TAKE ME I’M FREEone8one.com

Talk to us about their participation in MEFCC, UAE pop culture and its future

Your Ideas in Print

Omar Butti and Saleh Al Braik

BATMAN Ten reasons why he is awesome

MIRANDA KERROur style crush of the month

GAMING There is more to games than you think

HOPSINOur exclusive interview with the rapper

FIGHTING FITOur latest shoot at the coolest gym

OUT AND ABOUTThe Rolling Stones and RedFest is all we’ve got to say

•Meet more major celebs & artists

•Buy exclusive merchandise, comics, games and loads of other cool stuff!

•Take part in art, costume and other competitions!

•Crazy main stage, fun fair & indoor kidszone

•PZm\a�\eZllb\�l\b&Û�fhob̂ l

•Enjoy great food outlets or the secret garden!

•Learn in panels & creative workshops

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3RD- 5TH APRIL- 2014

The 3rd AnnualMiddle East Film& Comic Con

DUBAI WORLDTRADE CENTRE

I am not a gamer. Many friends have tried, and tried, and failed to convert me. The only exception to this has been the only game I ever owned for my, now ancient, Gameboy Color: Super Mario Brothers Deluxe Edition. I cannot even count the hours I spent trying to rescue Princess Peach, guarded by the evil Bowser. I (proudly) completed every single level at least four times, and never bought another game, so much did I love good old Mario. Nothing else hasever compared.

However, some persuasive interns have managed to convince me that perhaps the time has come to give other games a second chance (p.10). I had initially been planning to attend MEFCC (p.34) as Yoshi, but maybe by this time next month I will have found a whole new gaming hero.

This month has been a thoroughly artistic one, and this issue is extra full of talented artists (p.38), film-makers, entrepreneurs (p.34), and musicians (p.12). We have been hard at work to discover the artiest spots in the country, from the fascinating Dubai Moving Images Museum (p.52) and Mawaheb art centre (p.50), to the cooler-than-cool Warehouse Gym, which was our location for this month’s fashion shoot (p.20).

We hope it gets you adequately into the spirit of all the fantastic art events coming up in the next few months (p. 5).

We’ll see you there!

SOFIA FERNANDEZ VYASEditoreditor@one8one.net

2up

Write to us at mysay@one8one.com and tell us what you think. All submissions must

include your name and contact details. Submissions may be edited for spelling

or length and may be published in any medium. All submissions become

property of one8one.

Tell us what you think!

In an article we recently published in Issue #22 of one8one, featuring artist Nouf Al Jadhami, we were provided with images to accompany the article. However, the images we were provided with are photographs of works created by Ana Sanchez and meshmonkey.deviantart.com, and so the work is incorrectly attributed to Nouf Al Jadhami. We apologise to both artists, and our readers, for this error.

www.one8one.com one8one.magazine one8onemagazine one8onemagazine

1 Editor’s Letter4-5 ’s up6-9 S’cool News10-11 Gaming12-13 Hopsin14 Album Reviews15 Hitlist16 The Rolling Stones Live in Abu Dhabi17 RedFest18-19 RedBull Air Race20-26 Fashion Shoot: Fighting Fit28 Fashion: One Top Three Ways29 Fashion: Smoky Eyes30-31 Style Crush: Miranda Kerr32 Men’s Grooming33 Mother's Day Gift Ideas34-37 Cover Story: Omar & Saleh38-39 Artist: Mo Abedin40-41 Gizmos & Gadgets42 In Cinema43 Movies44 Books46-47 Photography48-49 10 Reasons Why Batman50-51 Mawaheb52-53 Dubai Moving Image Museum54 Celebrate Your Nerdy Side56-57 The Cycle of Divorce58 OMG!60-61 Astrology62 Which Superhero Are You? 63 Brain Food

’s up

WhatWhenWhere

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March Meeting, SAF Art Spaces, Sharjah (Mar 13-16)

Rasheed Araeen: Before and After Minimalism, SAF Art Spaces, Sharjah

Taste of Dubai, DMC Amphitheatre, Dubai (Mar 13-15)

SIKKA, Bastakiya, Dubai (Mar 15-25)

Abu Dhabi International Triathlon, Yas Island, Dubai

Susan Hefuna: Another Place, Bait Al Serkal, Sharjah

Abdullah Al Saadi: Al-Toubay Exhibition, SAF Art Spaces, Sharjah (Feb 22-May 22)

SAF Young Artist Programme: Spring/SummerAdult Education Programme, SAF, Sharjah (Mar 29-Sep 6)

Earth Hour

Curator Murtaza Vali in Conversation with artist Wael Shawky Artist Talk, Al Serkal Avenue, Dubai

Design Days Dubai, Downtown Dubai, Dubai(Mar 17-21)

Abu Dhabi Festival, Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi (Mar 2-31)

Art Dubai, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai(Mar 19-22)

Dubai Festival of Lights by Emaar, Downtown Dubai, Dubai (Mar 20-29)Cavalia, DICEC, Dubai (Mar 20-29)

Emirates Airline Festival of Literature, Dubai Festival City, Dubai (Mar 4-8)

Abu Dhabi Fashion Days, ADNEC, Abu Dhabi (Mar 5-8)

Tel Al Sad Festival, Al Saad Area, Al Ain(Mar 3-7)

UAE National Race Day 2013-14 Series, Dubai Autodrome, Dubai

Dubai Lynx International Festival of Creativity, Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai (Mar 6-12)

WOW – World of Women Film Fair Middle East, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai

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AUD students create community focused app

A team of students at the American University in Dubai (AUD) have been working across departments to create and

promote an app focused on supporting government services. The AUD team came together to engage the local community,

and proposed a solution to improve the delivery of UAE Government Services. The app created, UAE SmartServ, aims

to reduce waiting times for government services offered across the nation.

Users of the application will be able to select a government service and view, on a map, the government office locations

that provide the selected service. The application will provide not only the driving time to each location but also the expected

waiting time in each location.

The app qualified as a finalist in the Best mGovernment Service Award, an initiative by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin

Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, in which he expresses his vision for “UAE

Government services to be delivered to the public through mobile phones.”

Skyline University's 14th Annual "Cross-Fire" Debate ChampionshipsSkyline University College held its fourteenth “Cross-Fire” debate championships last week. The topic up for debate was ‘Social Media and its effects: Boon or Bane?’ The lively, thought-provoking and varied debates covered everything from social media’s importance in spreading awareness of global issues, to its contribution to depression in young people.

Seven universities competed, with each university having to put forward teams to argue both for and against the motion. After three hours of fierce debate, American University of Sharjah came out on top as the overall winner, and BITS Pilani took the Runner-Up position.

The judging panel was made of up of Malavika Vardhan, Breakfast Show presenter of the popular radio station RJ-101.6 FM, and Lokesh Dharmani, RJ and Film Critic of the same station; one8one’s own editor, Sofia Vyas; Dr. Mary John, successful and renowned psychologist and, last but not least, Peter Davos, Founder and Managing Director of Carian College Advisors.

S’cool News 6

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700 Race around the BurjMore than 700 swimmers took part in Wild Wadi's Swim around Burj Al Arab on Friday 21st February, raising more than AED 200,000 for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The 12th annual charitable event saw Thomas Dalgarno and Gwen Van Beek win the 1600 meter competitive men's and women's races, respectively. 16 year old Dalgarno, from the UK, finished at 00:23:11, and Van Beek, from the Netherlands, finished at 00:23:47.

Families and friends of all ages and backgrounds enjoyed a leisurely 800 meter `open swim' around one of Dubai's iconic landmarks, with all proceeds from the event going toward MSF's humanitarian aid as well as the UAE Red Crescent Society.

“The community spirit, as well as the focus on fitness and fun, at Wild Wadi’s Swim around Burj Al Arab makes for a fantastic event, and we’re delighted to see a growing number of participants, which means more funds raised for those in need, every year,” said Chris Perry, general manager of Wild Wadi.

Jordanian Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research officially endorses ALHOSN UniALHOSN University in Abu Dhabi has announced that its

courses, qualifications and degrees have been recognised by the Jordanian Ministry of Higher Education and

Scientific Research. ALHOSN now joins the ranks of foreign universities recommended by the Ministry to Jordanians

studying outside of the country.

The announcement comes shortly after a January 2014 visit to ALHOSN University by delegates from the Jordanian

Commission for Accreditation, who explored ways to further strengthen ties between the two. Jordanians

currently account for a significant portion of ALHOSN’s student population.

ALHOSN University currently offers 18 undergraduate and 11 graduate programmes under the Faculties of

Engineering and Applied Sciences, Business, and Arts and Social Sciences. It recently received delegates from the Association of Arab Universities as part of its efforts to

foster stronger ties among the region’s educational institutions.

