bazaar July/August 2013

July/Aug 2013 - issue # 173 b a z a a r - m a g a z i n e . c om

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‫‪39‬‬

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‫رمضان‬ ‫كريم‬

FASTE

ELCO

Intr

I spent all weekend trying to decide what the focus of this month’s intro should be. Would I talk about all the re-emerging, draconian traffic laws, and the way many expats are driving around terrified of getting deported? Or would I touch upon the parliamentary elections that are taking place in a couple of months or so (again!)? Maybe I would make the focus on Ramadan, fasting in 50 C heat, and the beautiful spirituality of that Holy month. How about if I made it a regional intro and got into the whole Arab Spring that has turned into an Arab Nightmare, with a special focus on Syria, and a sarcastic comment or two about Egypt and its dynamic, innovative 21st century government? How about I avoid politics all together and focus on summer, the beach, the wonderfully empty streets of Kuwait now that schools are out and the mass exodus that has begun, and all the amazing things to do in Kuwait over the summer?

The bazaar team...

Boss

Photographers

Ahmed El-Adly

Padmini Chandrasekaran

Operations

Kevin Jones

Rebecca Sweetman

Business Development Ihab Mokalled

Design Sumaiya AL-Sharhan Padmini Chandrasekaran

Staff Writer/Social Media We have opted to do the latter, and focus on all things summer, local and abroad. For those of us in Kuwait over summer we have plenty of ideas to keep u s a l l b u s y, b e s i d e s re a d i n g t h e e n t i re b a c k l o g o f o u r m a g a z i n e s o n issuu.com. Check out our article on local activities and the summer’s blockbusters, or if you are thinking of doing a dive course read all about the options and more, with the Kuwait Dive Team. For those of you planning on travelling this summer, you must read our piece on the summer music festivals circuit, as well as a bazaarite’s crazy experience at the La Tomatina festival in Spain - these are not to be missed! In our guide to all things Ramadan, we feature Operation Hope, a local charity committed to help those in need in Kuwait, the latest Kaftan fashion, as well as some fantastic tips for fitness and nutrition during this Holy month.

Yasmine El Charif

Staff Writer Brook McClurg

Communications Consultant Hala Y. Sharara

Editor

Syndicates and Sources LA Times MCT International MIT Review Fast Company The Japan News Tribune Media Services Daily Star USA Today Slate Washington Post Variety News Service

Printing British Industries for Printing and Packaging

A. Al-Duaij

Contributing Writers Abdulaziz Alhashash Ayman Nassar Bibi Al-Falah

members of:

Carmen Loren

A reminder to all our readers that this issue of bazaar covers both July and August, so we’ll be back in September with tons of new reviews, interviews and more.

Deepa Pant Jaye Sonia Loaay Ahmed

www.bpaww.com

Mike Campbell

Happy Summering and Ramadan Mubarak!

Shabana H. Shaikh

Ahmed El-Adly

Zainab Mirza

Dr. Susannah J. Schuilenberg

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).

No one likes to be dumped;

recycle me, please.

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tel. 24610017 - fax 24610018 info@bazaar-magazine.com www.bazaar-magazine.com

FIAT

INDEX JULY/AUG ' 1 3

38

56

32

50

62

LA TOMATINA

KUWAIT DIVE TEAM

THE GATHERING

MUSIC FESTIVALS

BEAT THE HEAT

This lesser-known of the big Spanish festivals is the best kept secret in Spain. Our correspondent takes you inside the madness of the biggest food fight in the world and manages to make it out (relatively) unscathed.

The Kuwait Dive Team has long been a staple of our local waters.

As a group that chooses to spend their time in equal parts deepsea diving and cleanup there is clearly a lot more than meets the eye. From classes, to community events, we dive in to learn more.

As a perfect example of what the bistro should be, The Gathering cooks up an amazing array of comfort foods and delicious desserts for your eating pleasure.

This month we get to the bottom of why this is everybody’s new favorite food place.

Take the bazaar music world tour challenge if you dare: from Scotland to California and back again by way of Croatia, we give you the low down on the best summer music happenings with just enough time for you to still book your tickets!

As the barometer goes up and everybody scurries indoors, we are increasingly in need of a “what to do” in summer list.

Consider this your summer guide to all things wet, cool, or just plain too much fun to pass up.

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46

UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL

SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS

We sit down with Juna Alawahdi to discuss all things healthy food-related. From her work as an ambassador for Revolution Kuwait, to the store that she owns locally with her sister, we find out where she gets the motivation behind her healthy lifestyle.

We give you a rundown of what movies are coming out this summer with a critical look at the good, the bad, and the next obligatory superhero flick.

Check in for your sneak preview before they hit the big screen. As an added bonus find out how to win free movie tickets.

KUWAIT DIVE TEAM, p.56

48

78

34

54

86

TRAINING FOR RAMADAN

THE MAXI DRESS

OPERATION HOPE

SOCIAL MEDIA SMACKDOWN

KUWAIT GREEN WALL

Ramadan can be a tough enough time just to maintain the fast, of course. But for those of us who are looking to continue training through this month of fasting it becomes more important to make sure we are training healthy and right. Consider this your guide.

The omnipresence of the Maxi dress simply cannot be overstated. With a brief history of how this trend started, and an update as to where its headed, we follow the trail of success from its runway origins to a welcomed place in every closet.

What started as one person’s random act of kindness has since blossomed into a full blown charitable organization.

With a new retail store in the works as well as a new building by which to operate out of, Operation Hope is continuing to help the less fortunate.

This summer, one writer requests that you stop tweeting and taking photos of your vacation long enough to actually enjoy it. In a smack down of epic proportions he contends that to see the forest for the trees we must first set down our phones.

If you do not know about the ambitious Kuwait Green Wall Project that Khaled Al Kulaib started just a few short years ago, now is a great time to learn.

With a 10-year plan that seeks to put a big green border all around the whole of Kuwait, his dreams are big as his days are long.

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Galleria Marina Mall/Crescent Casper & Gambini Chocolate Bar Johnny Rockets P.Q. Paul Souq Sharq Starbucks Haagen Dazs Breadz The Avenues Johnny Rockets Paul Pizza Express Crumbs Haagen Dazs Starbucks Airport Mall Pizza Express Starbucks Dar Al Awadi I.O. Center Spoons Chocolate Bar Salhiya Complex Starbucks

Stand Alones 4 Boutique A.W.A.R.E. Center Alghanim Marine

Beautylicious Brush Salon Cozmo Bowling - Salmiya, Kaifan, Discovery Mall, Mahboula Dar Al Funoon Gallery Tilal Goji Boutique Jacques Dessange Salon, Shaab Karizma Kuwait 4X4 Landmark - Al Rai café, Fahaheel, Salmiya London Limos N Bar N Style Pink Moon Boutique Sultan Gallery THE One The Video Club TIES Center Schools & Universities American International School American University of Kuwait Australian College Kuwait Boxhill College BSK - Britsh School of Kuwait Universal American School Kuwait University Starbucks Khaldiya Starbucks Adeliya Starbucks Jabriya Starbucks Shuwaikh

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WOK N ROLL

what's trending 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!

Find us online: It makes our day when we see your tweets/mentions/likes/comments/shares about your favorite features and more.

facebook.com/bazaarmagazine

what: Two Wheels Across type: Facebook/Website editor’s note: Follow Christian’s photographic journey across Africa

what: secondringroad type: IG Account/Website, Kuwaiti Clothing Boutique editor’s note: Gorgeous dresses and more!

what: Uncovet type: Pinterest/Website editor’s note: U.S. website to buy all things trendy 22

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what: Catbeardswag type: IG Account/Website editor’s note: Submit your cat beard and rate others!

START READING! Scan to read full digital issue.

what: Zahra’s Paradise/vote4zahra.org type: Facebook/Website editor’s note: The first virtual candidate running for presidency of Iran

issuu.com/bazaarmagazine

what: qortubame type: IG account, follow them and their other initiatives editor’s note: Local community-led improvement initiative

what: MyWamli type: Pinterest/Twitter/IG/Facebook editor’s note: Dubai based uber-cool geek-chic gifts

what: Vine type: Video Sharing App editor’s note: Recently surpassed Instagram for shares on Twitter

NBK

up close and personal JUNA ALAWADHI Healthy food is the answer!

By bazaar staff

Juna Alawadhi is a charismatic figure that we recently came across in our research into more healthy eating options here in Kuwait. Little did we know at the time that we were meeting someone not only passionate about healthy food choices, but central to the movement in Kuwait overall. An ambassador for Food Revolution Kuwait, a certified holistic nutritionist, and member of the American Association for Drugless Practitioners, she is busy getting the word out on good food and healthy lifestyles, long before she even steps foot into the restaurant she co-owns 24

with her sister. Jadi Morgen, recently featured here in our Gluten Free article, caters to the health conscious market with wholesome, organic, and natural meals, rarely found elsewhere locally.

More importantly though: it is her labor of love.

In fact, the only thing that it seems she values more than her place in the delicate local ecosystem of healthy living, is the family that gave her the foundations to understand food in such positive regard. Whether gardening their own plants and vegetables with her mother as a child, or playing fun but healthy food based

games with her dad (an apt trick in which one has to name the nutrients in their lunch-funny though it may seem, it is tough to argue with the results), to even witnessing the organic food legacy that her own sister Jumana has pioneered locally—she feels blessed to have learned so much from those closest to her. With a firm resolve and passion to pass this healthy food edification on to others, she is aiming to help Kuwaiti locals, one meal choice at a time.

We catch up with her in this months Up Close and Personal to see what makes her tick.

bazaar questionnaire:

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Perfect happiness is being in love with everything you do in life: to appreciate the simple things in life; to be aware of your purpose and aim in this life, and strive daily for it.

What is your greatest fear?

Losing sight of what is important and taking advantage of what’s given.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Being a perfectionist :) I need to do everything myself, I sometimes forget that I have a team that I can delegate things to.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

When people deny themselves the best healthy lives that they truly deserve. Healthy lives are key to true happiness.

Which living person do you most admire?

I am blessed to have great people around me that I can look up to and admire. But if I have to choose one person, I am going to have to go with my big sister Jumana. She is my inspiration and my ultimate support. Her way of life motivates hundreds of people.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Food. I love trying new things and experimenting!

Whenever I am traveling, I stop at as many farmer’s markets and food stores as possible looking for new ideas; whether vibrant vegetables or fresh fruit, I find it inspiring.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

“U ok?” and “Thank you” When were you happiest?

I am happy when I am around my loved ones, I am happy when I am giving a lecture and I see how I am making a difference, I am happy when I am in the kitchen cooking. Simple things make me super happy.

Which talent would you most like to have?

I would like to be able to play a musical instrument.

What would you consider your greatest achievement?

Finding out who I am as a person and what my passion is. The fact is, we normally go on in life searching for our identity and our passion. I love how sometimes what we are looking for can actually be a very simple thing that we overlooked because we were looking for something so grand. Finding your passion is the greatest achievement of all.

Where would you most like to live?

Home. Home is where love, harmony, and happiness reside.

Juna can be found most days at Jadi Morgen 2571 0196 or online at www.jadimorgen.com.

Follow her on Instagram: @jadimorgen or email: jm@jadimorgen.com 25

bazaar Love/Hate

TOP 5 CONFLICTS ABOUT MOVIES By bazaar staff

Getting a room full of movie aficionados to agree on anything can be a dangerous task; their tendency to polarize a conversation and spark debate is almost as notable as their ability to entertain. The lifechanger, the guilty-pleasure, the inspirational, the scare you silly: they all have a place in the escapism of cinema. With that said, here is the countdown to the top 5 conflicts about movies: #5 Movie Trailers- This can be a divisive one: some simply do not like movie trailers and see them only as a 26

delay to the entertainment they came to see. That is a valid point to be sure.

But, think about it: almost every movie looks great in a trailer! It’s a little minimovie almost guaranteed to entertain.

It introduces the characters, the tone, the plot, at their most succinct; they’re like epic period pieces for coffee junkies. Still, the dark and dirty side is that they often give too much away. How many times have you seen a hi-ll-ar-ious trailer, that clearly showed all its magical funniness in the 3-minute preview. So you see my friend, I love you, but you trick

me too, and that upsets me greatly. #4 3D movies-Technically speaking some form of 3-D films have been around since around 1915, but they did not really take off until the American cinemas of the 1950’s. After being away for a spell, they started coming back into mainstream favor in the last few years thanks to all types of “improvements” in the technology. When they get it right, it’s amazing: things leap out at, and threaten to hit you in a way that absolutely draws you into the film.

However, when done wrong they can make you nauseous and take away from the film entirely. Plus, by the time you throw in the fact that there are now 2 types of processing (a pre and a post-the latter of which looks far worse quality-wise), which yield significantly different results, and you have all the makings of a movie riot on your hands. Plus—you mean to tell me that in the time since we have developed spaceships, Mars rovers, Internet, cellphones, and ASIMA the humanlike robot, etc., we can’t find an extra couple “D” out there? We should be at like 9-D technology, by now. Wake me up when that hits, otherwise—I’m out. #3 Sequels, Blockbusters, Superhero movies- While comic book purists are probably already hitting their computers to complain about these 3 being lumped together, we only have so much room in this column. Plus, in recent years, they go together like ramalama-lama-ke-ding-a-de-dinga-dong.

Nearly every big movie out now meets all 3 qualifications of this cinematic trifecta—so there! While we all love these films for the over-the-top, largerthan-life, futuristic or otherworldly beauty that they are, maybe its time to pick a new thing to adapt: like, er…I don’t know, religious texts of the world? #2 Bootleg movies- While bazaar takes no official stance on the subject of bootleg movies (upon the advice given in a very curt email from our legal department), they are as ubiquitous as sand in these parts. Between the versions you can by in the souks, to the guy we all know who is downloading

right as we speak (you know who you are), bootlegging is here to stay. Still, the downside is that you never know what you’re in for when it comes to quality. Even with a good copy, there is no guaranteeing it won’t cut off 5 minutes before the end (sorry, Rebecca!). But the absolute worst offense of all bootlegging offenses is when some guy in the audience (or the guy filming) is providing his own laugh track or even stands up for a bathroom break mid-way through…sometimes it’s better to wait. #1 The no-ending-ending- One of the more annoying trends to take off in its most recent form is the ending of a movie without any resolution. This is normally followed by a grunt and sigh of “what…that’s it?” from at least one member of your party. As any student of literature at large will tell you (and always annoyingly so, admittedly), these non-resolve endings have been around for centuries, and are meant to evoke some response in you further than the film (in this case) can take you. They can, at their best, provide a little jolt that sparks much needed conversation on the drive home-and that’s a good thing. But, like anything else in films, it is now being done to death. In one of the funniest and most critical responses to the practice I have read about it (though admittedly he is discussing books—samesame) writer Jonathan Franzen, in The Paris Review said, “this came to be my gripe with the postmodern aversion to closure.

It’s like, grow up already! Take some responsibility for your narrative! I’m ­ not looking for the meaning, but I am looking for a meaning, and you’re denying me a vital element of making sense of any story, which is its ending!”

Touché, Jonathan…touché!

This months Love/Hate column is a Scaredycat film and a production of whybother media, brought to you

by Minimusmaximus Distrubution, in coordination NonetoSpeakof Entertainment. Up next month: Love/Hate: Travel.

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truth or dare

BLOGGER, WRITER AND ACTIVIST Abrar AlShammari By bazaar staff

This month we sit down with Abrar AlShammari, a university student majoring in International Relations, for a glimpse into how the world at large melds with her own personal worldview.

With a range of interests that teeter equally between Poetry and Politics, she sees learning, books, and education at large as a way to get us all out of our own collective funks and into the bright world of a potential tomorrow. A writer who often contributes to this magazine, amongst others, she is as fervent about fictional short stories and novels as she is their realworld news article counterpart; thus, it is no surprise that the passion found on her blog is only matched by the practical and opinionated political commentary also found therein. With an end-goal that hopes to effect humanitarian aid, be it via writing or otherwise, we sit down with this very impressive woman for a glimpse into what makes her tick. As a passionate voice that is willing to engage in debate and put her own heart on the line in the process, the motivations that drive her become as obvious as they are awe inspiring. If you have not done so already, check out her blog for great commentary on current issues; otherwise, you will just have to keep an eye out for her next piece here.

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How would your mother describe you in one word?

‘Smart’ How would you describe your mother in one word?

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

“How come you’re white?”

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

Definitely not something I would want published.

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

‘Euphoria’ in English, ‘Salam’ in Arabic Where would you like to live? What is your dream retirement location?

Another country that would geographically still be Kuwait, but internally would be reformed. As for retirement, anywhere with uncensored bookstores within walking distance works for me.

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

“Every human heartbeat is a universe of possibilities.” from Shantaram What animal best describes the kind of partner you’d be interested in?

A German Shepherd: Loyal, brave, and wild.

What do you miss about your childhood?

Eid mornings, waking up with presents on my bed

and kisses from my family.

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

Eshraqa How would you describe your handshake in one word?

Confident What is the toughest part of your character?

My determination Who is your favorite historical figure?

Cleopatra. I played her part in a school play when I was 10 years old.

What in the world do you least desire?

To have no purpose that would benefit others What do you think is lacking in the world, which if there was more of, would make the world a better place?

Readers!

Why do you think most girls/guys like you?

I’m a very good listener, and even better at pretending I am interested in what I’m hearing.

(Kidding!)

Finish this sentence: “Happiness is a thing called…” …KDD in July.

Follow Abrar’s blog at aalkatiba.wordpress.com or find her on twitter: @abrards.

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closet Bibi

KAFTAN SEASON

By Bibi Al-Falah

What’s your favorite way to pass the time whilst your stomach grumbles and you eagerly wait for futoor? I would say the top three answers are sleeping, watching TV and shopping. I’m here to talk about the third! We are in the midst of both Ramadan and the upcoming Eid Al Fitr. Two times of the year that call for different wardrobe essentials.

Let’s start with Ramadan, then move onto your Eid shopping destinations.

This year, we have seen many new trends emerge when it comes to both traditional dress “dara’as” and accessories as well. Other than the abundance of exhibitions that begin during the weeks leading up to Ramadan, there are many local designers with their own lines and a strong presence on Instagram for orders. I love that the styles are reaching ankle length now so we can see all of the gorgeous shoes that much better. Personally, I always check Confashion’s “Save the Date” page to find out when the next popular exhibition is going to be, and more often than not, you will find something of interest to you. More recently Bayt Lothan has been having amazing exhibitions. You can stay updated with them by following their Instagram account: @baytlothan.

Moving on to accessories, one category in particular has taken Kuwait by storm: the headpiece. Think Hareem Al-Sultan meets modern-day princess. I have seen girls rocking headpieces at all kinds of events, especially at weddings. There is no doubt that this accessory will be going strong in Ramadan, since it blends so beautifully with kaftans. Although people have mixed feelings about them, I think if the piece is simple and delicate it can look absolutely stunning. I think we are all aware of the floral headbands as well, but with a kaftan the thin metal variety is prettier and more subtle (Goji Boutique has some great ones)! Jewelry designer Lulwa Al Terkait has a line called Je La La! Jewelry, with headpieces, that can be clipped into the front or back of your hairstyle. She also has anklets, which are making a strong comeback and would look great with nude heels and a shorter length kaftan. You can follow @jelalajewelry to see all her latest pieces.

Another emerging trend are beaded phone straps that you can order in a million different colors and wear either cross-body or as a regular necklace. These also go very nicely with kaftans for family visits. Gone are the days of only seeing Bottega Veneta phone straps everywhere. The newest local designers are making straps of pearls, turquoise stones, and many other innovative designs. I personally ordered a phone strap from “Inspiration by Nina” or @I_B_N_KW on Instagram.

Their phone straps are usually made in a long cross body or super short wrist strap lengths, but I requested mine in a regular necklace length and they kindly accommodated.

30

Once you are done parading around in a colorful array of kaftans until August, it will be time to get ready for a much needed Eid vacation. Looking for a great destination? Time Out online always has useful suggestions; I like checking their Dubai website. I’m sure you already have the perfect warm weather outfits from earlier this summer, but in the event that you need some top-ups, I would recommend Revolution Boutique,

Closet Candy, Pink Moon, and the brand new boutique in Tilal Complex called “The Valley L.A.” (located across from November Bakery). AlOthman and AlOthman Outlet also have amazing summer pieces for higher-end designer goodies. When it comes to high street stores, Topshop have the best hats, accessories, and even lipstick shades to top off your summer looks.

Wishing you all Ramadan Mubarak and a Happy Eid!

PRECISION & POWER

WILLIAMS SONOMA

Grand Avenue - The Avenues Tel: 22283101

bazaar goes dining THE GATHERING The bistro perfected By bazaar staff

Just when you think you’ve seen every type of restaurant and dining experience that the local scene has to offer, up pops an original piece of culinary comfort that you dared not expect, that absolutely must be revealed. An intended bazaar like street scene that seamlessly melds the indoors with the outdoors, thanks in no small part to two entire walls of windows that easily tuck up and away for your uninhibited dining pleasure, the result feels much more like being in a café on the Avenue de Champs-Élysées as you gather with friends and family for a relaxed atmosphere, a wonderful array of delicious and inventive foods, as the breeze blows on by you; this may just become your new favorite meeting spot.

We can thank the last minute pullout from an all but done deal, to bring yet another franchised coffee shop to the region, for the wonderfully eclectic and comforting beauty that is The Gathering. Yes- in the 11th hour, some head honcho changed seats in some office far away, thus leaving our two young, local entrepreneurs holding the bag on a new spot, a rental agreement, and a dream about to go bust.

But what follows is poised to be local legend: in a fit of creative fortitude they opted to simply recreate the mellow ambiance and relaxed atmosphere of 32

the times that they share together with friends and family at the diwaniya: hence The Gathering name.

This simple decision shaped the entirety of the culture of the restaurant that followed. With their stated aim to specifically be the local answer to the bistro—that perfect sweet spot between a fine dining place and the café—here they hit the mark perfectly.

But enough pontification about backstory and setting: let’s get down to the menu, as it is all for naught if they can’t deliver in the kitchen; fortunately for us, they do! As for the menu itself, it is diverse and full of options. Yet, despite so many choices, they almost all remain as different enough so as to not just be the normal expected choices. For my part, the, Potato Bomb starter alone is reason enough to keep coming back: a baseball-sized mashed potato ball, stuffed with two types of cheeses, breaded, lightly fried, and then covered with more cheese and a tangy thousand island-ish sauce—to die for. Even for the health conscious out there-this should be your cheat day meal no doubt (followed by the pasta of course, but that’s coming); as we all know, there is nothing worse than wasting your cheat day meal on a lackluster plate of “the norm.” Also notable here is that the Squash, Zucchini, and Asparagus salad was wonderfully light with the freshest of ingredients by

comparison. I didn’t try the soups myself, but they definitely appear to be up to par with the rest.

For main entrée’s you have a choice of pastas, pizzas, burgers of various types, as well as comfort foods like Mac and cheese or Casseroles. However, despite the goodness of especially both the Veal Escalope and the Fillet Steak, I feel I would be remiss if I did not describe for you in detail the exquisiteness that is their Cartucho Pasta: first, they take a corkscrew pasta, then add pesto sauce, then add pink sauce (which is just a marinara mixed with a fettuccine; i.e. red+white=pink, less it somehow sound less than pleasing), cover it in cheese, wrap it in foil— and bake it. This truly was comfort food at its finest.

As for the desserts, the cookie pie and the red velvet pudding were both the best desserts I have had in a long time. Just the right amount of cookie crispness balanced with a molten center on both of these made them delightful. The fact that I had never even seen this done before with the now infamous red velvet recipe, made it all the more amazing. You got the feeling that you were equal parts enjoying the finished product, and sneaking into the kitchen to taste the batter, albeit warmed to perfection: the kid in you will rejoice! The fact that a random person, apparently a regular, stopped by our table in the midst

of the review to scold the owner for not providing us her favorite—The Cholocate Overdose—tells me that a returned trip is in order soon. She swears to its lifechanging ability, and her passion convinced me it must be true!

There are a couple of other notable points here.

First, you have to admire a company that is working to involve the community. Their most recent challenge allowed teams of local high school kids to compete in a dessert creation contest for the restaurant. The winning team’s entry, whose concoction is dubbed The Golden Triangle, is a samosa, stuffed with Nutella and served with a caramel and peanut butter dipping sauce, is now regularly available to order. That’s not all

though: 20% of the sales from these desserts go back to funding the kids organizations involved in creating them; not just the winners of the competition mind you, but all who participated. That is pretty amazing.

Additionally, for those of you out there who suffer from twitter-gram-book-itus, (a very concerning new medical trend for those who cannot be torn away from social media) and only like to go where those in the know do…they have a board on the wall that tells you what your favorite local bloggers love as well.

