CP August 2020 A

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ISSUE: 128

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AUGUST 2020

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contents ART

FEATURES

34. Styling And Updating Your Home With 8. Somewhere In Between 10. Coping With Covid C’est Ici 12. Healing Through Self 15. ‫الفرص تأتي ام تصنع ؟‬ AUTOMOTIVE 60. New Ghibli Hybrid

FITNESS

BEAUTY 62. Day Vs Night Makeup Look 68. 10 Top Hair Care For Summer

42. What Is Formerlyme?

49. Functional Training

HEALTH

ENTERTAINMENT

40. What’s Your Mental Comfort Zone?

62. New Releases For August 2020

INTERVIEWS

20. Fay Charafeddine 24. Aidha Badr 36. The Most Important Trends For Fall/ 30. Yacoub Youssef Winter 2020 Covered By ‘Italian Fashion 50. Yoseba Egaña Towards Dubai’ 56. Alexander Woodman 38. 5 Ways To Update A Modest Wear

TRAVEL

16. Things You Shouldn’t Do When Visiting

These Countries

18. A Traveller’s Guide To Summer In

Dubai 44. Bonus Miles - Crillon Le Brave: A Timeless Refuge 54. A Room With A View

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FASHION

Wardrobe For Sand And Sea

SOCIAL DIARY 64. CP Journal

REGULARS 68. Homework For Grownups 70. Horoscopes

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gillsherryauthor

Gill Sherry

SOMEWHERE IN BE TW E E N 8

AUGUST 2020

R

umour has it, divorce rates are set to rocket in the wake of COVID-19. The lengthy lockdown proved too much for some and the first port of call for many a disgruntled spouse was, it seems, the local divorce lawyer.

Forced to endure the company of their other half 24/7, a procession of embittered husbands and wives emerged from isolation determined to escape not just the confines of their home but the boundaries of their marriage too.

Contrarily, the birth rate is expected to increase later in the year thanks to the amount of spare time suddenly granted to fertile couples who chose to fight off the boredom with regular bouts of fornication. Let’s just hope they don’t name their new arrivals Covid or Corona.

The majority obviously fall somewhere in between these two extremities i.e. not exactly clawing each other’s eyes out but not chasing each other around the bedroom either. That said, they will still remember 2020 as a challenging year.

From my own personal point of view, the peace was well and truly shattered at chez Sherry. As a writer, I am used to working from home and spending most of the day on my own. It allows me to work uninterrupted without distraction, the pleasure of seeing my word count escalate more than compensating for the lack of human contact.

Prior to becoming a full time writer, I worked in an office environment for almost thirty years and certainly don’t miss the constant noise, frequent interruptions and unnecessary (often ridiculous) office politics. In short, pre-virus, I was perfectly happy with my solitary work space.

Lockdown, however, saw my husband take root at the kitchen table. An assortment of gadgets now decorated the table top, an assault course of wires stretched across the floor and a chorus of tinny voices escaped down the hallway into my silent sanctuary. Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t begrudge him the space (the Stay at Home message was loud and clear) but adapting to his constant presence was certainly a challenge.

Despite firmly closing every door between my office space and his, I could still hear the one-sided telephone conversation taking place in the kitchen. During daily Zoom meetings, I could hear the entire team discussion so clearly, it was all I could do not to chip in with my own thoughts and ideas. I saved his blushes by keeping my opinions to myself.

The Zoom meetings proved troublesome in more ways than one. Not only was I privy to conversations I had no business listening to, they also prevented me from entering the kitchen and, therefore, preparing my caffeine fix. Remember the live BBC World News interview with Professor Robert Kelly? (It’s worth looking up on YouTube if you haven’t seen it.) There he was, sharing his expertise on South Korean politics, when his wife and two children barged into the room, embarrassing the Professor in front of a worldwide TV audience. Granted, a handful of Zoom participants is not quite on the same scale, but I wasn’t about to stumble in to the kitchen wearing my Tottenham Hotspur t-shirt and fluffy slippers while my husband was holding court among his peers. Consequently, my morning coffee break was either severely delayed or cancelled altogether.

Lunch breaks were also problematic, sandwiched as they were between a succession of telephone calls and

demanding emails. We tried our best not to answer the phone (him) and not to respond to emails (me) but certain habits are hard to break, particularly when you’re surrounded by the very things you’re trying hard to avoid. Not quite the leisurely lunch we intended.

Afternoons were equally tricky, particularly when the sun was shining. The temptation to down tools (or pens) was difficult to resist and having my husband at home all day was akin to being on holiday. Surely it wouldn’t hurt to finish early, enjoy the sunshine and sit in the garden for an hour or two?

Trouble was, this became a regular (as in daily) occurrence which resulted in a big dent in our expected output.

I also began to see a different side to my other half. Most of us rarely get to see our spouse in ‘business mode’, their professional persona often left behind in sterile office premises or, after a long commute, in the driving seat of their car. But a shared working space provides a glimpse into their everyday world, an insight into their usually unseen attitude and behaviour.

At home, my husband is as laid-back as they come. A chirpy guy with a relaxed demeanor and a wicked sense of humour.

He’s patient, empathetic and amiable, characteristics that do, I’m sure, transfer to his working environment. During lockdown, however, I was witness to the good cop/bad cop performance; the Mr Hyde to his Dr Jekyll. Obviously, he has different priorities at work, a more pressing need to achieve goals, meet targets and get the job done. More than once, I raised my eyebrows in surprise at his tone of voice, his apparent agitation or his obvious impatience. Unsure how to handle this side of his personality, I retreated outside to the garden (again).

As restrictions started to ease, along with the rest of the world, I began to look forward to some kind of normality.

The daily routine of waving him off to work, tapping away on my laptop, looking forward to an evening of conversation; a round-up of our respective days of deadlines, deals and demands. Because that was the other thing about lockdown, after a full day together there was no longer any element of surprise. No snippets of information to look forward to, no morsels of gossip, no amusing anecdotes.

The reality of post-lockdown life was, however, not as welcome as I’d imagined. So used was I to the company of another human being, returning to solitary confinement was somewhat unsettling. The timing of my mid-morning coffee break had become something of a challenge, an exercise in measuring the gap between phone calls and Zoom meetings, attempting to slip in and out of the kitchen unheard and unseen. Making coffee was no longer entertaining but, instead, rather dull.

Similarly, with just a sandwich for company, lunchbreaks were not about who wore the silliest outfit on Zoom that morning but rather, whether to have pickle or tomato with my cheese.

So, once again, I find myself adapting to the latest way of doing things. My daily life is far from pre-virus normal. Nor is it lockdown limiting. It is, it seems, somewhere in between.

At least neither of us is sprinting down to the family lawyer’s office or the local branch of Mothercare. Thank heavens for that, at least. www.cpmagazine.net

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gillsherryauthor

COPING WITH COVID The world often feels like it’s spinning away from us especially at this time when the Covid-19 pandemic has changed our sense of normalcy. In this article, we will discuss some coping strategies to help you exhale, reset, and maintain your daily activities when overwhelmed.

Staying at home has been the number 1 activity recommended for all since the coronavirus of 2019 started. Governments have ordered citizens to stay at home as much as possible and practice social distancing to curb the spread of the virus. To a generation that has been used to going out for work and travel, staying at home has been a challenge to most of us.

With the constant changes (advisories every day!) and hurdles that we face nowadays, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and lose focus. Despite how excessive productivity can be emotionally exhausting and lead to burn out, it is always important to continue the everyday tasks that come our way. Below we are listing some helpful ways to manage and overcome the stress that this pandemic has created.

Dr. Fariha Eshrat

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AUGUST 2020

1. Journal 20 minutes daily for four days. Focus on what exactly you are feeling and address your emotions by writing them down. You will establish a cause for the feeling and respect that your emotions. This can also help you identify and correct your coping mechanisms to better strategies that allow you to move forward from your problems. Discover creative hobbies too like painting, doodling, and drawing, if you’re not into them yet.

2. Break tasks into smaller parts. There are so many things to do, and so little at the same time. Which ones to do first?

Imagine the tasks in your mind and slowly divide them into smaller tasks that can be done according to how easy or hard they are. Create a checklist that you can tick off so that you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment in seeing tasks being finished.

3. Listen to your body and what it craves with regards to sleeping, eating and staying hydrated when you are stressed. However, always respect your normal routine. A

schedule helps ground your day and divide it into morning, afternoon and evening even though it all feels like a long stretch. Leave your bed as soon as you choose to wake up and open the curtains to let in sunlight. Sunlight is both important for your internal clock and a useful tool in treating depressive symptoms. Eat healthy too. Now is the time to think about stopping smoking.

4. Limit stressors when possible. If news of the current

situation stresses you out, limit your use of social media apps and stay out of the internet for hours. Busy yourself with things you love to do. Learn new hobbies or go back to activities you

can easily do at home. Occupy yourself with whatever absorbs you and detaches you from the worries such as playing games, watching movies, talking to friends by phone or getting immersed in work.

5. Meditate and exercise. Breathe slowly and hold your

breath for a few seconds before you exhale. This can activate the parasympathetic nervous system which causes a calming effect. Exercising a minimum of 150 minutes a week for adults and 300 minutes a week for children can also release endorphins and other calming chemicals to help regulate mood.

6. Express gratitude. Practice this by writing lists at the

beginning of the day and also by reaching out to one person a day who has added goodness to your life and tell them what they mean to you.

7. Use behavioral activation worksheets. They are available online and really helpful when you feel so much distress, sadness or emotional fatigue that performing daily tasks have become exhausting.

As you strive through trying times, always remember that you are not alone and that you have been through many past struggles that have built you to overcome more in the days to come. Stay connected with your support system, be kind to yourself and never shy away from seeking more help.

Every emotion you experience is valid, how you act on them by utilizing different coping mechanisms creates the lasting effects.

References:

1. NHS, Get help with anxiety and depression (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxietydepression/understanding-panic/) 2. University of Michigan, Behavorial Activation for depression (https://medicine.umich.edu/sites/ default/files/content/downloads/Behavioral-Activation-for-Depression.pdf) 3. Anxiety.org, Can mindfulness help reduce anxiety (https://www.anxiety.org/can-mindfulnesshelp-reduce-anxiety) www.cpmagazine.net

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nadia_omnia enquiries.nadia@gmail.com

HEALING THROUGH SELF Nadia AlHaroon

I am amazed to see how the professionals in the medical field are no longer relying heavily on the disburse of medications on clients or not seeing the necessity to constantly trying to fix something with an operation. This is not to deny the benefits of medications and operations, as there should always be a healthy balance between the reliance on external factors to aid in healing as much as the reliance on the self. It is also important to note that medications and operations cannot help a person heal without the person doing some of the work, but there are circumstances where the person can do all of the work without any reliance on medication.*

Why Are Medical Professionals Steering Direction?

The medical field is forever evolving as new research and discoveries are made. There were practices that happened as little as 20 years ago that have been abolished or would be considered unethical to be practiced today. There are medications that were given a couple of years ago that are heavily controlled now, if given at all. This is because it is realized that once the body is cut medically to be operated on, then that already puts the body at risk from exposure. Also because, just like medicine, it may cause permanent side effects or may not be successful in fixing the problem.

A lot of unbelievable research has been done in the last decade seeing the benefits of one’s own ability to heal itself. In fact, there are profound people such as a well-known neuroscientist who became paralyzed and was told his only option was surgery, which like all operations didn’t have a 100% success rate. He decided to try the method of healing himself. He deconstructed vertebrae by vertebrae in his minds’ eye every day until he was able to heal himself. It sounds very unbelievable, but he now carries retreated throughout the world that become sold out 12

AUGUST 2020

within minutes because of the positive feedback of attendees.

He backs up his claims with science by bringing in independent researchers to his retreats to measure attendees before and after, which include MRI scans of the brain.

What can be Done with This Information?

The fact that the results of self-work can be measured to show the results it can have on overall health is a breakthrough in science. Think about all the times you have been to the doctors and when something serious is happening, they make it clear that you also have to make changes. The doctors are usually referring to lifestyle changes which can be eating more healthy, exercising, being in nature, breathing correctly or meditating.

These all play a big role in our health and is some of the parts in our lives that should be done regardless. Meditation practices have been shown to regulate hormones and slow down brain waves. When brain waves slow down, it helps the body heal itself. If we put in the work consistently, then we give our bodies a fair chance. We have to want it bad enough in order to put in the needed healthy effort.

