITY DEGREES Making yours work for you

By Israa Elkhatib

With the sheer number of available online university degrees these days, it can be difficult to know where to start. Even if you’ve already narrowed down your interests and specialist areas, selecting just one course from the thousands available isn’t an easy job. But given the importance quality online university degrees can play in your future career prospects, making the right decision is mandatory. For those looking to further an existing career, selecting an appropriate online university degree can be somewhat easier. After all, there’s a good chance you already know the precise skills, knowledge and education you need to take things to a higher level. By contrast, those looking to select an online degree with the intention of starting a career from scratch may find the process more difficult. Nevertheless, the process can be broken down into three stages – each carrying the same weight 44

and importance. So if struggling to decide between the online university degrees available to you, proceed in accordance with the following three steps and you stand every chance of making the best possible decision: 1. Define both your desired career path and interests First and foremost, you need to isolate exactly where your primary interests and true passions lie. The simple fact of the matter is that no matter how much you would like to work in any given industry or sector, it just isn’t going to happen if it isn’t a profession you are passionate about. Making the right choice means determining not only the long-term career you would like, but a long-term career that correlates with your interests and passions. The more passionate you are about your chosen field of study, the easier you will find it to earn the qualifications you need to build a rewarding and satisfying career. 2. Check out plenty of offerings Under no circumstances is it ever advisable to simply dive headfirst into the first semi-acceptable online university degrees you come across. The last thing you want is to find yourself in the early days of an

online degree program, only to discover a vastly superior course is now too late to switch to. Take as much time as necessary to research the available options, considering a variety of courses and service providers alike. Don’t make your final decision until you are 100% confident you are making the right one. 3. Ask as many questions as necessary Last but not least, don’t fall into the trap of assuming that because you are interested in online university degrees, this counts you out of the direct support and guidance of the college and its staff. Just as would be the case with any on-campus undergraduates, you have every right and every opportunity to get in touch with the college ahead of time and ask as many questions as necessary. It is highly inadvisable to enter into any online study programs if you have any remaining doubts or gray areas to clarify. What’s more, asking questions ahead of time will give you a good idea as to the quality, commitment and capabilities of those providing the online university degrees you’re interested in. Photo by Temple Cerulean on Unsplash

Taiba

truth or dare

DESIGNING WOMEN

Meeting Nur and Noor of ecru By bazaar staff

“It all happened from a ‘best friend breaking’ down phone call,” is how Noor Al Sabah describes the inception of her and co-founder Nur Kaoukji’s brand, ecru. She continues discussing the factors that led them to collaborate and create the startup that would ultimately find itself as a budding staple brand gracing wardrobes and homes nationwide. Nur jumps in on the story, and the two start a symphony of finishing one another’s sentences. Their interaction truly shows the quintessential poster of a beautiful friendship. Nur and Noor are namesakes, having known one another since babyhood. “I was named after her!” Noor says gleefully; “But my mom is convinced that the spelling of my name in English is the more accurate [version].” Nur jumps in, with a laugh. Having grown up with one another, Nur and Noor have been through it all, and have seen it all. From their

weekends spent watching 1950s movies together as young adolescents, to their shared university years spent in London, and the birth of ecru in 2013. After university, Nur landed in Jaipur in 2006 when opportunity came knocking for her to accumulate a variety of skills with different textiles and media, from clothing, to jewelry and interiors. Though she loved the work she was doing, something was missing. Who else could understand this void better than Noor, who was going through a similar challenge in Kuwait? “I had this need to express my creativity, and my job had no room for it.” And Nur felt like she wasn’t creating anything for herself. “She would say to me, ‘I’m surrounded by all these beautiful textiles, and I know I want to do something with this, but at what capacity?’” The answer came to them when they decided to create a concept for themselves. “My father was very against us doing it,” Noor says seriously. “He said to me, ‘Noor, the two of you have a friendship that’s unattainable by many. Don’t ruin it by going into business together’.” But with a series of long and honest chats, the two were able to understand where

their strengths and limits would lie, and Nur values its outcome. “I think that our boundaries help. I have my way of running the India office, and [Noor] has her way of running the Kuwait office.” “And we respect the others’ strengths,” Noor pipes in. “Production is Nur’s forte, so I’ll never tell her how to run it – she knows what she’s doing. Just like the retail aspect is my forte – it’s what I have a lot of experience in. Nur never gets in the way of that.” “In short, you can’t have too many cooks in the kitchen,” Nur finishes off wisely. As for the brand? They keep it simple, natural, and free of mass-production – an ethos that mirrors their identity. Even their name reflects on their ethos, as ecru is the raw form of any natural fabric. It’s a fabric they both love, and comes in all sorts of natural shades from greys, to beiges and off-whites. “It’s stripped down, which is essentially how we came up with the name. Going back to basics – the love of creation. That’s exactly what the ecru project was about in the first place.” Over the years, the ladies have had the time of their lives building on the project and playing around with those fabrics. Taking inspiration and finding

beauty in absolutely anything and everything, ecru’s collections throughout the past five years have been eclectic and inspired by tropics, classical Arabian prints hailing from Kuwait, Morocco and Syria, and motifs block printed from India, among other places. “We also have little bits of our personalities in our pieces. When I had my baby [named Ghizlan, the Arabic plural for “gazelle”] Nur designed baby’s bedding that had a print of leaping gazelles. And it’s great because It’s a memory. I get to look back and see that I had my baby in 2016, and in 2018, she was in our collection.” And this is just one of many Noor’s warm memories of Nur’s designs. All sorts of family incisions celebrating special moments in both of the women’s lives have graced themselves into the ecru collection (and their personal closets!) in the form of ecru’s offerings; baby’s clothing and bedding, home accents, pouches, pins and other accessories, and Nur’s clothing label, Noon. “It’s like a timeline of our friendship, as well as our lives.” Concluding with a shared smile as they lounge in Nur’s colorful living room, it’s clear that the ecru brand is not the only beautiful thing that has come out of one of the purest friendships and partnerships we’ve ever had the joy of witnessing.

TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE How would your mothers describe your friendship in one word? Both: Inseparable. How would you describe each other's mothers in one word? Nur: Elegant. Noor: Inspiring. What is the most ridiculous question you've asked each other? Nur: Insert something that ends with: “Please Nur, please… I know you’re going to hate this but…” Noor: If I could carry her baby. What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done together? We took a helicopter ride to one of the islands in Greece for 45 minutes. What is the theme song of your friendship? The Jungle Book’s “I Wanna Be Like You”.

If your partner could change their name, what do you think they would change it to? Nur: Schatzi (from How to Marry A Millionaire.) Noor: Bubushka. What animal best describes your partner? Nur: Mouse. Noor: Spider. What do you miss most about your childhood? Both: Free time. What do you think is the one thing your partner couldn’t live without? Nur: A duvet/ quilt. Noor: A visa to Europe.

What in the world does your partner least desire? Nur: Cats. Noor: Flying. What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of would make the world a better place? Both: Empathy. What is it that you liked most about each other when you first met? Nur: She doesn’t have an ounce of blasé in her body. Noor: She makes me more courageous. Fill in the blank: “_____ makes a lifelong friendship.” Nur: Food. Noor: Support.

How would you describe their handshake in one word? Nur: I’ve never shaken her hand! That would be weird. Noor: We don’t even hug.

What word in the English or Arabic dictionary is most relevant to each other’s personality? Nur: Drowsy. Noor: Colorful.

What is your partner’s toughest character trait? Nur: Her empathy. She’s too empathetic. Noor: She can be a little impatient.

Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location? Nur: Napoli, they have the best pizza. Noor: We want to be in Italy! Together, by the sea!

Who do you think your partner's favorite historical figure is? Nur: Cleopatra. Noor: Billie Holiday.

ecru’s capsule store is located in Al Othman Boutique in Maryam Complex on Salem Al Mubarak Street, Salmiya. Follow them on Instagram @ecruonline for more information. Shop the collection online via their website at www.ecruonline.com.

COOLING DOWN

Can you skip your regular workout and just shiver instead? By Deborah Netburn

What do shivering and exercise have in common? More than you might think. Both shivering and exercise cause you to contract your muscles and expend energy — that’s pretty obvious. But less obvious is a new discovery, published in Cell Metabolism, that they both release a molecule into the bloodstream that tells your muscles to start burning fat. So, does that mean you can skip your Zumba class and sit in a cold bath instead? “That’s not a crazy thing at all,” said Laurie Goodyear, a physiologist at the Joslin Diabetes Center at Harvard University, who worked on the new study. But you may want to consider the consequences. “The problem with cold exposure is that most people can’t tolerate it,” Goodyear said. “It’s hard to sit in a bathtub full of ice cubes.” We all know that exercise is good for our health, but Goodyear’s lab is interested in discovering how those benefits play out on a molecular level. “Exercise is one of the best preventative medicines, and it can help in the treatment of so many diseases,” she said. “We are trying to understand how that happens.” In this latest research, Goodyear and her collaborators wanted to see what role a relatively understudied type of molecule called a lipokine might play in exercise pathways. Lipokines are lipids that circulate in the blood and act as signals to tissues. Just last year, Goodyear’s colleague and co-author Kristin Stanford, a physiologist at the Ohio State University College of Medicine, had published work that found that shivering caused a lipokine named 12,13-diHOME to increase in the bloodstream of chilly people. She also discovered that this lipokine was produced by brown fat, a type of healthy fat that resides just behind the neck and near the shoulder blades in adults. This wasn’t so shocking. Brown fat is known to be involved in temperature regulation — specifically in keeping people warm. Cells in brown fat have an abundance of mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cellular machinery. When brown fat is active, the mitochondria go to work and generate heat. This warms the blood as it circulates. It seems logical enough that a system that already is activated when a person gets cold also might produce molecules that tell shivering muscles to start taking up fat to use for energy. But the scientists were really surprised when they screened the blood of 27 healthy men before and after exercise and found that the same lipokine released when people shiver is also released when they work out. 48

After all, we get warm when we exercise so an internal heater shouldn’t be necessary. “It was very unexpected,” Goodyear said. “We really did not think that the same lipokine that was stimulated by cold would be stimulated by exercise.” And this surprise had advantages. Thanks to Stanford’s previous work, the research team already knew that brown fat produces the lipokine 12,13-diHOME during shivering. This led them to wonder whether it was also responsible for producing the same lipokine during exercise. To find that out, they removed brown fat from mice and put them in an exercise cage. Next, the researchers tested their blood to determine whether the amount of circulating 12,13-diHOME had gone up. (It didn’t). “This was very interesting to us,” Goodyear said. “We had been under the impression that brown fat didn’t do much during exercise, but we now know it is secreting this lipokine.”

As is often the case in science, the answer to one question has led to a whole series of new questions. Goodyear said the team’s next line of inquiry is to determine what is telling the brown fat to release the lipokine during exercise. Is it the muscles? The brain? Perhaps the nervous system? Another question she’d like to see addressed is whether exercising in the cold would be a more effective way to burn calories for those who are willing to put with the discomfort. There is also a question about what other effects this lipokine has one the body beyond the beneficial effect of causing the muscles to break down fat. “Lipokines could be a potential target for drug therapy if we can make a drug that mimics some of the effects of exercise,” she said.

Photo by Manuel Pena on Unsplash

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ACTION > REACTION

Treading the tricky path of rising above it all By George Tarabay

“'Twas an old belief that once roamed this vile earth, If thou art hurt, then proceed to equate, An eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth, makes things worse, Forgive or avenge, the timeless debate.” – a modernly old poet. Basically, what the poet is discussing here is the logic behind the saying: Action = reaction. Which to me, in its entirety, sounds like a great idea for an article. Therefore, ladies and gentlemen here is my opinion which you should adopt blindly, because it was written in a magazine and posted on a website. Growing down (because let’s face it, we’re always the youngest we’ll ever be), I always thought that if my friend hits me, then I should hit them back. If they hurt me, I should hurt them back, and if they ate my food… well, if they ate my food they would die. Although my mom tried deterring me from that mindset, ironically by smacking me on the hands whenever I smacked someone, I somewhat hung on to it, because to me it was the best way to serve instant justice. Then, I grew down further, and I entered the professional market, only to notice the jungle that was created by this mindset that several people had adopted. You see, when you hurt you act from strong pride, but when you get hurt you act from your weak judgment, hence why you think it is 50

unfair and demand justice immediately. But here is what I learned: Behaving with grace during the hard times is not only what defines you, but it is also a very rare currency that people lost, and everyone is still searching for. You don’t believe me? Just mirror your horrible boss's behavior and watch yourself get fired. It’s because even people, who themselves lack the strength to react well in hardship, look for those who can. Rising above what is being done to you is the best strategy you can adopt. Very simply, when you consider the ‘eye for an eye’ route, this creates a situation where both people are unable to formulate a winning argument because they can’t see through the problem clearly. (Search for the pun and mention me online. If you find it, I’ll invite you to dinner.) Remaining calm and reacting politely, always, always creates a platform for you to speak louder than whatever transgression was done to you. And while many argue that sometimes, the system is rigged against us, I found through my pretentious experience and readings, that trusting the system derived from logic will always remain your fastest track to victory. Reaction is always a form of response, and we often think that equal response is the best reaction, without considering that equalizing the response to the transgressions creates two transgressions and no resolution whatsoever. This applies at work, at a football game, love etc… this applies anywhere.

If you’re measuring with intensity, then definitely staying calm is superiorly inferior to the action. But if you measure in justness and morality, it exceeds it by ten folds in a jiffy. And yes, this whole article was another way to say “love wins over hate” or “combat hate with love: you’ll never hate loving love, but you can love hating hate” and that last quote is mine. But it’s applied more into other aspects of life, because you don’t have to love your job to do it ethically, but you will have to love your ethics so much to stick by them when you’re hating your job so much. Ethics are rare, sought after, and rarely found. Ethics make people love your presence even if they make you hate theirs, which also feeds into your ethics cycle and keeps it growing because you keep doing the right thing. So, any given reaction should always be inferior to the action and never equal or above… cool? Now, if you didn’t like my article, rise above it and just carry on, because if you come hating on my socials, I will…. Respond with love….or not… I’m very moody. P.S: that poem excerpt up there is mine, wrote it on a plane… and it’s plain right.

George Tarabay is a marketing expert/ comedian/ Podcaster. Follow him on Instagram @ GeorgeTarabay, Facebook.com/Georgethecomic, and on Youtube/ GeorgeTarabayComedy. Listen to his latest podcast on soundcloud.com/Georgetarabay. Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash.

AUK

TECH FORWARD

The Nintendo Labo experience

By Harry McCracken

Even the savviest observer of the Japanese video-game giant Nintendo couldn't have predicted that the interactive gaming experience it announced last January would involve not a VR headset or a new Mario game, but perforated cardboard, colorful string, elastic bands, and plastic grommets. These resolutely low-tech items are the stuff of Labo (short for laboratory), a mind-bendingly imaginative series of add-ons for the breakout Switch handheld console, which Nintendo introduced in March of 2017. As much maker projects as they are games, Labo's DIY kits let you fold cardboard parts into smart toys that you can engage using the Switch. The $70 (KD 21) Variety Kit provides the makings of a piano and a fishing rod, along with a house, a motorbike, and two radio-controlled cars. Labo's second offering, the $80 (KD 24) Robot Kit, contains parts for a visor and backpack that, once built, turn the wearer into a Transformers-style automaton. (Crouch down and your character can zip over terrain like a tank; stand up and raise your arms and it takes flight.) Much of the technology that brings Labo's structures to life is found in the Switch's controllers, which detach from the console's main touch screen. When placed inside a cardboard car, for example, the controllers' coordinated vibrations propel it forward. Pop one controller into the handle of the fishing rod and its motion sensor detects whether you're lowering your bait or reeling in a feisty mackerel, with all of the action depicted on the Switch screen in real time. Inside Labo's piano, a controller uses its embedded infrared camera to identify which keys you're pressing. As gadgetry such as Facebook's Oculus Rift is making entertainment more virtual, Labo's joyful physicality represents a back-to-basics move for Nintendo, which was founded in 1889 as a manufacturer of playing cards and expanded to make other playthings in the 1960s. It's hard to imagine the other console kingpins (Sony's PlayStation 4 and Microsoft's Xbox One) offering anything similar to Labo--and that's the point. Since its earliest days in the video-game business, "Nintendo has chosen to do it their own way," says Blake J. Harris, author of Console Wars: Sega, Nintendo, and the Battle That Defined a Generation. Staying unique is "challenging, and it's high risk as well, but it's something that we embrace," says Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils52

AimĂŠ. It also requires a willingness to ignore the advice of outsiders. After 2012's Wii U console fizzled--it reached a total of 13.5 million units sold, versus 102 million for the original Wii-pundits declared that it was time for the company to retrench to safer territory, such as making smartphone games. With titles such as 2016's Super Mario Run, Nintendo did start bringing its iconic characters to iPhone and Android gamers. Rather than abandoning its own hardware, however, it introduced the Switch. The versatile handheld surpassed the Wii U's lifetime unit sales in 10 months, and it became the fastestselling console in U.S. history. Rolling out Labo just over a year after the launch of the Switch is a way for Nintendo to keep the momentum going. Animated on-screen instructions guide users through the building process, making it feel more like play than Ikeaesque drudgery. Once assembled, the projects, though endearingly wobbly, work well. And each

has unexpected depth: The piano, for instance, can also act as a virtual aquarium--and you can create your own fish by cutting them out of cardboard, then scanning them using the cameraequipped controller. There's even a simple programming feature, which allows users to devise new functionalities, such as employing the Robot Kit backpack to steer a car from the Variety Kit. They can even fabricate a theoretically infinite array of wholly original gizmos out of their own cardboard. Its forays into cardboard notwithstanding, Nintendo's greatest assets are still its signature video-game franchises, such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, both of which have been best sellers. But FilsAimĂŠ relishes Labo's potential to broaden the company's audience as new kits are developed. "No doubt, Labo will appeal to consumers that today don't see themselves playing video games," he says. "And we love that aspect of the product."