The day is still young for these guys, in that, they have only been open for about 6 months. Still, I personally contend that this is exactly the kind of restaurant that Kuwait needs more of. A small place

run by local guys who love what they are doing, providing an innovative menu in an interesting local.

The best of what eating out anywhere is all about.

They are currently delivering in the area of Salhiya, but are looking to expand that territory soon. Also, though their hours are currently noon to 11pm nightly, they will soon be expanding into breakfast as well—I for one, cant wait!

The Gathering is located in Salhiya Noor Complex (in front Of Salhiya Complex and behind Someday Cafe) Salhiya, Kuwait City. Reach them by phone at: 2244 9091, or follow them on twitter: @gatheringkw 33

OPERATION HOPE KUWAIT Helping those in need By bazaar staff

When Sheryll Mairza founded Operation HOPE in 2005, there was little desire beyond just simply helping people. In a letter on her website that clearly documents her own struggle of how best to come to terms with being a “have” in a world that is increasingly populated by growing swaths of “have not’s,” she began in an earnest attempt to rectify these two worlds (the website is worth a visit to read the letter alone, if nothing else). But by such humble thoughts are new beginnings built— and with the support of her family and friends in that early year, she began putting together the building blocks of a charity that is committed to helping people in ways both big and small.

For them, the story is in the name, with the acronym itself meaning Helping Others Practically & Everyday, without discrimination or disrespect to anyone. A grassroots humanitarian outreach campaign that is motivated by compassion to alleviate suffering in Kuwait, this non-profit is able to serve those in the greatest of need through the support of the local and international community.

Since 2005, more than 30,000 bags of winter clothing have been distributed to impoverished third country nationals working locally here in Kuwait.

However, in the years following their first, the outreach of OH Kuwait has grown to include tangible support including toiletries, blankets, bedrolls, and foodstuff to embassy shelters; visits to farmhands in need of shoes, blankets, and food at Kuwait’s borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia; visits to local jails to deliver blankets and toiletries for detainees; to being the “soil” for start-up outreaches such as Trash to Treasure and Broken to Beautiful, which offer training for shelter wards in embassies to learn new skills in order to become self-sufficient upon repatriation. Both of these visionary outreaches are now autonomous, having been launched with the support they needed from OH – Kuwait.

Additionally, as an organization that recognizes the importance and value of community service, they have developed a program for local students called “Schools in Action for HOPE”, which encourages students involvement through organizing and participating in collection drives for non-perishable foods, clothing, blankets, and shoes. Students, under the direction of their teachers and administrations, may engage at any level with serving Kuwait’s neediest through this comprehensive program. Many of them learn to appreciate what they have been blessed with and begin to contemplate their civic responsibilities with fresh eyes. This 360 approach to the act of giving only further helps their goals in the long run as more members of our society become educated and engaged in helping those in need.

During the first six years of serving Kuwait’s neediest, OH Kuwait has been humbly based in a tent 34

located in the founder’s yard—a testament, no doubt, to how passionately they believe in their cause. With the recent blessing, however, of a magnanimous father-in-law, as well as added help from Betsy Roose, Becky Peacock, Laurie Williams, Teresa Al Alban, and the British Ladies Society of Kuwait, they have since been able to build HOPE house as their new allpurpose facility, complete with adequate storage for all donations received, an area for volunteers to sort and label all bins holding their donations, as well as a bathroom facility for their volunteers to access when necessary. While these may seem like basic necessities for any organization to operate, it is at least notable that they managed to serve more than 26,000 needy men, women, and children out of the tent before even getting to their new building.

Their newest initiative, Esther’s Attic, is a re-use project meant to further their ability to help others.

As donations are sorted, volunteers identify high-end items, which can be used more efficiently through funds raised by their change of ownership through donations to the community. Cash donations received through Esther’s Attic, located within the newly built HOPE House, are then channeled into the ongoing initiatives of Operation HOPE – Kuwait.

It should also be mentioned that Operation HOPE has helped families who have encountered temporary financial difficulties, delivered food and clothing to farm workers in remote desert areas, and supplied airfare home to third country nationals recovering from tuberculosis. This willingness to recognize the many disparate causes of true need, and the ability to adapt solutions as needed, seems to be at the heart of an organization that is truly committed to the goals they have stated, and recognize that at times, the answer can be difficult, or less than straight forward.

As for how people can get involved and lend a helping hand, there are several ways, and they are open to your involvement. If you are able to make a financial contribution, volunteer a few hours of your time, or donate gently used clothing or household items please reach out to them—it will truly be appreciated!

You can find more information online at www.ohkuwait.org or reach them via email at hope@ohKuwait.org or volunteer@ohKuwait.org.

You can also drop off donations at: Rumaithiya, Block 9, Street 92, House 23 on Saturdays 7am - 9am and Tuesdays 8am - 10am and 5pm - 7pm. Reach them by phone at 9937 5613 for more information.

CRUZE

Inside/Out Gigs.Gigs.Gigs.

By bazaar staff It used to be that gigs were the only way to get your music out.

In the time before Internet, when terrestrial radio was one giant half of the introduction platform, the live show represented the huge other half. And in a symbiotic relationship of mutually beneficial musical-Zen, the show fed the radio which fed the show; all of which of course fed sales. In todays market, this is clearly far from the case. However, there is a secondary factor to the gig that cannot be overstated enough—it is simply great practice. Not the kind of practice you do late at night, rehearsing scales until your fingers bleed, but rather, the live or die by the reaction of the crowd in any given moment tenure, that assures you wont freeze up when something goes wrong—because inevitably, something always goes wrong.

So, what does that mean locally in places where there simply are not that many places to hone your musical skills?

Perhaps it just means getting creative.

When it comes to local gigs there are basically 3-4 types of places that you can go. First, there is the open mic.

While this is an often lauded venue that people scoff at for the sheer inclusionary nature of it (i.e. anyone can play), I think it is really one that should not be overlooked, for a couple of reasons. One, it is your best chance for an intro where absolutely nothing is on the line. You have a room full of people who, like you, only came to hear themselves. Beyond that though, you also have brothers in the same army.

They, again like you, are honing their own skills and trying to gauge crowd’s reaction as they build confidence. I have heard these places dismissed time and again, but I truly find them the most valuable of all the beginning options.

Another local setting would be the embassy gigs. Many people enjoy these because they normally guarantee a larger audience than some of the other ones. Furthermore, they tend to be the best paying gigs in town, and because of that, they are also the most sought after. While these are both good points, there are also drawbacks to consider.

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First, the ever-present notion that the crowd, while physically there, is not there to see you, and because of that are significantly less like to be wooed by the new, unknown, soon-to-bemonster-of-a-hit that you just penned last night. Also, the load-in’s can be one big ‘ol hassle due to security, distance from vehicle, etc. Lastly, you’re almost always relegated to cover songs, which, while fun at first, can lose their allure after about the 1700th time you’ve played “Brown Eyed Girl” to a wayward crowd. All that said, the money is good, the gigs can be consistent, and people are normally glad to see you there.

While there is often the occasional restaurant gig in town, I would put these in the exact same classification for all of the exact same reasons.

Lastly, we have the private function.

Now this one really can be the blast of all of them or the most constraining,

depending on the function itself and how you have organized it before hand. The real trick here is deciding what it is you will do or won’t do up front, letting the event organizer know, and sticking to your guns at the event.

So, if they want a cover guy and you are looking to get your music out there, for example, you may or may not want the gig. Or, on the other hand, you may not get to play your songs, but you may get people to still hear your amazing voice. It also likely makes a difference if it is a private function at a public or private place too, you may be able to rock out a little more in someone’s home than you might be able to down at Bayt Lothan. Or you might find it’s the opposite, but it all comes down to setting expectations up front.

Between all of these, in order of your experience, I would say to use the open mic as starter or refresher course,

you have private functions as middle school- it’s a lot more fun, but also a bit forgiving if you are still learning a bit; and you have the embassy as grad school. It is quite simply a little more boring, and the crowd is less forgiving—they demand you be a little more polished before you step up to the mic. All in all wherever you find your next gig, even if you are just streaming live online, it is an absolutely fundamental part of forging an artist out of the raw talent you start with. You have to be prepared so you don’t have a crazy embarrassing American Idol fall-on-your-face moment!

Inside/Out discusses all things music.

Feel free to send any questions, suggestions, or hate mail as you see fit (please include snacks-we are trapped in the port and can’t get out).

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LA TOMATINA FESTIVAL The best kept secret in Spain By bazaar staff On the last Wednesday in August, every year for roughly the last 70 (save the Franco years), the small town of Buñol, Spain, with a population of roughly 9,000 people, has swollen to an estimated 90,000 (as of 2012 count) for one day, as more than one hundred metric tons of tomatoes are thrown in the streets in the worlds largest food fight. Long known as La Tomatina festival, its origin is as shady as the vines from whence the tomatoes themselves come from. Some say it started as a small foodfight, others as a practical joke on bad stage performers; some even suggest that it began as class warfare between the farmers and the city councilmen. However it started, one thing is clear: despite the fact that people now come from far and wide to participate, this annual tomato celebration remains one of the best kept secrets in Spain.

Though many people by this point may have vaguely heard of this tomato pelting fest, I have never actually met anyone who has done it, save for myself and the handful of friends from that day.

So with a whimsical tomato-stained and nostalgiafilled tear dropping from my eye as I type, I will work to give you the experience first hand: My group and I opted to stay in the small town of Requeña just a few short kilometers East, in order to save on both money and be out of the crowds a little bit. Arriving late the day before, we were all set to head out the next morning.

As we planned our wardrobe for the day with all the pomp and stoicism of an army about to enter the fray, we adhered to the strict guidance of the ever present word on the street, normally uttered in hushed tones, from another all-knowing alum of the event: “don’t wear anything you are not prepared to burn after.”

The following morning, after a brief taxi ride onto a highway, and off onto a country road, we arrived on the outskirts of the town where throngs of people were all marching, in their summer gear of little-to-no shirt or bathing suits. If you saw someone in a pair of flip-flops you would scoff to yourself, as if you had seen a camper in a cocktail dress: clearly this person did not know what they were getting themselves into! Once you get to the city center, the crowd siphons into a narrow Spanish street of no more than 20 meters in width.

Crammed like sardines in a can, all you can do is wait and cheer in anxious anticipation.

In the center of the crowd sits a two-story greased-up pole with a ham at the top. Technically the festival does not begin until someone has scaled the pole and removed it. In reality, however, this takes a very long time to happen and is normally just a litany of close calls, as people fall 38

off or slide back down. Next, water cannons shootoff and it officially begins. In the distance, all you can see above the many waiting heads is a dump truck coming down the street; this turns out to be one of about ten that will follow down the street in succession. That these oversized trucks can fit their way down a street that is so densely packed with people that you could not fit a bicyclist through, is testament to how safe and slow the trucks roll on.

On top of them, like the only armed troops in a battle, fortifying their position on a garrisoned wall, sits normally about 10-20 people per truck, throwing down tomatoes as hard as they possibly can at the crowd below. Every 50 yards or so, the dump

trucks bed tilts back about 30 degrees pouring out tomatoes to the crowd below—finally we are armed!

As all out anarchy breaks out into the street, an ‘every man for himself’ mentality takes hold: you are getting hit in the face, you are throwing with all your might, you are laughing like a little kid at Christmas. The kinetic energy and adrenalin that results from such an all-out free-for-all is infectious: you may find that you need more of this.

If you are a kind soul, you will break the tomato by squeezing it a bit first, this becomes especially important when the odd unripe tomato makes its way into the onslaught, as they are about the only ones that actually hurt. You form teams, you

trade allies, and you get lost in the crowd and a collective mentality much bigger than yourself.

Slowly, all of the tomatoes hurled starts turning into a soupy gazpacho mixture beneath you: first ankle, then knee, and then seemingly waist deep.

And as you slip and slide through the mixture of tomato sauce fit for a king, it is hard to not reflect on the beauty of it all.

The only time anything remotely bordering on negative happened was when the tarp, which drapes down from a roof at 3 stories up, meant to protect the buildings and windows, gets slightly pushed open, resulting in the breaking of a huge window.

Quickly the crowd in this small section of the fight

essentially called an audible timeout while it was covered up. That our small corner obliged with nary a word needing to be said to control the crowd was amazing; my jaw dropped in envy of the full respect and cooperation of all involved. Just as quickly the time-out is over and you are back in the battle.

A short one-hour later, and the tomato chucking is over. One big collective exhale happens as we all fall into the soupy mix beneath us. Then, we file back out of the city center back down the individual roads from whence we came, locals standing in front of their houses offer to spray strangers down with a hose, to help them clean off; just one more in a long day of kindness bestowed by strangers. In the short half

hour it takes us to return to our hotel room, it appears they are almost finished with clean up. On the news they are showing how they basically just pull up the plug in the big city drain and all the tomato juice falls down with help of water from the Roman aqueducts.

I did burn all my clothes. It was necessary. For the next month I left tomato remnants all across Europe.

I still can’t hear out of the ear on my left side…but it was worth it. War is hell.

La Tomatina Festival happens in Buñol, Valencia Spain on the last Wednesday of August every year. It is not too late to get your trip planned for this summer!

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RIHAM AL-RESHAID Changing perceptions through art By bazaar staff

Riham Al-Reshaid is a selftaught new and emerging artist living and working in Kuwait. As an artist, she works in a variety of styles and mediums ranging from pen & ink drawings to more detailed oil paintings. Currently working on a project that tackles attitudes about mental health problems via a series of mixed-media pieces, she seeks to tell the many stories of the diverse range of women in Kuwait.

Riham’s aim is to break down the stigma and discrimination of mental health problems, by opening up communication between those with and without such ailments.

As a woman who herself suffered from an eating disorder for many years, starting from the age of 10, this is an issue close to her heart. She studied Psychology at Kuwait University, and has, more recently returned from Chicago, USA, after having struggled and then successfully been treated for the aforementioned condition. She is seeking to spread awareness on eating disorders in Kuwait and has started a Facebook group called Kuwait Eating Disorder Awareness and Prevention (KEDAP) to do so (www.facebook.com/groups/ kuwaitedap). We recently sat down with her for a conversation about art, artists, and the passion behind it all: How did your artistic journey begin?

I was a very creative child and loved to draw and make things with objects that I would find around the house. My mother is also an artist so she always had art supplies around the house and lots of activities for us to do.

What/Who inspires your work?

I’m mostly inspired by my experiences and emotions. I find that I’m better able to express things through my art, rather than words.

I’m also very lucky to have a big imagination so I use it as much as possible.

Do you use a variety of mediums in your art/or what are your specialties?

I use a variety of mediums and don’t like to limit myself to one style.

I would say that my specialty is in the way I use color.

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Is there a favorite piece of yours that you have done?

My favorite piece would have to be one entitled, It’s Complicated. I had stopped painting for a very long time and that piece brought me back to doing what I love to do.

In your opinion, what was the hardest challenge you faced in your art career?

The hardest challenge was being able to accept that what makes me the artist I am, is my ability to work with different styles of art. I get asked all the

time why all my pieces are so different, but I just think that’s a reflection of me as a person as well. I don’t think I would ever change that.

What would you like to accomplish in the future?

Right now I’m working on a project that combines KEDAP and my art. I’m always very inspired by the people I meet and their stories.

I want to be able to do that more in the future and get the community involved in some way in hopes of raising awareness through art.

The tie-in between the artist’s imagination and real-world problems or conflicts is a bold ambition for any work of art—let alone the artist themselves!

To additionally seek to bridge the gap as a community service for the country you care about, is equally admirable. We here, will certainly be on the look out for her next exhibition.

You can find out more information about Riham’s artwork online at: facebook.com/artworkbyrihamalreshaid

ACQUA

PROTÉGÉS Preparing the youth of tomorrow By bazaar staff

The time in which our youth are transitioning from kids to adulthood can be a tenuous one, to put it mildly. Between all the concerns about which secondary school to go to and which program to study (perhaps even in which country) often a lot of other opportunities that help students learn beyond just the classroom can be lost, and with them, significant opportunities for growth and the acquisition of skills necessary to be successful in the modern workplace. It is this gap, between formal education and real world application that the Protégé organization seeks to fill.

The Protégés is a program designed to positively influence the youth of Kuwait, through an inclusive series of events that combines travel, lectures, group activities, challenges, games and fun. Guided by a team of mentors, The Protégés are encouraged to discover their passions and given the tools to help them excel in their future careers and contribute positively to society.

They feel that by nurturing the potential of the youth through all of these activities, it will broaden their horizons and challenge them to discover more about themselves than they otherwise might.

It appears to be working too: at this point, they have become one of the leading youth programs in the region, and are making a name for themselves for developing young talents and producing an alumnus of well-rounded, successful adults.

As for the mentors themselves, they are a 42

team of well-respected public figures known for their success and achievements in various fields.

The role of the mentor is to inspire the Protégés to discover their passion and offer them insights from their own personal experiences on how to achieve them. By providing on-going guidance and support, the mentors and Protégés form life-long relationships, which do not end when the program does. Their goal is to maximize the impact they make on each Protégé and the impact each Protégé will make on the future.

The basic format is based around a trip, and all of the collective learning around it. In this, their third generation of these activities, they will be going to London. The Protégés program will take the students on a journey that combines fun, work, wisdom, and personal development.

This year, the full program takes place from August 11th to the 31st. During this time, they will take a two week trip to England that will include: Seminars at Kings College, workshops conducted by mentors, entrepreneur seminars on starting your own business, and of course games and group activities until your hearts content.

When asked, they say that their main aim is “to strive to achieve the perfect formula that integrates knowledge and life experience to stimulate the minds of the new generation.” By taking advantage of the combined knowledge of their mentors, paired with a trip to the UK and business courses at Kings College, they

feel that they truly are delivering a once in a lifetime experience to those chosen to go. By discovering extraordinary potential in the youth and developing it through a unique shared experience, they not only learn the lessons as taught to them by their mentors, but also through the life-long friendships and bonds that are no-doubt built over such an experience. The application process is open to any 16-24 year old that wishes to apply. All you have to do is go to their site and fill out an application online.

In the end, the Protégés are selected based on a thorough screening process aimed to ensure that they meet the organizations standards of excellence.

Find information on The Protégés or submit your application online at www.theproteges.org. Follow them on Twitter: @the_proteges and Instagram: @TheProteges.

MOSAIC

STORY OF AN ARTISAN Part III: Wearable Art Lama Hourani

By Deepa Pant

Lama Hourani’s signature style is a mélange of old-world romance, edgy verve and fashionforward chic. She nearly became an artist, but the calling to become a jewelry designer was much stronger. bazaar takes a deeper look at the young and gifted Jordanian designer who recently showcased her collection at Fa Gallery in Kuwait.

“One should either be a work of art, or wear a work of art.” These words by Oscar Wilde couldn’t fit anyone better than internationally acclaimed jewelry designer, Lama Hourani.

From classic to contemporary, her one-of-a-kind jewelry has been exhibited at top-notch galleries and museums around the world. Inspired by her frequent travels, Hourani’s pieces are carefully crafted. She offers an exotic range of exclusive yet affordable jewelry, with a wide customer range.

“Jewelry has the ability to transform any outfit! It reflects a woman’s character and it sets her apart from the crowd,” believes this successful entrepreneur.

Her signature collection, titled Talisman a Lama, is inspired by exotic fables of yore and mythology of the Mediterranean.

How did you get into jewelry designing?

Ever since I was a child, while in the market, I used to drag my mother to look at jewelry in local shops. As a teenager, I started collecting crystals and 44

restyling my necklaces by adding elements I had here and there… that’s when I realized I wanted to do this for the rest of my life! I studied fine arts. Soon after, I met a jewelry craftsman by chance who was looking for a job and we immediately started working on my first collection, which was launched in 2000 and was a big hit! Afterwards I went on to continue my studies in Milan with an M.A. in Product Design degree from Istituto Marangoni, to broaden my horizons; and the rest is history!

Tell us about your design style. What makes your collections unique?

Behind each jewelry piece, there is a story that extends from the very beginning of the inspiration process where there is a spot in the world that triggered that particular design; my mood board often consists of various photographs that were captured during my trips around the world. The creative process begins with sketching components of Master Pieces and Limited Editions bringing bits and pieces of my most loved moments into my jewelry. These are then given to our very talented artisans who bring those on-paper designs to life with extra attention to detail. After the components are ready they are taken to the assembly section where they are fused with handpicked semiprecious stones according to the color palette

chosen for that collection. The assembled pieces enter the last phase of production which is quality control and voila! The masterpiece is displayed at my store which is designed to ensure a wonderful shopping experience for clients coming from different parts of the world. This definitely distinguishes us from others, especially since we live in a mass-produced world.

What kind of woman wears your jewelry?

Women with individualistic style, who are welltraveled and confident, with strong characters. All of my clients are trendsetters, achievers and artistic.

What kind of jewelry do you typically wear?

It depends on my mood. Sometimes I go for statement jewelry pieces, especially when I’m wearing plain casual outfits, I absolutely love layering necklaces, and I tend to wear simpler pieces with busier patterns. There are no rules when it comes to how I wear jewelry - I just follow my gut and what I feel upgrades or flatters my outfit day or night.

What is your biggest inspiration in terms of your design?

Travel is the biggest trigger of the creative process, especially art and architecture. Discovering different cultures and experiences and sourcing semiprecious stones my mind absorbs images, colors and music that I later translate into sketches.

What are some of your favorite materials to work with?

I have to say silver…it’s my canvas! I love this metal - it’s flexible, ancient and has so much significance throughout history. Silver contrasts beautifully when combined with other materials. I just finished a collection “Rooted” that incorporates silver and beautiful leather that I found in Barcelona.

What is your favorite piece you’ve ever created—and what made it so special?

My wedding earrings: I’ve always enjoyed my artistic freedom and the wings incorporated in the design I sketched especially for my big day reflect my travels and adventures. I combined white and yellow gold with black rhodium paved with sapphires, brown diamonds and rubies. My favorite part was the stunning Rhodonite Quartz that I found while in Brazil.

You recently showcased your new collection in Kuwait. What kind of response did you get?

It was an amazing experience. I met amazing women while in Kuwait and the feedback was beautiful! I will definitely be back to Kuwait for more exhibitions. Women in Kuwait are super-elegant

What can we expect from your next collection?

Expect lots of play; an explosion of colors, massive masterpieces and multi-media elements, just in time for spring! and they appreciate a good piece of jewelry when they see it.

What are upcoming trends in the jewelry designs in the Middle East region?

The more unique the design, the better. Using

various materials, forming unexpected shapes, women invest in design rather than materials nowadays. Also, silver is the new gold‌ The biggest jewelry brands are creating a silver line due to the rise in the gold prices. Women are rushing towards silver jewelry.

If you missed out on the exhibition, head over to www.lamahourani.com where you can check Lama Hourani’s collection.

Images courtesy of Lama Hourani.

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SUMMER BLOCKBUSTERS “They’re baaaacccck!”

By bazaar staff

As sure as the summer sun is hot enough to send everyone scurrying indoors for a respite from the heat, the movie industry will be waiting there for us with an ice cold beverage and our favorite of familiar faces, set to entertain. The summer blockbuster movie specifically, which once was just another seasonal marketing push, as constant as Christmas (the industries other high-recoup season), is now viewed in many ways as the savior to an otherwise flailing industry.

Ever since Will Smith supersized summer with Independence Day, and the myriad films after, we have seen time and again people want that summer sun escapism—and the industry has responded in kind.

With 45 films being released from roughly the start of May to Labor Day, the unofficial bookends of summer, the fact that at least 18 of them cost more than $100 million each to produce, speaks volumes; the fact that 5 of them were in the $200-million neighborhood, speaks even louder. In summer 2012, just 12 of the 40 films had budgets of $100 million or more; hence, a double down on the big summer blowout. So what excites us this summer? Between sequels, superheroes and computer-animated cartoons, there is a lot to be excited about.

First, it should be noted that Will Smith has another film this summer. Can we be done with him now? The only thing that I want to see less than another ‘Will Smith saves the day’ movie is one where his real-life son plays his son in the film, 46

and we pretend that that makes them actors. And that’s coming from a Fresh Prince fan since his 1989 hit ‘Parents Just Don’t Understand,’ seriously. So, After Earth; how about…after it comes out on DVD? Moving on…

Man of Steel - With all of the super hero movies that have come out in recent years, it is confounding that this has not happened sooner.

It will be amazing to see what can be done with this latest incarnation of the franchise that was not even possible effects-wise, just a few short years ago. With a stellar cast that includes Russell Crowe and Amy Adams, the big-name cast also boasts Kevin Costner, Diane Lane and the seemingly ubiquitous Michael Shannon.

Also, since it is directed by Zack Snyder, who also directed 300 and Watchmen, we know the special effects will be top notch—exactly what you want from a summer blockbuster.