•Do not try to heal yourself without the help of a certified professional.

www.cpmagazine.net

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.‫ مميز‬.‫ حصري‬.‫حلو‬

.‫مع أحمد الزامل‬

NEW

Iced AZ Latte

14

JANUARY 2020 DECEMBER 2019

NEW

AZ Latte

‫‪lulwa.lifecoach‬‬

‫الفرص تأتي‬ ‫ام تصنع ؟‬ ‫‪Lulwa AlKhamees‬‬ ‫قرائي االعزاء ‪....‬‬ ‫اليوم موضوعي عن ( الفرص ) ‪ ،‬الحظت الكثير من عمالئي يرددون لقد‬ ‫كبرنا بالعمر وفاتت الكثير من الفرص علينا ‪ ، ..‬والبعض االخر يظل‬ ‫يشعر بالندم على فرصة ضاعت عليه ولم يستغلها ‪..‬‬ ‫فعال ً نحن ال ننكر اليوم ‪ ..‬اذا جاءت فرصة في امر معين وانتهزتها ‪ ،‬قد‬ ‫تتضاعف لك الفرص ‪ ..‬وقد تفتح لك ابواب اخرى ‪ ..‬وفرص اخرى ‪..‬‬ ‫ولكن يبقى السؤال المهم ‪ :‬لماذا تضيع منه الفرص ؟‬ ‫من اهم االسباب هي التردد والخوف من استغالل هذه الفرصة ‪ ،‬او قد‬ ‫يكون الشخص غير جاهز وغير مستعد ‪ ..‬وال يعرف كيف يتخذ القرار ‪...‬‬ ‫اذا ً ما رأيكم السؤال االهم ‪ :‬الفرص تأتي ام تصنع ؟!‬ ‫الخبر المفرح حتى ال تندموا على ما فاتكم ‪..‬‬ ‫ان الفرص التي تأتي هي ‪٢٪‬؜ مقارنة بالفرص التي تصنع ‪..‬‬ ‫اذا ً لم يفت االوان ‪ ..‬اذهب واصنع فرصتك ‪ ..‬واسأل نفسك ماذا تريد ؟‬ ‫وال تستهين ب اي خطوة ولو كانت صغيرة ‪ ...‬ل صنع الفرصة‪..‬‬ ‫جميعنا نستطيع ‪ ..‬االمر فقط يحتاج قرار منك ‪..‬‬ ‫ابدأ ‪ ..‬ابحث ‪ ..‬ركز ‪ ..‬ثم اعمل ‪..‬‬ ‫واتمنى لكم فرص افضل مما فاتكم ‪.‬‬

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‫‪www.cpmagazine.net‬‬

tifahhhh

THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T DO WHEN VISITING THESE COUNTRIES

Latifah Al-Hazza

While traveling and exploring cultures certainly enriches our lives, it can be filled with misunderstanding if we, as tourists, are not aware of the cultural mores or taboos in the country we’re visiting. To make your next trip as smooth as possible, here are seven things you should avoid doing when you visit these popular destinations.

1. Don’t keep your hands under the dining table in Spain

Food is one of the sensory delights of travel, but to save you from embarrassment and nasty looks while dining in Spain (and countries such as France and Russia), always keep both hands visible while eating. It is considered rude and suspicious when you let your hand (s) slide under the table. This habit comes from the medieval times, to display that you weren’t armed, and it’s stuck ever since. So, keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table when not in use.

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AUGUST 2020

2. Don’t touch heads in Thailand

This is a unique one, but avoid touching the head of a Thai. This also includes adults. In Thai culture, the head of a person (and even a statue) is considered the most important part of the body. Therefore, it is considered incredibly rude to touch a stranger’s head. Speaking of statues, never turn your back on a Buddha statue to snap a selfie. It’s tempting to say to yourself, “I must take a photo with Buddha or else did I even see Buddha?” but refrain from doing so.

Buddha is regarded with very high respect and turning your back to a Buddha statue is considered offensive and is one of the most common mistakes that travelers make. Even when leaving a temple, back away from Buddha while looking at the statue before turning your back to leave.

5. Don’t litter in Georgia (or anywhere else, for that matter)

This should really be a habit that is practiced everywhere in the world, but the ‘no littering’ rule is heavily enforced in Georgia, with a fine that can range from 29 to 373 USD. Keep Georgia clean and always seek out a waste bin.

6. Don’t be impatient at the dining table in the USA 3. Don’t greet by kissing in the United Kingdom

In the U.K., people do not normally greet each other with a kiss, as is common in the Arab world, and in much of Europe, but rather with a simple handshake.

Brits reserve greeting with a kiss for close friends and relatives. So, stick to being more formal when meeting people for the first time. NOTE: During COVID-19, it is recommended you refrain from shaking hands or stick to a fist pump if you must.

You may sit down for a meal in the United States and be absolutely famished.

Your meal may arrive before others in your party. That doesn’t mean you should start eating your food before every person at the table has received theirs. It’s rude to show impatience towards the other diners while dining in the United States.

4. Don’t do the ‘ok sign’ in Germany

You may be used to using the OK sign, where your index finger and thumb form a circle, but avoid that gesture at all costs while in Deutschland. This gesture is basically calling a German an offensive term. Yikes!

7. Don’t grab a coffee to-go in Croatia

Croatians take pride in their coffee culture. Truly taking the time to enjoy a cup of coffee is taken very seriously. Therefore, asking for a coffee to-go just for a caffeine high is not customary in Croatia. www.cpmagazine.net

17

A TRAVELLER’S GUIDE TO SUMMER IN DUBAI An insight into the best dining, hospitality and entertainment the city has to offer Following a thorough sterilisation programme of the Emirate, Dubai reopened the city to international tourists on the 7th July. In line with this recent development, Dubai offers a comprehensive guide to arm travellers with the best dining, hospitality and entertainment that the city has to offer.

Tourists arriving in Dubai will now be able to experience an array of offerings – from shopping and dining out to family entertainment to sight-seeing and culture. In addition, visitors are now able to enjoy the city’s array of facilities from its stunning beaches, to its magnificent waterparks and swimming pools, that have reopened without having to worry about their well-being following the stringent health and safety protocols that are now in place.

Hotels and Resorts

With an abundance of hotels and resorts in Dubai, visitors are guaranteed to sleep in style no matter where they opt to stay. From the breathtaking surroundings of Park Hyatt Dubai, with its picturesque vistas across Dubai Creek and multitude of dining destinations, to the idyllic Al Maha Desert Resort for a luxury desert get-away which offers guests secluded tranquillity within lush emerald foliage.

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AUGUST 2020

Summer Shopping Spree

Unlimited Entertainment for Everyone

Dubai’s Gastronomy Experience

Relax on Dubai’s Beautiful Beaches

Visitors can expect the best when it comes to shopping in Dubai – with shopping, leisure, leading retailers, dining and family entertainment all under one roof. Families can head to Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Marina Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall, Dubai Mall or Dubai Festival City Mall amongst others to bag the best bargains, dine on a range of different cuisines and shop till they drop.

Dining in Dubai has never been better, from fine dining to street food selections, travellers can opt for home-grown concepts, local delicacies, Michelin starred restaurants or global eateries. With a cuisine to satisfy every craving, visitors can delve into delicious Italian dishes at Il Faro, Bussola or Cipriani, savour traditional Greek cuisine at Fish Beach Taverna, Nammos or Opa Dubai, or enjoy authentic Asian dishes at Nobu, Pai Thai or Thiptara. Figures show that Nearly 430 new restaurants and cafes opened in Dubai in 2019, so visiting tourists will never be short of culinary options to choose from.

Offering entertainment for the entire family, tourists can take advantage of the many child-friendly attractions in Dubai – with splashes of fun to be had at Aquaventure Waterpark at Atlantis, The Palm and Laguna Waterpark by Meraas. Animal lovers can enjoy interactive experiences at The Green Planet by Meraas and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, along with adrenaline-filled thrills to be had at IMG Worlds of Adventure and MOTIONGATE™ Dubai for the adventure seekers at heart.

For those looking for a more relaxed experience, Dubai has a number of stunning public beaches perfect for sun-worshippers, including The Beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence and La Mer. With many of Dubai’s beaches attached to resorts, guests can enjoy pristine white sand, crystal clear waters and spectacular views whilst lazing on hotel sun loungers and taking advantage of the world-class service.

Take in the Art and Culture

Dubai is home to a wealth of culture and heritage, with a plethora of galleries and artistic hotspots to explore. Travellers can visit Al Quoz or Alserkal Avenue for vibrant exhibitions, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood for courtyard galleries or Dubai Design District to discover local talent. For a taste of old Dubai, a walk along Dubai Creek will give visitors a glimpse of Dubai’s rich history. www.cpmagazine.net

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illustrationsbyfay

F AY

CHARFEDDINE "I think humans have a high capacity for adaptation and resilience."

Meet Fay Charafeddine, a Lebanese-Canadian artist who currently calls Kuwait home for the past 7 years. Fay is a full time Biology teacher and a part time art enthusiast.

She describes her art form "Feminine and/or Earthy".

Creating artwork brings her joy and peace and Fay hopes to share this feeling with others. Fay is the designer of one of our three covers for this month.

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AUGUST 2020

www.cpmagazine.net

21

Thank you for joining us for this interview.

Thank you for reaching out!

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Fay Charafeddine, I am Lebanese-Canadian but have called Kuwait home for the past 7 years. I am a full time Biology teacher, and a part time art enthusiast.

Tell us about your education.

I majored in biology in Windsor, Canada and received my MSc in educational leadership from SUNY, Buffalo.

What got you interested in arts?

I have been interested in the arts and creative projects ever since I was little.

I was a shy child, and making art allowed me to express myself and connect with others without needing to be loud.

Are you a self-taught artist or did you take an formal training?

I am self-taught. The majority of what I know actually came from watching Youtube tutorials.

How would you best describe your style of art?

Feminine and/or Earthy

What are your favourite materials to use?

Procreate application, my iPad and Apple Pencil.

What is the message that you like to convey through your art?

Creating artwork brings me joy and peace, and I hope to share this feeling with others.

Where do you take the inspiration for your work?

My art is inspired by femininity, culture and my love for flora.

What is your process of completing a piece from start to finish?

I usually start with inspiration either from pinterest/instagram. I then pick my color palette, and love to stick with earthy/neutral tones. I do linework first followed by adding colors, textures and shading. The last, and favourite, part of my process is adding plant and flower designs.

How has your professional life been affected by the pandemic, the ongoing issues with coronavirus?

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AUGUST 2020

As a teacher, I had to quickly learn to adapt to teaching virtually. It has been a huge learning curve for both myself and my students. Although it came with its challenges, I also learned so many new skills that I am excited to be able to use in the upcoming school year.

What was it like where you are during the early days of Covid-19 and Lockdown?

I spent a lot of time at home, which I didn’t mind too much at first as I am a homebody. It also inspired me to keep myself busy, which led me to purchase an iPad and dive into digital illustration!

What does an average day look like for you these days?

I love to maintain a daily routine. My day begins with making breakfast for my husband and I followed by morning coffee. I like to spend a few hours doing something productive such as creating teaching resources, recording videos for my Youtube channel or watching informative tutorials online. I then make a late lunch which is followed by evening tea and dessert. During the evening I do an hour of workout and then something for fun, either digital illustration or playing video games (I am currently obsessed with Fallout!).

How are you dealing with this sudden change in lifestyle?

Like I mentioned, it is important for me to maintain a routine, even if my lifestyle has changed. I also try my best to eat healthy and stay active, especially since I have spent the past 6 months mainly indoors.

What are the important lessons you have learned during this time?

Gratitude for the little things. I also have been reflecting on just how much we are all connected yet small in the grand scheme of the universe. This entire global pandemic began due to a microscopic, highly simple organism.

It has shut down entire countries, and disrupted entire world orders. It is quite humbling.

What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your life and/or career?

I have been loving creating videos for my Youtube channel. It was a project I always had in mind, but never found the time to do. I am planning on signing up for an online illustration course to better improve my digital illustration skills.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing?

Just how much can be accomplished without having to leave the house!

Did you develop any new interest or hobby or learned a new skill during this time?

Although this pandemic has had it’s negatives, it has gifted me so much time for myself to explore projects I am passionate about. I started a Youtube channel, started digital illustration and have been experimenting with cooking and baking a lot more!

What's your favourite music/songs for the moment?

“9” by Willow Smith & SZA.. or anything by SZA if I’m being honest.

Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation?

Maintain a healthy routine. Give yourself something to look forward to during the day. Use this time as a gift to either do things you are passionate about or to simply relax.

What 3 things could you not live without under lockdown?

My husband, my cat and my iPad.

What are you missing most about the outside world?

Seeing other people’s smiles

What are you most looking forward to doing once the lockdown is over?

Travelling.

How do you think life will be after Covid-19?

I think humans have a high capacity for adaptation and resilience. Life will remain the same for the most part. I hope that we can continue with the positive things we learned from this pandemic, such as having higher awareness of social hygiene practices. I also hope to continue seeing less cars on the road in Kuwait, because we saw just how much pollution was reduced during full lockdowns. Finally, as an educator in Kuwait, I hope that this opens up a venue for conversations regarding having virtual learning be an option for some students in the future. I saw so many of my students thrive with virtual learning, and although it is not for everyone, it would be wonderful to have this as a recognized option for those who prefer it.

Finally, your message for us at CP magazine.

Thank you again for reaching out to me, I am humbled. Thank you for continuously using your platform as a venue for providing creatives with a voice.

I am inspired. www.cpmagazine.net

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aidhabadr

AIDHA BA D R “It’s ok to be uninspired this year, if you find beauty and inspiration in any of this, you are literally unhinged.”

Aidha Badr is an artist from Brooklyn, currently living and working in Kuwait.