10:30

Zitaat FIND US ON:

MOHAMED SALAH THE PHARAOH OF ANFIELD By Hoda Abbas Marafie (Man United supporter)

It is imperative to keep in mind that this issue of bazaar was sent to print before the UEFA Champions League (UCL) that will have occurred on the 26th of May. Defending champions Madrid have won it a record 12 times and are banking on being the first club in history to win it three times in a row. Liverpool have previously won the title five times, the last of which was won in dramatic fashion in 2005. Real Madrid against Liverpool, a clash of giants. Giant clubs and giant players. Two giant players - Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah. The former, people who arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even fans of football have seen on the global stage across the worlds of football, consumerism and public celebrity for almost two decades. The latter, the world outside of football is just starting to get to know.

As a youth player in Egyptian Premier League club El Mokawloon, his dedication and devotion to football was signified by his eight-hour roundtrip from his family's home in Nagrig, a village in the Gharbia Governorate, on 10 public transport buses for every training session with the squad in Cairo. In 2010, eighteen-year-old Salah was promoted to the first team. A promising two seasons playing in the Egyptian top flight attracted the European talent scouts. FC Basel of Switzerland signed Salah in 2012, giving him debuts in the UCL and Europa League competitions and domestic cup and league winner's medals. An impressive display against Chelsea FC in a non-competitive friendly led to a bid by the West London club. In January of 2014, Salah joined the English Premier League (EPL) as a Chelsea player. He didn't find himself picked very often for the starting line-up, which was why he agreed to be loaned out to Fiorentina and then Roma respectively - two clubs in the Serie A, Italy's premier division league. Roma ended up acquiring him on a permanent contract in 2016, after Chelsea deemed him to be surplus to requirements.

Two seasons of playing regularly in the starting line-up reignited Salah's talent. Thirty-five goals and 24 assists in 81 appearances in Serie A piqued the interest of the tactical manager of Liverpool, Jurgen Klopp. He was desperate for a speedy player to feed the Liverpool center forwards and mirror their left attacking forward, Sadio Mané. Klopp and the faithful Liverpool supporters got all of that and then some. They acquired a talented player on the verge of greatness and a great role model for young footballers and admirers to learn from, on and off the football pitch. Not one to forget his humble roots, Salah built a school in his hometown and provided medical gear and supplies for the village's clinics, hospitals and ambulances. In 2013, already a national team fanfavorite, he got married in Nagrig and invited the whole village to attend the celebration. If that wasn't enough to convince someone of his genuine kindness, a certain thief will. After a thief was caught robbing his home and charges were filed by his father, Salah insisted that the charges be dropped. He gave the thief a sum of money instead and even helped him find a job.

Today, Mohamed Salah Ghaly is simply known as "Mo Salah." Or "The Pharaoh of Anfield." Or "The Egyptian Messi." The nicknames kept coming just as often as his goals did this season. He has entered the early hours of his prime, the period of time when a player is playing at his highest personal level of football. He was relatively known in football in the past few years, playing in the Swiss, English and Italian top division leagues. His talent was undeniable, yet no one could have predicted that Jurgen Klopp’s system would unleash Salah’s talents to this effect. He had a sensational season, with club and country. On the night of October 8 of last year, global media outlets around the world reported scenes from the Egyptian port-city of Alexandria of elated national supporters barely believing, with 60 seconds still left on the clock, that their hero just scored the winning goal against Congo that earned the national team qualification to the peak competition in professional football. Faces of crying fans in the stands and screaming pitch-invaders were broadcasted and shared on social media. The video of Salah's goal celebration [Continued...]

with the trying voice of the emotional Egyptian match commentator in the background went viral. It was a special moment for the team and the Egyptian peopleEgypt had not made an appearance at the World Cup since 1990. But for the man of the moment, it was also just a teaser of what his ferocious spirit was capable of doing in the next eight months. During those eight months leading on to the final games of the season, the Liverpool supporters fell deeper in love with their exciting right-winger. He was scoring goals for fun in almost every game and setting up or assisting his other teammates' as well. Salah netted in 44 goals and 16 assists in 55 appearances for the club in all competitions. Thirty-two of those were scored in the EPL, which was the most scored by a player this season, earning him the Premier League Golden Boot. He also picked up three Premier League Player of the Month awards on the way to lifting the Professional Footballers' Association Player of the Year and Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year awards, the two highest individual honors in English football. 56

[...Continued]

Liverpool’s € 42 million investment into Salah was arguably the transfer bargain of the 2017-18 season. He was bought from A.S. Roma early into the summer transfer window in 2017. The transaction came during an inflated market where in that same window Paris Saint-Germain acquired Brazilian winger Neymar from FC Barcelona for a world record fee of € 222 million. Liverpool’s return on their investment has definitely paid off with his goal balance on a steady rise since his competitive debut for the Reds, when he scored two goals in a 3-3 draw at Watford. After a blistering debut season with Liverpool, many top clubs will be attempting to lure Salah during the summer transfer window, which opens on the 1st of July, to sign a contract with them. His market value has undoubtedly doubled by now. Maybe even tripled. Some say he might even be worth € 223 million. Many pundits and viewers agree that Salah is a sure name to be featured on the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or, the award for the world's best football player of the year. No player not named Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel

Messi has won that award in the past decade, each winning it five times. Talks of Salah possibly lifting the illustrious trophy himself certainly got louder during the business end of this season. Especially after claiming multiple individual awards and breaking a number of long-standing records. Defeating Real Madrid in the UCL Final in his first season at a club would be a towering leap towards truly challenging for the title of the world's best footballer of the year. Whether he walks onto the pitch in Yekaterinburg, Russia for Egypt's first match in the World Cup as a UCL winner or not, Mohamed Salah has won the respect, recognition and resting hearts of millions around the world. He knows much is expected from him. Egyptians and many of his Middle Eastern supporters are hoping a masterclass by Salah and his national teammates’ performances will drive them beyond the group stage of the competition and into the last-16, a position Egypt has never achieved. That pressure will certainly be on the national team as a whole, Mo Salah cannot possibly shoulder that hope alone. Or can he?

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YOU’RE A BAD LISTENER

Here’s how to remember what other people say By Stephanie Vozza

Listening is hard. We come into conversations with our own agendas and low attention spans, and that can be a dangerous combination. When you’re doing the talking, though, it’s frustrating if you’re not being heard. You can build better relationships and get ahead in business if you learn how to actively listen, says Cash Nickerson, author of The Samurai Listener. “Listening helps you handle conflict, express respect and be a better leader,” he says. “Unfortunately most people don’t remember because they don’t hear it in the first place.” Good listeners use skills that are similar to techniques used in martial arts, says Nickerson. “A good martial artist senses what someone will do next because they’re receptive and aware,” he says. “Those are all things that great leaders and successful business people tend to do. Most people succeed based on soft skills, and communication– especially listening–is key.” Listening involves being in the moment, which is connected to martial arts. “When you’re present and in the moment, things move in slow motion,” says Nickerson. “You can take everything in. If you’re present you’ll remember everything.” Nickerson took the act of listening apart, identifying its parts with the acronym ARE U PRESENT: Awareness: Start with basic awareness. Get your face out of your phone, and stop thinking about what you’re going to do later today. Reception: Be willing to receive new information. You may be present, but your mind can be closed. Let go of opinions, and be willing to drop your biases. Engagement: Being engaged involves back-andforth fairness, like a Ping-Pong match. “I talk, you talk,” says Nickerson. Understanding: Listen with the intention of interpreting what the other person is saying. Get into a place of understanding, where you’re both speaking the same language, figuratively and literally. Persistence: Be willing to stay the course and not let your mind wander. If you get bored and tired, push through to maintain your attention. Resolution: Bring the conversation to a close with takeaways and next steps. “Leaders are doers,” says Nickerson. Emotions: Respect the existence of emotions and their roles. “Emotions can work for you or against you,” says Nickerson. “Recognize their roles and learn to discern them and their effect on your ability to hear others.” Senses: Employ your other senses to help you remember. Look for body language clues or even 58

potential bluffing in the other person. Ego: Try to take your ego out of the conversation. A humble leader can listen more easily because they don’t correlate their ego with success. Nerves: Look for stress or tension; it can get in the way of being able to listen. Tempo: Get in touch with the rhythm of the speaker. Being out of sync with their way of talking can make it hard to listen. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LISTEN Listening is the basis for growth and advancement, says Nickerson. “Imagine if you went to school and didn’t pay attention to anything–how would you get better?” he asks. “Great leaders advance themselves; they’re self-improvement machines.

You can’t advance your skills and knowledge without understanding others.” Listening is also important because all people want love and respect; they want to spend time with people who listen. “Good listeners tend to get advanced and promoted,” says Nickerson. “There’s no greater feeling than when someone listens. Not just pay attention but listened.” Recognize that listening isn’t an on/off switch. “You could say, ‘Okay, now I’m going to try really hard to listen,’ but that’s not enough,” says Nickerson. “That’s the most basic aspect of listening. Instead, strive to get the big picture and let go of your narrow focus. It’s self awareness–and a lot of biting your tongue.” Photo by Bruce Mars on Unsplash.

‫شجع فريقك وعيش الكاس‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫كــأس العالــم ‪2018‬‬

‫‪intersport‬‬

FOR YOUR OWN SAKE, BE KIND It's the best way to be By Dr Susannah Joy Schuilenberg

I was reminded recently about the reality of the meme going around when a friend I know well uncharacteristically snapped at me in the middle of our conversation. I was surprised, but before I could ask her about it, she jumped up and ran off …and didn’t come back. After waiting a few moments, thinking she’d just gone to the Ladies’ Room, I comprehended that she had actually ditched me. Since this is not her normal way, I assumed that I had said or done something that wounded or offended her and she couldn’t or didn’t want to deal with it at that moment. I sent her a quick IM apologizing and asking her to contact me when she was ready. Days later, still crickets. Finally, I called her. As soon as she heard my voice, she burst into tears. “I didn’t know how to make this right. I am so messed up right now, and every time I thought about calling you, I just cried. Like now.” When I pressed her to allow me to apologize for whatever I had said or done, she was quiet for a bit, then said, “You can’t. You’re can’t apologize for having three daughters you love, or five Opasons you adore. It’s not about what you said or did, it’s about what you have that I don’t.” We’ve been friends for many years and though it was evident that she had no children, it had never really been a topic of extensive conversation because I didn’t think it my business to probe, and she never indicated in any way that my obsession (let’s just call it what it is) particularly with the Opasons was painful to her. Did you get that right there? All those years and I never knew that the inability to have children was a deep and unrelenting sorrow for her and her husband, and that adoption, surrogacy, or every other form of non-traditional parenting had fallen through. We all (including they) jokingly referred to their ‘furbabies’ but until my friend talked to me that day, I had no inkling that the emphasis for my friends was always on the ‘baby;’ not the fur part. That unrelenting ache had ebbed and flowed for her and her husband over the twenty-five years they’d been married. What had seemed to me that day to be a normal conversation was for her, unbearably painful because as her 50th birthday loomed, she had been incontrovertibly confronted with the reality that she and her husband would never be parents. Sorrow is something we may show for a brief period but in general, human beings are terrible at grieving and try to ‘get over it’ as quickly as possible. 60

CMY

In a short time, everything returns to ‘normal’ and life moves on, and that’s just with grieving. What about the co-worker whose mother has been ill in the hospital for months? Or the father whose son was severely injured at work? Or the man struggling with the anniversary of the day he killed his best friend in a hunting accident? Or the person who just lost his/her job? Or the woman who carelessly bumps into you at the grocery store, causing you to drop a carton of eggs on the floor? You know…the woman you just swore at? That woman, diagnosed this morning with stage IV metastatic breast cancer whose small children are at daycare waiting to be fetched? People have pain, tragedy, trauma, and chaos happening that you, me, we know nothing about. We only experience the observable behaviour in this moment of time, and we react believing the other to be rude, intentional, crude, cross, cranky, unforgivable… whatever word it is that you use to justify responding angrily or offensively to a perceived slight or transgression. Sadly, this tendency to personalize the behaviour of others and thus feel justified in unkindness or judgment is a human propensity. So, what to do? 1. Be kind. Nowadays, we can choose to be anything we want to be. Choose to be kind. -Maya Angelou 2. Be kind. Don’t judge the whole story by the

chapter you walked in on. -Anonymous 3. Be kind. Don’t judge people for the choices they make when you don’t know the options they had to choose from. -Women Working 4. Be kind. When you judge you have no space to love. -Mother Theresa 5. Be kind. When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself. -Wayne Dyer 6. Be kind. He who is deprived of kindness is deprived of goodness. -Sahih Muslim 2592 Just decide to be kind. Respond to the behaviour and words - ALL the behaviour and words, of others with kindness and compassion. Not only will you do something constructive to make the world a better place, you will experience positive benefits for yourself. Don’t believe me? Google: 5 Researched Reasons to Be Kind (The Blog by Peter Field) Better yet, just try it.

Dr Susannah is a leading psychologist, registered professional counsellor and Master Practitioner in Clinical Counselling based in Canada. For more information, please follow @DrSusannah on Twitter and Instagram and stay tuned for her latest updates.

royale hayat

10 WAYS AI IS MAKING EVERYDAY TASKS EASIER When machines take over and it’s not necessarily a bad thing By David Lidsky

1.Write better emails Boomerang for Gmail What's the likelihood that your email will receive a reply? This add-on will tell you, based on subject header, reading level, and length. It also helps schedule follow-up reminders. Bonus features: Fifteen dollars a month (KD 4.5) adds further analysis, such as evaluating an email's politeness and positivity before you hit send. 2. Focus your mind Brain.fm This desktop and mobile music app creates ambient sound to help users concentrate on a task, meditate, or sleep. Brain.fm modulates the rhythm and frequency of the AI-generated music based on cognitive research. Five free sessions. Bonus features: Unlock unlimited and offline use for $6.95 (KD 2.1) a month or $49.99 (KD 15) a year. 3. Create killer presentations Beautiful.AI Users can overcome PowerPoint anxiety—and avoid slide-deck hell—with this free app, which offers more than 50 templates, including comparison charts. It also observes the rules of good design and adjusts slides as you add content. Bonus features: Beautiful.AI offers a stock-image gallery that isn't embarrassing. 4. Track time Timely It's hard to bill hours manually and gauge how long 62

it takes to complete a project. Timely follows the docs and apps you or your team work on and then presents its assessments for approval. Bonus features: A solo account starts at $8 (KD 2.4) a month, for tracking three projects; a companywide account is $250 (KD 75) annually. 5. Post better pictures Lisa Which picture of your avocado toast will get the most Instagram likes and attract more followers? Lisa chooses the best photo among ones you select to determine which will fare better. Bonus features: After scrutinizing an image, Lisa generates hashtags that can be added to a post to further boost its potential to be seen. 6. Schedule a meeting Clara Include "Clara," a virtual executive administrator, on email correspondence when trying to set up a meeting and this AI-as-a-service (which starts at $99 or KD 30 a month) works with all parties to book it. Bonus features: Clara's dashboard lets users preset preferred meeting times, who calls whom, when to send a confirmation, and more. 7. Find a job Gloat Gloat looks at a user's résumé or LinkedIn profile and offers tips for increasing job matches. Its machine-learning capability also suggests openings and adapts to feedback, narrowing results.

Bonus features: By accessing your contacts, Gloat can look for connections to employment oppurtunities. Users can also search anonymously. 8. Read the news more critically CivikOwl Add this Google Chrome browser extension and CivikOwl will scan news you've chosen to read, assessing the relative quality and political bias of articles and offering additional perspectives. Bonus features: A CivikOwl icon will pop up on Facebook articles people share in your feed (from certain sources). CivikOwl for Twitter is due soon. 9. Eat smarter FitGenie FitGenie lets users set health goals--such as weight loss or building lean muscle--and recommends meals (and how to make them), adjusting its suggestions to customers' tastes. Bonus features: You can try the food log, which reveals your fat, carb, and protein intake, before signing up for a $10-a-month (KD 3) subscription. 10. Get through customs BorderWait.net This site uses machine learning to analyze historical data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection to predict how long it'll take to get through customs at more than 40 U.S. airports. Bonus features: Users can specify exact terminals, arrival date and time, and resident status to get a more accurate assessment.

