bazaar December 2019

December 2019 | Issue #243 www.bazaar.town

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About the Cover:

December 2019 | Issue #243 www.bazaar.town

November was literally a whirlwind of events including marathons, Nuqat, Gulf Run, Thanksgiving, new restaurants and brand launches, and so much more! I think I was probably out every night of the week, all month long. That combined with tons of outdoor activities every weekend because of the amazing weather, and suddenly, BANG, it’s December and the last month of the year and the last month of the decade. Quite significant if you ask me, since as humans we tend to measure time in months and years and decades regardless of anything else.

How was your November, year, and decade?

The bazaar team...

At bazaar we love finding significance in everything, so we can tell the world its story. It is how we give back to the community, grow and change the world one little tale at a time. And, boy do we have lots to tell you this month.

Content Manager

Ferrari released a new coupé, the Roma a modern but timeless representation of everything elegant and romantic that characterized Rome in the 1950s and 60s.

Porsche on the other hand celebrated a decade of the Panamera by releasing a special edition model that has all the bells, whistles and more. And if you have been keeping updated with car news in Kuwait, you should know that the German brand Borgward is back and already up to some exciting things. They have partnered with Nani Roma, the legendary off-road driver to be the face of their team in the Dakar Rally in Saudi Arabia next year.

If you want to get in on some fun yourself, why not head out to House of X, Kuwait’s newest entertainment destination. An entirely new concept that caters to people who know how to have fun and want to have it their way. Although, it is also ok if you want to chill instead. This month we headed to the newly opened STUDIO 33 for some yoga. But instead of stepping onto a mat, we stretched and relaxed in their beautiful cocoon like silk hammocks.

It’s a good thing we made some time for self-care because we were running around meeting up with Kuwait’s brightest stars. We spoke to Sons of Yusuf, the local hip/hop rap group that have gone global and found out more about their origins and their plans in the future. Our cover is by none other than Aziz Al-Duwisan, who was up for a little game of Truth or Dare with us. Not only is he a social media star, a professional photographer, but he is also an amazing teacher.

One of our favorite highlights of the month was when we were transported to the beautiful Lebanese coastline by Ahwet Zeitouna. The perfect outdoor dining experience coupled with amazing food and friendly neighborhood vibes is why we are going to be back for more.

We might have had some resolutions at the beginning of this year that we *failed miserably* did not follow through on, but we have also managed to do some fantastic things which we are proud of. We are glad you have been with us for the ride and hope to see you on the other side.

Happy Holidays!

Ahmed El-Adly

Boss Ahmed El-Adly

Operations Manager Ihab Youssef

Yasmine El Charif

Mixed Media Solutions Jennifer Cádiz

Design Ahmed Al-Ashab

Staff Writer/Online Media Hallah Danbouh Farah Barakat Yasmin Gamal

Online Producer/Project Manager Umika Pidaparthy

Communications Hala Y. Sharara

Editor

members of:

Alia Al Duaij

Contributing Writers Craig Loomis Ayman Nassar George Tarabay Meryl Mathew Muna Al-Gharabally

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).

Contributing Photographers Muneera AlKhulaifi

Syndicates & Sources Fast Company LA Times MCT International Newsweek

Printing British Industries for Printing and Packaging

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This month’s cover is courtesy of Aziz Al-Duwisan and Abdullah Hamadah. The two photographers created this spontaneous image to showcase their digital art expertise while they were on their way to the collaborative workshop with VIVA Telecom.

tel.2571 6122 info@bazaar-magazine.com www.bazaar.town | Zahra Complex, Salmiya. 8th floor, office 35 @bazaargram bazaarmagazine @bazaartweets

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SONS OF YUSUF

FAI AL-IBRAHIM

HINDOUGH

PORSCHE PANAMERA

Kuwait’s homegrown hip-hop and rap superstar brothers are getting ready to drop a new album. Despite their fame, they are incredibly down to earth, and it was like meeting old friends to catch up and learn more about what they’ve been getting up to and get the DL on new album Shaykh The World.

Soft-spoken Fai Al-Ibrahim believes that truth and beauty are important values that she wants to reflect in her brands. She insists on only using real flowers when she creates her beautiful floral designs for her brand True. And for her jewelry brand, True de Paris, she carefully places diamonds and different elements to bring out their gorgeousness.

Hind Akil seems to have been destined to become an artisan sourdough baker, even if that wasn’t part of her plans. As a child she frequented farmers markets and fell in love with sourdough one baguette at a time. Find out more about her process and her baking journey in our pages.

It has been ten years since the Porsche Panamera was first released. This now iconic car is luxury, speed and engineering excellence on wheels. To celebrate, Porsche is releasing a special edition that features some pretty sweet exclusive features including an anniversary logo.

FERRARI ROMA

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JOHANNA ORTIZ X H&M

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AHWET ZEITOUNA

90

BORGWARD

Picture the beautiful city of Rome in the 1950s and ‘60s. Now distill all that idealized nostalgia into a single car, the Ferrari Roma. The design is timeless and elegant with so much underlying power. Another sleek signature car from Maranello, the Roma features a combination of heritage and cutting-edge automobile technology.

H&M is bringing Johanna Ortiz’s flirtatiously bold floral Latin American aesthetic to you in their latest collaboration. For the unapologetically feminine, empowered and feisty woman, the capsule collection is all about colorful prints that will make you stand out. Find out more about the special pre-drop collection being released.

Get transported to Lebanon’s beautiful Zeitouna neighborhood by walking into Ahwet Zeitouna.

The friendly community café is more than the delicious traditional Lebanese cuisine they serve. It is about creating a space where people can come together and enjoy each other’s company while having a fantastic meal.

Legendary German car brand Borgward is back and ready to flex their engine muscles.

They have just announced that they partnered with Nani Roma to lead their team in one of the world’s most challenging off-road races, the Dakar Rally. Find out why they have both the history and modern cars to become the new champions.

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Ferrari

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what's on December 2019

AHMADI MUSIC GROUP FAMILY SEASONAL CONCERT Date: 6 December Location: New English School, Jabriya Ladies and gentlemen on Friday 6th December 2019, Kuwait's oldest international music tradition is back! The Ahmadi Music Group Family has performed (almost) annually since 1955. Families with young children should come at 4.00pm to experience a visit from a special celebrity from the North Pole, everyone else at 6.00pm for the same great music. And EVERYONE gets the medium-healthy buffet, all for only 4KD! For tickets and for more information, please visit eventat.com or the @ahmadimusicg on Instagram.

NBK WALKATHON 2019 Date: 7 December Location: Green Island, Gulf Road For the past twenty-five years, NBK has walked with us step by step, year after year. Because of the community's contribution, NBK’s annual Walkathon has remained the largest sporting event in Kuwait. NBK’s Walkathon it has aimed to spread and strengthen health awareness, until it became a hallmark for competition and entertainment.

Join them this year on their 25th anniversary as they continue to encourage a healthier lifestyle for years to come.

For registration, tickets, and more details visit pro-vision.com.

JACK AND THE BEANSTALK – A TRADITIONAL PANTOMIME Date: 11 - 15 December Location: The Performing Arts Centre, The English School, Salmiya It’s panto season! “OH YES IT IS!” Dame Dotty has a dying dairy and Jack has a giant fight on his hands. But they can’t do it without you. Come boo the baddies, cheer the hero and shout all your favorite catchphrases like “He’s Behind You!” as Staged in Kuwait continues this fantastic British theatrical tradition live onstage. British Pantomime is a unique theatrical experience. Fun for all ages, from 5 – 95, bring the whole family and enjoy a festive slice of theatre like no other!

For registration, tickets, and more details visit stagedinkuwait.com.

AHMED AL-SHAIBA CONCERT Date: 27 December Location: Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed Cultural Centre With his mixed eastern-western style, Yemeni musician Ahmed Al-Shaiba delights in seeing how western music sounds when played on the oud. He is intent upon showing the world the beauty of the oud and how it can be used for playing any kind of music, not just Middle Eastern. Indeed, Ahmed firmly believes that every musical instrument of every culture has global validity and beauty and will sound good in any culture.

For registration, tickets, and more details visit jacc-kw.com.

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Jumeirah

what's trending December 2019

What: @uncommonapp Info: Far from common, clothing store Editor’s Note: App coming soon!

What: @theblademaker Info: Kuwait-based blade maker that accepts custom and personalized orders.

Editor’s Note: The perfect gift for the friend who loves to cook!

What: @prawtein Info: Balanced raw meals for your pets Editor’s Note: Give the gift of a healthy diet for your furballs

www.bazaar.town What: @ecokuwait Info: Sustainable, plastic- free store in Kuwait Editor’s Note: Check out their mesh bags, perfect for produce shopping!

What: @odettes_closette Info: Second-hand clothing store Editor’s Note: A better place for forgotten clothes to re-exist

What: @cakedkw Info: New bakery in town Editor’s Note: Orders can be placed through Deliveroo, or on their website!

What: @khashab_kwt Info: Unique natural wood pieces Editor’s note: Luxurious cheese boards, for the festive season!

What: @studio.corners Info: Rentable space for content creators Editor’s Note: Daily and monthly memberships available

As much as we work our hardest to give you one rocking print issue after the other, we’re socially active (or try our best to be, we are bazaar humans after all) and we love it!

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American Eagle

RACING THROUGH BARRIERS

GCC’s first female freestyle drifter By bazaar staff

At the very early age of three, Juliana Grasman was challenging stereotypes by building cars instead of forts in her living room, and asking her brother if he wanted a ride within the perfectly positioned pillows.

Whilst her soul has constantly been in search of what makes her happy, it wasn’t until a few years ago that Juliana realized racing is what ignites her soul and sets it on fire. Since then she has paved the way for many women to set foot into the world of racing.

Growing up in Kazakhstan, Juliana begged her father to let her drive at 11. At 15, she snuck out to participate in her first underground drag race, and ended up with a winning title. But it wasn’t until a few years later that Juliana decided it was time to take racing more seriously. During her first official race, she won third place. She also happened to run away right after, before anyone could see her. It was a matter of fight or flight for her, a dilemma, stemming from the results of stereotypical gender roles passed down by generations. Although Juliana wanted 30

badly to grab her prize, she did not want to be seen driving that black car because she could imagine the audience’s response, and it wasn’t going to be pleasant. A girl, racing?

There is no way they would spare her the scrutiny. Driving a tinted-windowed all-black car made it easy for her to jump in and out of the car from the passenger’s seat, no-one able to catch a glimpse of her. Dark Horse, the title given to the driver of that car was announced on stage, with no one there to pick up the prize.

As time went by, Juliana, who refers to herself as a seeker, grew the courage to pursue her love for driving. Looking for passion in a plethora of other things was simply not nourishing to her soul. She had tried to go into different career paths, even ended up in the Emirates for better opportunities but that lead her straight back to driving. The only difference this time was instead of racing on ice in Kazakhstan, she was competing in the desert. Although faced with hardship in the Emirates, Juliana was determined to make enough money to buy herself a car. Being the fearless conqueror she is, this was a task she was able to accomplish. More so, she

was able to race through the deserts of the Emirates in her all black Nissan Patrol (named Black Edition) and earn a track name, Afra.

When asked how her family and loved ones reacted to all of these intrepid moves, she hesitates but goes on to state that she was taken more seriously when she started bringing home trophies and prizes. Her family knew it was serious and instead of trying to micromanage the situation, they started offering their support, so that Juliana could achieve her best potential.

Juliana accounts her success to being constantly hungry for more. She strives for the next big thing whenever she accomplishes her previous goal. She hopes to constantly learn and expand in all areas of life. Although currently an amateur freestyle drifter, she is open to competing in professional drifting within the region. Recently, life has brought her to Kuwait where we had the pleasure of meeting her. However, this has not in any way tamed the motorhead in her, and she still looks forward to competing again within the region.

For more information, please follow Juliana Grasman’s page on Instagram @lcroft_j.

American Eagle

SONS OF YUSUF ARE BACK! THE DUO’S ALBUM DROP AND MORE By bazaar staff

When we heard that Sons of Yusuf are dropping an album, the excitement was and still is real! At the start of next year, we’ll be getting more from the duo than we ever expected. As Shaykh The World is expected to be released soon, we sat with brothers Yakoob and Abdulrahman Al Refaie to catch up on their latest endeavors in the music world.

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The origin behind the name Sons of Yusuf is well known. Ever since Yakoob and Abdulrahman were kids, music was always a huge part of their lives. Their father, Yusuf, was a musician himself, hence the name, and as Yakoob tells us “That was our atmosphere at home, music since day one.” They saw themselves immersed in that world, and kept building it up until this very moment.

So far, Sons of Yusuf have only released singles, from “Hala” (We Dem Boyz Arabia Remix) to their 2018 number one hit “One Time” which achieved so much success in Kuwait as well as regionally. But, for the past three years, the duo who are based in both K-town and California have been working on their album Shaykh The World.

The title of the album is a wordplay on Sheikh and Shake, it’s inspired from their father who told them to, “… shake the world”. But, it is also inspired by the Islamic Golden Age, “Back then, when Arabs were in Spain, or back when technology was born, we shook the world in terms of art, music, fashion, technology, all of that is there, no one could deny it. We pushed that, so we’re just bringing that concept back,” explains Yakoob.

Sons of Yusuf are not only giving us their first album, but they have also launched their very own record label, Astrolabe Records. The name of the record follows the same concept as the album itself, the notion of going back in time to our ancestors, where our history was pushing

itself towards positive outcomes. As they’ve preached on their single “One Time” where they said, “We gotta be strong, they want to divide us, sell us, don’t know how.”

Pushing the idea of being in constant union is much needed, and that is also what the new album will be addressing. As Yakoob tells us, “We wanna push a good culture and positive energy, positive history. And we’re going deep, we’re talking about things that no one usually talks about; no censorship. Let’s be real, how can we move forward? It’s a different life, we’re in different times now, we all have a major role.”

Shaykh The World is going to feature 12 tracks including collaborations and production from several other artists, Abdulrahman shares his excitement and says “If I was to look back on when I was younger, this would probably be my dream album. I mean, maybe not to other people, but because there are our favorite artists, our favorite producers. We’ve been listening to them since we were kids, and now they’re with us on our album, it’s too surreal.”

Abdulrahamn adds that the album is “Like watching an Arabic Muslim documentary, but with sound.” For example, they have a song called “Diving for pearls” and it’s all about Kuwait’s history during that time, the struggle of the warriors back then, and what brought us here today. The duo truly realize the effect that they have on media, and they are using this point for the youth and people in general.

Being in the music industry is challenging. Even though Abdulrahamn and Yakoob have their own record label, and are working on releasing the new album in January 2020, along with their recently dropped EP, Sons of Yusuf & Shafiq Husayn which includes a dope track called “Rose Water” they have also begun creating a brand new clothing line called The Base. They are going to have a shop unit in Souq Al-Mubarakiya, as well as an online store for this project.

Juggling various things at once, Sons of Yusuf are looking forward to what’s coming next, and an advice Abdulrahman shares with us when it comes to young and aspirational musicians is to simply, “Be yourselves.

I realize that a lot of people are trying to be like other people,” and Yakoob continues “Come up with your own sound, we have our own sound and our own colors, so let’s show the world our identity,” So, what are we all waiting for? The time is now, or never.

For updates on new music from Sons of Yusuf, follow their pages on all streaming services. For more information, check out their Instagram page @sonsofyusuf or visit their website on sonsofyusuf.com. Photography by Ghalia Al Refaie.

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50 YEARS OF NES

An alumnus reminisces about childhood school memories

By Muna Al-Gharabally

This academic year is the fiftieth year since the New English School (NES) first opened as a secondary school. Established by the late Tareq and Jehan Rajab, it was the first private, co-educational day school in Kuwait to offer a British style grammar school curriculum. To mark its fiftieth anniversary, a reunion dinner was held in November, drawing past alumni and faculty members, both foreign and local back to the school to celebrate this half century milestone.

I joined NES as a three-year-old, the first year a kindergarten was offered. The KG was located to the left of the main school gates at the school’s original location in Shamiya/Thahiya Abdulla AlSalam. I spent my first three years of school at this magical location before moving to the ‘new’ location in Jabriya, where it currently still stands and where I remained all the way to the 6th form. Although many things have changed, whenever I visit the school, I vividly remember my school days with fondness.

Whether you were one of the students who loved

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[Continued...]

school, hated school or were just indifferent, all of us who went to NES, were touched by it. The school was a mini United Nations of sorts, with students and staff from all over the globe. It gave both alumni and faculty an opportunity to co-mingle and thrive in a truly multi-cultural environment.

The school provided its students not only an education, but also a spring board to launch us into the world with the necessary building blocks to chase our dreams whatever they were. I completed my A ‘levels in 1986 and that year, 72 flags were represented in our flag parade. I am fairly certain that through my school years, I had classmates from over 50 countries at one time or another. So, from an age before the internet shrunk the world even further, nowhere has ever felt alien in my travels and I am certain my fellow alumni would agree with me.

Many things have changed in the world since I left school. Primarily, the two biggest influencing factors that have affected our lives is the ease of air travel and the technological revolution that is the internet. In 1969, air travel was a bourgeoning way to traverse the globe (some of the first faculty members who joined the NES teaching staff, came to Kuwait via boat) and the internet would not be part of our daily lives until the mid to late nineties. Also,

I am sad to say, acts of terrorism or war were resigned to something you only read about in history books or saw reported on the news.

NES prepared all of us early alumni to be creative, independent thinkers, ready to take on anything and strategically figure out how to complete something we had started. Although I had already graduated by the time of the invasion of Kuwait in 1990, the way that the students who were enrolled in school managed to adapt to this violent change in their student life is a true reflection of how well the school prepared its students for whatever situation the world threw at us.

On a mini level, my own early experience of dealing with the unexpected came in my lower sixth year, which was the academic year 1984/85. As sixth formers we were encouraged to take the initiative to organize our own school trips. These we went on without adult supervision.

That year, we decided to go to Failakah.

The night before our ‘voyage,’ I remember asking my father if I would need my passport. His answer was a short “of course not, Failakah is part of Kuwait.” It may be worth highlighting here that we did not have civil IDs yet – the registration and roll out of those would not come until 1986/7.

The next morning a small group of us gathered

American Eagle

35

excitedly by the ferry boat that would take us to the island.

The only piece of ID I carried was school ID, a little blue book with NES’s crest and Ex Orient Lux emblazoned on it (Latin for “out of the east, light comes”). So, when our mixed group of sixth formers docked at Failakah, we were all instantly detained.

It was the foresight or just good judgement of two male students (a Pakistani and an Indian) who had brought their passports with them, that saved us that day.

The island police felt that they could leave them with the girls, while they piled all the other boys on to a van to take them to the police station.

We were crest fallen at the bad turn our solo trip had taken. For what seemed like an eternity, but in reality, was probably 10 to 15 minutes, those of us left behind sat on a curb with our heads forlornly in our hands trying to come up with ideas on how to get our classmates released and return to Kuwait City (what we could have done with a smartphone then).

Before our morbid moods could get any worse, the van returned with our arrested classmates. The next several minutes were spent giving up our names to an officer who was dutifully writing them down. Apparently at the police station the commanding officer had called the school and confirmed that the boys in their custody were indeed NES students and that there was genuinely an unsupervised trip to Failakah scheduled.

In case you were wondering, today and ordinarily you do not need any ID to go to Failakah, we were just unlucky that we chose to go one week before a GCC event was taking place and so all security was on high alert.

Reunited, we had a lovely day on the island. But, our adventures were not over yet. About an hour before the last ferry left, the local police came by us in a golf cart to inform us that the last ferry was leaving early due to tide conditions and that we had five minutes to run across the island to make it. You may never get to witness such an organized mad dash, as we gathered our things and sprinted to the dock, only just making the ferry.

Our final challenge was that our ferry door was broken. The ramp for the cars and people to board would not come all the way up and close, so we chugged back to Kuwait on one of the slowest ferry rides of my life.

Happy times! There are several photographs of our trip memorialized in the 1984/85 Oasis. The most valuable lesson I learned from that trip was to always be prepared, persevere and keep my head while everyone else was losing theirs while also trying to make the best out of bad situations. NES gave me and my fellow alumni both an excellent education as well as the confidence and tools to manage our way through all our future travels and life challenges and like the moto says, Ex Orient Lux, its eastern light has lit up our paths.

Happy Fiftieth Anniversary New English School (just close your eyes and imagine confetti cannons going off).

For more information visit neskt.com to learn more about NES or nesoasis.com/oasis-year-books to take a look at the yearbooks.

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WHY YOU DON'T NEED TO BE A STAR WARS FAN TO ENJOY THE MANDALORIAN There were no Star Wars fans when Star Wars first came out. That wasn't even a thing

By Tracy Brown

"The Mandalorian" follows the story of a gunslinging bounty hunter clad in sleek armor, taking jobs on the outskirts of the galaxy. But don't worry if you haven't the faintest idea what a Mandalorian is: Showrunner Jon Favreau assures us that the first ever live-action "Star Wars" series, premiering with the launch of Disney's standalone streaming service, Disney+, requires no prior knowledge in order to dive in.

"It's an invitation into Star Wars in a very pure way," said Favreau, whose Disney credentials include directing The Lion King and Iron Man. "It's the first time since Episode IV" the 1977 original "where it's inviting people into a whole new cast of characters that doesn't require any prerequisite understanding of the world."

Starring Game of Thrones alum Pedro Pascal as the titular bounty hunter, "The Mandalorian" takes place a few years after the events of Star Wars:

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Episode VI Return of the Jedi, the final film of George Lucas' original trilogy. That film saw the Rebel Alliance bring down the Galactic Empire, decades before the adventures of the next generation of heroes picks up in The Force Awakens.

Like any good bounty hunter, the Mandalorian, or Mando, is just trying to do his job without drawing unnecessary attention to himself.

The cast also includes Gina Carano as an ex-Rebel soldier named Cara Dune and Carl Weathers as the leader of the bounty hunter guild who helps put Mando in contact with a high-paying client (played by Werner Herzog).

Favreau specifically wanted to explore the period after the defeat of an oppressive regime that ruled through fear and military might, when the galaxy is done celebrating its newfound freedom.

"What would really happen with a strong, tyrannical central government disappearing?

At first it's wonderful, because it's freedom.

But then sometimes freedom gets sloppy," said Favreau. "Like after the fall of the Roman Empire, a lot of the world descended into darker

times. So it was interesting to explore what the Star Wars version of that would be."

Also part of the show's brain trust is Dave Filoni, a Star Wars veteran known for his work on animated entries in the franchise. The writer and executive producer explained that his contributions to the series included assessing when to incorporate elements that already existed in the Star Wars canon, and when it made more sense to create something new.

Like the original Star Wars, The Mandalorian is inspired by westerns and samurai films and will see Mando travel from town to town, or planet to planet, in the more "lawless" outskirts of the galaxy in search of his mark. The line between good and evil will be much less clear than in the films.

Favreau and Filoni agree that part of the original Star Wars‘ appeal was how its sci-fi and fantasy elements were rooted in real history and experiences.

"George (Lucas) taught me first and foremost that you have to have a good story with characters you believe in," said Filoni.

cleo

up close & personal

TRUE AND PURE Fai Al-Ibraheem’s love of jewelry and floristry By bazaar staff

The two businesses founded by Fai Al-Ibraheem truly complete and complement each other. From True where unique flower arrangements are gifted, and True De Paris is where you’ll find fine jewelry crafted with care. The brands both represent the essence of natural beauty, which is something Fai certainly feels strongly about. When we met with her, she showed us what she is passionate about and how filled with beauty it is.

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Fai was looking for a meaning that is mainly related to beauty, one word that will deliver the message of her brands as she says “While I was holding the dictionary actually, and I was googling the definitions of beauty I found the word true. So, the definition was what is beautiful is real and true, and what is true is real and beautiful.”

True was the word that brought the two businesses from an idea to the real world.

Ever since she was young, Fai was always curious about the types of flowers, their colors, their scents, and which flower looks perfectly arranged with the other one. She’s in love with simplicity, and that is clearly seen within her floristry business. The whole idea lies in arrangements and the way it is gifted. For example, Fai does not like using fake flowers or even vases, and she has come to the realization that people are liking the method she uses, which is arranging the flowers on pieces that can be re-used differently, be it a lantern, a candle holder, a cake plate, or a mirror! “I’m working on so many ideas that people can benefit from later on,” she says.

Not only that, but Fai also applies the same concept of simplicity in her jewelry brand, True De Paris. She wanted her jewelry pieces to basically present themselves without any extra additions, to make a statement of their own as real diamonds should do. The flexibility that lies in each and every piece, such as rings that you can wear on all of your fingers and tennis bracelets by managing to keep it casual yet chic is an art form itself.

What’s even more interesting is that plenty of Fai’s personality is seen in her businesses. Every piece of jewelry she wears, and every flower arrangement she arranges is cared for with the same level of detail and care. She adores diamonds because they are raw and real, as she says “A diamond cut is something really sensitive, how it is cut, shaped, it has purity and a shine that attracts your eye, so again we go back to beauty,” and to her, “Flowers are the accessory of life.”

As Fai continues to produce beauty whether it is in the form of natural flowers, or splendid diamonds, hers will never fade away. The fusion of both brands is an admirable accomplishment and being able to create and express these beautiful messages to the people represents the essence that less is more.

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UP CLOSE & PERSONAL QUESTIONNAIRE What do you most value about your friends?

I enjoy being around people who have a big heart and are willing to give to others. I try to spend my time with those who are kind and understanding.

I value 3 things in a friendship: 1. Honesty. 2. Loyalty. 3. Reliability.

Which living person do you most admire?

I admire every successful person and they are many starting from my family. I can never count a number or specify someone, but if I have to choose, I would say King Alfaisal and Oprah Winfrey.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness is a decision to live happily in your own world, with what is available and affordable, and to never judge others.

What is your greatest extravagance?

My greatest extravagance is to always make my parents happy, proud and satisfied.

What is your most treasured possession?

Capturing everything beautiful, seeing the bright and beautiful side in any spot.

What is your greatest fear?

My greatest fear is losing someone I love.

What is your most marked characteristic?

Big kind giving heart.

Which talent would you most like to have?

To be specialized in what I love doing, which is flower arranging, set up, event planning, designing jewelry and in my sports.

What is one trait you have that you are most grateful for?

Seeking beauty in everything around.

What is the human trait you most dislike about others?

Using others to reach a goal.

What is it that you most dislike?

Playing with words and emotions.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse? ‫لو دامت لغريك ما اتصلت اليك‬ “Things would not have arrived to you, if they lasted forever for others.”

What are your favorite words to live by?

Everything will be ok.

Where would you most like to live?

Between my family.

If you could have any job, what would it be?

I’m happy with my job, and love what I’m doing.

What would you consider your greatest achievement?

To have my jewelry brand.

What do you hope for the future?

Learn from the mistakes and live in interesting times.

For more information, follow @true.kw and @truedeparis on Instagram.

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[...Continued]

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MENTAL HEALTH – AN UNTOLD STORY

Quiet Chaos with Jason Sullivan

By Meryl Mathew

Mental Health is often an unspoken issue and most of us usually silently suffer with a problem or visit a therapist in secrecy. Although there are quite a few therapists and doctors in Kuwait who can help, we still choose to ignore a problem we may have due to the social stigma that lies with a mental health issue.

Jason Sullivan, a mental health expert and therapist from Orlando, USA living in Kuwait for the last 10 years is indeed someone who has tried to bridge this gap through his podcast Quiet Chaos where he discusses some of the most common mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and relationship problems. A conversation with Jason shed a light on this topic that is often greatly misunderstood across the globe.

How did you begin your career in mental health therapy?

I was raised in a violent home and a family that was involved with a lot of addiction, that is a part of the reason I pursued this. I wanted to help kids who were in the same position because I knew what it was like not to have a voice.

I began my career by pursuing philosophy for my undergrad’s and at the time I started looking into mental health therapy. I realized that it really did fit well with me because in a lot of ways mental health came out from philosophy. If you go back to Sigmund Freud or Carl Jung, they also did draw from Friedrich Nietzsche and other philosophers before their time.

So I began my career in mental health by working with children who had been taken from their homes due to various reasons. Shortly after that I went for my master’s degree in counseling.

After my masters I began with private practice that involved a lot of anxiety and depression cases. Following to a period of such cases I realized I wanted to do something more. That was when I started working with the National organization for victim assistance and the Florida crisis response team which taught me how people function in crisis and how you can and cannot help them. So, you can say a few different things pulled me into this field.

Tell us about your podcast Quiet Chaos?