She graduated with a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree, with a concentration in studio arts and painting. Aidha believes that there is probably no greater waste of time than painting, but also the greatest potential for true beauty. According the Aidha, her paintings are more about me and my own process of learning about myself and my own catharsis. We are honored to have one of her great art as one of our three covers for this month.

Read our exclusive interview with her to know more about Aidha.

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AUGUST 2020

Photos by: @dowmut www.cpmagazine.net

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Photos by: @dowmut What got you interested in arts?

From observing my mother who constantly had a sketchpad and a pencil, as a child I was always astounded and intrigued by her talent to the point of complete and utter admiration and obsession with her and everything she did, I wanted to become everything that she was. Growing up we had a very intimate relationship that I cherished and still do. I have very vivid memories of my mom staying up late at night and creating a hyper realistic rendition of Cleopatra, which to this day still feels like the most beautiful and remarkable work of art I have ever seen. Growing up I felt as though there was no other path for me besides art, I felt as though it was a lifelong passion that needed to be exercised. When I paint, it keeps me centered as a human being.

Are you a self-taught artist or did you take formal training?

A little bit of both, I was formally trained as a portrait painter, which is something I still do, but more often than not I would find myself more drawn to a more honest style of painting and that’s when I start to explore styles outside of traditional portrait painting.

How would you best describe your style of art?

I would describe the essence of my portraits as confrontational or introspective.

What are your favourite materials to use?

Oil paint, primarily.

What is the message that you like to convey through your art?

To me, painting is both degenerate and extremely aristocratic, there is probably no greater waste of time than painting, but also the greatest potential for true beauty. When I paint it’s all about beauty, vanity, allure and desire. There really aren’t any enigmatic statements or messages that I try to convey when I paint. My paintings are more about me and my own process of learning about myself and my own catharsis.

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AUGUST 2020

Where do you take the inspiration for your work?

Mostly my inspiration is internally driven, from my innermost desires, my vulnerabilities and the shame and discomfort that comes along with making a painting. All of these emotions, which can sometimes be overwhelming especially at times when felt all at once, inspire my paintings. I like the idea of feeling or trying something for the first time and the childlike excitement that comes along with it. When I used to teach, I had a student in the 1st grade who ran towards me one day and told me “I tried a tomato for the first time yesterday” and that struck a chord with me and inspired an entire body of work centered around innocence and the idea of being open. Some of my recent works carry heavy religious and mythological motifs, the overall idea of beauty and purity in everything. I believe that it is essential to detach ourselves from outwardly appearances in order to prepare ourselves for heaven, so I would depict some of my figures in heaven playing UNO, waiting for laundry or simply unwinding. The notion of incorporating the mundane into this unknown realm and allowing for it to be more familiar and easily accessible. I try to paint a universe made of childhood or endless sunrises and although my subjects feel everything I do, my paintings are not about romantic sentimentality.

What is your process of completing a piece from start to finish?

I’ve been trying to be more pragmatic about my paintings, I start to work out themes or ideas more carefully and it is much more concise. But it's hard for me to sit with an idea or a concept, the composition for me tends to lead the work.

The recurring figures or objects I use hold very specific meaning to me so their place on the canvas and their size and colors play with the tension of their own meanings. To put all my shame and insecurities aside, at some point I have to trust that this is something I've been doing for a while, and being familiar with my own capabilities and relying on my mind to construct and deconstruct a painting until it almost feels right. It’s a different process when it comes to my portraits, I find that my process tends to be more impulsive and comes more natural to me because it’s more structured and safe, once I know what the eyes of my subjects are saying, the rest of the process is simply autopilot.

How has your professional life been affected by the pandemic, the ongoing issues with corona virus?

My professional life has not been affected by the pandemic, in a perfect world, nobody's life, professional or not, should be affected by the pandemic, and the fact that I can move forward unaffected is a privilege that I recognize.

What was it like where you are during the early days of Covid-19 and Lockdown?

It didn’t feel that much different than In my head, it felt calm. Just because every time I looked out the window, everything was so stationary. It was hard for me to grasp at first, the sense of collective urgency everyone experienced, it was dystopian, fear is truly the one universal emotion that drives us all to be impulsive and uninhibited.

What does an average day look like for you these days?

My days have been more or less repetitive and mundane, which I enjoy. Every day I would wake up, make coffee and drink it in the same spot I always do, listen to the same playlist, have a zoom meeting with the same people, have the same conversations with my friends, there’s a lot of selfish comfort and safety in that. I love consistency, I have no complaints.

How are you dealing with this sudden change in lifestyle?

It really wasn’t difficult for me to adapt, I could imagine it would be a lot more difficult for people who have much more at stake than I do, people who have mouths to feed and people who lack a safety net and resources. I haven’t made a painting in three months, so if it’s an artist block that I have to deal with, I’ll survive.

What are the important lessons you have learned during this time?

How fragile life can be, and how in a matter of seconds something could be taken away from anyone, suffering, fear, and grief are all universal experiences and nothing is ever linear. www.cpmagazine.net

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What are you doing now that’s ultimately constructive to your life and/or career?

Giving myself the time and space to reflect on all of my previous works, to think of them as building blocks for a future body of work or as works in progress. Nothing is ever finished and nothing is ever perfect, to think of my work as anything other than a “work in progress” would be delusional.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing?

That my true essence lies in my solitude.

Did you develop any new interest or hobby or learned a new skill during this time?

I launched my online magazine LOS GATOS MAG. The magazine goes beyond aesthetics and beauty, it fosters saying and sharing anything as though things lacking certain meaning have never been more loud. Despite the eccentric nature of the magazine, it aspires to build a less contrived platform, where even verbosity is welcomed. It aims to create a space that goes from tolerance to acceptance of one another. This exchange then allows us to identify with one another and expand our own notions of “we”. LOS GATOS MAG features content by people who have the willingness to be vulnerable, the willingness to present, to be human, people who don’t launder their narcissism in the name of art or culture or activism. This openness can be felt, in an ambient way, through a screen, a white light, when you consume the content on LOS GATOS MAG, you feel it, and it helps you better understand yourself, and what it means to be human. LOS GATOS MAG becomes a vessel for all these emotions, everything felt all at once, you feel overwhelmed by it, cathartic even.

What's your favourite music/songs for the moment?

Welcome Home by Hannah Cohen, perfect album, no skips. And the entire Pop Smoke discography, RIP poppy.

Any advice on staying sane & relatively positive through this situation?

My advice is for people to find positivity in the endless resources that are open for them to learn about why things never work out in a crisis, and why people are that much more in danger. There are millions of resources to learn about different ways to help or to simply become aware, that’s the most positive thing you can do, taking the time to understand what’s going on instead of indulging in self-centered, superficial and escapist attitudes to life, find yourself actually in a collective, you don’t have to trauma-bond with the world to understand that this is a human race struggle, it’s not negativity, stress or just pure chaos, it’s not a hoax, it’s real life, the ability to pass it off as negative is at best condescending, and at worst, tone deaf.

My advice is to practice compassion and empathy, to become more aware and recognize the privilege in your ability to simply reflect and learn about times like these while not directly being affected by any of it.

What 3 things could you not live without under lockdown?

Anne Carson, a stable internet connection, and Spotify

What are you missing most about the outside world?

Potential

What are you most looking forward to doing once the lockdown is over?

To continue to move forward with a more clarity and understanding of the world around me

How do you think life will be after Covid-19?

It’s difficult for me to visualize what life will be post-pandemic, it's unrealistic to expect everyone to disregard their previous notions of normalcy. This year has shown us how ugly and unforgiving the world can be in times of a crisis, so my hopes would be for us to create a stronger sense of community, to respect each other's boundaries, to lead with more compassion and acceptance of one-another. Overall, there needs to be a shift in attitude and a collective ego death.

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AUGUST 2020

All paintings are “courtesy the artist� www.cpmagazine.net

29

theking80

YACOUB YOU S S E F

“My work is inspired by the events that are going through in life.�

Yacoub Youssef Ibrahim is a graduate of the College of Basic Education, Department of Art Education, and now working as the head of a department in a school in the Ministry of Education. Yacoub is a very talented and creative artist and has already participated in several exhibitions and won many prestigious awards.

Yacoub's artwork graces one of the three covers for this issue of CP magazine. You can know more about this great artist through this exclusive interview.

Receiving the Sheikha Fattouh Al-Salman Al-Sabah Award 2018 30

AUGUST 2020

Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Award 2017

AWARDS

Sheikha Fattouh Al-Salman Award 2015 and 2018 His Highness Emir of the Year Award 2017 lCreative Festival Award in 2016 lMabrah Al-Baghli's Righteous Son Award 2016 lThird place prize for petroleum exhibition 2016 lPlastic Youth Exhibition 2008 lDr. Souad Al-Sabah Biennial Award 2016 lThe Fine Art Exhibition 2009, 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2019 lPrize in the Arab Forum accompanying exhibition 2015 lFalah Al-Hajraf Competition Award Second Place 2019 l l

www.cpmagazine.net

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Thank you for joining us for this interview.

First, I thank you for choosing me from among the Kuwaiti artists to interview me. It is a great honor for me.

Tell us about your education.

I am a graduate of the College of Basic Education, Department of Art Education, and I am now working as the head of a department in a school in the Ministry of Education.

What got you interested in arts?

As I explained, I love diversity. I work and draw with more than lead, wood, watercolors, markers, oil colors and acrylic colors, but my favorite is oil.

What is the message that you like to convey through your art?

I convey the reality in which we live, whether it is on the local or global level, so art in my view and for everyone's view is a message to the whole world, and I love that my work reaches the whole world.

In my early years since I was young, I did not have a great interest in art, so it was part of the school subjects in school days from primary to high school, and at this stage I began to be attracted to drawing. The reason is that one of my works took second place in school competitions and began encouraging teachers to me and from here I started the journey and joined the College of Education Elementary Department of Art Education and I learned everything I needed in addition to taking courses that helped me refine my skills at the hands of professors and well-known artists in Kuwait.

Where do you take the inspiration for your work?

Are you a self-taught artist or did you take a formal training?

Frankly, I was affected by some thing, the situation has changed in the world as a whole. We have been confined to the house for 5 months, and there is nothing but the virus. On the professional side of Baffin, I worked to change some ideas into a topic for the virus and its impact on society and the world from confronting and also afflicting it, trying to convey a message of distancing and taking care not to mute Attention and take caution.

As I said in the past, some simple skill, along with some courses by professors and artists, helped me refine my skill, and after that I began to work myself and do my experiments and refine the rest of my talent until I reached what I am now.

What is your form of art best described as?

I am a diverse artist. I do not like working in one style. I am good at working in multiple schools such as realism, surrealism and somewhat abstraction, but my favorite style is surrealism.

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What are your favourite materials to use?

AUGUST 2020

My work is inspired by the events that we are going through in life, whether local or international, and from films and stories.

What is your process of completing a piece from start to finish?

There is nothing specific, I just start by putting the ideas and arranging them on the board and how they relate to each other to the final shape.

How has your professional life been affected by the pandemic, the ongoing issues with coronavirus?

What does an average day look like for you under lockdown?

No to do something. I just follow the events and developments of this virus through social media and television channels and start to put my thoughts and at the end of the day I draw through ideas and daily news.

How are you dealing with this sudden change in lifestyle?

In my normal and practical life, being the head of the Department of Art Education necessitates us to quickly adapt to any events and likewise in art. When I start and start with a board I put all possibilities before starting, I set a schedule for work and set precautions such as delay, for example, the plague has not affected in the artistic field

What are the important lessons you have learned during this time?

Commitment, not taking quick decisions, and not being reckless in any work I do

What are you missing most about the outside world?

The outside world is free to work my colleagues

What are you most looking forward to doing once the lockdown is over?

There is nothing specific. You can go out to the sea, participate in art exhibitions, shop, and go out with family and friends

Finally, your message for us at CP magazine.

Finally, I thank you for this meeting and I hope that I have answered all the questions well and in the end I wish you always success and permanent development and thank you.

What’s the most surprising thing you’ve realized during this period of social distancing?

What astonished me from some people, but not all, is that they do not adhere to the divergence and do not take the matter seriously As for the issue of divergence, frankly, we are tired because we have become separated from our family and friends

Did you develop any new interest or hobby or learned a new skill during this time?

Somewhat cooking

What's your favourite music/songs for the moment?

About myself I love music as my love for drawing and maybe a little more. Music is always with me. I love sad Arabic songs, and I also love motivational sufferings as it gives me energy in drawing.

What 3 things could you not live without under lockdown?

Everything is important in my life, even the smallest things, but the most important thing in my life is my family and my love, as I cannot live without them www.cpmagazine.net

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STYLING AND UPDATING YOUR HOME WITH C’EST ICI HOW TO GIVE YOUR HOME A REFRESH AT A TIME WHEN WE ARE ALL SPENDING MORE TIME THERE

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has changed our world and certainly the way that we look at interiors. The pandemic has had a huge impact on health, the economy and the way that we live. Several countries have faced extended restrictions and therefore, the perspective of our own home has become our main sanctuary and safe place.