The Wolverine - Hugh Jackman as Wolverine might just be the highlight of all the recent superheroes, in all of the recent super hero movies.

His ability to play tough, lost, everyman pushed a little too far beyond his own moral borders to no fault of his own, with just these little claws to fight crime, is about as subtle as his fauxhawk—but that’s what you want out of a summer flick, is it not? By the time you throw in Famke Janssen and a backdrop set in Japan, and you have me hooked before the film even begins.

The Internship - With Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson playing their customary characters (the

motor-mouth and the straight, if overly-confident man) who are dropped into another fish-out-ofwater scenario, we are in for another laugh attack here. After these salesmen lose their jobs, they somehow snag internships at Google, despite their lack of tech knowledge. While it would be a fair critique to say that these two man-child(s) might not actually be acting at all, it’s hard to fault them for it when they are still untouchable in the laugh department.

The Heat - Definitely similar to the odd and opposites Wilson/Vaughn pairing mentioned above, this time McCarthy/Bullock take the time-honored buddy cop movie to new heights. With Sandra Bullock doing her persnickety straight-laced FBI agent opposite to Melissa McCarthy’s disheveled Boston Cop shtick, all to the tune of a big drug case, the tune is funny, albeit a familiar one. Still, with the lineage of Bullock combined with the fresh pratfall nature of McCarthy, this should be the perfect type of brainless summer candy.

Monsters University - As far as a movie for the kids, that the whole family can enjoy, it is hard to beat the Monsters Inc. franchise. This all-star cast includes the voices of John Goodman, Billy Crystal and Steve Buscemi, to name a few. Pitched as a prequel to Pixar’s Monsters Inc., this film chronicles how the odd couple of animation met. With a plot that reveals that Mike (Crystal) and Sulley (Goodman) were actually college roommates and rivals before becoming best friends and colleagues, we are given a glimpse into the time before they became the hilarious team that they were in the last film.

Before Midnight - If you are not familiar with the latest in this line of indie-darling vignettes about a couple who originally met on a European trip (he American, she French-and all the self-aware jokes that implies), now is no time to start. First, I loved these movies early on enough that I will eventually see it. But, it definitely feels like they told the story completely—twice already! Also, Delpy herself (notably like Hawke) teeters dangerously on the ‘going back to the well too many times’ motif.

As a side but related note: Julie Delpy’s French rationalism and moral relativism also totally drives my wife up the wall, especially when I say-“no, no, I get it.” (wait, does that mean it’s me that drives her up the wall?). I digress, see it if you like philosophical movies about what it means to be young but aging, in and out of love, trying but often failing. Think of it as the antithesis to the summer blockbuster.

In celebration of the summer blockbuster flick and in conjunction with the wonderful people at Grand Cinemas we are giving away 5 free pairs of movie tickets this summer. Follow the bazaar social media for details.

POWERHOUSE

bazaar fitness

TRAINING DURING RAMADAN The Supple Leopard

By Mike Campbell

The 9th month in the Islamic calendar is Ramadan. Practicing Muslims drink and eat nothing from dawn till dusk. The goal of this fasting is to teach patience, discipline, modesty and spirituality.

The key to maintaining a successful training régime during Ramadan is to plan prior to commencing the activities of the Holy month.

This plan of what you want to achieve has to be realistic despite what your medium and long term goals are. Therefore, this month should be seen as a period of short term goals. Because of the change in times in taking on water and food, it is more feasible to look at setting different targets.

Food Plan what you will be eating each day. Stick to that plan. Ask whoever will be preparing your food to help you out. It sounds very basic, and it is, but food planning is remarkably powerful. Everyone who gets food right knows when, where and what they are going to eat. The meals after sunset can be extremely lavish affairs: big events where the focus really is on the food. The hunger caused by the fasting 48

period and the atmosphere of celebration can often lead the individual to make poor nutritional choices and over-indulge. By having a prepared meal plan and understanding what choices you will make you reduce the chance of having regret post Iftar.

Remember the goals you set prior to starting this fasting period and maintain composure and restraint from the sugar laden sweets and traditional rich fatty and fried food dishes. Focus on healthy food choices and look at portion control.

Water Lack of water can lead to dehydration. A dehydrated body performs incredibly poorly especially when placed in the stressful conditions of working out. Ensure that you maintain adequate levels of hydration during the non-fasting periods.

Thirst is a good indicator of when you have to drink.

However, during Ramadan you can’t always drink when you are thirsty. Therefore Ramadan is one of the few times where you should take a point to make sure to load up on fluids preemptively, before thirst takes place. This is especially important as Ramadan is occurring in the hot summer months of Kuwait.

Training Working out verses working in. Ramadan could be the perfect month to focus on improving in areas that you may have neglected. Typically “working out” involves the expenditure of energy; think of a CrossFit WOD (Workout of the Day), a strength training session, or a Les Mills Body Combat Class.

These workouts tend to drain the body’s natural battery and deplete it of energy. The fasting aspect of Ramadan makes it more difficult to set personal bests due to the longer periods without water and nutrition. Although you can still workout, in a maintenance phase it might be worth looking at spending time to focus on the “work-ins.” A work-in will assist in building energy in the body.

Think options like Tai Chi and the various forms of Yoga. There are several excellent “zone” exercises developed by leading coaches such as Paul Chek, to cultivate energy and decrease the body’s physical and mental stress levels.

Perhaps the period of Ramadan could be used to improve on your current levels of mobility and flexibility. Improvement in these areas will see great performance rewards, once the Holy month is completed, in all your major Olympic Lifts.

Books such as Becoming a Supple Leopard, by Dr. Kelly Starrett, are leading the way in increasing an individual’s athletic performance. By educating yourself on these methods you will extend your athletic career, treat body stiffness, achy joints, and learn to rehabilitate injuries. Often these key skills are neglected by the individual because of their focus on becoming fitter, faster and leaner.

The take home points: plan to eat smart: keep hydrated: and set realistic goals. Look to focus on maintaining your current strength levels and improving any dysfunctional movement patterns by learning how to maintain your body through improved mobility.

If you are in any doubt of when to eat and train, what to eat, and how to train, then speak with your personal trainer prior to embarking on Ramadan.

There are several options available to assist you to ensure it’s a month of advancement in your training, rather than a regression.

Mike Campbell is the GM and Co Founder of Inspire Pure Fitness.

For further information please email: info@inspirekw.com or jane@inspirekw.com or visit www.inspirekw.com.

Wishing you all a blessed Ramadan

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Enjoy 20% off all Treatments during the first two weeks of Ramadan.

TONI&GUY Hairdressing at the Al Corniche Club for Ladies and Gents - Al Shaab Al Bahary - Gulf Road Please call us on 25663286 or 66178889 for an appointment or free consultation. facebook.com/toniandguykw twitter.com/toniandguykw www.toniandguykuwait.com

SUMMER FESTIVALS Take the bazaar summer music world tour (if you dare!)

By bazaar staff

The Dolder Grand, Zurich, Switzerland, 10 - 21 July 2013 The fun thing about putting together this article, beyond the giddy joy I would be flush with every time I caught a new and unexpected line up of musical greatness, is the fact that people in Kuwait, whether locals or expats, are uniquely global in scope. I have written these before with the limited idea of what to do in the US or maybe Europe; but the fact is, as I type this, my many and disparate friends are packing their bags to head in every which direction from our small little nook of the world. So, with that in mind, I literally scoured the earth…from my desk (WHERE’S MY CONCERT BUDGET BOSSMAN?), to bring you the best of the best of this summers music festivals, arranged in order by date—as a dare—so that you might plan accordingly. Now go fourth and get, I mean be-merry!

T IN THE PARK FESTIVAL | July 12,13, & 14 Balado, Kinross-shire, Scotland

With all of the festivals that happen in the UK it would be a very acceptable excuse to have been too busy at the others to even know that this year marks their 20th anniversary. This year, however, forego the overcrowded and doneto-death Leeds and Glastonbury Festivals for the experience of what those ones used to be: a truly great and diverse musical line-up, before all the hipsters get in (might be a tad late on that last part), that still has enough space for your tent! Just an hour drive northeast from Glasgow, and even less from Edinburgh, and you will be mixing it up in the beautiful grey haze of a Scottish summer.

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Highlights of the line-up include: Mumford and Sons, Snoop Dogg, The Killers, Rhianna, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Script, and truly way too many to name here.

Check out: www.tinthepark.com for complete line-up.

SUPER BOCK SUPER ROCK | July 18 – 20

Mecos Beach, Sesimbra, Portugal

This 3-day beach festival, located a short half an hour from Lisbon’s city center, was created in 1994, and originally was geared just to rock and metal fans. With an increasingly diverse line-up that includes electronic artists as well as Hip Hop stars, they are clearly branching out. With a normal expectation of at least 3 stages of good music, on the beach, you can’t go wrong. Highlights of the line-up include: Arctic Monkeys, Kaiser Chiefs, Johnny Marr, Miguel, Queens of the Stoneage, and Carl Craig.

NEWPORT FOLK FESTIVAL | July 26 – 28 Newport, Rhode Island, US

I know what you are thinking—don’t let the name fool you. Though it is one of the oldest music festivals in the US, and is located at Fort Adams State Park, it has in recent years willingly strayed from the strictly folk title. That said, you are not likely to find hip-hop or electronica. Highlights of the line-up include: Beck, Amanda Palmer, Andrew bird, Beth Orton, Feist, Old Crowe Medicine show, and if you have never heard of him…the amazing show that is New Orleans own-- Trombone Shorty.

BYBLOS FESTIVAL | July 1 – 31 Jbeil-Byblos, Lebanon

If you don’t want to travel as far, this may be the one for you. Additionally, since it takes place throughout the month, with good shows most nights of the week, this means that although you wont likely see all the acts, you will save yourself from the annoying habit of your two favorite bands playing at the same time. Highlights of the line-up include: Cee-lo Green, Pet Shop Boys, Lana Del Rey and Scorpion, you might find just what you are looking for here. Honorable Mention- Baalbeck Festival—August 9th-30th—Baalbeck City, Lebanon- This international festival is billed as the oldest music festival in the Middle East. With a stellar line up of both regional and worldwide talent that includes Marcel Khalifé and his Oude, not to mention American icon Marianne Faithful, both of which can be seen at the steps of the Bacchus temple, this has all the makings of an unforgettable event.

SZIGET FESTIVAL | August 6 – 11 Budapest, Hungary

This winner of the 2011 best European Music Festival has a great reputation for an awesome multi-cultural experience. Roughly 400,000 fans packed onto a small island in central Budapest have all the makings of a life-changing event. With extras that include a Ferris wheel, full circus, exhibitions and live theatre, you may get dizzy with options. Highlights of the line-up include: Blur, Regina Spektor, Bad Religion, David Guetta, and Dizzee Rascal.

OUTSIDE LANDS | August 9 – 11 San Francisco, California, US

This is a bit of a newcomer to the Festivals show, having launched approximately 4 years ago. That said, if you have never been to Golden Gate Park in San Francisco in the middle of summer, this is quite possibly one of the most beautiful locations for an outdoor shindig. With extras that include a Japanese tea garden, a conservatory of flowers, as well as the best of local craft breweries and local Napa wineries, they definitely do it up like only California can. Highlights of the line-up include: Paul McCartney, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Vampire Weekend, Jurrasic 5 , Willie Nelson, Band of Horses, and more movie stars than you can shake a stick at (you really shouldn’t shake a stick at them-they are quite jumpy lately).

T in the Park, Kinross-Shire, Scotland, 12 - 14 July 2013

ROCK EN SEINE | August 23, 24, & 25 Paris, France

Paris in August for the Rock en Seine festival seems like about the most awesome way you could possibly spend a summer. Another festival that delicately balances a few cater-to-the-masses bands with a whole bunch of indie-street-cred stuffed in between, this one looks like the side stage might be the sweet spot to see some of the up-and-comers before they get too big. Oh and on top of all that, you will be in Paris, and not having to come up with excuses as to why you wouldn’t rather be waiting in line at the Louvre, which is great in itself. Highlights of the line-up include: Belle & Sebastian, Franz Ferdinand, Nine Inch Nails, and little known underdog Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Phoenix, and System of A Down.

OUTLOOK FESTIVAL | August 29 -September 2 Pula, Croatia

Located at Fort Punta Christo, and now in its 6th year, this festival is now recognized as “Europe’s largest bass music and sound system culture festival”—all of which is basically code for Hip Hop and Electronica. While many bands mentioned at these other festivals can be generally be found at different ones (requiring that you mix and match your experience ‘til your hearts content no doubt), there is enough one-of-a-kind and unique-cannot find them anywhere else on the festival circuit acts here, to warrant a special trip. They also have awesome boat parties as part of the festival most nights—how can you not like a party on the Adriatic to end a long day? Highlights of the line-up include: Mos Def, Jay Electornica, The Pharcyde, Talib Kwali, Goldie, Bonobo, and Pharoe Monch.

If you make it to a summer music festival, make sure to post a pic or two to the bazaar Facebook page. We would love to see how you all got on—or didn’t.

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THINK TANK Keeping your IT skills sharp By bazaar staff

The concept of a Think Tank has long been synonymous with the idea of a group of people getting together to work out complex problems and bounce ideas off of each other. To that end, a small group of THINKers got together to form a learning center, whose aim is to do just that: foster a community of thinkers while teaching them the necessary skills to stay at the top of their field. In our talk with Mr. Mubarak Al Hmoud, still basking in the glow from the recent graduation of their first patch, he explains the in’s and out’s of the Think Tank, and what it is that they hope to achieve in the coming years.

What exactly is the Think Tank?

Think Tank is an IT training hub with a new teaching philosophy. We have decided not to use the more traditional role of merely reciting textbooks, nor performing replays of YouTube clips, as apprentices can do that on their own. We will primarily use an interactive workshop teaching method in order to connect with our apprentices directly. This way, we make sure, that our workshops are well communicated to feed hungry minds, in a very close and creative way.

Can you give us some information on the Founders and Managers?

We are a team of six, Think Tank is managed by Mr. Abdulaziz Al Rushaid and led by yours truly. Backed up with my MBA and local market experience, I like to think of myself as the team’s Artist. Mr. Abdulaziz Al Rushaid is a self taught IT guru, he loves, actually adores IT books, and is a huge fan of both Apple’s and Adobe’s technologies and gadgets. Think Tank’s league of extraordinary men are; “The Body Guard” the International Certified Programmer Eng. Abdallah Nasrallah; “The Consigliere”, a real ACE (Adobe Certified Expert) Eng. Mohammad Salah; “The Decorator” and caretaker Mr. Hani Salah; and our Full Time super hero/part time human Eng. Jassim Kabiri.

When did you decide to establish Think Tank?

Mr. Al Rushaid’s passion for knowledge ignited the need of transferring Think Tank from paper into the real world. His eagerness to learn real skills that are tangibly sought after in the local market are a tremendous help. This helps us to focus on what is cool and fun, but also what matters in the long run.

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What do you offer at Think Tank?

Right now we only offer two sets of programs: designing courses and programming courses. Our aim is to focus on building teams of well-informed coders and artists, by communicating best practices of each specified career.

We are planning to provide two more sets of new programs that haven’t been introduced into the local market yet.

Most local corporations make profits first, then they work on their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) . At Think Tank we pride ourselves on doing CSR first! We provide courses on how to use your iDevice (iPhone, iPad, and iPod) and your Mac (MacBook Air or Pro, Mac mini, iMac, Mac Pro) for absolutely no charge, for example.

This community service is just one way we like to get involved and help.

Who are your targeted clients?

Entrepreneurs who would like to boost their knowledge, geeks who would like to be able to produce cooler projects, managers who would like to elevate their professional skills, and smart kids as young as 8 years old.

Who can benefit from Think Tank?

Everybody! Experts, beginners, self-taught, moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas, and we mean it when we say everybody. We truly believe that we have a bit to offer everybody.

Do you have any advice for young ambitious people?

Never hold information, always share it. Learn what interests you; and learn only what matters.

For those of you in the market for new IT skills and looking to stay current on all the new goings on in the world of computers, or even just looking for that community space where you can get together with like-minded people who share your passion for all things tech, be sure to check out the guys at the Think Tank.

For more information, visit www.thinknat.com.kw, follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @thinktankq8. Think Tank is located in Kuwait City, on Abdullah Al Mubarak Street in Star Tower, 3rd floor. For their latest course schedules, you can also call: 2239 8089 or cell: 9923 2828.

FOX

SOCIAL MEDIA SUMMER SMACKDOWN!

By Ayman Nassar

Its summer time! Given the fact that Kuwait is home to a transient population, the majority are already either packing their luggage or en route to exciting locations where they will relax and unwind; a process of recharging the batteries and clearing the consciousness after a long year at work. Whilst some may be busy contemplating how they will enjoy their time whilst on their vacations, the majority are stuck with the same conundrum: how to best share their experiences and in the process make their friends green with envy?

This problem never existed a decade and a half ago when the only form of documented proof for a holiday well spent came in a small plastic tube and lasted for only 30 shots a time (34 if you were lucky). To those too young to remember, we refer here to the age of the ACTUAL camera, as opposed to its digital counterpart.

As shots were scarce and expensive (relatively) to develop, pictures were not wasted on such mundane activities as the nowadays ever apparent “hand shot” or a picture of a glorious pair of sandals/shoes. Every picture was made to count, and much time was spent asking strangers to “please take a picture of me”, with no time wasted on viewing the picture afterward and deleting it because you closed your eyes at the last 54

second or had your tongue hanging out like a moron.

Today’s holiday-goers face a new challenge: where to best share their adventure? Do they want people to “like” and “comment” on their trips? Do they want their works of art to be “retweeted” with “hashtags” to a more global audience? Do they just want their experience to be viewed and not shared, liked and not stolen?

Do they want to “check in” at famous landmarks?

The realm of social media has left many struggling with finding the time to actually enjoy their own vacation as opposed to earning bragging rights by showing off what a great time they are having as translated by the number of likes, favorites, plus ones or retweets they receive.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the likes have taken up a huge amount of peoples focus when it comes to enjoyment. It is not a strange sight to find tourists lackadaisically taking “selfies” (photos of themselves, taken by themselves) or in a group setting attempting to snag a photo at the exact right millisecond of a mid-air jump whilst standing before a majestic landmark such as the pyramids of Egypt, The Treasury of Petra, Jordan, the Eiffel Tower of France; the list is varying and can go on indefinitely. The common factor in all these pictures is how the subjects are

completely oblivious to the sense of awe that attempts to ensnare their psyche and cause momentary pause in appreciation of such grandeur.

Anyone can find a picture and share it with their friends; this can happen at any time of day. What does not happen often however is travelling to a new destination, a new culture, amidst a different society with a different set of traditions and norms.

This year, attempt to be different. Turn off the Wi-Fi and the 3G. Take pictures that count, ones that matter.

Lose yourself in the real world surrounded by the sights and scents of everything different. Afterward, feel free to chronicle your travels upon your return.

Waste not the precious time you have in updating your status or selecting the right filter to give your shot a more vintage look.

Social media on vacations is like a baby crying for attention; when they don’t receive what they want, they throw temper tantrums. The best solution is to ride it out, resist the urge to fall slave to their whims and be at their beck and call 24/7.

Take a much deserved vacation not just from your workplace, but also from the digital space where which you reside on an hourly basis. Enjoy your vacations now, tell people about them tomorrow.

BHS

KUWAIT DIVE TEAM Fun and function By bazaar staff

Since 1991, the Kuwait diving team has been participating in the protection and rehabilitation of Kuwait’s aquatic world through a host of activities that runs the spectrum of positive interaction with the environment.

Originally established by members of the Marine Environment Sciences Society, and Kuwait Science Club, they are pleased to be continuing on their mission into their 22nd year.

The primary mission of the dive team is to save Kuwait’s aquatic life and environment. They do this in a variety of facets, including the documentation and protection of coral reefs, beach clean ups, establishing colonies of fish, as well as underwater ship retrieval.

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With their hand in a bit of all things sea-related just off our coast, they represent the best of what these types of organizations should be: passionate people who care enough about our own local waters to be actively participating in their betterment for ours and future generations.

For the Kuwait Dive Team, making sure they stay on top of their training is considered one of the team’s essential ways to improve the member’s service to the community at large. This is so that they can perform their work in a professional way, as well as to learn new things that the members might encounter in areas such as search and recovery, underwater navigation (which gives the availability to work in poor visibility

conditions), and others. Additionally, there are some members that continue their diving education beyond just the minimums required and go on to receive high certifications from scuba diving training organization PADI. By virtue of doing this, they become professional instructors themselves, and can issue scuba diving certificates, which are recognized worldwide. It is some of these instructors who have gone on to establish the training center that they use today.

When it comes to diving courses specifically, they have a lot of options for you. First, their Juniors Divers program for young divers is best thought of as an exciting introduction to the diving world overall.

Or, should you already feel you have mastered the

basics, they also have an advanced open water diving course. This course helps you get more out of diving by introducing you to new types of scuba diving adventures like deep dive, navigation dive, night dive, drift dive, search and recovery and nitrox. The first responding courses, by contrast, teach individuals how to provide care for another diver who might be in need. This enables participants to remember proper emergency care and procedures and encourages them to apply these skills when needed. Rescue divers, of course, are considered important and vital to expanding the knowledge base and experience of the diver to what’s beyond just for fun, or for entertainment purposes. Rescue divers learn to look

far beyond just their own personal concerns when diving, and begin to take into account the safety of other divers. This is the reason why all of their rescue divers are required to take leadership trainings as well: to assure they will be empowered enough to use these skills when the time arrives.

There are many different environments in the field of diving that requires special training to increase knowledge and skills of some of the lesser-known areas of diving. Some of these include: Nitrox, Dry suit, underwater photography, in addition to wreck, deep, or drift diving. All of these represent a different specialty-field that necessitates specialized training to correspond.

It is worth mentioning that all of the members of the dive team come from very different and unique walks of life and occupations. In order to participate in all of the help and community service that they do, they do have to sacrifice from other areas of their life. It is worth considering them the next time you go sit out on the beach and relax in a nice clean environment with a beautiful view.

The Kuwait Dive Team can be found on Facebook and YouTube @: kuwaitdivingteam or on Instagram and Twitter @: kwtdivingteam. They can also be reached by phone at: Dive Center: 2224 7575 Office: 2562 7515 57

bazaar books Fiction reveals truth that reality obscures. ~ Jessamyn West

SMOKE AND PICKLES

WHO OWNS THE FUTURE?

REVENGE WEARS PRADA: THE DEVIL RETURNS

BEHIND THE CANDELABRA: MY LIFE WITH LIBERACE

THE CONQUEST OF EVEREST

by Edward Lee

by Jaron Lanier

by Lauren Weisberger

by Scott Thorson

by George Lowe and Huw Lewis-Jones

Part cookbook, part memoir, Smoke and Pickles: Recipes and Stories from a New Southern Kitchen (KD 6) is a must read for any fan of Southern food. A multiple James Beard Award nominee for his unique patchwork cuisine, Edward creates recipes-filled with pickling, fermenting, frying, curing, and smoking-that reflect the overlapping flavors and techniques that led this Korean-American boy to feel right at home in the South.

Born with the storytelling gene of a true Southerner, Lee fills his debut cookbook with tales of the restaurant world, New York City, Kentucky, and his time competing on Top Chef, plus more than 130 exceptional recipes for food with Korean roots and Southern soul.

Highlights include ramencrusted, chicken-fried steak, collards and kimchi, and even Tobacco cookies, but all of them are approachable, letting you test out Lee’s inventive methods yourself.

Jaron Lanier is the bestselling author of You Are Not a Gadget, the father of virtual reality, and one of the most influential thinkers of our time. Who Owns the Future? is a visionary reckoning with the effects network technologies have had on our economy. Lanier asserts that the rise of digital networks led our economy into recession and decimated the middle class. Now, as technology flattens more and more industries—from media to medicine to manufacturing—we are facing even greater challenges to employment and personal wealth. But there is an alternative to allowing technology to own our future. In this ambitious and deeply humane book, Lanier charts the path toward a new information economy that will stabilize the middle class and allow it to grow. It is time for ordinary people to be rewarded for what they do and share on the web. Insightful, original, and provocative, Who Owns the Future? is necessary reading for everyone who lives a part of their lives online.

Almost a decade has passed since Andy Sachs quit the job “a million girls would die for” working for Miranda Priestly at Runway magazine—a dream that turned out to be a nightmare. Andy and Emily, her former nemesis and coassistant, have since joined forces to start a high-end bridal magazine. Now they get to call all the shots: Andy writes and travels to her heart’s content; Emily plans parties and secures advertising like a seasoned pro.