I wanted to understand the needs of Kuwait and be culturally sensitive at the same time before I got involved with the mental health needs of the country. Once I had a fair understanding and was comfortable with the culture, only did I begin to practice in Kuwait. What I have learnt over the years was that there is a big conversation that no one likes to have. It’s interesting because when you tell someone they have a physical problem, its mostly not taken with that much of a shock and people usually don’t have a problem taking medication for that. Often it is the lack of information regarding mental health issues in the form of an easy conversation that makes it difficult for people to understand it. This is the gap that I hope to fill with my podcast.

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[Continued...]

San marina

Sanmarina.arabia

What are you hoping to achieve from the podcast?

In its essence I want the podcast to be an encouragement rather than just advice. I have tried to put enough information for people to help them but what I have seen is that people who struggle with even common disorders just feel alone. So, what I wanted with the podcast was to be a voice that they can relate to.

Overall a podcast is one piece of a bigger picture. I do have the website which is an online resource center.

I also have a book coming out in May of 2020 called the Quiet chaos-The link between anxiety and awareness, where I have tried to bring in a different approach by being honest and transparent. Hence the podcast along with the website and the book together is what I hope can be a fall back for anyone suffering.

Do you think that mental health awareness is much needed in Kuwait?

I think it’s needed all over the world. There is a lot of gray areas about mental health. When we think of even the most common issues, they are misunderstood as well.

There is in fact a lot of denial going on, due to the social stigma and mainly due to this internal fear of how people will see them.

Hence, I usually try to normalize the conversation and talk about the issue related with their mind just like any other organ, which I have noticed does really help with the stigma.

So, what I usually do when I’m meeting with someone, is explain to them that not every disorder needs medication and that often there are simple things that can help cope with the disorder.

Another way to help is to use creative arts such as creative writing, visual arts and music as a tool. Although it doesn’t necessarily mean that everyone must fit into this, but 30 years of research suggest that it can be one of the solutions.

Do you think each one of us has a mental health issue that we are unknowingly suffering from?

I think it’s possible. People don’t change because they have a good day, we usually change through suffering. It’s not a positive thought but none the less this is where most change happens. We all go through periods of our lives where we don’t have the basic core needs met, this is when small mental issues could occur. Often what most of us struggle with is the question of if we have a purpose and swaying back and forth on this spectrum is when the conversation needs to be had.

Even us therapists, although we are good at hiding and keeping our emotions locked we also have those moments where it could come to the surface.

Reach out to Jason for a counselling session through the Kuwait Counselling Center or through Instagram @quietchaoskw and his website quietchaoskw.com to listen to his podcast and find more information on mental health issues. Meryl Mathew is a Logistician by profession, a writer by passion and involves herself in a lot of multi-cultural events across Kuwait. You can find her on Instagram @Meryl_elizebeth_mathew or @create.kuwait.

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[...Continued]

Evian

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY INTERTWINED Aziz Al-Duwisan unleashes his creative imagination By bazaar staff

In 2004, Aziz Al-Duwisan bought his first professional camera, and from there he gradually grew into becoming the successful photographer he is today. Not only that, but his background as an art teacher, combining both creative skills and digital art became the field where Aziz’s imagination was allowed to run wild.

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Aziz is an adamant lover of films, his passion for them was the spark that lit his way towards digital art as he says, “I had an idea or a style to make film posters, I adore Hulk, Spiderman, Superman, these imaginative posters. I used to take normal photos, but I wasn’t convinced with photography.”

As Aziz continued to practice his photography skills, he came to the realization that in fact, photography is very close to drawing, so why not combine both? “I lean more towards drawing, but at the same time I’m passionate about photography because it delivers the image that I need to capture, so I used to take the snapshot and I work on it with art,” he shares. Aziz then merged these two talents into his digital art, which is first capturing the image he requires, and then completely changing the contents of the image itself by re-constructing the photo based on an idea from his very own imagination.

Other than being inspired by the silver screen, Aziz creates his content based on an idea, plus several events, whether they were happening globally, regionally, or locally, and it does not take him more than a day to execute it all and post it immediately on his Instagram page. The events could relate to anything, just like the cover for example, the photo was created for a specific workshop as Aziz says, “The motorbike is actually a toy, it’s not real, and the background we took is a real footage in Kuwait, we took it while we were driving in a car, a motion image. And then we began to construct the ground with the grass to give balance to the photo. And I started to convey the idea that me and Abdullah are heading to the workshop.”

But in other examples whether it was an event that is related to Kuwait’s National Day, Eid celebrations, the Amir’s trip back home, Aziz quickly taps onto them. “These things are always updated, so I try to come up with a quick idea, photograph and execute it. It takes around one day maximum, or if the subject or event happened at night, the next morning the photo will be out,” says Aziz.

Some of the images that Aziz takes not only deliver a message, but also include a wide range of emotions and he explains how challenging it used to be when he first started to create the these visuals based on facial expressions, as acting slowly became an essential part of the whole process. Aziz confirms it by saying that “The side of acting became a huge part but through an image, not in a video. But I'm now comfortable in front of the lens, the difference lies in the method itself.”

Aziz also emphasizes how the essence of digital art is the idea. “I come up with an idea, I take the photo, once, twice, more than five times just so I can deliver that last and final

[Continued...]

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image you end up seeing,” he says. It’s a grueling process, when the image is going through several iterations before it reaches its final stage. But speed is not an issue for Aziz, after 16 years in the field of digital art, he has a few tips and tricks up his sleeve. From perfecting facial and emotional expressions, to showcasing certain postures and positions to demonstrate strength, for example.

What’s even more interesting is that Aziz considers himself the protagonist of his images, he is the core element, just like his recent Joker poster which was timely as the audience continued to hype the film, especially here in Kuwait. He says, “I’m a character of myself in the image. At the beginning it wasn’t me, I used to use more than one subject. I used to use cars, and then I switched to my friends, and then children. After that I said no, if I was in the image it would come out stronger, it’s another ad, and the image needs more character.”

We cannot deny that social media, and Aziz’s speed helped spread his talents everywhere, he stands out as a photographer, an art teacher, and a creative digital artist. He takes one simple idea, and completely transforms into a different one for us to go ahead and instantly double tap the like button. He mixes all of this expertise that he has amassed over the years, and presents us with a flawless, powerful and meaningful image.

Check out Aziz’s Instagram page @bonmr for daily creative footage!

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[...Continued]

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ENGINEERING THE BEST PIZZA Meeting award-winning founder of 400 Gradi Chef Johnny Di Francesco By bazaar staff

It’s no surprise that 400 Gradi has opened another location in Kuwait, now on the Gulf Road. 400 Gradi’s tremendous success would not have been possible without its very own founder, Chef Johnny Di Francesco.

Johnny is no ordinary chef; Born and raised in Australia to Italian parents, he began making pizza at a very young age so he could buy himself a pair of Nike runners. He then went on to open his first restaurant at 19, ran seven different businesses at 23, which ultimately lead to the inception of 400 Gradi. Johnny’s less-is-more philosophy has made him a stand-out award-winning chef. We sat down with the chef and founder of 400 Gradi to learn more about what makes Chef Johnny Di Francesco the world’s best pizza maker.

Can you tell us more about your journey?

My background is Italian, but I was born in Australia. I have been making pizzas since I was 12; I started so I can buy myself a pair of Nike runners. After finishing my studies, I got into electronics engineering, which lasted about two weeks! It just didn’t feel like me. Since I was still working as a chef, I decided to pursue a career in that.

Why did you decide to open up in Australia?

I have always had a special connection with Italy. Before my dad passed away, he would always tell me about traditional Neapolitan cuisine and it pushed me to go and learn more about my own heritage. Since I was already in Australia my whole life, opening up in Melbourne made sense. Melbourne is an extremely well-developed city when it comes to any cuisine, so competing and standing out as one of the best in Melbourne is something to be proud of. Opening in Melbourne also helped us come across someone who loved our concept and wanted to bring it to the Middle East.

What makes 400 Gradi unique?

400 Gradi is unique because every single location looks completely different and has its own personality. I have always had a high influence on every location. The food and the service standards are always the same, however for example, this new location has a Josper Oven and the Avenues one does not. All chefs at 400 Gradi are trained by me personally, and I make sure to come back to the region at least twice a year.

What is your personal favorite dish at 400 Gradi?

My passion for pizza has always been there since I started making pizza at a young age. Actually, I am known

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worldwide for my pizza and won world’s best pizza maker in 2014. So simply, Margherita pizza is my answer. Tomato is an underrated ingredient, and so is Margherita pizza.

Most people think because it is so simple, it must be easy to make. It is the hardest pizza to make in the world, because it has the fewest number of ingredients, making it easier to recognize the quality of the ingredients.

perfect, especially for the pizza. So, we have been testing different ways to deliver Neapolitan pizza in its best structure possible, as closest as possible to the one you can have at the restaurant and I think we hit the mark.

If we can deliver what we love to people in their homes, then that would be a great thing.

Would 400 Gradi consider home delivery?

It is something that we are definitely open to, and we are currently working on different ways of delivery that do not jeopardize the quality of the foods. Delivery needs to be

Visit their latest location at the Gulf Road and their other location at The Forum, Avenues. For more information, follow 400 Gradi on Facebook and Instagram @400gradime.

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HINDOUGH How Hind got bitten by the baking bug By bazaar staff

Bread is ubiquitous. Every culture and people have their chosen loaf that is present at their table. And while all bakers in general are part scientists and part artists, a select few have decided to focus on making artisanal bread. Hind Akil, bread-baker extraordinaire and owner of Hindough tells us how artisanal sourdough bread became her chosen path.

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When did you start baking in general?

I never really saw myself in the kitchen, and was not really into cooking much, let alone baking. However, I always appreciated good food and especially good bread. One day I came across an article in Bon Appétit magazine about baking sourdough bread in a dutch oven, which is basically a cast iron pot. The idea was appealing to me as I always thought a dutch oven was meant for stews and slow cooking. I thought how cool would it be not only to bake my own bread from scratch- but in a dutch oven! I decided to try it out, and that was my cue to getting into the kitchen and taking a stab at baking my first loaf.

The recipe called for a ‘starter,’ which is basically naturally fermented yeast. But I had no idea what that was. So I called up a friend who had been in the baking industry for a while and asked her to teach me how to make a sourdough starter of my own. I had no idea how intense the bread making process was, and that a starter needed weeks to make, not to mention the time it took to actually bake sourdough, which could take up to 48 hours. But I was hooked; and so the quest began, and I stuck to it.

You mostly focus on sourdough bread, why?

Spending all my summers in San Francisco from a very young age, my mom used to put us in the car and take us to the farmers market. Sourdough was everywhere... We would buy two baguettes for the ride home, and another four for dinner. I knew the taste so well, it was something that resonated with me as a child. So, coming back to making it and smelling it, brought back a lot of great childhood memories. The crazy thing about all this is I don’t even eat bread! I have always had lots of gut issues and gluten intolerances with regular bread. That made my sourdough quest so much more relevant since it’s much easier on the gut given the natural fermentation process actually breaks down the gluten to up to 98%, not to mention the probiotic effects it has on the gut. That made sourdough much easier to consume given my intolerances to gluten. Sourdough is also very low on the Glycemic Index, (GI) which is basically a way to rank carbohydrates in foods according to how they effect blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates with a low GI level are more slowly digested absorbed and metabolized and cause a lower and slower surge in blood sugar and insulin levels. This also makes sourdough a preferable choice for diabetics. So I thought to myself why not explore this gut friendly and diabetic friendly option further and make it more accessible to all.

What is your baking process like?

I definitely read a lot and try a lot of recipes, but at the end of the day, you have to tweak everything to your individualized standard. You might look up a recipe online or in a cookbook for example and it may work perfectly for someone living in France but in Kuwait, that recipe Is likely to yield a completely different product. This is because of the fact that sourdough is so sensitive to external factors and responds differently to such things as variant temperatures and humidity- all of which can affect the outcome of [Continued...]

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the bread and can turn it into something completely different!

How does baking make you feel?

I feel at peace when I bake. It’s a very delicate process, you have to respect the dough in order for the dough to respect you back. It’s a very meditative process for me and has taught me a lot about patience.

What makes a bread “artisanal”?

Well, artisan breads go a long way back. An artisanal baker is someone who is skilled in an art, so their craftsmanship in baking is of the highest quality. It also means that there is no mass production; It has a shorter shelf life, is hand made in smaller quantities to ensure its freshness. Sourdough bread is very simple in that it’s made from just three simple ingredients; flour, salt and water. Its traditional methods and simplicity of ingredients is what makes it artisanal.

How do you develop new recipes? How do you decide to add a new item to your offerings?

I learn a basic recipe then I put in inclusions that I love. One of my favorite pairings with sourdough is caraway seeds, another is olives. It’s really about trial and error, some recipes are a hit while others don’t quite make it, and that’s ok. I also try to cater to local tastes and can usually tell quite quickly if something is popular or not. The zaatar bagel, for example, is definitely a crowd pleaser but nothing I’ve ever picked up at a local bakery in New York City.

What does your testing process look like? Do you ask other people to taste it?

I have four kids and a husband - all of them love sourdough! I developed the taste for it spending my summers in the Bay Area, the land of sourdough, and my kids also developed this same taste spending their summers in New York City. They all have a pretty complex palette and have a great sense of quality bread. You can say I have some pretty tough critics in the house- I often hear “it’s not sour enough”.

What is your favorite way to enjoy a freshly baked loaf?

Although I’m gluten intolerant, I can still eat a little bit of sourdough and it doesn’t bother me like regular bread does. I’ve recently launched a gluten free line which has been received very well. I love a hearty dense loaf like rye or pumpernickel made with caraway seeds. I love it simply toasted with my coffee in the morning, or with smoked salmon and caviar!

What is your favorite recipe?

I think a favorite of mine is our miche loaf, which is also a dense bread like rye. It’s nutty and flavorful and is made with a combination of whole wheat, rye and spelt flours. We also use a specific rye starter with our miche which is what gives it that sour nutty wholesome flavor.

What’s a bread secret that everyone needs to know?

Don’t rush the dough, let it speak to you. A recipe 56

[...Continued]

will usually need to be tweaked as there are always factors that you won’t be able to fully control while baking. All these variants such as temperature and humidity can effect your dough, so when it’s ready it will tell you. When I first started I always thought you had to follow a recipe word for word, later I came to realize that it wasn’t the case at all.

What are your future plans?

I live in the moment, I don’t really make plans.

Who knows, maybe I’ll go into croissants next or sandwiches, but right now I’m happy where I am.

There is so much to learn and explore, I’d like to remain here for a while. I’ve also collaborated with

a local Kuwaiti farm - Sadeer Farms (@sadeerfarms on Instagram) where we have been sowing our own wheat, milling it and using it as the flour for our sourdough. It’s been so great living the process from end to end: seeing a seed turn into wheat, cleaning the wheat, then milling it and baking with it to create sourdough. It’s satisfying and feels so great to know that the seed you planted is the loaf you are eating today, literally from farm to table.

You can order Hindoughs bread on www.iklikl.com, or Instagram @hindoughs.

jumeirah Xmas

truth or dare

LIFE IS ART

Esmael Taqi’s endless possibilities By bazaar staff

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An ambitious and current student at The Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) Esmael Taqi sought a degree in the arts in hopes of teaching it in the future. He is a 21 years old artist, fully living his creative youth by dedicating himself to learn more about art every day. He has already sold several pieces and his progress continues to rise and shine through with his skills ever developing.

Esmael’s passion for art started with graffiti; he would sit in bed, grab his markers and paper to illustrate and create new fonts. As cool as graffiti is, and as much as Esmael admires the bold artists who use old techniques and calculated steps, he found it difficult to transfer his vision from paper onto a wall due to a lack of the specific spray paint techniques required to effectively do so. But he says “As I started getting older with graffiti, I realized that it’s not getting more expressive. I always wished to invest time in myself on getting better at graffiti, but it’s not my cup of tea anymore.”

That was when Esmael got introduced to finer arts, it was more fluid and expressive. At the time, he was taught by a teacher who truly cared about art, and that’s rare to find, especially in public schools here in Kuwait.

“He was a teacher with a graphic design company, he designs logos and I used to sometimes create fonts for him. He really wanted us to just create, not like every art teacher in a public school who just sits, leaves a paper with a pencil, and that’s it. He showed me that there’s an actual way to be appreciated as an artist, if you really work hard,” Esmael says.

Esmael’s main inspiration comes from life itself, to him life is the art. It used to be artists in general, but he believes that people are always going to be inspiring. “It’s just that life is always inspiring, the sadness of it are lessons, the happiness of it are lessons too,” he says. He feeds off of these lessons, and applies this energy onto the canvas in front of him liberally.

What Esmael also includes in his art is mixed media which provides endless possibilities, as he says, “It’s broader than just a brush and a paint, it can be so many things. Mixed media is literally the field of everything.”

At such a young age, the artist is already on the road of experimentation to gradually build his skills. For example, once he learns a new technique, Esmael repeats it until he masters it. Why? “Because it’s going to be added

eventually to your other techniques, it’s like a tree of skills,” he says, and he will grow and reap the benefits of these fruits. Esmael also expressed his appreciation of art galleries and exhibitions. To him, it’s a classy way of showcasing art since you don’t necessarily need to interact with the viewer, it’s for them to form their own perspectives, absorb the artwork, and appreciate the artistry behind it.

Even though he explores his own art inspirations which come from life around him here, Esmael believes that Kuwait needs more originality. The issue is not as bad as it may seem, but he goes on to explain that, “We get inspired so easily from other cultures that we forget we have a culture of our own to build. It’s hard seeing lack of originality and just feeding off of other cultures, copying, instead of us really building a new one for our art. What does a culture need? An identity, and what is a culture without an identity? Lost and uncertain.” He also emphasizes the impact of that point on the younger generation, as Esmael would love to see more appreciation of creative youth from the community.

Lately, the artist has recently ventured into the music world and at the moment is working on a mixtape called “The Fear and Loathing Tape”.

Esmael will not stop building his tree of skills, because music offers endless possibilities, as much as painting, and he himself is passionate about total immersion into different creative dimensions.

[Continued...]

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TRUTH OR DARE QUESTIONNAIRE How would your mother describe you in one word?

Loving.

How would you describe your mother in one word?

A journey.

What is the most ridiculous question you’ve ever been asked?

Isn’t the entertainment city shut down?

What is the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done?

Crashed two cars in one day.

What is your theme song?

“God Bless the Dead” by 2pac.

What word in the English or Arabic language do you wish you had invented?

Freedom.

Where would you like to live?

In a park.

What is your dream retirement location?

Heaven.

What is the first famous quote that comes to your mind?

“Stay hungry, stay foolish.”

Which animal best describes your perfect partner, be it in business, or in life?

A black panther.

Do you miss anything from your childhood and if so, what is it?

Playing football with a soda can.

If you could change your name, to what would you change it?

Essa Dashti – ‫عيىس دشتي‬ How would you describe your handshake, in one word?

It involves a handshake.

What is the toughest part of your character?

Perseverance.

Who is your favorite historical figure?

Martin Luther.

What in the world do you least desire?

Comfort.

What do you think is lacking in the world, which [if there were more of it] would make the world a better place?

More understanding.

Why do you think most people who do, like you?

I don’t really know.

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is…”

An illusion.

Check out Esmael’s art on his Instagram page @esmaeltaqi. Image taken by Yousef Almeer, @yousefist on Instagram.

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[...Continued]

chilli beans

A DECADE WITH PORSCHE PANAMERA A SPECIAL EDITION MODEL RELEASED By bazaar staff

We have been enjoying the Porsche Panamera for ten years. As they say, time does fly when you are having fun and driving a car that was designed and built with the modern person in mind makes that decade feel like moments. To celebrate the tenth anniversary Porsche has unveiled a special edition model.

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The new Panamera 10 Years Edition features a particularly extensive list of standard equipment in relation to comfort and the chassis and has been enhanced with exclusive design highlights. This includes the new 21-inch Panamera Sport Design wheels, in satin-gloss White Gold Metallic and the “Panamera” logo on the front doors, also in White Gold Metallic. The anniversary logo can also be found in the interior on the front passenger trim panel and on the door entry guards.

The interior is designed in black partial leather and is combined with decorative stitching in White Gold, which creates a high-quality impression. The new anniversary edition will be available in the Panamera 4 and the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid derivatives.

Additional extras as standard The Panamera 10 Years Edition models come with a host of additional comfort and safety features as standard, such as; LED matrix headlights including PDLS Plus, Lane Change Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, as well as Park Assist including reversing camera. Further standard features include the panoramic roof system, privacy glass, heated 14-way comfort seats with Porsche crest on the head restraints, soft-close doors and the BOSE Surround Sound system.

Thanks to the standard adaptive three-chamber air suspension, including Porsche’s Active Suspension Management (PASM) and Power Steering Plus, the special edition models are also ideally equipped for outstanding driving dynamics. The hybrid models of the Panamera 10 Years Edition come with an on-board charger, which has a charging capacity of 7.2 kW instead of the otherwise standard 3.6 kW. The Panamera 4 10 Years Edition models with 2.9-litre biturbo engine produces 330 hp (243 kW), meanwhile the anniversary edition of the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid features a 2.9-litre biturbo engine and a powerful electric motor with 136 hp (100 kW) which combine to deliver a system power of 462 hp (340 kW).

Sports car, luxury saloon, hybrid pioneer: the history of the Panamera Like no other car in the luxury car segment, the Panamera has combined sports car performance with the luxury and versatility of a touring saloon since 2009. In addition, the range has decisively shaped the brand over the course of the last ten years as a technology platform for innovations that were later also transferred to other Porsche models. Now in its second generation, the Panamera is manufactured entirely in the Porsche plant in Leipzig, and comes in three different body variants, with more 250,000 units having been delivered to customers worldwide to date.

A Porsche for four was the concept that Panamera was based on and over the course of the company’s 70year history, Porsche engineers kept coming back to this idea. However, prototypes such as the Type 530 based on the 356, lengthened variants of the 928 or the four-door coupé Type 989 did not make it into series production.

At the start of the new century, the decision was taken to develop a four-door hatchback saloon. The specifications included outstanding driving dynamics, generous space conditions and a quintessentially Porsche appearance. The first Panamera – with the internal designation G1 – made its public debut on 19 April 2009 on the 94th floor of the World Financial Center in Shanghai, and set standards in its class thanks to the widespread between sportiness and comfort. It was packed with innovations and marked the first time, a luxury-class production model was offered with a dual-clutch transmission and start-stop system.

The flagship model Panamera Turbo also introduced air suspension with additionally switchable air volume, as well as an adjustable, multi-dimensionally extendable rear spoiler. The Gran Turismo also paved the way for all other Porsche model lines with its new display and operating concept.

In 2011, the Panamera set the stage for a new age of electromobility: as the first parallel full hybrid in the luxury class, the Panamera S Hybrid was the most economical Porsche to date despite a power output of 380 hp. Two

years later, the Panamera S E-Hybrid once again led the way in the segment as the world’s first plug-in hybrid. The model range continued to grow quickly, and the Panamera was extremely important for Porsche: the Gran Turismo – with an output of up to 570 hp and also available with a lengthened wheelbase from 2013 – established the brand in a new market segment.

All new: the second model generation from 2016 onwards The development of the second Panamera generation (G2) followed several paths: alongside the saloon, which celebrated its world premiere in Berlin on 28 June 2016, and the long version, a third variant, the Sport Turismo, was developed on the joint platform. As of 2017, its avant-garde design and body concept brought more versatility to the luxury class. The G2 is even sportier and more elegant, but with the same generous space. The attractive exterior once again houses a host of innovations, including a digitized display and operating concept.

Thanks to chassis systems like the three-chamber air suspension, rear-axle steering and the PDCC Sport electromechanical roll stabilization system, the Panamera is equally at home both on the streets and on the track.

The power range of the petrol engines extends from 330 to 550 hp. In addition, Porsche fully embraced electric performance with the second Panamera generation: the boost strategy adopted from the 918 Spyder allows sports car-like performance in combination with high efficiency.

The top model is the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid with a system power of 680 hp.

For more information, visit Porsche Centre Kuwait Behbehani Motors Company, please call 1870 870 or visit porschekuwait.com. For the latest updates on social media, follow Porsche Centre Kuwait on Instagram @PorscheCentreKuwait and Facebook: PorscheCentreKuwait.

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TUESDAY AT THE HARBOR Fish, pigeons and scrawny cats

By Craig Loomis

They find an empty table for two, he on one side, she on the other. It is the weekend and the young mother and father have found a table outside, among the palms, in the early morning harbor air, and almost immediately he does two things: lights a cigarette and looks long and hard into the cellphone he carries in his left hand; and although she does not smoke, she, too, takes out her handy machine from her purse and stares intently into it. Meanwhile, their maid, not to mention their three-year-old son, have not stopped walking along the harbor edge, looking down at the silver flicker of tiny fish. The boy laughs at this, pointing, saying something the maid can only nod to. It isn’t long before the boy loses interest in the fish and makes for the many pigeons tick-tocking down the walkway, as if cobblestones were their idea. And of course, it is not the maid’s duty to say he can’t scare pigeons into the palm trees.

Back to the young couple who have now ordered their food and seeing that the maid with son are in shouting distance, the mother returns to her machine, even pushing a button or two, which causes her to smile. They are both tired from a long week of work and this is their time to relax with their son, to enjoy the morning. When the maid and son make their way to the table, he does his best to tell Mom and Dad all about the birds and fish and sailboats, and the mother waits for him to finish before saying, “That’s fine.” By now the maid tells the son it is time to eat and after she arranges him in the chair just right, she helps him plunge a straw into his chocolate milk while cutting pieces of pancake to slowly deliver into his open mouth. Moments later, forgetting all about the pancake and chocolate milk he has yet to swallow, he suddenly twists around to watch one of the harbor cats lurking nearby.

After a kind of breakfast, the maid with threeyear-old son cannot help but return to watch the fish, with him deciding to scatter pebbles as he goes.

Meanwhile, the young mother and father are talking now, and part of their talk has to do with children, how they are thinking of having another child. It is time for another child. In the end they both agree.

Before returning to poke at their machines, he lights another cigarette while she turns to ask the son, who is no longer there, “And how was your pancake?”

Because it is a sticky and warm, they roll out one of the big fans to place near their table. And so there they are: three women, sunglasses neatly positioned 64

atop hijabs, outside under the palms, enjoying the harbor, chatting, eyeing their cellphones, minding their own business, when suddenly, just when all seems correct, the threesome squeal and jump up, knocking over chairs and assorted coffee cups, not to mention ripping a hole in the quiet harbor morning.

The three women scatter in three different directions.

Of course, I jump up, too, we all do, thinking snakes, spiders, rats, rape, mayhem. The three of them, now safely away from their table, slowly, come together, one, hand covering her mouth, another hands-on hips, the third squatting to get a better looksee at the table with overturned chairs. And when I turn to look, ready for something terrible, all I see is one of those scrawny harbor cats sitting in a nonchalant catty way, looking hard at me as if to say, "What?"

Because she is in a big rush, she doesn’t just push the baby carriage but drives it. I can see her coming from a longway off, as she weaves around walkers and talkers, assorted joggers, steering the carriage around a cluster of palms and potted plants.

She is looking directly at me, if not at me then at the empty table next to me, her destination. As she navigates the carriage through the maze of chairs and tables, I can see an easier route, a less zig-zagging way, but never mind because she hasn’t taken her eyes off the empty table, as if someone will grab it at any moment no matter how hard she tries, like swimming upstream. Her face grows red, redder and

so, in the end, she does something like a bulldozing as she scrapes chairs and tables out of the way, and just when she thinks she is through the clog of tables and safely onto the harbor walkway, her buggy catches the edge of a table, and the man’s coffee cup storms, as a tiny brown coffee-wave rolls across the tabletop and into his lap. He jumps up, glaring at her, and the best she can do is stop, reconsider and say, “What are you looking at?”

When she finally arrives, she parks one of the carriage wheels on my foot before she plops down in a chair. Because baby carriage wheels are not heavy, I think nothing of it and easily lift it off and when I do she says ‘Sorry’ but it is hard to tell if she is speaking to me because she is looking down at her hands. That is when I can see that the baby carriage is empty, baby-less, and when I look to see where her child can be, there is nothing. No toddler chasing pigeons, no maid gently herding a child, nothing like a father. Her carriage parked, she reaches in to arrange a dirty blue blanket, tucking it neatly in here and there, smoothing it flat. I heard what she said to the man and prepare myself for her unhappiness, but surprisingly she turns to me like she had called this meeting, and thanks me for coming, and wonders “And how are you today?”

Photo by JC Bonassin and Emre Gencer on Unsplash.

HAVE AN AFTERNOON PARTEA!

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You can enjoy pouring your tea from various range of tea pots offered by Pylones, a French brand for contemporary pieces, & sipping your hot tea with Legami mug, brought to you all the way from Italy.

These European brands have many loveable pieces that will bring delight to your everyday life.