Whether you are buying a home or renovating your current abode in the midst of a pandemic, although somewhat challenging, it can be done. Monica Arango, Co-Founder of C’est ici has been guiding residents for over 5 years through the process and helping her clients build their dream home step by step. Capturing each client’s individual spirit and essence of the space, C’est ici are here to help transform expat life into a homely and warm place, whether we are in a pandemic or not.

Here Monica shares five of her top tips on how to update your home during COVID-19 times to make your perfect sanctuary at home – 34

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Your Sanctuary – Making Space:

Everything has become a trend during COVID-19. We have seen home build gyms, home-offices and spaces that we never thought of contemplating bringing home. A house isn’t just a place to sleep any more, it’s your office, your social space, your exercise space, and more – and people will be looking to create a home that reflects this. We’ll start to see the incorporation of desks and workspaces into bedrooms and living rooms as part of the norm. We advise making smart spaces by decluttering and moving around the existing. Spend a good amount of time minimizing the way you live and start giving away all those things that you don’t need. Decluttering can be overwhelming, especially in spaces that have been overlooked for years. Make a plan and set each space as a project. Give yourself a deadline and start creating spaces that work for you. If you use Pinterest, create a board for each of the projects and collect inspirations along the way. Move around the existing and start creating your own sanctuary at home.

Buy Local:

Buying local and online has become one of the norms within this time. Time has become of an essence and waiting is not an option.

Therefore, people are showing a greater tendency to buy locally. There has been a huge shift in thinking as we look to shop locally to avoid lengthy shipping delays from overseas suppliers and also support our local sellers in the region. Lucky for the UAE, we have plenty of choices and new shops that source locally including bespoke furniture.

Bring the Indoors In:

COVID-19 hit and restrictions lifted almost 40 degrees later on this side of the world making it very difficult to enjoy our gardens and outdoor spaces. The main aim of our new homes is leaning towards a safe place reflecting a calm and peaceful space with lots of greenery.

Windows and natural light have been valued and appreciated like never before. At C’est ici we love greens and it has become our trademark to incorporate them whenever we can. We therefore recommend to make use of the light at home and place beautiful greenery indoors. The Garden Center and local suppliers at Al Warsan have endless solutions

for indoor greenery. Invest a good amount of time selecting indoor greens that survive. It’s all about creating a sanctuary and the ability to socialize from home bringing the greenery in to help create better air quality and a soothing greenscape indoors.

The Importance of Function and Form:

Spend a good amount of time planning your makeover. During our extended time at home, we've placed more importance than ever on the interior spaces of our homes from how they function to what they look like. While the style and aesthetic of your home plays a crucial role, the functionality of things play even a more important role than before. Stop the compulsory shopping and buy smart for your space. While we love trends and to incorporate them here and there, our tip is that you spend your money in functional and transitional pieces that will last for a long time – specifically the basic pieces. Leave the trends for the accessorizing and styling. We recommend to spend more time planning out spaces and investing in good quality pieces that will last for a long time.

Your DNA:

C’est ici is very much focused on your DNA and uniqueness in every home.

We do not like labels and certainly focus on creating the unexpected in most of our projects with a pinch of your own origins. We recommend that you do that at home. Stop comparing your home to your neighbors and start the makeover of your home on things that work for you and your family. Always inject a pinch of your origins on your interiors and create the unexpected. Get inspired and build your own sanctuary that works for you.

Visit cesticidecor.com to find out more and keep up to date with their latest news and updates on social media @cestici_.

www.cpmagazine.net

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THE MOST IMPORTANT TRENDS FOR FALL/WINTER 2020 COVERED BY ‘ITALIAN FASHION TOWARDS DUBAI’ Celebrating the women of today, Fall/Winter 2020 trends welcome contrast; with top trends ranging from punk, to preppy, and colour palettes of nudes and neon.

The initiative ‘Italian fashion towards Dubai’, introduces 14 fashion brands from EmiliaRomagna to showcase their renowned craftsmanship, and highlight their unique interpretations of the key trends for Fall/Winter 2020.

TREND: Red BRAND: Modaf, A&A and Gil Santucci INFO: Although the presence of tonal black was undeniable, angry red also had a place in the AW20 collections. Whether in lace at Bottega, ruffles at Ferretti or sequins at Christopher Kane, the colour packed a punch from city to city. Valentino slipped its characteristic red into its otherwise toned-down collection, Saint Laurent said it with vinyl, Molly Goddard made it work in her trademark tulle and McQueen injected the hue into its Welsh-inspired collection.

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TREND: Glam BRAND: Pinko, Orequo and Leonori INFO: This is all about the Bright Young Things, those swinging-from-thechandeliers debutantes from the 1920s and 1930s, seen through the prism of the 1970s.

From slinky slips to sequin frocks, this is high-shine hedonism with a curvecaressing bias cut or kick-flip hem. This is XL glamour.

TREND: Knitwear BRAND: Susy Mix INFO: From the trends of the new season that see alternating sweaters of all kinds, oversize and turtlenecks with a touch of vintage and handmade, ideal for every moment of the day. The sensuality of knitted dresses mixes with the rigor of high-necked vests to be worn over shirts. Hyperenveloping scarves, soft collars and more complete the look.

www.cpmagazine.net

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5 WAYS TO UPDATE A MODEST WEAR WARDROBE FOR SAND AND SEA

Variety in modest wear has always been sought after and in more recent years, modest designs have made a huge impact on fashion houses across the globe, with many designers in the west championing modest wear as an integral part of their collections.

Much of the modest wear on offer in the MENA region is designed with the special intention of offering the perfect blend of both modesty and style.

Those who love modest fashion consider abayas their go-to garment for every day wear. If you're looking for new pieces to up your modest wear game, why not look out for some of these very current takes on the classic abaya and burkini complete with ontrend accessory and beauty pairings: 38

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1. Pick up an abaya that has pastel shades to wear during the summer season. Max Fashion latest collection of highly wearable abayas adds a bit of flavour to the latest offerings for women, with a full length abaya with lace panels in-store. Team with some bright and bold coloured lips and oversized shades to complete the fresh season appeal.

2. Flaunt both culture and style while donning an abaya with a lace trim.

It comes with long sleeves and trendy hem that makes this a quality pick to highlight with standout chunky jewelry for the neck and hands.

3. Discover abayas that work in each setting. Select a new design that is both light and graceful to wear on a daily basis; Max Fashion’s collection features split block colour abayas. With long sleeves and secure fasteners, its smart design doesn’t compromise with heaviness of fabric but instead feels light and wearable. Pair with a nude-coloured tote shopper bag and some neutral platform heels to complete the look.

4. Why not opt for feminine designs and silhouettes without sacrificing coverage, practicality and comfort? Go for an eye-catching printed burkini with tights. An apt pick to swim on those weekends off, this printed burkini will allow you to exercise with ease and enjoy swimming sessions while remaining covered from the sun’s intense rays. It also features a hood that covers the head, and its leggings with an elasticized waistband lend a customised fit. Team with some cool flip-flops or sliders and you’re ready to go!

5. Choose a lush print with a splash of enchanting colours to give a distinctive standout appeal, like an enticing floral print burkini with pants. Tropical leaf prints and raglan sleeves make this burkini an ontrend pick for this summer. Bright colours will make sure you don’t go unnoticed at the beach. Made from quick-dry fabric, any Max Fashion burkini will keep you comfortable from sea to sunset. Team with vibrant and standout sunglasses to complete the look.

Max Fashion, the MENA region’s leading value fashion brand, has specifically designed its modest collections to consider the needs of a modern woman – enabling customers to look stylish while remaining true to their culture.

The most notable element of the brand’s latest modest collection is its great value and comfort. Every abaya and burkini is specifically designed keeping comfort in mind, even throughout the most uncomfortable summer months in the MENA region. www.cpmagazine.net

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alonamilana

WHAT’S YOUR

MENTAL

COMFORT ZONE?

Alona Demjanova

Where do you find yourself in tough times ? What is your emotional home ? Is it anger?Anxiety? Blame? Fear?

Guilt? Hatred? Sadness? Stress? Worry? Jealousy? Pessimism? Most of these happen to us all at some stage and quite often we are totally unaware ofwhere we picked them up. Even though we don’t want them in our lives, many of us getcomfortable with them, so I call them ‘mental comfort zones’. So let’s take a look at how wefell into these zones. Then we can see how we can get out of them.

If you were going on a long trip, chances are you'd plan where you were going and how youwould get to your final destination. When you set off on your journey through life you don’thave a slightest idea where you are heading.

When you were very young a lot of decisionswere made for you; what you ate, where you went, which school you attended, whom youspent time with and what you wore. As you grew older, outside influences remained high andthe decisions became more important: what you studied, what career you chose, what kindof partner you looked for and what morals and values you lived by. Many of us weren't askedwhat we wanted. Even though others thought they were acting in our best interests, ourchoices were often taken away and decisions thrust upon us. It's no wonder many of usended up heading in the wrong direction.

When we are growing up we are often thrown into situations with little or no instruction andwe don't realize that we have choices, so we mimic those around us, usually our families.

Atsuch a young age, we haven't begun to filter the information that we receive; we don'tanalyse or question others. As young children we don't know about right and wrong, good orbad, or inappropriate versus appropriate behaviour. We accept what we see as normal andthink that that's the way we're supposed to act. And so we learn when to feel angry, sad,worried, jealous or afraid.

In an art class, 30 children are asked to draw a bowl of fruit. They are all looking at it fromdifferent angles, and with their varying degrees of talent and individual styles they produce30 different works of art. But aren't they all looking at the same thing?

How can two people watch the same film and have totally different experiences of it? Howcan two people be sitting in the same traffic jam yet one be calm and the other uptight? Ourindividual experience is subjective and not necessarily like the objective reality that's outthere. Everything external to us, whether it's a bowl of fruit, a film or a traffic jam, remains thesame and it's our interpretations that differ. We see things differently according to the filterswe have in our minds - our values, beliefs, prior experiences and morals. When we wereyoung children, though, we didn't understand that each person had their own interpretationsof life, so we took on the values, opinions and beliefs of those we trusted and admired - ourparents, siblings, teachers, best friends and favourite TV personalities, pop stars and sportsidols.

Copying is actually a very effective and efficient way of learning. After all, if you do exactly assomeone else does, you've got a pretty high chance of getting it right - assuming they'redoing it 'right'! But aren't there some things you have copied that don't do you any favours?Are there any opinions, values, beliefs and negative habits that you think you'd be better offwithout? It's likely that what you were told as a child has shaped your life, but many of the messages you received may no longer be useful to you and maybe weren't even useful atthe time.

Let me give you a common example. Do you always eat what's on your plate? Many of usdo because we were told as children that there were starving people in Africa and we shouldbe grateful for what we had. So many people learn to clear their plates and override thebody's natural instinct to stop when they've had enough, that has played a large role in theobesity epidemic.

Through my experience of working with people, I have learned that any life change requirescommitment and enthusiasm to be successful. Some people are wary about makingchanges because of what they might find out about themselves or because it might be hardwork, and these concerns are only to be expected. One of the first things I do to put myclients at ease is to help them appreciate that it's okay to have imperfections and insecuritiesas you now know, we all pick them up just through growing up. But we can all change. It'strue that any process of change contains an element of the unknown, but the unknown canbe exciting and liberating too.

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FormerlyMe.com presents “Month Three”

WHAT IS FORMERLYME?

FormerlyMe is an online movement to motivate and inspire people to become the best version of themselves by showing them my journey and experience in trying a new workout and lifestyle regime every 30 days. Every post, update, and video is ‘formerly me’ as I endeavor to become the best version of myself and become FormerlyMe. Each month CP Magazine will showcase a part of my journey to becoming the best version of myself. I hope that in turn this inspires and motivates you to start your own journey as well. For this month’s story we will focus on the third month of my journey.

Jim West

M

Back when I started in November 2019, I recalled I could barely do 8 minutes of cardio on the elliptical machine. I decided I needed something low impact for my feet as I was still suffering from gout attacks while trying to work out how much to reduce in the plant-based protein amounts. Everyday I was in the gym in the elliptical machine pushing to run further and longer time wise. There were days I was out of breath, or the pain was becoming unbearable.

With persistence and determination I eventually made it up

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to an hour, and then I was able to do two one-hour sessions.

I maintained this daily cardio routine as I was not ready to take on a new fitness routine. As I began to run further and longer, I shared my achievements with social media and with a friend who told me, “You’re ready to run a marathon!”. Then on February 17th, 2020 (my 43rd Birthday) I ran an indoor marathon of 27.5 miles (42.195 km) in 4.5 hours. Quite a long way from the person who could only do 8 minutes just over 90 days prior.

I was now unto my second month of a modified plant-based protein nutrition plan and I was working closely with Kara Jemison who is my Arbonne consultant. Arbonne products are certified vegan, gluten-free, kosher, and cruelty-free. Arbonne maintains a list online of ingredients that it won't use in products. This list includes ingredients identified by the European Union and the USFDA as harmful, questionable, or prohibited. I was going into my second month of using their products and my results and energy levels were getting stronger and stronger.