Even better, Andy has met the love of her life. Max Harrison, scion of a storied media family, is confident, successful, and drop-dead gorgeous. Andy Sachs is on top of the world. But karma’s a bitch. The morning of her wedding, Andy can’t shake the past. When she discovers a secret letter with crushing implications Andy realizes that nothing is as it seems. She never suspected that her efforts to build a bright new life would lead her back to the darkness she barely escaped ten years ago—and directly into the path of the devil herself.

In this unusually frank book Scott Thorson tells all: the good, the bad, and the ugly truths about a legendary entertainer.

Liberace’s unhappy childhood, dominated by a mother determined to force him into a concert career, serves as the prologue for a story that goes on to detail Liberace’s early appearances in honkytonks, his move to New York to seek fame, and, finally, his first booking in Las Vegas, where he was courted by the Mafia. His successes create a bright counterpoint to a darker tale of a man hungry for power, given to every excess. Liberace’s credo “too much of a good thing is wonderful” is reflected here in his acquisition of new lovers, luxurious homes, and a total of twenty-six house dogs.

This fast-paced story, sprinkled with anecdotes about famous entertainers such as Michael Jackson and Shirley MacLaine, ends with an intimate look at Liberace’s final days as he lay dying of AIDS and his deathbed reconciliation with Scott.

Given that over 5,000 ascents to the summit have been made by over 3,000 people, it might not seem like a big deal — but when Hillary and Norgay made their way to the Top of the World 60 years ago, it was indeed a BFD. The Conquest of Everest: Original Photographs from the Legendary First Ascent (KD 8) takes you inside this legendary event through photographs and other materials by climber and photographer George Lowe, who was with Hillary and Norgay on that first expedition. In addition to the 167 photos and illustrations, the book also features contributions from Reinhold Messner, Sir Chris Bonington, Peter Hillary, Doug Scott, Stephen Venables, and Norbu Tenzing Norgay and the late Sir Edmund Hillary themselves. Great for history buffs, climbing enthusiasts, or for making you wonder if you’ll ever do anything noteworthy in your lifetime.

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source: www.amazon.com

DODGE

YOUNG AMBASSADOR Multi-fluency for success By bazaar staff

For many schools, changes in the modern global landscape continue to present an evolving list of concerns as they attempt to stay relevant in the world of tomorrow. For one new local start up school, they see the fluency in multiple languages to be one of the foremost priorities for those who wish to be ahead of the class and boardrooms of the future. By using as a fundamental model, the full immersion into four different languages, they seek to prepare the brighter minds of tomorrow, wherever they might lead.

Aptly named, the Young Ambassador Early Childhood Language Center is the first Preschool and Kindergarten program in the Middle East offering a full language-immersion curriculum in four languages. The aim of YALC is to prepare children between the ages of two and five, to speak fluently in French, Spanish, English and Arabic through leading early childhood education philosophies and an educated, experienced and fully fluent teaching staff.

While their preschool and kindergarten caters to children between the ages of two and five years old, their language center caters to children between the ages of six and twelve. By doing this, they are able to both teach the kids through early immersion, and 60

also continue in their earlier teachings, as they grow older, so that they do not lose any of the beneficial language skills they acquired when they were young.

The YALC Evening Language Center is meant solely to service these students as they grow and evolve in their multilingual capabilities.

By giving their students both the tools of language and ability to communicate, as well as the added cultural experience, they believe that they are giving your child a chance to explore the ever-growing world around them even at a young age. They also feel that this will give their students an edge ahead of the competition throughout their entire lifetime.

When asked why specifically they use the angle of a broad language base as their particular method by which they approach early childhood development, they are quick to point out the proof of why their methodology works. In the first case, they cite higher test scores by saying, “ numerous reports have proven that students who have studied a foreign language perform much better than their monolingual peers on many standardized tests.” Thus, by involving your kids at an early age they will undoubtedly have an advantage above their peers. Secondly, they cite

improved reading skills, “a study undertaken by York University in Canada suggests that multilingual children’s knowledge of multiple languages gives them an advantage in learning to read.” Therefore, the advantages go beyond just the literal language learned, but tap into deeper seeded critical thinking aspects that the language learning provides. Lastly, they also cite the less tangible but equally--if not more-- important, greater confidence of the children themselves. By having a child who is confident in their studies they are thus able to be more proactive and involved in their education as well.

Located in South Surra, Al Salam area, in a modernly built private property, the facilities are impressive and inviting. Also, built with an enclosed 1200 square meter outdoor play area, it is clear that they want your child to not only have the best in education but also be comfortable and love the environment they are learning in. They pride themselves in having a very child friendly environment, hiring only qualified native speaking teachers.

You can find out more information about the school by visiting their website at: www.youngambassador.com.kw.

CROCS

Crocs Kuwait

2530-9670/1 Discovery Mall: 2291-3631 Al-Kout Mall: 2393-0108 Marina Mall: 2224-4814 Airport Mall: 2431-6334 Liwan Mall: 2221-0127 Mubarkiya: 2246-1823 Sama Sulaibikhat: 2221-6086 The Avenues: 22200507

BEAT THE HEAT Kuwait-style By bazaar staff There is one thing that no one here is likely to dispute - Kuwait is a hot country. If you can›t beat ‘em - then avoid em! That said, bazaar has included a list of things to do this summer for those of us who find themselves complaining that there is nothing to do here:

PAINTBALL KUWAIT Paintball is a combination of the childhood game “tag” and “hide & seek”, but is much more challenging and sophisticated. Although there are many different game formats, typically a group of players will divide into two teams to play “Capture the flag”. The number of players on each team can vary from one, two, five, ten, up to 18 on each side of the field. In this battle, teamwork is essential and strategy is required to overcome your enemy and become number one. Rules for playing paintball vary widely, with most designed to ensure that participants have an adrenaline-filled rush in a safe environment.

Basic package as low as 6.5 KD admission, including gun and required safety equipment.

For more information about Paintball Kuwait please visit www.paintball-kuwait.com.

AQUA PARK Open since 1995, Aqua Park is the first and biggest water park in the Arab Gulf Region. Spread over a total area of 60,000m3, it is located on the Gulf Road next to the Kuwait Towers. Currently offering special packages for groups and companies, it is equipped with attractions for children and adults alike. This is definitely the place to be to beat the heat with a splash! Attractions include the Kiddy Pool area, the Lazy River, slides like the Kamikaze and the Tornado, relaxing Aloha Lagoon and for the more active: soap football!

For more information on Aqua Park please visit www.aquaparkkuwait.com.

FLIGHT EXPERIENCE AT MALL 360 Under the guidance of your instructor, you will experience the next best thing to flying a real commercial jet airliner. Choose from a wide variety of weather conditions and other options. You take control and taxi, take-off, fly and land the aircraft yourself! Choose from over 24,000 airports worldwide. It is a real replica Boeing 737 simulator with full cockpit layout, instruments and systems.

Experiences start from 39 KD for a 30minute scenic flight. Find them on Level 3 of MALL 360.

For more info please contact 2530 9690 or visit www.flightexperiencekuwait.com.

SCUBA DIVING One of the great places to do the dive course in Kuwait is with The Kuwait Diving Team guys. They offer a Discover Scuba Diving course which goes through the basics of diving so you can get an introduction before you sign up to their Open Water and Advanced courses, which start from 140 KD. The Discover Scuba Diving course is free and runs for around 3 hours. The Open Water course involves 5 pool dives, 5 classroom sessions and 4 open water sea dives. On completion of the Open Water course you would receive a scuba diving certificate and will be able to go diving with other certified scuba divers without a need for an instructor. The courses are held at the Kuwait Science Club next to 360 Mall.

For more information about the courses visit www.padi.com, or you can contact PADI Instructor Meshari Alkhabbaz on 9790 0714.

ENGLISH TEA HOUSE Who doesn’t like Afternoon High Tea? The people at the English Tea House have done it right with the perfect classical tea house experience, complete with a range of choices of High Tea including traditional and arabic and including a large choice of coffees, teas, juices, finger foods (both hot and cold) and fresh scones. Indulge in the comfort of old world charm. Starting from only 6 KD you will leave feeling happy and satisfied.

The English Tea House is situated inside the Avenues new extension 2259 7914 or for a more formal/fine dine experience (ages 13+ only) visit the Sheraton location, 2242 2055.

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JET SKIING How could we tell you about all there is to do in Kuwait this summer without mentioning the everfamous Jet Ski Rentals? Available to all throughout the year, not just during the summer months, you and your friends can rent Jet Skis right off the Gulf Road shore at one of several places. They tend to work the same way and often you need to keep your Civil ID with them while the Jet Ski is out with you, as well as sign a waiver/contract. Hot summer sun, splashing waves and high speeds make for a very self-sufficient, fun way to turn down the heat! A jet ski can be rented for 30 minutes, an hour, or longer at an average cost of 10-15 KD per hour.

There are a few companies along the Gulf Road waterfront who rent them for use on public beaches.

K-LUE K-lue creates a customized adventure where teams must look for clues and solve puzzles and tests around Kuwait. We guarantee you will experience unexpected situations that you have to overcome while having a blast - challenge yourself and see what you can achieve. An extraordinary treasure hunt on a national level, K-lue gives you the chance to experience a unique personally customized scavenger hunt for you and your friends to enjoy. If there is anything they promise, it’s a fun adventure!

Don’t forget to bring your guts, if you don’t have any, please don’t come.

For more information visit www.k-lue.com, follow them on Instagram @kluekuwait or call 9998 2286.

PRO KART KUWAIT Pro Kart is a professional pro karting circuit in Kuwait. If you want to experience a real competitive racing circuit, visit them at Jaber Al Ahmad International Circuit located on the 6th Ring Road between 50 and 55 roads at the opposite side of Mall 360. Special programs can also be arranged for groups, schools, universities and teams wishing to participate in the championships (corporate). Both males and females over 13 years old are permitted to race and they even have dolphine karts for ages 5 to 8 years old.

For more information call 9006 9121 or visit www.prokartkw.com.

THE SCIENTIFIC CENTER KUWAIT The Scientific Center of Kuwait ( TSCK) fortifies the message of scientific awareness in Kuwait, while strengthening its cultural heritage. TSCK encourages people’s care and commitment in preserving the desert, marine life, and ecosystems of the Arabian Gulf region. With an unbelievable aquarium facility, a discovery center and IMAX theatre, it is also a fantastic way to kill a day for people of all ages. Where else can you see penguins and river otters in this area?! What is also awesome is that they now offer Diving with Sharks if you have a valid Dive Open Water certificate. Bookings are essential.

For more information call 1848 888 or visit www.tsck.org.kw.

THE SHOOTING RANGE Enjoy firing a gun, or just want to get out some pent up frustrations, the Mayadeen Public Shooting Range is for you! They have a range of guns and rifles in different shapes and sizes. Their prices are very reasonable and include safety equipment and the use of professional instructors. Make sure to bring your civil ID or passport as you won’t be able to fire a gun without one. They accept credit cards and Knet and there is an ATM machine at the location.

The Mayadeen Public Shooting Range is located off the 6th Ring Road right by the Hunting and Equestrian Club and the Sahara Golf Club. You can contact them on 2475 9999.

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WEST ELM Brand calls for student and up-and-coming artists By bazaar staff

Since its launch in Brooklyn, New York in 2002, West Elm has become a favorite destination for design lovers. Mixing clean lines, natural textures and global accents, they create unique, affordable designs for modern living. With a product range that includes bedroom, dining room, living room and outdoor furniture, in addition to bedding, bath, rugs, window, tabletop, and decorative accessories; they have the answer to solve your home decorating woes.

When West Elm opened their first store in the Middle East at Grand Avenue, they brought with them the same unique blend they have become known for 64

worldwide, an eclectic look: modern, classic, natural, and global. Much like its customers, West Elm is all about this mix. Their distinctive and original product mix reflects the varied inspirations from nature, ancient cultures, modern icons, humble everyday objects and industrial era manufacturing. Inspiration is also drawn from visual arts and crafts, and the way artisans live. They also cite simplicity as a major component of their style, noting that sometime it is the minimalist of designs that packs the most punch.

Part of West Elm’s ethos is to provide a platform for the arts and local artists, and they are passionate about showcasing works that are interesting, and offer a

unique insight into the local culture. They are currently calling all Kuwaiti painters, sculptors and mix media artists (with a preference for students and those who haven’t made their first break into fame yet) to submit portfolios in order to exhibit their works at the West Elm store. Having launched with artist Hamad during the store’s grand opening, they continue to look for new and innovative artists to feature. As a permanent fixture of the store, and with a rolling calendar of artists, they are looking to bring an innovative backdrop to your in-store perusing. The current aim is to offer artists a showing duration of two weeks, thus allowing both enough time to get their work shown, while still providing something new for their customers to see all the time-consider it part of a very unique and everchanging shopping experience. They truly consider this to be a mutually beneficial situation as well as they are keenly aware that it can help them as much as the artist themselves: they will provide artists with prime exhibiting space for free and spread the word about your exhibition, as well as assist in selling your art through the store (commission free mind you!). As they are specifically looking for artists who can exhibit from August onwards, in addition to sketch artists or painters who can create the art in-store for a week during Ramadan, now would be a perfect time to get in touch.

As for the store offerings themselves, they also offer a unique array of services not always found amongst their competition. First, through their Design Lab- they offer an in store space for customers to explore and get inspired. From finding fabric swatches to styling a whole home, customers can partner with a specially trained sales associate to plan projects together free of charge. Next, they also offer in-home-consultation services. Through this service customers can arrange for an associate to visit their house to help measure, plan a space, or pick color palettes. Both of the above services above are offered free of charge to the customers as well. Lastly, they also offer monogramming service where customers have the option to personalize their purchased items with a name or phrase. I wonder how much to write ‘mine’ on everything I own?

Through its exclusive product range, from modern functional furniture to designer pieces, West Elm makes it simple for customers to express their own personal style.

Outstanding customer service is a hallmark of the brand and to prove it, they start with a rather ambitious edict: to please all its customers all the time! Bold words that we should all be so lucky as to have a store live up to.

For further information or to submit your portfolio, please contact West Elm’s marketing manager, Victoria Hogg at victoria.hogg@alshaya.com. West Elm in Kuwait is located at Grand Avenue - The Avenues, and can be reached by phone at 2228 3069.

You can also find them online at www.westelm.me.

BOOTS

Jabriya Co-Op Faiha Co-Op Abdullah Al Mubarak Co-Op Abu Halifa Co-Op Farwaniya

Opp. Al Fanar Mall Al Khansa St Awtad Center, Jahra Salmiya City Centre

bazaar health

LEARNED HELPLESSNESS A nightmare on any street

By Dr. Susannah J. Schuilenberg The reference to A Nightmare on Elm Street isn’t an accident. Learned helplessness is a type of ingrained or instilled behaviour that has a negative impact on a child’s development, sense of self, and the internal fortitude to invest in the work required to achieve future goals. This is, by anyone’s definition, a nightmare.

As we parent our children, loving them, providing for them, and nurturing them, we develop our own dreams and aspirations for our children.

Depending on the era and the culture, we may have differing dreams, but we all have them. It’s our desire as parents to see our children do well in life - personally, socially, and economically. Ironically, it is also our parenting that has the potential to limit our child’s opportunities to achieve.

Learned helplessness is a behaviour manifested in statements like, “I can’t…” or “I don’t want to…” or “This is too hard…” or “Let someone else do it.” Or worse, learned helplessness becomes a perception of self: “I’m no good at anything!” “I’ll never get this right!” “Never mind. I quit.”

The idea of inability develops when a child is not carefully challenged to persist at tasks s/he finds difficult. What is initially helping a child to dress, put away toys, make the bed, or collect school things becomes a detriment to the child’s wellbeing when the “help” continues past the point where the child has the physical dexterity and mental understanding to do the task independently.

When we as parents continue to tie our children’s shoes, make their beds, pack their lunches, round up their homework, or get them out of bed long after they can set an alarm (on an iPhone,) we are not doing them any favors. If we allow anyone else to do these things for our child, we set the stage for the development of learned helplessness.

Research shows there is a direct correlation between learned helplessness and poor academic performance. When a child is not taught to manage himself or herself independently, or he/ she is not given age-appropriate responsibilities and held accountable to do them, that child is at risk to fail at school. And it’s not because there’s anything wrong with the child’s intelligence: the problem is thwarted development. When we do not encourage and support our children in trying hard things or in persisting with tasks until completed, or by requiring our children regularly to wait for or to earn things they want, we are setting up our children to struggle in school. Fortunately, this problem is quite easily avoided. Find a list of 66

developmentally appropriate tasks for your child’s age and begin to introduce those skills, one at a time. Follow the Add, Demonstrate, Explain, Practice, & Test (ADEPT) Model of learning.

Introduce a new learning task as soon as the previous one is mastered.

For example, if your child is six, then riding a bicycle is a developmentally appropriate activity.

No child ever just gets on a bike and rides away (at least none I’ve ever heard of ) and so this is an opportunity to follow the principles of ADEPT. Any task is best arranged from easiest to most difficult. A bike with training wheels first, until the child has the coordination for pedaling, stopping, starting, and turning mastered. Then with encouragement, one training wheel is removed and dad runs along side until the missing training wheel is forgotten. Finally, the other training wheel is removed, and once again, dad runs along side, steadying the bike until the child has the confidence to ride alone - sounds so simple.

In reality, there are falls, scrapes, tears, accidents, anger, and eventually, success…if the child is encouraged to persist. If, at the first fall or bump, the child says, “I’m never going to get it right!”, and is allowed to stomp off, the foundation

for avoidance has been started. Certainly scraped knees and a sore backside aren’t pleasant when they happen, but the reality is that the scraped knees are immediately forgotten in the absolute euphoria of riding that bike independently - no training wheels, no daddy’s help - for the first time.

So it goes from toddlerhood to leaving home for college. Eventually, our children have learned how to manage themselves. In the process, we have created the best possible attitude for life – a human being who has learned through experience that persistence, practice, and personal effort create the climate of success. If we as parents truly want to help our children achieve all the promise we believe they hold, we can start by not doing anything for them that they can do for themselves.

A Canadian psychologist traveling the world on a busman’s holiday, Dr. Susannah writes about anything that catches her attention. Bossy from birth, compassionate by choice, and funny by accident. You can visit: www.soorcenter.com or follow her on Twitter: @drsusannah

the NEW world of

shawarma will be SHAWA

matic

same same, but dIFFERENT!

FIT FOR A KING Paradores=Paradise By bazaar staff

Anyone who has ever traveled through the southern regions of Europe knows what a delight it can be, even when budget is concerned. Stuffy and otherwise plain hostels give way to pensions (Spanish hostels) in a manner that literally represents people opening their home to you. As an extension of same, Spain, has in recent years, offered another type of vacation entirely: one in which even the accommodations themselves rival in spirit and beauty the very towns that you have traveled so far to see. This is truly fully immersed Spanish living at its best; no matter what century you opt to be a part of.

Put simply, the Spanish Paradores, as they are called, are luxury accommodations that are inside of Castles, Palaces, Convents, Monasteries, Fortresses, and other historic buildings. Located throughout Spain’s many regions including Galacia in the north 68

and Andalusia in the south, as well as in the Canary Islands and in Ceuta and Melilla, the two Spanish cities in North Africa. The best part is, since they were set up in combination and consult with the Spanish Government, your stay at these hotels actually helps to participate in the upkeep of such historic structures. Often found in some of the smaller medieval towns and villages, they can present an amazing, off the charted course stay when you are looking for a grand stay of yesteryear. With more than 120 different vacation-defining unique and absolutely individualistic places to stay at, I am amazed they are not more commonly known.

If you are anything like me, even the briefest of glances at the Paradores website is going to have you salivating at the thought of the unique experience.

You truly believe at first glance that you are looking more at a UNESCO world heritage website, than you

do a list of potential hotels to stay at. And with good reason-some of the sites actually are.

So what will it be- a 15th century convent or a 17th century Augustan Montessori in Chinchón? So many decisions. On a recommendation of our friends at the Spanish Embassy in Kuwait, we started by checking out the fortress at Jaén. This 13th century Arab fortress is located so far up on the absolute mountaintop that overlooks the city of Jaén, that the panorama view is amazing. Plus I have it on good authority that the balconies of the various rooms all offer 180-degree views of the landscape below— simply breathtaking. Of course, it is exactly the ability to see incoming armies that caused the building of such a fortress to begin with, but it works just fine for the tourist who is just planning on how best to attack their day as well. Now operating as one of the many Paradores since 1968, it now has all the usual modern

amenities that you would associate with a mainstream hotel—unless I am wrong and the swimming pool was actually used for a post-battle cool-off!

For my part, I think I would absolutely have to try a chance to stay in the famous palace of Alhambra in Granada-yes, apparently that’s possible. Part of both a palace and a mosque built between 1332 and 1354 (and later converted into a Franciscan convent) the Alhambra is as legendary as the town itself. Given that this is one of the rare spots in the world that perfectly blends both Arabic and Christian styles in terms of both style and the décor found within, this place will no doubt please even the cynical eye. Fitted with only 25 rooms, in order to not overtake the actual tourist pleasure away from the building itself, it still has all the modern amenities of satellite TV, air conditioning etc.

From the Royal Chapel, or Capella Real, with its tombs of King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, to displays of

Juana the Mad and Phillip the Fair, you will no doubt be trying to give yourself a title by the time you leave: how about “Traveler the Pampered?” I digress.

One other interesting one, if for the story alone is the Parador of Cardona. Another mountaintop fortress, this one has a great history. As the legend goes, in 986 A.D. it was decreed that the local population could have salt every Thursday in exchange for one day of work per week maintaining the fortifications. Enlarged a short 40 years later and with added towers brought in in the second century, the architecture is both varied and stunning. Many of the rooms have four posted beds and amazing views, all whilst keeping with the old-world charm you would expect from such a place. Oh yeah, plus satellite TV, mini-bar etc., less you think that I might forget such important travel companions. Medieval in design, and additionally, specializing in Catalan

cooking in the on-site restaurants, both eyes, ears, and stomach will all be satiated properly. And, not to be overlooked, on a clear day you can actually see the legendary Montserrat Monastery off in the distance. All of which make for another amazingly unique opportunity.

Whether you are a pilgrim doing the Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage that thousands of people do annually which culminates in the beautiful Santiago de Compostela, or are just on a romantic vacation, there really is something for everyone. Still, despite the fact that most of them remain quite affordable, they represent the type of old-world living vacation that you really cannot put a price on.

You can find the full list of information for the Parador accommodations at www. paradores-spain.com or book accommodations at www.parador.es 69

BEGUN, THE CONSOLE WARS HAVE…

By Jaye Sonia

Let’s face it – the hype around the upcoming fall release of the PS4 and Xbox One has been building for years. We gamers are no strangers to it, either. Most of us have been patiently speculating, hoping that tomorrow’s technology would sweep in, like some superhero, and launch us full on into the future with a whole host of awesome gaming options. We’ve been guessing at processing speeds, graphics packages, online play, and removable hard drives. To say some of our dreams (and hopes) have been lofty would be a bit of an understatement. And most of all, what would we get? Would the new Xbox be the beautiful machine we hoped for? Would the PS4 really look like an elegant piece of sculpture?

(And would anyone even mention Nintendo)?

Years of speculation have passed.

This past June, most (if not all) of that speculation came to a screeching halt.

And with it, a curious event occurred. Not only did we get tons of interesting news about the new gaming platforms, we also witnessed what can only 70

be described as the opening volley to the Console Wars of 2013. While I’m tempted to suggest a there is a brutal case of market manipulation taking place in the electronic gaming scene (at least that’s what it looks like from my perspective), that’s a big assumption on my part. That said, I do think the big three competitors are testing the waters – looking to see what most consumers will tolerate. Anyone taking a dip in the social media pool has already seen it, too. G+ and Facebook are awash in exaggerated examples, via all of those lovable memes, reminding us of how draconian (there’s an adjective I don’t get to use too often) Xbox One’s Internet requirements are or how expensive the PS4 will be once you add up all the extras not bundled in the initial purchase.

I’d love to say I’ve been immune to all of this (market manipulation?), that I’ve magically been stoic in the face of the approaching storm. But it’s not true.

Like many of you, I’ve been speculating, too. I’ve been looking at the potential issues that owning either console, here in Kuwait, might entail. I’ve been looking at regional locks, the stability of Internet connections

(our networks are getting better, but they do drop offline on occasion, especially when those pesky divers decide to cut undersea lines), and what else might impact buying a new console might have on my game play. While money (thankfully) won’t be the biggest concern, playability is.

And you know what? I’m still not sure what I’m going to buy. My initial, knee-jerk reaction was to preorder the PS4 (and remember, folks, I’m normally in the Xbox camp) and make the switch. I’d not be the only person doing this, either. Lots of people I know, some of them hardcore Xbox gamers, are making the switch.