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FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION Kurt Geiger AW19 collection By bazaar staff

Individualism, boldness, unique styles, and more importantly, freedom of expression is what Kurt Geiger’s London AW19 collection is all about. The brand’s launch of their third Characterful Style campaign includes statement pieces such as the Boot Squad, perfectly suitable for all occasions from daytime to nighttime.

Take your already slaying style to a whole nother level this season with the sleek kitten heel and crystal embellished ankle boots.

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Another highlight of the collection that we absolutely love is the brand new Shoreditch bag which comes with two internal compartments, plus an inside pocket and a back pouch.

Serving us structural architectural design and the empowering tailoring qualities inherent in Kurt Geiger.

Embroidery and studding are the two key elements to this collection, as modelled by the beautiful Charlie’s Angel star Ella Balinska. Features of crystal clasps and animal prints elevate your outfit from casual to fantastical. As Kelly Garrett once said, “Angels are like diamonds. They can't be made; you have to find them.

Each one is unique,” and so is the new collection at Kurt Geiger!

Kurt Geiger is located in Grand Avenue – The Avenues.

For more information, check out @KurtGeigerKuwait on Instagram.

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SNAP AWAY

Try these tips to get great travel photos

By Christopher Reynolds

The path to better photography is the same as a musician's route to Carnegie Hall: practice, practice, practice. But these tips, hacks, ideas and tactics will get you there faster. I've collected them from photo staffers at the Los Angeles Times and several teachers over the years. Yet there are always exceptions. The better you understand the rules, the better you'll know when to break them.

smartphone, the quality/resolution of the image will suffer the more you zoom.)

up and down or are as flat as the horizon. But diagonal lines can give pictures depth and lure viewers.

Get closer for Instagram's sake. If you're shooting with a smartphone and sharing on social media, most people will see your pictures on tiny screens. That means you need bold, simple compositions. Colorful details work better than broad, subtle landscapes.

Read the manual. Or at least the good parts. You can't get the best out of your gear until you understand what it can do.

Get closer, physically. The more you fill your frame with your main subject, the better your chances of making a powerful image. Robert Capa, the great World War II photographer, was famous for this advice.

Don't be shy. Or rude. When you can, ask permission before you take a stranger's picture. You might say: "Excuse me. This setting is gorgeous, and a picture will look even better with a person in it. Would you mind if I include you and your husband/wife/child/ pet in part of the frame? I think it'll look great and I can show you the result. Or share it."

Get closer, optically. A telephoto or zoom lens can shrink distances and compress compositions, so you can give viewers a tighter arrangement. (But on your

Look for diagonal compositions. With any camera, beginning photographers are often tempted to compose images whose dominant lines run straight

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[Continued...]

Match your depth of field to your subject. With a digital single-lens reflex camera (DSLR), if you're shooting a portrait, there's a good chance you'll want a shallow depth of field that leaves your subject's face sharp but blurs distractions in the background.

If you're shooting a landscape, you'll probably want maximum depth of field so that everything is sharp.

For that result, use a higher aperture (F-stop), which means you'll be using a slower shutter speed, a higher ISO or both. (You can't control all these variables on a smartphone but you can use an after-the-snap digital filter to give the effect of selective focus.)

Be patient. An unpopulated great photo location is

AUK ‫ﺑﺮاﻣﺞ أﻛﺎدميﻴﺔ‬ ً‫ﻣﻌﺘﻤﺪة ﻋﺎﳌﻴﺎ‬

The American University of Kuwait received its Institutional Accreditation from the Private Universities Council (PUC), Ministry of Higher Education in the State of Kuwait, and has a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation with Dartmouth College (Hanover, New Hampshire - USA).

like a stage set. If you wait a bit, someone will walk or stand or sit in just the right place, and you'll have a livelier image.

points where four rectangles come together. Those are sweet spots for placing your subject not too near the middle, not too far off-center.

Auto mode will take you only so far. Automatic settings are getting smarter, and all cameras are getting better in low light. But if you're shooting a small, bright subject against a dark background (or something dark against a bright background), you may get a better result by shooting in manual mode, checking results and "rejiggering" accordingly. On most smartphones, you can tweak exposure by touching the screen and moving your finger up (lighter) or down (darker).

Simplify your composition. Do your best to exclude everything that might distract from your subject. In particular, watch the corners of your frame where stray details can sneak in.

Follow the Rule of Thirds. Instead of placing your subject dead center, imagine your frame lined into thirds, horizontally and vertically, so that your image area is sectioned into nine rectangles. Now look at the

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[...Continued]

Shoot from above. Just about everybody looks better if you shoot their face from slightly above, not from below.

Vary your angle. The vast majority of photos are taken by people standing up straight, holding a camera at eye level and shooting a horizontal image. By varying the height of your camera whether by crouching, lying down, climbing a ladder or holding the camera high you

give viewers a new way to see an otherwise familiar scene.

The first and last hours of sunlight are the best time to take photos. Get up a little earlier. If you have a tripod, the half-hour right after sunset can bring dramatic possibilities.

Don't get lazy with the sunset. A successful sunset shot needs other elements, whether it's dramatic clouds, crashing surf, calm water or a silhouette or two.

Use a tripod. If a full-size tripod is too much hassle, consider a tabletop tripod or a mini-tripod with bendable legs. They're affordable and fit in a pocket or backpack.

AUK 2

YOUR WORST BOSS

Should be yourself

By George Tarabay

Before you start going left to right, top to bottom with your eyes (I could have just said: reading), allow me to preface: your boss, be it another person or yourself, owes you the outmost respect, that is your right from others and yourself. With that being said, let’s dig in!

I have been plagued with bad bosses throughout my professional career, in fact my third article ever for Bazaar (love you guys) was titled “HORRIBLE BOSSES: A CATALYST FOR SUCCESS”.

As I sat here facing the endless whiteness of my empty word document, I thought why not revisit an old piece I wrote and see if it stood the test of time. In the following lines, I will quote passages from the previous article and George today (GT) will argue with George 3 years ago (G3YA) on the merit or lack off in his statements.

G3YA: “We’ve all had, or have, bosses. Some are great, some are just plain…expired” GT: This, today has become more of an underlining standard, sadly. Day after day, I am witnessing people leaving great jobs on the sole premise that their manager is horrible. Managers keep forgetting that one of the most valuable assets is a human who feels invested in the business. Pressure them the wrong way and you will successfully create a robotic responder rather than a growth initiator.

G3YA: “I am not employee material. No, this does not mean I have no professional integrity or discipline […]”

GT: I am worse now. The idea of me operating under somebody’s umbrella shakes me to my core. I can collaborate, I can assist, I can invest time in somebody’s project but I still need to maintain my mental freedom. I still need to know that I can get up, pack my laptop, drive my car to a restaurant by the beach, sit there and work without needing to ask or justify. My professional integrity and self-imposed discipline have become stronger and harsher respectively. Being on my own does not mean an on-going vacation. I see it as a great way to be very comfortable so I can work longer hours without feeling that “I have to”.

G3YA: “I used the fact that I had a horrible

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boss for my advantage.”

GT: great job lad and many thanks!

G3YA: “It made me anxious to find out what I really want to do in my life and devise the plan that will lead me there in a short time.”

GT: Yes and no! Yes, for the well employed anxiety and no for the naive thinking that it will happen shortly. 3 years in, I am still finding my voice in my new profession and in my journey in business. I am constantly trimming, adapting, growing and overcoming. I can proudly and happily say I am still very far from my target.

G3YA: “[…]but, I also knew that my gut never lies and that my gut told me that I was just fed up.”

GT: Your gut was, is and will always be right one way or another.

G3YA: “I quit my job and ventured into my own thing with a lot of planning and a lot more of foolishness.”

GT: this surprisingly shifted. I plan way less and do way more foolish things. I have learned that I only grow when I follow my curiosity, and lady curiosity does not plan. She just shows

up, so either you follow, or you stay behind.

All in all, I feel G3YA had set me up with a great initial starting point. However, today, I am very aware that I am my worst boss.

Not worst in terms of treatment, but worst in expectations. I hold myself accountable to the highest degree, I believe my down time should be also productive in one way or another and vacation days should be where I think the most about what’s my next curious project.

I have indeed adopted a mental state where I live in constant fear that tomorrow, I will be angry with myself from yesterday for the things I did or did not do, and that drives me beyond any other motivation on this earth.

Yeah, I hate horrible bosses, but this one gets paid by me and I can shut him down whenever I want.

P.S: if George from 3 years later (GF3YL) revisits this one too, please don’t burst my bubble.

George Tarabay is a marketing expert Filmmaker/ Comedian/Podcaster. Follow him on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, SoundCloud @GeorgeTarabay. Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

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FERRARI ROMA LA NUOVA DOLCE VITA By bazaar staff

The new Ferrari Roma has been unveiled to the world. The latest coupĂŠ from Maranello features timeless and sublimely refined design and has all the power and agility required to guarantee a unique driving experience. Its signature Italian styling is a contemporary reinterpretation of the carefree lifestyle of 1950s and ‘60s Rome, from which it takes its evocative name, Roma. It is the perfect marriage of harmonious form, timeless elegance and leading-edge technology.

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Stylistically, the Ferrari Roma is characterised by clean and symbiotic forms. Its beautifully harmonious proportions and elegantly pure, balanced volumes are very much in line with the Ferrari mid-front-engined grand touring tradition of which the 250 GT Berlinetta Lusso and 250 GT 2+2 are the most iconic examples, and from which the car takes its inspiration. It embodies an extremely modern design language which underlines its authentic, refined styling. At the same time, its sleek lines retain the sporty vocation shared by all Ferraris.

To guarantee best-in-class performance whilst still retaining the stylistic purity of its bloodline, Ferrari’s engineers developed several leading-edge technologies.

Most notably, a mobile rear spoiler integrated into the rear screen designed to retain the car’s formal elegance when retracted, and guarantee the downforce essential for the Ferrari Roma’s extraordinary performance by automatically deploying at high speeds.

The Prancing Horse’s new 2+ coupé sports a V8 turbo engine that punches out 620 cv at 7,500 rpm, making it the most powerful in its segment. A member of the V8 family that has won the International Engine of the Year four years in a row, it features Variable Boost Management for instantaneous throttle response. With the adoption of Gasoline Particulate Filters, meticulous attention was also focused on the sound of the exhaust [Continued...]

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system which has been completely redesigned, removing the silencers and introducing new bypass valves.

The car’s new 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox is more compact and 6 kg lighter than its 7-speed predecessor.

As well as reducing fuel consumption and emissions, shifts are faster and smoother which makes the car even more responsive on the open road, but also especially comfortable in town and during stop and start driving situations.

The Ferrari Roma’s chassis benefits from the modular technology developed by Ferrari for its new generation models. Both bodyshell and chassis have been redesigned to incorporate the latest weight reduction and advanced production technologies. In fact, 70% of its components are entirely new. The midfront-engined 2+ Ferrari Roma has the best weight/ power ratio in its segment (2.37 kg/cv) which enhances handling dynamics and responsiveness.

The Ferrari Roma features Ferrari’s cutting-edge vehicle dynamics systems, the most notable example being the Side Slip Control 6.0 (a first on a Ferrari GT car) with 5-position manettino and Ferrari Dynamic Enhancer which controls yaw angle by hydraulically adjusting brake pressure at the callipers.

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[...Continued]

The approach taken by the Ferrari Styling Centre for the Roma’s exterior centres around clean design and absolute symbiosis between its various elements with harmonious proportions and pure, elegant volumes. The car is clothed in long, ultra-sleek lines that sweep back from the front bonnet, highlighting the spare silhouette of the flanks and the compact, set-back fastback cabin volume. To underscore that formal minimalism, all superfluous detailing has been removed: for example, radiator cooling is guaranteed by a monolithic surface that is perforated only where necessary, creating a new radiator grille concept. The full-LED adaptive headlights are traversed by a horizontal light strip that hints at the structure beneath the car’s skin, bringing a sense of tension to the entire circumference of the car. The wraparound rear screen incorporates an active aero device to preserve that signature purity of form, while the twin taillight assembly is set like a gem into the volume.

For the Ferrari Roma’s cabin, the Ferrari Styling Centre designers developed a new formal approach that involved the creation of two separate cells, one each for driver and passenger, in an evolution of the dual cockpit concept that embraces the entire cabin rather than just the dashboard as was previously the case. The crafting

of the interior took its lead from the complete redesign of the HMI. This resulted in a major leap forward, starting with the new steering wheel designed using the “Eyes on the road, hands on the wheel” philosophy with all the car’s main commands actioned by haptic controls, ensuring the driver doesn’t have to move their hands from the wheel. The 16” digital instrument cluster provides all the necessary information, while the central display with an 8.4” vertical screen and a new passenger display are exceptionally intuitive and user-friendly. The new Ferrari key with “Comfort Access” function allows the driver to open the car by touching a button next to the new flush handle in the door. Lastly, the Matrix LED headlights and optional Ferrari advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including adaptive Cruise Control, make day-today and longer journeys a very relaxing experience.

For more information, please visit the official Ferrari Showroom in Kuwait- Kuwait Automobile & Trading Co located in Al-Rai, on the 4th Ring Road, visit safat. ferraridealers.com or follow them on Instagram @ferrarialzayanikuwait.

Bridgewater

THE SADS OF TIME

Step out of the past and into the future

By Ayman Nassar

Our inability to forget our past due to the presence of technology is making the act of living our lives unnecessarily cumbersome.

Here’s a quick how-to to turn that frown upside down!

Much to the chagrin of grammar enthusiasts, no, after 9 years of writing for this amazing publication, our word check has not failed to correct Sads to Sand in the title. In this grand month, the finale of 2019, it seems fitting to go over the agonizing reality which forms our future, and that is the sad feeling we get at the passage of time.

Those of us that had the good fortune to be born in the 80s and 90s might be aware of the movie Sphere, it makes for good watching as it contains a very powerful message whereby Samuel L. Jackson states (sans his customary cuss words) that as human beings we have the power to forget. Add to this the Arabic name for human: in-san, which comes from the verb “to forget”.

However, the selfie craze and social media overload has caused us to upload a giant chunk of our collective history into “the cloud”, causing the AI to constantly badger us with requests to look back upon and view our memories. This goes against our natural programming of forgetfulness as one cannot forget something they are constantly reminded by.

Now, even if by some strange miracle of willpower you managed to avoid social media entirely and live under a rock of some sort, you still have 78

a smartphone, with a camera, and a digital trail of photographs neatly categorized chronologically for your viewing pleasure of the entirety of your history (since purchasing said smartphone).

Once-upon-a-time, reminiscing about yesteryear required the Herculean effort of searching the attic for photo albums and randomly thumbing through them for a trip back in time, for photographs serve as anchors to our past. Nowadays, that arduous task is replaced with a few swipes of your thumb.

Not only that, the current state of technology has rendered obsolete many a movie plot. You can no longer embellish your past as it is most probably caught in living color somewhere on your hard-disks (or social media), you cannot pretend to be where you were not through inception (think DiCaprio) or deception.

It is this writer’s belief that our ability to instantly access our past follies is what deprives us of the pleasure of enjoying the moment. Compounding this dilemma is our ability to sadly live through the eyes of our friends and flip through their lives (past and present), such as a beautiful destination they visited we enviously wish to emulate (imagine breaking into a friend’s house to look through their photo albums – now think about that every time you go through their profile).

As a result of Social Media Sensory Overload (SMSO), we are constantly reminded of how little we think we have done, but we’re also bombarded with the escapades of everyone in our friends list, quickening our descent through the hour-glass (so

are the Days of our Lives – a real Soap Drama, not merely an invention of /reference to Friends – unlike Angels with Filthy Souls and Home Alone, which you know you’re watching this month).

So, now that we have identified the problem, what is the solution? A simple, quick fix would be to deactivate social media. However, it will not prove effective in the long run. The true release comes from the knowledge that our past is in the past (queue an off-tune "Let It Go") and no amount of reminiscing can bring it back, so instead of fixating on it, why not look forward (figuratively and literally away from your smart-phones) and focus on the memories to be made?

It is quite easy to lose ourselves in the past, especially when it constantly pops up all around us, including pasts that are not ours. Just as libraries are full of books that are different, so too are people full of different experiences – any comparison to others would be akin to the age-old adage of applesto-oranges.

Focus on your future apples (and never forget, an apple a day keeps the doctor away!).

Like the Rubik’s Cube, Ayman Nassar is multicolored in his interests, from running to organizing races, stand- up comedy and internal audit, plus a little writing on the side. You can find him on YouTube or follow him on Instagram @lordaymz.

Photo by Gemma Evans on Unsplash.

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By bazaar Staff

JOHANNA ORTIZ X H&M GET A SNEAK PEEK AT THE VIBRANT PRINTS, BOLD FLORALS AND FLOATY SILHOUETTES IN THE EXCLUSIVE PRE-DROP

We have always loved H&M’s collections, but now we find ourselves looking forward to all of their collaborations too. All of them have been expeditions into new fashion territory. And we are sure that this upcoming one with Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz is not going to be any different.

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The collection is flirtatious and feminine. Flamboyant might be the best word to describe the color palette, exotic floral prints and glamorous silhouettes. Ortiz does not shy away from designing for the feminine woman who owns her own power and is not afraid to flaunt it. The ruffles, drapey fabrics and defined waists are all signature elements of the Latin American aesthetic that Ortiz’s designs capture so well. But what makes her work stand out is her fearless use of prints.

“The prints all come from my obsession with the flowers, the palm trees and the beautiful colours I am blessed to see out the window when I wake up at home in Cali, in my native Colombia.

The imprint of Latin America and its uniquely festive atmosphere is something that can be felt in each Johanna Ortiz design, so I’m thrilled that so many women in the world will have a little piece of Colombia in their wardrobes thanks to the Johanna Ortiz x H&M collaboration,” says Johanna Ortiz, designer and CEO. “Discovering the world of Johanna Ortiz’s exuberant design, her use of colour and her exceptional flair for dramatic silhouettes has been a great experience for the whole design team. They have been working closely with Johanna throughout the whole process, enjoying her extraordinary hospitality in her beautiful home in Cali. We are thrilled to be able to celebrate Colombia’s rich history and craftsmanship and to bring Johanna’s signature happiness-inducing designs to the H&M customer,” says Maria Östblom, head of womenswear design at H&M. Instead of making us sit at the edge of our seats until March 2020 when the full collection is being released, H&M are going to be releasing a limited collection as part of their pre-drop. The last time they did this, for the Giambattista Valli collaboration, everything sold out immediately. So we will definitely be standing in line for these beauties. They arrive just in time for the festive season’s parties and can all be easily taken from casual daytime looks to evening socials.

The pre-drop is practically a capsule wardrobe of four styles that are synonymous with Johanna Ortiz’s flirtatious-yet-effortless aesthetic: the tunic dress, the wrap dress, the mini dress and the tiered floor-length style. Four exotic floral prints from Ortiz’s archive – “Wild Roses”, “Orchid Paradise,” “Cacatua” and “Coquelicots” – featured in vibrant new colourways of warm yellow, dusty pink, forest green printed and coral-infused dark brown, and are reinvented for a new audience with fabulous ruffles and rippling cuff and hem details. How to wear them now? Ortiz suggests pairing them with minimalist sandals, lavish earrings, beach hair and a strawbag or why not a Colombian mochila (a brightly coloured, locally made woven bag).

The exclusive “pre-drop” will be released at 1st Avenue, Grand Avenue - The Avenues, Marina Mall, The Gate Mall, Al Kout Mall and at hm.com on December 3; the main collection will be available in March 2020. For more information follow @hm on Instagram.

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SWITZERLAND’S MOUNTAINS OF MAGNIFICENCE Sometimes exceptional travel experiences simply demand a repeat.

By Joanne DiBona

After visiting the magnificent Lake Geneva area of Switzerland a few years ago, my husband, Tony, and I resolved to return to this beautiful country to continue our voyage of discovery. This time around we opted to visit the Canton of Bern, famous for its jaw-dropping Alpine scenery, and the cosmopolitan and historical city of Basel, situated on the shores of the river Rhine.

We again elected to fly into the Zurich Airport from our San Diego home base. Thanks to the fact that Zurich's airport has its own railroad terminal, we were on our way in no time after landing. With our Swiss Rail Travel Passes in hand (sure, you could rent a car, but why would you want to?), we settled into our comfortable seats and watched the glorious Swiss scenery roll by. The travel pass gives the bearer unlimited first-class train access in addition to several other benefits and discounts.

Most importantly, it eliminates the stress of navigating through unfamiliar road systems by rental car.

Just getting to our first destination, the enchanting town of Mürren which happens to be

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built on an Alpine outcropping at 5,500 feet was definitely a travel adventure in its own right.

It began when we arrived at the Lauterbrunnen train station and enjoyed an "awe" as we gazed at the majestic mountain peaks surrounding us. It's no wonder this spectacular valley has the reputation of being one of the world's most Instagram-worthy places. A short bus ride brought us to the cable car, the only way to reach our mountain retreat, since Mürren is closed to vehicular traffic. Despite my appreciable jet lag, I delighted in the beauty of the pristine Alpine scenery (peppered with grazing cows, rustic farmhouses and mountain waterfalls) as these pastoral scenes rolled by me some 2,000 feet below.

The cable car came to a halt, and the Hotel Alpenruh, our mountain retreat for the next three days, was just steps away. Our rustic room was pleasant and comfortable, but nothing prepared us for the view that met us when we pulled open the drapes and stepped out on the terrace. A mesmerizing scene of what has to be one of the most spectacular vistas we've ever enjoyed from a hotel room met our eyes.

The next morning brought us via cable car up to Allmendhubel, where we were amazed to see kids at play in what has to be one of the world's most

scenic adventure playgrounds. The area offers a panoramic flower trail with more than 150 species of mountain flowers literally blooming at your feet.

When I spotted an elusive edelweiss flower hiding behind a rock on our path, I wanted to burst into the song of the same name, made popular in "The Sound of Music."

Nothing quite prepared us for our next day's activity a 20-minute cable car ride to the spectacular Schilthorn summit, home to 007 Bond World, the original set of the 1969 James Bond movie "On Her Majesty's Secret Service."

An interactive exhibit takes the visitor behind the scenes of this movie's production, which featured hair-raising skiing footage on the slopes that was undoubtedly an unprecedented video achievement for its time.

We spent hours on the many observation decks available to visitors, gazing at the incomparable vistas on what is lovingly known as the "Swiss Skyline," the spectacular panorama of the towering Eiger, Monch and Jungfrau mountains. Since we were blessed with a cloudless day and endless blue skies, we were given the thrill of seeing the tip of Mont Blanc in the distance, the highest mountain in the Alps.

A friend's travel tip alerted us to a relatively

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little-known phenomenon on the shores of Lake Thun, the St. Beatus Caves. This is a ferry stop on the lake, and a series of paths and stairs take you up to the site, a former monastery. The cave tour led us past stalactites and stalagmites, spectacular grottos, subterranean waterfalls, and otherworldly scenes that were millions of years in the making. It's no wonder that these caves inspired J.R.R. Tolkien, who visited the area as a youth, to write his vision for the "Lord of the Rings" fantasy world of Rivendell.

Thun is located on the pristine river Aare, just a short walk from the ferry stop. We spent a lovely day strolling through the town's picturesque cobblestone streets, which included a visit to the formidable Thun castle that dates back to the 12th century.

It was time to leave the Canton of Bern and head off to our final destination, the historic and cosmopolitan city of Basel. Upon arrival at Basel's train station, we again didn't have to worry about any transportation issues, as our travel pass gave us unlimited access to the efficient trolley and bus system that operates flawlessly throughout the city and its suburbs.

After checking in to our accommodations at the historic and classic Hotel Krafft, we were 84

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delighted to see we had yet another "room with a view." Our terrace boasted an expansive vista across the Rhine lined with historical buildings and the famous Basel Cathedral, built from the 12th to 15th centuries in Romanesque and Gothic style one of the city's many jewels.

Strolling through the medieval streets of Basel quickly became our favorite activity, as each turn on the cobblestone passageways brought us to another historic site and another photo opportunity.

The 500-year-old town hall that dominates the city market place is dazzling with its deep red and golden facade. It's no wonder it is one of Basel's most visited attractions.

Basel is no doubt a city of the arts and boasts more than 40 museums representing a broad spectrum of subject matter. We would have loved to visit them all, but due to our short time in this fascinating city, we had to narrow it down to two. The Basel Historic Museum leads you back in history from the city's prehistoric roots to today's modern age, featuring fascinating exhibits from every century of the city's existence. Another highlight was viewing the 20th century collection of classic modernism at the Fondation Beyeler, located a short tram ride from the city. Its exhibitions of renowned artists of the 19th,

20th and 21st centuries have brought the museum international recognition and established it as one of Switzerland's most popular art museums.

Our final night in Basel was quite memorable and an appropriate end to a perfect three-day visit to this enchanting city. From our terrace perch, we watched a favorite summer pastime among Basel's population swimming in the Rhine. Locals grab their inflatable dry bags and glide down this pristine river (the source of which is in the Alps a little more than 100 miles from the city) or gather with friends and family for picnics and socialization directly on the shore.

As an added bonus to the evening's enchantment, we happened to be in town for the unique IMFLUSS ("in the river" literally) music festival, which lasts three weeks each summer. A stage is set up right in the middle of the Rhine featuring musicians from around the world, bringing exciting acts to locals and visitors free of charge.

There was no more memorable way to say "Auf Wiedersehen" to our unforgettable voyage through Switzerland than by looking down that night from our terrace and watching people dancing to the music in peace and harmony, with Basel's medieval skyline providing the perfect backdrop to the evening's magic.

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bazaar goes dining

AHWET ZEITOUNA From Lebanon’s vibrant coastline to Kuwait’s cool Gulf Road By bazaar staff

One of our favorite vacation destinations is Lebanon, hands down! The small coastal country has energetic night life, mountains, pristine beaches, the kindest people and most significantly a delightful cuisine. Ahwet Zeitouna represents all of these things and more.

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It was a beautiful weekday morning; the sun was shining, and the breeze was playful. The first thing that hit us as we walked into Ahwet Zeitouna was how beautiful the mirrored archways and the tiled mosaic floors are. The light softly filled the space giving it a magical glow. It was a pleasant day outside, so we made our way to the outdoor seating by the sea.

The menu is printed on the paper placemats, which also has beautiful black and white photos from Lebanon’s “La Belle Epoque”. As we relaxed into our seats and enjoyed the ambiance and good weather, our server arrived and told us more about what we could order.

As our Minted Lemonade and Watermelon Fizz made its way to our table, we were already planning the rest of our meal. In proper Levantine fashion we started with cold Mezzas. Hummus, Labneh Beiroutieh, Moudardara, Grapevine leaves and our absolute favorite the Mouhamaret Quinoa. The salads being classic Fattoush and the modern Kale and Halloumi Salad. The crunchy bright greens tasted and looked as fresh as if they had just been hand-picked from a magical garden inside the kitchen.

Ahwet Zeitouneh is your traditional, friendly, neighborhood cafe in the sense that the food is delicious, the portions are generous, and it tastes like comfort food.

Home cooking made by someone whose language of love is nourishing their loved ones and neighbors with food while creating a welcoming and warm place for them.

The hot Mezzas are the perfect complement to the salads and are another step on our gastronomical journey into the heart of Lebanon. The Soujouk is spicy and juicy and the fried Kebbeh would make any Lebanese grandmother proud. But the star was the Fattet Mawzet, fall-off-the-bone beef balanced with cold, tart yogurt; a wonderful combination that we could not stop eating.

The original Ahwet Zeitouna opened in the famous Zeitouna strip along Beirut’s vibrant coastline. It is favored and frequented by people of all ages and walks of life for breakfast, lunch, dinner or an afternoon dessert and shisha. We can imagine ourselves doing exactly that in the newly opened branch that sits near the Kuwait Towers section of the Arabian Gulf Road. The first Ahwet Zeitouna in Kuwait, it is casual and accessible to everyone.

The restaurant is unassuming in its simplicity, like the saj bread that kept coming to our table fresh and hot out of the oven. Folded like a cone or pyramid it looked too good to eat but was even more delicious than we anticipated.

The saj is so good that you can eat it on its own, but it is even better when wrapping the flavorful shawarmas. The garlicy chicken and the tahini beef were crowd pleasers.

And then, Ahwet Zeitouna surprised us with a dessert version of a wrap. Halewe, Chocolate and Banana was an unexpected combination of ingredients but surprisingly pleasing. The different textures and flavors meld together for a dreamy sweet treat.

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There was more dessert to come, the Mafrouki with Ashta Ice Cream has all the flavors and sweetness you would expect and was a great way to cool down after a hearty and delicious meal. However, the Arabic Sweet Mix Platter is the perfect dish to share with your friends as you wind down after a fulfilling food-fest.