Kara Jemison

Two important lessons I learned during the first 90 days was how much water and sleep are two crucial pieces for every plan for fitness and health. I drank between 150-200 ounces of water a day and on some days over 260 ounces if I was running 16 or more miles. I posted a video of me drinking 329 ounces of water in a day, and that was an extreme challenge to take on (one ounce of water per pound I weighed). The other lesson I learned was to get a good night’s sleep. Insomnia become a temporary issue during my first 90 days, but I was able to adjust to a sleep schedule that gave my body time to recover and heal. I cannot stress how important these two things are in the success of my journey in FormerlyMe. If you get these two factors down to a healthy habit, then that is the perfect foundation to starting your journey to becoming the best version of yourself.

I ended the third month with a total weight of 16 pounds lost (.33 kilos a day)! I attribute the loss to the plant-based nutrition plan, and the high levels of cardio I was achieving day by day. I was now burning 3-4 thousand calories a day. My first 90 days of my journey got documented both online via the website and YouTube channel, and the rest of the details of my journey got published in the first ebook online at Amazon. I was on roll with 43 pounds (19.5 kg) lost in three months. I was fast approaching my first goal of getting under 300 pounds (136 kg).

You can watch my video of me and the indoor marathon on the FormerlyMe YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e3_SIbfXDxg

Follow my journey online at FormerlyMe.com and on the YouTube channel. Next month I will cover my Victory Days and the other fun activities I have experienced with my journey. Until next time that has been FormerlyMe! facebook.com/FormerlyMe twitter.com/MeFormerly instagram.com/formerlymeofficial Follow F45 College Park: facebook.com/f45trainingcollegeparkplaza Follow Derrick Byrd: instagram.com/derrickbyrdfit www.cpmagazine.net

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joseberrocoso

CRILLON LE BRAVE: A TIMELESS REFUGE

In the much-coveted golden triangle of Mont Ventoux, Dentelles de Montmirail and the Luberon, in South France, Crillon Le Brave is tucked away from it all.

A stunning five-star hideaway for those looking to switch off from the urban frenzy in an exquisitely authentic natural setting. Against a backdrop of hypnotically beautiful landscapes sits a wonderful labyrinth of 17th and 18th-century buildings.

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since 2010

Nestled within a village eponymous of the Vaucluse region, the hotel offers guests 34 rooms and suites, comprised of 16 rooms and 18 suites, which have been refreshed for the season. The refurbishment includes a re-design of 20 rooms, showcasing a refreshed look for the summer season.

The hotel reception area, public spaces and outdoor pool overlooking surrounding vineyards and picture-perfect Provenรงal countryside have also been exquisitely presented with the help of French designer and decorator Charles Zana.

www.crillonlebrave.com

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An outstanding historical complex of stone buildings, the hotel offers magical outdoor spaces that visitors can delight in exploring. A terrace with a view here, a romantic patio there, the pÊtanque pitch and its trickling fountain, passageways in the ramparts, while over there, perfect little nooks for enjoying a quiet coffe while taking in the hypnotic landscape‌ A world apart, swathed in greenery and fragrances, that will make you feel like time has stopped still.

Set in a vaulted 18th-century building, the Spa des Ecuries is completely insulated from the outside world by its honeycoloured Crillon stone walls, making for a uniquely tranquil ambiance. With three treatment rooms, including one double room, it is the ideal place to relax and savour every second of the Bamford treatments, a British brand reputed for its organic plants and its quality essential oils.

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Fruits and vegetables dressed with olive oil, finely ripened cheeses, Alpilles lamb, aromatic herbs... The authentic flavours of Provence take pride of place in the hotel's two restaurants.

Elegant, bistro-style cuisine is served middays and evenings at La Table du Ventoux, either on the terrace or in its magnificent dining room. Whereas La Madeleine, where chef Anissa Boulesteix magnifies flavours without adding anything artificial, offers a refined gourmet cuisine in the evenings.

Guests looking to stay active while away can make use of the hotel’s updated new gym, or for something more leisurely, wander through local markets and medieval villages, sampling the region’s best vintages. Explore the local regions on a scenic hike, kayak, bike ride or vintage car adventure! www.cpmagazine.net

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fatemah_alothman

FUNCTIONAL TRAINING Fatema AlOthman

F

unctional fitness exercises train your muscles to work together and prepare them for daily tasks by simulating common movements you might do at home, at work or in sports. By training your muscles to work the way they do in everyday tasks, you prepare your body to perform well in a variety of common situations.

*Woman Maker *Pull-Up. *Wall Handstand Push-UP *Farmer's Walk.

What are the 7 functional movements?

How often should you do functional training?

Squat, lunge, push, pull, hinge, twist, and walk: These make up the seven movement patterns that your body relies on to get it done every day.

By adding just 2-3 days of functional strength exercises a week, you should see improvements in your ability to perform your everyday activities and maybe even fat loss!

Think about it: How often do you simply stand in place and lift something from waist level with just your biceps? Probably rarely, if ever. Now, how often do you squat to lift something off the floor? Or lunge to tie your shoe? Or push a door open?

A majority of functional training movements are multijoint, and a functional training program should incorporate movements in multiple planes, That means moving forward and backward, side to side, and incorporating rotational movements.

Coordination, balance, and body awareness, which will help you avoid unnecessary injuries.

Before you start any exercise program, it's important to identify areas of weakness or limitations in range of motion which could affect your performance.

If you have a past injury or medical consideration, your doctor may be able to refer you to a personal trainer to help you start a program.

Is functional training effective?

Functional training helps your body to move more comfortable. And, of course, bodies that move comfortably are more likely to burn more calories without exercise. But functional training can also make your other workouts more effective. And this benefit is key for people who are trying to lose weight.

10 Best Functional Exercises These demanding exercises hit all your major muscle groups, training them to work in concert — improving performance in the gym or on the field. *Jump Squat. *Crab Reach *One-Arm Kettlebell Snatch *Sled Pull/Push

Let’s talk and Contact me to start your Functional Fitness program. www.cpmagazine.net

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yosebaegana

YOSEBA EGAÑA “Cooking is not just a job for me but it is more so a way of life”

The Real Food Capital of Europe is Basque Country, of course. Located in Spain’s northernmost region and lying just below France’s southern border, this must-visit destination for food lovers is one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world with a true respect to the Slow Food actions in Europe.

Yoseba Egaña is one of the most prestigious chefs in the recent New Basque Cuisine movement. Despite his traditional oldschool kitchen background, Yoseba is an approachable, modern day chef. This modern approach in the kitchen is also visible in his cooking style, each of his dishes have a fundamentally traditional flavour pairing and cooking technique involved, which he uses to support contemporary dishes.

After some years working in the award-winning kitchens of Akelarre of Pedro Subijana, Yoseba found in the Slow Food movement his great passion. The focus is not only on nutrition, but also on preserving culture and heritage as it relates to food. NEBAK is Yoseba’s latest project, a 100% gluten-free restaurant. We meet Yoseba to learn more about this exciting venture, the revolutionary Basque cuisine and the Slow Food movement.

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Talent Radar Words: JosĂŠ Berrocoso

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CP Magazine: What is your dearest memory related to food?

Yoseba Egaña: My dearest memory relating to food is definetly when I went to my granmothers’ houses for lunch. Loved the way they allowed me to play with the kitchen stuff, the food and even get my hands dirty!

CP: What first inspired you to become a chef?

YE: Probably because I loved the way people was happy with my grandmothers’

dishes: cooking at home, boiling crabs, chopping vegetables… it was fascinating to learn from them. That moment stayed in my mind. I wanted that experiencia for my day to day.

CP: A few years ago you were training with prestigious and referent of the Basque Cuisine worldwide Chef Pedro Subijana.

How was that period?

YE: It was a fantastic time, I learnt a lot, enjoyed a lot and met great people.

CP: What was the best advice that chef Subijana gave you?

YE: Unlike what we say at the table, with food you do play.

CP: Tell us about a time when you remember making a mistake as a young chef: what happened, where were you working and what did you learn?

YE: While I was in the cooking school, we had to caramelize some creme brulée

and we added baking soda instead of icing sugar, you can imagine the toxic smoke after burning the creme.

The best thing I learned was that before adding anything you always have to try it and it is a tip that I always give to new members in my team. Your eyes can deceive us, the palate cannot.

CP: It´s well-known that you are an icon of Slow Food. What does the movement mean to you?

YE: It means eating slowly. The movement preaches to eat consciously and

pleasantly, with quality food. It’s not a vegetarian, vegan or radical trend as some unfortunately try to impose. With the movement, we encourage food producers and consumers to embrace and promote sustainable foods, local businesses and a slower pace of consumption.

CP: Basque cuisine has famously been avant-garde. What is currently happening within Basque cuisine that is exciting you as a chef?

YE: The new approach is rooted in the traditions of Basque Cuisine, pairing the

earthy flavours and techniques of Spain’s Basque region with no make-up, no extravaganza. Fresh, locally sourced and organic produce from land and are are the Basque Cuisine building blocks right now.

CP: Your latest project, Nebak, is a 100% gluten-free restaurant.

What inspired you to start a gluten-free restaurant?

YE: I noticed that were were more and more people with gluten intolerance. At

the same, talking to my colleagues we realized that the original Basque cuisine does not contain gluten in much of its recipes. So we decided to start Nebak with the main idea that it would be a kitchen of integration, not of differentiation between celiacs or non-celiacs.

CP: Nebak’s gastronomic offer is a tribute to the authentic basque cuisine. In three words, how do you define Nebak?

YE: Traditional, inclusive and with an eye to detail.

CP: Is there anything that you are currently working on that we can look forward to seeing on your menu soon? How long does it take to develop a new menu or a new dish?

YE: Time is relative. It could be totally different from a dish to another.

Sometimes an idea comes to you and you write it down. Then you find the best ingredients and play in the kitchen until you got what you have in your mind. Sometimes you have to try several times to find the exact flavour and texture that was In your mind.

CP: How would you add ingredients of Arab cuisine into a traditional Basque dish?

YE: Actually we already work with harissa and curry, they are some of my

favourite spices. I´m always open to try new ingredients. I would love to make a gluten-free cous-cous or even a a good phyllo dough to make baklavas.

CP: Any plans to open Nebak in the GCC? YE: My best friend, who lives in KSA, is pushing me to open Nebak in the GCC.

However, I´m putting all my energy in the restaurants in Bilbao and Madrid.

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by travel-expert JosĂŠ Berrocoso

Photography: Hoshinoya

LUXURY GLAMPING FACING MOUNT FUJI IN JAPAN

www.hoshinoya.com Perched next to Lake Kawaguchi at the base of Mt Fuji, Hoshinoya Fuji is a breathtaking 'glamping' experience. This wonderful escape sits deep in a red pine forests and on a clear day the views of Mt Fuji are spectacular. This is one of Japan's most ethereal places to stay; with glassy lakeside cabins that open up into red pine forests, guests feel completely immersed in nature and the views are spectacular. On arrival guests are greeted with binoculars, maps, blankets and a headlight before heading off to a minimalist cabin in the mountainous forest. www.cpmagazine.net

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Yassa_KSA

ALEXANDER WOODMAN WROTE A BOOK ON SAUDI CULTURE AND TRADITION DOCUMENTING ITS HIDDEN BEAUTY AND UNTOLD STORIES The University of California Los Angeles, UCLA was celebrating graduation ceremony, when an honor graduate Alexander Woodman found himself standing next to the Saudi Arabia flag. At that moment, he had no clue that he would travel to this country, which would open new horizons for him and give wings to fly. Life becomes more fascinating and insightful when the unexpected challenges one to embark upon a new route on one's journeys.

Within two years in Saudi Arabia, Alexander Woodman had not only taught at a university in al – Khobar in the Eastern province but had also become a part of the spiritual texture of Saudis who live in the land of adat. The author traveled for days, woke up with the sunrise to see and witness the beauty of the land and the actors therein. He met hospitable, loving, and caring people with kind hearts. The journey of two years was a dream that came to fruition through the book entitled “The Land of Adat.”

Discussing his vision of the creation of the book, Alexander siad: “I can unequivocally say that the intention to create this book was born within me only after my arrival in Saudi Arabia. From the first moment onwards, I felt deeply connected with my new environment.”

The book becomes even more precious through the foreword written by His Royal Highness Prince Turki Al Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies and introduction written by world-renowned political scientist Dr. Joseph A. Kechichian.

Their words depict the core depth of the insights of the author. Truly, the author conveys a message of peace to all those who would be able to see the 56

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beauty of the entirety of the world.

The essential element that the author pinpoints in his book is the notion of Saudi identity. The author intended to explore a journey into the depth of the heart of people who live with the fear of God reflected in their respect towards life, family, identity, and core moral values. “The Land of Adat” book shows the beauty of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its norms but above all deeply rooted traditions of the country. Within two years, Alexander Woodman became the part of the spiritual structure of people living in the land of adat, adorned with hospitality, generosity, and kind hearts.

Images and words reflect the inner spirituality of the hidden beauty of the nation’s life and the sacred land itself. There is something for everyone in this book, as every picture and every illustration share evocative stories and messages. Alexander sees the country from a unique perspective that will urge the travelers to visit, explore, or wander the land.