S’cool News 8

Scottish Highland GamesSpurring excitement, rushing about volunteers, three

eventful days and a great finale basically sums up the games. The Scottish Highland Games, conducted by Heriot Watt

University, Dubai, involved an exciting, and eventful, days of competitve sport between participating universities:

Canadian University of Dubai; Manipal University; University of Wollongong Dubai; Amity University Dubai, and Heriot Watt.

The teams kept up their enthusiasm throughout all three days, and the atmosphere was buzzing.

The first day started with a parade to represent the beginning of the games, and included each participating university.

Spectators could also visit the many games stalls, organised by the students, and a DJ constantly played upbeat tunes.

There were fun rounds of tug of war, a ram slam stand, soapy football and other interesting activities for all the students.

Emirati Students Become the Voice of Qasr Al Hosn FestivalA number of Emirati university and college students will be the voice of Abu Dhabi’s most important historic and cultural celebration – the Qasr Al Hosn Festival. Over 160 students will be on-site during the festival to ensure visitors gain the maximum experience during their visit. This will also be a learning experience for the students, as they will enhance their communication skills while they prepare to become Qasr Al Hosn Ambassadors.

The students will interact with the audience and introduce them to the festival’s public programme which includes an array of workshops, cultural activities and interactive learning experiences, as well as performing arts programmes including music, story-telling and poetry. The Ambassadors will support the curators, artisans and experts in running the workshops and activities, and provide additional guidance to the visitors.

The Ambassadors programme is vital in order to increase awareness, among Abu Dhabi’s young generations, of the history, traditions and culture of the Emirate, dating back to when Qasr Al Hosn became the first permanent structure in Abu Dhabi. The Ambassadors are selected from a number of Abu Dhabi’s main educational institutions, including: Higher Colleges of Technology; Al Hosn University; Emirates College of Advanced Education; Zayed University Abu Dhabi; Paris-Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi; Abu Dhabi University; UAE University, and Al Ain University of Science and Technology.

by Juhi Chaand

Renowned Architect conducts workshop at AUST

The Department of Architecture at the College of Engineering, hosted recently international architect Francine Houben MSc, FRAIC, FAIA, HonFRIBA (1955), creative director and founding

architect of Mecanoo Architects in Delft (The Netherlands), for a four day workshop. The theme of the workshop was “Designing

a Landmark for Ajman,” in which participants were invited to design a conceptual project to architecturally distinguish the city

of Ajman.

The participants proposed different designs for a public library, under the supervision of Francine Houben, to stand as an

epitome of the emirate's architectural excellence. These projects will be presented to Ajman Municipality and

Planning Department.

Peter Pan stars meet and greet fans at Al Noor and Dubai Autism Centre

Over the last week of February, Peter Pan the Never Ending Story, has been speading happiness around Dubai. Sandor Sturbl,

the Dutch actor who plays Peter Pan, and Lilly-Jane Young, the Scottish actress playing Wendy, appeared at Al Noor Centre to

meet and greet students. YAK Events and Al Noor have also given these children the opportunity to be an active part of the event:

students from the Centre will be taking on usher’s activities at the show, an initiative aiming to involve special needs students

in mainstream activities. The first performance of Peter Pan the Never Ending story will also go on show to 150 very special guest

students from Al Noor, and their parents.

The characters have also been meeting and greeting their fans at the Dubai Autism Centre and Canadian Specialist Hospital, as well as other schools around the city including: American School

of Dubai, Dubai British School, GEMS Kinder Garden Starters, Uptown School, Jumeirah Baccalaureate School, Raffles

World Academy, Greenfield Community School, Cambridge International School.

Visual Cultures Forum: Intercultural CalligraphyThe School of Architecture, Art and Design at the American University in Dubai (AUD) held the first ever intercultural calligraphy workshop and demonstration, organised in collaboration with the Consulate General of Japan in Dubai.

The workshop and presentation were led by Ms. Taki Kodaira, a modern Japanese Calligrapher based in Rome, and Mr. Tagelsir Hassan, a renowned Arabic Calligrapher and Typographer. Attendees included participants from Zayed University; the American University in Sharjah; Sharjah University; Khalifa University; the Consulate General of Japan, headed by the Consul General Mr. Daisuke Matsunaga and the Vice Consul Mr. Kentaro Niimi, as well as students and faculty members from AUD.

The occasion initiated a series of future events planned to promote interaction between Japanese and Arabic worlds of design. “It has been an honour and pleasure to work with Mr. Kentaro Niimi and Ms. Kathleen Sumalpong of the Consulate General of Japan in organising this event for the benefit of our students. My hope is that this event will be the first of many” commented Prof. Luis Castañeda, Associate Professor of Graphic Design at AUD.

The workshop introduced students to two different traditional design practices and their related aesthetic systems, and lead them towards an understanding of how history and cultural identity influence aspects of visual communication.

Gaming10

The Last of UsThis action-adventure survival game turned heads all over the globe. It has a story to die for, captivating scenery and the perfect soundtrack. In 2033, Joel sets out to escort young Ellie to a resistance group, the Fireflies, who believe Ellie may be the key to curing an infection that has ravaged the world. The game deals with themes of sacrifice, loyalty, fate and hope. The acting is phenomenal, and you will undoubtedly feel attached to the characters the moment you grab that controller. The Last Of Us won numerous “game of the year” awards and has a 10/10 IGN rating and is arguably the game of the century.

by omar ghanem

Gaming today has become a much more complex field than it has ever been, and something far more sophisticated than non-gamers perceive it. Just like any other field, gaming has undergone plenty of changes and has come a long way from the golden days of the simple - yet symbolic - Super Mario, in all aspects. Videogames today can be just as interesting and brilliant as books and movies. The industry is reaching its peak in quality of gaming content: unbelievable storylines; unpredictable plot twists; beautiful graphics; great gameplay, and a brilliant music score have become the only way a game can get a rating from critics anywhere above 5/10 and, believe me, a score like that won’t win you any game awards (yes, we also have game awards).

We’ve listed out a few games that we believe are Hollywood material - if not even better - that can change the way non-gamers look at gaming. Read on!

inFAMOUSWith a unique storyline and major twists in events, this journey through Empire City as a bike messenger turned superhero/supervillian has really set the benchmark for action-adventure games. You make choices which affect your karma level (Hero or Infamous), as well as how the story progresses and whether the people of Empire City stop to take your picture and cheer you on for being the ultimate hero, or throw things at you for being an imbecile villain – literally.

inFAMOUS has won multiple awards like “Best script” (IGN) and “Overall game of the year 2009” (Golden Game Awards) and received a 9.2/10 IGN rating.

BioShock 1 & 2 Never has a first-person shooter action game been so well rounded off with cool superpowers, awesome weaponry and a whole lot of water! Set in the aptly-named Rapture, an underwater city intended to be an isolated utopia, the backstory focuses upon the illusion of choice and free will. While it might seem the player is making a conscious decision, the society of Rapture is actually ordered around subtly by the phrase “would you kindly?”, providing an ingenious ending which will forever remain in all modern-day gaming memories. BioShock’s story is a brilliant ground platform for countless movie ideas, and it’s truly an experience nobody should miss. It has won multiple “Game of the Year” awards, and has received an IGN rating of 9.7/10.

We could go on forever but the fact remains that games of the past decade have become much more than just “games”. Grabbing that controller and starting a new game can sometimes be the most enjoyable and beneficial experience in a person’s

day. The player indulges on a whole new story and goes to great worlds with everything from games like Assassin’s Creed, which touches on the history of great civilisations, or Call of Duty’s iconic recreation of wars and battles from all over the

world, to even sport games like FIFA that allow you to live the life of a professional football player or manager. It is now an undeniable fact that gaming has truly

become an educational, eye-opening and (most importantly) absolutely fun method of entertainment with stories that would make brilliant blockbuster movies.

Scratch that, gaming has become an art that is scientifically proven to enhance your reflexes, improve problem solving skills and open your mind, regardless of

which game you’re playing.

Hopsin

“...I just pour my heart out and say whatever I feel,

and I study rap ”

To know more about Hopsin visit: myfunkvolume.com

Musician 13by Omar Ghanem

Marcus Hopson, best known as “Hopsin” is a self-made American rapper, record producer and director who has established his own record label from the ground up. He has managed to make quite the name for himself in the rap world through his youtube account, that has reached 150 million views, and his famous, trademark white contact lenses.

Hopsin’s struggle to fame is one to admire. The 28 year old refuses to sign for any other record label, or be a part of any big collaborations with other artists for the sake of money. With everything from public disputes, calling out mainstream rappers, and his fan-favorite “ill mind of Hopsin 5” single that has reached 30+ million views on youtube, “Hop” has been fighting in favour of clean and healthy lifestyles, contrary to the message of much popular, main stream hip-hop music, and has stated his frustration at its lack of content.