It was an enchanting morning. The friendly staff were forthcoming and eager to explain the different dishes and to offer suggestions of all the deliciousness we could try. We weren’t in a hurry to leave. It is easy to just relax and order a Narguileh in the many of available flavors with Turkish coffee and just sit to enjoy the happy vibes. The playlist playing in the background was serenading us with voices from Lebanon’s most loved singers of yesteryear.

The sounds of Fairuz and Sabah add to the feeling of being in a timeless little neighborhood café, where you can go every day and spend as much time as you want because it will always be your spot.

Ahwet Zeitouna is located on the Gulf Road just before the Kuwait Towers, follow them on Instagram @ahwetzeitouna.me for more information.

Photography by Muneera AlKhulaifi for bazaar Studios, find more of her work at @i9ora on Instagram.

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Bouchon Celebrate with Us We are delighted to be a part of your celebration.

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bazaar goes cruising

BORGWARD TAKES ON THE DAKAR RALLY

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! By bazaar staff

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The Dakar Rally is known for being a grueling off-road race that only the fearless and skilled attempt. The 2020 race is taking place in our neighboring Saudi Arabia for the first time.

The first race was held in 1978 and drivers had to drive from Paris to the Senegalese city of Dakar, hence the name. The race is all about endurance, and participants need to traverse terrains that are tough on their cars and psyches. Contestants are going to have to brave dunes, mud, grass, rocks and anything the race throws at them.

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Not any off-road vehicle will do for Dakar, which is why only the strongest enter. On October 10th, German car brand Borgward made their official announcement that it has signed a contract with Joan Roma Cararach, the champion racing driver to lead their 2020 Saudi Arabia Dakar Rally team. Borgward is not a first-timer at the race, and participated in the top international car racing event in the 2018 Argentina Dakar and 2019 Chili Dakar.

In 2018, Borgward fleet went to Dakar Rally for the first time, with the great adaptability and superb competitiveness showcased by its two race cars and drivers, it achieved excellent result. The Borgward team has already started its preparation for official rally and is estimated to arrive at Saudi Arabia by December after completing a series of test events.

Besides rally cars, Borgward will also send 3 unretrofitted BX7 TS as convoy during the rally. The team took a quick pit stop in Kuwait to meet their fans and to tell them more about how they were prepping for the race.

Borgward is not new to racing. Their performance was legendary during the period from 1950 to 1958, earning top positions in 24 Heures du Mans,

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Nurburgring 1000KM, Carrera Panamericana, Montlhéry Race and other top international car races, breaking world records 51 times.

Joan Nani Roma Cararach, who is known as Nani Roma, was the champion of Motorbike Group in the 2004 Dakar, and had also won 6th place and 3rd place in the car category in 2005 and 2006 respectively.

Later in 2014, Cararach became the winner of the Car Group, becoming the third contestant to win in both the Dakar Motorbike Group and Car Group.

“As a car brand boasting legendary history, Borgward has broken many records of international car races. It is a great honor for me to be part of Borgward fleet for Dakar 2020 and I hope I can make new achievements in the Dakar rally,” Roma told journalists at the press conference after announcing the new partnership.

Borgward was founded in Bremen, Germany in 1919 by the legendary engineer Karl Borgward.

In 2014 the brand entered the Chinese market and started a new era in its rich history. The BX7, BX5, BXi7 and other SUV models were launched in succession, they quickly became fan favorites and instantly recognizable on the road.

In addition to being licensed Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle producers they also manufacture Neighborhood Electric Vehicles (NEV), giving them an edge over an entire market and can cater to different needs.

To increase production capabilities, Borgward built a complete vehicle plant and an engine plant of German Industry 4.0 standard in Beijing. The new plant makes use of the latest in intelligent and responsive manufacturing technologies while being capable of large-scale vehicle production.

This has been timely, as Borgward has been steadily expanding the international market, with its products launched in the Middle East and Southeast

Asian markets. The SUV models are designed to withstand the hotter climates while also providing luxury interiors that are highly appreciated in the region.

The Borgward showroom is located in Al Rai on the 4th Ring Road, for more information follow them on Instagram @borgward_kw or visit al-zayani.com/ borgward.

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VINTAGE TO EV

They turn '49 Mercurys and Shelby Cobras into EVs, one Tesla carcass at a time

By Charles Fleming

In a garage near South Los Angeles, metal fabricator Greg Abbott fits battery packs borrowed from a decommissioned Fiat 500E under the hood of a 1965 Mustang. In Oceanside, Calif., former AAMCO mechanic Matthew Hauber combines the suspension system and battery packs from a totaled Tesla to make an 800-horsepower, all-wheel-drive Shelby Cobra.

In an unlikely marriage of classic car culture and green technology, sophisticated hot-rodders mostly men, mostly Californians are cannibalizing crashed electric cars and using their batteries to create electrified sports cars and muscle cars.As comfortable wielding an ohmmeter as a spark-plug wrench, they are expanding the automotive world's consciousness about what can be done in the electric-vehicle space and making good money doing it.

Their price can run from $30,000 for a do-it-yourself conversion kit for a VW Bug to several hundred thousand dollars for a fully customized, up-from-thetires EV overhaul.

"These guys are taking drivetrains out of Teslas and Nissan Leafs and putting them in all kinds of vehicles," said Gordon McCall, founder of the Quail Motorsports Gathering in Carmel, Calif., one of the country's most respected annual automotive events. "They're hot-rodding electric cars just like their grandfathers did with 1932 Fords."The EV classics are gaining stature on the custom car circuit. August's Quail event featured "A Tribute to the Electric Car Movement." On the fairway were a VW microbus conversion and a battery94

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powered 1949 Mercury, which took the top prize in the Quail's first-ever electric car class.

Hauber became interested in electric vehicles after seeing the 2007 documentary "Who Killed the Electric Car?" about the demise of GM's 1990s-era EV1. He got a job working on EV pioneer Jack Rickard's popular electric vehicle webcast. Soon he was building electric cars on his own.

Abbott started early, too. Sometime around 2004 the artist, furniture builder and metal fabricator, who goes by the moniker Reverend Gadget, converted a Triumph Spitfire into an electric vehicle, using old-fashioned lead-acid batteries that were heavy and hard to control. Friends began asking him to build them electric cars, too. The process was tedious, and the results were undependable.

Standing in his cramped Florence-area workshop alongside a mid-electrification Porsche Speedster, a classic Volvo station wagon and a rusting 1947 Ford pickup, Abbott said, "They were like rolling science experiments, and you had to be a tinkerer to own one."

Salvation came in the form of Elon Musk and Tesla. Pouring massive resources into batteries and battery management, the billionaire entrepreneur started selling increasingly large numbers of electric cars powered by lithium-ion energy packs that were powerful, rechargeable and reliable. When Tesla owners crashed their Tesla Model S sedans and Model X SUVs, and the cars wound up as insurance write-offs, EV scavengers came running. They would scour local junkyards for the damaged cars and pay, in the early days, only a few thousand dollars for their undamaged battery clusters.

That increased the power and range of the custom electrified vehicles and

Cozmo

made them a lot easier to own and operate. "Then you could just hand the keys to someone, to anyone, and say, 'Drive it until it runs out of electricity and then plug it in,'" Hauber said.

Interest in retro EVs has accelerated in recent years.

In 2013, former advertising executive Dave Benardo and his wife and partner Bonnie Rodgers traded San Francisco for San Diego to pursue their passionate interest in vintage Volkswagens. When they electrified a Beetle and documented the process online, customers came calling. To date, their Zelectric Motors has converted about 30 Bugs, Karmann Ghias, microbuses and VW Things into battery-powered runabouts.

They found that putting maintenance-free electric drivetrains into vintage vehicles eliminated a lot of mechanical babysitting that classic cars demand of their owners. "There are people who are in love with the design of these classics, but they don't want to do the wrenching on them," Benardo said. "They just want to spend more time driving."

For one customer, Benardo recently electrified a 1973 Porsche 911 S. The car looks exactly as it did when it was new, except that under the hood an electric motor that makes 240 horsepower has replaced an engine that made 180.

"Now it's just a question of going faster in an old car," Benardo said.

Sometimes, too fast. The 800-horsepower Shelby Cobra that Hauber made for commercial TV lighting technician Don Swadley of El Cajon, Calif., was so powerful as to be virtually undrivable. "Even with the motor tuned down, we couldn't get any traction control," Swadley said. "At 50 miles per hour, you'd put your foot on the pedal and the car would go completely sideways."

Hauber's solution: Make the Shelby more like a Tesla by adding a Tesla drivetrain and suspension system, with the Model S's standard P85 motor in the back and an upgraded Tesla P100D motor up front. "It's 2,600 pounds lighter than a Tesla, and it's absolutely faster than any Tesla on the road," Swadley said. "Now I can go down the road with the wind messing up my hair and outaccelerate anything and not be killing any trees."

Graphic designer Thomas Almodovar of Playa del Rey said he was thinking of buying an electric car, in part to help the environment. Then he thought, "It creates a lot of pollution to make a new car. But if you buy a used one and convert it, you're not polluting at all."

Almodovar paid a local garage $2,500 for a 1979 MG that had come to the end of its mechanical life. Then he spent $19,000 to have Abbott modify it. The result: A silent-running convertible sports car that has amazing torque and a 60-mile range.

In the case of Jonathan Ward and his Icon workshop in Chatsworth, the classic cars are really classic. The car builder and former Toyota designer, who made his name turning shells of gas-powered Toyota Land Cruisers, Ford Broncos and Chevy pickup trucks into modern street racers, spent three years and thousands of R&D hours electrifying the Quail-winning 1949 Mercury for a loyal customer. When he was done, he'd built a 400-horsepower EV bomb powered by Tesla batteries and capable of being recharged using any of the charging systems currently in use, including Tesla's Superchargers, he said.

With a top speed of 120 mph and a range of 150 to 200 miles, the vehicle offers the beauty of a classic Detroit cruiser with modern attributes such as power steering, air conditioning and a Bluetooth connection. Most of the retro-EV customizers power their vehicles with batteries from wrecked Model S, Fiat 500 or Nissan Leaf cars that have less than 20,000 miles on them. They hold up well, the builders said, and are likely to last well past the 100,000-mile mark typically exceeded by Teslas. "I've never had one fail. Ever. Not one," Hauber said.

The upside, for some customers, is ease of ownership. Like the EVs built by major manufacturers, these Franken-vehicles have far fewer moving parts than gas-powered cars and need little service attention. If the batteries or other parts need replacement or the owners want to upgrade to more powerful motors, the cars can be serviced by the builders.

Tesla which did not respond to requests for comments has actively discouraged the use of salvaged vehicles or parts, and has been accused of disabling the software on cars it has written off. It took creative work by dedicated hackers to write third-party code that would allow builders to remove

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the batteries and use them properly, Icon's Ward said.

The downside, for many, will be the cost. Today, Hauber and other builders say, Tesla batteries pulled from wrecked cars cost them $16,000 and up just for the batteries. That leaves aside the cost of the AC motor, controllers and other parts. And the price is going up as competition among EV customizers increases.

Hauber's Stealth EV will sell a conversion kit for a VW Bug for about $30,000.

If his shop installs it, add $15,000 or more. If it's a car "for the performance horsepower enthusiast with a classic muscle car where the buyer wants to go all out," Hauber said, figure $130,000 and up added to whatever the host car cost in the first place.

In Chatsworth, the wiry, bespectacled Ward declines to say what he is charging the new owner of the 1949 Mercury, though he says a similar project went out the door at $500,000. When a valued repeat customer decided he wanted his 1963 Ferrari GTE 250 restored and made electric, Ward says he told him, "I can't even begin to guess how long it will take or how much it will cost."

The customer gave him the go-ahead anyway, on a car probably valued at more than $500,000 before the conversion.

Costs could begin to come down on some machines as more Teslas enter the market. As many as 700,000 Teslas may be currently on U.S. roads. In midOctober the company reported it sold 97,000 vehicles in the third quarter. Some of those cars, unfortunately, are going to crash and wind up in salvage yards. But some of their batteries will have a second life powering custom EVs.

TSC

GRANTURISMO ZÉDA Propelling Maserati in the future with the celebratory model By bazaar staff

Maserati takes another step towards a new chapter of its story. The brand will unveil a special GranTurismo Zéda to mark the end of production of the Maserati GranTurismo. The new car coincides with the brand’s recent announcement to add more production innovation – as renovation work commences at the Viale Ciro Menotti plant in Modena - electrification and autonomous driving.

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The unique model, sporting futuristic exterior shades designed by Centro Stile Maserati, tells the story of the dawn of a new era through colors and materials: GranTurismo Zéda is the bridge which connects the past, the present and the future of the brand. Looking at the model from the rear section to the front, the surfaces change and become richer, shifting from a light satin finish to a burnished “metallurgic” effect.

The midsection slowly morphs once again, deepening all the way to Maserati blue. The blue also evolves, becoming energetic, electric, it seems alive, it seems like a mirror. The finished overall effect is a masterpiece in the complex use and juxtaposition of vastly differing effects.

Through manual skills we go back in time, with today’s technology and know-how constantly evolving towards the future.

The end of production of the Maserati GranTurismo and GranCabrio marks the beginning of a new path for the Modena plant. Work is already under way to update the production line in view of a total renovation that will see the facility devoted to the construction of the new super sports model, a high-performance car, characterized by state-of-the art technology and scheduled to launch in 2020. In parallel, work has already started on a paint shop, a completely new addition to the facility, equipped with low environmental-impact, innovative technologies and boasting a special design enabling customers to personally view their cars as they are painted.

The GranTurismo, presented at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2007, represents a milestone in the history of Maserati. This four-seat, two-door coupé, with Pininfarina’s classic design and a naturally aspirated 8-cylinder engine, came into being as a modern interpretation of the Maserati A6 1500 of 1947, and has come to be considered, over the course of time, one of the most emblematic cars ever constructed by Maserati. In 2009, where it was debuted at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, the GranCabrio joined the GranTurismo.

After various updates, the GranTurismo saw its final and last version with the MY18, in which an efficient restyling effort improved the aerodynamics, ergonomics and infotainment systems. The MY18 offered the iconic coupé in 16 exterior colors. Also available were 14 light alloy wheels in six different designs, brake calipers available in nine colors, and Exterior Carbon and Exterior Body Color packs. With the MY18 the GranTurismo and GranCabrio range included two versions distinguished by a powerful, distinctive identity: Sport and MC (Maserati Corse).

There are more than 400,000 possible combinations.

The Maserati GranTurismo represents the maximum expression of the Brand’s GT character thanks to the charismatic 4.7 liter Ferrari V8 engine capable of delivering 460 hp at 7,000 rpm and 520 Nm of maximum torque at 4,750 rpm. Innumerable successes have been tallied by GranTurismo and GranCabrio in the years from 2007 to today; more than 40,000 of the iconic cars have been sold throughout the world, of which 28,805 were GranTurismo and 11,715 were GranCabrio.

For more information, visit the Maserati Showroom at Al Zayani, Al Rai Industrial Area, 4th Ring Road, call 1808 010 or visit kuwait.maserati.com. For the latest updates, please follow Maserati on Instagram @maseratikuwait.

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NEWLY FOUND PLANET SHOWS POTENTIAL AS A HABITABLE WORLD Could this be our plan B?

By Amina Khan

"Ideas are cheap; it’s the execution that matters," says Lars Sudmann, leadership advisor and former CFO of Procter & Gamble Belgium. “You need to have the willingness and discipline to test your idea in real life,” he says. “Will it work? What are the reactions of others? What is my own experience? Only then can you assess if it is a great idea. Without testing, for me an idea is by default a bad idea as it only lives as a thought construct.” You can test your ideas in a variety of ways to determine if it’s bad or good.

A super-scorched planet orbiting around a nearby dim star has helped reveal the presence of two previously unseen planets one of which could host liquid water and thus be friendly to life, astronomers say.

The blistering planet GJ 357 b, picked out by NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite, lies about 31 light-years away in the constellation Hydra. It's only 22% larger than Earth and circles its star every 3.9 days tracing an orbit that's 11 times closer to its star than Mercury is to our sun.

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This means that even though its M-dwarf star is roughly 40% cooler than our sun, the planet is in all likelihood searingly hot probably 490 degrees Fahrenheit or so even without the insulating effects of an atmosphere.

That uninhabitable world was the only one around this star spotted by TESS, which scans the skies looking for dips in a star's light that might indicate that a planet is passing, or transiting, in front of it.

Astronomers used information from the ground-based telescopes to confirm GJ 357 b's existence. In the process, they noticed clues that an additional pair of planets was also circling the same star.

These two planets, GJ 357 c and d, were found using the radial velocity method: by looking at the slight wobble in the star's motions caused by its planets' tiny gravitational tugs.

GJ 357 c weighs in at about 3.4 times Earth's mass, if not more, and orbits the star every 9.1 days at a distance more than double that of GJ 357 b. This proximity keeps the temperature at around 260 degrees Fahrenheit not quite as singed as planet b, but still pretty toasty.

It's the third planet, GJ 357 d, that actually holds some potential as a habitable world.

It weighs at least 6.1 Earth masses and circles the star at a much greater distance,

completing an orbit in 55.7 days. Even though this is just one-fifth the distance of the Earth to our sun, GJ 357 d's dim star leaves the surface very cold. Without an atmosphere, the thermometer at the surface would hover around 64 degrees Fahrenheit below zero meaning no liquid water on the surface.

However, if GJ 357 d does turn out to have an atmosphere, this could be a game changer, according to a report that will be published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics.

A dense atmosphere with the right composition could trap some warmth and allow water to remain liquid on the planet's surface. That's similar to what scientists think happened on Mars, which today is frigid and dry but may once have had a thick atmosphere that allowed liquid water to leave marks all over its ruddy face.

The trick, the scientists said, would be to try to catch a glimpse of GJ 357 d, if it can be seen transiting its star from our vantage point.

"If we can detect a transit of GJ 357d, it would become the closest transiting, potentially habitable planet in the solar neighborhood," the study authors wrote. "Even if GJ 357d does not transit, the brightness of its star makes this planet in the Habitable Zone of a close-by M star a prime target for observations with Extremely Large telescopes as well as future space missions."

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CYCLING TO SIENA

Best day trip from Florence, Italy

By Kerri Westenberg

An Italian puffed his way up the narrow road literally. His hands clutched his handlebars, leveraging them for power as he cycled uphill. That left only one place for his cigarette: between his lips. He smiled in greeting as we passed. Headed in the opposite direction, I had just crested the hill and my speed was picking up. On this sunny Saturday in spring, I had already coasted past fields of gnarled olive trees, seen a pheasant scamper into the grasses, breathed in Cypress-tinged air and encountered scads of Italians in skin-hugging bike shorts zipping across Tuscany (the vast majority, without tobacco).

An Italian puffed his way up the narrow road literally.

His hands clutched his handlebars, leveraging them for power as he cycled uphill. That left only one place for his cigarette: between his lips. He smiled in greeting as we passed. Headed in the opposite direction, I had just crested the hill and my speed was picking up. On this sunny Saturday in spring, I had already coasted past fields of gnarled olive trees, seen a pheasant scamper into the grasses, breathed in Cypress-tinged air and encountered scads of Italians in skin-hugging bike shorts zipping across Tuscany (the vast majority, without tobacco).

"Italians are crazy for bikes," guide Marco Vignoli told me before I set off. An Italian could be broke and still wouldn't hesitate to drop $5,000 on a road bike, he said with a shrug.

Perched upright on a comfortable hybrid bike, I began to understand why cycling is central to the Italian lifestyle: It's the best way to experience the countryside.

When planning a five-day stay in Florence, my husband and I had two side-trips in mind. We wanted to bike in the Tuscan hills and we wanted to take a day trip to Siena, a medieval confection of a town centered by the dramatic oval-shaped Piazza del Campo.

My research uncovered a way to do both at once.

"How about if we biked from Florence to Siena?" I asked, with my laptop propped open.

At the time, it was the heart of winter outside. It didn't take us long to make our decision.

I'd struck on the idea after my online research led me to the favorably reviewed I Bike Tuscany. The Florence company offers a range of cycling excursions in Tuscany and beyond, from private, guided multiday adventures designed to a rider's specifications to small-group day trips, including the 20-mile Florence-to-Siena ride. A different trip, however, had caught my eye, one that sounded even better by 7 miles. Dubbed "Florence to Siena Soft," it begins with a van ride to a hilltop village, eliminates all but one long climb and covers a breezy 13 miles. Perfetto.

The morning of our ride, we fortified ourselves with a big hotel breakfast and then headed to the meeting

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point. The company couldn't pick us up because our hotel was in a pedestrian-only zone. We knew we were at the right place when we saw a van with bikes on its racks and a lean Italian looking for us.

In March, the biking season was young, so we had a double treat: Our small-group tour became, de facto, a private tour since no one else had signed up. And our tour guide turned out to be the owner of the company, Vignoli.

A former cycling racer and longtime biking guide, Vignoli turned out to be a charmer, and not just in that iconic Italian-gentleman kind of way. He splits his time between Florence, where he grew up and where his mother still lives, and the Los Angeles area, just a few miles from where my husband and I used to live. We spent the ride to the starting point discussing his favorite biking routes from Los Angeles' Brentwood section to the Pacific Ocean. He offered restaurant suggestions in both Siena and Florence. Tony Bennett crooned on his car speakers.

After a 45-minute drive, Vignoli dropped us at a coffee shop in Castellina in Chianti, a golden-hued stone village that seems to have sprouted from the hilltop eons ago. We walked down its winding main drag to a farmers market and encountered a rarity, at least in our tourist experience: Commerce intended for Italians, conducted by vendors who spoke no English.

We were tempted by cheeses, salami hanging overhead and heaps of vegetables. I used my rudimentary Italian to buy a bag of mixed dried fruit whose names I mostly did not recognize and bottled herbs from a farmer shading himself with a yellow umbrella.

After shopping, we rejoined Vignoli at the coffee shop and headed to a parking lot, which was large and open enough for us to try out the bikes before starting our journey. Vignoli told us that he'd be at every stop and turn along the way, and then drove ahead.

Soon, he was flagging us down at a cluster of stone buildings and led us into a sleek bar for a wine tasting in Fonterutoli, which bottles Chianti Classico and other wines. The pours were delicious, even if it was just 10:30 in the morning. We sipped lightly, knowing we had miles to go.

Our next stop was a scenic overlook, where Vignoli checked on our water supply and made sure we were fine. He later waved us on at a corner and touched base before our only significant hill. "No racing; the hill is long," he warned.

I took the gears as low as they would go, and worked my way to the top, which culminated in another hilltop hamlet, where laundry hung out to dry. There, I rejoined my husband, who'd already finished the ascent, and Vignoli, who gave me an enthusiastic high-five. From there, he assured us, we didn't have far to go.

Just when I was ready to quit, I saw Vignoli up ahead, waving us down. My legs felt just a little bit like Jello when I rolled my bike up to Vignoli but they had enough power left for a walk through Siena.

We rode the van to the outskirts of town, made a plan to meet Vignoli at the same spot in three hours, and tracked down lunch in the city; we'd set off from Florence at 9 a.m. and made it to Siena by 1 p.m.

We explored the hilly city, marveling at its duomo, dining on heaps of pasta, and enjoying a scoop of guiltfree gelato in Piazza del Campo, along with loads of other tourists.

After a day of cycling in the countryside, where we encountered biking Italians but few others, Siena felt beautiful but crowded.

We were content to decompress during the van ride back to Florence, nibbling mysterious pieces of dried fruit and watching the landscape pass by at a van's pace.

We'd already seen Tuscany at the best pace, by bike.

Fantasy world

WELCOME TO CASA FERRARI Chill at the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix in style By bazaar staff

Ferrari Middle East created the perfect destination for Ferraristi to enjoy the best possible experience at the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix this year.

Casa Ferrari arrives in the Middle East for the first time to offer Prancing Horse enthusiasts a place where they could feel home, along with other friends of the brand just a few steps away from the racetrack, out of the crowd but still at the center of the action.

With Casa Ferrari the brand has expanded their hospitality beyond the Abu Dhabi circuit, past the glamourous yachts and into a parallel world which encompasses more than just Formula One. The exciting concept is based on the popular Casa Ferrari 104

villa at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey, California.

Prancing Horse enthusiasts will get to experience driving the Ferrari F8 Tributo, Ferrari Portofino and the Ferrari 812 Superfast. This will be with the support of the Ferrari Corsa Pilota, a team of professional Ferrari instructors flown in from Maranello, Italy especially for this event. Casa Ferrari will have on display some of the most exciting Ferrari models, including the 488 Challenge, 488 Pista, 488 Pista Piloti, SF90 Stradale and a Scuderia Ferrari Formula One car.

“In Italian, ‘Casa’ means home and that’s exactly what this is, a place where our clients can relax and live their passion through connecting with the Ferrari brand and driving our cars. This will also represent the best place for them to follow the Formula One Grand Prix and enjoy the most exciting weekend of the year,” said Giorgio Turri, General Manager.

The Casa Ferrari will open Friday 29 November till Sunday 1 December, starting every day from 11:30 in the morning for breakfast and up till midnight for the dinner and after-party. The Italian touch will be witnessed everywhere, from the luxurious finishes of interior design and furniture, to the fine dining menu which will be served throughout the day. Guests will also be able to relax in the cigar room, enjoy the company of like-minded friends in the patio or just relish the beautiful outdoor area with the view of the Ferrari World dome.

For more information, please visit the official Ferrari Showroom in Kuwait- Kuwait Automobile & Trading Co located in Al-Rai, on the 4th Ring Road, visit safat.ferraridealers.com or follow them on Instagram @ferrarialzayanikuwait.

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IS ANIME STRONG ENOUGH?

Netflix bets on anime to battle Disney, Apple in streaming wars

By Masatsugu Horie

As Netflix Inc. prepares for a bruising battle against the Walt Disney Co. and Apple Inc. for streaming subscribers, it's playing a card that may deliver enough of an edge to fend them off in Asia: Japanese anime. Although Netflix has featured animation for years, the leading streaming provider of 158 million users is stepping up its anime efforts as new rivals such as Apple, Disney and WarnerMedia's HBO Max roll out their services. All of them have identified animation as a way to lure viewers from Disney's historic archive to a recent victory by HBO Max in clinching the coveted U.S. distribution rights for most of Hayao Miyazaki's Studio Ghibli films.

Facing such competition, Netflix is extending its strategy of paying for original content to new animated shows such as Ultraman and Eden. It's also holding out for a chance to feature Ghibli's content, including the Oscar-winning Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro, in Japan and other countries outside the U.S. Netflix has also approached the renowned animation studio to secure the up-for-grabs streaming rights for its home country, according to John Derderian, Netflix's director of Japan & Anime.

"Japan is certainly among the top two creators of stories in the world with Hollywood," said Derderian, who confirmed that there have been talks with Studio Ghibli, without offering any specifics.

Studio Ghibli had long resisted offering its films for streaming, favoring theatrical releases and physical media.

That's changing as more viewers choose to access libraries of shows and movies on smartphones, tablets and computers for a fixed monthly price. Netflix which has made inroads in Japan, adding millions of subscribers, is betting on Japanimation to both defend its turf in the country, and push deeper into Asia.

In fact, most of Netflix's anime viewers are outside Japan, according to Derderian. Shows such as Dragon Ball or Attack on Titan continue to attract a global audience. Overseas sales of Japanese animation content has quadrupled to almost $10 billion since 2012, according to Humanmedia Inc., a Tokyobased research firm.

Even so, Asia remains a mostly untapped market for the major streaming services. It will probably take a few years until HBO Max, Disney Plus and others to get serious about gathering streaming services in the region. Crunchyroll Inc., a San Francisco-based on-demand streaming service for anime fans outside Japan, has about 2 million subscribers.

Demand for Japanese animation is especially high in Southeast Asia, Europe and Latin America, according to Derderian. A spokeswoman for Studio Ghibli declined to comment on business relationships with Netflix, Amazon or other streaming platforms.

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[Continued...]

Soapbox

"Netflix will have to sustain investment into highbudget, Hollywood-like works and multinational content in order to set itself apart as other players join the market," said Masahiro Hasegawa, an analyst at HumanMedia.

Netflix's average spending top shows has jumped about 30% in the past year, content chief Ted Sarandos said in a post-earnings conference call Oct. 17. Netflix is raising funds with a $2 billion bond issue, it said last week.

Disney Plus, which launched Nov. 12 for $6.99 a month, will cost about half as much as Netflix and offer a library of movies and TV shows backed by its huge franchises, including The Avengers and Star Wars, to The Simpsons and Toy Story.

"Because Disney has pre-existing media and an established brand, Netflix will have to make sure its viewers retain a lifestyle in which they watch Netflix daily," Hasegawa said.

To gain an edge, Netflix is bringing its strategy of developing original exclusive shows to anime as well.