This is a book to be read by all nations across the world, without cultural, religious, or social limitations. A global audience is invited to be part of an interactive visual storytelling experience. The reader will enter into the journey that this book represents, which has a beginning with no end, as the author reflects. Each chapter in the book brings the reader closer to the mirror, where one sees the evolving world in its entirety.

A documentary called “The Land of Adat,” produced

by Mohammed Salman Al Othman, will provide a fascinating window with a glimpse into the natural treasures, ancient sites, and modern development of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people.

www.cpmagazine.net

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thelandofadat

How would you describe the first day of the years-long journey and the first step?

As I took my first step to journey in Saudi Arabia, I immediately felt echoes of life brightening my spirituality. I understood that I was moving forward toward the voices of the souls of desert. But then, I immediately felt that this journey had started in my life long before, and what I realized, was that the journey had re-started after a long breakaway.

To get such precisely detailed interpretation of Saudi culture, tradition, and lifestyle, there must have been a degree of communication with the locals. Please elaborate on their attitude towards a foreigner, who was trying to document the essence of their livelihood?

Based on my personal experience at the beginning of my journey, I was not able to experience the close fellowship of the Saudis.

Truly, I found this very natural. However, once the relationship was developed, their trust went beyond my expectations. Therefore, the due respect has to be extended to the Saudis, and one ought not to be judgmental.

What is the intended effect of the stylistic choice of the book, i.e., the usage of Arabic words, the Hijri calendar, and the recipes of traditional food?

Language is a history itself. In any given nation's life, language, culture, even words journey with the people. As we look into the history of the people, the same words and language change their texture and understanding. Thus, we need to see the language, culture, and tradition in the context of history.

What was your “Lighthouse” while traveling through “The Land of Adat” – Saudi Arabia?

My hidden inner instinct drowned me into the desert. I was in search of the genuine people with pure heart and soul. This thought and feeling never abandoned me, and turned to be the “Lighthouse” of my journey. The more I penetrated the depth of daily life of the Kingdom, the more layers of thoughts and feelings developed in me. I felt the infusion of eternity in my spirituality. The more I walked into the desert, the deeper I understood the significance of the journey, which I had taken. For many, the “Lighthouse” becomes the guiding light of their lives. In my case, this journey helped me to understand the “Lighthouse” was within me, and the light was radiating from my heart. These are feelings, which cannot be described and translated into words.

www.cpmagazine.net

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NEW GHIBLI HYBRID:

THE FIRST ELECTRIFIED VEHICLE IN MASERATI'S HISTORY

T

he spark of electrification ignites Maserati's future: with the new Ghibli Hybrid, the Trident Brand enters the world of electrification.

The new Ghibli Hybrid represents one of the most ambitious projects for Maserati, which after the announcement of the new engine for the MC20 super sports car now sets the seal on another step forward towards the brand's new Era. The choice to introduce the hybrid technology on the Ghibli sedan is no coincidence: this model, with over 100,000 units produced since its launch in 2013, perfectly embodies the Modena-based manufacturer’s DNA. In fact, the challenge facing Maserati was to enter the world of electrification without altering the brand's core philosophy and values. The result? The creation of the best possible hybrid. What's more, Ghibli Hybrid will retain the unmistakable sound that has always distinguished every Maserati.

The arrival of the new Ghibli Hybrid thus expands the Maserati range, which is now even more competitive and responsive to the demands of the market.

Design Ghibli Hybrid is immediately recognisable, thanks in part to the new design of both exterior and interior. The common denominator of the restyling, developed 60

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by the Centro Stile Maserati, is the blue colour, chosen to identify all cars with hybrid technology and the new world they represent.

On the exterior, the blue colour characterises the three iconic side air ducts, the brake calipers and the thunderbolt in the oval that encloses the Trident on the rear pillar. The same blue colour reappears inside the car, in particular on the embroidered seams of the seats. The new Ghibli Hybrid also introduces new stylistic contents, starting from the new front grille, with bars redesigned to represent a tuning fork, a musical device that emits a sound of extreme purity, and which also evokes the Trident symbol itself. There are significant changes at the rear of the car, where the light clusters have been completely restyled, with a boomerang-like profile inspired by the 3200 GT and the Alfieri concept car.

Mild Hybrid In perfect harmony with its DNA, Maserati has chosen a hybrid solution focused primarily on improving performance, while also reducing fuel consumption and cutting emissions.

The hybrid technology exploits kinetic energy the car accumulates when in motion, recovering it and transforming it into electricity during deceleration and braking, and storing it in a battery.

The innovative powertrain, the outcome of in-depth engineering development

work by the technicians and engineers of the Maserati Innovation Lab in Modena, combines an internal combustion engine (4 cylinders, turbo, displacement of 2.0 l) with a 48 volt alternator and an additional electric supercharger (e-Booster), supported by a battery. This solution is unique in its segment, and is the first in a new generation of powertrains, with the perfect trade-off between performance, efficiency and driving pleasure.

The battery is mounted in the rear of the car, with benefits in terms of improved weight distribution.

This version weighs about 80 kg less than the Diesel.

Thanks to maximum power output of 330 hp and torque of 450 Nm delivered from just 1,500 rpm, the new Ghibli Hybrid's performance data are very impressive: top speed of 255 km/h and acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds.

Ghibli Hybrid occupants will still revel in the unmistakable sound that characterises all Maserati models, thanks to the optimised exhaust, which includes specially designed resonators.

Connectivity Ghibli Hybrid also marks the debut of the new Maserati Connect program, which enables a constant connection with the car: the information exchange continues when on the move, to improve the services offered to the driver. As well as updating the software packages, the system performs checks on the car and monitors the Safety Security services in emergencies.

The Maserati Intelligent Assistant multimedia system is latestgeneration, based on digital inputs from Android Automotive, software that delivers an innovative User Experience fully customisable to the driver's personal preferences. The multimedia system's HD screen, with new graphics, more userfriendly and without surrounds, is increased in size from 8�4 to 10�1. A new instrument panel with digital devices and new graphics is also introduced.

Electrification the Maserati way The new Ghibli Hybrid represents the first step in a plan that will lead to the electrification of all new Maserati models. The Brand's first all-electric cars will be the new GranTurismo and GranCabrio, scheduled for 2021. www.cpmagazine.net

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since 2010

New Releases for August 2020

Little Disasters: A Novel

by Sarah Vaughan

In this new novel from the internationally bestselling author of the “cool, sharp, and beautifully written” (Lisa Jewell, New York Times bestselling author) Anatomy of a Scandal, a doctor is faced with an ethical dilemma when her friend’s child lands in the emergency room.

Liz Trenchard is an experienced pediatrician with a duty to protect all children admitted to her busy emergency room. So when her friend Jess turns up at the ER one night with her baby girl and a story that doesn’t quite add up, Liz is forced to question everything she thought she knew about her friend and about herself.

There are so many secrets and so many lies. The truth can’t come soon enough.

With Sarah Vaughan’s signature “clever and compelling” (Claire Douglas, author of Last Seen Alive) prose, this is a tightly-wound and evocative page-turner that will haunt you long after you finish the last page.

AOC: The Fearless Rise and Powerful Resonance of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

by Lynda Lopez In the vein of Notorious RBG, seventeen writers explore the multiple meanings of a young Latina politician who has already made history.

From the moment Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez beat a ten-term incumbent in the primary election for New York’s 14th, her journey to the national, if not world, stage, was fast-tracked. Six months later, as the youngest Congresswoman ever elected, AOC became one of a handful of Latina politicians in Washington, D.C. Just thirty, she represents her generation, the millennials, in many groundbreaking ways: proudly working class, Democratic Socialist, of Puerto Rican descent, master of social media, not to mention of the Bronx, feminist—and a great dancer.

AOC investigates her symbolic and personal significance for so many, from her willingness to use her imperfect bi-lingualism, to the threat she poses by governing like a man, to the long history of Puerto Rican activism that she joins.

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The Smallest Lights in the Universe: A Memoir

by Alexis Hall

Sara Seager has made it her life's work to peer into the spaces around stars--looking for exoplanets outside our solar system, hoping to find the one-in-a-billion world enough like ours to sustain life. But with the unexpected death of her husband, her life became an empty, lightless space. Suddenly she was the single mother of two young boys, a widow at forty, clinging to three crumpled pages of instructions her husband had written for things like grocery shopping--things he had done while she did pioneering work as a planetary scientist at MIT. She became painfully conscious of her Asperger's, which before losing her husband had felt more like background noise. She felt, for the first time, alone in the universe.

In this probing, invigoratingly honest memoir, Seager tells the story of how, as she stumblingly navigated the world of grief, she also kept looking for other worlds.

She continues to develop groundbreaking projects, such as the Starshade, a sunflower-shaped instrument that, when launched into space, unfurls itself so as to block planet-obscuring starlight, and she takes solace in the alien beauty of exoplanets.

2030: How Today's Biggest Trends Will Collide and Reshape the Future of Everything of Everything

by Mauro Guillen The world is changing drastically before our eyes— will you be prepared for what comes next? A groundbreaking analysis from one of the world's foremost experts on global trends, including analysis on how COVID-19 will amplify and accelerate each of these changes.

Once upon a time, the world was neatly divided into prosperous and backward economies. Babies were plentiful, workers outnumbered retirees, and people aspiring towards the middle class yearned to own homes and cars. Companies didn't need to see any further than Europe and the United States to do well.

Printed money was legal tender for all debts, public and private. We grew up learning how to "play the game," and we expected the rules to remain the same as we took our first job, started a family, saw our children grow up, and went into retirement with our finances secure.

The Organ Thieves: The Shocking Story of the First Heart Transplant in the Segregated South

by Chip Jones

In 1968, Bruce Tucker, a black man, went into Virginia's top research hospital with a head injury, only to have his heart taken out of his body and put into the chest of a white businessman. Now, in The Organ Thieves, Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist Chip Jones exposes the horrifying inequality surrounding Tucker's death and how he was used as a human guinea pig without his family's permission or knowledge. The circumstances surrounding his death reflect the long legacy of mistreating African Americans that began more than a century before with cadaver harvesting and worse. It culminated in efforts to win the heart transplant race in the late 1960s.

The Comeback

by Ella Berman

Grace Turner was one movie away from Hollywood’s A-List. So no one understood why, at the height of her career and on the eve of her first Golden Globe nomination, she disappeared.

Now, one year later, Grace is back in Los Angeles and determined to reclaim her life on her own terms.

So when Grace is asked to present a lifetime achievement award to director Able Yorke—the man who controlled her every move for eight years—she knows there’s only one way she’ll be free of the secret that’s already taken so much from her.

The Comeback is a powerful and provocative story of justice in the #MeToo era—a true page-turner about a young woman finding the strength and power of her voice.

Bookish and the Beast

by Ashley Poston Rosie Thorne is feeling stuck—on her college application essays, in her small town, and on that mysterious General Sond cosplayer she met at ExcelsiCon. Most of all, she’s stuck in her grief over her mother’s death.

Her only solace was her late mother’s library of rare Starfield novels, but even that disappeared when they sold it to pay off hospital bills.

On the other hand, Vance Reigns has been Hollywood royalty for as long as he can remember—with all the privilege and scrutiny that entails. When a tabloid scandal catches up to him, he's forced to hide out somewhere the paparazzi would never expect to find him: Small Town USA. At least there’s a library in the house. Too bad he doesn’t read.

When Rosie and Vance’s paths collide and a rare book is accidentally destroyed, Rosie finds herself working to repay the debt. And while most Starfield superfans would jump at the chance to work in close proximity to the Vance Reigns, Rosie has discovered something about Vance: he’s a jerk, and she can’t stand him. The feeling is mutual.

The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers

by Eric Weiner The New York Times bestselling author of The Geography of Bliss embarks on a rollicking intellectual journey, following in the footsteps of history’s greatest thinkers and showing us how each—from Epicurus to Gandhi, Thoreau to Beauvoir—offers practical and spiritual lessons for today’s unsettled times.

We turn to philosophy for the same reasons we travel: to see the world from a dif­ ferent perspective, to unearth hidden beauty, and to find new ways of being.

We want to learn how to embrace wonder. Face regrets.

Sustain hope.

Eric Weiner combines his twin passions for philosophy and global travel in a pil­ grimage that uncovers surprising life lessons from great thinkers around the world, from Rousseau to Nietzsche, Confucius to Simone Weil. Traveling by train (the most thoughtful mode of transport), he journeys thousands of miles, making stops in Athens, Delhi, Wyoming, Coney Island, Frankfurt, and points in between to recon­nect with philosophy’s original purpose: teaching us how to lead wiser, more meaningful lives.

OPPO EXCITES GAMERS IN THE GCC AND KUWAIT

since 2010

OMEGA - Landing for the Moon Anniversary (Speedmaster)

Landing for the Moon Anniversary!

51 years ago this July, the astronauts of Apollo 11 were taking the first ever human footsteps onto the moon. Inside the crew’s OMEGA Speedmaster watches, was the now-famous Calibre 321, a movement that not only became legendary that day, but also returned for every lunar landing in history.