But not all of them are switching.

One of my friends from the U.S., with professional ties to Microsoft, has advised me to wait until September – suggesting we’re going to learn a lot more about Sony late this summer (specifically, about its use of DRM – digital rights media), how it will impact Sony (and the PS4), and how the Xbox One will remain competitive (which at this point, it’s going to need to be).

I think, of all the battles that will take place in this console war, the most ironic is that Nintendo is remaining relatively quiet. It really seems like the PS4 and Xbox One crowds are the ones in the trenches, either for or against a particular system, with little regard for what Nintendo is doing (and from what I’ve heard, for less money, too). I’m guessing this has a lot to do with how Nintendo markets itself, as well as which games it tends to host, ultimately guaranteeing that its audience will remain tried and trued.

I suppose the thing that bothers me the most about this whole battle – which will unfold the closer we get to Giftmas – is that the consumer is really the only person who will suffer. Prices and restrictions have increased, in one form or the other, for every console. Xbox One and the Nintendo Wii U will be region-locked (unless something changes), which will impact gamers here in Kuwait. The Xbox One will also be competing with Apple TV, as well as with other entertainment systems, because it’s moving more fully into the multimedia department (which is what some gamers are complaining about).

Really, only the PS4 appears (at least right now) to be dedicated to offline and region-free play, which, at $100 cheaper, is going to make it an attractive option to a lot of us here in Kuwait.

But then again, there is still a lot more to learn.

We’ve only seen the opening volley in this console war and we’ve months to go before we see the end.

November is a long way away.

TONI + GUY electrical

PERSONAL BRANDING Personal fashion and style consultation By bazaar staff

Lana Consult is a bit of an enigma: a self-avowed non-fashionista that engages the world of fashion head-on through her work as a personal branding consultant. However, it is precisely this detached point of view towards fashion overall that allows her to see trends and personal imaging from a broader perspective: as a fashion manipulator that can help her customers to present themselves in the best manner possible. From her past work as a marketing and PR-executive, public speaker and trainer, employee and entrepreneur, she brings a disparate set of skills and unique outlook to both her brand and image consulting. We sat down with her for an interview and to learn the in’s and out’s of her personal branding business.

Have you always been into fashion and style? How did you get into personal branding?

In my childhood I was always more interested in learning about people and cultures, more than the typical little girls idea of a prince charming. I have studied psychology and learned a lot about people.

As I grew up and gained confidence, learned more about art and business, I began to develop the leadership skills that are necessary when building your personal unique brand. Five years ago I started developing loyalty programs for high-end boutiques in Russia. This led me on a journey through studies with mentors in the London and Milan fashion schools, which of course eventually led to my own private practice.

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How important do you think personal branding is in today’s world?

Well, from the experience of my own customers I can say very important. One of them, for example was a VP level client who was not able to attract the right seminars and clients. She had both style and communication issues. Further as a strong assertive woman, she could come off harsh. I was able to help her round off the hard edges and expose a bit of femininity to her own advantage. This worked tremendously in her favor.

What services do you offer as a personal stylist (or brand coordinator) and as a trainer?

I am here to assist people with the full service of image branding. This begins with basic coaching sessions to determine desired lifestyle and corresponding personal goals, al the way to the eventual implementation of the plans we come up with. My secret weapons are overall style, wardrobe audit, and self-management to continue growth.

Tell us some basics on how different styles flatter different bodies/faces?

A figure-flattering wardrobe is not just an elusive dream; it is very real; the short version is to always emphasize the positive traits you have. For example, a thin wrist can be offset with a refined bracelet; a long neck can be disguised with bright accessories, vivid green eyes or sensual full lips. One trend we currently see here in Kuwait is a total obsession with skinny pants. Unfortunately though, most of the time, a mature body wrapped in such ‘pantyhose’ jeans will never be attractive. Swapping these out for a long,

elegant monochrome skirt or dress, or event pants that are straight and flowing are great replacements.

Please tell us about Color Psychology, as it relates to fashion, style, and your business overall?

This is my favorite topic, honestly: I am inspired by the power that color has and its ability to subconsciously affect our perception of others— and of course, how we can use it for our benefit!

For example, for business negotiations: I strongly recommend cold-minded blue or gray shades. To add some warmth into the contact and attract people: use vibrant colors like yellow and orange. To calm-down and give a feeling of comfort: dress in beige or green.

A woman in red, by contrast, is always a victim of her own passions inside and not a hunter as we used to think. There are so many interesting and very practical inventions you can make. Do not forget about color combinations and visual illusions.

There you have it-fashion advice from a woman in the know. Lana is currently running a contest here in Kuwait. Her BRAND ME-“Winners take it all” contest includes the prizes of a personal illustrated guide to your new brand, a total image book, and other prizes. The competition ends on the 15th of August, so hurry up to submit your application on her website below.

Lana Consult can be reached by phone at: 6516 4407 or by email at ibrandkw@gmail.com. You can follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @ibrandkw or visit www.lanagross.com.

HOME CENTRE

LandmarkQ8

FESTIVAL CHIC A fashionable fanfare by Topshop’s Personal Shopper By bazaar staff The current ‘90s trend isn’t going anywhere quickly, so if there’s a time to embrace its quintessential disheveled cool, it’s at a festival! This season, we’re rocking the trend in two very different ways: a girlie take on grunge with lighter hues, floral print and playful accessories fit for Courtney Love, and a classic rock ‘n’ roll look that’s all about the iconic denim jacket, black separates and anything leather.

Festival chic-dom is defined by many fabulous looks that are best represented when…

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Follow Topshop on Instagram & Twitter on @Topshop_ME, and connect with them on Facebook.com/TopshopME. For bookings with a Topshop Personal Shopper, email Topshop.ME@alshaya.com. The Topshop Personal Shopper service is available in Topshop’s locations at the 1st Avenue – The Avenues, and Marina Mall.

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big boys toys Because grown men still need to play

STASH WATERPROOF POCKET SHORTS

MINI PING PONG TABLE

ASTON MARTIN V12 VANTAGE S

Whether you’re actually planning on getting wet or are just really, really clumsy, these Stash Waterproof Pocket Shorts (KD 23) are prepared to keep your valuables safe and dry. To do so, they incorporate a waterproof bag right into the shorts themselves, then seal it with a fitment that’s attached via a lanyard — so you don’t lose it — and doubles as an interesting, “what the hell is that?” sort of adornment. With an opening diameter of 3.25”, it’s capable of swallowing most phones, wallets, keys, and other items of import. Available in khaki or olive.

Looking for a gift for someone who has everything?

Or bored of just lazing around the pool by the chalet, and not remaining active during the summer months. The guys at @kuwaityppp have the answer for you – Mini Ping Pong Tables to use in the pool. You can beat the heat in the pool, keep up your bromance, and stay active at the same time, whilst keeping up your tanning regime…you can’t get better than that. To order call or whatsapp 9447 7242 or visit them on Instagram @kuwaityppp

Say hello to the new king of Aston Martin’s current roster. The Aston Martin V12 Vantage S aims to bring as much race car tech to the road as possible, starting with a new 6.0L V12 that offers CNC machined combustion chambers, hollow cam shafts, and 565 hp. Paired to a seven-speed automated manual transmission, the Vantage S zooms from 0-60 in under four seconds on its way to a top speed of 205 mph. Other features include new 10-spoke, 19-inch black alloy wheels, a black roof, and a grille featuring carbon fiber or titanium silver mesh. Rolling into a dealership near you sometime soon.

www.uncrate.com

www.twitter.com/everythingkwt

www.uncrate.com

TRAKLINE BELT

DAFT PUNK HELMET

FLYING CAR/HELICOPTER

Pegged on Kickstarter as the best belt you will ever own due to these reasons: 1. Perfect Fit: - in this ever-changing world you need a belt that adapts with you, every 1/4 inch of the way. These belts conform to your exact waist size, every time you put them on. 2. Adjustability - they are 8 times more adjustable than traditional belts with over 40 sizing positions to choose from. 3. No Holes - so no more worn or stretched-out holes meaning the belt will last much longer. 4. Quality - the buckles are solid stainless steel and the belts are full-grain leather.

Follow their progress to the shops on Kickstarter.

Just in case you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks, Daft Punk’s latest album — Random Access Memories — dropped last month. Judging by what we’ve seen, it’s going to be played a lot this summer, so you might as well dress the part. This unofficial Daft Punk Helmet (KD 145) is your bespoke ticket to Daft Punk fandom. Based on the French electronica duo’s now-iconic headgear, it’s made from urethane plastic, then carefully chromed, with a tinted Lexan visor and an included LED message scroller that Velcros in for easy removal. Included is a black balaclava to cover your neck and a pair of chromed glove plates; you’ll have to build your own crazy glowing pyramid.

With the ability to drive and fly, the B Remote-Controlled Flying Car/Helicopter (KD 160) can pretty much go anywhere. Its innovation lies in a patent-pending wheel and propeller design, which places each prop within the wheel. It can take off vertically, hover and fly, and return to the ground to continue driving.

Durable polycarbonate construction means it can survive falls from the air and punishing terrain on the ground. A 720p on-board camera and 32G Micro SD card support makes this one capable reconnaissance vehicle. Now, if only they could figure out a way to make the battery last longer than 15 minutes a charge.

www.kickstarter.com

www.uncrate.com

www.uncrate.com

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Kuwait - Al Rai Tel: 24734160, Fahaheel Tel: 23912485, Kuwait City Tel: 22472856/7/8, Salmiya Tel: 25711964, Hawally Tel: 22610234/5, Jahra Tel: 24582103/7, Fintas Tel: 23824050, Sulaibikhat Tel: 22219286.

Opening Soon: The Avenues LandmarkQ8 www.centrepointstores.com Saudi Arabia • Kuwait • Oman • Qatar • Bahrain • Jordan • Egypt • Lebanon

CENTREPOINT

Goji's Pick Maxi-mizing your summer dress By bazaar staff

When it comes to the summer dress, there is simply no denying the world domination in recent years, of the maxi dress. This floor length dress, as whimsical as it is comfortable is taking over everything from runways to festivals this season. Always in style, and synonymous with a bohemian chic laid-back attitude, they represent the perfect all-purpose garment for the summer.

It all begins in 1968 when Oscar de La Renta debuted the original maxi dress at the Elizabeth Arden Salon. This version, not as extreme in length as the versions that we come out with today, ended closer to the ankles of the model, and was made of a cotton lace. These days, however, it is all about the sweep of the floor length version that is all the rage with women of all ages. Though some might be want to argue the lineage of the current version from such specific beginnings, it cannot be overstated enough, the impact that De La Renta’s version had on the fashion community of the time. Since then, Yves St. Laurent, Dior, Cardin, Biba, and Halston, all picked up on the new stunning lines and silhouettes of this long and flowing fabric—and from such beginnings a global trend now booms!

With a historical context in mind, it is true that longer hems had steadily crept downwards throughout the 60’s. This was a strong counterpoint to the previous trend of mini skirts and dresses evershortening trend that preceded them just a few short years before. Though they would originally begin to trend and take hold of the fashion world in London first, before spanning out to the rest of the world at large, they were considered to be the feminist answer and backlash to the aforementioned styles that preceded them. One additional note is that the movie Doctor Zhivago, which was so famous at the time, and notable for its Russian setting, where no doubt more length to a skirt was more seasonally appropriate, featured maxi coats over suit trousers.

Again though, at this early time, they were still significantly shorter than the dresses of today.

Although the Maxi dress began its life in the 1960’s, it did not really begin to take a strong hold onto American fashion at large until the 1970’s. Throughout this decade, with the rise of hippy fashion and culture at large, it was seen everywhere via maxi-length kaftans and other bohemian wardrobe features. There were also similar versions for the nightlife that would up the anti with a slinky piece of light reflecting fabric and sky-high platforms. By the time the 1070’s came to a close though, gone with it was the Maxi trend, at least for the time being.

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After the Maxi dress died out in the 70’s it began to be relegated only to bad TV shows and then tied with the idea of the spinster next-door neighbor.

However, due to changes in fabric and, as always, changing style it was poised for a comeback. In the 1990’s they started coming back, but no longer made out of polyester or cottony lace. Nowadays they are made out of very lightweight materials that keep their breezy feel. Additionally, because of all the added colors, now vast as the dress is long,

there is much more room for personal expression in these dresses. Now, the dress is everywhere.

Its versatility does it, and you, justice, as you now have a dress that is equally as functional at the beach as it is prepped to be dressed up (with the right accessories) for a dinner party.

Be sure to check out the large collection of Maxi dresses available locally at Kuwait’s premier fashion portal, www.gojiboutique.com.

peugeot.com

NEW Peugeot 301 Sedan Strong on the outside, generous on the inside.

PEUGEOT

NEW Peugeot 301

Hisham: 96687172 Osama: 97775282 Tharwat: 50611284

bazaar around town STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP IN KUWAIT BETWEEN BLU ADVERTISING AND LOWE MENA Blu Advertising agency announced they have strengthened their presence and operations in the state of Kuwait during a ceremony when they celebrated their affiliation with LOWE MENA and the kick off of their business through the joint Kuwaiti advertising agency “BLULOWE” (Previously known as Blu-Grey).

Joining with BLU which will represent it in Kuwait, LOWE will be looking to keep up with all the changes in the advertising industry through the same creative spirit, expertise and a deep knowledge of Kuwait’s habits and complexions just as they showed during their presence in other markets of the region from UAE, KSA, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria to Morocco.

In this context, Rabaa Faraj Founder and Managing Partner of BLU advertising said: “The affiliation with LOWE will be an important milestone and a turning point for our agency which was founded in the year 2000. We started working with LOWE a few months back and experienced the benefits of the partnership with a regional network that combines the best Arab expertise and are also held responsible for many globally active advertising budgets in the MENA region. Thus, we are confident this step will bring lots of benefits for our clients, agency and staff. Blu was established to keep us up with the fast paced development in the advertising field in Kuwait, our passion towards the creative field led us in the year 2000, me and my friend and partner Khalda Al Mulla to establish BLU advertising offering creative and innovative work.”

She continued, “our ambition to overcome the barrier of the State of Kuwait to cover the region through a partnership came later with Mr. Philippe Skaff, founder of “Grey” to continue the journey of our success and our ambition in the space of Advertising as Blu-Grey.After the year 2008, there was a great deviation in the communication world including advertising. Then, BLU started to look for an international agency that has the philosophy and vision to keep pace with the current and future changes, LOWE was the one. It’s an international advertising agency with the headquarters in London and its part of “IPG”, one of the top four holding companies in the advertising world represented by “MCN” in the MENA region. LOWE is well known for winning numerous international awards in the field of advertising and for its ability to cope with the developing methods of work in the advertising world.”

Mounir Harfouche, LOWE MENA Chief Executive Officer, further explained: “LOWE MENA is part of MCN Holding, through our strategic partnership with BLU in the State of Kuwait we promise our clients the best service that meets their individual needs throughout all their advertising campaigns, especially that LOWE is considered the largest marketing group in the Middle East and broader in the service of public relations and the digital world, production and research”.

Harfouche also pointed that LOWE MENA is one of the main pillars of Lowe & Partners Worldwide, a network of diverse agencies with expertise in the Arab world. Providing services in Dubai, Manama, Casablanca, Beirut, Damascus, Riyadh and now in Kuwait through its partnership with Blu Advertising.

OLIVE GARDEN LAUNCHES ITS SECOND BRANCH IN ARABELLA Olive Garden, the famous casual Italian restaurant and part of Darden’s chain of international restaurants, has now opened its second branch in Arabella. Olive Garden is known for serving fresh, delicious Italian food in a comfortable, home-like setting where everyone is welcomed as a member of the restaurant’s family. The first debut for Olive Garden was in the Grand Avenues last year, where its menu received positive feedback and admiration by visitors, therefore, opening a second branch at the prestigious architectural piece of art located on the Gulf Road such as Arabella was a must. This choice reflects the trust of those who are in charge of the restaurant in Arabella, the services and utilities it provides, which enhances the existence of the restaurant and meets the desires of its fans. Olive Garden Restaurant offers the unique taste served through a wide range of tasty delicious Italian dishes such as, the fresh pasta, high quality meats, fresh salads and soups prepared upon request.

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GULF BANK AND INJAZ KUWAIT PARTNERSHIP CELEBRATES SUCCESS OF COMPANY PROGRAM COMPETITION 2013 The closing ceremony of INJAZ Kuwait’s ‘Company Program Competition 2013’ was held on 8th June 2013, at the National Library of Kuwait, under the patronage of H.H. the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah and was attended

by H.E. Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and Youth Affairs, Omar Alghanim – INJAZ Chairman, Board Members and a number of senior executives. Gulf Bank & Alghanim Industries were the main sponsors of the event, that involved talented students showcasing their businesses and demonstrating their talents to display creativity, team building and innovation.

Over 300 students participated in the competition, with a total of 10 companies presenting individually in a closed room environment to five judges. Throughout the day, INJAZ panel of judges visited the companies’ booths to evaluate various elements as part of the decision making process in order to choose a winner.

After 15-minute presentations by each individual company, the judges made a unanimous decision on the 3rd, 2nd and 1st place winners. ‘Blind Theatre’ was announced as the winner, and will represent Kuwait in the Regional INJAZ company competition in the following academic year. ‘Eleven A1’ took 2nd place and third place was awarded to ‘Fortuners 13’. The Awards Ceremony started with INJAZ Chief Executive Office, Rana Al-Nibari welcoming the Minister, VIP’s, and the audience and calling on H.E. Sheikh Salman to the stage, whereby he delivered an encouraging speech to the students and emphasized the importance of the development of youth. Salma Al-Hajjaj, General Manager, Human Resources at Gulf Bank, who was one of the judges at the event, said; “On behalf of Gulf Bank I would like to congratulate the INJAZ team for this incredible event.” In closing, Al-Hajjaj said that the Bank’s continued sponsorship of INJAZ Kuwait is part of its commitment to building a prosperous Kuwait; helping support young Kuwaitis to develop professional business skills and giving them the opportunity to become successful entrepreneurs in the future.

KIDZANIA KUWAIT OPENS TO THE PUBLIC GET READY FOR A BETTER WORLD! The wait is over; it is time to ‘Get Ready for a Better World’! The most anticipated opening of the year took place in The Mall - The Avenues, Monday, June 17 with the official grand opening of KidZania Kuwait, which opened the doors of the child-sized city to children across the country and marked the addition of KidZania Kuwait to the global phenomenon that is the Nation of KidZania.

Present for the official grand opening at the KidZania Kuwait entrance were His Excellency Louis Alberto Barrero Stahl, the Ambassador of Mexico to Kuwait, Xavier Lopez, Founder and President of KidZania and Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of M.H. Alshaya Co. who jointly opened the park.

Expressing his delight about the addition of KidZania Kuwait to the KidZania nation, Xavier Lopez commented: “We are extremely excited to launch KidZania Kuwait and to introduce this unique ‘edutainment’ concept to the children of this welcoming country.

Partnering with esteemed companies such as M.H. Alshaya Co. has made KidZania a truly global brand, and we are very proud of our joint accomplishment here in Kuwait.”

Designed to educate and inspire children up 14-years old, KidZania Kuwait will help young children learn about life in a fun and engaging way by offering a kid-sized city experience, all in a safe and self-contained 7,000 square meter environment. As in the real world, children choose from more than 100 different activities, all reflecting real life professions and businesses, such as being a police officer, doctor, journalist or a shopkeeper. Children can learn about the adult world, and the value of money and work, by fully experiencing the different professions available in the city’s establishments, such as being a dentist, a car salesperson, or even a radio host. This hands-on approach gives children the opportunity to fully understand and appreciate different industries and see how a city works.

For more information on KidZania Kuwait, visit www.kuwait.kidzania.com, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter @KidZaniaKuwait

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LIFESTYLE More than just a brand…

By bazaar staff

If the lifestyle brand of stores sounds familiar to you, it is with good reason; you may have seen them before at some of their many other locations in Centerpoint stores throughout Kuwait. However, due to their overwhelming success and the versatile needs of consumers, they have begun to open some stand-alone shops for those who may not have as much time. Now at Star Mall in Shuwaikh, as well as the location at Farwaniya, these new stores are bringing you the best of the Lifestyle brand you have already come to love, with an ease of use that is much appreciated.

If you have not been to one already, Lifestyle is a unique concept from the Landmark Group that specializes in elegant home décor as well as exclusive furnishings and fashion bags for today’s fashion-forward customer. It is a brand that many customers (and women in particular) have come to trust and love. Lifestyle continues to grow rapidly: they currently have 145 stores across the MENA region and Pakistan, and more than 1,700 dedicated staff servicing over 850,000 sq ft of retail space. That’s a lot by anyone’s standards. Yet, the aforementioned stand-alone stores are now bringing something new to the 82

game. With all the new stores in the pipeline and set to open before years end, you will likely only see even more of them in the coming months.

Every season, Lifestyle produces a collection that is unique and fits with its overall philosophy.

The new outlet offers a wide range of products from home fragrances like reed diffusers and electric aroma diffusers, to fragrance oils and a plethora of personal decorations for the home.

In candles alone, there are not just the normal variety of myriad options and fragrances (though there are those), but also a variety of candelabras and wall hanging sconces that can be great as either a gift or just to decorate your own home.

Decorated with a mix of middle eastern and modern styles both, there is a little something no matter what your decorating disposition is.

When it comes to exclusive fashion accessories, they have the latest in name brand fashion at affordable prices. All the name– brand purses and handbags one would expect were present, as well as all the accompanying accouterment that you would want to go with it.

The teen section is also worth noting. Built specifically for that special age of child that is somewhere between a kid and growing up too fast,

they have everything needed for school or play.

From backpacks and notepads to thermoses and pens, this can definitely keep the kids busy for a while and they even have all the odds and ends that you would expect. Ironic t-shirts and random things with cool sayings are good for gifts for others as well as gifts for self. Additionally, the gift-wrapping section makes it easier for a quick stop-in while you are en-route to the party.

Additionally, they often run specials and sales that can only be found online and through their social media, so be sure that you check in with them often for the latest bargains. And as a bonus they give daily beauty tips through their website as well. From home décor and home fragrance, to bath and beauty, to bags and accessories, to even a specialized area for the teens in your home, you may want to stop in sooner then later: with all of these offerings under one roof, it would be hard to think of a better one-stop shop.

The new Lifestyle store is located in Shuwaikh on Al Ghazali Street, at the Star Mall, above Max. You can also find them online at www.lifestylegulf.com or follow them on Facebook or Twitter: @lifestylegulf

TAIBA

Loaay's Two Cents Got business problems or challenges at work? With his Two Cents page, Loaay Ahmed shares his expertise in strategic management consulting to help managers, employees and entrepreneurs thrive.

Q

To best describe the situation between my team and I, is to say when the cat’s away, the mice will play. Whenever I go on a business trip or a short break, productivity at my department slows down. Most of my trips are interrupted by complaints about deadlines. My employees promise to be more responsible, but nothing changes. Any tips?

There are different possibilities why productivity takes a backseat in the absence of the team leader. Since you’re a frequent traveller, let’s use ‘destinations’ as an analogy for your options. First spot suggests Las Vegas’ worst tourists – think Hangover (Part I). Your employees are just not made from working material. In this case, be firm in explaining the consequences of their actions on the company and on their own careers and follow the HR procedures in documenting all actions. Be prepared to make an example of the most unproductive employee. Your decision may come across as harsh, but you want to take control and show them that you mean business and that instructions must be followed.

Second spot takes you to Russia just before the collapse of the Soviet Union. The people want to have an open economy and a better life, they just don’t know how yet. Your employees would like to deliver according to the agreed upon deadlines but they’re not mastering skills like selfsupervision, time management and quality control. Coach the most promising ex-comrade to develop his or her project management skills and put that person in charge when you’re out of town. You may later want to rotate the coaching with other employees so they can grow as well. Final spot is London where every old corner has a story but you were driving too fast to notice. Ask them about the process itself and listen carefully; you might discover some obstacles that will change your mind. Bon voyage... and that’s just my two cents.

Q

Our advertising agency is pushing so hard for us to have a slogan attached to our new brand’s logo. The logo is text based. If we add a slogan, the visual will be crowded with too many letters. Are slogans that important to a brand?

We’re always told to ‘Think Different’, to ‘Just Do It’, and to eat the‘Breakfast of Champions’. Advertising slogans help creating emotional connections with experiences related to the products and services companies offer. Yet, when you attach a slogan to a logo, it’s a different story. Brands with large budgets can afford to communicate their slogans over and over until they’re engraved in your brain cells. Smaller brands want to achieve the same goal, but their slim cash makes it more challenging. The situation gets more complicated for new startups, as they haven’t still established presence and familiarity with their target audience. It is possible that your agency fears this obstacle so they’re suggesting a tagline to speed up this process.