The film Roma was nominated in 10 Academy Awards,

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[...Continued]

categories and series such as The Crown have won Golden Globe Awards.

Now, Netflix says it is developing a library of exclusive anime shows, clinching long-term partnerships with five of Japan's notable animation studios. The result of that partnership is Ultraman, a animated reboot of the classic Japanese show of the silver-suited hero battling giant monsters. The exclusive series was developed with Kenji Kamiyama, the anime director who's works include a series for Ghost in the Shell, and Shinji Aramaki, another well-known director whose designs were behind the Gundam series.

The two directors said developing shows for Netflix gave them more control over the story and content, such as being able to show gory scenes of monsters being vanquished, which is usually suppressed for onair shows. "I see distributors such as Netflix as another turning point for the anime industry," Kamiyama said.

Netflix isn't the only player invested in Japanese anime to give them an edge. Amazon Prime and

Apple's iTunes also offer some of Japanese anime shows, and Amazon has also released an original anime series, Blades of the Immortal. Disney will have new Star Wars and Marvel animated series available on their service, seeking to attract core fans from the two works.

But Netflix is confident it can ride out the competition. With long-term partnerships with local studios that are slated to bring original series one after another, Netflix is set to have a steady flow of Japanimation under the belt. The company has also gone beyond to dabble in experimenting with new type of animation along with partner Production I.G., announcing that they're developing the world's first hand-drawn, 4K HDR animation series.

"We're going to partner with studios for 5 years, 10 years, so they can take that money to have certainty of revenue and invest in space and tool and people," said Derderian. "We're in an anime boom, but we're not investing in boom-or-bust cycle."

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NEXT LEVEL HOLIDAYS Celebrate everything you love By bazaar staff The year is coming to an end, but our social life is on the rise. There are parties to go to, company to enjoy and fun to be had. Whether you are a social butterfly that is invited to all the events or someone who prefers a smaller outing, find all your new favorite outfits at Next. A little sparkle goes a long way in the dark winter months. If you prefer the company of only your nearest and dearest you can still find comfortable and stylish separates to keep you cozy.

The little ones will be the star everywhere they go in Next’s trendy but still child-friendly looks. From beautiful wool-blend coats to modern and bold knitwear that showcases an age-old craft. Every item of clothing will give them all the freedom to move, be young and carefree.

It is the season of gift giving, and what better way to show your loved ones that you know them well than by picking out the perfect outfit for them. Play fashion stylist and create an exquisite look for your friends and family, complete with accessories. You can help them redefine their style or stick to what you know they already love.

Next has 12 locations across Kuwait. To find your nearest location visit www.alshaya.com.

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FROZEN II

Yes, Elsa and Anna wear pants in Frozen 2. And yes, it's a big deal

By Christi Carras

Queen Elsa and Princess Anna accomplish several impressive feats in Frozen 2 outrunning giant rock monsters, freezing the sea, uncovering mysterious family history.

But, perhaps most impressive of all, they do it while wearing pants. What might seem like an insignificant quick change actually marks a major shift in the Disney princess canon, which almost never lets its heroines swap skirts for pants with the exceptions of Jasmine's billowy turquoise bottoms and Mulan's army uniform (though she isn't technically royalty).

At the premiere of the highly anticipated sequel, the film's cast and creative team discussed the cultural impact of the sister duo's new looks and how they transform the traditional Disney princess image.

"The princesses are all things; they're all times; they're all outfits," said co-director Jennifer Lee on the 112

[Continued...]

red carpet at Hollywood's Dolby Theatre. "Everyone sort of represents when the film was made and what the film's trying to show. These two women I'm proud of, they are carrying the weight of the kingdom on their shoulders ... so they're going to wear what's right for that, and I love that you can wear anything."

Frozen 2 follows Elsa (voiced by Idina Menzel) as she sets off on a journey to discover how she came to possess her icy powers, accompanied by her fearless sister Anna (Kristen Bell), ice vendor Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and their trusty sidekicks Olaf the snowman (Josh Gad) and Sven the reindeer. Along the way, the gang must depend on one another as they encounter dark forces at play in the enchanted forests and seas beyond Arendelle.

"This time, they didn't have to flee their kingdom in the wrong dress very fast," said Lee, who's also chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios. "They had a chance to choose, and, of course, you're going to wear pants when you hear the words 'enchanted forest.'"

"They're going on a big adventure," added producer Peter Del Vecho. "It's going to be very physical, so it makes sense."

Evan Rachel Wood, who voices the sisters' mother, Queen Iduna, in flashbacks and has been known to defy red carpet expectations with pant ensembles of her own, sees the updated costumes as a natural evolution informed by changing societal norms.

"They've done a really amazing job of still keeping the Disney feeling that we love, but just with a more modern feel," Wood said. "The girls are still beautiful and still women, but they're just able to do a lot more now that they're in pants."

Their modernized outfits are part of a growing trend for Disney, which has also dressed Elsa in pants on Broadway and recently debuted a new and improved Bo Peep, no longer encumbered by a stiff crinoline skirt, in Toy Story 4.

According to Clark Spencer, president of Walt Disney Animation Studios, keeping up with the

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times continues to be a key goal for the company, whether that means turning a kids movie about talking animals into a commentary on race relations (Zootopia) or putting its heroines in pants.

"We always have to think to ourselves, whatever we're putting into our films is representing the world today, as much as it may be set in different times," Spencer said on the red carpet. "So I think for (co-directors Lee and Chris Buck), it was the exciting thing of saying there is more than one way to be a princess."

Another timely topic featured in the fairy tale is the role of the environment, which practically plays its own character by helping the friends on their adventure when it feels respected and hurting them when threatened or trespassed.

The ecosystem and its crucial purpose was a theme that came up often when plotting the narrative beats of the film, according to songwriter Kristen Anderson-Lopez. The "Let It Go" hitmaker 114 [...Continued]

returned to write the sequel's tunes including Elsa's new power ballad, "Into the Unknown" along with her husband, Robert Lopez.

"It's something that the filmmakers and the storytellers all really talked about, that climate change in particular is a big serious issue," Anderson-Lopez said. "Climate change and nature out of balance is something that might give Elsa real purpose. Could that be why she has this power? That was something that we talk about, and it could be maybe something else we talk about in the future, I hope."

Nature has always been vital to Groff's Kristoff, who works in the ice business and depends on seasonal changes to make a living. But this time around, the Broadway and Mindhunter star said the earth and its precious resources impact everyone.

"A huge theme of the movie is that water has memory, and the idea of not trying to force the

environment into your world, but try to respect the environment around you, which we have the ability to do every day," he said. "Every sort of character ... is connected to this idea of taking care of the world around you and not taking things for granted, and also respecting the power of the environment."

Also among the premiere's attendees were "Lose You to Love Me" singer Selena Gomez and additional cast members Sterling K. Brown, Martha Plimpton, Jason Ritter, Rachel Matthews, Jeremy Sisto, Hadley Gannawa and Mattea Conforti. Plus, appearances from Panic! At the Disco's Brendon Urie and Weezer's Brian Bell and Rivers Cuomo, who all contributed to the sequel's soundtrack.

The night was a festive affair, complete with lots of autumn leaves, snowman cupcakes, snowflake chandeliers and photo ops with Anna, Elsa and Olaf which Urie and his wife took advantage of at the after party, as did many little Elsas and Annas who got the chance to meet their heroes in pants.

Katsuya

WINTER BRIGHT Welcome winter and the holidays with American Eagle By bazaar staff

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Most people shy away from neon colors, especially during the colder months. However, nothing works as a statement piece like a neon color. This season, forget that big statement necklace or those uncomfortable pair of knee high boots and stand out with a show stopper beanie, or a scarf. Let’s be real, we have been yearning for eighties fashion to come back. It was much more colorful, with block patterns and just screamed fun!

This season, American Eagle is being brave and not shying away from being bold. With 80’s inspired bomber jackets and sweaters, you’ll be sure to stand out from the crowd. But don’t worry, your outfit does not have to scream “look at me” just because you are incorporating neon colors into it. Instead, balance out the neon with a simple denim; That way you are giving both garments an equal opportunity to compliment you.

American Eagle also has a wide variety of light and dark denim color washes available this season. Pair your outfit with their toasty faux fur booties, and your look is complete!

With a knitted bell sleeve sweater dress under a double-sided faux leopard fur/canvas jacket, you will be feline fearless, so you might as well walk with confidence this winter. From a basic padded vest that keeps you warm to the striking pattern leggings that are sure to keep you comfortable and cozy throughout the cold, this winter, American Eagle has options for everybody!

American Eagle is at the following locations: 1st Avenue – The Avenues, The Mall – The Avenues, Grand Avenue – The Avenues (inside Debenhams), Marina Mall and Al Kout Mall.

Keep up-to-date on American Eagle style by following @americaneagleme on Instagram and @americaneaglemiddleeast on Facebook.

Main image courtesy of American Eagle.

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bazaar hit list

‘TIS THE SEASON OF JOY! Our favorite Christmas films By bazaar staff

As much as we would love to share all of our favorite films and why we love them so much, it just so happens that some of them are actually part of this month’s holiday! We all have a Christmasy film that we constantly watch when the season is upon us, whether it was a rom-com, animations, or even action. Be it the fantasy we all dreamed of being Home Alone or the good oldies of It’s A Wonderful Life.

We shared why these films mean a lot to us, and finally, we wish you a very happy Christmas.

Name: Yasmin Gamal (Mixed Media Content) Film: Die Hard obviously!

Why? Because it is the ultimate Christmas movie.

Who doesn't want to watch John McLane (a very younger Bruce Willis) almost single-handedly take down Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) and the mean terrorist organization? It is funny, action-packed, cheesy and cliché. And if you really want to, follow up with A Charlie Brown Christmas for some wholehearted goodness.

Name: Umika Pidaparthy (Online Producer) Film: Last Holiday Why? When you read the plot of Last Holiday, you would think it is pretty formulaic. Queen Latifah plays a simple department store employee who loves to cook. One day she finds out she only has a few weeks to live. So, she quits her job, withdraws all her money, and goes on a fantastically luxurious holiday in a snow-covered spa town in the Czech Republic. Who hasn’t had that fantasy?

What makes this movie perfect for the season is the cheery festiveness, the delicious food (there's a lot!), and the warmth Queen Latifah brings to the role. It’s an easy fun watch that will leave you feeling cozy and ready for Christmas!

Name: Hallah Danbouh (Mixed Media Content) Film: Elf, duh!

Why? I mean, it's a man named Buddy (Will Ferrell) raised as an elf at the North Pole who decides to travel to New York City to locate his real father (James Caan) during Christmas. The plot and the location of the whole story alone is hilarious, especially when Buddy meets New York's version of Santa Claus, stating that he sits on a throne of lies, and that he doesn't smell like Santa.... Bit much, but ridiculously funny! So many lines from that film are just golden and perfect for the holidays. And, yes, I know that Halloween is over, but I still end up watching The Nightmare Before Christmas because of the music and its endless feels of warmth.

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Name: Farah A. Barakat (Mixed Media Content) Film: Home Alone 2 Why? Home Alone is a classic, but Home Alone 2 is my favorite for a very specific reason. First off, I love New York City (who doesn’t) but I also believe that we find ourselves every time we get lost -metaphorically speaking. Being lost, and finding your path again helps you remember what really matters and what does not. This movie, to me, helps me remember how important family bonds are, especially during the holidays. On this journey, Kevin McAllister is lost in NYC with nowhere to go. The events that take place are hilarious and watching two grown men fall for the traps of a young boy makes it even funnier.

X-mas is always a good reason to replay good old movies!

Name: Jennifer Cádiz (Mixed Media Solutions) Film: Gone with the Wind Why: It was always a struggle to choose between the Queen's speech or Gone With the Wind on Christmas Day. It's not a Christmas film to be sure, but it was always on at this time of year when I was a teenager in Scotland so it's the first film I think of. I had a massive crush on Rhett Butler and I'm

sure all my failed romantic choices have come from eternally finding this bad boy. Luckily, with Scarlett O 'Hara and Maria Von Trapp (the Sound of Music is often on during the holiday season too) I've never walked into a room with curtains and not known I couldn't make a snazzy outfit out of them if need be. Then, It's A Wonderful Life - the 1946 version starring Jimmy Stewart. And I've always loved Holiday Inn with Bing Crosby. It's where the song "White Christmas" comes from! Probably a good thing that song wasn't on the Gone with the Wind soundtrack, as the film doesn't really stand the trope test of time well.

Name: Ahmed Al-Ashab (Graphic Designer) Film: The Nightmare Before Christmas Why? I liked the feel the movie had, just like Jack Skellington, and the mysterious twist to it. I love the way it was perfectly made by Tim Burton, plus the soundtrack by Danny Elfman, and the characters in the movie are just awesome.

Follow @bazaargram on Instagram for our monthly hitlist questions. Image courtesy of Unsplash.

Mais ‫صبحية ميس‬

Breakfast at Mais Enjoy our new Breakfast menu at Mais Alghanim “Sharq” Daily except Sundays from 8:00 to 11:30 am - First Floor

Sharq, Gulf Road, opposite to Kuwait Towers 22251155 www.maisalghanim.com

It’s beginning to smell like the holidays By bazaar staff

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It is the season of joy and goodness, and it definitely has an instantly recognizable scent.

Many bazaarites have sweet memories of our homes being transformed by the warm hints of gingerbread, peppermint, cinnamon, vanilla and spices.

Bath & Body Works, the ultimate personal care and home fragrance lifestyle brand launched their Holiday Collection this November and they all smell heavenly.

Peppermint, Gingerbread, Balsam & Fresh Sparkling Snow are just a few of the fragrances that we are swooning over.

The lifestyle brand is officially kicking off this holiday season with the launch of new products that celebrate some of the season’s most iconic and newest fragrances.

While we consider sight as one of our strongest senses, our sense of smell truly helps us navigate the world and almost everyone has preferences for specific scents or perhaps ones that evoke powerful memories.

Once you have gotten yourself and your home ready for the holidays, you can start focusing on your gift-giving.

There are so many fragrances and products to choose from including favorites that are available in store all year round. Bath & Body Works has something to offer for every gift recipient on your list!

They have also brought back their best-selling Holiday Traditions collection. Fragrances include: Vanilla Bean Noel, Winter Candy Apple, Twisted Peppermint, as well as Frosted Coconut Snowball and new Spiced Gingerbread Swirl! All available in the Body Care and Home Fragrance product ranges.

But our favorites are the Bath & Body Works 3-Wick Candles which are the perfect way to add fragrance and a festive glow to the home all season long. Their scent will fill a room with a consistent quality smell from beginning to end more than any other candle. Choose from timeless and beloved fragrances like Fresh Balsam, ’Tis the Season and Vanilla Bean Noel in a variety of styles to complement any holiday décor. We buy these candles for ourselves and to be honest we would love to hoard them for the entire year but they do make perfect gifts for our loved ones all year round.

The fragrance fun doesn’t stop there – Bath & Body Works continues its celebration of Holiday fragrances all season long with new products arriving every week!

For more information, follow Bath & Body Works on Instagram @bathandbodyworksarabia.

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POSITIVE CHANGE

Instagram to ban drawings and memes showing self-harm and suicide

By Rex Crum

In an effort to reduce the amount of unseemly and graphic images posted on its social media platform, Instagram said it will begin banning drawings, cartoons and memes that depict people engaging in self-harm and suicide.

The announcement is an expansion of a policy that Facebook-owned Instagram put in place in February to ban graphic images of self-harm, as well as put in place sensitivity screens that have so far hidden 834,000 pieces of content. As part of its new policy, Instagram said that accounts sharing content that depicts selfharm or suicide won't be recommended in the service's search or explore field.

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Instagram will also be adding information more information to its site about suicide prevention resources from organizations such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Trevor Project in the United States, and the Samaritans and Papyrus helplines in the United Kingdom.

"Nothing is more important to me than the safety of the people who use Instagram, particularly the most vulnerable," said Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, in a company blog post about the new policy. "Suicide and self-harm are difficult and complex topics that people understandably care deeply about. These issues are complicated. There are many opinions about how best to approach them.

But they matter a lot, and to me, as a parent, they certainly hit home."

Instagram's latest moves to hide and block self-harm imagery come in the wake of the suicide of Molly Russell, a 14-year-old British teen who killed herself in 2017. After Russell's death, her father found images of suicide and self-harm on her Instagram and Pinterest accounts.

Mosseri said the moves to ban more types of imagery related to suicide and self-harm won't be the last. "Getting our approach right requires more than a single change to our policies or a one-time update to our technology. Our work here is never done. Our policies and technology have to evolve as new trends emerge and behaviors change."

Photo by Georgia de Lotz on Unsplash.

D&D

OFF TO THE DESERT Turning Camping into Glamping with X-cite By bazaar staff

‘Tis the season of camping here in Kuwait, and oh how grateful we all are that it is finally upon us. The activity usually attracts the adventurous, the ones who do not mind getting down and dirty. But, what about the rest of us who really want to join in on the fun, but do not want to be quite so in tune with nature? Glamping is the answer, being the modern style of camping glamorously. With a few of our recommendations and X-cite’s innovative products, your guide to glamping is set.

Varta 3W LED Indestructible Beam Lantern

Black+Decker 33L Portable Cooler and Warmer

Marshall Kilburn II Wireless Portable Speaker

A good old trusty beam lantern is an essential you do not want to skip. Although an ornamental light fixture would make your stay seem a lot more luxurious. It is time to be brave and let go of that beautiful chandelier at home because this lantern will light up your world.

Do you want to keep your hot drinks toasty and your cold drinks icy? This awesome portable cooler has dual function and is a must-have for this season. It will save you some space while packing for your short trip and handle both the jobs of a thermos and a cooler.

Whether you are camping with friends or with family, music is always a good idea. Play your hip tunes in the middle of the desert and dance like nobody’s watching, because hopefully no one is.

With the speaker's trendy design, convenience and 20+ hours of playtime, entertainment is covered!

Magic Sing 2-in1 Mobile Karaoke Microphone

Samsung 55 Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart QLED TV

Sony PlayStation VR + Camera + VR World Game

Play some sing-along games with your friends and family with this mobile karaoke microphone. It can simply give your voice a boost, or you can connect to your phone via Bluetooth and show off your skills by singing along. This microphone also connects with the Magic Sing application, which has thousands of songs available on iPhone and Android.

Being in the middle of the desert should not stop you from watching your favorite TV shows.

After all, falling behind on your Netflix may put you at risk of hearing spoilers from your camping cohorts. Gather up your friends and have a desert TV marathon with this 55-inch screen TV.

Camping itself is already an adventure, but with VR, it takes your experience to a whole nother level. Get inside your favorite video games and be in control of the characters you are playing by enjoying impeccable graphics and interactions.

In an endless desert, you have so much room to move!

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Wansa 20W Insect Killer (W-40-41W)

Cobra CB1053 18-inch Square BBQ Grill

Wansa 1850W Fireplace Electric Heater

Flying insects are little creatures that can be ridiculously annoying sometimes. Luckily, we have insect killers that can zap those little monsters away. This handy gadget is not only practical due to its ability to be used indoors and outdoors, but it is stylishly modern looking too.

Whether kabobs, burgers or roasted potatoes are on the menu, you want to have a fully functional grill. This red grill is not only an essential due to its practicality, but a statement piece as well.

This grill will come in handy long after camping season is over.

Although a perfect campfire would be ideal, we are trying to glamp out here. This electric heater has a vintage black cast iron effect finish that will look glamorous in any tent while keeping you warm and toasty. Bye bye shivers!

Dolce Gusto Nescafe Movenza Coffee Machine

Princess Chocolate fountain

Firman 15L 2500/2800VA Generator - SPG3000

You may have seen these contemporary coffee machines everywhere, but now is the perfect time to buy one. Enjoy a frothy cappuccino, different flavors of lattes, a rich espresso, or much more with this easy to handle machine!

What is a camping trip without some s’mores?

Well, this is the same idea, but easier and more delicious. Chop up some strawberries, lay out some marshmallows, biscuits, and cake bites for your fellow glampers to dip into this chocolate fountain. It will surely be a night they will not forget!

By now you are most likely wondering how is all this equipment being powered in the middle of the desert. Well, thankfully it is 2019, and X-cite have several fantastic generators available for purchase. This model is easy to handle and use with the control panel conveniently located away from dust, dirt and debris.

For a comprehensive list of X-cite locations and to shop online for the latest deals visit www.xcite.com. 24-Hour shopping can be found in the Airport Mall – Terminal One, Salmiya – The Cube Mall, Hawalli, Al Rai and Fahaheel stores. Download the X-cite app for Android on Google Play or iPhone on the App Store. Follow X-cite social media accounts on Instagram @XciteAlghanim, Twitter @XciteAlghanim, and Facebook: XcitebyAlghanim. Call 180 3535 for further enquiries.

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QUANTUM SUPREMACY

Google says quantum computer beat 10,000-year task in minutes

By Amy Thomson

Alphabet Inc.'s Google said it's built a computer that's reached "quantum supremacy," performing a computation in 200 seconds that would take the fastest supercomputers about 10,000 years.

The results of Google's tests, which were conducted using a quantum chip it developed in-house, were published in the scientific journal Nature. "This achievement is the result of years of research and the dedication of many people," Google engineering director Hartmut Neven said in a blog post. "It's also the beginning of a new journey: figuring out how to put this technology to work. We're working with the research community and have open-sourced tools to enable others to work alongside us to identify new applications."

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The idea behind quantum computing is to exponentially improve the processing speed and power of computers to be able to simulate large systems, driving advances in physics, chemistry and other fields.

Rather than storing information in binary 0s or 1s like classical computers, quantum computers rely on "qubits", which can be both 0 and 1 simultaneously, dramatically increasing the amount of information that can be encoded.

But, much like advancements in artificial intelligence, there's a lot of debate about what constitutes a real breakthrough. Researchers at International Business Machines Corp. said in a blog this week that a simulation of the same task Google used could be done in 2.5 days on a classical computer with enough hard drive storage, not 10,000 years. If quantum supremacy means

doing something classical computers can't, this isn't it, they wrote.

While the world's biggest tech companies are racing to develop a quantum computer that passes the scrutiny of academics, some products are commercially available already. In 2011, Canada's D-Wave Systems Inc. became the first company to sell such a product to businesses and government labs, although unlike machines being built by rivals, its usefulness is limited as the hardware can't solve any kind of mathematical problem.

A number of other companies including IBM, Google, Microsoft Corp., and California-based startup Rigetti Computing are pushing to create more powerful machines that businesses can use. They've also made some of their technology available for researchers to experiment with via the internet.

come SHRIMP with me

PF changs

SOUFFLE BEAUTY

PETA certified rose and probiotic skin care By bazaar staff

Tired of looking for a skin care brand that is good for the environment, appropriate for warmer climates, and backed by science, Tarfa Al-Farhan and her partner Hui Min Ang (goes by Minnie) decided to formulate their own! Despite all the competition in the world, they were undeterred. We had the pleasure of sitting down with co-owner, Tarfa and hearing all about Souffle Beauty since her partner was out of the country on official business duty! These friends had us believe that maybe sometimes business and friendships can mix.

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This dynamic duo had us super inspired with their will power to stand out among women in business and start something completely different. Only a few years ago, Tarfa, 29 pursued her bachelor's and master’s degrees in Switzerland and met her business partner Minnie, 29. They were roommates, who soon turned into best friends and stumbled upon a need for personalized skin care. This came from long hours of working within the hospitality industry “you work long hours, and sometimes you cannot take care of yourself [since] you’re taking care of others.”

In search of a quick fix, they came to find that facial cleansers within the industry were outrageous. The amount of questionable

ingredients and chemicals that went into them caused build up on the skin and left it looking dull. At the time Tarfa and Minnie stumbled upon the proposal that started it all, without even realizing it. “It was an idea we came up with and then left it alone for years until we met again in 2017”. When asked if there were concerns about working together since they had such a close bond and did not want to risk losing it, the girls said they had gone through almost everything together and knew that they could count on each other no matter what. Their outlook was that if anything, their friendship would strengthen their business and not weaken it.

After a night of brainstorming and playing

catch up, they decided to take a leap of faith and go for it. They researched chemists who could help them formulate the products they wanted to create. There were endless opportunities and countries to choose from, ultimately “it was between China and Singapore for us, we went with Singapore because that market is underrated” as well as “the beauty industry is oversaturated with products from other countries such as Korea.”

When it was time to pick the base, Souffle Beauty settled on rose water because it is the best fitting base for all skin types and is not tested on animals. But not all Rose Water is equal and they chose Bulgarian rose water, which is 100% pure and natural. Rose water is known for its skin soothing properties and helps calm down skin irritations. As far as the main ingredients, the ladies purposefully chose to include probiotics (specifically bifida ferment lysate) in their skin care line. Probiotics are the good bacteria your body needs to flourish.

Within your skin regimen they can act like a conditioner and help protect your skin from UV exposure. Their focus was to create a product line that would reemphasize the importance of skin care rather than makeup.

To top it off, the name Souffle came along. Having gone to school in Switzerland, both business partners felt inspired by the French dessert, the soufflé. They named their company Souffle Beauty because Souffle is known for its airy consistency. “We wanted people to think of our skin care line as light and fluffy as well! Something that applies easily, leaves the skin breathing and feels light to touch.”

Over time, and numerous trials and errors, Tarfa and Minnie kept pushing forward even when met with major competition like being told people simply did not care enough about skin in this region. They credit their perseverance to their success because they insisted on trusting their message and product regardless of the naysayers. Their advice to readers is to always remove your makeup before sleeping, no matter how tired you may be, and to drink lots and lots of water.

They have just been nominated for best urban serum in Singapore. The serum forms a protective layer that protects from common pollutants in the air, perfect for city living and the atmosphere in Kuwait.

For more information follow @soufflebeauty_ kwt on Instagram, or visit their website www. soufflebeauty.com 129

THE COGNITIVE COST

Vaping is blamed for mounting deaths, lung injuries. Here's what it's doing to kids' brains

By Rita Giordano

With over 1,600 cases of vaping-related lung injuries and 34 deaths reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is plenty that's worrisome about the health impacts of e-cigarettes. But the pulmonary harm being so concerning that the CDC website is updating the toll weekly isn't the only thing alarming pediatricians about their young patients and vaping. There also is the damage the practice might be doing to their brains.

A growing body of research suggests that nicotine is a potent gateway drug to other substances, as well as other troubling behaviors, especially in the high doses delivered by many e-cigarettes. Researchers, as well as clinicians, increasingly say they are seeing an increase in attention difficulties, irritability, volatility, even aggression and addiction, in young vapers whose brains are still forming.

"We have this burgeoning evidence base that nicotine exposure, especially early on, might increase your brain's risk of getting addicted to not only nicotine but other substances like marijuana, alcohol, and cocaine," said Brian Jenssen, a faculty member with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia's PolicyLab and an expert in tobacco/e-cigarette treatment and policy.

"We know nicotine [use through e-cigarettes] is not only impacting the parts of the brain to do with addiction. It's impacting other parts of the brain, too, and we're seeing effects we haven't seen with cigarette smokers," said Sharon Levy, director of Boston Children's Hospital's adolescent substance use and addiction program and an associate professor with Harvard Medical School. "We're seeing lots of kids who have problems with attention, concentration, and a lot of behavioral dysregulation.

We've seen it with marijuana addiction. We've seen it with opioid addiction. We have not seen it with cigarettes."

And the likelihood is we'll be seeing more of these problems given the rapid growth of vaping among young people. According to research published this month in the New England Journal of Medicine, the prevalence of e-cigarette use among students in the eighth, 10th, and 12th grades more than doubled from 2017 to 2019.

As physicians and scientists continue to seek explanations about what is causing serious lung problems in people who vape, including some who have used cannabis products, the impact of nicotine on the developing brain, especially in high doses, is still being learned. But the ever-growing implications are troubling.

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Nicotine is highly addictive. Any smoker who has tried to quit cigarettes can attest to that. However, research has found the younger an adolescent starts using nicotine, the more likely he or she will continue into adulthood, even more so than users of other addictive substances.

Adolescence into young adulthood is a critical time for brain development. Studies suggest nicotine alters chemical pathways in the brain and boosts dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with reward-seeking, pleasure, and the risk for various addictions.

An analysis of more than 20 studies recently published in JAMA Pediatrics found that youth with a history of vaping were 3.5 times more likely than those who do not vape to become marijuana users.

Other research has found people who use nicotine are more likely to try other substances.

Meanwhile, a landmark study by Columbia University medical school researchers viewed as the closest to biological proof of the gateway theory found that mice given nicotine in their water over a period of time showed addiction-related gene changes and increased vulnerability to cocaine dependence.