He is currently on tour to promote his newest album, Knock Madness that made it to the 6th position on the iTunes charts after its debut in late 2013, and we were thrilled to get hold of Hopsin and ask him a few questions!

Tell us more about how you started off and your struggle to make it our there. What inspired you to get into rap music?Well, I started rapping in 2001, just for fun, and then I started getting better at it so I started taking it more seriously. I got more persistent and I never gave up.

Did you ever have second thoughts? Did you ever just wake up and think about quitting?Yes, every day I think about quitting. I really do. I’d rather be skateboarding! But fame keeps calling me saying, “Hop, you gotta keep doing it!” and I keep going.

Your music’s got all sorts of varying emotions, styles and approaches to various topics, but your unique flow and brilliant lyrics are always present. How do you do it? How do you come up with this stuff?I just pour my heart out and say whatever I feel, and I study rap. I’ve been doing it for 14-15 years now and if you do it for that long you start to get good. I also listen to other types of rap to learn, and I listen to other genres of music as well - I like Papa Roach, Fall Out Boy, JB, MJ, Queen, R Kelly, Sisqo, Blink182, Christina Aguilera and Carrie Underwood.

Do you think the music industry needs more songs like “Nocturnal Rainbows” and the infamous “Ill mind of Hopsin 5”, today? What was going on in your mind when you wrote those two very powerful songs?Yes! The industry has songs like these, they just don’t play those songs on the mainstream outlets because it would make people smarter and start to question things. Just like the movie Planet of the Apes. The

apes got smarter and realised that they didn’t need cages!

When did you decide to start your own record label, “Funk Volume”? And what’s the secret behind your loyalty to it despite receiving other offers from multiple labels?There’s no secret, I went on a website, solidified a name and then just got a good team. That’s what it’s all about. We just made a plan and stuck to it. We always studied everything beforehand, we weren’t aiming to be just an underground label.

We always set goals for ourselves and we made sure we tackled them and made some type of progress.

How’s the tour for your latest album, Knock Madness, coming along? Any future plans to visit us over here in Dubai? It’s a beautiful city and we’ve got a few skateparks around!The shows have been great! No plans to go to Dubai yet, but hopefully someday soon.

Any final words for all your fans out here? Thanks for supporting me! I really appreciate it.

Album Reviews14

AM excels as one of the band’s best albums during a period of genre transition, to a point which emulates the classic Whatever People Say I Am. This installment is far more mellow than their past work, fitting into the live-lounge setting extremely well. Ultimately, the Arctic Monkeys succeed in something which 30 Seconds to Mars and Maximo Park have recently failed at.

The lyrics are still as insightful as ever: one must admire the sceptical songwriting which was present in ‘Ravey Ravey Ravey Club’. While Alex Turner’s voice is an acquired taste, most appreciate the transition from the roaring aural experience, to the easier, but by no means lazy, journey through all twelve songs.

It begins with a real “grower”, ‘Do I Wanna Know?’, which conveys the personality of the Sheffield-based group right from the title; a perfect start to a chilled forty-minute session. AM’s rocky aspect still prevails in the tracks ‘One For the Road’, ‘Arabella’ and ‘R U Mine?’ which contrast the smoother songs and put the listener on edge, but not to an unenjoyable degree.

Personal favourites ‘Mad Sounds’, ‘Fireside’ and ‘Knee Socks’ represent sheer ingenuity and creativity; the band clearly had a great time recording – even Matt Helders, who seems almost demoted from the rapid dexterity used for the drumming tracks of ‘I Bet That You Look Good on the Dancefloor’ and ‘Brainstorm’, seems to enjoy the rhythmic, almost sensual riffs incorporated. The choruses feature an acapella-esque repetitiveness which drills the lyrics home, forcing them to hear it again. The NME claims it is ‘the most incredible album of their career’, and many see no reason to argue.

Named after William Maxwell’s novel of the same name, Bombay Bicycle Club return with their fourth album: So Long,

See You Tomorrow. The album finds the rapidly evolving London quartet swimming blissfully into the warm waters of

internationally-flavoured electronic and dance music, with splashes of indie rock that the band are known for.

The band recorded and produced So Long, See You Tomorrow in their own studio between the years 2011 and 2013. Inspired by the around the world travels of frontman, Jack Steadman,

songs on the record break out of the monotonous and repetitive use of guitar and begin to utilise a wider range of

instruments. Jack Steadman views what may, on the surface, seem to be a new style, as a return to the music he produced

before forming the band.

Particularly in the first single, ‘Carry Me’, and the album opener, ‘Overdone’, the quartet explores their sonic expression

through a style that is newly aggressive and joyful. The rattling percussion of ‘It’s Alright Now’ and ‘Overdone’ are enough to send the listener into a state of euphoric ecstasy. There are,

however, the band’s signature frigid moments that instill feelings of melancholia and heartbreak as heard in

‘Eyes of You’.

So Long, See You Tomorrow has already earned the number one spot on the UK album charts just one week after release. This album is a great new direction for the band, who appear to be extremely comfortable with their new sound; arguably

their most exciting yet.

Arctic Monkeys AM

Bombay Bicycle Club So Long, See You Tomorrow

by Shehryar Haris

by Jacob Jowitt

On DVD

Apps

Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Toby Maguire

The Great Gatsby is a brilliant film and a must watch. An adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, midwesterner, Nick Carraway, is lured into the lavish world of his neighbour, Jay Gatsby. Soon enough, however, Carraway will see through the cracks of Gatsby’s nouveau-riche existence, where obsession, madness, and tragedy await. Winner of two Academy Awards including Best Production Design and Best Costume Design, the film is as visually stunning as it is entertaining.

Cast: Banksy, Thierry Guetta, Shepard Fairey

Banksy: a world renowned, notorious graffiti artist with fiercely guarded anonymity. His work appears everywhere, across the globe. An eccentric French shop keeper, Thierry, sets out to locate and befriend Banksy, and attempt to capture him on film. Bansky described it as: “the story of how one man set out to film the un-filmable. And failed.” An interesting and unexpected watch.

Cast: Lee Pace, Catinca Untaru, Justine Waddel

Set in LA, 1915, stunt man Roy Walker is hospitalised and possibly paralysed. Roy meets a young girl with a broken arm and they strike up a friendship in which Roy recounts tales of adventure and, in return, the girl brings him medication to manage his pain. The movie is an amazing cinematic experience; shot in over 20 locations, the scenery is mesmerising and nothing short of incredible.

The Great Gatsby Exit Through the Gift Shop

The Fall

1. Happy Pharrell Williams

2. Dark Horse Katy Perry ft. Juicy J

3. Talk Dirty Jason Derulo ft. 2 Chainz

4. All Of Me John Legend

5. Drunk In Love Beyoncé ft Jay Z

6. Pompeii Bastille

7. Team Lorde

8. Say Something A Great Big World & Christina Aguilera

9. Counting Stars OneRepublic

10. Timber Pitbull ft. Ke$ha

KoboKobo will surely be any bookworm’s best friend. It enables you to read any book online and has over four million eBooks to choose from, including best sellers. It is very easy to use due to its very simple layout, and the app itself is free to download, but access to books must be purchased. We are sure you won’t regret it. Apple, Android and Blackberry 10

Boson XAs captivating as it is gorgeous, it provides a steep, yet manageable, learning curve for those who seek a challenge in their mobile gaming. Set in landscape mode, it utilises the full peripheral field of your device’s display. Using a three-touch system, the player jumps from moving floors collecting DNA to progress to the next level. For a small fee you can play the particle-collecting, platform-scaling, game on iOS, Android and online.

Hitlist15Music

by conel van zyl

by Jacob Jowitt & Shams el Mutwalli

The Rolling StonesLive in Abu Dhabi16

Legendary British rock band The Rolling Stones formed in 1962 and have since been considered music royalty for their classic rock anthems such as, ‘Paint it Black’ and ‘Sympathy for the Devil’, as well as their recent (and equally brilliant) tunes such as the 2013 song ‘Doom and Gloom’.

by Serena Umer

Consisting of frontman Mick Jagger; guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood; and drummer, Charlie Watts, The Rolling Stones brought the stage to life with light and sound, opening to raucous applause with their classic hit ‘Start me Up’. This, of course, got everything really "Starting Up" and the crowd went wild with excitement. They played a stellar two hour set playing tracks like ‘Emotional Rescue’; ‘Tumbling Dice’; ‘Miss You’; ‘You Got Me Rockin’, and ‘Slipping Away’. They even included the track ‘Angie’ and managed to make the approximately 30,000 capacity of Yas Island’s du Arena seem 10 times smaller. The slow, beautiful, piano driven song made it feel like the band was playing at an intimate venue; dragging out the bridge so the vibe could resonate through our ears. Highlights of the show included ‘Midnight Rambler’ during which the former Rolling Stones guitarist, Mick Taylor, led the crowd on a guitar-driven journey filled with the wonders of guitar feedback, improv solos, and sweet melodies. ‘Gimme Shelter’ played at the crowd’s request following an online poll taken recently. The Stones ended with ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ and it was evident how enraptured the audience was as they erupted into applause and chanted for an encore. They obliged with ‘Sympathy for the Devil’ and ‘Brown Sugar’. Our collective excitement was like electricity in the air as we screamed for more, and they weren’t done yet, as they came back for a second resounding encore of ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’, alongside the Al Khubairat Singers, and ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ with Mick Taylor – launching into it with the intent of blowing the roof off the arena. The entire set was breathtaking. They played most of the songs I wanted to hear and every song sounded better than on their respective albums. The Rolling Stones possessed an incredible energy on stage, even after playing worldwide for almost fifty years.