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THE ETERNAL TA’A

Amira Behbehani, art and women’s rights By bazaar staff

Calling artists passionate is clichéd, even though it is almost always very true. Amira Behbehani, however, can be defined by her compassion more than her drive to create art. Because beneath that compulsion to produce beautiful, moving and thoughtprovoking pieces, it all starts with her empathy and feelings towards people, animals, culture and everything in between. Her latest exhibition is layered and complex. As with many of Amira’s exhibitions, she shies from sticking to a single medium to tell her story. Instead, she derives her coherence from seamlessly telling an interwoven story. An abstract form of a woman stands in the middle of every canvas regardless of what it is made from, or what was used to paint it. Originally, she wanted the women to be relatively well known. Yet, she decided to tell the stories of women who were not necessarily famous, but rather have impactful histories and stories that are worth telling. The show was titled “The Eternal Ta’a” from the Arabic letter ta’a which denotes women and the feminine. Ironically, the initial paintings were created out of limitation. She had 10x30 canvases, and this meant that she had to stick to a narrow but tall design. After experimenting with oil and knife painting, the female forms presented themselves to her. In turn, the size restriction fueled Amira’s creativity, and inspiration was born. Amira chose amazing women to showcase, and her friend and collaborator Fareah al Saqqaf wrote the accompanying notes for each painting. It is a tribute, an ode, a form of defiance and in every way a celebration of women. This is just like Amira’s involvement with Abolish 153. The artist is one of the co-founders of the movement and the organization. Their main goal is to, as the name says, abolish article 153 from the Kuwaiti Penal Code. The article, which reduces punishment for alleged “honor” killings to a laughable misdemeanor, a KD 14 fine and a maximum of 3 years of jail time for the murder of a mother, sister, daughter or wife. Amira told me how the law is used as a loophole in so many cases of men physically abusing and murdering their female kin. The sadness and pain were evident on her face. She went on to recount stories of women who were attacked because they did not answer the phone or wanted to go out with friends. Article 153 infantilizes women and robs them of their inherent, constitutional and religious rights. Ironically, it is not that lenient towards women who catch their husbands committing adultery. For women it remains a misdemeanor. There isn’t a law that criminalizes violence against women either. The campaign has evolved into a fully-fledged movement, and has already managed to get five 64

members of parliament on board. Their approach is peaceful and non-confrontational. The founders believe that promoting their ideas works best when it is done through cultural exchange. This is why Abolish 153 organizes an annual art exhibition on Kuwaiti women day on the 16th of May. Regional photographers, sculptures, painters and artists use their skills to portray women’s suffering. Having just finished this year’s exhibit, Amira is very proud of what it has accomplished. In 2016 the campaign won the European Union’s Human Rights Chaillot Prize. This constantly gives Amira the drive she needs; even though the show can be exhausting, Amira loves doing it. While the exhibit is one of the more visible portions of their work, Abolish 153 also hosts workshops, seminars, trainings and lectures to raise awareness on all issues of violence against women and children. Amira believes that educating women about their rights, legal, political and religious, is the first step in sustainable and long-lasting change. While no shelters exist in Kuwait for abused women, they do manage to provide legal assistance, work placement, training and safety to women who reach out to them through their network of volunteers and advocates. And they will help anyone who needs it, regardless of country of origin. As Amira put it, this is about humanity and not where you come from. They are working on creating safe houses for women who are under the threat of violence. Until every woman is guaranteed a safe environment, their work will not be done. But they are also pragmatic and are pushing for legislations that sanction all forms of violent practices. Amira knows that the road ahead is long and will be difficult but is optimistic and knows that they have laid the framework for effective change. Maybe this is why every civil or social movement needs an artist at its helm. They can see beauty and hope in the darkest places. And then they can show the world how things could be. As for the Eternal Ta’a, my favorite set included the embroidered framed linens. Intricate black and navy thread and beads stitched on black linen so delicate that it is sheer, creates a subtle multi-dimensional impression of clear female figures. The delicate fabric is pricked with the needle so many times to create change and effect paralleling what women need to do to create social change. The use of more than two colors that are almost indistinguishable from afar, yet different when you stand close, as well as the inclusion of the scattered and clustered beads, alludes to all the layers and strengths that stem from the different aspects of a woman’s character.

For more information, connect with Amira Behbehani on Facebook: Amira.Behbehani and Instagram @Amira.Behbehani. Photo of Amira by Yousef Al Nasser @Yousefcam. Exhibition photos courtesy of bazaar. 65

FANCIFUL FLANEURS

The world's most beautiful boulevards for forever wanderers By George Hobica

When my architect friend Westley visits Paris, he doesn't dawdle in the Louvre or climb the Eiffel Tower. Instead, he goes for a stroll. "I want to experience the city like the locals do," he once told me. "The idea of crowding around the Mona Lisa with a scrum of tourists just doesn't interest me." In other words, Westley is a boulevardier, a "flaneur," that great French word derived from the Old Norse verb "flana" or "to wander with no purpose." But Westley and his ilk do have a purpose: they participate in a city by observing the quotidian flow of street life. Sometimes you can learn more about a place just by watching daily interactions along its thoroughfares than by visiting its monuments and museums, not that there's anything wrong with museums or monuments. Initially, I tried to argue. "What? You've been to Paris five times and you've never visited the 66

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Louvre?" But as I grew older and visited the same cities over and over, I came to appreciate the value of wandering with eyes and ears open to the pulse of urban life. And as Westley once explained, "Why spend a whole day in the British Museum? There's nothing British in it anyway. Britain happens outside it." Besides, he insists, exploring a city on foot costs nothing. So what better place to observe a city's denizens, to reflect and discover and wander, than along some of the world's most beautiful boulevards, those wide, tree-lined streets humming with city life? Champs Elysees, Paris On the instructions of Napoleon III, Baron Georges-Eugene Haussmann (1809-1891), the Robert Moses of his day, evicted 350,000 Parisians to lay down 50 miles of new boulevards, strictly regulating the height, color, materials and general design of adjacent buildings, edicts which today give Parisian boulevards their pleasingly uniform appearance. However, this famous street is

not part of Haussmann's legacy. Dating from the 17th century, it runs 1.2 miles from the Arc de Triomphe (definitely worth a climb for the views) to the Place de la Concorde, where the Obelisk of Luxor still towers majestically despite being over 3 millennia old. Look back from the Obelisk to the Arc to see the boulevard at its best. Commonwealth Avenue Mall, Boston I'm a Bostonian by birth so of course I'm provincially prejudiced, but even Winston Churchill called Commonwealth Avenue ("Comm Ave" as we call it) "the grandest boulevard in North America." Running eight architecturally homogenous blocks from Arlington Street to Massachusetts Avenue in the Back Bay and then westward to Newton, the 200-foot-wide Comm Ave Mall, designed by architect Arthur Gilman in 1856 and inspired by Haussmann's boulevards, covers 32 acres. Gilman insisted that all houses should sit back 20 feet from the pavement, adding to the avenue's grandeur and spaciousness. In springtime, magnolia trees grace the Mall with their pink petals; in

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winter, its entire length glows with artfully lit trees. Passeig de Gracia, Barcelona Designed by Ildefons Cerda, an urban planner and Barcelona native who also conceived the city's other boulevards, this artery is embellished by four rows of closely spaced plane trees, tiled benches designed by native son Antonio Gaudi, elegant street lighting, and the city's most upscale retail outlets. All of which make this lively, mile-long boulevard the most beautiful street in a beautiful city. The central 36-foot-wide sidewalks provide plenty of room for ambling. Stop at No. 43 where one of Gaudi's most famous creations, Casa Batllo, welcomes visitors 365 days a year (tip: buy an "early bird" admission for 37 euros and you'll have the place almost to yourself). Eastern Parkway, New York City Created by Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux (who also designed Central Park) this 2.5-mile-long, historic landmark in Brooklyn connects Grand Army Plaza and Prospect Park. 68

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Six rows of trees spaced 25 to 30 feet apart, and handsome brownstone row houses set back from the street, add to its appeal, and a subway line runs underneath, so it's easy to reach by public transit. The Brooklyn Museum, anchoring the western limit of the parkway, organizes blockbuster exhibits that rival those offered by New York's more famous museums. If you visit over Labor Day Weekend you'll witness the West Indian Carnival Parade. Via dei Fori Imperiali, Rome Built on the orders of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, the construction of this impressive boulevard, inaugurated in October 1932 with a military parade led by Il Duce himself on horseback, destroyed most of Julius Caesar's Imperial Forums _ ironic since the avenue's name translates to "road of the imperial forums." Envisioned to connect Rome's greatest achievements (whatever wasn't torn down to build it), this four-lane, tree-lined road is now pedestrianized, over the protests of local residents but to the delight of boulevardiers. Stretching from the Piazza Venezia to the

Colosseum, it takes you on a stroll through ancient Roman history. Avenida da Liberdade, Lisbon Constructed between 1879 and 1886, variously described as the "Champs Elysees of Lisbon" or "Lisbon's answer to Fifth Avenue," the avenida's 27-foot-wide pedestrian paths, decorated in black and white pavers and intricate mosaics, provide ample room to stroll (walk with care in wet weather since these walkways become slippery). Two rows of trees on either side provide shade from the sun. Nearly every international luxury brand maintains stores on this beautiful street and you'll find three Lisbon Metro stations along it. And while I still think museums are worthwhile, the world's most beautiful boulevards are museums of a kind themselves, tableaux vivants, steeped in history, free for all to explore. Photos by Stephen Leonardi (Paris), John Jason (Lisbon) and Benjamin Voros (Barcelona) on Unsplash.

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WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR WRITING SKILLS?

Here are 3 websites to find the help you need! By Israa Elkhatib

Students everywhere sometimes face difficulty with their writing. It’s a fact of life no matter what academic level you’ve achieved or where you’re going to school. In the Middle East, most major universities teach in English, and since most students have English as their second or even third language, there’s a need for writing help. Even the best writers have room for improvement, and if you are struggling to make your writing better, you’ve probably tried looking for potential writing solutions online. With so many options to choose from, how can you find the website that’s right for you? To help you discover which type of writing help might best help you meet your goals, check out this guide to the three best websites for getting writing help online. Purdue OWL The Online Writing Lab from Purdue University is one of the premiere web resources for writing assistance. As the OWL’s website states, “Students, members of the community, and users worldwide will find information to assist with many writing projects.” The OWL offers extensive guides to help students through every part of the writing process, from topic selection and thesis development to outlining and formatting. The largest and most extensive sections of the OWL are devoted to questions about how to format citations in common referencing systems such as APA and MLA style, but it is an extensive and beneficial resource for nearly any writing question or issues. What sets the Purdue OWL apart from its counterparts at other schools is the quality and depth of its resources and the breadth of its coverage. The Purdue OWL offers much more than just academic writing services. It also has sections, for example devoted to writing for a job search and resources for students who are writing in English as a second language. While the Purdue OWL is a great resource for help with writing, it does have a serious drawback: Because it is not interactive, it’s basically self-serve. So, if you need help understanding the material on the website or aren’t quite sure about the level and type of help you need, this resource may not be the best for you. Fortunately, there are other resources available. 70

Tutor.com If you need more personalized writing assistance, Tutor.com offers interacting online tutoring sessions that can help you to achieve your writing goals. A trained tutor will work with you to improve your writing, correct mistakes, and recommend changes that will make your essay stronger. Tutor.com works with students at every academic level up to and including introductory undergraduate writing. The benefits of this type of service are obvious. First, you have a real live person working with you to answer questions and to help you develop your understanding of the writing process. Second, you get real-time feedback on your work as you work on it. That means that a real live tutor is reading your work and marking it up for you so you can understand what needs to change and how best to change it. The downside, however, is also obvious. A tutor can only work with material that you have already written, so this service is not as helpful if you haven’t completed a draft of your essay yet. Second, this paid service only extends to introductory undergraduate writing. If you have progressed beyond this academic level, you won’t have the assistance you need to work on more complex academic tasks. That’s where another service comes in. CheapWritingHelp.com If you need more personalized and customized writing solutions, CheapWritingHelp.com has you covered. The master writers at this website work with students to develop model academic writing samples to show students the best way

to approach any academic assignment, from the simplest five-paragraph academic essay to the most complex doctoral dissertation. Unlike other writing options, this website allows students the freedom to start receiving help at any stage of the writing process. When students order model academic writing from this website, a trained writing expert with a Master’s degree or PhD in the subject area will research and write a complete model essay to address the specific assignment provided by the student in order to show the student exactly how to approach the topic. This model essay demonstrates best practices at every level, from comprehensive literature research to exemplary citations and formatting. Because this service offers a deeper and more extensive level of writing help than the others on the list, it also needs to offer more comprehensive guarantees about the quality of the work it provides. This site guarantees that every model paper it produces will be completely original and 100% free from plagiarism. It also offers a satisfaction guarantee so that you can be sure that you will receive exactly what you ordered and that the model paper will fully address each and every requirement. With so many options to choose from, choosing the right level of writing help might seem like a challenge, but our guide should give you a good idea of what help will best serve you on your next writing project.

Photo by Stanley Dai on Unsplash.

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MAN’S BEST FRIEND Do animals help buffer the body’s response to stress? By Melissa Healy

New research offers evidence for a claim made regularly by country music singers: Growing up with a little dirt under his nails may make a country boy a little shy. But compared to a born-and-bred city slicker, that country boy will grow up to be a stronger, healthier and more laid-back man. In ways large and small, farm kids and city kids grow up worlds apart from each other. A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences explores the possible consequences of that divergence for the health of modern men. German researchers recruited men under 40 whose childhoods fit one of two starkly different patterns. Either they had spent the years before they turned 15 in a city of more than 100,000 people and had never had a pet in their childhood home. Or, they spent those years on a farm that raised livestock. The researchers laid before these healthy young men the kind of wide-ranging social challenge sure to induce a potent case of sweaty palms: giving a job talk on short notice, answering to a jury of white-coated judges, and performing a mind-bending arithmetic feat under time pressure. Then, the researchers compared the two groups’ reactions using a battery of physiological and psychological tests. In their responses to questionnaires as well as in measures of acute physical stress, the study’s 20 country boys clearly felt the heat of the social challenge more strongly. Their levels of cortisol — a “fight or flight” hormone — spiked higher, and they reported higher levels of anxiety. But the young men who had grown up petless in big cities showed a more sustained immune response to the social challenge. The immune systems of both groups rushed to release chemicals consistent with a strong defense against a perceived enemy. But while this response in the country boys waned after five minutes, the city boys’ immune systems stayed on high alert for at least two hours. And the urbanites were less able to tamp down their stress-related inflammatory response with the release of anti-inflammatory chemicals. The finding strengthens the suspicion that growing up in sanitized urban environments is making many of us more fragile when it comes to warding off certain diseases. Called the “hygiene theory,” the idea is that early exposure to dirt, and to animals who maintain their link to the earth’s microbial fecundity, trains our developing immune systems to handle stressors large and small and tamps down the immune system’s occasional penchant for overreaction. 84

The hygiene theory is often held up as an explanation for the dramatic uptick in the incidence of childhood auto-immune diseases such as asthma, allergies, Type 1 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. And it’s often cited as a contributor in diseases that involve unchecked inflammation, including cardiovascular disease, some cancers and such common mental health disorders as depression. For those raised in areas offering what the authors called “a narrow range of microbial exposures,” the new study points to “possible biological mechanisms underlying increased risk for inflammatory diseases, as well as increased vulnerability to mental health disorders where inappropriate inflammation is thought to be a risk factor,” they wrote. The authors noted recent Danish research suggesting that rates of autism, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder were higher among urbanites, and other research suggesting that depression, anxiety and mood disorders were more common among city dwellers. The study was very small, with only 20 young men in each group. But the researchers found the two

groups well matched on a wide range of socioeconomic background factors and childhood stressors, as well as in their past and present states of mental and physical health. There was this difference, however: compared to urban participants, significantly more of the subjects who had grown up in rural areas had regular contact with pets and/or farm animals during adulthood. You might conclude that urban parents who want to give their kids the laid-back country attitude and robust immune system that comes with growing up on a farm should be sure to provide their children a pet. This study doesn’t really shed light on that surmise. But here’s an intriguing tidbit from a 2001 study carried out at the University of Zagreb: Young adults who had a pet as a child were more empathetic, more prone to choosing helping professions, and “more oriented toward social values” than were young adults who’d grown up without pets.