Keep in mind though; if you choose one, it should stay for a long time.

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Some brands need slogans more than others. For example, if you don’t know what De Beers sell, their tagline, ‘A diamond is forever’, gives you a clear message; and it’s attached to their text-based logo to this day although they were established in 1888. Toys“R”Us has a descriptive brand name and, therefore, attaching a slogan to their logo is not necessary. Toys“R”Us or any other business with a descriptive name might still add a slogan to their logo to differentiate themselves from their competitors’ products or to create a certain level of desire in the consumer’s mind. So, depending on your brand naming style, typography, marketing budget, and positioning goals you can evaluate your slogan needs. Until then, eat something that ‘Melts in your mouth not in your hands’...and that’s just my two cents.

Q

Every year, we plan ahead with the best intentions to achieve our goals, but we rollover about 4050% of the set goals to the following year with some new ones. I don’t know why this doesn’t bother any of the executives yet. Am I the weird one?

Your executive board suffers from a well known managerial disease called Plan-a-titus. Usually, shareholders push the executive team for ambitious targets so they can make more money. The executive team, on the other hand, doesn’t want to annoy the shareholders with statements like “These targets are unattainable”, “We don’t have the resources to achieve such goals” or “We’re not really sure about the best ways to reach all these targets.” Most executives try to do their best or buy time; and as incidents and circumstances arise during practice they’ll use them to honestly or cunningly justify why they couldn’t reach these unrealistic goals. Depending on how convincing these justifications are some executives are given fresh chances while others hit the road.

Setting five exciting yet achievable goals is far more effective to the business and the teams’ morale than presenting a plan with ten goals to impress the board with nothing but wishful thinking on your mind. Naturally, this approach will worry many business owners and board members because they’re used to receiving plans that won’t be completed in full. This is where you need to passionately present your mission with clear evidence to support your claim about achieving all the submitted goals. Another good reason to follow this sensible school of thought is your bonus. Your will receive 100% of your bonus when all the goals in your plan are met...and that’s just my two cents.

For Loaay Ahmed’s advice on business or work matters, send a short email to loaay@knightscapital.com. Regrettably, only the questions chosen for publishing will be answered. Loaay Ahmed is a management consultant and strategic expert. To learn more about Loaay and his consulting service, strategic business therapy, visit www.knightscapital.com.

CROWNE PLAZA

KUWAIT GREEN WALL PROJECT An initiative by Kuwait Oasis

By Shabana H. Shaikh

You might have heard about people having green fingers, but here’s one that has a green dream. A civil engineer by profession, a butterfly-lover, a beach (rather than desert) person, an avid recycler, and founder of Kuwait Oasis – bazaar gets acquainted with Khaled Al Kulaib and his ambitious 315,000 tree-strong, Kuwait Green Wall Project.

What started in the late 90’s with two young men and a few trees, has today grown into an environmental NGO called Kuwait Oasis, Kuwait’s largest voluntary environmental initiative that advocates the importance of planting trees in the deserts of Kuwait. Having no background in horticulture, Khaled was just a concerned citizen, alarmed by the havoc wrecked on wildlife and fauna in the wake of the Gulf War. He helplessly watched as desert wildlife, migratory birds, and insects began to decline, and bareness grew wider.

Khaled has been planting trees individually for over a decade, but a few years back decided to take it a step further. He started by educating himself, referring to studies conducted by KISR and other environment bodies and gaining insight on the kind of trees that would be draught resistant and 86

most beneficial to the desert-ecology. “The Arabian Peninsula has never been a good environment for trees, only for bushes,” explained Khaled. ”But there are some Acacia trees that migrated to the region not less than 400 years ago, and have created a generation that are draught resistant and can withstand the severe and harsh conditions. These are the types we plant in our oasis.”

We are all familiar with the adverse effect civil life has when it intrudes on wildlife. In a 2006 statistic by the Kuwait Municipality, there were more than 40,000 camps during the camping season i.e. from November until April. This was prior to the passing of the legislation that requires campers to pay a deposit for camping out in the deserts. While camping, Kuwait Oasis encourages campers to plant 10 trees and irrigate them during the winter season, which is also the incubation period for trees. By the end of the season, these trees will be able to survive in the wild.

In 2009, with the help of some business-chains along the highway, Kuwait Oasis managed to distribute their advocacy flyers to campers who shopped there. With media exposure, radio and TV interviews, Khaled has been rigorously spreading

his idea, but unfortunately, there is no way to measure the outcome.

Now an active arm of Environment Voluntary Foundation (EVF), Kuwait Oasis team has spent two years doing extensive research, getting to know legislations conducive to their project, identifying people instrumental in planning, planting techniques, and various irrigation systems, which enabled them to introduce the Waterboxx technique of irrigation.

Kuwait Green Wall Project Dubbed as National Project by EPA, Kuwait Green Wall Project was initiated in November last year, and is the largest in the history of environmental projects in the area. “We plan on planting three rows of an estimated 315,000 trees along the political borders of Kuwait. It will take us 10 years to accomplish our target and MOI has permitted us to plant behind the net fence, so that it’s protected from livestock feeding.”

Some naysayers seem to disapprove of the idea, saying that trees are foreign to desert-habitat and wasting a precious commodity like water is impractical. Khaled dismissed these claims, calmly stating, “We have done our study. So if anyone has an

argument, they will have to prove their point.”

Naturally, Khaled’s team realizes the importance of water conservation. “That is why we switched to Waterboxx irrigation system, which is a Dutch technology,” he points out. “Previously, we used drip irrigation, wherein each tree consumed 20 liters of water per week. By utilizing the Waterboxx, now each tree consumes 30 liters per year.” A staggering 1500 liters per tree is conserved annually! The inventor of Waterboxx, Pieter Hoff, has himself worked closely with Kuwait Oasis since 2009, to incorporate this sustainable alternative to irrigation.

So, how does Kuwait Oasis plan on financing the Kuwait Green Wall project? “KGW does not accept either donations or sponsorship,” Khaled stated. He explains why it became important in the wake of the financial crisis to come up with an alternate solution, “not wanting to be a financial burden, we instead collaborate encouraging social responsibility and increasing public awareness.

For example, one of our partners is Dar Al Shifa Hospital, for whom we created a model called ‘A Tree of Life’, which encourages new-parents to purchase a tree in their newborn’s name. They have more than 560 deliveries per month.” In exchange,

Kuwait Oasis issues a certificate with the footprints of the baby, stating ‘that a tree has been planted’.

Similarly, they collaborated with Alghanim Automotive and while the purchase option is voluntary, it has shown unprecedented response from customers.

Explaining Incubation The incubation refers to the irrigation of trees on a weekly basis for a period of 6 months and then letting them thrive on their own. “Camping season coincides with the incubation period,” said Khaled, explaining why educating campers was necessary. “If we could reach out to these campers and convince them to plant ten trees, we would be planting 400,000 trees per year. With chances of success rate being 60%, about 240,000 trees could find their way to life every year. The result would be a greener desert providing shade and refuge to birds and other wildlife.”

Successes and Setbacks In 2010-11, Kuwait Oasis planted 5000 trees in three different oases in the deserts of Kuwait. Notable ones include VIVA Oasis with 4000 trees, Nathan’s Oasis with 500 trees, and an oasis of 680 trees by individual contributions. Collectively, these oases cover an area of 10 sq.kms and can be viewed on Google Earth.

Though they deemed it a considerable success, there were a few setbacks too. “Kuwait Municipality has permitted us to plant in areas where livestock feeding is restricted,” Khaled explained, and voicing his concern that trespassing still remains an imminent treat, he added, “in 2011 there was some problem between Kuwait agriculture authority and livestock owners as a result of which they breached the area where we had planted and nearly all trees that had grown to 1.5m height were grazed to the ground.”

The success of Kuwait Oasis has created an affiliated programme called Doha Oasis and an inspired a movement in Jordan now sponsored by Queen Rania. “Trees planted today, will tomorrow be our children’s oasis,” concluded Khaled.

Cost of donating a tree: Each tree costs a nominal KD 20, which includes the Waterboxx (sustains two trees), manpower, fertilizers, tools, and maintenance cost for a period of 3 years.

Get involved: Donate online or become a volunteer by filling out a form on their website. For more information, log on to www.kuwait-oasis.com or www.facebook/kuwaitoasis.

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bazaar music

MODERN VAMPIRES OF THE CITY

LIVE - THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

THE DEVIL PUT DINOSAURS HERE

Modern Vampires of the City is Vampire Weekend’s third album, and it is a bustling world of voices and visions from the death of Henry Hudson to the Orthodox girl falling in love at an uptown falafel shop, from Hannah Hunt tearing up the New York Times on a distant beach to the lethal chandelier of “Everlasting Arms,” from the ardent yearning of “Don’t Lie” to the harmonized voice of hope in “Young Lion”. Modern Vampires of the City has a grandeur and romanticism evocative of the city where it was conceived.

2012 marked the 50th anniversary of the greatest American band, The Beach Boys. To mark this momentous occasion, the band reunited to tour the U.S., as well as a number of International concerts. The fans were thrilled to see Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks on the same stage again, playing all the hits you would expect from them and many more. This magical tour is now captured on the 41 track collection, LiveThe 50th Anniversary Tour.

This is the fifth album overall from the Grunge/Hard Rockers, and their second since their 2005 reunion.

The band features original members Jerry Cantrell and Sean Kinney plus bassist Mike Inez and William DuVall, who replaces original vocalist Layne Staley.

About the album, Guitarist Jerry Cantrell said: “I don’t think you’ll be surprised by anything you hear. ... It’s us. But it’s also really unique. It’s got all the elements of any record we’ve put out, but it’s unlike any record we’ve put out. Basically, it’s the next chapter in the Alice in Chains book, and it’s going to be a big one.”

GRINNING STREAK

LOVE HAS COME FOR YOU

NOW WHAT?!

New studio release marking the veteran Canadian bands 25th Anniversary. Barenaked Ladies deliver another batch of sunny pop-rock. The album is the band’s second studio album since the departure of founding member Steven Page in February 2009.

This album finds the band sticking with the polished, mature sound they delved into on 2010’s All in Good Time. We get a handful of immediately hummable folk-pop tunes including “Boomerang”. Ultimately, while the toothy smiles might be wiped off the faces of the Barenaked Ladies, Grinning Streak reveals that their hearts remains firmly on their sleeves.

Steve Martin is currently in the fifth decade of a varied and accomplished career as a comedian, actor, author and playwright, and as a Grammy-winning, boundarypushing bluegrass banjoist and songwriter. His fellow Texas native Edie Brickell has carved out an iconoclastic solo career that’s solidified her reputation as a compelling singer and songwriter of rare insight. Love Has Come for You offers 13 eloquently rootsy Martin/Brickell compositions that combine the former’s inventive, expressive five-string banjo work with the latter’s hearttugging vocals and vivid, detail-rich lyrics. Love Has Come For You is playful, spacious, and irresistibly accessible.

Eight years after the release of Rapture Of The Deep, and following many rumors later revealed to be unfounded, Deep Purple, one of the most important and influential British rock bands of all time, have confirmed the release of an album completely made of new studio material. After various song writing sessions in Europe, the band recorded and mixed the album in Nashville with producer Bob Ezrin (with his impressive record of hits including Pink Floyd’s The Wall and Alice Cooper). The album is rumored to be the perfect match from the original spirit of 70’s Purple, and a fresh and modern production.

by Vampire Weekend

by Barenaked Ladies

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by The Beach Boys

by Steve Martin and Edie Brickell

by Alice in Chains

by Deep Purple

source: www.amazon.com

BLUE RAVEN

POSTA PLUS Delivered Your Way By bazaar staff

Launched in 2005, Kuwaiti based company Posta Plus sought to be the answer to the many international shipping woes of local businesses and consumers alike. With the launch of their My Box service in 2010 it was clear that there was indeed a new player in town in the world of international packaging shipping and receiving.

In a country with such a large amount of expats and an equally challenging practically landlocked amount of options, this is one of the most important services that connect people at home with people locally. We sat down with the CEO of 90

Posta Plus logistics group, Fares Barqawi, to see how their business has faired since their initial launch, and where they are heading next.

When was My Box created and who are your customers?

My Box Service was launched in 2010 as part of our value proposition to bridge the delivery gap in a timely matter to our loyal customers and target market, through a fully integrated portfolio of services. The service is an online delivery portal available to our e-customers demanding

comprehensive platforms that bridges the chain between purchases made online and the physical delivery to their door step. Today, businesses that don’t have a presence in the digital space, are rushing to create online portals to supply the demand for e-customers, especially within the retail business. The customers of My Box can range from online portals such as Amazon, E-bay or retail stores with digital presence, to even e-customers purchasing online.

How does the service work?

Basically, through My Box service you will be able to have a specific mailing address for you that serves as the first point of delivery for all purchases made in countries such as the UK, USA, UAE, and (soon) China.

After that, My Box will clear and deliver items purchased to your destination across the MENA & GCC Regions.

How are you different from the other competitors in the market?

Well, we might not be the first in the market but we definitely feel as if we are the customers favorite choice. We were able to leverage on our competitor’s experiences in the market prior to our launch by creating an improved business model that is tailored to our target market giving them the comfort of service delivery and value for money contentment.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time and what will you do to take My Box to the next level?

We already have a strategy in place that keeps us paced with today’s evolutionary consumerism trends that are shaping the service industry in general. Our strategy in five years’ time is to be the favorable delivery and logistics destination to our target market through our service delivery and value added services. We have already taken steps forward towards attaining our strategy by introducing a tailor made service identified from our customers demand. This new service is called “No Route.”

What is No Route?

We noticed during the course of My Box service offering, that a lot of customers were asking to pick up the merchandise from our warehouses specifically rather than being delivered to their homes. So we introduced the NR service on our website that will be selected by the customers according to their preference.

For those of you in the market for a new domestic shipping service, that ancticipates the customers needs to assure that all your packages arrive on time, this may be the place for you.

Information about all of the services offered by Posta Plus can be found on their website: www.postaplus.com

VEET

bazaar investigates THE HOUSE OF HARLOW COMES TO KUWAIT! The House of Harlow 1960 accessories range from Nicole Richie is now being stocked at K-Lynn Lingerie. The House of Harlow 1960 collection was first launched in 2009 and has evolved into a fully-fledged collection that includes jewellery, eyewear, footwear and handbags. Since inception, the collections have received rave reviews and tremendous celebrity following, with Nicole Richie being the creative force behind the brand since day one, immersing herself in every step of both its creative and strategic decisionmaking process.

You can now shop the eclectic accessories from House of Harlow 1960 right here in Kuwait, available at K-Lynn Lingerie, The Avenues Mall ph 2259 7851

SWATCH BREAKS THE SURFACE WITH SCUBA LIBRE Swatch surfaces with a new look on life and a Scuba watch with a difference: it’s not just for divers, it’s for the rest of us, too. As we sail the streets of a gridlocked city, board a submarine subway for a stormtossed ride home, or take the wheel of a sloop in downtown Manhattan, there’s no limit to the power of our imagination when unleashed by passion and the new Scuba Libre from Swatch . The new Scuba Libre Collection does give water fans what they want, of course. Big, bold indicators in high-contrast colors are easy to read when swimming with the fish in the wonder of life undersea. Hands-on, rotating bezels and snug, rugged silicone straps do the rest. But for visionaries on dry land, it’s the look that counts – sexy and sea-worthy at the same time. So three of the new models open up the dial to show colored movements in translucent cases, and the eye-candy colors are trending now, too. And for the urban gentleman who’s secretly mad about the sea, more models speak openly of his passion. Brash, competent and supremely confident, a real sailor knows what he wants – and gets it, underwater and above.

For more information about Swatch or to see more of their Scuba range visit: www.swatch.com

ZENSPA - TREATS YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL We invite you to experience beau-tique cosmetics international’s sophisticated state of-the-art pedicure system called ZenSpa, which caters to everyone’s individual needs, and is designed for total comfort and well being. Once thought of as pure luxury, a pedicure is also vital therapy to relieve the everyday stresses of modern life. ZenSpa deeply cleanses and exfoliates dry, dull skin cells, plus works to rejuvenate skin to a healthier and softer condition. It will also awaken and renew your senses and will transport your skin and feet to a world of luxurious pampering.

ZenSpa is a sub-range of the JESSICA Cosmetics family and it is available in three wonderful fragrances, Energizing Ginger, Calming Green Tea, and Revitalizing Citrus.

Distributed in Kuwait by beau-tique cosmetics international. For more information phone 2225 1285 or email: www.beau-tiqueonline.com

COMFORT CREATIONS “SHARES A TOUCH OF LOVE” THIS RAMADAN Comfort, Unilever’s fabric softener brand, has been helping families to share an extra dose of love for over 40 years, and is now once again bringing their soft touch to those in need through their annual charitable activity - “Share A Touch Of Love” this Ramadan with Comfort Creations. This charitable campaign encourages the people of Kuwait to donate clothes to those less fortunate than themselves as part of their charitable acts during the Holy Month. The Comfort Creations donation booth will be at Avenues Mall from 15th – 22nd July in collaboration with “Layan” charity organization, which aims to support and provide relief for Syrian refugees and will distribute the apparel collected to those in need. All clothes will be collected in giant Comfort Creations bottles, which will be individually decorated with the handprints of each donor, creating a colorful and physical representation of their charitable acts. Every person who donates will be thanked with a 750ml bottle from the new Comfort Creations range which offers “Long Lasting Freshness with Dazzling Fragrances” in one of the three fragrance combinations.

To support the campaign, track its success and for further information, follow and Like them on www.facebook.com/comfortzonearabia 92

HAVE YOUR CAKE AND ICE CREAM TOO! SHAKE SHACK INTRODUCES THE NEW CAKE CONCRETE FLAVORS New York’s iconic Shake Shack has launched three new Cake Concrete flavors, all made of premium quality ingredients and based on three amazing cake choices set to satisfy taste buds and cool you off during these hot summer days.

Customers can now choose from fresh and fluffy Blueberry Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cake and Carrot Cake, all baked with the freshest ingredients including carrots, Philadelphia cream cheese and organic blueberries. The Cake Concretes bring to Kuwait America’s favorite cakes blended with fresh premium frozen custard ice cream.

Shake Shack’s dense, rich and creamy frozen custard is the real deal – made with milk from dairy farmers who do not use artificial growth hormones. Spun fresh daily in the kitchen, Shake Shack dares you not to like it!

Come and visit any Shake Shack – located at 2nd Avenue – The Avenues, Grand Avenue – The Avenues, and Al Fanar Mall – and have your cake and ice cream too!

AL JARRA - FLOWERS & PLANTS UNIQUE OPENING IN SALHIEH Al Jarra Flowers & Plants held a grand re-opening Tuesday, 11th of June from 7pm to 9pm in Salhieh. During the event, invitees discovered the unique new design and setup of the Al Jarra shop and the new services available now in Al Jarra which include wedding planning and the organization of all kinds of events. Al Jarra Flowers & Plants is known locally and internationally for its elegant flower arrangements. It has gained a good reputation over the years since its inception in 1992 and since beginning its activity in the field of importing and designing flowers of the highest specifications.

Services they offer include: Design and arrangement of flowers for all occasions, design and arrangement of bridal flowers and bouquets to the latest and finest standards, wedding activity management and coordination including design and making of Kosha area, organising exhibitions and conferences, baby showers and newborn receptions, and worldwide flower delivery.

“We don’t only deliver, we organize…,” said the new wedding planner and event manager, Mrs. Lamya Meski who has a lot of professional experience when it comes to wedding planning and event management.“What better way to serve our customers than to give them the full service, from flower arrangements for all occasions to organizing all types of events?”

“The event took place in Al Jarra shop with a unique set up and VIP invitees”, explained Mrs. Lamya Meski “We had a blessed great re-opening, and we would like to thank everyone who made it to our special evening and all the people who made the opening a big memorable success”.

You can contact Al Jarra on 180 2666 or follow them on Instagram @aljarra_kw or Facebook: Al-Jarra Flower & Plant or visit www.aljarra.com where you can also order online.

PARADISE - 2013 SPRING - SUMMER COLLECTION Uno de 50 has taken its inspiration from its own private paradise to design the next collection for Spring/Summer 2013. We find ourselves transported to an imaginary and idyllic world suggested through the items in the collection. This is a collection that invites us to dream, through its imaginative designs inspired by the theme of a natural paradise; dragonflies, butterflies and serpents are the key elements of this collection, which evokes the idea of eternal temptation.

The brand “entices” us with a range that glows with the vibrant tones to be found in this utopian world; colors such as blue, green, red and yellow conjure the perfect atmosphere to convey us to the paradise of Uno de 50. In addition to leather, resin and its own trademark silver-plated metal, in a new development this season Uno de 50’s rings feature Murano glass, which has undergone a special treatment to produce a range of matt colors.

For more information visit www.unode50.com.

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bazaar goes cruising

THE CRUZE: REFRESHED

By bazaar staff

The New 2013 Chevrolet Cruze is a beautifully designed compact sedan that sets out to challenge everything you know about compact sedans in general. From advanced features and performance, to 5-star safety and styling, the new model Cruze seeks to give you more of the safety and ingenuity that you need, while making it feel more like the car you deserve. With a New Infotainment System and Refreshed Design they are definitely looking to up the ante on these otherwise middle of the price range automobiles.

Since its launch in 20001, the Chevrolet Cruze has offered an amazing amount of punch for the mid-car market. Since that time, it continues to evolve into one of Chevrolet’s most impressive vehicles in its class, offering competitive amenities, quietness, safety features and space expected of a larger sedan, but still providing the efficiency and value of a compact car. Now available with the new “infotainment” system (a term now often designated for the delicate balance between information and entertainment that our digital devices are quickly becoming) ‘MyLink’, the 2013 Cruze offers more value for customers than ever. Chevrolet MyLink is the brand-new and sophisticated infotainment system, which brings smartphone capabilities into the vehicle. Chevrolet MyLink aggregates content from a smartphone onto the seven-inch, high resolution, full color touch-screen display.

Connectivity will be ensured via USB or Bluetooth for mass storage devices, including MP3 players, iPod or iPad. For starters, the new model is available with a coupe-style exterior as well as interior, and is powered by a 1.8L, 4 Cylinder engine generating 140 HP and 6-speed transmission. This is notable as it is the only in its class, that is currently offering this engine.

The New 2013 Chevrolet Cruze offers a refreshed front grille, fog lamps and front and rear bumpers design. Key exterior design include Chevrolet’s global signature face – a two-tier grille with the gold bowtie logo, an arching roofline that connects a steeply raked windshield and fast-sloping rear pillars that provide a sporty, coupe-like proportion, prominent headlamp housings that wrap around the corners and sweep upward in the fenders and hood, as well as a short rear deck typically found on sport coupes, wheels planted at the car’s corners with minimal front and rear overhangs and a twin-cockpit motif that is matched with high-quality interior 94

materials and exceptional assembly tolerances.

Additionally, the new Cruze offers a full range of safety features. An antilock braking system (ABS) brings you to a stop from any speed without loss of control, while an available rearview camera lets you see what’s behind during

parking. Cruze surrounds you in genuine luxury to ensure you’re comfortably in control.

Head down to the nearest Yusuf A.Alghanim & Sons Automotive showrooms and test-drive the New 2013 Chevrolet Cruze.

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Building Confidence Through a Smile

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Under the supervision of Dr. Eqbal Al-Asfour

Ask about our Ramadan Offers Salmiya

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RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS Learning creative compassion

By Zainab Mirza

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Throughout my schooling, I held a very stereotyped understanding of poverty. To my conditioned and ignorant mind, poverty was indigenous only to developing countries on the other end of the Arabian Sea, in the form of malnourished children or large, underprivileged families dwelling in slums struggling to get by. An incident then occurred that forever altered my perception of poverty and made me realize how much poor people are deprived of what we so thoughtlessly take for granted.

A few years ago my family and I were in Mecca for Umrah, the minor pilgrimage undertaken by Muslims. There was a row of shops across the road from the Grand Mosque, amongst which was an ice cream vendor. The only product he seemed to be selling (and selling well) was a cone with three multi-coloured scoops of ice-cream—red, green and yellow, like a faulty traffic light—stacked atop each other, all for the price of a single Saudi Riyal (less than a 100 fils in Kuwaiti currency). I recall my eyes widening in amazement on hearing the price; it seemed unbelievable even then. Every afternoon after leaving the mosque for lunch, my sister and I would dart across the courtyard, our fists clutching crisp Riyal notes, to slurp on the delicious ice-cream in the hope of gaining some 96

respite from the blistering heat of July.

As I was walking towards the ice-cream man on our third day in Mecca, I noticed a little boy gazing at me. A street urchin dressed in worn-out clothes, he’d wandered off from his family that lived some distance away on the street. Having had a sheltered upbringing in Kuwait, I had never witnessed poverty in the Gulf. It was hard for me to comprehend that it could exist in a city such as Mecca as well.