This year, OMEGA has expertly recreated the Calibre 321 in its 2nd generation form, and included it in a very special timepiece known as the Speedmaster Moonwatch 321 Stainless Steel. While this exciting news was released earlier in 2020, OMEGA is proud to announce that the watch is now ready to wear on Earth.

The non-limited timepiece offers a genuine connection to space history, as well as a movement that has long been cherished and sought-after by watch collectors and aficionados around the world.

The 39.70 mm case has been crafted in stainless steel, and is influenced by another piece of Speedmaster space heritage - the 3rd generation style that was worn during America’s first space walk in 1965. The design also includes a bezel ring in polished black ceramic [ZrO2] with a tachymeter scale in white enamel, as well as the iconic “Dot over Ninety”. Gracing the black step dial are the familiar Moonwatch hands, along with a vintage OMEGA logo.

Of course, through the sapphire crystal caseback, owners will be able to admire the Calibre 321 itself. It took two years of extensive research and reconstruction to bring this movement back to life, including the use of tomography (a digital scanning method) to see inside the true OMEGA Speedmaster worn by astronaut Eugene “Gene” Cernan during the Apollo 17 mission in 1972.

Each of today’s new movements has been recreated to the authentic specifications of the original, and assembled within OMEGA’s dedicated Calibre 321 workshop.

There’s perhaps no better way for watch fans to celebrate humankind’s most famous achievements beyond Earth.

Global smartphone brand OPPO lives up to its brand promise of supporting youth trends. In sync with the growing popularity of gaming and eSports in the GCC, OPPO continues to engage its young audience across the region by creating exciting moments for gamers.

OPPO always has a finger on the pulse of youth culture in every region in which it operates.

Research shows that the GCC has the fastest growing online gaming population in the world with 25 per cent year-on-year growth in 2019 where the GCC gaming market is expected to hit US$ 821 million by 2021. Kuwait’s user penetration is at 14.7% and is expected to reach 29.8% in 2025 .

In addition, Arabic language streams on Twitch - the world's leading live streaming platform for gamers - more than doubled during March and April this year as online gaming emerged as one of the best stay-at-home entertainment options during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hugh Xiu, Kuwait’s Country Manager said, “Our brand and its technology are continuously inspired by the passions of young people around the world, whether it is photography or gaming.

As the gaming market in GCC is growing twice as fast as the global average, gaming is a huge passion point in Kuwait, and we are doing our part to drive momentum for young gamers with state-of-the-art phones that will enable them to stay ahead of the game, not just on a regional but an international level. We are always looking to launch events and activations that will create exciting OPPOrtunities for gamers in Kuwait.”

Recognizing the burgeoning gaming culture in the GCC, OPPO has consistently supported young gamers over the years. In 2019, OPPO sponsored the PUBG MOBILE MENA Championship that received an overwhelming response across Egypt, KSA, Kuwait, Morocco and the UAE. This year, OPPO continues its legacy of driving gaming passion by organizing the OPPO Gaming Challenge in the UAE, headlined by regional gaming superstars Ahmed Al Nasheet (@dvlzgame), Amr Nassouhy (@nsoo7y), Osama Marwah (@ossymarwah) as well as other surprise guests.

Participants in the OPPO Gaming Challenge will go head-to-head with some of the world’s most acclaimed FIFA gamers. Throughout the festival, gaming enthusiasts will get a chance to play alongside regional celebrity gamers including Ahmed Al Nasheet, Amr Nassouhy and Osama Marwah and compete for the ultimate prize of a virtual finals match with a surprise international gamer on 29th August between 5-8PM Kuwait time.

Volkswagen Teramont

Customers across the Middle East like to have plenty of space in their vehicles. This is also true of the luggage compartment. Because 7-seater SUVs make even big objects really easy to transport, and help large families travel together, many residents are downright crazy about them. It is not just out in the wide open spaces that these vehicles help people enjoy life to the fullest, but they provide value to everyday family activities, hence becoming the go-to segment for families across the region.

The large SUV segment is an ever-growing segment in the GCC and across the rest of the Middle East in general. More and more customers prefer the high seat position and the comfort of a large Sport Utility Vehicle to that of a saloon. While the latter still accounts for the second-largest vehicle segment in the Middle East, sales volumes and the share of notchback models are currently in decline. The trend clearly points to SUVs. Volkswagen introduced the Teramont in the Middle East in 2018 with spacious adventures in mind. A vast region with a spectrum of terrain to explore, a love of driving and discovery are part of this region’s culture and everyday lifestyle. It therefore makes sense that the Teramont became the ultimate family car, and this was reflected in Volkswagen sales across the region. In fact, the Teramont became the best-selling model of the brand, accounting for a 1/3 of overall sales for Volkswagen Middle East in 2019.

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Benchmark for the past 45 years: the Porsche 911 Turbo

The Porsche 911 Turbo has been the quintessential high-performance sports car with everyday usability for the past 45 years. The next generation 911 Turbo Coupé and Cabriolet are now being introduced and can be described in short as even more powerful, faster and more individual.

Thanks to their 580 PS (427 kW) engines (+ 40 PS/+30 kW), both model variants dip under the three second 0-100 km/h mark with a time of 2.8 seconds (- 0.2 seconds). Now without an overboost time limit, 750 newton metres of torque (+ 40 Nm) make quick sprints even more spontaneous and effortless. Acceleration, power output and torque of the new 911 Turbo all match those of the previous generation 911 Turbo S. Power transmission is performed by an eight-speed PDK gearbox with a Turbo-specific set-up, while its top speed remains unchanged at 320 km/h.

With an increased range of options, such as the Sports and Lightweight Design packages, sports chassis and sports exhaust system, customers are able to adapt their vehicle to their individual tastes even more.

The new 911 Turbo’s 3,745 cm3 six-cylinder boxer engine boasts an increased output of 580 PS and now features symmetrical VTG turbochargers with electrically controlled bypass valves. In conjunction with its redesigned charge air cooling system and the use of piezo injectors, this improves responsiveness, performance, torque characteristics and its ability to rev freely. The chassis and body have become wider. The front axle now steers even more precisely thanks to an additional 42 millimetres of front track width and new 20-inch 255/35 tyres. The active all-wheel control Porsche Traction Management (PTM) is now able to transfer even more power to the front wheels, while traction at the actively steered rear axle is increased by a 10 mm-wider track as well as 315/30 tyres on 21-inch wheels. The revamped braking system is even more powerful and can be recognised by its red fixed callipers that are fitted as standard. The grey cast iron brake discs at the front now measure 408 mm in diameter (+ 28 mm) and are 36 mm thick (+ 2 mm). The rear axle features 30 mm-thick brake discs with a diameter of 380 mm.

For the first time, customers can opt for a sports exhaust system and choose between two different chassis variants. While the standard Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) chassis offers a greater spread between sportiness and comfort, the significantly firmer, electrically controlled 10 mm-lower sports suspension further enhances the agility of the new 911 Turbo. Its set-up is aimed at enhancing the car’s dynamics and provides even more stability during high-speed intervals. The optional hydraulic active anti-roll stabilisation (Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control known as PDCC) and the Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake system with tenpiston fixed callipers at the front refine the new model’s driving dynamics yet further.

The design of the 911 Turbo has become even more muscular. The body has been widened by 45 mm to 1,840 mm at the front wheels to accommodate the new chassis, while the new bonnet’s striking swage line underlines the car’s sporty character. LED headlights with Porsche Dynamic Light System Plus illuminate the road as standard. At the rear axle, the body is now exactly 1.90 metres wide (+ 20 mm). Other distinguishing features of the new 911 Turbo are its enhanced adaptive aerodynamics, which feature electronically controlled cooling air flaps at the front, its larger active front spoiler and significantly larger variable rear spoiler. The characteristic air intakes on the rear side panels now draw in process air rather than the cooling air they did before. The charge air coolers are now positioned directly in the air flow under the rear lid. The continuous light bar with its LED tail lights, as well as the new louvred rear lid grille with silver trim strips, round off the design of the rear of the car.

The appearance and performance of the vehicle can be additionally modified by the optional Lightweight Design and Sports packages. The Lightweight Design package for the Coupé reduces the vehicle’s weight by 30 kilograms. Among other things, this is made possible by use of lightweight full-bucket seats, the omission of the rear seats and the fitting of less insulation, which also means that drivers can enjoy the sound of the engine even more directly. The Sports package features the 911 Turbo Sport Design package as well as additional features in Black and in Carbon, in addition to Exclusive Design tail lights.

The modern interior relates to the 911 Carrera models with Porsche Advanced Cockpit and Direct Touch Control. The centre screen of the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) is now 10.9 inches, and can be operated quickly and without distraction thanks to its architecture. The particularly high-quality and extensive equipment list includes fully electrically controlled 14-way sports seats, Sport Chrono package, GT sports steering wheel with shift paddles as well as the powerful BOSE® Surround Sound System.

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HUAWEI nova 7 SE is coming!

Three feature highlights to look forward to

The HUAWEI nova series is back with a bang! The latest addition to the popular midrange series, HUAWEI nova 7 SE features a 64MP Hi-res AI Quad Camera, Huawei’s self-developed 7nm Kirin 820 5G Chipset, HUAWEI 40W SuperCharge and many more enticing specs. Topped off with a chic and stylish design, HUAWEI nova 7 SE is expected to be a particularly popular product in the 5G market this year.

64MP Hi-res AI Quad Camera: Elevates Night Shooting Experience Based on its current exposure parameters, the HUAWEI nova 7 SE will have an AI Quad Camera.

The camera setup will include a 64MP Hi-res main camera for high-resolution photos and videos. An 8MP Ultra-Wide Angle lens that will allow users to easily take group photos and capture expansive landscapes. The 2MP macro lens together with the independent 2MP Bokeh lens will satisfy the needs of any user wanting to shoot close-up photos and portraits with a shallow depth of field.

In order to meet the rising demand for videography in the 5G era, the HUAWEI nova 7 SE will support a wide range of creative video features including Dual-Side Video Recording, DualView Video Recording with 5X Digital Zoom, 4K Hi-res-definition video recording, slow motion (960 FPS) recording, a new and upgraded Time-Lapse photography. In addition to its ability to support AI Clarity Mode.

The premium midrange 5G smartphone will also come with a 16MP selfie camera that supports Super Night Selfie 2.0 meaning every selfie is well illuminated even if taken in lowlight conditions.

Robust 5G experience The HUAWEI nova 7 SE will be equipped with Huawei’s recently launched Kirin 820 5G chipset, which is manufactured with the flagship 7nm process and integrates the 5G modem and processor into a single chip. Compared to having a separate processor and modem, this 5G chipset generates less heat and is more energy efficient.

In terms of processors, the Kirin 820 uses an octa-core CPU and a Mali-G57 GPU. It also uses the newest generation of Huawei’s GPU Turbo technology, allowing the integrated CPU and GPU to further optimise the utilisation of software and hardware resources and enhance performance for a smoother and higher quality gaming experience. Tapping into Huawei’s world-leading 5G technology, the chipset helps the smartphone to create a faster, more stable 5G experience.

The Kirin 820 chip supports the new image processor ISP5.0, as well as the BM3D DSLR level noise reduction and video noise reduction to provide a more enjoyable night shooting experience.

Combination of aesthetics and technology for stylish colours Huawei is not only known for being a global iconic tech brand, but it also places great emphasis on combining technology with aesthetics. Huawei works with institutions from around the world, such as the London Design Centre and Paris Aesthetic Centre, to research insights and leading trends in mobile phone designs to emulate in its future designs.

The back of HUAWEI nova 7 SE adopts 3D glass design that makes the panel slightly curved for a comfortable grip. The HUAWEI nova 7 SE will be available in three colourways: Space Silver, Crush Green, and Midsummer Purple. The unique Space Silver model will feature a special dual-tone gradient design, with the upper half of the device in silver and the lower half in pink.

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FOR

HOMEWORK

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE QUIZ

JUMBLED WORDS 1

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1. With a land area of just over 2000 square miles, Princess Edward Island is the smallest province of which Commonwealth country?

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2. What disease was the eponymous Cujo infected with in Stephen King's 1981 horror novel?

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3. Which other New York building was the tallest in the world for around 11 months before the completion of the Empire State Building in 1931?

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4. Gene Cernan, in 1972, was the last person (to date) to complete what feat?

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5. 'Namaste' is a traditional greeting in which Asian language?

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6. Which famous artist had both a 'Rose Period' and a 'Blue Period'?

7. Ursus arctos is the scientific name for which bear species?

8. Followers of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are more commonly known by what single-word name?

ANSWERS: 1.WOUND, 2.HOIST, 3.SALARY, 4.INVOKE, 5.SALMON, 6.WORLD

9. In 1934, the surgeon Robert Kenneth Wilson supposedly captured one of the most famous photos of which mythical Scottish creature?

TEST YOUR VOCABULARY

10. By what common name are contusions more well-known as?

"You're so cynical," Tiny says, waving his hand at me.

In this sentence, cynical means: a. striving for recognition or advancement

c. inclined to timidity or lack of selfconfidence

b. unrealistically or naively optimistic

d. believing the worst of human nature and motives

11. Which fictional character, created by the late Tom Clancy, has been played on screen by Alec Baldwin, Harrison Ford, Ben Affleck, Chris Pine, and most recently, John Krasinski?