Denise Kandel, a professor of sociomedical sciences in psychiatry at Columbia's Irving Medical Center and a lead author on the study, said she and her colleagues have also found in subsequent research that alcohol and cannabinoids seem to have

gateway-like relationships to cocaine use in mouse studies. Kandel said it's not yet known if all the same molecular changes take place in humans, but because adolescents' brains are still forming, young people are likely to be especially susceptible to the gateway effect.

For the young, nicotine is the most likely gateway. Adolescent alcohol consumption rates have decreased in recent years. The prevalence of tobacco use is greater than marijuana use, Kandel said, and the decreases in young people smoking combustible cigarettes have been undone by the "explosive increase" in vaping.

"Whatever its source, nicotine is nicotine," Kandel said. "It will adversely affect the brains of adolescents and increase their susceptibility to the reward effects of other drugs."

The research is especially shocking given the super-doses of nicotine adolescents are getting from e-cigarettes like Juul, a popular brand among young people. One Juul pod has as much nicotine as a pack of cigarettes and young vapers tend not to partake sparingly.

"Many of these kids are using one, two, three pods a day," Jenssen said.

Ironically, Jenssen said, it's not unusual for these youngsters, priced out of their vaping habit, to start turning to conventional cigarettes the very products e-cigarettes were marketed as an alternative to.

sutis

THE AUTHENTIC TASTE OF TURKEY 1850005 sutis_kw sutis.kuwait Avenues Souq - Menus Complex - The Gate Mall

HOTTEST NEW SPOT IN TOWN WELCOME TO THE UNIDENTIFIABLE: HOUSE OF X By bazaar staff

House of X is a new entertainment spot in the heart of Kuwait City that combines all forms of music, art and sports under one roof. It hasn’t been open for long, but has already gotten a lot of buzz due to its convenience.

HOX is a place with no identity, it does not identify as an arcade center, or a music spot, or even a stop shop. It is a collection of all things the Kuwaiti crowd has been waiting for. We have all the deets for you straight from the man behind this new fun concept, Ali Abdeen.

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Ali Abdeen had a vision of starting his own business from a very young age. Coming back to Kuwait after having been abroad, Abdeen realized the true need for hang out spots in town where people could simply come and ‘chill’ with their friends. As he shared with us “There are basic rules for businesses, supply and demand or demand and supply. The people here were indirectly demanding something like this for a long time, for us, our age, we have no places to go and chill…” Wanting to do something different, he studied and researched the market in order to cater to the demand. “There [were] only coffee shops and restaurants” he said. From that very first notion, the foundation of HOX started.

After graduating from West Virginia University with a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Abdeen set off to start working on his master plan. Since he had a growing appreciation for the arts, he wanted his walls to be an ode to creativity. He collected impressive works of art and hired local artists to come in and create stunning paintings on the walls that stayed true to the industrial theme. Within the miscellany of artwork, lies the artwork of Ahmad Al Hawaj, one of the owners of Den Gallery in Crystal Tower. The collective aesthetic of the art is portrait and abstract, with a hint of retro packed in an industrial studio.

HOX also utilizes brand new technology, the first of its kind in Kuwait for the bowling alleys, which are interactive and can display personalized images.

Customizing a bowling alley for someone’s birthday is also something that can be requested.

The spot also includes a soon to launch exclusive American diner called Billy Joe which has a large statue of liberty outside of it. Billy Joe will service American cuisine and can be rented out for occasions (as well as HOX). Abdeen emphasized that this is not just a burger place, but is an American diner inclusive of all kinds of American food.

Being a mixture of art and practicality, Yeezy’s are displayed in the midst of the location. In the corner lies a few very comfortable beanbag chairs with an enormous TV to play your favorite video games on.

In another area, lies a play on words of a frame that says “The piece of art I am” where you can step into the photo-ready spot and literally be inside a frame, posing as an art piece in a gallery. As well as the inclusion of the popular coffee shop, 20 Grams.

HOX is a place with no labels or a specific identity, it’s a spot full of creative collaborations. When Abdeen explained the meaning behind the name, he said “X the standard meaning, for example when you’re playing bowling, you get a strike and it’s an X. In math it stands for the unknown. So, I called it House of X not because of the strike, but because it’s an unknown kind of place. You don’t know where to put it, there’s no identity for HOX.” Abdeen was ecstatic with the attention and success he has gotten lately.

He shared with us his plans to open up a HOX II; a 60’s sport inspired themed space. We can’t wait to see what is to come next!

For more information follow @houseofx_kw on Instagram.

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DRESS CODE, MORAL CODE

Can a costume affect honesty?

By Amina Khan

To the 544 trick-or-treaters who walked up to Joshua Tasoff's porch in Monrovia, Calif., it was just a stormy Halloween night replete with costumes and candy. To Tasoff, it was the perfect setting for a science experiment. A behavioral economist at Claremont Graduate University, Tasoff was curious about the ways in which costumes might affect someone's identity and their ethical choices. He thought he might be able to see it in action by testing whether the costumes children wore had any influence on their propensity to cheat in a simple game.

"You have all these kids that are getting dressed up in costumes once on a year," Tasoff said. "I thought, 'This is a golden opportunity I have to do something.'"

"Clothes maketh the man", as they say, and there's evidence that they influence behavior as well. For instance, researchers have found that lab coats can make the wearer perform better on attention-related tasks, and that school uniforms seem to reduce disciplinary referrals.

If lab coats and uniforms could make a difference, what about a full-blown costume?

Costumes have coincided with anomalous behavior since Halloween's earliest days, Tasoff said. The holiday is derived from Samhain, a Celtic spiritual festival in which pranksters donned costumes to hide their identities.

Tasoff wasn't the first behavioral economist to turn All Hallow's Eve into a scientific project.

Dean Karlan at Northwestern University has engaged trick-or-treaters to study their tolerance of ambiguity, the influence of Michelle Obama on their healthy eating choices, and various other questions. Dan Ariely of Duke University has enlisted candy-seekers to learn about the ways that free goods affect kids' decision making.

Tasoff and his graduate students came up with a two-part plan to test whether costumes connected to the trick-or-treaters' propensity to cheat. Going in, they suspected that kids wearing "good guy" costumes would be more honest than those wearing the "bad guy" outfits.

One part involved asking trick-or-treaters about their costumes: Who are you today? Is that a "good guy" or a "bad guy"? Do you do good things or evil things? (Children were also asked how old they were, and a researcher wrote down other relevant information, including their genders and whether parents accompanied them.)

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The other part involved a game. The trickor-treaters were handed a cup that contained a traditional six-sided die. They were told to shake the cup and see what number came up. Any number from 1 to 5 would earn them one candy; a 6 would earn them two candies.

Here was the key: the trick-or-treaters were told that no one else would check the cup. Only they would know the true number on the top of the die.

So last Halloween, children were randomly assigned to one of two lines in front of Tasoff's house. In one, kids were asked about their costumes before they played the game. In the other, the questions came at the end, when it was too late to influence how the kids played.

About 24% of the costumes were bad guys, according to their wearers; 74% said they were good guys, and 2% said they were both or neither.

The researchers didn't check to see whether each trick-or-treater cheated. But it was clear that cheating had occurred: With a 1-in-6 chance of rolling a six, a group of honest players should have reported that result and claimed an extra candy only 16.7% of the time.

Instead, when trick-or-treaters played the game before answering questions about their costumes, the ones dressed as good guys said they got a six 45% of the time, and those dressed as bad guys reported a six 68% of the time.

But to the researchers' surprise, when trickor-treaters answered the costume questions first that is, when they were primed to think about their costumed identity the pattern flipped: kids dressed as good guys claimed to have rolled a six 59%% of the time, while those dressed as bad guys said they got a six 47% of the time.

The results could be a sign of a phenomenon known as moral licensing, the researchers wrote in a paper made public this month. That's when people use their past good deeds to justify a bad action. If the costume questions primed trick-or-treaters to think of themselves as good guys, perhaps they subconsciously felt they had license to cheat. It's also possible they felt they would be under less scrutiny and thus more likely to get away with cheating.

The children in bad-guy costumes, on the other hand, might have been less inclined to cheat because they may have felt that they were being watched and judged, Tasoff and his colleagues wrote. (The paper is currently under review for publication in an economics journal, Tasoff said.)

Marta Serra Garcia, a behavioral economist at UC San Diego who was not involved in the experiment, called it a creative study.

"It raises interesting questions, so it's definitely thought-provoking," she said.

But figuring out whether costumes were responsible for the change in game behavior was a tricky question, because the trick-or-treaters chose their own costumes. The only way to know for sure would be to randomize which costumes kids wear which can't practically be done.

Intriguing as the study results were, Tasoff said he and his crew are taking this Halloween off. The 2018 experiment involved more than a dozen graduate students to wrangle the trick-ortreaters, collect the data and otherwise manage the logistics. By the end of the night they had shouted themselves hoarse.

"We need a break," Tasoff said. Instead, he'll be hosting his students for the festive evening. "We're going to take it easy and enjoy the neighborhood."

alyasra

KIDZANIA'S DINO WORLD

Step back in time with KidZania for a prehistoric adventure!

By bazaar staff

Dinosaurs are a fascinating topic. Children and adults alike have wondered about the time when gigantic creatures roamed our planet. And while we absolutely advocate for reading about the things that interest you to learn more about them, nothing beats getting your hands dirty to discover more.

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This winter, KidZania Kuwait, the exciting kidsized metropolis is bringing history to the present, no time machine needed! Children will uncover the mysteries of the past and immerse themselves in the prehistoric age with Dino World.

Children will have the opportunity to gain handson experience as junior paleontologists in the field.

They can use specialist tools while they search for hidden dinosaur eggs. It might seem easy, but mistaking fossilized eggs for rocks is a common mistake since they look so similar. Kids will learn how to identify them, in addition to matching the discovered eggs with the correct dinosaur family. As scientists-in-the-making they will also learn how to measure and store them so that they can be studied later on.

There are ten dinosaurs of different shapes and sizes scattered all over the park. Aspiring paleontologists and brave explorers are going to love finding them all. They are a perfect photo opportunity for the Instagram-loving generation. By seeing the large-scale dinos all over KidZania the kids will quickly learn all of their names and what they look like. Find the instantly recognizable Triceratops, T-Rex, and Velociraptor among many others.

“Dinosaurs have captivated imaginations and sparked curiosity for generations. At KidZania we are committed to constantly innovate to provide new attractions such as the Dino World for our young inquisitive visitors to learn and enjoy. We hope kids will become inspired to explore and understand how fossils help scientists piece together the past. KidZania’s Dino World provides an ideal mix of learning, entertainment, and fun activities in an interactive environment combined with enhancing kids’ mental, physical and social skills,” commented Fernando Medroa, Vice President of Leisure and Entertainment at Alshaya Group.

Special dino-themed rides and games have been designed for educational and engaging experiences.

Children can hop onto the Dino scooters, embark on a Jurassic maze using a map as well as watch thrilling shows that explore the lost world. KidZania offers children a fantastic opportunity to put down their electronic devices and discover the world for themselves.

Dino World is taking place from 7 November until 1 February 2020. KidZania Kuwait is located at The Mall – The Avenues. For more information on KidZania’s Dino World, please visit kuwait.kidzania.com and follow them on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook @KidZaniaKuwait.

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TAKING ON TEKZONE We went back for more fun!

By bazaar staff

It has been more than a year since TEKZONE opened its doors to the public in Kuwait. We loved it so much that we keep going back for more. TEKZONE is an interactive entertainment destination for the entire family, regardless of your age. They offer a flavor of fun that is dynamic, futuristic and completely interactive.

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TEKZONE makes use of the most advanced gaming and entertainment technology in Virtual Reality (VR) with Augmented Reality (AR) to create attractions, thrill rides, classic games, redemption games and digitally enhanced escape rooms. They are constantly adding and tweaking their offerings to keep their guests and players excited and challenged.

At the door you receive your Time Mission bracelet.

Put it on and get ready to be part of something bigger than yourself. But first, you will need to register it, choose a name and an avatar. Every time you play a game you will collect crystals as a reward which can then be redeemed for different prizes. The more crystals you collect, the higher your name goes up the scoreboard which you can find at the exit. The board shows the names of the highest scorer of the day and of the entire year.

While we love all of the TEKZONE games we have some favorites that we keep gravitating towards. As kids, most of us loved figuring out mazes that are printed on paper. Some of us were slightly more obsessed and even tried creating their very own. The VR Maze is that experience but magnified. Find your way out of imaginary, magical and absolutely out of this world spaces by relying on your smarts, wits and sense of direction.

Like almost everyone else who stumbles across the VR game Beat Saber, we absolutely fell in love with it. You are geared up in a VR headset and given motion controllers. As you open your eyes in the game you realize that the world is in neon and the increasing tempo of the music is an indication that this is going to be challenging and exciting. You are holding a blue light saber in one hand and a red one in the other. Big colored blocks move towards your direction and your goal is to slash them with the matching light saber. It is an addictive game that doubles as a workout and is so much fun!

During the day we love bumping into ZO, the cybertronic robot and the friendly face of TEKZONE. He travelled to earth from his home planet Zeta to spread fun and cheer. He’s a lovable fellow, so if you come across him in the park be sure to say hello and snap a few pictures. You might even get to meet some of his friends, the puppets too, who are just as friendly and fun.

Between the VR Bumper Car and the Finger Coaster that you design yourself then ride and all of the amazing other games, TEKZONE is truly an amazing place to spend the whole day in having some real and immersive fun.

Visit TEKZONE situated in The Forum Basement, Phase IV – The Avenues. To discover more about TEKZONE, follow them on Facebook and Instagram on @TEKZONEME. Purchase rechargeable TEKZONE cards at the reception check-in. Charge cards may also be given as gift vouchers. Opening hours from 10am - 11pm Saturdays to Wednesdays and 10am midnight on weekends.

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BREAKIE AT MAIS Enjoy the morning seaside view with Mais’s new breakfast menu!

By bazaar staff

We have had a particular spot in our hearts for all the food that is served at Mais Alghanim. From their promotional Modern Signatures menu, that is annually refreshed, to their classic menu items. Since the restaurant opened in 1953, the quality and taste has never let us down when we had cravings for authentic Lebanese flavors, and now their breakfast menu has finally launched at the restaurant's seaside branch on the Gulf Road.

We enjoyed the lovely experience of trying out the "Breakfast At Mais" menu.

While we were tasting all the dishes, we were enthralled by the seaside view in front of us. Even after many years, the picture-perfect view remains beautiful and breathtaking as it always has been, especially in the morning. The feast first began with the cold appetizers, which included a selection of bread and jams in a basket, along with a platter of vegetables and a cheese platter with different kinds of cheese such as Shallal, Baladi, Kashkaaval and Halloumi. As cheesy as it sounds, you can't say "Lebanese food," without Labneh, and Mais gave us the creamiest Labneh filled with green olives and olive oil, plus Labneh balls, which are perfect if you're seeking a texture other than the heavenly creamy one.

We then moved onto the hot appetizers, with an even greater variety of dishes available, right on time for winter to keep us warm and satisfied. Our absolute favorites were the Grilled Halloumi with tomatoes and olives, the delightfully Baked

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Feta Cheese, Hummus with Minced Meat. Finally, the ultimate stars, Egyptian Foul and Foul Abu Emile, both serving different flavors depending on your preference.

Mais have also included some items from their Vegan options like the Falafel, Balila, Musabbaha, and Mixed Fried Veggies, making sure everyone feels included.

You might actually settle for a simple breakfast from both the hot and cold appetizers, but there's much more to the menu than you can imagine, quickly calling us for an instant family and friends brunch. The variety of choices on the Eggs section alone is pleasing, from Chef's Shakshouka, Egg White Omelet with Feta Cheese & Rocca, to the fantastical and a definitive must-try dish, the Poached Eggs with Labneh & Mint sauce. If you're not a fan of trying out something new, you will still have the choice of going for a simple Sunny Side Up, or Scrambled Eggs, especially the one with caramelized onions.

The breakfast at Mais will leaves you spoiled for choice. There are various Saj selections, from Zaatar to Nutella with bananas. And for Fatteh lovers, don't miss trying out the Hummus Fatteh from this section. Speaking of sweets, after a lovely breakfast feast, we ended on a high note with a dessert dish called Layali Libnan, which is a Semolina Pudding that includes bananas, cream, and honey. We also had the refreshing Dasman teapot that has orange peel, cinnamon, and dry roses to stave off our inevitable food coma.

The breakfast at Mais Alghanim is one you can't go wrong with. Whether you are out for breakfast or brunch with family and friends and want to go to a place where wonderful Lebanese flavors are served with a view like no other, now you'll know exactly where to head out to.

The breakfast menu is served from 8 - 11:30 AM only at Mais Alghanim which is located on the Gulf Road near the Kuwait Towers (2225 1155). For more information, follow @Maisalghanim on Instagram.

Photos by bazaar Studios

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WALK IN WATER

State-of-the-Art Water Walkers and High Tech CACI Treatments at Talise Spa in Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa

By bazaar staff

There is something magical about water.

We love chilling by the pool, braving the waves in the ocean or even relaxing in a hot bath.

Water is therapeutic and Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa launches a revolutionary new technology for the first time in Kuwait; Water Walker & CACI (Computer Aided Cosmetology Instrument). The machines are only available at the award winning Talise Spa. The Ambassador of Japan, Takashi Ashiki along with Chief Technical Officer of Water Walker, Yasutoshi Tajima were present on the day of the official launch. Assistant Director of PR and Communications, Yasmine Ismail, along with Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa marketing team introduced guests to the new technology.

Later on, everyone was taken to Talise Spa to learn more about the Water Walker & Spa Steed pro, Water Walker & Spa Compact and CACI machines.

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Targeting the ever-changing fitness and wellness needs of both men and women, Talise spa offers different sessions utilizing the Water Walkers. Training in water is perfect for cardio and resistance training without exerting any pressure on your joints. The temperature of the water can be controlled and is set to 2 degrees Celsius lower than the human body temperature which causes your body to release more energy and burn more calories. Four certified professionals were flown into Kuwait from Osaka, Japan to install the Water Walkers and train the staff.

CACI facial treatment delivers results equivalent to a face lift without the painful surgical process. The Orbital Skin Resurfacing is used for exfoliation to reveal a healthy radiant look, while Ultrasonic Deep Cleansing technology removes any make-up residue, blemishes or impurities. Wrinkle Comb Technology targets deep lines and wrinkles to provide a non-invasive alternative to dermal fillers. The CACI, noninvasive facial treatment works as a "workout for facial muscles", as the stimulating micro currents are applied to areas that traditionally suffer from

wrinkles and lines, such as the jawline and areas around the mouth and eyes. The treatment also enhances the skin’s ability to neutralize bacteria and helps to protect your skin from daily damage.

Talise Spa, a haven for the mind and body, takes a holistic approach to embody the philosophy of preserving wellness. It focuses on body, mind and spirit rejuvenation with an array of health and beauty facilities as well as spa products. A daily calendar of activities such as meditation, yoga and other healthy lifestyle practices elevates the spa’s whole experience.

The Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa is located in Messilah, Al Ta’awun Street, Block 7, Building 13. For more information, please call 2226 9666 or visit Jumeirah.com. Follow their latest updates on Instagram, @JumeirahMessilahBeach, Twitter @JumeirahMB, and Facebook.com/ JumeirahMessilahBeach. Featured image courtesy of Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa.

Shake shack

SHRIMP SHENANIGANS P.F. Chang’s 9th Shrimp Festival By bazaar staff

The famous P.F. Chang’s Shrimp Festival is back, and this Fall tradition is now better than ever! With crispy, grilled, glazed and sizzling options, there are alternatives for everyone to enjoy on the menu. P.F. Chang’s does not discriminate and has options to sway even the cynics of seafood. So, grab your friends or family members and head to their nearest location before the festival is over and you miss out on the fun!

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Stepping into P.F. Chang’s is always a delightful experience regardless of the time of the year.

However, the Asian-themed, casual dining restaurant is utter perfection for family time during the holidays.

Especially since the menu options are endless and range from vegetarian to beef, chicken and shrimp entrées. No more arguments about who is picking dinner. Additionally, they always have the perfect playlist playing in the background that sets the scene for a relaxing and enjoyable meal.

With all their usual entrées still available, seafood lovers are in good hands this time around. For starters, gather everybody together with their joint love for dynamite shrimp (never gets old) and mix it up with P.F. Chang’s new alternatives such as, the new heart-healthy avocado shrimp salad, appetizing lemon pepper prawn rolls, or the crispy shrimp lettuce wraps. The prawn rolls are far from a typical starter, with deep fried prawns, rolled in sprouts and drizzled with tasty lemon pepper sauce. The quick, hearty shrimp lettuce wraps are a teaser for what is to come, and a must have!

The new main entrée options being introduced for this year’s shrimp festival are seriously tempting.

Choose from delicious herb marinated prawns on noodles, or if you prefer sticking to more traditional flavors then try the sesame shrimp which is served with broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, and toasted sesame seeds.

For the steak and Pad Thai lovers, definitely try the new Korean Surf & Turf dish that includes a rib eye steak and prawns, glazed with teriyaki sauce. This mouthwatering plate is also served with traditional caramelized kimchi. For Thai pangs, try the Pad Makan Shrimp, which is P.F. Chang’s new take on Pad Thai Noodles.

So, if you are in the mood to liven up your taste buds with some new exotic flavors, step into P.F. Chang’s this season where you will be taken care of. What a perfect occasion to gather the family, and enjoy this chill weather and the exquisite flavors of the Shrimp Festival while it lasts!

P.F. Chang's is located in 2nd Avenue - The Avenues, Phase 4 - The Avenues, Al Corniche Club in Salmiya, Sidra Restaurant Complex, Grand Plaza- The Avenues and Al Kout Mall. For more information follow P.F. Chang's on Instagram @pfchangsme.

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THE MCDONALD'S APP The only app you will ever need for anything McDonald’s

By bazaar staff

The McDonald’s app was launched on the 28th of November 2017 and has proven to be one of our most used apps so far.

Unlike many restaurant’s that have created phone apps so customers can look at the menu and order food, this one is so much more than that.

It is usually around 2pm when someone at the bazaar office starts asking “What’s for lunch?” And like any diverse group, we rarely easily agree about food. Unless someone mentions that they are craving something from McDonald’s. And sometimes it is just the mention of French fries that gets us started.

Because we have a restaurant across the road from our office it is our go-to.

Which is where the McDonald’s app comes in! Since we have been using it, we have been 146

getting plenty of daily and weekly offers, amazing discounts, free items with our purchase, promotions, combo deals and much more. The app is smart and the more we use it, the better it gets at finding the right deal for us. For example, if you have a sweet tooth you get more offers for the delicious sundaes. Or if you prefer chicken over beef, your offers will take that into consideration too.

Over time the McDonald’s app will come up with the perfect deal for you, every single time.

There is nothing to stop you from scrolling through the entire selection of different offers, but because of the learning algorithims in the app, you won't need to. The future of intelligent food offers is finally here!

The McDonald’s app also works in 43 other countries, so no matter where you are in the world, you will still be getting the best deal.

If you want to make use of all of these amazing deals, just use the app at checkout, in- store or at the Drive-Thru to redeem the offers. It’s that simple. Not just that, the app provides full nutritional information on all McDonald’s products and features a dynamic Restaurant Locator so you can search for a McDonald’s restaurant based on location and the store features you are looking for.

It is also easy to order McDelivery directly through the app, making it truly a one-stop solution for everything McDonald's. Now excuse us while we go ahead and get our free fries.

The McDonald’s application is available in Arabic and English on both the App Store and Google Play. For more information, please visit McDonalds.com. Don’t forget to also follow McDonald’s Kuwait on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @McDonaldsKuwait.

Blaze pizza

ALL YOU NEED, FROM EMIRGAN SUTIS New menu, grills, and services!

By bazaar staff

It’s always easy to lose yourself whenever you take a step into Emirgan Sutis. Whether it is the majestic high ceilings, the hanging Ottoman charm of chandeliers, or the portraits of past Sultans. The restaurant has not only succeeded in delivering an impeccable and authentic Turkish atmosphere that is certainly difficult to recreate anywhere else, but they have also continued to present new menus such as breakfast, along with specialty meats, home-baked breads and much more services.

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From all the Turkish cuisine restaurants that you can have in Kuwait, Emirgan Sutis is one of our absolute favorites, where just like Istanbul, East meets the West.

Once you’re in, you’ll instantly fall into a pleasantly yet overwhelming explosion of senses. From their freshly prepared and oven baked simits, or the amazing smell of charcoal grilled meat and chicken, to their very own fragrant blends of freshly ground Turkish coffee in the morning or night (for the brave).

Emirgan Sutis just launched a whole new breakfast menu, where most classical Turkish items are available.

Take the Pisi Plate, a Turkish style fried dough that is perfect for dipping into either olives and labneh, or jams and marmalade. They also have the delicious Cheese with Sujuk Pita, the Spinach or Meat Borek, which is an iconic and crunchy Turkish pastry roll. The Cilbir that serves poached eggs filled with yogurt and a variety of spices.

You can finally enjoy a real taste of Turkish breakfast by ending this humble feast with sweet Halava Tahini Pita, and a side of their new Coffee Royal.

If you’re considering taking the family or your friends out for either breakfast, lunch or dinner, then Emiragn Sutis will serve you just right. As the vibrant rhythms of soulful music fill your ears, you’ll be able to enjoy their stunning Sutis Gourmet, a platter perfect for sharing that is filled with mixed grills of lamb chops, sizzling cheese kofte, flank steak, shish tawouq, and chicken including several choices of sides like French fries. Two new items were recently added to their selection grills, the classical copshish and truffle kebab that will surely leave you wanting more! You might decide to skip the entirety of the main course and jump straight into to the best part of a Turkish meal, the dessert! Choose from various types of Kanafeh to mouthwatering baklava. We wouldn’t ask for more when it comes to choosing between these two delightful dessert options.

In general, planning a gathering for a large number of people can be quite challenging. Handling variety, logistics and trying to find something that everyone will agree on and appreciate at the same time can stump even the most dazzling hostess. But, now it’s easier than ever with Emirgan Sutis’s Bilbayt catering services. You can place your order in advance through the app as they take care of the rest. They offer multiple options, from gathering plate to a variety of stations that will surely suit you your gettogether. What we admire most about Bilbayt services are the stations, as the performance takes you back to the heart of Istanbul, especially with their designs that adds a certain flair to your garden. Focus on your guests and loved ones and let Sutis take care of all the hard work for you.

Enjoy the wonderful Turkish cuisine at Sutis in three locations; The Souk – The Avenues, The Gate Mall and Menus in Abu Hleifa. Stay up to date with Sutis on Instagram @sutis_kw. Visit bilbayt.com or download the app on your phone to make an order. Images courtesy of Emirgan Sutis.

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bazaar books

CHILDREN OF VIRTUE AND VENGEANCE

by Tomi Adeyemi, Fantasy, Young Adult

OLDER, BUT BETTER, BUT OLDER

by Caroline de Maigret and Sophie Mas Name, Nonfiction

After battling the impossible, Zélie and Amari have finally succeeded in bringing magic back to the land of Orïsha. But the ritual was more powerful than they could’ve imagined, reigniting the powers of not only the maji, but of nobles with magic ancestry, too. Now, Zélie struggles to unite the maji in an Orïsha where the enemy is just as powerful as they are. But when the monarchy and military unite to keep control of Orïsha, Zélie must fight to secure Amari's right to the throne and protect the new maji from the monarchy's wrath. With civil war looming on the horizon, Zélie finds herself at a breaking point: she must discover a way to bring the kingdom together or watch as Orïsha tears itself apart.

Caroline de Maigret and Sophie Mas are back to amuse you with how they find they are modifying their favorite bad-girl behavior as they address beauty, love, seduction as well as lifestyle, family, work, and living alone. They are still bohemian iconoclasts saying what you don't expect to hear.

They will tell you things aren't what they used to be--when a thirty-year-old guy arrives at a party and does not even glance at you; when you wake up feeling great and everyone tells you how tired you look; you know you're an adult when you're excited just to go home. Neuroses vs. confidence, resistance vs. acceptance, passion vs. serenity, de Maigret and Mas through spirited short stories capture the different stages of ageing--as nostalgic but modern Parisian women.

IN THE DARK

THE DEAD GIRLS CLUB

by Damien Angelica Walters, Horror, Thriller

by Loreth Anne White, Thriller

A secluded mountain lodge. The perfect getaway.

So remote no one will ever find you. The promise of a luxury vacation at a secluded wilderness spa has brought together eight lucky guests. But nothing is what they were led to believe. As a fierce storm barrels down and all contact with the outside is cut off, the guests fear that it’s not a getaway. It’s a trap. Each one has a secret. Each one has something to hide. And now, as darkness closes in, they all have something to fear— including one another. Alerted to the vanished party of strangers, homicide cop Mason Deniaud and search and rescue expert Callie Sutton must brave the brutal elements of the mountains to find them. But even Mason and Callie have no idea how precious time is. Because the clock is ticking, and one by one, the guests of Forest Shadow Lodge are being hunted.