“Mick Taylor led the crowd on a guitar-driven journey filled with

the wonders of guitar feedback, improv solos, and sweet melodies”

by megan lacey

Spanning two days, Dubai’s first REDFEST DXB was held on the 13th and 14th of February. Although pop sensation Ke$ha did not make the event, Jessie J was

on hand to perform in her place and wowed audiences with not only her music, but spectacular audience interaction. Esther Eden Fernandes’ song ‘Is This

Love?’ impressed Jessie J so much during her visit to Al Diyafah High School that Fernandes was able to perform onstage during the concert. She also got two

others to dance! It was certainly an entertaining and eventful set.

On the first night, a set of all-British performers took to the stage: Conor Maynard, Tinie Tempah, Jessie J and Marvin Humes. Conor Maynard started the first night

off with his lively set, performing his greatest hits ‘R U Crazy’ and ‘Vegas Girl’. Tinie Tempah followed with his energetic dancing and awesome singing. There

was a lot of jumping and chanting involved in his act and, if not for the adrenaline, I am sure the audience would have been drained from the experience.

The second day kicked off with a slightly more relaxed and chilled atmosphere. This didn’t last long as Rita Ora soon took to the stage with her powerful reggae,

R&B and hip hop beats, filling the amphitheatre with a party vibe. John Newman was next up with his highly emotional tunes and erratic dance moves. He sang

the highly popular records that he features on with Rudimental as well as some of his own successful hits: ‘Not Giving In’, ‘Feel the Love’, and the recently popular

‘Love Me Again’. Neyla Pekarek, of headliners The Lumineers (the only act from the USA), stunned the crowd with her beautiful singing voice and cello playing.

The band performed a wide range of their folk-rock songs including massive hits ‘Ho Hey’ and ‘Flowers in Your Hair’. To round the night off, A-YO performed a DJ set of music from past to present; animatic British Radio presenter Zane Lowe

and English music producer Mark Ronson combined forces and were thoroughly entertaining.

Overall, the event was a huge success and the Virgin Radio team did a remarkable job of amusing the festival-goers during the breaks. Hopefully, the event will

repeated again and again throughout the years to come.

RedFest

“Esther Eden Fernandes’ song ‘Is This Love?’ impressed Jessie J so much during her visit to Al Diyafah High School that Fernandes was able to perform onstage during the concert”

A tight finish had spectators on the edge of their seat, with only 0.3 seconds difference between the first winner, Paul Bonhomme, and Hannes Arch who came in second. Third place in this exciting race was Pete McLeod, one of the youngest pilots to compete in the air races, and the first Canadian to participate.

The G-force felt by pilots in such high-speed air races forces blood circulation to be pulled down, and makes pilots feel as if they are being hit by a small car. The pressure feels like a sledgehammer, a pilot's weight increases tenfold and makes an immense pressure appear at the chest. In order to repel the G-force, Autoflug has designed a suit: the G-suit is designed to build up counter pressure and relieve 1.5 G, which doesn't seem much but helps significantly in reducing fatigue. The way it works is that it has 'fluid muscles' which are water filled drains going over the most impacted area of the pilot.

The race involves a number of stages and manoeuvres. These include flying 15 meters off the ground through pylons; flying horizontally through air gates marked in red and yellow, and slalom flying through marked chicanes. Lasers at the start and finish line measure the time down to the millisecond.

After the race ,we asked Bonhomme about how it feels to be a Winning Champion three years in a row, to which he replied, "You're just trying not to make a mistake, once you have a penalty you're behind".

writing by Aaricia van Ommenphotos by angeli castillo

RedBull Air Race 18

March 1st was the last day of the Abu Dhabi based RedBull Air Races, and

the organisers pulled off quite a show. There were sky divers, air shows and, of

course, the main event - the air races themselves.

Three Top Winners:Paul Bonhomme - Britain (0:56:439) WC three years in a row (close)

Hannes Arch - Austria (0:56:776) 2nd three years in a row (close)

Pete McLeod - Canada (0:57:057) 3rd for the first time (previous scores, 5th and 15th)

Fighting Fit

Stylist/Hommam ArbiPhotographer/Eddy Adlan

Location/The Warehouse Gym

Lamis wearsTrenchcoat/ H&MDress/ LacosteSandals/ River Island

Will Davids wearsTop, Shorts, Jacket, Sneakers/ Lacoste

Lamis wearsTop, Shorts/ H&MSneakers/ Lacoste

Will Davids wearsTop, Pants/ AéropostaleSneakers/ Lacoste

Will Davids wearsJumper, Shorts, Sneakers/ River Island

Natasha Northcote wearsTop, skirt, kimono/ TopshopShoes/ River Island Lamis wearsJacket, Top, Pants, Sneakers/ H&M

Will Davids wearsTank top, Shorts, Sneakers/ River Island

Lamis wearsTop, Playsuit/ H&MSneakers/ Lacoste

Will Davids wearsTop, Shorts, Jacket, Sneakers/ Lacoste

by hommam arbi

One Top Three Ways28 The cropped top is a versatile piece and

remains a key shape for this season, unveiled by designers such as Rag & Bone,

Proenza Schouler, 3.1 Philip Lim, DKNY, and Tommy Hilfiger. T-shirts, shirts and knits have all been cropped up and styled with

everything from jeans and leather shorts to flared and maxi skirts.

Zara, AED 155

Mango, AED 149

Stradivarius, AED 75

Zara, AED 145

Sketchers, AED380 at namshi.com

Bershka, AED325Steve Madden, AED477

Jill Stuart, S/S’14

Topshop, £ 39H&M, AED 99

H&M, AED 129

Whether your attending a party, dinner or goting on a night-out with the girls, creating a

smoky eye will compliment any look and add a sophisticated, dramatic touch. Perfected on

the runway by Pat McGrath and spotted on the red carpet A-listers, smoky eyes will never be out of trend, so master the look with these

products and tools.

Bobbi Brown Smoky Eye Mascara, AED 163

Bobbi Brown Eyelash Curler, AED 115

H&M 5-pack Eyeshadows, AED 29

M.A.C Carbon Eyeshadow, AED 95

YSL Eye Pencil, AED 129

Maybelline Gel Liner, AED 47

Smoky Eyes

Style Crush:Miranda Kerr32by hommam arbi

Ideal gifts for him this season.

Redder

Model and street style muse Miranda Kerr always turns heads on and off the runway with her sophisticated, effortless style.

Spotted on the streets of NYC in a white Stella McCartney top, with embellished neckline; printed silk Ellery pants; a 3.1 Philip Lim satchel and erogenous cobalt blue Manolo Blahnik heels. Miranda finished her look with Stella McCartney shades for a simple day-to-day look that can take you from meetings and business lunches to after-work dinners.

Day

Zara, AED 175

Kurt Geiger, AED 490

Mango, AED 269

H&M, AED 49

H&M, AED 129

For day, night, or events, Miranda is always ready to steal the light. Here she looks stunning in a baby-pink Hervé Léger body-con dress, paired with coral pumps. Owning the look with her golden curls and glossy fuschia lips.

Going out at night doesn’t always mean over dressing. Miranda keeps it simple in a fitted, dark blue high-waist jean; a V-neck blouse; over the knee Stuart Weitzman leather boots, and a matching Lanvin bag - adding a touch of drama with her bold red lips.

Glam Hour Night

Topshop, AED 235

Pull & Bear, AED 35

River Island, AED 175

Stradivarius, AED 295

Zara, AED 175Topshop, AED 295

H&M, AED 26

River Island, AED 300

by hommam arbi

30 Men’sGrooming

One trend that has been spotted more and more on the runways and streets is the beard. Many people, such as fashion 'It Man' and Fashion Director of Neiman Marcus, Nick Wooster, and models on the runways of New York and Paris have been seen sporting the bearded look this season.

The beard has definitely made a comeback but, if you’re looking to grow out your

facial locks, make sure you’re prepared for the upkeep. It takes dedication and a

regimented routine to properly maintain a beard. Without this, your barb can turn

from well-coifed and suave to unkempt and disastrous.