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A NEW FOOD CHAIN By Ben Paynter

The future of world food aid arrived, unnoticed by its first recipients: the grocery shoppers inside a supermarket at the Azraq camp in Jordan, home to 36,000 Syrian refugees. To be fair, their buying process already looked pretty high-tech, especially for a store with a dirt parking lot in the middle of the desert. Before paying, each shopper peered into a black, rectangular iris scanner mounted at eye-level, which confirms users' identities with the camp's organizing group, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and allows them to access a food stipend from the United Nations' World Food Programme (WFP). That's a spiffy authentication process, but it had been there for months. What the shoppers didn't see was the new back-end procedure. Instead of receiving WFP funds via a third party, such as a bank, the grocery store was reconciling each purchase directly with the aid group through a secure platform called Building Blocks, based on blockchain technology. Inside the store, Houman Haddad, a finance officer for the WFP and the founder of Building Blocks, watched as each eye scan led to a cashier's tablet flashing a green check mark, signaling a completed transaction. "It was the moment when I knew this was technically possible," he says. The technology behind cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin and ethereum, blockchain is essentially a shared digital ledger system: a decentralized database that allows information to be exchanged among several parties but not altered. Transactions become blocks of data that are chained together, making everything transparent and easy to review. The concept arose in 2008 as a way to securely track and transfer bitcoins. Today, blockchain is being applied to everything from energy trading to legal contracts, and is poised to transform how we store and share personal information. But one of its most profound uses, say advocates, may be in international aid, where documentation is scarce and operating budgets are low. By eliminating intermediaries, blockchain technology creates faster, safer, and, ultimately, cheaper ways of doing business. Organizations working in international relief can lose up to 3.5% of each aid transaction to various fees and costs. What's more, across the industry, an estimated 30% of all development funds don't reach their intended recipients because of third-party theft or mismanagement. In Jordan, the WFP can use 86

Building Blocks to audit each beneficiary's spending in near-real time. And by paying vendors directly, Building Blocks has reduced moneymanagement costs by 98%, according to Haddad. For an aid organization spending $6 billion annually across 80 countries, that adds up to tens of millions of dollars in savings. Bernhard Kowatsch, who heads the WFP's Innovation Accelerator, which incubated Building Blocks, sees more value: "[Building Blocks] provides even higher assurance to individual donors that if you give to the World Food Programme, that money actually reaches the people it's intended for." Haddad, who has worked for the WFP for seven years, approached his employer in mid2016 about developing a blockchain-based business through its accelerator. The WFP incubator offers intensive coaching and up to $100,000 to social entrepreneurs who share its goal of eradicating global hunger. Once in the program, Haddad joined forces with Alexandra Alden, a Silicon Valley-based mentor, refined the concept during a boot camp run through California's Singularity University, and, in January of this year, began testing a prototype in the Sindh province of Pakistan, whose rural inhabitants are dependent on food entitlements and direct cash distributions. (This trial didn't involve fancy iris scanners, relying instead on text-based mobile voucher codes.) The WFP initially scheduled just a onemonth trial of Haddad's technology in Azraq,

but the program was surprisingly successful. The organization has asked Building Blocks to stay--and expand to other camps later this year, reaching a total of 100,000 people. An even wider rollout to the country's half million refugees scattered throughout different host communities will follow. Haddad expects the system to be available in other countries sometime in 2018, along with the ability for recipients to review their balances and itemized lists of purchases. Because the design for Building Blocks is largely open sourced--its ethereum-based operating system allows for customizable applications-Haddad envisions the technology being used well beyond grocery stores. For instance, the WFP's recipient rolls could be tethered to health data from the World Health Organization, or educational information from UNICEF. That would give aid groups a better understanding of their recipients, and refugees a better way to manage their affairs. And the technology would be easily transferable across borders. "That's when [it] starts getting pretty interesting and powerful," says Haddad's mentor, Alden. Ben Siegel, an impact policy manager at ConsenSys, an ethereum development company that has helped form the Blockchain for Social Impact Coalition, considers Building Blocks a "superb" first step, and several UN organizations are exploring how to take it further. The ultimate goal, Haddad says, is to give uprooted people "as much control as possible" over their own lives.

Faces

TTYL! The fate of a relationship after weight-loss surgery By Melissa Healy

Surgical reduction of the stomach may do more than change signals of hunger and appetite, improve metabolic function and induce substantial weight loss. New research suggests it may change some hearts as well. A large Swedish study has found that obese people who had a spouse or live-in partner and then underwent weight-loss surgery (also called bariatric surgery) were 28 percent more likely to become separated or divorced compared with those in a comparison group who didn’t have surgery. Patients who were single before surgery, however, were roughly twice as likely to begin a new relationship afterward as were obese patients who just got weightloss advice. Those findings, measured four years after patients underwent the surgery, were magnified in people who lost the most weight. They offer new evidence that while substantial weight loss can buoy an obese person’s self-confidence and rekindle his or her drive to find romance, it can also disturb the foundations of existing partnerships. It’s a dynamic familiar to David Sarwer, who directs the Center for Obesity Research and Education at Temple University’s College of Public Health. Many people intuitively believe that a large weight loss will improve a romantic relationship, said Sarwer, who has studied the psychological and social impact of weight-loss surgery for two decades. Of course, they think, “The person who lost the weight will be thrilled and the partner will be pleased with the change in appearance as well,” added Sarwer, who was not involved in the study. “Unfortunately, weight loss can have negative effects on relationships as well,” he said. “The person who loses weight may feel better about themselves and end an unhappy relationship. Sometimes, partners are threatened by the weight loss and that jealously can cause problems as well.” The authors of the new study acknowledged that while weight-loss surgery “may affect the dynamics of the relationship,” assigning blame for breakups would be a more difficult task. Their research did not capture which partner ended the relationship, or why. Those questions may become more important as socalled bariatric procedures become more commonplace as a means of treating obesity and the metabolic and other disorders that come with it. In 2013, nearly 470,000 bariatric procedures were performed globally. In 2016, 216,000 such procedures were performed in the United States, according to American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery.

Most weight-loss surgery patients and their partners report that the quality of their committed relationships stays steady or improves, the authors noted. But in addition to reporting feelings of jealousy, some partners of bariatric surgery patients tell researchers they feel “no longer needed” after a mate has undergone such drastic change. If they’re to have a “better chance of handling potential tensions in their relationship,” prospective weight-loss surgery patients should be informed about this possibility, the authors said. Divorces and separations were higher among patients who judged the quality of their family relationships to be poorer at the time of surgery. And they were more common among patients who were younger, had been divorced before, or who had been married or living with a partner for a shorter period. But not all ended relationships should be seen as evidence of an “adverse event” of bariatric surgery, the authors cautioned. The increased self-confidence and self-esteem that comes with taking the decision to have surgery, and with the substantial weight loss that results, may have empowered some patients “to leave an unhealthy relationship,” they wrote. The study gleaned these insights from a pair of large national databases. One compared patients who got weight-loss surgery with a comparison group of obese people who just got weight-loss advice.

Another compared changes in the marital status of bariatric surgery patients with that of people in the general population. After four years, 9.4 percent of patients who got bariatric surgery reported they had separated or divorced. Among obese patients who got weightloss advice only, 5.5 percent had undergone divorce or separation four years later. After taking into account other factors that influence the likelihood of relationship breakups, the authors gauged the increased risk of divorce or separation among those getting bariatric surgery to be 28 percent at the end of four years. Compared with a general population (rather than to a comparison population of obese people seeking care for that condition), rates of divorce among those who underwent weight-loss surgery was 76 percent higher. The Swedish study also documented one of bariatric surgery’s happier effects: love and marriage. After four years, 21 percent of the single men and women who got surgery had entered into marriage or a new romantic relationship. For the obese members of the comparison group who got diet-and-exercise advice only, 11 percent had also done so after four years. At 10 years out, 35 percent in the surgery group had married or kindled a new romance, compared with 19 percent of those in the comparison group.

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HAIL A HACKNEY CO-LAB

& Other Stories triumphant House of Hackney collaboration, now available in Kuwait!

By bazaar staff

You don’t have to scroll very far on House of Hackney’s Instagram account to see the vision behind the luxury British interiors and lifestyle brand known for their maximalist aesthetic and iconic floral prints. Their bio reads, “Have nothing in your house that you do not know…or believe to be beautiful,” a quote by British Arts and Crafts Movement founder William Morris, whose elaborate floral-patterned wallpaper graces the walls of St. James Palace, Castle Howard, Balmoral Castle and other grand homes in Great Britain and Europe. Small wonder that this is the ideal design house to be this season’s co-lab with the stylishly maverick brand that always embraces print, pattern and color: & Other Stories. For this collection, the House of Hackney design duo of Javvy M. Royle and Freida Gormley took inspiration from The Bloomsbury Group, so named because Bloomsbury was the place in London in which they would meet up. This collective of free-thinking artists and intellectuals would set off on jaunts to the English countryside where the artists (including Roger Fry and Duncan Grant) came together under the banner of The Friday Club. They luxuriated in each other’s homes and in the great outdoors, painting not the flowers that they could observe but imagining ones that didn’t exist, and painting them instead. Similarly vivid and fanciful imaginings are the House of Hackney’s print raison d’être, always distinctive and innovative. Just as the Bloomsbury group would gather in the Charleston Farmhouse, home of founding member Vanessa Bell, the fashion editorial for the House of Hackney x & Other Stories collection was captured in the London home of Javvy and Freida, the husband and wife team behind House of Hackney. With the Zodiac serving as inspiration, 12 stunningly eclectic images have been created, with an image assigned to each zodiac sign, and June of course is Gemini. The beautiful & Other Stories collection samples were unveiled hanging in the extraordinary golden-domed ‘Arab Hall’ of Leighton House Museum, England. With its spectacularly intricate mosaics and walls lined with beautiful Islamic tiles, it was the perfect setting to showcase the House of Hackney aesthetic. Luckily, you don’t need to go all the way to the UK to get your hands on these wondrously whimsical pieces, as the collection can now be found across the globe. Locally, & Other Stories is part of the glorious expansion that is Grand Avenue, so you only have to travel to The Avenues to get your hands on these designs! The only question left is which star sign are you? And with a collection as gorgeous as this, you should really find out your moon sign, and if one's birthday happens to be mid month, would it be too early to say that you are on the cusp? Find & Other Stories in Grand Avenue – The Avenues. Opening hours Sunday – Wednesday are from 10am to 11pm, and Thursday – Saturday are from 10am to midnight. Visit http://www.stories.com/se/Stores for more information. Follow Instagram @andotherstories and #storieskuwait #andotherstories. 90

Gemini

Freida and Javvy M.Royle Gormley

Pisces

Leo

YOU’RE GOING TO FLUB THAT JOKE IN YOUR PRESENTATION Try this instead! By Anett Grant

You’ve probably heard the advice that you should start your presentation with a joke. It breaks the ice, right? But unless you’re a talented comedian, you might end up ruining your talk. Here are four reasons why using humor in your speech–not just as an icebreaker to kick things off, but at any point in your talk– can be a recipe for trouble, and what to do instead.. 1. WARM-UP GAGS DON’T ALWAYS LAND If your audience isn’t prepared for your joke, it’s going to fall flat. They need to be ready to laugh. Even the best stand-up comedians have warm-up acts that come on stage first to prime the audience. As Michael Grothaus previously wrote in Fast Company, speakers who drop jokes out of the blue usually fail. “It’s because doing so comes off as trying too hard– the humor equivalent of a nervous tick.” Rather than telling a joke, warm up your audience by giving them something to ponder or think about. An effective way to do this is to share something unfamiliar, like a conversation you had where somebody shared surprising news or information with you. This can make you sound interesting right away, with none of the risk of trying to land a punchline. 2. SELF-DEPRECATING HUMOR UNDERMINES YOUR CREDIBILITY There’s one pretty fail-safe rule in business presentations: maintain a positive tone. Jokes often involve put-downs, which can introduce negativity even when you’re trying to stay lighthearted or selfdeprecating. Now, it’s obvious why you wouldn’t want to make a joke at a colleague’s expense. But you might be wondering, what’s the harm in making fun of yourself? I once worked with a business leader who was a retired Navy admiral. He wanted to use selfdeprecating humor in his presentation. “It worked for me in the Navy!” he told me. But here’s the problem: As a high-ranking officer, he automatically commanded respect based on his title–and he wasn’t about to lose it by being overly modest. Unfortunately, most professional settings don’t work that way. You have to earn respect even if you’re in a leadership role. Even the most good-humored, well-intentioned self-effacing jokes can dampen your efforts on that front. That doesn’t mean you should shun vulnerability, though. Showing humility can actually be an effective speaking technique, provided that you don’t undercut yourself. For example, say you’re talking about a weakness of yours. Rather than stopping there, elaborate on the steps you’re taking to improve

it. That way, you’re not lowering the audience’s expectations and perception of you, while still sharing something personal. 3. YOUR MAIN JOB ISN’T TO ENTERTAIN Fundamentally, the purpose of humor isn’t to establish a connection, but to entertain. But in business settings, the crowd isn’t coming to you for entertainment–most likely, they’re there to learn. One of the best ways to make sure your listeners leave with new knowledge and/or a sense of connection is to tell a story that makes a relevant point. The best stories are ordinary anecdotes that nearly everyone can identify with. If you can craft a narrative that’s both engaging and directly related to your main argument, you’ll connect with your audience far more effectively than you would with jokes. 4. NOT EVERYONE CAN BE A COMEDIAN This might be a harsh truth to hear, but comedy is difficult–even for professionals. A good comedian

has to do more than come up with great jokes. They also need to master the delivery. If two people deliver the exact same wisecrack, one person could get a room full of laughs, and the other could hear crickets. You also risk messing up your punchline, leaving both you and the audience confused and uncomfortable. “A joke with a failed punchline will make you look foolish, which is of course a terrible way to launch a presentation,” one Fast Company contributor pointed out a few years ago. It’s pretty timeless advice. If you’re nervous about presenting in the first place, trying to earn laughs only raises your odds of a failed delivery. We all like to laugh every now and again, even at work. But when it comes to incorporating humor in business presentations, it’s better to err on the side of caution. So rely on these other methods to get your audience to listen–since that’s more important than laughter anyway. Photo by Levi Saunders on Unsplash.

fantasy world

SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS

Catering to audiences usually neglected during the summer By Amy Kaufman

The films on the list of wannabe blockbusters opening this summer have one thing in common: They’re aimed primarily at young men. From new installments in Marvel comic book franchises to flashy action pictures led by stars like Tom Cruise, Dwayne Johnson and Denzel Washington, every movie hopes to draw the lucrative “four quadrant” crowd — but at the very least, dudes. And yet, in between the big-budget sci-fi and superhero sagas, two major studio releases targeting the adult female crowd will hit the multiplex this season: Book Club and Mamma Mia: Here We Go Again! The first, out last May, features four actresses older than 60 as its leads: Jane Fonda, Diane Keaton, Candice Bergen and Mary Steenburgen, playing friends who are inspired to reinvigorate their lives after reading Fifty Shades of Grey. The July 20 Mamma Mia! sequel, meanwhile, is hoping to match the success of the 2008 musical adaptation, which grossed more than $600 million (KD 200 million) worldwide when it opened. Like Book Club, the new Mamma Mia! also stars a handful of older actors, including Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan, Cher and Colin Firth. Summer has long been considered a dry period for films for the over-40 set — especially older females. In 2011, The Help soared to nearly $170 94

million (KD 50.4 million), largely on the strength of women who loved Kathryn Stockett’s book of the same name. But despite the handful of modest successes that followed — from a Hundred-Foot Journey here to a Hope Springs there — in the last five years, there have been only a few summer releases made for the demographic. Many such releases with older stars, including Florence Foster Jenkins, A Walk in the Woods and Ricki and the Flash, weren’t even able to crack $30 million (KD 10 million). However, it’s likely that the Mamma Mia! sequel will fare far better at the box office, given the film’s built-in audience. “Ten years ago, we played right in the middle of Batman and all of those movies, and the film played through the summer. So the second time around, we have the same ambitions,” said Judy Craymer, who produced both Mamma Mia! pictures. “There was definitely a sense of, ‘Crikey, how do we deal with a musical where the lead cast are all women and women over 30?’ But Mamma Mia! surprised everyone.” The sequel finds Sophie, played by Amanda Seyfried, pregnant — and without her mother (Streep) around, she calls on her mom’s longtime friends (Christine Baranski, Julie Waters) to help guide her through the challenging time. “The original audience was nostalgic for ABBA, and now we have an audience nostalgic for Mamma Mia!” said Craymer, noting that the sequel began coming together in late 2016. “These movies are about women and friendship, and the fun of them is

that the characters don’t view themselves as middleaged. I think that’s the mass appeal — everyone can see a bit of themselves there.” Signing on for Book Club was an easy call for Bergen, who said she was stunned to be offered the role without “any humiliation, no audition (and) no haggling.”“It’s rare to get an offer at all at my age,” acknowledged the actress, 71. “And I think it’s so smart that they’re opening the film in the summer. Women are way underserved in the market, and I feel such a buzz from women of all ages over this — of course, older women, because nobody makes movies for them. I’m quite taken aback.” Book Club producer and co-writer Erin Simms said it wasn’t easy to get studios interested in the film — it was financed independently and later acquired for distribution by Paramount. “We had to convince people every step of the way,” she said. “In general, people were looking at this as a very small, very niche movie. You think back to The Golden Girls, which was a massive hit, or Steel Magnolias and Terms of Endearment — I don’t know what happened over time that financiers stopped being interested. You feel like because studios keep forgetting that demographic, they don’t matter anymore, but they do — and they’re powerful and still have a lot of life to live. “You hit a certain age and start feeling like you aren’t important anymore. I hope this movie helps to erase that idea. We glorify youth in society, and I don’t know why everyone is trying to find the next-best-thing. I’d rather sit down with someone and hear about a life well-lived.”