In 1991, Heather Cole and her friends were members of the Dead Girls Club. Obsessed with the macabre, the girls exchanged stories about serial killers and imaginary monsters, like the Red Lady, the spirit of a vengeful witch killed centuries before. Heather knew the stories were just that, until her best friend Becca began insisting the Red Lady was real--and she could prove it. That belief got Becca killed. It's been nearly thirty years, but Heather has never told anyone what really happened that night--that Becca was right and the Red Lady was real. She's done her best to put that fateful summer, Becca, and the Red Lady, behind her. Until a familiar necklace arrives in the mail, a necklace Heather hasn't seen since the night Becca died. The night Heather killed her. Now, someone else knows what she did...and they're determined to make Heather pay.

THIS IS GOING TO HURT: SECRET DIARIES OF A MEDICAL RESIDENT

by Adam Kay, Memoir

by Olaf Olafsson, Mystery

Bestselling author Adam Kay tells us the hilarious — and sometimes horrifying — truth about life and work in a hospital. Welcome to 97-hour weeks.

Welcome to life and death decisions. Welcome to a constant tsunami of bodily fluids. Welcome to earning less than the hospital parking meter.

Wave goodbye to your friends and relationships.

Welcome to the life of a first-year doctor. Scribbled in secret after endless days, sleepless nights and missed weekends, comedian and former medical resident Adam Kay’s This Is Going to Hurt provides a no-holds-barred account of his time on the front lines of medicine. Hilarious, horrifying and heartbreaking by turns, this is everything you wanted to know — and more than a few things you didn’t — about life on and off the hospital ward.

And yes, it may leave a scar.

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THE SACRAMENT A young nun is sent by the Vatican to investigate allegations of misconduct at a Catholic school in Iceland. During her time there, on a gray winter’s day, a young student at the school watches the school’s headmaster, Father August Franz, fall to his death from the church tower. Two decades later, the child—now a grown man, haunted by the past—calls the nun back to the scene of the crime.

Seeking peace and calm in her twilight years at a convent in France, she has no choice to make a trip to Iceland again, a trip that brings her former visit, as well as her years as a young woman in Paris, powerfully and sometimes painfully to life.

In Paris, she met an Icelandic girl who she has not seen since, but whose acquaintance changed her life, a relationship she relives all while reckoning with the mystery of August Franz’s death and the abuses of power that may have brought it on.

Source: www.amazon.com

Khaneen

SIGN UP FOR THE SIGNATURES Only at Blaze Pizza!

By bazaar staff

Once you take a step inside one of Blaze Pizza’s branches in Kuwait and have a glance at the menu, it’s all fairly simple. It is essentially a walking process where you head to the counter, as the lovely staff cater to your preferences, toppings, and make sure that the pizza you like is perfectly created and baked for your satisfaction. But, if your imagination is running low, and you’re too tired of hand picking your toppings, then the eight Signature Pizzas at Blaze will be at the same level as your own pizza creation!

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Blaze Pizza has the talents of Chef Bradford Kent and his critically-acclaimed pizza behind them. All of the branches make their own dough from scratch every day, using a recipe that Kent developed. It needs to go through a 24-hour fermentation period to give us this signature light yet crisp crust pizza, while they’re all fast-fire’d in 180 seconds.

As the chain continued to branch out in K-town, the widely popular Signature Pizzas grew with them. Starting with the first one which is the Red Vine, a classic that is piled up with red sauce, ovalini mozzarella, parmesan, basil, extra virgin olive oil drizzle, and finally cherry tomatoes on top. Loved by everyone at Blaze, no one ever gets bored or tired of it.

Blaze’s second Signature Pizza is the BBQ Chicken for all those who love a BBQ flavored pizza. The chicken is grilled and the toppings are set with mozzarella, red onions, banana peppers, blue cheese, and the fabulous BBQ sauce drizzle.

The third pizza is the Meat Eater, the name alone says it all as it comes with pepperoni, Italian style meatballs, red onions, mozzarella, and a classical red sauce. If you’re a Blaze Pizza fanatic, you might think and ask “Wait, isn’t the Meat Eater similar to another Signature Pizza?” Well, not entirely.

While Hot Link does have similar ingredients, it is spicier (watch out for the heat) as its base is the spicy red sauce rather than the classic. It also comes with Jalapenos, banana peppers, and black olives. We have tried this tip before, but it’s wise to mention again. Add some red peppers to your Hot Link pizza, and top it off with chili flakes to fully embrace the spicy kick you’ll definitely receive after just one bite.

If you are vegetarian, then you will definitely enjoy Art Lover. The name comes from its main ingredient which is artichokes, and to strengthen the ingredient’s flavor, it is also served with both mozzarella and ricotta, chopped garlic and red sauce dollops. You can also indulge in the classic Veg Out pizza that is filled with seasonal veggies.

The last two pizzas on Blaze’s menu are the Green Stripe and White Top. The Green Stripe is bazaar’s favorite after The Hot Link, its pesto drizzle over the chicken is divine, with roasted red peppers, chopped garlic and arugula. while White Top includes a classic white sauce with beef bacon, oregano, arugula and mozzarella. You also get the chance to choose your type of dough, thin, thick, or even gluten-free, which is perfect for people with different nutritional needs, or pizza crust preferences.

Too much pizza? We all know that there’s no such thing!

But you can pair one of your Signature Pizzas with salads, and Blaze has three. The crowd favorite is the Antipasto, along with Caesar salad or you can build your own salad dish, a perk that never gets old no matter how many times we visit.

The atmosphere of a fast, yet casual dining at the intersection between affordable fast-food and high-end dining is unbeatable with Blaze. It will always feel rich, but remaining to be down-to-earth. You get artisanal pizza made with highquality ingredients at a fraction of the cost, and that is all presented into their Signature Pizzas. If you haven’t tried it yet, then what are you waiting for?!

Blaze Pizza is located in the Grand Plaza – The Avenues, Murouj – Phase 3, Ahmadi Park, and on the Arabian Gulf Street - Bneid Al Gar. For updates and news follow them on Instagram @BlazePizzaME. Images taken by bazaar Studios.

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bazaar techno

SLIM AND STICKER TRACKERS

BEATS SOLO PRO HEADPHONES

FUJIFILM X-PRO3 CAMERA

Tile has been offering keychain trackers, but now with their latest model, the Slim and Sticker can keep track of almost everything! The Slim comes in the size of two credit cards as it slips easily into wallets, passport holders, jacket pockets and more.

It includes a 200-foot range, and a loud ring for you to find what you lost easily. Meanwhile the Sticker is a small circular device made to stick onto anything you might misplace, extremely useful for your mobile phones. Both models are also fully waterproof.

The fourth generation of Beats on-ear design. The new generation includes a H1 chip for hands-free Siri activation, instant pairings with Apple devices, and a powerful battery life. The Solo Pro also offers three listening modes, pure ANC adaptive noise cancellation, a transparency mode to hear your surroundings, and extended power. With 22 hours of ANC playbacks, or 40 with the active tech turned off. The refined and mature-looking design is given an all surface matte finish, with new ear cushions for a more comfortable fit.

STEEL SPEAKER

NEBULA COSMOS MAX PROJECTOR

PHONOCUT HOME VINYL RECORDER

A highly limited monolith of sound, each crafted from repurposed metal by blacksmith Jonas Majors. The speakers weigh 44 pounds, and are built in 100W Class D amplifier for a richer and more accurate sound travel, perfect for big gatherings. The Bluetooth feature accommodates a short-range wireless audio, while dual 3.5mm inputs and a USB power port allows the connection of several other audio sources. The aesthetic creation of the Steel Speaker is the opposite of the company’s Transparent Speaker.

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Anker’s Cosmos max presents a new home theater experience. The oval shaped device uses LEDs to project an image of 384ox2160 complete with HDR10 and HLG support. The projector also includes Dolby Digital Plus, and creates an immersive 360 degree sound in environments without a dedicated sound system. While Android 9 gives powerful streaming abilities out of the box, autofocus, auto-rotation, and two-way keystone correction give the device placement versatility. The model is also available in 1080p to levelup your home theatre experience.

Besides its traditional look, the X-PRO3 camera makes the act of shooting even more traditional by hinging its touchscreen and hiding it for normal use. The small E-Ink screen mimics pieces of film boxes, as every shot will be framed using the hybrid viewfinder. The camera also uses a black illuminated 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensors is paired with an X-Processor, enabling a new classic negative film simulation mode. The top and bottom plates are now made from titanium instead of aluminum with a duratect surface hardening process.

Whether it was mixtapes or shared playlists, the history of custom compilation of music is continually elevating. Now, the Phonocut Home Vinyl Recorder will provide more than ever! Roughly around the same size of a regular turntable, the 9 kilo lathe uses a diamond stylus to etch sound waves into the black vinyl discs in real time.

Between 10 to 15 minutes of audio will fit on both sides, and once cut the record will instantly be picked up and played back on the developed turntable.

Source: blessthisstuff.com Source: uncrate.com

©2019 McDonald’s

Mac

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bazaar Studios

storytelling and content creation for all of your digital platforms : fashion shoots, video production, social media management, photography and event coverage.

bazaar Apps

GIFTSTER

GIFTED

GIVINGLI

GIFTPLANNER

SANTA'S BAG

ELFSTER

Ever get stuck on that one picky relative? We do too. Giftster is here to save the day as it allows you to invite family and friends to join a group, where everyone can share the items they'd love to have.

This is the ultimate app for your next Secret Santa, but you can use it all year.

One new app that'll solve your gift-giving woes is Givingli. Rachel Rothman, chief technologist at the Good Housekeeping Institute, says it's a platform to give digital cards with digital gift cards. They're adorable, and your environmentally-conscious pal is sure to love it.

It would be nice if Santa showed up, but you know there's not going to be a Christmas miracle. You're buying the gifts this year and Santa's Bag can help you keep track of just what each person wants, how many gifts you've gotten them, how much you want to spend, and even if you've wrapped the gift or not.

Gift yourself Gifted. It has plenty of organizing and budgeting features, including letting you make profiles of those you're buying for so you always have their sizes and preferences on hand, setting budgets per person and per event, and telling you how close you are to accomplishing all your buying.

GiftPlanner covers all the holidays, events, and birthdays you have to buy for; lets you balance the budget for each; has a bookmarklet that adds items to your lists while you browse online; and can even send gift cards right from the app. Snap a photo of the wrapped gift so you can remember what it is.

Elfster is by far the best Secret Santa app on iOS and Android. In addition to creating a Secret Santa event with a custom name, time, and date, Elfster also lets organizers set a gift budget and offer gift suggestions to their mystery Kris Kringle through a native wish list feature.

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Q U A L I T Y C H I C K E N F I N G E R M E A L S

Cane's

NOW OPEN AT ARABIAN GULF STREET, BNEID AL GAR THE AVENUES | DA’IYA CO-OP | AHMADI PARK | JABRIYA SHUWAIKH 125 | KUWAIT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - TERMINALS 1 & 4

RIDING WITH DELIVEROO The modern day superheroes on the streets of Kuwait By bazaar staff

You are hit with a craving so you open the Deliveroo app, tap on the screen for a bit, and food magically appears at your doorstep half an hour later. We rarely stop to consider the hundreds of dedicated individuals who work invisibly behind the scenes so that we can have our little conveniences.

The riders at Deliveroo rely on their phone apps to know when they have to pick up a new order. They then have to navigate traffic, pick up the order and deliver it to your door. They are also the only people you will meet from Deliveroo. And they do their best to keep customers happy by being courteous and

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delivering their orders on time, since they are the real representatives of the brand.

A lot of technological magic happens behind the scenes and Deliveroo have perfected their apps to make them as user friendly as possible. Banderson Manyera has been with the company since March and according to him, the driver version of the app is intuitive and easy to use. “If you can read and write then you can use the app, and there are different languages so you can select the one that is easiest for you” he said. However, the delivery teams receive rigorous training for everything else they need to do from dealing with customers and driving safely. “If I do face a problem, we have direct access to a service help desk and a live chat via the app, they always walk us through a solution,” Banderson added.

“Last month we went to the Kuwait Motor Town for a large safety training, that everyone had to do,” he continued “… and we all have first aid kits that we carry at all times. If I am injured, I can use it, or a passerby can use it. And if I witness an accident, I can stop and help too.”

The kits and courses are only one part of Deliveroo’s overall program to keep their drivers safe.

There are three Roo buses that are stationed across Kuwait in the zones where they operate, they are equipped with air conditioning and are a respite for the drivers to take a break and grab a snack.

When we asked about what he found most challenging, Banderson said “The heat in summer can be tough, but we have the gear for that.” It is no secret that summers can be brutal but Deliveroo stated their

“Beat The Heat� initiative and in addition to the cooled buses, all riders received cooling vests, water bottles and bar muffs to cover the motorcycle’s handlebars.

We asked Bandersan how he felt about working for Deliveroo and he told me that he felt the company cared and showed it by also providing off-duty hour support. Over the last few months, the company has been treating its riders to restaurant outings and movie tickets so they could have fun. Top performers are recognized, awarded and rewarded every month.

The recent introduction of GAP insurance for riders proves Deliveroo's commitment to the wellbeing of their employees. Deliveroo riders in Kuwait will now be able to access an enhanced insurance package, in addition to the cover provided by the company. The new policy, from Warba Insurance Company, means Deliveroo riders will receive additional support should an accident occur whilst working for Deliveroo. When we asked Banderson what he planned to do in the future he told us that he hoped to continue working his way up in Deliveroo, and to someday work in the Accounting or Business divisions. We are totally sure that he has the right attitude and determination which will be fostered by Deliveroo until he hits his goals.

Follow Deliveroo on Instagram @deliveroo_kw or visit deliveroo.com.kw, where you can order your next meal. Download the app, on the App Store or Google Play for quick and easy delivery from all of your favorite restaurants.

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RUN FOR A CAUSE

RunKuwait is back to raise awareness for children with special needs By bazaar staff

Maraheb Al Qallaf

RunKuwait is an annual charity run founded by Fawzia Sultan Healthcare Network (FSHN), and created to raise awareness and funds towards the rehabilitative treatment of special needs children in Kuwait. Maraheb Al Qallaf and Rouba Khair, the founders of RunKuwait both have impressive vitae’s when it comes to rehabilitating children with special needs challenges. Maraheb is a speech pathologist specialized in treating children with speech and language delay. Rouba has extensive experience in rehabilitating children with a wide range of growth and developmental disorders; including Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sports injuries, traumatic brain and spine injuries, genetic disorders and congenital anomalies, and much more. Not only that, but they are both fans of humanitarian work and that is why they pour their hearts into what they do. In their latest interview with bazaar, Maraheb and Rouba answered some of the most anticipated questions regarding RunKuwait.

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Rouba Khair Why did you decide to start RunKuwait? Why a race to raise awareness and funds? Are you runners yourself?

Maraheb: RunKuwait is a charitable initiative [with an] objective to raise awareness and funds for our non-profit Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center, which is the pediatric branch of FSHN. Kuwait has a diverse population and being able to raise awareness, treat children and support families from disadvantaged backgrounds is important to me as a clinician.

RunKuwait is a community-based event. The event is not limited to professional runners but it is also open to people of all ages and abilities to show support for children with disabilities.

Participants can either run or walk to show their support. The event is designed to be a fun day for all including family-friendly activities. It is also a great day to share personal experience, emotionally support families with children with disabilities, socialize with others, and have fun.

Rouba: Fawzia Sultan Health Network started RunKuwait on 2010 as an initiative to support the community in Kuwait. Since 2013, all the registration proceeds are channeled directly towards the non-profit Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center, founded by FSHN. Running is a healthy, energetic way to bring awareness to the needs of children in our community. I participated in earlier events but now I have management roles on the day of the events.

Why do you think the event has become so popular? Was this what you imagined when you first started?

Maraheb: Donating to charity is part of Kuwaiti culture and tradition and is seen as part of ‘normal’ life. It is only recently that more established non-profit/charitable organizations have gained formal recognition for their work locally.

Charitable organizations/non-profit organizations are gaining increased recognition in supporting all populations in the local region, instead of donations going in part to other third world countries. Our event also gained its popularity by being held regularly in November each year. In addition, the rise of social media allowed us to show the community our cause.

Rouba: Due to the walk – run nature of the event it is family friendly and [people of] all ages can participate. Since the community is now more aware of the [needs of the] children, the community has built a collaborative spirit.

We know that Kuwait values family and children.

We expected the number of participants and popularity [to] increase every year.

Organizing an event that is as huge as RunKuwait must be challenging. How do you manage it all?

Maraheb: Indeed. However, we have been always working as a team — a multidisciplinary team with different specialties. To make such

an event successful, we always need to work in harmony and collaboratively, divide tasks, have trust, and believe in each other.

Rouba: RunKuwait requires a huge effort. FSHN [works as a team], hand in hand like a beehive to make RunKuwait successful.

Has there been a change in the attitudes in Kuwait towards individuals with special needs?

Maraheb: Nowadays, the stigma imposed against children with disabilities has slightly faded. People are more aware and acceptable to this population. I’m seeing many parents that are more comfortable in taking their disabled children out in public. They are not afraid of people’s looks anymore because of the comprehensive support that they and their children [are receiving]. RunKuwait aims to make the community aware that the special population actually “need” them to survive within. We want to see Kuwait’s commitment to supporting families in need and also demonstrate the continued commitment of the population to support our cause. We usually read or hear about how western societies develop new strategies and policies rapidly to aid the lifestyle of people with disabilities and limited resources. We would like to make this happen here in Kuwait.

Rouba: People in Kuwait are more aware of the capabilities the children can achieve with the proper services and support. They are aware that those children, with proper rehabilitation, can be productive members of the community.

You work with special needs children, what made you choose that as a career? How has it changed you as a person? What is the hardest thing about what you do? What is the best thing about what you do?

Maraheb: My brain loves medical and healthcare sciences and my heart adores humanitarian work [so naturally], Speech-Language Pathology gave me exactly what I was looking for. I wanted to make a difference in a person’s daily life and help others communicate and advocate for their wants and needs. During my studies in the United States and working experience in Kuwait, I interacted with many people from different cultures. They are all different but we all agreed that we needed to support their loved ones by getting high quality intervention.

Therefore, the hardest thing to do is trying to change the mindset of others to accept the current situation and function with the available options. My reward as a therapist after all is seeing my clients and their families happy with the therapy results.

Rouba: Both of my parents are physiotherapists.

I took the decision to continue my parents’ mission to help people with special needs.

Being a pediatric physiotherapist changed a lot of my personality. I began singing, dancing,

talking about all the cartoons and searching out what interests the children I see. [It also] teaches you how to be patient to achieve gradual results. The hardest thing is when you deal with degenerative cases or handle the question of a child asking you why he can’t walk like other children. The best thing is when a child takes his first steps in a session.

What do you wish everyone knew about children with special needs?

Maraheb: Every child is different and has unique skills. Children with special needs appreciate socialization with others. If they had the opportunity to play and speak to others, people would notice how wonderful disabled children can be.

Rouba: Children with special needs have a lot of potential, which allows them to be productive members in the community. They just need the right support. These children work hard and show a lot of determination.

What are the other ways that people can help your cause with? What are the other activities that you do to help?

Maraheb: People can help our cause by participating in the event. They can either walk or run as we offer two distances 5km and 10km. Their attendance is much appreciated, as it would emotionally support children and their families. In addition, as clinicians- we have workshops and lectures year-round to educate parents, healthcare providers, and teachers etc. about relevant topics to understand how to deal with children from the special population.

Rouba: People can support by participating in the run, or by contacting us to see alternative ways to support as a volunteer in the clinic.

What are your future plans for RunKuwait?

What would you like to see RunKuwait become in the future?

Maraheb: RunKuwait will continue to be in November every year. It is hoped that people will continue to support us every year to allow children with special needs to have consistent access to their rehabilitative care. It is also hoped that participants in the run will link with our social media accounts. Here, they can gain more awareness through the various educational information we post. In turn, this will help support parents and the public in appropriate identification and treatment of children in need.

Rouba: We plan to continue the run every year and we aim to increase the number of participants. This will allow us to broaden our reach to provide more rehabilitation services to more people in the community. I want to see RunKuwait as an annual event that every community member is eagerly waiting for.

For more information, follow @fshn_kw or @RunKuwait on Instagram and Facebook.

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RAISING CANE’S CLOSER THAN BEFORE

New location equals more chicken fingers!

By bazaar staff

We love to enjoy Raising Cane’s as a fulfilling meal at The Avenues, or when grabbing a quick bite minutes before boarding a plane at Terminal 1 or 4 or even visiting it’s trendiest spot in Shuwaikh for a quick lunch or dinner. But now, Raising Cane’s is gracing us yet again with a brandnew location opening, plus, their very first drive-thru in K-town!

Just before we load the whole bazaar team in a car to try out Raising Cane’s first drivethru, let’s tell you more about it. The new location is in fact, extremely easy to find; it is next to Da’iya’s co-op making it just a few minutes away, and much closer to all the other surrounding residential areas. So, whenever you’re shopping at Da’iya co-op, running your daily errands, or simply visiting family or friends nearby, then you’ll find Raising Cane’s open doors and their drive-thru welcoming

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you in for one of their amazing, mouth-watering combo meals.

The menu at the new branch has all of our favorites, and we’re always pining for those awesome combos! Our personal favorite, and coincidentally one of their best-sellers, the Box Combo comes with four pieces of chicken fingers, yummy crunchy crinkle-cut fries, fresh coleslaw, Texas toast, and Raising Cane’s special sauce with a regular size drink that can either be filled with soda, iced tea, or a freshly made and refreshing to sip lemonade.

If you’re hungrier than normal (we won’t judge) or will be sharing with someone else, then we say go bigger and bolder with a Caniac Combo. It is served with six chicken fingers and two of Cane’s sauces along with fries, Texas toast, coleslaw and a large drink. But, if you’re at Raising Cane’s Da’iya branch, and just want a smaller meal portion, the 3 Finger Combo or their Sandwich Combo that has 3 chicken fingers inside a Kaiser roll is just the right meal for you.

The combo meals at Raising Cane’s have always left us fully satisfied. The main reason is because we don’t really have to stress about what to go for or what to choose from; their fried chicken is great and crispy-crunchy as every time we’ve paid them a visit. Plus, the side of crinkle-cut fries, coleslaw, and toast is just the perfect yet simple meal we sometimes need during those lazy days when you really do not want to think of what you’re going to eat.

But what we’re most excited about is Raising Cane’s very first drive-thru in Kuwait. It is ideal for quickly placing your order on the go, whether you are grabbing an order for a gathering on weekends or feeding the kids a quick Kids Combo before they get hangry (which we like to avoid, no one likes hangry kids). While we love the ease of getting our lunch without having to park or get out of the car, the restaurant at the new branch still offers customers dine-in and delivery options. All you have to do is check out Raising Cane’s at Da’iya Co-op, and place your order whether you’re dining-in or driving through for a fast yet super satisfying meal!

Raising Cane’s is located in: Da’iya Co-op, The Mall - The Avenues, The Forum - The Avenues (inside TEKZONE), Ahmadi Park, Jabriya, Shuwaikh 125, Kuwait International Airport (Terminal 1 and 4) coming soon on the Arabian Gulf Road. For more information follow @raisingcanesme on Instagram.

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KEEPING YOU GROUNDED

Trying aerial yoga with STUDIO THIRTY THREE By bazaar staff

As much as yoga is all about the namaste of it all, sometimes it can feel a little cliquey. I went into Lulu Lemon once, during sale, and I had to leave because one little flexible fit spandex outfit was the same as my rent for a week. I nearly dropped my S’well bottle. Yoga has been a craze for a while now in Kuwait, years in fact. Most of your friends have probably tried some form of yoga or you yourself may have wandered into a studio to check out the local Ashtanga or Bikram classes, or headed over to a park to take part in an open group session on a Saturday morning.

With intriguing names like Yogalates, Aerial Barre, Reload and Release with Ropes, Dynamic Beginner and so much more, STUDIO THIRTY THREE aims to deliver classes that are accessible across the board, to all levels of experience and interest. It was the classic Aerial Yoga that managed to entice four of the bazaar Studios team along, taught by the no nonsense Nuné, an Armenian yogini of nine years’ experience, graceful, strong and determined.

There’s a bright intelligence, and a spritely spiritedness that is contagious about the women we meet during our time at STUDIO THIRTY THREE. From our yogini to studio business partners, and friends, Dana Khajah and Noora Al Hassawi, all these women are smart and utterly grounded. The space has a practical feel to it, nothing like the aloof nature of some studios that you can find when studios are ‘forcing the zen’. You can laugh out loud here! There are thoughtful touches even in the changing areas; ghd hair straighteners and dryers in the dressing room, tangle teezers, invisibobbles and fluffy towels readily available for use. The placement of a Squatty Potty in each lavatory stall really shows they’ve thought of it all.

STUDIO THIRTY THREE is currently women only, but they can be open to men for oneon-one Personal Training or small group classes as long as the timing doesn’t infringe on the women-only experience. The intimate studio spaces allow you to closely observe your instructor but gives you enough room to breathe as well. There is a juice bar, and reading room - with the books placed into shelves by the color of their spines instead of any ‘information science’ construct, as each shelf represents a chakra color. Keen eyes will spy toy soldiers in various stages of yoga poses, dotted about in amongst crystals and other items; this is a studio with a sense of humor, offering yoga for real people. There’s a hashtag for that.

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Farah Barakat This was my first time trying Aerial Yoga, but I was definitely up for the challenge. Besides, swinging on a piece of fabric can’t be that hard, right? Wrong. It was harder than I thought it would be, but it also was not as hard as it looks, if that makes any sense. The actual fabric is what presses against your skin and can be slightly uncomfortable, especially if you are tense. However, you would be surprised to know that swinging from fabric with your head upside down comes naturally and is quite peaceful.

The experience was great overall and the studio was epic! The overall vibe of the place is very grounding and soothing. There wasn’t the typical highly polished décor I expected, instead a use of earthy tones, green, brown and touches of clean, classic white. I loved that the owners did not look elsewhere for inspiration or try to imitate other similar spots in town. They did their own thing, and it shows! 10/10 would recommend.

Jennifer Cádiz Aerial Yoga has been a goal of mine to try for ages now, but I don’t drive and I work, so getting somewhere to try classes is difficult as the ones I’ve found so far have tended to be during office hours or further away. Now that STUDIO THIRTY THREE is in Salmiya near bazaar Studios it is not only convenient but there are so many different kinds of yoga on offer that I can try loads after work! There is something extremely ethereal in the grace of Aerial Yoga, or so I thought, before I fell heavily out of the fabric, all arched back, one ankle backwards over my shoulder - where it was supposed to be, and the other facing completely the other direction - also where it was supposed to be; it is Yoga after all.

Being only inches from the ground I wasn’t hurt by falling, but the point is I had thrown myself into trying poses with gusto, because it is so exciting to achieve more poses, more

inversions, more everything! I loved trying Aerial Yoga, at once both a comfort – when cocooned, and a challenge – when the fabric is digging into you or you have to pull your body weight up with one hand. The fabric when it was really stretched and taut felt cool, and gently swaying above ground in Shavasana I was relaxed yet hyper aware of everything I was experiencing. I was present.

At the start I may have launched myself off the ground easily, quickly and with no fear but I kept on forgetting to breathe when doing more complicated moves. Some of my other colleagues may have taken more time to get off the ground and “trust in the fabric” but I was the only one to fall, so make of that what you will. It turns out we all deal with fear in different ways and this was an excellent lesson to understand about myself and others. Sign me up for a package of classes now!

Hallah Danbouh I've never been a fan of any form of Yoga. The whole notion of practicing Yoga simply does not make any sense or exist in my mind. I also don't fully understand the meditative part of it, the relaxation that everyone promises to follow once you've done any session seems too unrealistic. But, when the opportunity came to try out Aerial Yoga, the intrigue struck. We stepped into STUDIO THIRTY THREE, and met with our wonderful instructor Nuné who firstly advised us to fully trust the fabric, which is a struggle if you have some trust issues (Not it!

I did end up struggling internally though, won't lie). Yet, overall, it was an extremely pleasant and fun experience. The notion of letting go of your fears, and repositioning your trust in different parts of your body, whether it was your hands which are literally holding onto their lives through the fabric, or swinging back and forth in the Cobra position was somewhat relaxing. I think for a person who completely dislikes Yoga, and totally judges the practice, the misconception has been successfully changed!

Umika Pidaparthy I've been practicing Yoga on and off for the last few years, but I had never ever tried Aerial Yoga. In fact, I was pretty intimidated by the thought of trying to do difficult Yoga moves while hanging from a fabric! So, I really didn't know what to expect on the morning of our bazaar Tries. The first few moves with our instructor Nuné where we still had our feet firmly on the ground, felt good and familiar.