We’ve spoken to Mohammed Jbara at 1847, Dubai’s first dedicated lounge for men's

grooming services in the Middle East, about tips and tricks to maintain a fresh

and well groomed beard. Fellas, take note!

∞ Just like your hair, you need to make sure you wash your beard regularly

and properly.

∞ Many men make the mistake of using regular soap for their beards. This dries it

out and leads to frayed edges. Make sure you use shampoo and conditioner when

washing your beard.

∞ No matter how long you grow your beard, you should trim it once every two weeks to

keep it healthy while avoiding split ends and an overall unkempt look.

∞ If you choose to shave around the edges

of your beard, prep with a cleansing hot towel to open up your pores.

∞ Apply a pre-shave oil before shaving to soften your skin.

∞ Use a good shaving gel that will work with your skin type.

∞ Always make sure to shave with the grain of your hair. Shaving against the grain can

cause irritation and ingrown hairs.

∞ Finish with a hydrating and moisturising aftershave balm to calm your skin.

Tips

Ryan Gosling

Jesse Metcalfe

Ian Somerhalder

Adam Levine

1847 is located at : Emirates Towers Boulevard, The Walk at JBR, Grosvenor

House Hotel , Mirdif City Centre and City Walk.

Mother's Day Gift Ideas 35

The White Company has an amazing selection of room sprays. The Wild Mint Spray is genuinely to die for, we dare you to try it and not love it. We are also partial to Orange Grove .

AED 95 each from thewhitecompany.com

Or, if your mother is crazy about candles, Bloomingdales have a wonderful selection of these 3-wick Tin candles.

Voluspa 3-wick Tin Candle, AED 113, Bloomingdales.

Alternatively, for the perfect pampering gift to pop in any bag or purse, go for the Shea Rose Heart Hand Cream from L’Occitane. For smooth hands on the move, it’s one of our favourites.

Shea Rose Heart Hand Cream AED 45 for 30ml and AED 95 for 75ml, L’Occitane.

For the mother who loves a good cuppa, we think morning tea and coffee is made ten times more enjoyable with these lovely mugs from D. Tales.

AED 89 each, D. Tales.

This year, we are on a mission to make sure no mother goes without the perfect gift. Whether she loves pampering; goes crazy for candles; has an extensive mug collection or is a complete foodie, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re looking for a gift just that little bit extra special, book your mother into SensAsia Spa for one of their specially tailored treatments. Their ‘Adore Mums’ treatment – an Eve Lom ultimate cleanse facial - is AED 399 for 60 minutes and available throughout March.

Finally, if gifts aren’t quite your thing, make it a really special occasion and get together with your siblings to take your mother out for a delicious four course meal at BiCe, Souk Al Bahar. The dinner comes inclusive of drinks upon arrival and the lovely touch of a special gift for each mother. Their four-course, Mother’s Day set menu is available throughout March for AED 450 pp.

“P.S. If you are American you have until May, but don’t say

we didn’t warn you"

Omar & Saleh

Cover Story 35

You’re both special guests for this year’s MEFCC, what do you think an event like this means for fellow artists in the region? Saleh: I remember, at the very start of MEFCC, my excitement and also worry for something of this magnitude to come to the region. We have crazy talents, and local artists waiting for the world to see what they can do but, as Emiratis, we are more conservative and relatively new to the world of Comics and so on. Whether this event would bring out those aspiring artists was to be tested. I can proudly say that, because of MEFCC, I have seen such an incredible turnout of talented artists calling this region their home.

Omar: We’re still a very young industry, whether you’re talking art, music, film, comics - whatever, really. There’s still not much of a market, and not many venues to showcase your work, so any event that allows creative works to be seen and celebrated is a wonderful thing. MEFCC gave me the chance for Black/White, a silly martial arts movie I made, to be seen by a wide audience, which is awesome.

What are the respective difficulties or challenges of launching a career as an artist or film maker in the region? Saleh: Launching a creative career in this region is still very tough because of the industry being born not too long ago. I believe that it will take some time until we see massive changes in this field. That is why I’ve created Think Up, a PR Agency set on showcasing local talent on an international stage and, hopefully, teaching them that one day their dream will become their reality.

Omar: The challenge is that of the market and of financial returns. Speaking as a filmmaker we have lots of talented individuals, both locally and across the region, but outside of film festivals there are

Each year, MEFCC brings together the best of local, regional and international talent, creating a diverse pop culture community; the biggest and best in the Middle East. This year, moving to the World Trade Centre, ‘The Con’ promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

Saleh Al Braik, founder of Think Up, and Omar Butti, Dubai One presenter as well as film maker, will be two of the regional guests at this year’s Comic Con. They gave us their take on the unique event; the developing art scene of the UAE, and more.

very limited places to showcase your work. And if you are lucky enough to get a film in the theaters you have to compete with Hollywood and Bollywood films.

We’re making a start, but there’s still a long way to go.

With that said, how do you see the art scene developing with the future generations across the region, over the next few years?

Omar: At the moment I believe it’s about passion over monetary returns. I’d say we’ve got at least ten years before filmmaking becomes financially feasible

in the Gulf. Other industries, like fine arts, are farther ahead, but the community will be driven by very passionate individuals who do it for the

love of the craft above all else. Luckily there are a lot of us out there.

Saleh: With this day and age, with technology and media growing so fast, I see the next generations creating careers that we have never

seen. Who knew back in the previous generation that we would have illustrators and graphic designers with such a huge place in the

market? Watch as technology and art combine to change our lives forever.

Coming back to MEFCC, what are you most looking forward

to in the event?Saleh: The vibe – it’s unlike any other event that I’ve been to previously

or any event I see coming in the near future. It’s just a completely positive atmosphere and I’m even more excited that they have added an

extra day to it!

Omar: I’m excited about which future collaborators I’ll meet this year. MEFCC is an event which brings together geeks, creatives, and those

unafraid to be a little different. It’s the kind of event where you meet like-minded individuals, form new collaborations, and plan your projects of

the future. It’s the kind of event where communities are born.

How do you think people can benefit the most from this unique experience?

Saleh: It is a great networking event. Yes, MEFCC is all about fun and the love for creativity but don’t forget that this is a great opportunity for you,

as an artist, to meet international artists, producers, authors, and film makers. These individuals could be the step you need to go from

local to global.

Omar: I think we’ve got a thriving geek culture here, but it’s often kept to the majlises, behind closed doors. MEFCC is a place where you can dress

up as Batman, Captain Majid, or Naruto and be welcomed as a brother. And how cool is that?

Since we’re just a few steps away from MEFCC now, we are wondering: what were your favourite comic superheroes growing up over here? And

how did the cartoon/manga/animation/film world affect yours?Saleh: X-Men. For everyone who ever felt like they didn’t fit in, they made

you realise that you were special and unique. People not understanding you doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t love and embrace who you are. What

makes you different makes you special. Yes it sounds cliché, but sometimes we all need a little cliché in our lives.

Omar: We don’t really have local superheroes here, not yet, and superheroes are so important to a culture, they’re our modern myths.

But for me growing up I only had Western characters and I was all about Batman and Spiderman. Batman because he’s human and frail

and, even outside of his billions of dollars, he’s a testament to what a person can accomplish with a cause and determination. And

Spiderman because he makes mistakes all the time like we all do, but rises above them. And webshooters are pretty darn cool...

writing by conel van zylphotos by Eddy adlan

Follow Omar Butti on twitter @OmarButti Follow Saleh Al Braik on twitter @fearlessinDubaiFor more info on Middle East Film and Comic Con log in:www.mefcc.com and follow on twitter @MEFCC

“I’d say we’ve got at least ten years before filmmaking becomes financially feasible

in the Gulf”

Known for his popular Foo Dog brand, Emirati Artist Mo Abedin will be a regional guest at this year’s MEFCC, and he sat down with our intern, Conél, to chat about it. He will be showcasing some of his newest work in toy design as well as his latest project, which he cannot reveal just yet...

Mo Abedin

So tell us a bit about your work.Well, I’m a designer so I do a lot of toy design. I’m a conceptual artist as well and I also do other product design. At Comic Con, I usually showcase toy design.

Coming back to MEFCC, what are you mostly looking forward to in the event?I’m looking forward to a lot of new content that a lot companies will be releasing, and to a bigger community - I mean, every year it’s been increasing. The first year it exploded, there were a lot of people, and the second year was even bigger, so I’m even more excited to see how it’s going to be this year. A lot of people fly in and it’s just really nice to have like-minded people at the event, so I’m looking forward to the bigger turn out. I’m looking forward to releasing my own stuff at the Con this year, as well as the stuff that other people will be releasing. So, I’m looking forward to a lot of things!

What will you be showcasing this year at MEFCC?I’ll be releasing a new project, which I can’t talk about just yet, but I’ll be doing what I did last year with the toys, and I’ll be working with a new artist to customise Mega.