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CHOOSE THE CHIMMI

Elevation Burger and Maryam Al Nusif turn up the heat for summer By bazaar staff

It was by no mistake that Venezuelan songstress Carol Souki crooned to the crowds at the launch of Elevation Burger’s latest gastronomic adventure. To the delight of visitors, the Al Seif location was a celebration of the lights, colors, sounds and tastes of South America when Elevation Burger introduced The Chimmi to Kuwait. As with all things Elevation Burger, you can rest assured that the best ingredients are used to make this tasty new burger. On a lightly toasted bun rests a base of shredded organic red cabbage. On top of this and placed in the center is a thick slice of fresh, red tomato which is slathered with a generous helping of house made chimichurri sauce. Layered on that is a juicy 100% USDA organic, grass-fed, free-range beef patty onto which has been melted a hearty slice of Manchego cheese and pressed onto that a roasted jalapeño chili. The end result is delicious, and so different to anything Kuwait has encountered in the realm of the burger before. Elevation Burger has made a concerted effort to develop the community of farm to table endeavours in Kuwait. Ethical farming ensures the produce is clean, you know the source and no pesticides or chemical fertilizers are used. Utilizing relationships with local clean food entrepreneurs to add an authenticity to its offerings continues to make Elevation Burger not only the healthier option but the socially responsible one too, helping local farmers, suppliers and chefs. Elevation Burger also provides community spaces which are often shared with local performers and artists as well, such as in the Al Seif and Al Bida’a locations. Kuwaiti Maryam Al Nusif is a graduate of Le Cordon Blue London Culinary School and a gastronomic entrepreneur who has been helping local residents and businesses to engage in their communities through various projects like Shakshooka Market and The Secret Garden, a community garden open to all. The organic garden is looked after completely by volunteers, and is lush with prerequisite flowers are grown vegetables and herbs which can then be picked for use by visitors enjoying the space. It is a natural fit for Elevation Burger to approach the local chef with international influences for her input on developing a new burger. Both parties have similar values and ethics which include providing clean, sustainable food, community engagement, and using public spaces to build a sense of shared commonality and neighborhood. Maryam admits that when the internationally franchised restaurant chain first broached the subject of a joint project she was a little sceptical, being a supporter of cottage industry, but spending time with Elevation Burger was pivotal to her deciding to say 96

‘yes’. “I saw their food and how it’s been made and I actually really enjoyed working with the team.” Maryam clarifying, “They really do care about the community.” Taking inspiration from new world South America, Elevation Burger and Maryam worked on developing a burger with a chimichurri sauce. Already one of Maryam’s specialities, the chef confesses that the sauce is closest to her personality. “I love the combination of tangy and salty, the freshness of the herbs and a little spicy kick.” This sauce is more often than not found in the asados of Argentina or Uruguay, being used to marinate and baste the cuts of beef for the grills. Intensely tasty, chimichurri has a base of cilantro, oregano and parsley with lots of garlic packing it with a flavorsome punch, an ideal partner for the Elevation Burger organic beef patty. After trying a few different cheeses with a South American or Spanish vibe, finally the Manchego was chosen. A hard cheese from La Mancha in old world Spain, it has a nutty taste. This is one of the rare cheeses which is also described as “meaty” and has a creamy bite to it, as sheep milk has a higher fat content to it than cow milk and is also easier to digest. At only room temperature, you can see the richness of the cheese coming through which makes Manchego an excellent melter for your burger.

To top it all off, fling on a locally grown fiery roasted jalepeño and The Chimmi delivers a uniquely layered, flavor profile experience. While you enjoy this you can be contented in the fact that you are supporting local farmers and producers too. In three words Maryam describes the burger as, “bright, tangy and spicy” and given customer feedback, is pleased with the result. “We wanted to do something different and related to my personal taste in cooking. It is not your typical American burger, so I’m happy with it”. This burger is sophisticated, global, has depth and is undeniably like nothing you have tasted in Kuwait before. It is only going to be on the menu for a limited time, so don’t hesitate to visit an Elevation Burger near you and choose The Chimmi!

Follow #TheChimmi and @ElevationKW on Instagram for more juicy pictures or visit Elevation Burger at Al Seif, Menus, The Avenues, Al Hamra Luxury Center, Mubarak Al-Abdullah (West Mishref), Al Bidaa, Qortuba, Discovery Mall, The Promenade, Vibes and Square Park. Find Elevation Burger on Facebook @ElevationKW or visit www.elevationburger.com for more information.

savana

‫ﻛﻞ ﻋﺎم وأﻧﺘﻢ ﺑﺨﻴﺮ‬

Ramadan Kareem

All the Summer Vibes With H&M

Your beach wardrobe starts here! By bazaar staff

We love these long summer days. Oh, to live in that perfect swimsuit, paired with an easy breezy cover-up, go from beach to pool, and from pool to sunset barbecue, all while feeling completely relaxed. For us here at bazaar, these are the makings of the ultimate summer routine. To celebrate that elusive feeling, where the weight of the 9-5 day job is temporarily lifted off of your bronzed shoulders, H&M has the perfect collection to keep those vibes alive, all summer long.

RELAXED SOPHISTICATION FOR WOMENSWEAR From the cosmopolitan city life to warm days by the ocean, H&Mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Summer 2018 Womenswear is designed to suit all occasions under the sun, regardless where you choose to spend the summer. Smocking details, tie-up closures and paper-bag waists providing some light structure to the dresses. Kaftan-style pieces with deep v-necklines can easily be worn as beach cover-ups or as an instant everyday outfit. Loose-fitting shorts cinch in naturally at the waistline, where pretty blouses with balloon sleeves, offthe-shoulder necklines and knotted tops in cotton-linen blends can be worn with ease. Overall, the color palette of the collection features warm sunset hues and ocean blues, plus hints of khaki greens, cognac, light beige and black set against crisp whites. Beachy stripes, bold painted floral prints and striking embroidery add a cheerful and eye-catching element. MODERN CASUAL AND SOPHISTICATED SURF FOR MENSWEAR The modern man living his life in California and spending all his free time on a surf board has inspired H&M for this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s high summer collection. A light and easy summer wardrobe based on short sleeve tops that are teamed up with drawstring shorts. All over printed resort shirts are key and will take a center role throughout the whole summer. The color palette goes from summer darks via sun kissed pastels to crispy white. Vivid stripes and exotic front prints complete this relaxed yet stylish look.

Find H&M's latest summer collections in stores now! Get the latest updates from H&M on Instagram @HM, and shop your favorite pieces from the collection by visiting https://kw.hm.com/en. 99

A SUPER RAMADAN

Only moments to your doorstep with Zitaat By bazaar staff

Ah, Ramadan. A time where bellies routinely spend about 14 hours a day hollow with emptiness, only to be filled up again for the rest of the evening until sleep. Muslims fast intermittently during Ramadan to fulfill a spiritual duty, but the practice has its own health benefits as well, such as effective weight control, heightened brain power, and even greater longevity. All that intermittent fasting can sometimes cloud our judgment when it comes time to eat, and in Ramadan, we’re used to squeezing in three meals and lots of snacks within a short time period. Here to teach you a thing or two about your wicked, caloric ways is SUPER/FOODS, the game changer that redefines the way people see indulgence. The fact that rather it being a heavy, fatty-laden calorie fest, it could be a treat for your insides as well as your taste buds. With this in mind, SUPER/FOODS might just be your best friend this Ramadan, especially that you can order your favorite healthful foods through with Zitaat! HYDRATING First of all, you’re fasting in the summertime, and pairing that with Kuwait’s extreme heat, means it’s never easy. Luckily, SUPER/FOODS has on offer a wide range of beneficial juices, smoothies and infused waters to help you through. Their “Deep Soak” line of infused waters are mixed up with chia seeds and different fruits and veg to reap different nutritional benefits you so require. Our personal favorite is the Blueberry Orange, promoting healthy skin, which we know is important to look after during Ramadan. We also love Blue Potion: their ultrahydrating and nutrient-dense elixir, providing the necessary tools for a seamless fast in one bottle. SWEET TOOTH? The thing about Ramadan is that after every indulgent iftar meal follows a congregation of sweet endings. Sounds heavenly, doesn’t it? Somewhere between day 1 and day 30, it can get problematic. Instead of having your usual two pieces of qatayef smothered in syrup for the third day in a row, switch it up a little and do your body a favor by ordering up a customizable sweet bowl from SUPER/FOODS. Just open up your Zitaat app and start selecting your base and toppings of choice! Green Smoothie bowls are a personal favorite, topped with loads of fruit to help catch up on all vitamins you’re missing out on throughout the day. We’re also excited about their newer dessert offerings, dairy free, and served as whole cakes and pies. Mango Passion Cheesecake: with mango and passion fruit, supercharged with 100

maca, Lucuma Banoffee Pie: with banana, sugar-free caramel and coconut, supercharged with lucuma, and Raw Chocolate Cheesecake (self explanatory), to name a few. For more bite-sized delights, try out their new new assortment of handmade vegan chocolate dates. MIDNIGHT MEALS Who could forget about suhour? The mini late night meal is essential in order to survive the next day of fasting. Instead of loading up on fatty sandwiches and greasy takeaways that would only further dehydrate us (thanks, sodium!) and memories of indulgence from the night before, opt for one of SUPER/FOODS’ gorgeous, healthy savory offerings! Their toasts are a hearty option to create a fulfilling meal, and are topped with dairy-free goodies and spreads making up menu items such as Golden Hummus, Spirulina Edamame, Raw Pesto, Avocado and Beet Hummus, to name a few. Sweeter toast offerings are on the menu as well, using nut butters and fresh fruit. Artful salads packed in a beautiful jar (perfect for saving!) are on the menu too, so we recommend throwing in one of those with your toast order if you’d like to make it a meal with Zitaat.

SNACK ATTACKS Ramadan evenings tend to be quite long, and between gathering and galavanting around, snacks happen. Luckily, SUPER/FOODS has a hack for that as well! From fruit filled nature pots to homemade kale chips, beet chips, and seeded crackers, there’s something for everyone to take their munchies. All in all, you really have no excuse to be anything but wholesome this Ramadan. With SUPER/FOODS, there’s a healthier alternative to satisfy even your most complex of cravings, and each ingredient that makes up a SUPER/FOODS experience is actually curated to help your fasting, not harm it. Just order on Zitaat to avoid that nasty traffic, and your best self will be at your doorstep in mere moment.

SUPER/FOODS is located in Mayar Complex, Shuwaikh Industrial and is available for delivery on Zitaat’s app (IOS and Android.) Follow them on Instagram @superfoodskw and follow Zitaat @zitaatofficial.

Elevation

SHAKE SHACK SPICES UP RAMADAN Can you handle the heat? By bazaar staff

We love food! All kinds of it! We love fancy dining, street food and homecooked meals. But we absolutely have a soft spot for big juicy burgers and a side of fries. Burgers are simple, consistent and most of all, delicious. The fries complete the experience of comfort food corner and we would be happy to live there forever! And while we are all for the classic cheeseburger without anything else, turning up the heat makes us even happier! So, when we found out that Shake Shack was coming out with a new spicy burger on May 16th, we were first in line. We really mean it; we were in borderline breakfast territory because of how early we were. The new Pickled Jalapeno burger is part of their Ramadan specials, so it is available only for a limited time, which makes it even more special. A 100% all-natural Angus beef cheeseburger topped with a slice of American cheese, marinated shallots, pickled jalapeĂąos, and Sriracha mayo; the sauce is on point, adding some heat and flavor without overpowering the entire burger. The jalapeĂąos and shallots are covered in a spicy batter and deep fried, making them crunchy, zesty and definitely crispy! We love it when different textures and tastes explode in our mouth! We got the single burgers, but for the hungrier among us, you can order a double or even a triple patty version of this new Shake Shack addition! It is spicy, but we think most people can handle it. What happens when you add the juicy, expertly grilled burger and melted cheese into the fluffiest potato bun? Can we talk about those buns for a minute, or two, or five? Buttered and toasted so they never get soggy, the potato buns at Shake Shack easily make our list of favorite burger buns. Knowing that there are no hormones, antibiotics or GMOs in our meals is also always reassuring. Along with their signature crinkle-cut fries, fried for the perfect crisp, our comfort food corner just got a lot cozier. And because you need something to cool down with after a spicy meal, we tried the newly released Red Velvet Concrete. It is a dense, rich and creamy frozen custard with red velvet cake all mixed together. They actually spin this magical conconction daily at their locations. It is so packed they actually challenge you to hold it upside down. Nothing falls out of the cup! 102

While we love our kunafas and qatayefs, we think they are better suited for the colder months. The Concrete is just the perfect summer Ramadan dessert! It is sweet, cold and delicious. We will be back at Shake Shack for more, because we know that the limited edition

Pickled Jalapeno burger is not going to last forever! Shake Shack has seven locations across Kuwait. For more information and the latest updates, please follow Shake Shack on Instagram @shakeshackme.

Ramadan Offers X

Carriage

“DON’T BE SUCKED INTO THE DRAMA” Learning co-active life skills with Ammar Almazedi By bazaar staff

The World Health Organization writes that 1 in 4 people will suffer from mental ill-health at some point in their lives. What if we are currently functioning adults and want to be more aware of ourselves, our situations and our motives in order to keep our mental wellbeing on track? There are so many different coping methods to learn in order to stay healthy emotionally and mentally, and more importantly it is useful to find a guide to help us in developing the skills which best suit us. Kuwaiti-born and raised Ammar Almazedi has recently been exactly that guide to clients both local and international. A graduate of the accredited US-based center CTI (Coaches Training Institute), Ammar holds training certificates in co-active life coaching. It is not immediately apparent how a man born into Arab culture finds himself embracing of this sort of activity. “Since I was a kid, I saw myself as an old man helping people doing charity work. In my nature, it just makes me happy when I add value to people’s lives.” It is fascinating to explore why someone becomes a life-coach. “It makes me feel like I have given something; there is a joy in giving.” says Ammar. There is a risk that people who seek out support or guidance like this often can view their coach as their saviour. It takes a strong person to not be seduced by the power over people’s lives that this can represent. “I’ve always been transparent with myself,” says Ammar, “evaluate my actions and question my motives.” He then goes on to mention so-called gurus who fail after they get a sense of fame or fortune. Ammar seems to be saying that if it is not truly a vocation, then being a life-coach is not really sustainable. You can’t ‘fake it till 104

you make it’ here. It takes great dedication and many hours of study to maintain coaching skills. New methods, meditations and exercises are developed, as well as advances in coaching using different types of communication. Ammar has learned techniques from a number of different cultures, and the learning doesn’t cease otherwise the coaching can lose its effectiveness or relevance. Asked about which type of solution or treatment method he most likes to use to treat clients and Ammar seems to hear this question incredulously, with a tilt of the head and a look in the eye like a creature that knows you are talking to it but can’t understand a word. The client, not the coach, is what determines the treatment, and that same treatment may not work with the same client all the time. As people’s emotions change, their openness to different techniques also changes, so a life-coach must be as well-informed across a variety of skillsets as possible. This is certainly a conscientious approach. Plus, if a successful outcome is the aim (word of mouth brings in new clients), then it makes sense to give yourself as full a set of tools to work with as possible. Although co-active life coaching is a business, (the CTI organization encourages you to start billing clients after only a basic course) the ultimate aim is to not continue to see your clients, other than a check-up counselling session every six months or so. “Co-active” means the client has so much work and homework to do over a course of treatment that they invariably learn to fly on their own. Plus, one of the cornerstones of this coaching is that “People are naturally creative, resourceful and whole” meaning that we all have it within ourselves to be all we can be. In doing so, a coach aims to release clients. This is why it is so important to find new clients over time, and Ammar has been recommended to people from all over the world. He can also coach via video chat or over the telephone, which takes a great deal of rather astute communication skills. He

smiles sincerely, “I prefer to do it face to face but I like the challenge of the phone.” The most rewarding experiences Ammar recounts are ones where people get to experience their emotions, not as easy as it would seem. Whether one believes it or not, there must be something to the bottling up of emotions producing toxicity in the body. Being positive produces such good health that the opposite must also be true. “Those blocked emotions, and how they manifest could kill you,” he earnestly explains, “So if you just allow that emotion to live, no matter how uncomfortable, [you can see that] there is [an emotional] shift and then there is a release.” We can only imagine how immensely satisfying it is to be that conduit. “I’m very modest” doesn’t often come from one who truly is, but Ammar is definitely sincere in how he approaches the learning and application of his coaching skills. Being selfaware is such a vital skill to have, and so rare, that it is comforting to see that he has this in the bucket-load. Early in our conversation I referenced the home page of Ammar’s website and he immediately confessed to rewriting it, “maybe a thousand times!” It is refreshing to hear a life-coach admit that, just like the rest of us, they are not perfect either and also experience self-doubt. It is not only easier, but also infinitely more effective to coach from a place of empathy.