It was when we were asked to literally and figuratively "let go" by placing our whole body or legs on the aerial silks that I became nervous. It was the initial fear of falling or slipping that made me freeze. Luckily Nuné was very patient and encouraged me to face

my fears and "trust the fabric". It took a few tries and near mishaps but I finally managed to lift my hip onto the silk and perform the Cobra position (Google it and you'll see what I mean!). Once you get over the initial discomfort of the fabric pushing on your skin, you feel like you're flying! Another position I didn't think I would be able to do was hanging upside down from the aerial silk. It was quite refreshing, probably because of all the blood rushing to your head. Performing Shavasana in a cocoon of fabric versus on the floor as is usually done was a different experience!

Because you are surrounded by nothing but

the fabric that is holding you, when you close your eyes you feel like you are on a hammock at the beach and that enhances the relaxation process and keeps you focused. Overall, I’d go to STUDIO THIRTY THREE again as I like the vibe, and I really enjoyed Aerial Yoga although I am not sure if this is something I would personally do again. I am glad I got to try it out.

STUDIO THIRTY THREE is located in Abraj AL Muhanna Tower 4B, Block C, First Floor, Salem Al Mubarak, Lane 3. For a comprehensive list of classes and more information visit studio33kw.com and follow their account on Instagram @studio33kw.

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GEMINI MAN

Will Smith acts opposite a fake-looking, de-aged version of himself

By Chris Hewitt

What happens when a great director takes on a generic action movie? The filmmaker in question is Oscar bookend recipient Ang Lee, who won for Life of Pi and Brokeback Mountain, and the movie is mostly an excuse to not quite perfect the special effect in which a famous actor is de-aged (the upcoming The Irishman will try the same trick on Robert De Niro).

Will Smith plays Henry Brogan, whose plan to retire as the world's best assassin runs afoul of various covert agencies who hire him and who decide to eliminate him. And who better to knock him off than a younger clone, also played

by Will Smith with the help of an expensive-butunconvincing army of special effects? Called Junior, the younger one looks fine in dimly lit scenes or when he's wearing a helmet but phony as all get-out in, for instance, a bright walk-and168

talk scene where it looks like 51-year-old Smith is acting in a scene with his dead-eyed video game avatar.

Believability is not high on the movie's list of priorities, but it doesn't take itself too seriously and everyone involved seems committed to making this so-so material work. Smith likably underplays both roles in this Face/Off knockoff, even when his dialogue consists of stuff like, "Scared is good. It means you're alert," and other koans from the Tough Guy Affirmation-ofthe-Day desk calendar. In addition to himself, Smith gets to act opposite Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who is all intelligence and instinct as a semi-reluctant ally, and Clive Owen, who missed out on playing James Bond but basically gets to play a Bond villain here.

Lee always has been great with actors, but his fingerprints are all over Gemini Man, which is much more stylish and surprising than most movies of this ilk. The camera is always in an unexpected place, shooting from

an unexpected angle and capturing unexpected textures and colors. I'm thinking, for instance, of an electrifying burst of energy when Smith the Elder pilots a motorcycle down a cramped alley lined with neon-colored buildings. Or another where he's fast-walking down a street and Lee lets us know there's a sniper running across the rooftops above him by slyly angling the camera to reveal the sniper reflected in a pool of clear rainwater.

Look, I know no one is going to action movies because of the rainwater, but Lee's inventive choices make Gemini Man seem cleverer, which makes it more fun. And Lee also delivers on the things you'd expect in this sort of movie: speed, car chases, beautiful settings such as Cartagena, Colombia, and Budapest, good guys who never miss with their guns and bad guys who always do. And, in trying to find ways to keep himself interested in this not terribly interesting movie, he also finds ways to keep us glued to our seats.

LULU

bazaar movie night

The latest from the big screen playing in cinemas across Kuwait in December!

10 MINUTES GONE

ARTIC DOGS

JUMANJI: THE NEXT LEVEL

BOMBSHELL

STAR WARS: THE RISE OF SKYWALKER

SPIES IN DISGUISE

Release Date: Thursday 5th December Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action, Crime Cast: Bruce Willis, Michael Chiklis Synopsis: A bank heist gone wrong leaves a man with a wounded memory. During the disruption of the heist, and upon arrival of the cops, a disagreement breaks out over who gets to keep the money. The men run out the back door, where one of them is hit on the head from behind and the other shot. Injured, he wakes up next to a dumpster with his bloody friend beside him, not being able to remember a thing. He slowly starts recalling his memories, however he is nowhere close to remembering the 10 vital minutes during that day that can solve this mystery. What is certain is that he was clearly sabotaged and all possessions were stolen. Putting back the pieces of that day will determine everything that happens next.

Release Date: Thursday 19th December Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Biography, Drama Cast: Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, Charlize Theron Synopsis: Based on a true scandal, women are asked to adopt the mentality of an Irish street cops, treat the world as a lazy place, misjudge minorities as criminals and ask themselves what would scare grandmothers or piss off grandfathers in order to create content for a FOX new story. One woman who had had enough speaks up about the sexist remarks, mistreatment and judgment she has suffered, starting a chain reaction and beginning the execution of the most genius plan ever; to bring the top guy down quietly.

This group of women ultimately tackle toxic misogynist culture behind the most powerful and controversial media empire of all time, FOX news by joining in the system and bringing down from the inside.

Release Date: Thursday 5th December Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Animation, Adventure Cast: James Franco, Heidi Klum, Jeremy Renner Synopsis: Swifty, an Arctic fox who works in Delivery Service has bigger things in mind for himself. He dreams of becoming one of the agency's elite couriers known as the "Top Dogs," a role normally filled by huskies. He winds up delivering a package to a mysterious hidden fortress inhabited by the evil Walrus and his puffin minions. Upon finding out that Walrus wants to melt the Arctic Circle and accelerate global warming, Swifty enlists the help of his co-workers; his polar bear friend, a ditzy albatross, and a pair of conspiracy-minded otters to oppose the devilish plan.

An environmentally themed story about heroes who come together to save the Artic.

Release Date: Thursday 19th December Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Action, Adventure Cast: John Boyega, Adam Driver, Mark Hamill, Ian McDiarmid, Daisy Ridley Synopsis: Known as the climactic chapter of the Skywalker Saga and the third instalment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy. The Rise of Skywalker follows The Force Awakens (2015) and The Last Jedi (2017), as the final episode of the nine-part "Skywalker saga".

Following an instinct and a feeling, the surviving Resistance (a private paramilitary force) faces the First Order once more in the final chapter of the Skywalker saga as Rey, Finn and Poe Damern's journey continues. With the power and knowledge of generations behind them. The Rise of Skywalker will see the end of this ancient conflict between the Jedi and the Sith as it reaches its peak and the final battle commences.

Release Date: Thursday 12th December Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait- wide, VOX cinemas Genre: Action, Adventure Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Ashley Scott Synopsis: Four friends travel back into a video game to rescue one of their own. They are met by unexpected turns of events where they must work together to escape. But this time, they have switched bodies, and hilarity ensues. They need to quickly adjust to being in each other’s’ bodies. With some, super happy about the change, and others not so much worries about the game being busted arise as strange occurrences happen. Soon, they must learn about their very own strengths and weaknesses because not everybody is said to leave the game alive. One of their own also happens to have switched bodies with a horse, possibly complicating this game even further and making survival that much harder.

Release Date: Thursday 26th December Theaters: Cinescape Kuwait-wide Genre: Animation, Action Cast: Karen Gillan, Tom Holland, Will Smith Synopsis: The globe is relying on the extraordinarily, well known secret agent Lance Sterling to shield it from grave threats. The only problem is Sterling often relies on the technical abilities of a young scientist called Walter Beckett to help accomplish his missions.

Whilst trying to introduce his latest invention (Beckett) of "biodynamic concealment", Sterling accidently ingests some of the experimental work of his trusted scientist and turns into a pigeon. Now, he has to foil cybernetic madman Tristan McFord’s evil plans. Can the world’s best spy turned pigeon, save the world without the support of his nerd tech officer.

For more details on movie timings and the cinema nearest to you, visit www.cinescape.com.kw or www.kwtvoxcinemas.com.

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Pinkberry

bazaar around town

WIN CASH PRIZES WITH GULF BANK PREPAID CARDS Spend using your Gulf Bank Prepaid Cards locally, abroad, and online for the chance to be one of ten lucky winners to win cash prizes of up to KD 2,000! Don’t have a Prepaid Card yet? For a limited time only, Gulf Bank is offering you the chance to receive your Prepaid Card free of charge.

From now until February 29, 2020, for every KD 10 spent locally on a Gulf Bank Prepaid Card, customers will receive one entry into the draw. For every KD 10 spent internationally using a Prepaid Card, customers will receive three entries. Gulf Bank will be announcing ten lucky winners of cash prizes worth up to KD 2,000 on March 15, 2020.

Apply for a free Gulf Bank Prepaid Card via Gulf Bank’s mobile app, online banking or visit any of Gulf Bank’s 58 branches. To learn more, you can also call the Customer Contact Center at 1805805 or get in touch via WhatsApp on 65805805.

GATHER LOVED ONES FOR A CELEBRATORY BRUNCH AT JUMEIRAH MESSILAH BEACH HOTEL & SPA Begin your gastronomic day at the Garden Café with a sumptuous buffet featuring culinary attractions that includes a wide variety of traditional and international dishes with live cooking stations, with exciting activities for your little ones and a special buffet for kids. Savor a lavish feast with your family & friends with classic spreads of brunch favorites, along with freshly made bakery items, braised meats, seafood dishes, traditional Arabic dishes and mezzes and more. Specialties are replete with fresh options of Middle Eastern, Asian and International dishes and heavenly desserts that is exclusively made for the occasion. Assistant Director of PR & Communications at Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa, Yasmine Ismail, said, “We have prepared a marvelous extravagant Brunch featuring traditional Arabic dishes and an array of international cuisine coupled with a splendid dessert selection and fun activities for children. Our exceptional brunch menu caters to those with discerning tastes and enables guests to experience an unforgettable culinary journey created around the finest Arabic tradition,” she concluded.

For more information and advance bookings, the Restaurant Reservations team is pleased to receive your calls on 2226 9666. The Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa is located in Messilah, Al Ta’awun Street, Block 7, Building 13. For more information, please call 2226 9666 or visit Jumeirah.com. Follow their latest updates on Instagram, @JumeirahMessilahBeach, Twitter @JumeirahMB, and Facebook.com/JumeirahMessilahBeach. Featured image courtesy of Jumeirah Messilah Beach Hotel & Spa. ONTIME.COM CELEBRATES ITS 2ND BIRTHDAY ONTIME, Kuwait’s watches and jewelry market leader just celebrated its second birthday, marking two years since the popular e-commerce site went live. ONTIME is a homegrown concept developed by Alyasra Fashion, the leading fashion retailer in the region with over 100 retail outlets in prime locations and malls in the GCC. A focus of the e-commerce website is catering to its customers’ different needs by consistently expanding its already diverse portfolio. Over the course of the past two years, ONTIME.COM has grown to offer 3,000 more products including accessories, small leather goods, bags and eyewear, in addition to the great selection of international watches and jewelry brands in stores. The website features international brands such as Fossil, DKNY, Trinkets, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger, Timberland, BOSS, D1 Milano, Lacoste, Tory Burch and Coach and caters to men, women and kids. In its customer-centric approach to business. The website features multiple services such as “click & collect, “return to store”, e-gift cards, free delivery and shipment to all countries in the GCC region.

Whether in search of the perfect gift, great accessories or the latest in smart watches celebrate by visiting ontime.com to receive 10% off your first order and follow the brand on Instagram @ontime_insta.

ARRIVAL OF NEW SUSTAINABLE BRANDS AT DEBENHAMS Ten new brands are arriving at Debenhams this month, and not only are they unisex, but they offer an environmentally friendly alternative to your typical fashion brands. The brands offer affordable contemporary designs whilst ensuring the health and wellbeing of all workers in their supply chain. Some of the sustainable fabrics used include Tencel and Viscose, two tree-based natural fibers that are made from sustainably harvested trees. Although using the fabrics comes with its own challenges, the brands are committed to using them. Some of new brands for women include NA-KD, Lace & Beads, Namaztique and Chi Chi London. Collectively, the stunning brands offer unique, young and playful options for different occasions. The men’s brand, Harmont and Blaine, is the perfect fusion of contemporary style that is respectful of the classic canon of casual elegance, combined with unique colors and the best quality.

Find the new brands at Debenhams in Grand Avenue, the Avenues. Follow @debenhamsmiddleeast on Instagram for all the latest updates.

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DKNY INTRODUCES THE HOLIDAY 2019 COLLECTION DKNY is pleased to introduce the holiday 2019 DKNY collection celebrating 30 years of a New York state of mind.

Pops of metallics and statement sequin dresses capture the essence of New York city and create a bold look perfect for any winter festivities. Cozy monochromatic knits and faux fur jackets make the perfect gift for the sophisticated woman with a metropolitan attitude. Whatever the occasion, DKNY has you covered! DKNY is known for iconic style and vintage references dating back to its founding in 1989. This holiday season, DKNY celebrates its brand heritage with the DKNY holiday arcade, with brand codes inspired by various retro arcade games. Playful social gaming animations combined with holiday references show the collection’s nostalgic sentiment.

DKNY is located in Al Kout Mall, Al Kout – Soku, Gate Mall, Marina Mall, 360 MALL, The Promenade, Grand Avenue – The Avenues, Phase 2 – The Avenues. For updates and fashion ideas follow @DKNY and @alyasra on Instagram or call 1820 012.

SAVE TIME, ORDER YOUR CHILLIBEANS ONLINE Chillibeans is the ultimate accessories store whether you are looking for prescription glasses, sunglasses, lenses with a variety of beautifully shaped frames or even watches. They have it all for you now in stores and online. The store provides a variety of cool sunglasses, including a collection of prescription lenses, where you can either add a magical magnetic lens to it, or just rock the frame it comes with. Prescription lenses are almost always considered a necessity instead of a cool accessory to have on, but with Chillibeans’ selection of frame styles, you’ll rock the bespectacled look in no time. Chillibeans is soon launching a STAR WARS collection just in time for the new movie, which fans will love.

Visit chillibeansarabia.com to order now. Chilli Beans is located at The Avenues, 360 Mall, Marina Mall, Al-Fanar Mall, The Promenade, Jahra Mall, Al-Kout Mall & Jazeera Terminal. Follow Chilli Beans @Facebook.com/ ChillibeansArabia & Instagram @Chillibeans.arabia, contact us on 9993 6046 for more information.

FIND YOUR PERFECT WALLET AT ROCKET WORLD The arrival of high-tech cards has caused a rapid replacement of cash, but not without some challenges. The traditional wallet needs an upgrade to one that not only protects your cards and money from theft, but also your privacy. Secrid, the safe and accessible card wallets do just that. They provide simple and fast access to your cards while keeping them RFID-protected.

Each wallet is made in Holland from quality materials and comes with proof of authenticity. Multiple leather options are available for Mini, Slim and Twin wallet at Rocket World. Pull the lever, and all cards will slide out smoothly, making all your cards quickly accessible. The aluminum card protector protects your cards from breaking and from any unwanted RFID/NFC scanning. Secrid is not only secure but small enough to fit in any pocket. It includes the Card Protector, additional card slot and bill slots depending on your choice of wallet model. Choose the Secrid that matches your personality and style.

Rocket World is located in Shuwaikh, Plot 40 – opposite Mayar complex and in The Promenade Mall at Hawalli. It can also be found as a ‘Shop in a Shop’ at Fantasy World – Al Rai, The Avenues, Boulevard Mall & Al Kout Mall. For the latest updates, check out @Rocketworldkw on Instagram.

YOUR NEW BFF: INTERACTIVE FURREAL CUBBY FROM FANTASY WORLD FurReal Cubby, the curious bear is the best BFF a child can wish for. FurReal Cubby features more than 100 sounds-and-motions combined. He is delightfully expressive. He moves his head, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and arms. When he is hungry, feed him his bottle or treat and he’ll make eating sounds. He loves to hug you when you pick him up and hold. He is a cute cubby that everyone will fall in love with. The dream companion for kids aged 4 and up and will be their perfect sidekick on all their adventures. He loves to babble when you speak to him and plays peek-a-boo with you, and even dances from time to time. After a long day of playing, he will snuggle next to you while making sleepy sounds and playing soft music. The cute FurReal Cubby will keep your children engaged and is the perfect gift for your this holiday season. Get yours today because they’re selling out fast at Fantasy World.

To learn more about Fantasy World, visit any of Fantasy World’s social media platforms: Instagram @Fantasyworldtoys, Facebook @FantasyWorldToysKuwait and YouTube: Fantasyworld Kuwait.

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ALYASRA FOODS AWARDED MOST REMARKABLE PARTNER OF THE YEAR Being recognized and rewarded for a job well done is how most of us feel appreciated and motivated to continue our hard work. Our favorite food solutions firm, Alyasra Foods was recently awarded Most Remarkable Partner of the Year Award internationally for excelling in coffee solutions and services in Kuwait, KSA and UAE. The award came from their beverage partner Jacobs Douwe Egberts’ (JDE) for their consistent and outstanding performance. Representative teams from all three countries were flown in to receive the award. Alyasra and JDE share a commitment to providing foodservice operators with innovative quality products and solutions such as the convenient cafitesse liquid coffee, that is 100% pure coffee, frozen bag-in-box, brewed to perfection by the touch of a button, for a perfect cup every single time. Their most recent product to arrive in the market is the L’or Lucente Pro. The piano-black appearance with a matte finish and stainless-steel details reflects beautiful Italian design and will impress all. It is easy to use and is designed for intensive use in small businesses, boardrooms and boutiques and the capsules are available in different flavors; Onyx, Lungo profondo, Ristretto, Forza and Decaffeinato.

For more information follow @Alyasrafoods on Instagram.

BLAZE PIZZA, RAISING CANE’S AND IHOP ON THE ARABIAN GULF STREET Blaze Pizza, IHOP and Raising Cane’s are all set to welcome customers at their new location on the iconic Arabian Gulf Street in Kuwait. The new location at Bneid Al Gar, designed for friends and families alike, delivers a uniquely iconic American-style dining experience in a friendly, warm and comfortable ambience, with a picturesque view of the sea. The one-stop location offers a common dining area, featuring Blaze Pizza’s signature fast-fired customizable pizza, IHOP’s buttermilk pancakes, fluffy omelets and all-day dining options and Raising Cane’s quality chicken finger meals. Raising Cane’s will also be available through a drive-through experience, the second of its kind in the country. The three brands share a common thread of being family-oriented with a passion for high-quality products.

Founded by Elise and Ritz Wetzel, Blaze Pizza is a modern day "pizza joint", serving up artisanal pizzas that are both fast and affordable. Each Blaze Pizza restaurant features an interactive open-kitchen format that allows guests to customize one of the menu's signature pizzas or create their own, choosing from a wide selection of fresh, "clean" ingredients.

Since 1958, IHOP has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before an event, and so much more. Serving a delicious all-day dining menu of American favorites made it everyone’s favorite! And no matter what menu items you order, there’s one ingredient that’s always constant — a smile.

Voted as the US’s ‘Fastest Growing Restaurants Company’ and ‘Best Tasting Chicken in the country’. Raising Cane’s continues to bring home their famous chicken tenderloins meals; 24-hour marinated hand-battered chicken tenderloins, premium crinkle-cut fries, golden-brown buttery Texas toast, secret recipe handmade Cane’s sauce, and creamy coleslaw.

Blaze Pizza and Raising Cane’s will serve customers throughout the week from 11 – 2 a.m. at the new location, with exception to IHOP that will be open 24 hours.To find out more about Blaze Pizza, IHOP and Raising Cane’s follow them on Instagram or Facebook at @blazepizzame, @ihopmiddleeast and @raisingcanesme.

SHAKE SHACK IS UPPING THE BURGER GAME Stack it up with Shack Stack! Shake Shack is all about adding a twist to beloved American classics, but it’s also about upping the burger game with the Shack Stack. Shack Stack is a delicious juicy burger made with cheesy portobello mushroom & 100% all-natural Angus beef patty that has no added hormones or antibiotic, topped with tomato, lettuce and the unique ShackSauce.

“How can you make the legendary ShackBurger better? Top it with a crispy mushroom stuffed with two types of gooey and creamy cheese! The Shack Stack combines two of our classics, the ShackBurger and the ‘Shroom Burger into a burger that’ll blow you away,” said Mark Rosati, Shake Shack’s Culinary Director.

You can indulge in Shack Stack’s great taste at any of Shake Shack’s locations across MENA. To learn more visit shakeshack.com, facebook.com/shakeshackme or @shakeshackme on Instagram.

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RUN KUWAIT’S 2,600 REGISTRATIONS RAISE FUNDS FOR MORE THAN 500 FREE TREATMENT SESSIONS AT CERC Fawzia Sultan Healthcare Network (FSHN) concluded yet another successful RunKuwait race in support of children with special needs for the ninth year on Saturday 23rd November. More than 2,600 participants had registered to the race to support one cause, raising awareness and funds towards the treatment of children with special needs. The RunKuwait initiative in its ninth year raised more than KD 40,000 which is estimated to provide more than 500 treatment sessions at no cost for the children. First, second and third place winners were awarded across different categories for the 5KM & 10KM race including, male and female. The serious athletes were able to complete the 10KM race distance within 32 minutes.

The winners announced for the male category were Philip Ekwom (first place), followed by Husam Aleissa (second place) and Mohammad Montaser (third place). The winners announced for the female category were Dorra Alsebouei (first place), followed by Taiba Alnouri (second place) and Virginia Esteban Serrano (third place. The sports enthusiasts who opted for a shorter race distance, 5KM, were also awarded within the same categories. The first-place winners in the male category included, Ahmed Bakthe winners in the femary (first place), Omar Qanbar (second place) and Ahmed AlMana (third place).

The winners in the female category included Asmaa Metawea (first place), Noura Adel (second place) and Shoug AlSabah (third place). Everyone who joined the race, whether to compete or simply support the cause, received their participation medal as they crossed the finish line and returned to the race village to join in the relaxing sports activities.

For additional information about RunKuwait and how to continue contributing to the initiative, please follow the official social media account, @RunKuwait on Instagram and Facebook.

FANTASY WORLD SUPPORTS EXCELLENCE IN SCHOOL SPORTS Fantasy World believes in the importance of athleticism and good sportsmanship, and to encourage children to excel at their favorite sport, they awarded students who have shown talent and potential. The award ceremony took place in Crown Plaza’s Al Andalus Ball Room where students from various schools who excelled in various sports were honored for their achievements. Fantasy World hosted this award ceremony to support students who take part in sports. The company believes in the welfare of kids and understands that physical fitness eventually leads to mental fitness.

By awarding kids Fantasy World hopes to raise healthy competition amongst kids seeing them move away from a sedentary lifestyle and moving towards a more active one. The Excellence in School Sports Awards also acknowledged the schools that encourage kids to take part in sports and promote the importance of physical health. Dasman Bilingual School, GHARS Bilingual School, Gulf English School and New English School were chosen and awarded for their excellent contribution in promoting their students in taking up sports activities. A total of twenty-four nominated students received the awards for their excellence in various sports activities and admirable attributes like the value of discipline, teamwork and commitment.

To learn more about Fantasy World, visit any of Fantasy World’s social media platforms: Instagram @Fantasyworldtoys, Facebook @FantasyWorldToysKuwait and YouTube: Fantasyworld Kuwait.

NEW LABEL.M SNAPSHOT FROM BEAUTIQUE COSMETICS INTL Label.m SNAPSHOT is an intense, instant, scientific treatment created for the perfect salon backwash experience that work by targeting the specific concerns. The treatments come in several versions to tackle different hair issues; Scalp Soothing, Damage Control, Color Revive, and Volume Boost and should only be prescribed by professional hairdressers. Depending on a client’s individual needs, the appropriate 10ml ‘shot’ is chosen via a thorough consultation process and used alongside the correct label.m CLEANSE & CONDITION regime to optimize overall results in between regular salon visits. Choose from the one of four super-charged treatment shots, scientifically created to treat the four most common hair concerns, lack of volume, damaged hair, colored hair and sensitive scalp. Containing powerful active ingredients for instant results.

For more information please call 2225 1285, visit the beautiquecosmeticsintl.com or follow @beautiquecosmetics on Instagram.

NEW TANGLE TEEZER WET DETANGLER LARGE EDITION IN BLACK GLOSS, PEACH GLOW AND HYPER PINK FROM BEAUTIQUE COSMETICS INTL The Wet Detangler hairbrush understands how to treat wet and fragile hair with expertise. Perfect for use on wet hair, it gently but confidently detangles vulnerable hair, helping prevent breakage. One of our best loved products has supersized! Taking the same teeth technology as the Wet Detangler, the superior detangling benefits are now spread over a bigger brushing surface area, perfect for those with thick and curly hair. With 433 flexible teeth that flex over tangles without pulling or tugging, the brush is ideal for using while shampooing for a super hair cleanse, and for evenly distributing conditioning treatments and masques through the hair. The smart design helps reduce breakage and has a super comfortable handle for easy grip and control.

For more information please call 2225 1285, visit the beautiquecosmeticsintl.com or follow @beautiquecosmetics on Instagram.

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1821212 :‫ اتصلـوا بنا علـى‬،‫ لمزيد من التفـاصيـل‬.‫متوفـر لـدى كافة مقـاهي ستــاربكـس‬ Available at all our Starbucks stores. For more details contact us on 1821212

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CANCER JUN 22 – JUL 22 Hiding at home might seem like a fantastic option right now. It is getting colder and the days are shorter, but that is not a good solution to your problems. You need to look your fears in the eye and conquer them. At the end of the day, you might realize that what scared you was mostly just in your head.

LEO JUL 23 – AUG 22 Some humility might be good for you this month. No one can deny that you are great at what you do, but you sometimes forget that it is only possible with the support and help of the people around you. Say thank you to the people who deserve it this month, and be sincere about it, no humble bragging necessary.

CAPRICORN

DEC 22 – JAN 19

You are a stubborn one, but that is ok. The trait is going to come handy in the month to come. Don’t worry about stepping on other people’s toes, especially if you are protecting yourself from harm and hurt. You might even realize that some of the things that you were worried about will turn out just fine.

AQUARIUS JAN 20 – FEB 18 Take a very deep breath. Your past mistakes have come back to haunt you. We could say we told you so, instead we will tell you to learn from them and move on.

It might seem like a huge problem now, but trust us, you have all the tools you need to fix it. Once you have taken care of that, check on your friends they might need your support too.

PISCES FEB 19 – MAR 19 Last month might have been tough. It is over and you can relax. Enjoy the company of your loved ones so you can recharge and start the healing process. Listen to your body and take things easy, stress does not look good on you. Give more compliments and accept the ones you receive with grace.

ARIES MAR 20 – APR 19

VIRGO AUG 23 – SEP 22 Most of the time being dark and mysterious works for you, but not this time.

You need to confess to your sins and be honest with yourself and the people you have been avoiding for weeks. A conversation might help clear the air and everyone to move forward.

LIBRA SEP 23 – OCT 22 Are decisions stressing you out again? You should be used to it by now. Here is the cold hard truth, you are never going to achieve perfect balance. The universe does not work that way. Flip a coin this time instead of agonizing over your choice for days. You might be pleasantly surprised to find out that fate is kinder than you think.

SCORPIO OCT 23 – NOV 22 Take a break. Seriously, stop what you are doing and relax. The world will not implode if you slow down and the sky will not fall, we promise. You might not think that is an option right now, but it totally is. Light a candle, put on your favorite music and just give yourself some time to feel centered and grounded again.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 23 - DEC 21 Feeling frustrated that you have been working hard but not getting the recognition or praise that you deserve? We feel you. You might want to rethink how you are doing things. Cut back on anything that doesn’t serve you and focus on the things that bring you joy instead. There might be a new path in the stars for you that you just need to notice.

Why are you butting heads with the world again? If it feels like you are stuck in that pattern, it is because you are. You can’t solve a problem by forcing it. Think things through, ask someone you trust for help and try to find as many different non-violent solutions as you can. Chances are, there is probably something easier to do.

TAURUS APR 20 – MAY 20 Your friends have been wondering what is wrong with you. You have grown in the past year and everyone is sensing the change. It might be time to explain yourself to the people who care about you even if you think you don’t own anyone an explanation. Your loved ones deserve some answers.

GEMINI MAY 21 – JUN 21 It is sometimes easy to get caught up in your mercurial nature. Now might be a good time to choose a position and stick to it. Seeing the world from all the different perspectives is a useful ability, but sometimes a strong position will benefit you more in the end. Defend your true beliefs and you will be rewarded.

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