Your Foo Dog brand is really popular, what inspired it?There was something lacking from the art scene in the UAE. In other art scenes, internationally - like the US market; the British market; the Japanese market - they all had some social median of expression, and they didn’t have one here. Their platform was mainly designer toys, so I created my own designer toy and brought it here so that I could collaborate with other local artists and export their creative ideas through the toy, which has been successful. I’ve worked with over 400 artist in the UAE and there are over a 1000 customized toys already.

Because all my events are collaborative - there are up to 200 artists every time - it helps build a community in the UAE and it helps artists get to know each other, and they create spin off projects. So that’s one thing I wanted artists to do: be more active with a new platform rather than just canvases.

MEFCC is obviously a fantastic way of introducing pop culture to the people of Dubai in a different way, but how do you think people over here could benefit the most from the unique experience?Well it depends. You can benefit as an exhibitor by getting your work out - having a booth is a really good way to advertise yourself and get your product out in the market. As a consumer, it’s really cool to go and see all the new stuff, it’s like nothing else: all the new games that are coming out; previews of new movies; meeting celebrities; meeting artists and famous people in the industries. It’s a really rich and fulfilling experience, especially when you walk out of Comic Con and you think “Oh I just did something I wanted to do all my life” or “I’m about to meet this person”. It’s very fulfilling, very rich in content and possibilities. Comic Con, is quite unique.

“I wanted artists to be more active with a new platform rather than just canvases ”

writing by conel van zyl photo by Eddy Adlan

To get more info on Mo Abedin and his work go on:https://www.facebook.com/thefoodog

Gizmos &Gadgets38

iPhone 5s

by shehryar haris

In a time where the cellphone market is saturated by business giants like Apple, Samsung and HTC, we seldom see the emergence of newcomers . While this

product is by no means on any smartphone junkie’s “must buy” list, there is a certain appeal to those who have a constricted budget, and that is exactly why

Nokia released the ‘Asha’ range of budget smartphones.

Despite being relatively small (102.6mm x 60.6mm, with a 3” display), the phone weighs a decent 111.4 grams. Although slightly uncomfortable to hold, the Asha

503 boasts a Gorilla Glass screen making it extremely durable. Like many of Nokia’s products, this phone is indestructible, despite feeling fragile. Sadly, the

gloss finish was not attractive to anything but fingerprints.

With regards to battery life, this one is a winner. On standby with the dual SIM, you can expect the battery to last approximately 20 days. Furthermore, the phone

has a maximum talk time of 12 hours on 2G. For the music lovers, the phone can withstand 35.8 hours worth of music playback.

Unfortunately, the Asha 503 is let down by its camera. With a Fixed-Focus Lens and a mere 5 megapixels, we are not going to see any images captured by

this phone in the next issue of National Geographic. Also, the UI is clunky and tiresome to use, making it a burden to navigate between apps. A redeeming

quality of the Asha 503 is the fact that the phone has the ability to hold two SIMs. This feature makes it attractive to those who commute between two countries.

Nokia’s Asha 503 Dual SIM is not for the faint of heart. By no means is it going to take the market by storm. It is hindered by what it will do, aiming to provide

individuals with a limited budget phone that has the ability to simply perform the basic functions expected from all phones in this day and age.

" While this product is by no means on any smartphone junkie’s “must buy” list, there is a certain appeal to those who have a constricted budget ”

Nokia Asha 503

“The stereo speakers are placed at the sides of the device, so, instead of blasting your music into your lap or unsuspecting table tops, the sound reaches your ears unmuffled”

A solid tablet with few bells and whistles, the Acer Iconia a3 is a great budget device in a bigger size than

expected. Powered by a 1.2GHz quad core processor, the tablet hummed along with very few hiccups

despite only having 1GB of RAM. The relatively low resolution 10.1” 1280x800 IPS LCD screen is housed in a white plastic sheet bearing silver Acer insignia; it isn’t as slim as most of the competition, but didn’t feel too cumbersome either. The screen was not the

sharpest but wasn’t intolerable and colours were realistic.

The tablet includes a micro HDML port, micro SD slot and earphone jack, but NFC was a noticeable omission

with the technology gaining traction with android beam and BBM. Tablet cameras are never really

brilliant and the A3 doesn’t do anything to change that. The 5 megapixel sensor produced grainy pictures that

were nowhere close to Instagram worthy.

The stereo speakers are thankfully placed at the sides of the device, so, instead of blasting your music into

your lap or unsuspecting table tops, the sound reaches your ears unmuffled (depending on how you hold the

tablet). Acer has included some Dolby Audio tweaks and the results are better than I expected. It replicates

5.1 surround sound even without earphones; while it obviously wouldn’t be possible to recreate body-

shaking bass, it has one of the best tablet speakers.

The software was left unhindered. This is pure Android with no skins or ill-fitting alterations. It does include

some welcome additions, such as the previously mentioned Dolby Audio tweaks, five finger touch to

unlock the device and “intellispin” which changes the screen orientation when the tablet is rotated, even

on a flat surface. It does, however, run Jelly Bean (aka android 4.3) with newer devices chomping KitKat now.

The A3 is a reliable device with no gimmicky, unnecessary features that you’ll never use. Neither

does it have an obscenely powerful processor you couldn’t possibly push to its limits. It’s a basic and

functional 10 inch tab with 7 inch value.

Acer Iconia A3

by Kaylon Matthew craig Koeries

In Cinema40

Starring: Tom Hiddleston, Christoph Waltz, Salma Hayek, Danny Trejo, Ty Burrell

Muppets Most Wanted is a sequel to 2011’s The Muppets. The movie takes the gang on a grand world tour, but trouble follows them abroad. They find themselves entangled in an international heist involving the world’s number one criminal and his sidekick.

Muppets Most Wanted

Starring: Lena Headey, Eva Green, Rodrigo Santoro, Jack O’Connell

300: Rise of an Empire is a follow-up to the 2007 film 300. After the Persian army’s victory over Leonidas’ 300, Xerxes, the vengeful commander, leads his army towards the Greek city. There he is met with a charge led by Greek general Thermistokles. The story takes place before, during and after the events of 300.

300: Rise of an Empire

by Natasha Aguiar

Starring: Aaron Paul, Dakota Johnson, Imogen Poots

The story chronicles a near-impossible cross-country journey. It begins as a mission of revenge, but proves to be one of redemption for hero Tobey Marshall (Aaron Paul). Marshall is set up by his partner, Dino and arrested for a crime he didn’t commit. Marshall is released two years later, set on revenge and taking Dino down. Marshall dodges cops and contends with the dangerous bounty Dino has put on his car in this high-octane, action-packed film.

Starring: Ty Burrell, Max Charles, Lauri Fraser

Mr Peabody and Sherman travel through time and experience some of the world’s most important historical moments with the WABAC machine – an ingenious invention they are invited to try out. They realise too late that their travels have created a disaster in time and must race to put things back the way they were and save the future before it is destroyed.

Starring: Theo James, Kate Winslet, Jai Courtney

Taking place in the near future, in a world that is divided by factions based on virtues, one test decides your fate. During the test Tris discovers that she is ‘Divergent’, meaning she can fit into different factions but also that she won’t fit in anywhere. She discovers a plot to destroy all Divergents and with the help of a faction member, Four, she must unravel the plot before it’s too late.

Need For Speed Mr. Peabody & Sherman

Divergent

It’s true: everything is awesome in The Lego Movie, and you’ll be literally singing its praises out of the cinema. Children sit fascinated by the world of Lego, right down to the water, foliage and explosions, while the adults giggle at the satirical undertones of this rather scathing journey through systematic life. Contrary to popular expectation, this film does not rely on nostalgic value and, while there is plenty of that to be had, the storyline is legitimately strong and compelling.

Chris Pratt provides a fitting voice to everyman-turned-hero Emmet who goes from meticulously following ‘the instructions’ to venturing through the world’s realms, forming an allegiance with Batman (Will Arnett) and the comically inept Green Lantern (Jonah Hill). Lucy, voiced by Elizabeth Banks, is the edgy half-heroine, half-love interest with a wild style who provides an aspect uncommon to the modern thriller genre - an unpredictable female.

Older viewers can chuckle at the evil President Business (Will Ferrell), brainwashing media and attitudes to Liberal political thinking, which undoubtedly rush over the young heads. The sardonic allegory is very insightful, and goes beyond the subject of a film based upon a classic childhood toy.

That’s this movie in a phrase: it goes far above and beyond anything one could have expected. The stop-motion aesthetic is appealing within its own right, but the personalities which inhabit it, as well as the underlying themes for older demographics, really play upon the heartstrings of the audience - right through to a telling moral which proves a fitting end to an emotional story.