Visit www.ammaralmazedi.com to find out more about co-active life-coaching sessions with Ammar. Email ammar@ammaralmazedi.com or call +965 9965 0599 for more information. Photography by Dhari Alfozan. For more on the photographer, please follow him on Instagram @dharif81.

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bazaar movie night

The latest from the big screen playing in cinemas across Kuwait in June

DEADPOOL 2

INCREDIBLES 2

JURASSIC WORLD: FALLEN KINGDOM

A PRAYER BEFORE DAWN

BEIRUT

ADRIFT Release Date: June 21st Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama Cast: Shailene Woodley, Sam Claflin, Grace Palmer Synopsis: Adrift stars Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin, and follows the true story of a couple who get stranded in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and must navigate to Hawaii with no communication or navigation tools. As two avid sailors set out on a journey across the ocean, Tami Oldham and Richard Sharp couldn't anticipate they would be sailing directly into one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history. In the aftermath of the storm, Tami awakens to find Richard badly injured and their boat in ruins. With no hope for rescue, Tami must find the strength to save herself and the man she loves.

Release Date: June 14th Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy Cast: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Morena Baccarin Synopsis: After surviving a near fatal bovine attack, a disfigured cafeteria chef (Wade Wilson) struggles to fulfill his dream of becoming Mayberry's hottest bartender while also learning to cope with his lost sense of taste. Searching to regain his spice for life, as well as a flux capacitor, Wade must battle ninjas, the Yakuza, and a pack of aggressive canines, as he journeys around the world to discover the importance of family, friendship, and flavor - finding a new taste for adventure and earning the coveted coffee mug title of World's Best Lover.

Release Date: June 21st Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Pratt, Jeff Goldblum Synopsis: A Prayer Before Dawn is the remarkable true story of Billy Moore, a young English boxer incarcerated in two of Thailand's most notorious prisons. He is quickly thrown into a terrifying world of drugs and gang violence, but when the prison authorities allow him to take part in the Muay Thai boxing tournaments, he realizes this might be his chance to get out. Billy embarks on a relentless, action-packed journey from one savage fight to the next, stopping at nothing to do whatever he must to preserve his life and regain his freedom.

Release Date: June 14th Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Animation, Action, Adventure Cast: Samuel L. Jackson, Sophia Bush, Holly Hunter Synopsis: Everyone's favorite family of superheroes is back--but this time Helen is in the spotlight, leaving Bob at home with Violet and Dash to navigate the day-to-day heroics of "normal" life. It's a tough transistion for everyone, made tougher by the fact that the family is still unaware of baby JackJack's emerging superpowers. When a new villain hatches a brilliant and dangerous plot, the family and Frozone (voiced by Samuel L. Jackson) must find a way to work together again--which is easier said than done, even when they're all Incredible.

Release Date: June 21st Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Drama, Thriller Cast: Rosamund Pike, Jon Hamm, Mark Pellegrino Synopsis: Beirut stars Jon Hamm. Rosamund Pike, Dean Norris, Shea Whigham, Larry Pine and Mark Pellegrino also star. In 1980s Beirut, Mason Skiles is a former U.S. diplomat who is called back into service to save a colleague from the group that is possibly responsible for his own family's death. Meanwhile, a CIA field agent who is working under cover at the American embassy is tasked with keeping Mason alive and ensuring that the mission is a success. The film premiered on January 22, 2018 at the Sundance Film Festival and received generally positive reviews from critics.

Release Date: June 14th Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Pratt, Jeff Goldblum Synopsis: It's been three years since theme park and luxury resort Jurassic World was destroyed by dinosaurs out of containment. Isla Nublar now sits abandoned by humans while the surviving dinosaurs fend for themselves in the jungles. When the island's dormant volcano begins roaring to life, Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) mount a campaign to rescue the remaining dinosaurs from this extinction-level event. Owen is driven to find Blue, his lead raptor who's still missing in the wild.

For more details on movie timings and the cinema nearest you, visit Cinescape at www.cinescape.com.kw. *Above programs are subject to change without prior notice. 106

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MOTO ROCKER

OUTSIDE VAN POWERSTATION

In 1972, Jack Heuer presented Ronnie Peterson with an 18K gold Carrera for his performance at the 1972 German Grand Prix. This is a near-exact replica. The "Driver's Watch" 1158CHN Carrera features a champagne dial with black subdials, a raised tachymeter scale, and gilt markers, a 38mm 18K gold case, and a gold Milanese bracelet. Like the original, it has "SUCCESS RONNIE PETERSON FROM JACK.W.HEUER" engraved on the back, and will be offered at auction in Monaco, with proceeds going to the Ronnie Peterson Memorial Foundation.

Celebrating the brand's 280th anniversary, the Signing Machine remembers the work of founder Pierre Jaquet-Droz, whose automata mesmerized the aristocracy of the day. The signing machine carries on this legacy of mechanical problem solving by replicating a person's signature down to the movement of the pen using a complex series of 585 parts. The programming of the signature is carried out by hand, making each one as unique as its personalized decorative elements.

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Han Solo's Blaster is iconic. Now you have a chance to own it. Custom built specifically for Return of the Jedi, this original prop was based on a Mauser C96 Broomhandle and modified with additional parts and cast resin pieces. One of three "non-firing" versions used in production, this BlasTech DL-44 was presented post-filming to Art Director James L. Schoppe, who has kept it in his memorabilia archive for the last 35 years. It will be auctioned off at the Hollywood Legends event scheduled for June 23 at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Prepare your youngster for a two-wheeled future with the Moto Rocker. This whimsical take on the classic rocking horse replaces the equine with a steel pony, complete with a faux one-cylinder 125ccm engine, head light, and tail light. The seat is made by hand from genuine leather, and the rider's name is placed on the frame bracket for a personal touch. Available in cafĂŠ, brat, or racer styles to match your flooring and a handful of colors to match your small person's decor.

With a sleek aluminum exterior, the Tipoon Expandable Trailer is changing the face of pop-up campers. Its compact size keeps it small enough to store in your garage when not in use but once you've arrived at camp, the expandable pod nearly triples in size. Using a remote control, the press of a button raises the roof up to just over six feet. A slide out creates a roomy interior with a modular design that can transform into a kitchen, dining or living area, or bedroom that can sleep four. Custom colors and accessories are also an option.

Forget living off the grid in a tiny house â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Outside Van Power Station has everything you need without having to drag a trailer. Based on a four-wheel-drive 2016 Mercedes-Benz 170 3500 Sprinter, Outside Van turns into a miniature home on four wheels. An ingenious design maximizes storage and living areas, fitting a refrigerator, stovetop, bunks, and dining spaces into a compact yet comfortable footprint. And with the Sprinter platform, this is one home you can take anywhere, on or off-road.

Source: www.uncrate.com

talabat

bazaar apps

MARVEL STRIKE FORCE

BROWSERY BY BARNES & NOBLE

AMAZON KINDLE LITE

SEVEN MINUTE WORKOUT TRAINING CHALLENGE

With the new Avengers movie out, Marvel Strike Force is anything but a cheap tie-in. It's a gloriously polished squad-RPG that'll have you teaming up your favorite heroes and villains to save the world - or at least take down those who destroyed it. The premise is standard comic book fare, and the real star of the show is the dynamic, five vs five combat system, which is built around succulent multi-hero combo moves and abilities. It makes for some pretty cinematic skirmishes, making Strike Force as much fun to watch as it is to play.

Amazon Kindle Lite is, well, a light version of the popular Amazon Kindle app, and as such it boasts a tiny 2MB install size. It also has most of the features of the main app, including library syncing, font size, night mode, and the app saves your last reading position. Of course, it omits all the bloat that the normal app has. Unfortunately, this one isn't available everywhere. It seems to target people in India and similar places. Hopefully this is just a trial and Amazon opens this up to other regions eventually. It's pretty good.

BASE CALCULATOR AND CONVERTOR

Base Calculator and Converter is what the app name says. It's not the most groundbreaking of apps, but it is a fairly simple calculator app. This one also supports any base number system from base two to base 36. It can also convert numbers between two bases. That is its biggest shtick. It also does the basics, like arithmetic. This one is mostly good for scholars, students, and mathematicians or engineers. The app is also (at the time of this writing) completely free with no advertising or in-app purchases.

Browsery by Barnes & Noble is a social network of sorts for fans of literature. People can log in, browse various things that interest them, and ask other readers for recommendations. The app also builds reading lists, lets readers connect to one another, and find super specific books. For instance, you can find books set in Paris, apparently. In any case, it's a good way to find some decent books. It's also free with no in-app purchases. It will promote its own book store (both physical and online), though, and Google Play doesn't count it as advertising, but letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it, it is.

Seven Minute Workout Training Challenge tells you a lot about itself with its name. It features a variety of quick, easy workouts. The workouts require no additional equipment as well. The main goal is to get a workout in more frequently and to make it a part of your daily habits. You unlock new workouts as you progress. Additionally, it has some fun little customization options as well. This one is a bit on the expensive side, even for subscription workout apps. Expense aside, if you like this kind of thing, the app works pretty well.

MERGE STAR

Most legendary warriors have a mystical power. What could yours be? The ability to hurl fireballs, summon undead armies, or perhaps even command deadly wyverns? Well, not exactly. Your party trick is 'merging,' which is basically the art of gaffer taping two items together in the hopes of creating something half-decent. Okay, maybe that's underselling it slightly, but you get the gist. As the Merge Hero you'll have to overcome the forces of evil by tinkering with the treasure you find along the way. Need a better weapon? Combine those two wooden swords to create a powerful axe.

tomsguide.com androidauthority.com 112

Regency 2

bazaar techno

KLIPSCH R-15PM BOOKSHELF SPEAKERS

BOOSTED MINI ELECTRIC SKATEBOARD

LG G7 THINQ SMARTPHONE

BANG & OLUFSEN BEOPLAY EARSET WIRELESS EARPHONES

MEGA MAN 2 30TH ANNIVERSARY CARTRIDGE

SHURE KSE1200 ELECTROSTATIC EARPHONE SYSTEM

The R-15PM powered speakers are made with a focus on quality and superior sound. Small enough to sit comfortably anywhere, the R-15PM's are not only designed from a minimalist perspective, but they also allow you to ditch bulkiness. Say goodbye to receivers thanks to individual ultra-low noise amplifiers that are custom designed to maximize the performance of your system. And since all systems can vary, Klipsch has included an integrated phono pre-amp, digital optical, analog RCA and USB inputs, and Bluetooth technology for wireless playback.

Anders Hermansen penned the basic design of the BeoPlay Earset in the 1990s. Using a moveable hook set atop a height-adjusting piston, they allow you to adjust the angle of the earbud, ensuring a comfortable fit. The frame is made from durable anodized aluminum, while the drivers sit inside vented cabinets for optimal sound quality. There's also a three-button remote and mic combo on the cord, a USB-C rechargeable battery that lasts up to five hours per charge, and includes a carrying case.

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At just 29.5 inches long, the electric skateboard can be stashed easily, making it the perfect companion for commuters. Its compact stature still offers a stable ride with a Deep Dish composite deck while a kicktail design makes pivoting a breeze. Even though it's small, it's still mighty. The board's motor packs the same punch as the larger version, hitting speeds up to 20 mph with a range of up to 14 miles, climbing hills with ease. It's finished off with a set of Boosted's custom 80mm wheels designed specifically for electric skateboards.

Now you can experience beloved classic Mega Man 2 all over again on a brand new cartridge. Released for the game's 30th anniversary, it comes in a special dual-fold box with foil, glossy, and embossed elements, along with a premium instruction booklet. Sure to bring back memories as you battle Wood Man and Air Man while Takashi Tateishi's score plays in the background, it's limited to just 8,500 copies â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 7,500 in light blue and 1,000 in glow-inthe-dark blue.

While you can argue that LG should "think" more about that name, you can't argue against the quality of their latest flagship phone. The G7 ThinQ is built around a 6.1-inch QHD+ Super Bright display that extends all the way to the top of the phone (yes, there's a notch) and nearly all the way to the bottom. It leverages AI to get the most out of its dual 16-megapixel rear and 8-megapixel front cameras, and will also ship with advanced Google Lens features that let you learn more about the world around you just by pointing the camera.

Electrostatic headphones provide a level of sound quality that is unparalleled, but toting around a bulky pair of headphones and dedicated amp limits their mobility. Shure's new KSE1200s feature a singledriver electrostatic force that pushes sound without any interference from coils or stiff cones for clarity and detail you can't get from other portable players. The sound isolating earphones come with their highvoltage amplifier for digital to analog conversion and integrate seamlessly with premium audio players.

Source: blessthisstuff.com Source: uncrate.com

sriracha mayo

shak shack

pickled jalapeños

crispy marinated shallots

Grand Avenue & 1st Avenue - The Avenues • Al Fanar Mall • Jabriya, Block 1A, Street 105 Sidra Restaurants, Mahboula, Coastal Road • Kuwait International Airport • The Gate Mall • Albida’a, Al-Ta’awn Street

BYTE TECH

Starting a movement, one little electronic gadget at a time

By bazaar staff

As far as hobbies go, most people will tell you that they read, work out or maybe Netflix and chill! Not the founders of Byte Tech, though. Three young men, two of whom are still students at university, have turned their hobby into a tech startup company. CEO Ahmad Alrashed, Hackerspace Manager Jarrah Alhassan and Community Operations Manager Khalifa Alkhalifa like tinkering with electronics. They build devices and little machines and write the code that makes them function. For most of us, that sounds very scary. But they assure me that it is a lot easier than it sounds or looks. They start with kits that are easily available on the market like the Raspberry Pi and the Arduino. They are micro controllers, or mini computers that can fit in the palm of your hand, stripped down to their basic components such as power, processing, memory and input/output ports. Naturally, each kit has different options and abilities, but they are the core of any creation. Ahmad showed me a heart rate monitor that he quickly whipped up in under an hour so they could demo at exhibitions to showcase the kind of things their products can be used for. It looked very retro. The exposed motherboard, wires, a sensor and a small LED screen work together and in a few seconds you get a reading of how fast your heart is beating. All of the parts are available and you just need a few lines of code to get it done. The entrepreneurs started out as hobbyists, working on their own projects when they realized that there was a growing market. More people were getting interested and there was a need for parts, tools and knowledge. They started providing several hardware brands on their website for sale. They intentionally keep their prices affordable and their choices diverse. Making them really accessible for anyone interested in getting started. Byte Tech is on a mission to spread awareness and promote technology innovation. And while you can order online from abroad, it is so much easier and faster to get the parts from them, plus you get excellent and knowledgeable help from the company owners themselves. Their biggest obstacle is the persistent misconception about what they actually do. When people hear about their endeavor they automatically think â&#x20AC;&#x153;roboticsâ&#x20AC;?. And while you can use the technology to build robots, that is not what they are about. The Raspberry Pi for example can be used to build a fully functional low cost computer. Or you can use it to build wearable technology or to automate your home. The Arduino is less powerful, but the learning curve is less steep and you can 116

Byte Tech founder and CEO Ahmad Alrashed

Heart rate monitor built by Ahmad Alrashed

3D Printer in the making at Byte Tech Hackerspace

Byte Tech Hackerspace

Interesting reads at Byte Tech Hackerspace

go from very simple musical instruments to extremely complicated systems that can track eye movement and convert it to written text. The only limit is your imagination, as clichĂŠd as that might sound. After a couple of months of being in business Byte Tech team realized that what they really needed to provide in Kuwait was collaboration and community. The electronics that they use, regardless of brand, have one thing in common. They are all open-source hardware solutions. Open-source means that the core technology is not proprietary. Anyone can break it open, look inside it, change it and build on it. Inventors readily provide their schematics and code for free on the internet. The movement has helped innovators all over the world collaborate and help each other. No one has to reinvent the wheel, you will always start where everyone else has finished. Innovation grows exponentially faster that way. Realizing this, the trio went ahead and opened the first Hackerspace in Kuwait. It is a place for collaboration, building together and the sharing of expertise. For a monthly fee, you have full access to their space, tools and help. Because of the nature of the open-source communities online, finding answers to any question can be easy but the physical space offers so much more. It is the equivalent of a writing club for authors or writers but for electronics geeks. It is like a clubhouse, aligned with their vision of creating a community that shares interests in technology in Kuwait, so they can help themselves and the country. They are working for a future where we are creating the technology instead of just consuming it. Large sofas are available for lounging. A large table that is perfect as a workspace. And the blackboard walls that members can use for brainstorming or even just community messages and notes. The atmosphere is really friendly, cozy and inviting. The team is building a 3-D printer too. Boxes of tools line the shelves. Everything you need to build the next big thing makes it easier and faster to get started. It also keeps costs low for the individual. After all, sharing is caring. They also have a small library of books for old-school paper lovers. And they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forgotten about drinks and coffee, either. You will be fully caffeinated, so you can focus on creating the next digital masterpiece. They really are committed to their open-source ideology. They offer their help to anyone who asks for it, not just their customers. Workshops and training sessions are in their future plans. They have their eyes set on the younger demographic. We have already seen how interested school-aged kids are in coding. It is the natural progression for them to move from software to hardware. We are sure that Byte Tech will fulfill their vision of providing everyone, regardless of their age or skill level, the appropriate platform for learning about technology and digital making in Kuwait. We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see what they will build next. The barrier for entry is so low that we think even us right-brained writers can build their own little gadgets for fun. Maybe we could automate our coffee maker. You can find Byte Tech on Instagram @bytetechkw or check out their website www.bytetechkw.com for more information. 117

bazaar music

NO SHAME

POST TRAUMATIC By Mike Shinoda

By Nicki Minaj

Lily Allen has revealed details of her forth album No Shame, as well as unveiling two new tracks that are taken directly from the record. The record is the first from the London singer since 2014’s Sheezus and it’ll hit stores this month . “I believe that we as humans work through things by talking about them, and that’s what making music is, for me. It’s sharing things that you hope are going to connect with people, not that are going to connect with algorithms”, Allen said of the record.