The boy’s thin face called out to me and I began to feel ashamed. He could use the money to buy something to eat, something that was substantially more wholesome than a three-scoop ice-cream. I hesitated for a split-second, then handed him my Riyal note.

The boy’s face broke into a smile as he took the note. Then he dashed towards the shops and bought himself an ice-cream.

I was stunned. In my naivety, it had never occurred to me that poor people could desire anything more than the basic essentials of food, clothing and shelter. It was a humbling lesson and I have never forgotten it.

Since then, I’ve been a bit more observant about the plight of the poor in Kuwait. They may not be living on the streets, but they do exist.

Through some of my friends, I’ve learned that we

can get pretty creative in our compassion and charity. Charity doesn’t have to be restricted to handing out a percentage of your salary at the end of each month or dropping spare change in one of those fund collection jars that are so strategically placed at a store’s cash counter. Whether it’s handing a pack of juice to a cleaner at the beach, dropping off a carton of water at a construction site, donating clothes, toys and linen to your maid, or just smiling at a stranger, there are plenty of altruistic acts you can perform. The joy of giving is infectious—gather your friends and do some good together; prepare a few dishes and offer them to a local mosque in time for futoor.

Back in kindergarten, I remember being taught to carry out three good deeds daily. Most of us may not have such a great record (I don’t).

Let’s change that. Grab any opportunity that may come by to nurture your humanity; make it a habit to carry out random acts of kindness every day and you’ll feel your stress and worries melt away into nothingness. More importantly, you’ll ignite a spark of good cheer in the people you show kindness to and people that witness your deed may be inspired to follow your example, thus creating a chain of good deeds.

Sometimes, change begins with one person.

One person at a time.

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Artfully polished living. JESSICA.

HONDA & ALGHANIM International press event touts new partnership By bazaar staff

On Sunday June 9th, Alghanim Industries and Honda announced their partnership during a celebration held at the Ice Skating Rink. With the presence of Hussain Al Jassmi, rhythmic beats of a traditional Kuwaiti folklore band and the beat of Japanese Taiko drums, they unveiled their vision of a future of mutual prosperity all while ASIMO, Honda’s new amazing robot, danced in the background.

With an ambiance that one would certainly expect from two well-established companies such as 98

these, the event was held to celebrate the fact that Alghanim Industries has now become the new and exclusive distributor of all Honda products including vehicles, motorcycles and power products in Kuwait, for sales and service. The event itself comprised of entertaining and artistic segments meant to showcase the melding of these two worlds, with the highlight of the evening being a performance from the renowned music artist, Hussain Al Jassmi, followed by the captivating performance of Japanese taiko drummers who mesmerized the

audience with their dominating beats and rhythms.

After speeches by both Mr. Omar Kutaiba Alghanim, Chief Executive Officer for Alghanim Industries, and Mr. Manabu Nishimae, the Managing Officer of Honda Motor Co. and the COO for Honda’s Regional Operations in Europe, CIS, Middle and Near East and Africa, everybody settled in for the unexpected surprise of a little treat from ASIMO— the Honda robot! Largely billed as the smartest robot in the world, ASIMO represents the culmination of two decades of humanoid robotics research by

Honda engineers in Japan.

Basically, as the first robot that acts just as humans do, he is amazing to watch. He can run, walk on even slopes and surfaces, turn smoothly, climb stairs, and reach for and grasp objects. ASIMO can comprehend and respond to simple voice commands and also has the ability to recognize the face of a select group of individuals. Using its camera eyes, it can map its environment and register stationary objects. ASIMO can also avoid colliding with obstacles as it moves through its

environment. The true long term goal for this robot however is to eventually have him, or others like him, help with important tasks such as assisting the elderly or disabled people, as well as performing certain tasks that are dangerous to humans including fighting fires or cleaning up toxic spills.

The announcement of the partnership between Alghanim Industries and Honda Motors concludes a long conversation between the two entities that share the same ambitious vision that is always geared to constant progression

and achieving success year after year. The two corporations seem to suit one another as both occupy leading positions in their respective local market. The agreement itself gives Alghanim Motors rights for the distribution and servicing of Honda Automobiles’ range of coupes, sedans, SUVs, CUVs, and minivans. Alghanim Industries will also provide and manage Honda Automobiles facilities in Kuwait, including dedicated service centers, Honda qualified service engineers and new specialist sales outlets.

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bazaar techno Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic. ~ Arthur C. Clarke

AUGUST SMART LOCK

WRAPSTOVE - WRAP A LITTLE HEAT

MUTATOR – MUTE YOUR IPHONE

If you’ve ever wondered why you can unlock your car by pressing a button, but still have to fumble for your metal keys to get in your house, then the August Smart Lock might be for you. The KD 55 device lets you secure your door over the Internet. Using August you can bar unwanted visitors and give access to friends and relatives. There’s also no wiring to worry about — the device uses standard batteries. On the software side, it uses Bluetooth to connect to an iOS and Android app.

Using the app you can issue encrypted “keys” to anyone you’d like to give access to.

Portable burners are awesome for camping, but they do have their minor points, like refilling gas and flames extinguishing during windy times. A good solution is using induction cooking stoves that are compact. The WrapStove here follows that norm and comes fitted with tiny magnets in the sleeve, to cling onto the vessel.

It’s a flexible thing that is fashioned like a rolled up towel and wraps around the cooking pot. It switches-on only when the end tab is folded and the temperature is set via a touchscreen. Since camping also means cramping, the WrapStove scores beautifully in the portability sector and takes up very little space in your bag.

A loud and unruly iPhone is no fun. Finally, an easy, elegant solution that keeps your phone quiet. In Apple’s own words, the “mute” switch doesn’t actually mute all sounds. So what is an iPhone-loving, technocrazed Apple junkie to do? He invented the Mutator which is a simple, sleek device that keeps your phone quiet. Mutator mutes all sounds generated by videos, songs, games, apps, and more. Simply twist to mute.

Need your phone to make some noise? Simply twist the Mutator 90 degrees. Currently over half way through its funding goal but we are pretty confident it will hit the market before its 23 June deadline.

www.mashable.com

www.yankodesign.com

www.kickstarter.com

PIVOTHEAD VIDEO-RECORDING SUNGLASSES

AERIO - HOW IS THE AIR UP THERE?

OLYMPUS PEN E-P5 CAMERA

Video-recording glasses aren’t new. But video-recording glasses that you wouldn’t be embarrassed to wear? Now that is novel. Pivothead Video-Recording Sunglasses (KD 85) employ an 8 megapixel Sony CMOS sensor and 8GB of built-in storage to let you capture video up to 1080/30p or 720/60p, still photos in bursts of up to 16 shots in a row, and works with an optional Wi-Fi dongle to communicate directly with your iPhone or iPad. With four different styles and multiple colors to choose from, you’re sure to find a pair that suits your style.

Aerio is a nifty gadget that aims to provide users with information about their environment’s air pollution.

According to the World Health Organization the dangers of air pollution are greater than previously thought and it is one of the greatest hazards to human health. Paired with the user’s smartphone, the device transmits data to a central network, and with the help of other devices it gives real-time air quality updates. More than just a sensor, it also brings awareness to the user’s own individual carbon footprint in hopes of encouraging eco-conscious behavior throughout the day.

The company claims that “the only thing about it that’s retro is its looks”, and we tend to agree. Inside the classy, compact silver, white, or black metal body of the Olympus PEN E-P5 Camera (KD 280 - 400) lies an advanced 16 megapixel TruePic VI Live MOS sensor that pairs with Micro Four Thirds lenses to become a formidable shooter. Features include fast Super Spot AF, a 5-axis image stabilization system, dual control dials, built-in Wi-Fi, a mechanical shutter capable of 1/8000th of a second shooting, 1080/30p video recording, and a sharp, tilting 3-inch touchscreen monitor.

www.uncrate.com

www.yankodesign.com

www.uncrate.com

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ANTA

DXL Find your fit!

By bazaar staff One of the hardest things to do in shopping seems to be the ability to find that ever-elusive perfect fit. Whether plagued by too small, too big, too short, too tall- there will always be something that is ten percent off about what your average store has on hand for the average person. For people who are of a bigger stature, this can be a problem that is exacerbated by the lack of options at large. However, now there is a specialty store for those of you who have been continuously frustrated by some of the pint sized offerings at your local store.

DestinationXL, or DXL as they often go by, is currently the only place that specializes in XL men’s wear in Kuwait. Located at Symphony Mall on the Gulf Road, it is the first DXL store in the Middle East.

However, far from being a newcomer to the retail fashion game, they actually have a long tenure as an internationally known brand, for their more than 500 stores in the USA, Canada and London. The stores concept is one of a kind, as a one stop shop for Big and Tall sizes, clothes ranging from swimwear to suits, shoes, and accessories such as long ties, belts, and watches. It has over 30 well known brands such as Polo Ralph Lauren, Lacoste, Casual Male, Society of One, and Calvin Klein, to name a few. The sizes range from XL to 7XL and XLT to 6XLT with waist sizes ranging from 38 to 64 and shoe sizes from 44 to 48.5.

A unique shopping experience where the customer will be able to walk around a 1000-meter square area and find whatever he needs in a wide variety of brands, colors and sizes. The store is divided for an easier shopping experience: a section for casual wear, a section for swimwear, section for shoes, and for suits. DXL also provides personal fashion experts and tailors to make sure that the shopper is able to mix and match clothes to keep up with what is fashionable and make sure it fits well too. Now men who have had a difficult time in finding their sizes can come into DXL and find whatever they need, not only in terms of size but also in terms of variety. It will be the first time that Big and Tall men will have the opportunity to experience true shopping pleasure.

Additionally, the store has a VIP changing area where the customer can have the privacy to try on clothes, have a cup of coffee or just take the time to relax while solving all their shopping needs.

With both expert advice and customized service you won’t be disappointed in your shopping experience. Stop in today and see if they have your size—they will; they promise!

DXL is located at the Symphony Mall (Gulf Street), Salmiya. Reach them by phone at: 2577 0506.

Follow them online on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram: @DXLkuwait.

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LG

AMERICAN EAGLE OUTFITTERS It’s in the jeans By bazaar staff

American Eagle Outfitters is all set to launch a back to school campaign that revolves around the theme of denim. As a store with more than 1000 locations in the states, as well as more than 60 stores in 15 other countries, they continue to expand on their style and spread their unique and inspired take on fashion one store at a time.

They see denim as one of the core parts that the brand was founded on, and are glad to see it is now back in a big way.

Far from the original days of denim, when the miners in California’s gold rush needed heavy material to protect them from the hard day’s labor, it is safe to say that denim has gone on to take many forms and advanced in both fit and technology as well. For AEO, a specialty store that specailizes in denim, they are using back to school as a chance to discuss and point out the beauty of an undisputed classic. Their two highlighted lines, the heritage fits and washes are accented by detailed tops, cool layers and stylish accessories.

For the AEO girl, there are an assortment of trends to play off denim. The ‘old school’ trend really plays into the back to school feel with some vintage inspiration in statement jackets, our favorite girlfriend shirt, stripes, and one of the season’s favorite pieces, the varsity jacket.

The boho trend carries through this season with feminine details like lace hems, blouses, skirts and dresses as well as paisley prints in tops.

Maxi dresses in warm fall colors play back to the boho feel and pair nicely with our denim jacket.

Glam Grunge rounds out the season with vintage washes, destroyed details and some military and moto inspired pieces in bottoms and outerwear.

Denim is key this season, grounding the collection with classic indigos and blues as well as fashion styles with embellishments, tinting, destroyed details and vintage washes. The new kick-boot denim fit is introduced this BTS offering her a slim boot style perfect for fall. Accessories complete the collection with studded ballets, embellished bags, slouchy hats and cool jewelry.

The ‘old school’ theme carries through to the AEO guy this season as well. The varsity cool feel comes to life with new Oxford shirts, chinos in warm khakis and autumn colors, as well as stripe tees, and V-neck sweaters. Vintage surplus is another big theme for guys this season seen especially through layering in outerwear with surplus details and rugged hints in shirts and pants. Denim is crucial, rooting the heritage feel of the entire collection with dark washes, destroyed and vintage details and slim fits.

The Aerie collection is bright and cozy this season. The pretty dreamy theme is seen with lace appliqués, embroidery, and pretty embellishments 104

like bows and ruffles, all in gorgeous jewel tones perfect for the fall season. Shine and chiffon also make a statement in the collection for a casual glam look. The cloud plunge (push up) and Cloud Uplift (lightly lined) are introduced this BTS. The Cloud collection is known for its soft and lightweight fabric. Soft and cozy apparel finish off the Aerie line with soft camis, boxers and robes that are perfect for fall layering.

So, whether your kids are set to go back to school and need the latest fashion, or they just want some new gear to hang out in over the weekend, check out the latest at American Eagle Outfitters for a vast array of denim styles.

Visit American Eagle Outfitters stores at The Marina Mall or 1st Avenue - The Avenues and The Mall - The Avenues.

TAAL

BREAKFAST WITH DOLPHINS Experiences from Sri Lanka’s Dolphin Beach

By Carmen Loren

Breakfast is a cheerful affair if you’re a dolphin, and if you’re lucky, you might even have an audience. A few kilometres off Kalpitiya peninsula, on the north-west coast of Sri Lanka, the Indian Ocean is an intense shade of blue – the kind of blue associated with unfathomable deeps and round-the-world sailing – and on any given morning, amidst all that blue, the local dolphin population congregates for breakfast and a little light exercise.

We are staying at the aptly named Dolphin Beach, Makara Resorts’s luxury-tent contribution to the sustainable tourism effort. The brainchild of Jonathan and Dallas Martenstyn, founders of Makara Resorts, and designed by architect Christine Wallbeoff, Dolphin Beach is unlike anything I have experienced during my travels – if Lost and a 5-star hotel got together and had a baby, Dolphin Beach would be it. Everything about the nine air-conditioned tents and the surrounding infrastructure is a happy marriage between ample comfort and a mindfulness of the surrounding environment. Not only do natural materials abound, but its creators have obviously 106

made a serious commitment to reducing the resort’s carbon footprint: the bathroom faucet in our tent (which sports the name “Spinner” in lieu of a room number) is a cleverly converted Arabic tea pot, and the shampoo bottle beside the rain shower is a large seashell with a cork stopper; the staff (not including the management) are all residents of the nearby village; the kitchen buys (or catches) fresh ingredients daily, and since every ingredient is local, the chef could easily claim that the board at Dolphin Beach is macrobiotic – even the serving dishes are rustic natural clay pots! To top it all off, there are wind turbines on this otherwise uncrowded stretch of golden sand and coconut palms, an unmistakable reminder that today’s Sri Lanka is a forward-thinking nation keen to preserve its island beauty by investing in alternative energy sources, like wind power – and on stunning Alankuda Beach (where the Dolphin Beach resort is located) one can truly appreciate the locals’ collective desire to preserve this natural beauty.

In retrospect, it seems strange that I somehow managed to live in Kuwait for five years without

once considering a trip to Sri Lanka – after all, the direct flight there is only five hours long (around the same time it takes to drive from Salmiya to Fahaheel and back on National Day weekend).

Furthermore, it is a wildly affordable destination.

And at the airport my other half and I bumped into a couple he works with, and then into a few of my students, so obviously all of the cool peeps in Kuwait holiday in Sri Lanka.

On this particular morning – I can’t quite remember what day it is, which as far as I’m concerned is a good indicator of a relaxing vacation – we are up at 7 for a cup of tea and a quick life-vest fitting. The guides help us into one of the boats and I can’t help but snicker when Kev elbows me gently and points to the boat beside us. On its prow, in upside down print, are the words ‘Don’t panic.’ Ironically, it’s our boat that experiences engine problems as soon as we hit the water, but the amazing support staff quickly replace the motor with a different one and less than 10 minutes later, we are speeding toward the early-morning horizon.

I hold on tight to my iPhone as the boat flies

across the waves – I forgot to bring my camera’s batteries – and not-quite-successfully tone down my face-splitting grin as the water around us darkens. The anticipation is almost too much to bear. I am a sailor and no stranger to the odd dolphin spotting back at home, but the prospect of being surrounded by the beautiful creatures – something that has never happened to me while sailing in Kuwait – fills me with delight.

In what seems like no time at all, we notice a few other tourist boats in the distance, circling slowly, a bit like sharks moving in for the kill, and I can’t help a pang of anxiety: how much of a stressor is the local tourist industry for the main attractions? I am aware that boat motors can interfere with a dolphin’s echolocation capabilities, and small as they may be, even outboard motors act as a source of water pollution. Are we, in our nearly desperate desire to observe these amazing mammals in their natural habitat, actually hurting them? I tell myself that it’s ok since the Kalpitiya region is known as a marine sanctuary, but I still can’t help wondering.

At the first sight of a glossy gray fin, however, all rational thought leaves me, and I am engrossed

in the sheer joy these creatures evoke in me. There are dozens of them – nay, hundreds – skimming the surrounding water, surfing the swells in twos and threes and dozens, playing in the wake of neighbouring boats and acrobatically jumping high into the air. I spot a mother and baby, arcing out of the water in a perfect harmony that would put Olympic synchronized swimmers to shame, and I melt on the inside. Kev is calmly aiming his camera at various members of the playful pods, and I marvel as his ability to hang on to it, let alone get a few clear shots of the shockingly fast mammals at play. The urge to jump into the water is powerful, and I focus on resisting the impulse, barely managing not to lose my iPhone in the process. After breakfast, when Kev and I go for a dip, I wonder out loud whether anyone has tried swimming with the dolphin crowd – and wonder silently whether he suspects how close I came to deliberately going overboard?

After more than an hour of watching the dolphins – mostly spinner dolphins, named after their athletic ‘spinning’ aerial jumps – we head back toward land, feeling decidedly like children in a toy shop. Our guide explains the reason behind the daily dolphin

convention: at this particular spot, the continental shelf ends and the ocean floor suddenly plummets a staggering 1km or more. It is on this ‘ledge’ that the dolphins like to sleep (there is a fascinating Scientific American article on the subject, in case you’ve ever asked yourself ‘How do dolphins sleep?’) and shortly after sunrise, they all perform their morning ablutions, which in their case consist of playing and fishing and playing with their fish, much to the delight of touristy witnesses such as myself.

All too soon we spot the wind turbine near Dolphin Beach, and before we know it, our guide literally speeds the boat onto the sand (much more effective and expedient than pushing it up). The thrill of ending the trip on such a bouncy note elicits a very un-grownup giggle from me and I quickly remove my life vest and hop out of the boat before I can further embarrass myself in front of my fellow dolphin-watchers. It is now time for the humans to have their breakfast; although, to be honest, I’d trade all the scrambled eggs in the world for another hour with the spinners.

Images courtesy of Kevin Jones.

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bazaar apps Local Edition!

ARABGRAM In the 2nd iPhone app by Wenayan Al-Wenayan, ArabGram is a free app which can be used to create unique customizable themes which can then be uploaded to use on your Instagram account. It contains several updated localized Arabic themes where users can easily customize text, font, and color! Also includes arab flags and emblems to customize your Instagram and show your patriotic views. You can also follow them on Instagram or Twitter: @3arabGram

iBADALA Everyone knows the pain of not being able to find what you are looking for in Kuwait, let alone where it is based. iBadala is a Kuwait phone directory making life easier by helping you search and find contact numbers you need, when you need them. It is user-friendly with its great design, fast speed, and categories. It even sends you your searches by popular ranking to speed things up even more while searching. You can search in both Arabic and English and also browse the list of over 30 categories such as hospitals, restaurants, government agencies, and more. Available free for iOS and Android devices.

248AM If you don’t know about 248am blog yet online, then where have you been? Seriously… Well you might want to know (if you don’t already) that they also have an official app, so you can receive the latest news and events, as they happen, as well as check the blogs to find out Mark’s latest views and reviews. Includes sections of blog site: 248AM, 248PM, Newsworthy, and Events. Available free from the Apple App Store.

NEXT PAY With Next Pay, the payment gateway, you can use your mobile phone to pay at many locations throughout Kuwait, and enjoy this easy, convenient and secure mobile payment method. To use you just need to download their app, set up an account and top it up using KNET. Customers do not need to pay anything extra for using it to buy (however you are charged 100fils if you recharge for less than 25KD at a time). Several great companies who avail this payment method include Someday Café, B+F Burger Boutique, and Planet Hollywood. Available for free on Apple and Android devices.

6ABEEBY 6abeeby is a leading health directory and medical community portal in Kuwait. It helps consumers search, and connect with top doctors at leading hospitals and clinics around Kuwait. It contains a comprehensive list of doctors, medical centers, hospitals, clinics, including GPs, consultants, and surgeons, and a link to a map to get to them. All the information posted is checked by Doctors to ensure it remains as up-to-date, reliable and trustworthy as possible. Available free on iPhone and Android devices.

SHALAY If you are looking to rent a chalet with friends or family, for a great weekend over summer, then a fantastic resource is Shalay.com. Kuwait’s largest chalet and waterlovers website is produced by a Kuwaiti company, and is now available as an app. They also help thousands of people interact between professionals, buyers, sellers, and enthusiasts. They are local experts so they know that there is no better feeling than being at the shalay! Search Boats, Yachts, Chalets, Jetski, fish, accessories, read news, blogging, weather, and much more! Available free at the Apple App Store.

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ZAXY

NOOR CLINIC Smile—more and bigger!

By bazaar staff Whether you love to talk about your teeth or not, the reality is you should be. The constant care that it takes to maintain those pearly whites for that beautiful smile, is definitely something you should maintain. And, as the practical billboard for the rest of your face, you may just want to spend some more time with them. In this case, the new-ish adage is true: if you don’t use it, you lose it! With that in mind, we sent the bazaar staff member with the worst teeth for a visit with Dr. Moayed Abu Sara to see what he could learn from a chat with the dentists down at Noor Clinic.

What are some tips that you can share with our readers to help them achieve and maintain a beautiful smile?

To accomplish and maintain a beautiful smile, you really must have good oral hygiene. The best way to maintain this is to eliminate plaque and other deposits on your teeth and gums, which can be achieved through regular and proper brushing and the flossing of teeth-it’s the only way. Additionally, periodic dental visits, preferably every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist is also good to be sure you stay on track.

What are the Dental services offered at Noor Clinic?

There are various treatments offered at Noor Clinic for every particular need of clients ranging from children to adults. Because we may have different dental needs at different times in our lives, we offer recommendations based on age: For Adults: • Cosmetic and Restorative Filling • Root Canal Therapy • Crown & Bridge • Veneer • Implant • Orthodontic Treatment • Dental Surgeries • Oral Prophylaxis- Scaling & Polishing • Bleaching • Pink Gum For Children: • Filling • Space Maintainers • Surgery • Orthodontic Treatment • Preventive treatment • Root Canal What are some of the newest procedures to arrive at the Dental practice at Noor Clinic?

At Noor Clinic, we utilize the latest technology in all 110

dental treatments, that way we stay at the forefront of dentistry. That said, we are always in search of new and innovative technologies for all dental procedures.

What is the most common dental complaint that you receive from your patients?

Most patients would only visit their dentist when they feel pain, and so they already might not be feeling great. At the risk of getting too technical, this is due to untreated carious teeth, so pulp exposure occurs and results in acute pain and swelling which in some cases is due to infection.

How do you stay updated about the latest procedures in Dentistry?

The dental practice has changed rapidly through time and dentists need to keep up with these updates. For my personal and professional growth as a dentist, I attend conferences and workshops relevant to my practice. I have attended national and international conferences wherein I learned the current trends in dentistry and now incorporate

them with those that I have learned and practiced over time. Basically, by keeping up to date on both the world of research, and my peers, I am able to stay in the know on all new techniques and research.

What separates Noor Clinic from the rest of the competition in terms of Dental Services?

The majority, if not all, of the dentists in Kuwait are of a high caliber and are well trained and experienced in their field of practice. What differentiates the “Noor Clinic” dental department specifically is being part of a unique ambulatory health service model that includes dentistry, dermatology, beauty and obstetrics, and gynecology, where we offer a more complete array of all the necessary health requirements for both women and their families.

Noor Clinic is situated in Al-Eqaila, Block 5, Al-Fentas Street, 6th Floor, Al Mowj Complex. Follow them on Twitter @noorclinic or Instagram @mynoorclinic.