3 Days to Kill is director Joseph McGinty Nichol’s fast-paced action film. This movie revolves around the protagonist

Ethan Renner (Kevin Costner) facing off against mobs of thugs and muscular goons - not to rescue his family, but instead to prove himself to them. As a former CIA agent

diagnosed with an incurable form of terminal cancer, he is coaxed out of retirement by the CIA for the archetypal ‘One

Last Job’. In exchange, the CIA will give him an experimental drug that could potentially save his life.

Costner does play his character well, despite the overdone feel of the storyline, again proving, and reinforcing, that

he is a great actor and not one to be brought down by a mediocre film. However, Costner, unfortunately, wasn’t great

enough to save the film. As a whole, it doesn’t quite step up to the mark and was lukewarm as compared to your average

action-thriller. The ‘family man’ dramatics are a little cliché and tired. Of course, the film has the expected occasional

pyrotechnics and ill-fated luxury cars, but, essentially, it’s one of those films to watch when you have to two hours to

kill, and you won’t be rushing out for the DVD.

The Lego Movie

3 Days to Kill

by jacob Jowitt

by Hamzah Shahid

Movies 41

A lot has been written about this book recently, and the reason is clear. The Fault in Our Stars is not only another

extraordinary piece written by John Green, it perfectly encapsulates the beauty of human beings.

When we go through any disaster or tragic event we

always tend to laugh it out, push ourselves to the limit and fight; that’s The Fault in Our Stars. It makes us

remember the un-forgettable, unique people in our world who suffer from cancer. Not only does it make us feel more empathy for them, and encourage us to help

them, but it also allows us to enter their world and go through their harrowing fight.

The book is so original that you’re almost disappointed

that it’s not true. It tells us about two teenage cancer victims, Hazel and Augustus, who are good friends. Both of them are so ordinary and full of humour that it makes

you want to have a book or film which is just an endless conversation between the two. You will wish there could

be more Hazel and Augustus in our world. This book is breathtaking, heartbreaking and simply beautiful. You

will fall in love with it.

The Fault in Our Stars Author: John Green

by Rana Eltanbadawy

Any individual who has read 1984 or Animal Farm can bear witness and say that Orwell is among other things. He is a master of disgust: a writer that can beautify the squalor and poverty that plagued Paris in the 1920s. He possesses the ability to describe a man with just enough detail to make readers twitch with displeasure, as their stomachs rise into their throats with revulsion. Without question, the very name ‘George Orwell’ on the cover certifies that the book is a piece of art.

Partly autobiographical, Orwell narrates his experience in Parisian slums and London’s Salvation Army shelters. He depicts the conditions of those living beneath the underbelly of society and the strategies they utilise to endure the harsh life of a tramp in a major city. It is truly amazing how Orwell's mundane and monotonous experiences are fashioned into something captivating: his job at as a waiter at a hotel or the description of a night spent next to a malodorous tramp. Not a single point of the book makes you consider placing it down.

Interestingly, Orwell never once demeans or dismisses the human beings he encounters. The people he depicts may be rancid, but they are often helpful and kind natured. Orwell makes it clear that the economic system, not the people, is to blame for the social decay and suffering.

Orwell’s is one of the greatest accounts of the slum life ever penned. A human face is placed upon the tramps we encounter in the book, forcing us to realise how poverty is a very real and serious problem, one which continues to exist to this day.

Down and Out in Paris and London Author: George Orwell

by Shehryar Haris

Books44

Photography46

Mustafa Sami

Want to see your photography in print? Submit your art atwww.one8one.com We’d love to share your talent.

Vivek Raigaga

Sumbal Khawar Aiza Ahmed

Laraib Saeed

No matter how old you are, you will have some memory or other of the caped crusader running around Gotham City stopping

crime. He’s a character so embedded into our collective subconscious that you can certainly not get through a week

without coming across one of his exploits in one way or another.

From iconic comics to blockbuster movies, TV shows and even his ingenious Arkham video-game sequel, Batman is definitely

history’s most commercially successful superhero of all time. Nevertheless, commercial success does not always guarantee

greatness, so here are 10 reasons why the Dark Knight is the greatest of all-time...

“Nanananana, Batman!”

Although many of the comic world superheroes were merely human until they

stumbled upon some sort of radioactive spider, Batman

is merely a man. He can neither fly nor feel super-strength, but he manages

to reach the pinnacle of his potential. He can get beaten

and end up with a broken back - and he doesn’t just

heal out of nowhere. It takes Bruce Wayne ages to get back

up on his feet to fight crime (although it takes Christian Bale just a couple of scenes

in the movie). This relatable feeling of vulnerability, and

his admirable perseverance, is what makes everyone love (or

at least not hate) Batman.

Simple yet symbolic, the Batman symbol is one of the most recognisable on Earth,

in fiction or otherwise (second only to, perhaps, McDonalds). You’ve definitely doodled it at

least once on a school book or message pad. It’s simple,

stark, and conjures up notions of justice and compassion. In

short, it’s everything a symbol should be, and once you see

that Bat-Signal in the sky, you know the situation is dire and

the Dark Knight is in need.

Despite not having any superpowers, the Dark Knight managed to utilise his mind to

the maximum. He mastered numerous types of martial

arts, engineered unmatched gadgets and he somehow always employs brilliant

tactics. He doesn’t go all guns blazing into a fight. Instead, he

watches, plans and confronts his enemies on his own terms.

His mind is his real power.

Joe Chill, the crook who gunned down Bruce Wayne’s

parents before his eyes is a pretty well known story. But

it’s the fact that there’s a huge gestation period after the

murder of his parents. It took Bruce years of training his

body and mind, and careful use of his inherited wealth, to achieve the physical and

mental position of the Bat - he didn’t just wake up the next

day and start flying out of his window. This is what makes his origin story stand out – it’s the

closest you can get to reality and makes him unlike

any other.

Batman’s code is a testament to his compassion: brutality is sometimes necessary, but

murder is never justified. Although many perceive him as a vigilante, Batman’s code

is evidence that justice drives him, not revenge.

He’s just a man

The Bat symbol

He uses human mind as a weapon

The iconic origin story

The vital no-killing code

12

3

4

5

10 Reasons

by Omar Ghanem

Batman is a symbol of human resilience, hard work and our capacity to excel and conquer all. He is proof that if we set our minds to something, we can achieve it. No matter how hard the situation, no matter how inescapable it may seem, Batman always manages to resolve the problem - despite being human. He proves that you don’t need a superpower to be something great, even in a world full of superheroes.

Batman literally has everything filed. He documents building layouts; his foes weaknesses; fellow heroes’ weaknesses from the Justice League to exploit should they ever go rogue; if Batman doesn’t know it, he will sooner than you think. He’s famous for being the world’s greatest detective with his famous Bat Cave and his enormous database of information. Wouldn’t you love to have this wealth of information at your disposal?

Probably one of the greatest villains of all time, and definitely the most sophisticated. You can’t speak of the caped crusader without coming across a moment with the chaotic Joker. He’s the polar opposite of Batman in every possible way, and with the late Heath Ledger’s unbelievable depiction of the Joker in the The Dark Knight back in 2008, The Joker is certainly one of history’s most intriguing characters

Be it Robin, Bane, Scarecrow, Nightwing or Ra’s Al Ghul, Batman's world is full of prime quality characters. Strong personalities; wicked mentalities; ruthless brutality - Batman’s Gotham City is home to some of the most famous physcopathic villains, and some of the comic worlds’ most famous sidekicks. You’ll always have a good read no matter who the Batman is going up against.

I could go on forever. There are uncountable reasons: the Arkham Asylum; his ability to take down Superman; his Batmobile, and even his epic butler Alfred Pennyworth, but I still wouldn’t be able to explain just how magnificent the Batman legacy really is. You can interpret the story in various ways, you can presume he’s either a vigilante or even the law itself. You can learn lessons from his story and, whether you’ve read the comics, watched the movies, or played the games, you’ll always have something positive to say about the Dark Knight. But even if you somehow don’t (which is impossible), it won’t really matter, because he is Batman.

The legendary metaphor

He knows everything - quite literally!

The characters

He’s Batman!

The Joker

6

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10

8

Why Batman

Forget Dubai’s sprawling five-star resorts and gleaming towers, the warmest welcome you’ll

find in the city is at Mawaheb from Beautiful People. Beaming faces will greet you as you walk into the studio: a truly creative space where your imagination is free to run wild. Before you know

it, you will have received a cheerful guided tour of Mawaheb’s artwork and made a host of

new friends.

Mawaheb from Beautiful People is an art studio for adults with special needs in the heart of the Al Bastakiya district of Dubai, in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Truly embodying the cultural vibe of the area, Mawaheb strives to create a holistic environment for the development of their artists, allowing them to express themselves through art. In tune with the studio’s slogan "Art from the Heart", the work produced is meaningful, often expressing the personal experiences of the artists.