Mike Shinoda trumpeted the impending arrival of Post Traumatic, the Linkin Park MC's debut solo album, with a pair of new videos for the album tracks, ‘Crossing a Line’ and ‘Nothing Makes Sense Anymore.’ "For all of us, it's definitely the thing that we want to do. It feels like the right way to celebrate Chester," says Shinoda. The two tracks come on the heels of Shinoda's three-song Post Traumatic EP, his first release since the death of Linkin Park singer Chester Bennington.

Nicki Minaj announced on the Met Gala red carpet that her new album Queen will arrive this month. "It's a big night for me because I just let the world know that my album is coming June 15 and it's called Queen, and I can't wait," Minaj said in a red carpet interview. "I’m dressed like a queen every day, all day." Queen, the rapper's long-awaited follow-up to 2014's The Pinkprint, will feature Minaj's new singles ‘Chun-Li’ and ‘Barbie Tingz’; Minaj released lavish music videos for both tracks recently.

HIGH AS HOPE

PRAY FOR THE WICKED

By Lily Allen

YOUNGBLOOD

By 5 Seconds of Summer

By Florence & The Machine

There's going to be more than just 5 Seconds Of Summer this June. The Australian pop-rock band announced that their third album, Youngblood, will arrive this month. The guys recently revealed the cover art and release date for their next LP, which is the follow-up to 2015's Sounds Good Feels Good. Along with the album announcement, 5SOS unveiled the first round of dates for their Tour. 5 Seconds Of Summer kicked off #5SOS3 with the lead single from the album, "Want You Back," in February.

Florence & The Machine has dropped the news that the band’s fourth studio album High As Hope will be released on June 29. "This album is about the ways we look for love in things that are perhaps not love, and how attempts to feel less alone can sometimes isolate us more,” Florence Welch says. “I guess I made myself more vulnerable in this album to encourage connection, because perhaps a lot more of us feel this way than we are able to admit. Sometimes when you can’t say it, you can sing it.”

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QUEEN

By Panic! At the Disco Grammy-nominated Panic! At The Disco announced that their highly anticipated sixth studio album, Pray For The Wicked, will be released on June 22, 2018 via Fueled By Ramen/DCD2 Records. "After being away in New York for months doing Kinky Boots, I just wanted to hang out at home when I got back to LA. I was so revved up that I asked some friends to come over to my home studio to help me write about all that I've experienced the last couple of years," said Brendon Urie, Panic! At The Disco frontman.

Source: www.amazon.co.uk

Your Choice Of Soup, Appetizer, Main Course, Dessert & Drink

SOUP Lentil Soup Red lentil with fresh vegetables & special spices

Chicken Soup Creamy soup with chicken & vegetables

APPETIZER Muhamara Red pepper dip with ground walnuts & olive oil

Hummus Mashed chickpeas blended with tahini, garlic & lemon

Babaganoush Grilled eggplant with tomatoes, sweet pepper & garlic

Mutabbal Grilled eggplant puree with tahini strained yogurt & garlic

HAtay

MAIN COURSE

Kebab Sultan Akdeniz Yoncasi Hand minced meat kebab with mushrooms, Hand minced chicken kebab mozzarella cheese & tomatoes, rolled with wild thyme & mozzarella cheese with dough & baked. Served with special yogurt sauce Iskandar Kebab Hand minced meat kebab served with Turkish toasted bread, yogurt & iskandar sauce

Kebab Zahterli Hand minced meat kebab with wild thyme, garlic & Hatayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s special sauce

DESSERT Baklava Mix Ankara durum, Bul Bul Yuvasi, Pistachio baklava & Cevizli baklava

Akdeniz Fistigi Belluriye served with Turkish pistachio & special Hatay dondurma

Sutlac (Rice Pudding) Fresh milk with Turkish Buffalo thick cream, rice, eggs & rice starch

DRINKS

Ayran, Lemonade, Mango or Strawberry Juice Complimentary Tea & Dates

@hataysofrasi_kw

Murouj

The Avenues (soon)

22057010

bazaar books

THE 17TH SUSPECT (WOMEN'S MURDER CLUB) by James Patterson

In the newest Women's Murder Club thriller, a killer who chooses victims personally is stalking San Francisco-and getting too close to Detective Lindsay Boxer. A series of shootings exposes San Francisco to a methodical yet unpredictable killer, and a reluctant woman decides to put her trust in Sergeant Lindsay. The informant's tip leads Lindsay to disturbing conclusions, including that something has gone horribly wrong inside the police department itself. The hunt for the killer lures Lindsay out of her jurisdiction, and gets inside Lindsay in dangerous ways. She suffers unsettling medical symptoms, and her friends and confidantes in the Women's Murder Club warn Lindsay against taking the crimes. With lives at stake, the detective can't help but follow the case into ever more terrifying terrain.

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WAR STORM (RED QUEEN) by Victoria Aveyard

Mare Barrow learned this all too well when Cal’s betrayal nearly destroyed her. Now determined to protect her heart—and secure freedom for Reds and newbloods like her—Mare resolves to overthrow the kingdom of Norta once and for all . . . starting with the crown on Maven’s head. But no battle is won alone, and before the Reds may rise as one, Mare must side with the boy who broke her heart in order to defeat the boy who almost broke her. Cal’s powerful Silver allies, alongside Mare and the Scarlet Guard, prove a formidable force. But Maven is driven by an obsession so deep, he will stop at nothing to have Mare as his own again, even if it means demolish everything—and everyone—in his path. War is coming, and all Mare has fought for hangs in the balance. Will victory be enough to topple the Silver kingdoms?

A COURT OF FROST AND STARLIGHT

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR MIND

by Sarah J. Maas

by Michael Pollan

Narrated by Feyre and Rhysand, this bridges the events in A Court of Wings and Ruin and the upcoming novels in the series. New in the #1 New York Times bestselling Court of Thorns and Roses series, A Court of Frost and Starlight is a glimpse into the lives of Feyre and Rhys as they begin to recover from the war that changed their world. Feyre, Rhysand, and their close-knit circle of friends are still busy rebuilding the Night Court and the vastly-changed world beyond. But Winter Solstice is finally near, and with it, a hard-earned reprieve. Yet even the festive atmosphere can't keep the shadows of the past from looming. As Feyre navigates her first Winter Solstice as High Lady, she finds that those dearest to her have more wounds than she anticipated -- scars that will have an impact on the future of their Court.

When Michael Pollan set out to research how LSD and psilocybin are being used to provide relief to people suffering from difficult-totreat conditions such as depression, addiction and anxiety, he did not intend to write what is undoubtedly his most personal book. But upon discovering how these remarkable substances are improving the lives of the mentally ill, (among the stressed and incapable), he decided to explore the landscape of the mind in the first person as well as the third. Pollan sifts the historical record to separate the truth about these mysterious drugs from the myths that have surrounded them since the 1960s, when a handful of psychedelic evangelists inadvertently catalyzed a powerful backlash against what was then a promising field of research.

THE FALLEN by David Baldacci

The town of Baronville has seen four bizarre murders in the space of only two weeks. To make things worse, the clues left at the scenes have the police stumped. Amos Decker and his FBI colleague Alex Jamison are in Baronville visiting Alex's sister and her family. It's a bleak place: a neglected town with a crumbling economy and rampant opioid addiction. He has only been there a few hours when he stumbles on a horrific double murder scene. Then the next killing hits close to home. With the lives of people he cares about suddenly hanging in the balance, Decker begins to realize that the recent string of deaths may be only one small piece of a much larger scheme with dire consequences that will reach far beyond Baronville. Decker, with his singular talents, may be the only one who can crack this bizarre case.

Source: www.amazon.co.uk

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bazaar goes dining

USQUYU

Wild flavors from Peru to Kuwait

By bazaar staff

“There certainly is a lot of corn on this menu” I laugh, as my eyes scroll up and down USQUYU’s chic menu card. With the restaurant’s namesake, an abstract mural of the Quechuan Usquyu wildcat depicted above me, I’m aware that this concept is something we’ve never seen before in Kuwait. The culture of the Andescradled nation, and the essence of Peruvian cuisine is highlighted beautifully at USQUYU. The surprise that Kuwait even has a Peruvian restaurant has been the general consensus by the public as of late, but based on what we’ve learned about the cuisine from owner Ahmed Al Roumi, we’re anticipating this one to be a hit. Carb-heavy Peruvian cuisine features an abundance of starches such as potato, corn and quinoa, all of which are indigenous to its land. “Peru has over 4,000 different varieties of potato, and 55 varieties of corn”, Ahmed tells me as we settle down onto the main stage area of the restaurant—a large communal table with comfortable, elevated chairs. The table overlooks the bar where you can watch a mixologist making artisanal mocktails, and is situated right next to the kitchen that features a grand, clear window that allows you to easily watch the chef create his specialties. Encased beneath dim, atmospheric lighting, the restaurant is small and exudes modernity. What’s interesting about their menu is that there are no official “appetizers”. However, the “Street” section of the menu implies smaller, more shareable items that people eat in the city from roadside vendors, making it ideal as a smaller meal or snack. From this, to accompany our delicious, zesty handcrafted drinks "Wild Imaginations" and "Electric Feel", we order a couple to get the party started. The drinks were extremely impressive, and were the perfect pairing to the complimentary in-house made root vegetable chips that are placed at the table upon your arrival. Wild Imaginations was a concoction of passionfruit, lemon and basil, while Electric Feel was infused with raspberry, lemon and rosemary. The beautiful thing about these drinks was the simplicity of their flavor. Everything is crafted to perfection, garnished with delicious sprigs of rosemary, but most importantly they didn’t taste like they contained anything artificial. No grenadine here! The menu, divided by sections, highlights the different parts of Peru where the dishes hail from. It is decently sized and offers a lot for vegetarian and meat eaters alike. The Market section is where most of their vegetarian fare resides, and my vegetarian dining companion was quite pleased with this. We started off with the visually-appealing Causa, which makes use of Peru’s native root vegetables. A homemade sweet potato cake layered with chopped avocado and beetroot, topped with a homemade sweet potato chip. This was 122

a masterpiece that we couldn’t leave alone. Served alongside a Three Corn Salad made with three varieties of corn atop palm hearts, truffle dressing and rocket leaves, we had a great start to our gastronomic journey to Peru. Dishes steadily flowed from there. Highland favorites, a Quinoa Risotto and a plate of Lamb Chops were placed before us. Those lamb chops had the perfect char to them, and were compatible with a tangy panca sauce and fruity accoutrement. But the Quinoa Risotto won in this round. Truffle accents with mushroom and crispy parmesan galette set this dish aside, making it different than anything we’d ever tried before. Speaking of different, their homemade Aji De Gallina Ravioli from The Capital was truly unlike anything I’d ever tasted before. This modern dish also was a revelation of sorts on how USQUYU’s ingredients are no-nonsense and extremely transparent. I tasted a nuttiness to it, and had immediately reverted back to my menu to check the making of the dish. Just as suspected, Pecans! Similar to the Spicy Mushroom Empanadas that were set at the table, everything that the dish was made with was apparent in taste. The empanadas were as cheesy and mushroom-filled as the menu promised, with corn peeking out and offering some sweetness in the mix, all stuffed within a delectable pastry. But brace yourselves for their winning proteins. Chicken Antichucho skewers over coal served with a chili garlic sauce on the side made for an appetite whetting option to share, and their Slow Braised Short Ribs made it onto my list of the most tender I’d ever had. Placed atop a bed of corn risotto, it was perfectly complementary, however I would be lying if I said I’d paid much attention to the latter. The short ribs were so good, that its grainy accompaniment seemed decorative. Generally, as a rule of thumb, I don’t like to clean my plate whenever I review a restaurant. Once in a while however, I’ll play the rebel and break my self-imposed conduct. This happened with two items at USQUYU, both of which are signatures on the menu. Peruvian cuisine is known best for its Ceviche, and USQUYU as a concept was able to embrace this beautifully with the Salmon Ceviche. Though slightly heavier than other South American ceviche I’d sampled in my lifetime (thanks to the addition of coconut milk in the mixture) it still gave a taste so citrus-infused, fresh and tender, that the chunks of raw salmon were hard to ignore. I will time and time again recommend to anybody who wants to visit USQUYU to go for their ceviche – not solely, of course, but any of the range of offerings from seabass to salmon, prawns and Tiradito (all of which are listed underneath The Coast) offer a refreshing side to an indulgent dish, different than anything else we’ve seen so far in Kuwait. We finish off our experience with Pastel De Choclo (or henceforth, my second clean plate!): Corn cake, mango ice cream and a raspberry coulis. Admittedly, as nice as they were, I ended up ignoring the coulis and ice cream altogether in favor of the slightly sweet, warm corncake that was reminiscent of the savory cornbread I’d have with my Thanksgiving feasts. With a cup of their steaming corn tea, the corniest ever end to a meal was the perfect one. USQUYU is located in Al Nusuf Complex in Shuwaikh Industrial by Shuwaikh Market. Call them at 2 ‭ 232 3155‬or 9935 8515 for more information, and f‬‬ollow them on Instagram @usquyu for the latest updates. 123

bazaar around town

THE NEW PORSCHE CAYENNE: NOW AVAILABLE AS A PLUG-IN HYBRID Porsche is expanding its range of hybrid models with the introduction of the new Cayenne E-Hybrid, which combines the best driving dynamics in its class with maximum efficiency. A three-liter V6 engine combines with an electric engine to generate system power of 462 hp. The maximum torque of 700 Nm is already available just above idling speed; with a boost strategy adopted from the 918 Spyder supercar. The model accelerates from zero to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.0 seconds and has a maximum speed of 253 kilometers per hour. The new Cayenne E-Hybrid can drive up to a distance of 44 kilometers and a speed of 135 kilometers per hour on electricity alone. Alongside the launch of the Cayenne E-Hybrid, Porsche is expanding its range of comfort and assistance systems for the entire Cayenne series with additional options such as the new head-up display, massage seats and 22-inch light metal wheels. The next stage in Porsche’s journey towards e-mobility is the Cayenne E-Hybrid. While the performance of the combustion engine moderately improves on its predecessor by 7 hp to 340 hp, the performance of the electric engine is now over 43 per cent higher at 136 hp therefore generating a combined 462 hp output. The boost strategy derived from the 918 Spyder supercar is a new addition. It ensures that the electric engine can be used in all the standard Sport Chrono Package driving modes for an additional performance boost. This means the maximum system torque becomes available as soon as you press the accelerator pedal. Depending on the driving situation and performance requirements, drivers can continue to draw on the boost torque across the entire range of speeds. This leads to a more agile and superior driving experience. The extent of the boost support and battery charging during the journey depend on the driving mode. In the performancefocused Sport and Sport Plus modes, virtually all of the battery's energy can be used for a boost. In Sport mode, the battery is charged just as much as is required for a new boost. In Sport Plus mode, the battery is recharged as quickly as possible. The other modes support maximum driving efficiency. The new Cayenne E-Hybrid is available for order now with first units in Kuwait expected from June 2018 onwards, at a basic retail price of KWD 29,800. For more information, visit Porsche Centre Kuwait on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the currently available models and new vehicle launches, please visit the website www.porschekuwait.com or call 1870 870.

TURN UP THE HEAT! INTRODUCING RAMADAN’S SPECIAL: THE PICKLED JALAPEÑO BURGER AT ALL MIDDLE EAST SHACKS It’s getting hot in here! As part of their specials for the month of Ramadan, Shake Shack is introducing the Pickled Jalapeño Burger, a 100% all-natural Angus beef cheeseburger topped with crispy marinated shallots, pickled jalapeños, and sriracha mayo, debuted at all Middle East Shacks on May 16th and is available for a limited time only. The Pickled Jalapeño Burger provides a spicy twist on a classic cheeseburger, using crispy shallots and pickled jalapeños, and a housemade spicy sriracha mayo. The Pickled Jalapeño Burger is crafted from 100% all-natural beef —antibiotic free and with no added hormones ever— seasoned and seared to perfection and topped with a slice of American cheese. To add some crunch and heat, the cheeseburger is topped with crispy marinated shallots and pickled jalapeños, Shack-made sriracha mayo and served on a pillowy potato bun. Learn more at www.shakeshack.com. You can also follow Shake Shack on Facebook.com/shakeshackme, Twitter @shakeshackme and Instagram @shakeshackme.