Phone 2384 5151/ 2 / 3 / 4 /5

CROSTI

bazaar movie night The latest from the big screen playing in Grand Cinemas in July and August

THE BLING RING

OFFICER DOWN

THE SMURFS 2

Release Date: July 4 Genre: Drama Cast: Katie Chang, Israel Broussard, Emma Watson Synopsis: Inspired by actual events, a group of

Release Date: July 4 Genre: Drama, Mystery/Suspense Cast: Stephen Dorff, Stephen Lang, David Boreanaz Synopsis: One year ago, dirty cop Detective

Release Date: Aug 1 Genre: Animation, Comedy Cast: Neil Patrick Harris, Hank Azaria, Jayma Mays Synopsis: In this sequel to the hybrid action/

fame-obsessed teenagers use the internet to track celebrities’ whereabouts in order to rob their homes.

Oscar Winning filmmaker Sofia Coppola takes us inside the world of these teens, where their youthful naivety and excitement is amplified by today’s culture of celebrity and luxury brand obsession. The members of the Bling Ring introduce us to temptations that any teenager would find hard to resist. And what starts out as youthful fun spins out of control, revealing a sobering view of our modern culture.

Callahan (Dorff ) was shot in a drug bust gone wrong and saved by a stranger, giving Callahan a second chance to clean up his life. But when the stranger finally comes forward, seeking revenge against the men responsible for a string of assaults on young women at a local strip club, Callahan must go rogue to find the attacker in an effort to hide how his own past played a part in these crimes. His desperation to find the attacker and cover his tracks takes him down a violent road of deception and fraud.

animated family blockbuster comedy The Smurfs, they team up with their human friends to rescue Smurfette, who has been kidnapped by Gargamel since she knows a secret spell that can turn the evil sorcerer’s newest creation - creatures called the Naughties - into real Smurfs. It’s up to Papa, Clumsy, Grouchy, and Vanity to return her to our world, reunite with their human friends Patrick and Grace Winslow, and rescue her!

DESPICABLE ME 2

ELYSIUM

CARRIE

Release Date: August 8 Genre: Animation, Comedy Cast: Steve Carell, Ken Jeong, Kristen Wiig Synopsis: Despicable Me 2 finds Carell’s Gru more

Release Date: August 8 Genre: Action, Thriller, Sci-Fi Cast: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster, Sharlto Copley Synopsis: In the year 2154, the very wealthy

Release Date: August 22 Genre: Drama, Horror Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Julianne Moore, Judy Greer Synopsis: A reimagining of the classic horror

or less embracing his newly domesticated life after adopting Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Edith (Dana Gaier) and little Agnes (Elsie Fisher), even swapping his more nefarious activities for a start-up jelly and jammaking operation. However, he’s soon sent to track down the perpetrator of a fresh heist involving a ginormous electro-magnet. Warning: Those who foolishly opt to leave at the start of the end credits will be missing out on another entertaining 3D demonstration again led by a handful of those wacky Minions.

live on Elysium, a massive high-tech utopian metropolis located in orbit around earth that is free of crime, war, poverty, while everyone else lives on an overpopulated, ruined Earth below.

The citizens of Elysium live a life of luxury while the citizens of the Earth struggle to survive on a daily basis and are desperate to escape the planet, but those who maintain Elysium will stop at nothing to enforce anti-immigration laws and preserve their citizens’ lifestyle.

tale about Carrie White (Chloë Grace Moretz), a shy girl outcast by her peers and sheltered by her deeply religious mother (Julianne Moore), who unleashes telekinetic terror on her small town after being pushed too far at her senior prom. Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King, Carrie is directed by Kimberly Peirce with a screenplay by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. If you play with fire, you will get burned.

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For more details on movie timings, visit kw.grandcinemas.com or follow them on Facebook @Grand Cinemas Kuwait.

BMW

But know that you’ll be missed, Sima!

This community message brought to you by the well wishing, absent-minded, forever appreciative-ofďŹ ce of local correspondence for all things bazaar in association with the Minister of Comebackwheneveryoudlikeatall!

bazaar checks it out ZEGNA ATELIER - A NEW INTERPRETATION OF SILK A yearning for Couture pervades the spring-summer Ermenegildo Zegna collection.

The atelier’s mirror is once again an essential counterpart with which to install an ongoing dialogue, one made of exigent looks where control and aesthetic reassurance alternate with one another.

A well-defined silhouette underscored by jackets with sober saddle shoulders, a higher waistline and wide lapels that favor a lean figure complemented by high-waist slim trousers with stitched pleats.

A confident yet comfortable construction, one that gives every man the power to exude an elegant allure, buoyed by an ample selection of fabrics that spotlights the summer offering of the Zegna Silk project.

A closet that mirrors a grown up and self-confident man who is familiar with the value of an impeccably tailored suit but who wants to indulge with gentle whiffs of eccentricity, like the all- over tropical-inspired prints that beckon from the details of shirts, linings and accessories. The color wheel spans from classic ivory and blue to cloud gray, as well as shades of tobacco, teal and red. Beefy fabrics make the difference in the formal and cocktail attire, with suits and overcoats in silk taffeta, laser perforated double silks and shimmering shantung. The mirror approves.

SPRING CLEAN YOUR ROUTINE WITH BOOTS Lift those winter blues, get into the groove and find a crescendo of fun this spring with brand new collections from Champneys, Mark Hill and FCUK that are exclusively available at Boots stores.

It’s the perfect time of year to freshen up your routine for the new season, and where better to start than at Boots, with products exclusively designed to leave you feeling va va voom!

The new Champneys Distant Shores Range is an irresistible blend of grapefruit, lemon, orange peel and cedar wood oils with nourishing mango and passion fruit.

Fall in love with the scents of paradise and choose from the new range of Champneys body treats, which includes a sensuous Body Butter, Dry Body Oil, Body Scrub, Bubble Heaven and Shower Mousse.

Plus don’t forget to dial up your look with those gorgeous locks. Work this year’s catwalk trends with Mark Hill’s new collections: Mark Hill! Big it up! Shampoo - Big is beautiful! Using an amazing combination of natural ingredients, this light weight formula is perfect to use on even the finest of hair. Your hair is left looking and feeling thicker, stronger and with lots of body and bounce. Mark Hill! Big is Better!

Conditioner Loaded with fabulous natural ingredients this creamy light-weight conditioner will have your locks bouncing with volume and looking so fabulous you just want to use it again and again and again.

A range of brand new exclusive FCUK products have hit the shelves this spring at Boots, including: FCUK Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Stick Urban offers 48 hour protection for the man who wants to smell good at any occasion. FCUK Sport AntiPerspirant Deodorant with a scent of lemon and notes of juniper and spice. To leave you feeling fresh all day long. FCUK Sport Bodyspray is a high performance deodorising bodyspray for the man who wants to be active. FCUK Hair and Body Wash Sport will leave your skin refreshed, energized and lightly scented effortless, even after an effort.

For more information on Boots products please visit www.bootsme.com.

AURA ICONIC – A WAY OF LIVING aura, the modern fashion brand, celebrates the importance of Middle Eastern heritage with their range of Arabic coffee and tea sets in their Iconic range: bringing a modern twist to traditional design. aura’s delahs are decorated with creative patterns and colors, bringing a refreshing and unique look to the traditional coffee pot. This season, the range includes the bright and decadent colors of magenta, cobalt blue and gold. The exclusive Iconic collection is the centrepiece of the aura range featuring traditional Middle Eastern items designed for the trend conscious consumer. The collection is housed in a centrally-lit room within the store and includes items such as delahs, medkanas, coffee and tea cups using design that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity, bringing an element of unique design to the home. Combining international design styles and bespoke collections, aura provides modern designs to budget-conscious yet fashion-forward consumers. The affordable collections include dining, living, bedroom, tableware, home accessories and lifestyle items providing a ‘one-stop-shop’ concept for home fashion. aura is situated in Panorama Mall, K.S.A. For more information visit www.facebook.com/auraliving or follow them on Twitter: @auralivingksa 114

SUMMER AT H&M CONTINUES WITH A BEACH HOUSE CAMPAIGN FEATURING THE SEASON’S ESSENTIALS Following Beyoncé’s campaign showing the pick of the season’s swim and beachwear, summer continues at H&M with a fresh campaign featuring the key pieces for women, men and kids. Shot by Terry Richardson and including models such as Doetzen Kroes, it was photographed in and around a beach house near Tulum in Mexico. The images are like summer memories showing the essential pieces for the season, such as shorts and summer shirts for women, along with perfect summer dresses. For men there is informal beach looks along with tailored shorts for hot summer nights. The campaign also features all the looks for kids in the sun.

STAY CHILLED THIS SUMMER WITH STARBUCKS’ NEW DOUBLE CARAMEL FRAPPUCCINO Frappuccino lovers looking for a refreshing new way to cool off over the summer can now relish Starbucks’ all new Double Caramel Frappuccino. Available in the region for the first time ever, the new Double Caramel beverage incorporates a range of complementary ingredients that provide a burst of flavor perfect for this summer!

The bold yet refreshing taste of the Double Caramel beverage is the result of the global coffee house’s signature Frappuccino Roast coffee, complemented with a golden ring of rich caramel that lends a distinct buttery sweetness and creates a unique texture to the drink. It is then delicately sealed with whipped cream and a new crunchy caramel sugar topping that is sure to leave your taste buds tingling.

Rana Shaheen, the Starbucks regional communications and CSR manager for the Middle East and North Africa regions says “This beverage will be a great way for customers to keep cool during the hot summer months.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF DENTAL HYGIENE With Hamad Al-Khudher, Marketing and PR Manager, Al-Mubarakiya Dental Center There are a number of people who neglect to take care of themselves, let alone take care of their teeth. Those people are probably unaware of the outcomes that come later with neglecting one’s dental hygiene. What people are also unaware of is that dental hygiene benefits the whole body, and not just your smile. At Al-Mubarikiya Dental Center their goal is to make you aware how crucial it is to always take good care of your teeth. Certain diseases can occur due to careless dental hygiene, but luckily there are ways to reduce the risk of getting them and even prevent them. The two most current diseases that people would get are dental cavities and tooth decay. Cavities occur with the result of gradual tooth decay caused by Plaque, which is bacteria found in the mouth.

To further clarify, bacteria is always present in the mouth; however, with the breakdown of sugar and starches from the food you eat, they produce acid.

When the acid produced during this process mixes with the food debris and saliva, it forms what is scientifically called Plaque. The longer the Plaque lasts in your mouth, the more it will harden and form what is called Gingivitis.

Cavities occur thereafter when the Plaque continues to harden on the surface of the tooth, leading it to slowly dissolve the tooth’s surface and cause pits or small holes. The dissolving of the tooth’s surface is called tooth decay. Initially cavities are painless, but they put the tooth at risk of getting infections and therefore start to cause some pain. The internal structure of the tooth can be destroyed if the cavity is not been taken care of, and will eventually lead to the loss of the tooth. In other words, the longer the infection is ignored and not treated, the more painful it will be and more expensive to treat the infection. Overall, oral hygiene is an essential component to one’s physical health. With the advancements in the dental industry, new techniques are being introduced along with newly advanced products to maintain one’s oral hygiene. It has been proven that professional dental care can even reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke (study done by the American Heart Association).

For more information as to how Al-Mubarikiya Dental can fix or prevent the above please visit: www.mubarakiya-dc.com

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WHAT TO EAT WHEN YOU ARE NOT EATING Ramadan tips from GET2FIT By bazaar staff

Ali Al-Haddad is on a mission to rid Kuwait of faulty diet fads, lowering the alarmingly high rate of obesity, and empowering people to choose healthier food options through GET2FIT. This month, he focuses on Ramadan fasting techniques in an attempt to anticipate all the good and bad that the month can potentially offer us in terms of dietary goals.

First things first, Ramadan is a month of fasting, not eating, I believe many people get this mixed up. The main lesson we should come out with after Ramadan is that eating is not the most important part of your life. You eat because you want to live, not the other way around.

So, to make a long story short, the most important thing you should do in Ramadan is drink water every 2 hours after breaking fast, to avoid dehydration.

By not doing so, you are most likely going to face so much thirst the day after that it might be hard to continue. Moreover, you should try to forget about almost everything that has cheese in it: like pizza, mozzarella sticks, and sambusa, especially if it’s your last meal before you start fasting the next day.

This is because cheese will make you super thirsty. Furthermore, fat will play a major role in making you feel full for some time, then all of a sudden, you are both hungry and thirsty.

The most frequent mistake made during Ramadan is eating too much, all at once. After fasting people purge with things like meat, rice, konafa (a sweet with cheese), cola, sambusa, meat balls, hareees, taboolah, and bread that’s filled with chicken or meat; all eaten at once like if it was one big meal. Think again! Each piece from the above really should be counted as one meal. So, think more about how many meals you are willing to eat. In the contemporary nutrition model, we would need to classify our food before we eat into broad categories such as proteins, carbohydrates, good and bad fats, etc. In our clinic, we teach people how to differentiate, and group these categories further, so that they can eat what they 116

want based on these prescribed classifications. By doing this, they can more clearly see that they should only eat one thing from each section.

What’s more is that a lot of people report signs of headaches and dizziness after eating too much food all at once. The reason behind this is that most of the blood inside the brain will go down to the stomach to support the digestive system; with less blood in the brain, you will be left feeling light-headed and sleepy. So, to avoid that, you should break down your meals into four small meals instead of 2 super-sized meals.

Finally, people should be very aware of 3 very important rules in contemporary nutrition: Rule # 1: 80/20 rule. This means if you did 80 % correct and 20% wrong in your day, in terms of eating habits, diet, and nutrition, you are still going to lose weight. So you have a built-in margin of error—just do not exceed it.

Rule # 2: Your stomach needs 20 minutes to report to your brain that it is full. So, do not expect to always leave the table feeling full at the time you left it. If you did, then after 20 minutes you will be suffering from both stomach pains and a headache.

Rule # 3: If you eat the same amount of food, just divided into smaller portions, at different times in the same day, you are going to lose weight.

Eating the same amount of food, just not divided and all at once: you are going to gain weight! Yes, it is very much like a magic trick. Fortunately, it is proven in science and that is backed up with so much evidence that there is no room for mistakes. Try it out, you won’t regret it—I promise!

Check out @GET2FIT on Instagram. The GET2FIT Clinic is located on the first floor of Shaymaa Tower in Kuwait City.

Please call 9718 8033 and 5571 0033 for more information.

HYPOXI

‫‪YES... I CAN‬‬ ‫بقلم‪ :‬عبدالعزيز الحشاش‬

‫اإلرادة‪ ..‬ذلك العنصر الجبار الخفي داخلنا‪ ..‬ذلك‬ ‫الغول الذي لو أطلقنا له العنان لوصلنا إلى أقصى مراحل‬ ‫اإلنجاز والنجاح‪..‬‬ ‫اإلرادة هي الجسر الذي نعبر فوقه إلى أحالمنا‪ ..‬و‬ ‫لعل في بعض األمثلة من هذه الحياة خير دليل على أن‬ ‫إرادة اإلنسان تفوق كل العوائق والحواجز‪ ..‬وذلك بإرادة‬ ‫اهلل سبحانه وتعالى قبل كل شيء‪.‬‬ ‫و لعل خير دليل ما نشرته الصحف في اآلونة األخيرة‬ ‫في خبر موجز عن‬ ‫خضوع الموسيقي براد كارتر لعملية جراحية في‬ ‫الدماغ‪ ،‬لزرع منظم يساعده على معالجة الرجفة في‬ ‫يديه‪.‬‬ ‫والطريف أنه خالل العملية الصعبة اضطر للعزف‬ ‫على غيتاره ليتمكن األطباء من مالحظة ردة فعله‪.‬‬ ‫يعاني كارتر من رجفة قوية في يديه‪ ،‬بدأت المشاكل‬ ‫تظهر عنده منذ ‪ ،2006‬ما حرمه من العزف على الغيتار‪،‬‬ ‫وتعرض لخطر العجز عن العزف كلياً ‪ ،‬وقد خضع للعملية‬ ‫الحساسة على أمل أن يبقى في المهنة التي يعشقها‪.‬‬ ‫أجرى العملية في أحدى مستشفيات لوس أنجلوس‪،‬‬ ‫ونشر فريق األطباء مسار العملية على «تويتر» بعدما‬

‫وافق المريض‪ .‬وأثناء العملية اختبر األطباء قابليته‬ ‫للعزف بأن طلبوا منه العزف ليحددوا المكان الصحيح‬ ‫لزراعة المنظم‪.‬‬ ‫ويقول جراح األعصاب نادر بورتيان رئيس الفريق‬ ‫«قررنا إبقاء المريض يقظاً أثناء العملية كي نتمكن من‬ ‫اختبار آلية تحرك الدماغ عند العزف»‪.‬‬ ‫إرادة براد جعلته ال يتوقف أمام عجزه الخلقي‪..‬‬ ‫وشجاعته في أن يكون يقظا خالل الجراحة ال تقدر بثمن‪،‬‬ ‫فتلك هي اإلرادة‪ ..‬و ذلك هو الطموح‪.‬‬ ‫فرغم قسوة المفردة «عملية» ورغم ما تحمله غرفة‬ ‫العمليات من شعور و إحساس رهيب بالقرب من الموت‬ ‫والمخاطرة‪ ..‬إال أن براد بمجرد أن حمل الغيتار وعزف‬ ‫تحولت تلك الغرفة إلى روضة خضراء من األمل‪ ،‬وأنا على‬ ‫يقين بأن إحساس عارم من التأثر والتقدير إنتاب كل من‬ ‫كان داخل تلك الغرفة من أطباء وممرضين‪.‬‬ ‫مقولة جميلة ال أنساها أبدا تقول‪ :‬ال يوجد إنسان‬ ‫فاشل‪ ..‬ولكن يوجد إنسان ال يريد النجاح‪.‬‬ ‫هذه المقولة فادتني كثيرا في حياتي‪ ،‬وجعلتني‬ ‫أسعى وراء تحقيق أحالمي‪ ..‬و بعد تجارب كثيرة تكللت‬ ‫بالنجاح ووصولي لتحقيق أهدافي أيقنت بأن المستحيل‬

‫نحن من يصنعه‪ ..‬و أن العقبات ما هي إال درجة جديدة‬ ‫يجب أن نصعدها في سلم النجاح‪ ..‬ولو تعاملنا مع كل‬ ‫شيء بإيجابية إلستطعنا أن نحقق ما نصبو إليه‪.‬‬ ‫و لعل في قصص المشاهير والناجحين أبلغ مثال‪..‬‬ ‫على سبيل المثال لم يقبل فريق كرة السلة في‬ ‫مدرسة الطالب الثانوي «مايكل جوردان» ضمه ضمن‬ ‫صفوفه لتواضع مستواه‪ ،‬لكن األخير استمر في تحقيق‬ ‫الفشل تلو الفشل حتى استطاع في النهاية أن يكون‬ ‫«مايكل جوردان»‪.‬‬ ‫أما «والت ديزني» فقد طرد من الصحيفة التي‬ ‫كان يعمل بها ألن مسؤوله وجده «قليل الخيال»‪« ،‬قليل‬ ‫األفكار المبشرة»‪ .‬وقبل أن يبني مدينته‪ ،‬أفلس «والت»‬ ‫عدة مرات‪ ،‬ورفضت مدينة آينهايم إقامة مدينته على‬ ‫أرضها ألنها رأت مشروعه عاجزا عن جذب العمالء والزوار‪.‬‬ ‫و حين وقف الفنان الكوميدي «جيري ساينفيلد» ألول‬ ‫مرة على المسرح لعرض فقرته الكوميدية‪ ،‬تعثر وتجمد‬ ‫ونسى قدرته على التحدث‪ ،‬حتى ترك المسرح وسط‬ ‫صيحات اإلستهجان واإلستنكار‪ .‬وفي الليلة التالية‪ ،‬أصر‬ ‫«ساينفيلد» على المحاولة مرة ثانية‪ ،‬هذه المرة ترك‬ ‫المسرح والجمهور يصفق له بقوة‪.‬‬ ‫‪118‬‬

STARBUCKS

bazaar scopes

ARIES

March 21 - April 19

TAU R U S

April 20 - May 20

GEMINI

May 21 - June 21

CANCER

You should be feeling ready to go and have lots of energy this summer.

During the summer you need to channel that energy as there are new horizons to explore and new places to visit. During summer 2013 you will meet new kindred spirits and you will grow as an individual. The new places you visit or travel to during summer may leave a profound impression on you, and there is even a possibility you will go back home and make a permanent move to a new horizon. You will feel restless and that you need to explore and find a new destiny.

June 22 - July 22

LEO

Summer 2013 will be really busy for you. You will find that you will fill your summer with activities, and so a lot of it will be spent outdoors.

Activities will include sports as well as time spent in green areas, but beach time will not be that important this summer. You have for some time now been interested in helping charities, and getting involved with some specific causes. Summer 2013 might be the time when you finally take the big step and actively start supporting the causes you believe in.

Now listen here hard-working Taurus’– you should definitely treat yourself to a really good vacation this summer. You have worked really hard during the early part of 2013 and your reward should be a “spoil yourself” holiday. Pick a place that not only provides a bed, but try to find somewhere which can also help you to take care of your health. A luxury spa or health spa might be the perfect place.

Spoil yourself with good quality food, luxury treatments and plenty of personal time. Leave the lap top at home and just relax.

Be careful this summer. A demanding person will try to take over your life and change your life style. Make it clear to this person that you do like them, but you are your own person. You see no reason to change it and object to having demands made which affect your life style. Choose to allocate your time differently and the person will get the message. Spend time with your friends and celebrate the summer. You may even want to plan a trip with a friend, and share your experience.

July 23 - Aug 22

Summer 2013 will be really busy for you. You will find that you will fill your summer with activities, and so a lot of it will be spent outdoors.

Activities will include sports as well as time spent in green areas, but beach time will not be that important this summer. You have for some time now been interested in helping charities, and getting involved with some specific causes. Summer 2013 might be the time when you finally take the big step and actively start supporting the causes you believe in.

VIRGO

The theme for you this summer 2013 will be easy and carefree. You will feel relaxed and ready to enjoy the sunshine, fresh strawberries and spending more time outside. You will start seeing things and perhaps your life from a new perspective after meeting new friends.

Don’t be surprised if your new friends are younger than you are. That is actually a good thing – you have been stuck in the same circle of friends for many years now. It is time to put some new personalities into your life, and get a new outlook.

During summer 2013 it will be important for all people born under the sign of Aries to keep balance. Remember to balance your health this summer and don’t get caught up in summer excesses. Romance will play a major part in your summer life however it could likely just be a summer romance, not a long lasting love. Don’t forget about family and friends whilst enjoying your summer love. Spend some time with them as well as the nights start getting longer. They will still be there for you but your summer love may be gone with the swallows. It is okay – fall will have new adventures in store for you.

Catch your breath this summer, and learn to enjoy some “down time”.

You have been feeling for some time now that your life is running away with you and that you are really not in control. Invest in a nice notebook (techno or old-skool) and start putting some thoughts and ideas down. Just let thoughts enter your head and make a note of them. Spend some time reflecting over your notes and you might have the start of a new beginning. Spend some time socializing and a new long term love may enter your life. Your new love may be human, animal or activity.

Aug 23 - Sept 22

LIBRA

Sept 23 - Oct 22

S CO R P I O

Oct 23 - Nov 21 Nov 22 - Dec 21

S A G I T TA R I U S

You are just buzzing with energy at the moment and you will you could almost fly away without wings. You will need all that energy during summer 2013. You will be almost impatient to try new things and sometimes you will let that impatience run away with you a little bit. Slow down a little and you will enjoy the summer more. You will be taking on new projects at home and at work. Summer 2013 will be a summer of achievement.

Dec 22 - Jan 19

C A P R I CO R N

Not a lot of play for you this summer. You have been busy working and this will continue. Instead of taking a longer vacation you might just settle for shorter weekend breaks. The good news is that the money will keep rolling in but you have no interest in spending the money as you are planning for the future. It is okay – sometimes it just has to be done. Towards the end of the summer you will meet someone with a sunny personality, and they will cheer you up. You will realize that you have more in common with this person than you initially thought. Smile more – to yourself and others.

Jan 20 - Feb 18

A Q UA R I U S PISCES

This will be a summer with a difference. You have spent your spring de-cluttering and putting some extra cash in your pocket but you are not in the mood to spend that money on an extravagant vacation.

You are in the mood for learning and new experiences. Your mind feels sharp and there is a need to seek out new things and explore.

You might even find somewhere this summer where you can spend a lot of time expanding your mind. What you learn during this summer will become an important and integral part of your life.

Feb 19 - March 20

what’s your sign?

You need to look after your health this summer, eat well and rest.

Try to conserve your energy, enjoy the sunshine and build up some more energy. You might be busy at work during this summer, and a new colleague could mean a new love interest. You will feel a bit blue during the summer, and there is no particular reason for this feeling. It will pass – read good books and you will wake up one morning feeling much better. source: www.horoscopes.hubpages.com

120

MONSOON

ARAMEX (OBC)