12. What beverage are Trappist monks in the Low Countries (The Netherlands; Belgium) most famously associated with?

13. The Spree river flows through which major European capital city?

14. Maria Salomea Skłodowska is more commonly associated with which surname, shared with her French husband and fellow scientist Pierre?

15. What is the highest grade of olive oil that can be purchased?

A cynical person has a bleak outlook about others, always imagining that people are ruled by their worst instincts. H.L. Mencken was famous for saying cynical things like, "Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public." The original Cynics were ancient Greek philosophers who never had a good word to say about anyone. The Greek word kynikos actually means "canine," maybe because all of that sneering seemed a little dog-like.

ANSWER: d. If you think public officials are nothing but a bunch of greedy buffoons, you have a cynical attitude about politics.

16. The leatherback is the largest species of which major reptile order?

17. Which Irish political party's name literally translates into English as "we ourselves"?

PUZZLE

18. Which American tennis player won the men's singles at Wimbledon seven out of eight times between 1993 and 2000, a record total until he was surpassed by Roger Federer in 2017?

SOLVE IT! 839.093 + 31.005 – 136.048 = ?

19. Which famous British musician had acting roles as historical figures Pontius Pilate in Martin Scorsese's 1988 epic, The Last Temptation of Christ, and Nikola Tesla in Christopher Nolan's 2006 thriller The Prestige?

A. 734.50

20. The Lombards, a Germanic people, give their name to a northern region in which European country, that they conquered during the 6th century CE?

C. 724.05 D. None of these.

ANSWERS: B

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ANSWERS: 1.Canada, 2.Rabies, 3.Chrysler Building, 4.Walk on the moon, 5.Hindi, 6.Pablo Picasso, 7.Brown (Grizzly) Bear, 8.Mormons, 9.The Loch Ness Monster (Nessie), 10.Bruises, 11.Jack Ryan, 12.Beer, 13.Berlin, 14.Curie, 15.Extra Virgin, 16.Turtles (Testudines), 17.Sinn Féin, 18.Pete Sampras, 19.David Bowie, 20.Italy

B. 734.05

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HOROSCOPES (March 21 - April 19)

(July 23 - August 22)

ARIES

LEO

Feel the power of Mars roaring through your spirit as you begin August, Aries. You will be blessed with the strength and vigor of your guardian planet until January 2021 (solar first house). Throughout this month, be certain to focus its energy into all of your personal and professional goals.

You are creating patterns now that can echo for the coming two years, so embrace your dominance and manifest the life you wish. You won’t have to deal with any irritating personal planetary retrogrades, so August is a wonderful time to not only have fun but to also reach toward your goals.

The full moon in your social sector on August 3 brings your attention to an important event or networking opportunity (solar eleventh house).

Significant news may arrive from a friend at this time as well. This should be a festive moment for you, so interact with those you enjoy.

Also, with so much attention on your romance and fertility sector throughout most of the month, it’s likely love, art, and recreation are on your mind. Mercury enters this sector on the fourth, but the new moon on August 18 officially opens a door to blessings that will fill your heart with light (solar fifth house). Use this new moon to improve your romantic life, whether you’re single or attached.

(April 20 - May 20)

TAURUS Privacy is on your mind, Taurus, as the mighty Mars powers through your sector of solitude (solar twelfth house). This trend continues until the beginning of 2021.

The early months of 2021 will be extremely important for you both personally and professionally, so be sure to use the second half of 2020 to truly plant the seeds you wish to flourish in the future. During these months, you may focus on a project behind the scenes that requires tremendous concentration and energy. Others may feel the need to take a break, whether that is an actual vacation for relaxation or because you need to heal. Be certain not to do anything secretive or wicked in the coming months, because karma could certainly come back to haunt you.

The month also brings you a jewel of a full moon in your sector of achievement on August 3 (solar tenth house). Prepare to welcome in favorable press, public recognition, a promotion, or the opportunity to stand in your own glory. This all ties to how hard you’ve been working in recent months, and you are given a taste of the professional advancement that should be coming to you from 2021 to 2023.

(May 21 - June 20)

GEMINI You’ll be thinking about all of your hopes, dreams, and goals now and in the coming months, Gemini. With Mars energizing you to think big for many months, you’re setting out to reach greater fulfillment (solar eleventh house). Some Geminis may also notice that their social life is especially active now—and it’s about time, because you’re ready to spread your wings and fly.

The full moon on August 3 falls within your expansion sector, encouraging you to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new horizons (solar ninth house). For some of you, this may signal an important decision regarding immigration or overseas travel. Others may be focused on opening up their mind, whether through academics or spirituality. If you happen to be involved in media or publishing, this full moon should also signal exciting developments.

Throughout much of August, your mind is especially speedy, and you’re fueled to express yourself even more than usual. With Mercury, bringing wit and persuasive power to you, all of your communications should go well.

(June 21 - July 22)

CANCER Of all the zodiac signs, you, Cancer, have so much to look forward to in the coming six months. Not only do you have Jupiter, the planet of luck, gracing you with happy relationships for much of that time (solar seventh house), but Mars, the planet of energy, will be bringing power and fuel to your professional goals, too (solar tenth house). Of course, you must take action to receive the greatest benefit, but the universe has shown you a hard time in recent years, so it looks like a lucky break may be headed your way.

A full moon in your sector of shared assets lights up the night on August 3, which will help you to assess the current balance in a primary relationship (solar eighth house). Some Cancers may realize it’s time to let go and move on, while the happily coupled will pull their significant other even closer. As this zone also has ties to money, a large lump sum could arrive, whether that is from a government stimulus, a payout, a royalty check, or even a small lottery win. Money is definitely on your mind this month, with Mercury (your thoughts) joining the sun (your focus) in your financial sector.

A new moon on the eighteenth should open up more opportunities for abundance, so look for a new job or raise your rates at that time (solar second house).

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With so much planetary energy invigorating you, Leo, you’ll certainly adore August. While you are obviously within your solar return—the time when the sun once again crosses the point where it was at your birth—you are now able to better establish the patterns you’d like to continue in the coming year. Your solar return is a snapshot of what’s in store, so use this time to meditate upon your vision board and then go forth to create it (solar first house).

The month begins with a full moon highlighting your partnerships (solar seventh house) on August 3. This may unite you more closely with someone, perhaps by moving in, getting engaged, or forging a business agreement. It also could push you apart if you’re no longer in alignment, such as a breakup, parting of ways, or divorce. Single Leos may notice that someone with long-term potential crosses their path, so now is the time to be clear on what you want in a significant other.

Mercury enters your sun sign on the fourth, bringing you mental clarity (solar first house). Uranus, the planet of revolution, turns retrograde in your career zone on August 15, so over the coming months you may notice that the newfound paths you’d been taking to lift higher in your industry begin to slow down. This will offer you an opportunity to improve your plan of attack (solar tenth house).

(August 23 - September)

VIRGO The month arrives like thunder, with a full moon in your productivity sector appearing on August 3 (solar sixth house). No one knows how to work quite as effectively as you, Virgo, so now could be a time when you finish up a major work project or hear news about your employment. Since this same sector of the stars also rules your health and fitness, if something flares up and needs medical attention, handle it quickly. This is a phenomenal time to assess how you’ve been building your routine for the year so far, so take out your red pen and prioritize your schedule.

Despite the focus on work at the month’s beginning, so much of the universe is telling you to take a step back. A great deal of energy will certainly be moving into your sun sign later in the month and on into September, so this period requires you to prioritize rest, relaxation, and solitude. Healing, meditation, and reflection are especially favored now, so be sure to assess what you want to release and what you wish to soon begin.

The new moon on the eighteenth will especially highlight your need for privacy and could push you to visit a therapist, health specialist, or rehabilitation center (solar twelfth house).

(September 23 - October)

LIBRA Partnership, collaboration, and union are top priorities at this time, Libra (solar seventh house), as well as a focus on your domesticity and family (solar fourth house). Over the coming months, Mars will encourage you to work one-on-one with the perfect partner because you can make more progress as a team. This could mean working with someone professionally, such as an agent, attorney, publicist, social media manager, or fitness trainer.

Single Libras may be hungrily looking for the perfect match, and with the full moon on August 3 igniting your heart, you could see a breathtaking romantic moment appear. Whether you’re single or attached, use this to plan something memorable that can align your heart with a twin flame (solar fifth house). This blessed full moon may also bear fruit in the form of a pregnancy, birth, or exciting news related to a child. Last, if you are creative, an exciting opportunity to showcase your work could also appear.

More fun is written in the stars as the sun and Mercury both heat up your social sector throughout much of the month (solar eleventh house). When the new moon arrives on the eighteenth, you could be invited to a lovely event or social gathering that promises to be especially lively. If you’re choosing to social distance instead, engage with your network digitally.

(October 23 - November)

SCORPIO Since 2019, Scorpio, you’ve been noticing that the way you have approached your partnerships your entire life is no longer in alignment with who you are. This is because Uranus, the planet of liberation and change, has been gracing your commitment and relationship sector and will continue to do so until 2026 (solar seventh house). For some of you, this means that you’re being freed of outdated relationships and toxic patterns, whereas others are requiring more freedom or excitement with their significant other. If single, you may be enchanted by different kinds of partners that may not have inspired you before, whether that means outside of your normal type or lifestyle.

However, with Uranus turning retrograde on August 15, you will spend the next several months reviewing the changes you’ve made in your relationships and how you can still embrace more fulfillment within them.

Earlier in the month, though, other planetary activity highlights different areas of your life. A full moon on the third energizes your domestic sector and may bring news of a move, home renovation, or family issue that requires your attention (solar fourth house).

(November 22 - December)

SAGITTARIUS The month begins with you speaking your mind, Sagittarius, with a full moon in your communication sector taking place on August 3 (solar third house). This may elicit an important contract that requires your signature, or you could be engaged in a writing or speaking project. Some Sagittarius can harness this fuel toward a marketing or advertising endeavor as well.

Expansion into new territory calls your name at this time, which is exactly the kind of music you love to hear! This is because the sun and Mercury will be spending most of the month in this sector (solar ninth house).

Depending on your lifestyle and location, this may foretell a desire to travel overseas or interact with new cultures. Other Sagittarius could suddenly become focused on expanding their mind, whether that is through academics, self-education, or spiritual practices.

If you are at all involved with the media or publishing, now would be an excellent moment to work aggressively. The new moon on the eighteenth will open doors to you here, so prepare to venture to new horizons.

(December 22 - January 19)

CAPRICORN Until the beginning of 2021, you will feel energized about your domestic life, perhaps you’re moving, redecorating, or renovating. Some Capricorns may notice a very significant focus on a family member (especially a parent) during this time, whether that means helping them out or going to bat to defend them. This is because Mars spends an especially long time here and wants you to be on the most stable ground possible (solar fourth house).

The month brings a great deal of news to you, beginning with a full moon in your income sector on August 3 (solar second house). This may trigger a raise at work or the arrival of a wonderful check. Some Capricorns may end a job—especially freelance—and move on to new endeavors at this time.

However, with so much planetary action continuing to highlight your relationships, this will remain a focus for you throughout the weeks ahead (solar eighth house). Finding the best balance in your partnerships—the give and the take—is key. Your needs in your relationships will be on your mind. Are you receiving everything that you need financially, intimately, emotionally, and sexually? If not, this may be a wonderful moment to communicate this to unite your connection even more.

(January 20 - February 18)

AQUARIUS A full moon in your sun sign rocks the night on August 3, Aquarius. This will be one of the most important times of the year for you, as you will likely see a personal goal close to your heart come into bloom (solar first house).

You are in the spotlight at this time, so use your dominance to strategically move toward your goals.

However, as much as this moment is all about you, the planets are also drawing a great deal of attention toward your significant partnerships (solar seventh house). With Mercury joining the sun here within the first week, you will likely see that you are being required to work as a team. Collaboration will shine now.

Also, if you’d like to make long-term plans with your significant other, even as far as engagement, marriage, or honeymoon planning, be sure to use the new moon on the eighteenth to start orchestrating this. While there is a possibility that you could experience a breakup during this time, it is less likely because this is more often a time of union rather than separation.

This bodes well for single Aquarius as well, who could find someone with serious partner potential.

(February 19 - March 20)

PISCES With Mars, the planet of energy, activating your financial sector until early 2021, all Pisces are being taught a great deal about money (solar second house). On the positive side of things, this could bring you much more, especially if you are working hard and fighting for it. Contrarily, though, this may indicate that you are spending money and savings rapidly and can barely keep it within your grasp. If you need help, reach out to a financial adviser or accountant to guide your way.

August should be quite a busy month for the most part, except that the full moon on August 3 may demand you take a step back, rest, and relax.

This full moon emphasizes healing, privacy, and solitude (solar twelfth house). However, this may also signal that you’re working steadily behind the scenes on an important project that is not yet ready to see the light of day. Just be careful not to burn yourself out!

The sun and Mercury will energize your productivity sector throughout much of the month, though, so it’s likely you’re quite needed on the job (solar sixth house). If looking for work, the new moon on the eighteenth may signal that a hiring manager finally reaches out to you.

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