TRANSFER YOUR SALARY TO ABK AND THE CHOICE IS YOURS! Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait (ABK) announced the launch of its new salary transfer campaign. This promotion, which is open to ABK’s new customers only, will last until December 31, 2018. Running under the tagline ‘Transfer your Salary and the Choice is yours!’ the campaign offers new customers a choice of one of three benefits upon salary transfer: Up to KD 500 cash gift, up to KD 5,000 interest-free loan and up to 100,000 Skywards Miles issued on a free prepaid card. Prior to this, ABK launched several promotional campaigns that allowed customers to receive various benefits including the recent ‘Spend and Win’ draw, which offered a chance to attend the 2018 FIFA World Cup live in Russia. For more information, please visit eahli.com or call Ahlan Ahli at 1899 899.

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BE A WINNER THIS SUMMER WITH GULF BANK From May 1 until August 31, 2018, customers using their Gulf Bank credit or debit cards can get a chance to enter the draw and win cash prizes. For every KD 10 spent locally, Gulf Bank credit cardholders will get one chance in the raffle draw, which will be held on September 23, 2018, in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Each KD 10 spent internationally, either on a credit or debit card, gives customers three chances in the raffle draw. Five winners will be able to claim the various cash prizes. Three customers will get a chance to win KD 5,000, and a second place prize of KD 10,000 can be claimed by one customer. One very lucky Gulf Bank customer will claim a cash prize of KD 25,000. To learn more about any of Gulf Bank’s products and services, visit one of Gulf Bank’s 58 branches, call the Customer Contact Center on 1805 805, or log on to www.e-gulfbank.com, Gulf Bank’s bilingual website, or its social media channels.

EXPERIENCE THE HOLY MONTH LIKE NEVER BEFORE AT JUMEIRAH MESSILAH BEACH HOTEL & SPA The resort’s luxurious Badriah Ballroom presents the largest Ramadan tent in town for lavish Iftars and Ghabgas, traditionally adorned to reflect the warmness of this month. Guests will indulge in rich Ramadan flavors in sumptuous buffets complimented by live Arabian tunes. Enlarged to welcome around 250 guests this year, the all-day dining restaurant Garden Café offers a majestic outdoor tent for Ghabga Nights, offering magnificent views of the gardens. Diners will enjoy a memorable night out with friends with delectable Ramadan specialties and an excellent choice of shisha with a live entertainment programme. Commenting on this occasion, General Manager, Savino Leone, explains: “We are pleased to share our much-anticipated Ramadan activities this year. The spirit of this Holy month can be lived throughout our resort, from the main entrance to our beautifully decorated Badriah Ballroom and our Garden Café tent overlooking the gardens”. For more information, bookings and additional details, please call 2226 9666.

TAMDEEN GROUP BREAKS GROUND ON KWD 250 MILLION AL KHIRAN PROJECT IN SABAH AL AHMAD SEA CITY Tamdeen Group, Kuwait’s leading property developer, has broken ground on the impressive KWD 250 million Al Khiran Project, The New Pulse of Kuwait, is the largest waterfront recreational tourism destination built by the private sector in Kuwait. The mega project is located in the heart of Sabah Al Ahmad Sea City, with Phase 1 scheduled to open to public in Q1 of 2021. Spanning 116,000 m2 upon completion, The New Pulse of Kuwait will strengthen Kuwait’s position as a regional shopping, entertainment and conservative tourism destination. The latest innovative project from Tamdeen Group will be completed in two phases. Phase 1 incorporates a commercial and retail district, including Kuwait’s first outlet shopping center, which will further diversify the nation’s retail sector. Phase 1 will also include construction of other leisure activities and services, such as Al Khiran Park and Kuwait’s largest marina, with a capacity to accommodate more than 900 boats. A 1.25 km boardwalk and the project’s captivating design, reminiscent of the beaches of the French Riviera, will enhance the appeal of the allinclusive destination, which will have approximately 3,500 parking spaces when Phase 1 is complete. For more information visit www.tamdeen.com, call 1882 233 or follow on Instagram @tamdeen_group.

MAX&Co. SPRING/SUMMER 2018 COLLECTION – DROP 2 This season MAX&Co. explores the concept of modern femininity through an eclectic collection with a mix and match sensibility. The collection brings together a variety of influences: the boyish and the feminine, the formal and the informal, bohemian and utilitarian, bold prints and a vivid palette. Throughout, relaxed, upbeat ease unites the collection and is indicative of the versatility the MAX&Co. woman demands from her wardrobe – office attire is relaxed, after dark dressing is cooler than ever, and high summer beachwear no longer asks her to sacrifice style. She wears a standout maxi dress with the same ease she wears a favorite tee. The confident mood is translated into the collection’s color palette. Bold swathes of yellow – on floral printed dresses and jumpsuits, and block color skirts – hint at new beginnings and a refreshing optimism. Candy pink, coral, mint green and royal blue also feature, tempered by muted tones of cream, white and sun-bleached blue. Florals are the collection’s key print, capturing this feminine moment. Yellow-hued jacquard dresses star a retro-inspired print that calls to mind ’70s interiors fabrics, while a painterly pink and blue design is delightfully busy. MAX&Co. is available in five continents with over 400 stores and online. For more information visit www.maxandco.com or follow them on Instagram for the latest updates @maxandco.

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SUMMER TAKES A COOL TURN WITH SUMMER COOLERS FROM MCDONALD’S As temperatures rise and summer prepares to make its glorious comeback, McDonald’s has introduced a new range of refreshing treats to help combat the heat, with its all-new Summer Coolers line-up. The new seasonal range includes two deliciously sweet and creamy Waffle Cones – the Chocolate Cone with Oreo cookies and the Waffle Cone with Lotus Crumble – as well as two brand-new thirst-quenching McFizz flavors – Green Apple and Passion Fruit. As for coffee-lovers, McDonald’s has them covered with the Iced Americano and the Iced Latte. All Summer Coolers are now available at all McDonald’s branches. For more information about the Summer Coolers and the rest of the McDonald’s menu, please visit the website McDonalds.com/kw. You can also follow McDonald’s Kuwait on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter (@McDonaldsKuwait) to learn more about all the latest McDonald’s offerings and promotions.

INTRODUCING NEW COMPACT STYLER HELLO KITTY PINK STRIPES FROM TANGLE TEEZER This refreshed design with a pink body and red teeth continues the successful collaboration with a multi-print Hello Kitty. With Hello Kitty wearing her red bow surrounded with hearts, it's too adorable to resist! A handbag and purse friendly hairbrush, the Tangle Teezer Compact Styler detangles and styles, providing the perfect finishing touch when on-the-fly. You can detangle and brush your style back into place anywhere thanks to its unique two-tiered teeth formation. The long teeth detangles, whereas the shorter teeth smooths the hair cuticle. The result? Your hair is left looking smooth and shiny. The Compact Styler comes with a detachable, click-on, click-off cover that helps protect the two tiered teeth when carrying in a handbag, making every stroke a clean sweep on the hair. Exclusively distributed by beautique cosmetics international. For more information, please call 2225 1285 or visit beautique's website www.beautiquecosmeticsintl.com. CENTREPOINT’S 2018 RAMADAN EXCLUSIVE SELECTION DELIVERS ELEGANCE FOR FASHION Centrepoint’s Ramadan 2018 fashion brings luxury and modest glamour to the region with a stunning collection for the whole family. For women, this season’s collection is themed around the “desert of Arabia” with a liberal use of metallic and a range of surface finishes, from polished to brushed or perforated styles. The Splash collection displays items that offer versatility and the flexibility of wearing day to night, and are highlighted with sequins, crystals and embroideries in hues of dusty rose, champagne, black and off white in items that have been created epically for this festive season. Babyshop is taking kids out on a rollercoaster fashion ride this Ramadan. Pastels, muted and bright colors are dominating this season for boys and girls for summer warmth and brightness. The stylish girls collection includes designs in floral patterns, lace, ruffle and embroidery in wearable styles perfect for all occasions. Boys can go all out with Centrepoint's Ramadan 2018 exclusive fashion, and look dashing during the holy month at their family gatherings. The color theme this season has white, off-white, nude brown, yellow, sky blue, blue, and grey. The Centrepoint Ramadan collection is available in all stores across all stores located at Al Rai, Avenues, Salmiya, Fintas, Jahra, Fahaheel, Sulaibhikhat, Kuwait City, Khaitan and Hawally.

FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT WITH ST. TROPEZ! Summer has arrived, and nothing says warm weather like getting your tan on. Whether you want to top up your existing tan or create a natural tan from scratch, St. Tropez’s bronzing products have you covered! Available in all Faces stores. Faces was born in Kuwait in 1987. Today, Faces has 5 stores in various locations. Follow @Faceskw on Instagram to keep up to date with the latest make up, skincare and fragrances.

THE NEW MEANING OF CHOCOLATE: CHOCOLATE CUISINE'S NEWEST BRANCH IN THE AVENUES MALL After the success of their unique concept in Kuwait, the new meaning of Chocolate, Chocolate Cuisine is opening its third branch in the heart of the biggest mall in Kuwait, The Avenues. Chocolate Cuisine combines the passion of Kuwaiti youth, enthusiasm and the true search for the best tasting chocolate to introduce an unforgettable experience to customers. All fans of chocolate in Kuwait will be able to enjoy the tasty menu and the variety of dishes from Chocolate Sushi to Pizzas and much more of the signature dishes that would definitely add on to the whole experience. Partners, Hussein Al-Sayed, Sulaiman Behbehani and Abdul-Aziz Behbehani stated that this opening will be the first to many more and with this branch, the hope is to serve customers in vibrant locations which will add to the company a lot of trustworthiness and customer-love. For updates, follow Chocolate Cuisine on Instagram @Chocolatecuisine Snap Chat and Twitter @Choco-cuisine. 128

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STRESSED OUT TRESSES? TRY KITOKO OIL! Kitoko Oil is an indulgent blend of Karite and Argan oils, which is richer in antioxidants, Omega oils, and Vitamins A and E than other oils. This sensory oil treatment is perfectly balanced to the hair and scalp, resulting in incredible absorption and rapid penetration without adding weight to the hair. Essential fatty acids nourish the hair from within to stimulate incredible condition, elasticity and shine. Kitoko Oil Treatment will not only revive tired hair, but will help neutralize free-radicals and protect the hair from environmental and chemical damage. Exclusively distributed by beautique cosmetics international. For more information, please call 2225 1285 or visit www.beautiquecosmeticsintl.com.

THE ELEGANCE OF NATURE AT TANAGRA WITH “ANNA RABINOWICZ” Tanagra welcomed the world renowned home lifestyle designer “Anna Rabinowicz” for her first time in Kuwait and the Middle East at a delightful evening for a preview to her spring collection. From her studio in New York all the way to Tanagra at The Avenues, Grand Avenue, the event took place last April and offered customers the most iconic designs that uniquely fuse elements of luxury, elegance, and nature. Anna has always been interested in the intersection of science and art, and began her career designing prosthetic knees and devices for cardiac bypass surgery. Her love of biology and nature segued into her creation of her company, with its focus on natural materials and biological inspiration. The spring 2018 collection in its essence reflects the mission of bringing graciousness into the home. Guests admired the pieces and they exchanged enticing conversations which inspired Anna to create a special collection, exclusively designed for Kuwait and the Middle East.

TIMELESS AND PRECIOUS RAMADAN MOMENTS AT SYMPHONY STYLE HOTEL TENT It's the intangible things in life that make us grateful, and Ramadan is that time of the year when we celebrate what connects us with our family, friends, and colleagues. There is something about the Holy Month that never ceases to make us thankful, happy and content. Symphony Style Hotel Kuwait, the jewel of Kuwait City, invites you to create unforgettable moments during the Holy Month. The hotel welcomes all guests to the Symphony Ramadan tent. With capacity to accommodate up to 150 people, it is the ideal venue to enjoy Iftar or Ghabka with family, friends or colleagues. The unique tent captivates with its distinctive design and outstanding colors inspired by Ramadan’s authentic & rich spirit inviting you and your guests to immerse yourselves a culinary feast featuring international and Arabic favorites, live cooking stations, traditional desserts and Ramadan beverages, in addition to exclusive flavors of Shisha. Last but not least, the hotel offers daily live entertainment programs.Located on the second floor of the hotel, next to the swimming pool with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf, the Symphony Ramadan tent will be open for Iftar until 8:30 pm and from 9:00 pm until 2am for Ghabka.

Symphony Style Hotel is located in Salmiya. For more information, or reservations, please call 2577 0000, or visit the website www.radissoncollection.com/en/symphony-style-hotel.

ROCKET WORLD INTRODUCES UNIQUELY FUN AND QUIRKY GIFTING IDEAS IN ITS FIRST STORE IN KUWAIT Rocket World, a new concept specializing in unique and fun gifting ideas, opened its first store in Kuwait located at Shuwaikh in Al Sager Complex, across from Mayar Complex. The opening night gathered a vibrant crowd who came to discover and experience the wide range of exclusive products while enjoying the upbeat music and fun atmosphere. Created to fit a need in Kuwait, Rocket World offers a variety of gifting ideas that suit teens, young adults and anyone who is young at heart and seeks to add the right amount of cute quirks in their life. These products are brought exclusively to Kuwait with the sole objective of providing customers with unique gifting options that they currently don’t have in the market, which include selective brands such as Pylones, a French gift shop chain that is famous for its quirky and unique items, yet of functional value for everyday use. Rocket World products are sure to stand out of the crowd, thanks to their functionality and unique look and feel providing exiting and vibrant experiences, ranging from purses and hair brushes, to home and kitchen-wares. Today, everyone who walks into Rocket World’s realm can say goodbye to standard earphones, mugs, mirrors, notepads, pens, watches, travel pillows and others practical items. “Discover the Difference” at Rocket World located in Shuwaikh in Al Sager Complex, across from Mayar Complex. Follow them on Instagram @rocketworldkw for the latest updates.

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LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22 Have you felt somewhat lost for the past few days? The fog may lift soon and enable you to situate yourself at last. You're probably eager to settle a question that has nagged at you and interfered with your judgment. However, you should be patient, especially if it has to do with emotional matters. Try to understand, but don't take immediate action. You'll be more objective beginning tomorrow.

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22 You may have been feeling somewhat disillusioned. Perhaps you lost sight of your goals or misplaced your faith in yourself. This is an opportunity to end what has been a somewhat apathetic and moody phase and begin a new one that's based on work and meditation. As you can imagine, this new phase will be much more fulfilling!

LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22 You might be tempted to settle certain matters by radical means. The visionary part of you means you're painfully aware of the world's wrongs. You see no reason not to take action to correct them. If you have an emotional question to resolve, it would be better to wait a few days before making a decision.

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22 Life will be fairly calm in terms of outside events, but your inner world is likely to be in a rush of activity. You wish you could find the solution to your heartaches as well as your career predicaments. You'd like to achieve some supreme understanding of the events that took place over the past month. First you must force your brain to slow down. Haste makes waste, as you know!

installed an extremely fine filter that lets in only what you allow. You're going to appear to be a real expert. Don't show off too much!

ARIES MAR 20 – APR 19

Have you been reviewing your family history lately? What educational, social, and religious environment were you born into? What are its values? In the end, do you feel a strong affinity with them now or are those views different from the ones you hold? These are interesting avenues of thought for you right now.

TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 20 It's time to elevate your sense of self. You're just as good as anyone else, so why don't you believe it? The problem is that you're very sensitive about having an ego. Even though you know everyone does, you punish yourself for its existence! This is a noble idea, but it doesn't do you any good. You'll never be perfect and neither will anyone else. What are you worrying about?

CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22 Overall, the forecast is fairly good. The aspects seem to favor figuring out the meaning of all that's transpired over the past several weeks. It's an opportunity for you to take a leisurely look at the distance you've covered moving toward your goals. Since it's an auspicious time for social activities, why not get together with friends and discuss the latest events with them?

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUN 21 Your intellectual and expressive abilities should receive a boost from the planets. It's an excellent time to organize your thoughts about presenting a project to a possible collaborator, engage in trade, or write. In terms of your private life, it's also a good time to examine the latest events, certain aspects of which are still partially misunderstood.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 – DEC 21 You have a lot of thinking to do about your professional goals. Are there new paths you could try or ways to improve things? Your mind will go a thousand miles a minute. Those who spend time with you may be totally exhausted by the end of it because of all the questions you ask!

CAPRICORN DEC 22 – JAN 19

How do you expect to reduce your stress and recuperate while at the same time continue to be a superstar performer in every area of your life? Don't pressure yourself to perform. If you do, you're likely to deplete your reserves even further. Take it easy, rest, and relax! You've earned this little break.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18 This is a good moment to adapt your logic and reason to reality. If you don't, you're going to run into some intellectual problems. Everyone knows that you find new ideas plentiful, but unless you have plans to be a novelist, link your thinking to reality. The "pie in the sky" thinking that you engage in isn't particularly useful to the rest of us living here in the real world.

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 19

You, who can be easily influenced by others, you will be listening to and criticizing everything that people say. Nothing emotional or vague is going to get into your head. It's as if you've

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