The artists at the studio have a lot to say, but common to them all is their desire to be accepted and valued in society. They don’t want to be labelled as people with ‘special needs’, but want to show the world all that they can accomplish, despite their disabilities. It is the spirit and vigour of the artists that make Mawaheb the vibrant place that it is. The studio is full of laughter; work is often done with music blasting in the background, accompanied by singing at the top of one’s lungs, without any qualms about going off-key. It is not unusual to walk in on one of the many dance breaks at Mawaheb, where the artists and volunteers often de-stress by shaking a leg to some fast-paced tunes. Central to the success of Mawaheb are their volunteers, the art teacher, Gulshan , and the managing director, Wemmy de Maaker.

Mawaheb52by Jas Singh

These individuals have become true friends with the artists. Together they lead discussions with the

artists every morning and discuss a whole array of topics. The artists are encouraged to develop their own opinions and often express beautiful and original thoughts, shedding a new light on

extremely complex ideas.

So, if you are interested in meeting a group of genuine, dynamic and unique individuals, a trip to Mawaheb is long overdue. To see some of the

amazing artwork, attend some of Mawaheb’s exhibitions, where the artwork is for sale. The

artwork won’t disappoint and you are sure to leave with a changed outlook on people with

special needs.

For more details, visit:www.mawaheb-dubai.com

“The artists at the studio have a lot to say, but common to them

all is their desire to be accepted and valued in society"

Dubai MovingImage Museum52

“The Museum is a completely immersive experience. It

detaches you from the modernised lifestyles we live, one where access to

films, photographs and digital entertainment is

virtually unlimited”

Recently, we paid a visit to the Dubai Moving Image Museum; nestled in the

midst of Tecom and composed of the astounding personal collection of Mr

Akram who has been painstakingly collecting historical pieces - from the 18th

Century onwards - for 30 years.

Laid out by concept rather than following a linear timeline, each piece in the museum is a paving stone to create a solid understanding of what life was like before the advent of film and cinema. It is made all the more fascinating by its interactive approach. Alongside the original antiques are recreations, so visitors are able to try out each unique contraption for themselves.

We spent the afternoon spinning Praxinoscopes (invented in 1877), peering into the Kayser Panorama (invented 1880). The Panorama was particularly remarkable, the images printed onto glass gave a 3D image which made us feel as if we were looking through a window onto a live scene. The museum is home to countless precious pieces: a Floor Standing Zograscope (USA, 1800) is the last existing piece of its kind; three original reels of scenes from a Charlie Chaplin film, and a folding Peep-box from Holland (1750) are just some of the astounding items on show.

The Museum is a completely immersive experience. It detaches you from the modernised lifestyles we live, one where access to films, photographs and digital entertainment is virtually unlimited. Step into the shoes of people who led a simpler life, but prepare to be not only amazed by their basic forms of entertainment, but just as entertained!

Make sure to book onto one of the fascinating tours, and stop by the gift shop on your way out to pick up one of their unique flip books so that you can take a little piece of this charming museum home with you.

For more details, visit:www.dubaimovingimagemuseum.com

writing by Shams El Mutwalli photos by conel van zyl

by Shahmir KhanThe first rule of being a nerd is: don’t talk about being a nerd. This kind of talk is restricted to nerd club to avoid the overwhelming social stigma that comes with

our mind-blowing awesomeness (one of the many problems we face - others include the classic “I’m going to need a bigger blog”; the fact that you cant handle

anything below an A, and when you accidently like Superman over Batman).

But, alas, at the end of the day, it is a question of: to be awesome or not to be awesome? I personally choose the former. There is something invigorating about the superlative-packed rants that ensue every week between my friends and me over the latest episode of Breaking Bad as we deconstruct each scene and point

out all the different metaphors and pieces of symbolism we can come up with.

My inner nerd is at its prime during our passionate debates at lunchtime over whatever we may have read over breakfast; the Snowden Leaks, and the

Presidential election come to mind. This is by far the best part of nerd club (aside from the biannual Lord of the Rings marathons): feeding off each other’s ideas

and learning for the fun of it – because we care about the world which is beyond the bubble so many of us confine ourselves to.

Nerd club is for the lovers of things, a place to come and go crazy, so I hope some day you will join us, and the world will live as one.

Celebrate Your Nerdy Side54

“The first rule of being a nerd is: don’t talk about being a nerd”

What is Teens Talk? Teens Talk Middle East is the ONLY talk show for the youth. Teens Talk Middle East is an online TV show, in which teens

from all around the UAE have the opportunity to discuss, relate to and receive advice about common and popular

topics amongst teenagers, without sharing identities. The anonymity of the whole scenario creates a safe yet fun

environment for hosts as well as viewers. For the first time in years, the youth have a voice to project their thoughts

and ideas on today’s frequent issues in the life of a typical teenager. Whether its family problems at home, or the usual

drama with friends and teachers at school, Teens Talk Middle East is the talk show where these problems and dilemmas

are not ignored, but acknowledged.

Who is it created for? Teens talk was created to empower and assist teenagers (13-17) and parents alike. It has become apparent that teenagers within the region have become discouraged from sharing their thoughts and ideas, almost as though the youth of the UAE “don’t have a voice”. Although the majority of teenagers and parents have friends and peers they can turn to, it is sometimes hard to reach out to the ones we love in order to ask for help or advice. This is where Teens Talk becomes a great tool for teenagers and parents of the UAE.

‘Teens Talk’ experience Teens talk is the ONLY talk show for the youth. Teens talk is an online TV show, in which teens from all around the UAE have the opportunity to discuss, relate to and receive advice about common and popular topics amongst teenagers, without sharing identities. The anonymity of the whole scenario creates a safe yet fun environment for hosts as well as viewers. For the first time in years, the youth have a voice to project their thoughts and ideas on today’s frequent issues in the life of a typical teenager. Whether its family problems at home, or the usual drama with friends and teachers at school, Teens Talk is the talk show where these problems and dilemmas are not ignored, but acknowledged.

About Maria Maria works in Dubai as a Relationship Coach. She strives to empower family communication across the region. Her most recent accomplishment was her study of the relationship between Academic Achievement and Student/teacher relationships.

Maria is a curious coach who is always looking to better understand how relationships impact the world. She spends her days working with private clients that want to better communicate with their spouse, their children or their family units. Keep an eye out for Maria in the “Letters to Coach” segment of the magazine.

Are you a teen between the ages of 13 and 17? Do you have a passion to share and participate in discussions with other

teens and life coaches? Do you want to help teens have a voice, and be heard? Do you dream of being on a live panel,

on a YouTube show? If you answered yes to any of these questions, send an email to maria@teenstalk-me.com or

contact the show through their Facebook ( facebook.com/teenstalkmiddleeast) and you too could become a Teens

Talk Middle East co-host or even and ambassador.

www.teenstalk-me.comSend your questions and express interest inour internship programme by emialing to admin@teenstalk-me.com

The Cycle of Divorce56Divorce is a heavy topic. There are so many emotions attached to this seven letter word. Anger, sadness, fear and confusion are some of the common emotions that everyone experiences. Regardless of your age, divorce hits every emotional chord. This is very important to remember. For some, the divorce of their parents feels like the end of their world. The safety net they once felt at home now seems to be non-existent and suddenly their home has become a warzone.

The challenges of divorce can seem impossible to overcome. It can seem as though the future is bleak, and there is nothing to look forward to. It can also feel as though you are the only person experiencing this. This is just some of what I hear when we discussing divorce with young people.

Many young people who have experienced the divorce of their parents will have experienced the emotional strain it can put you

under. Endless arguing and shouting; parents who can't get on and seem to hate each other; not know what's worse: the dead silence and tension; dreading coming home and being unable

to remember the last time you saw your parents smiling and laughing with each other.

The most important thing to remember is that the divorce of your parents is not the divorce of your relationship with each parent. You are, and will always be, loved by your parents, regardless of their marital status. Many feel guilty about talking to either parent, as if they are taking sides, and tend to fear sharing these moments with the other parent. This is an added pressure that need not exist. If you find yourself in this dilemma, it is important to sit down and let both know how you feel. Often, they do not realise the stress that they are putting on their children because they are overly consumed with their own anger and sadness. Explain that you love them and want to support them but that you will not take sides. It is not your responsibility to make them happy and it is certainly not your responsibility to take care of their bruised egos. Rather, it is the responsibility of your parents to ensure that their marital issues do not overshadow the needs of their children.

Have you caught yourself asking this question? Divorce is scary and it brings a lot of fear for the

future. Sadly, when parents get divorced, it means that one has to move out of the family home. Living

abroad can also mean that families break up and some members even move to a different country. The

thought of a physical distance may create a lot of anxiety and fear for you. Where will I live? What will

I do if I lose all of my friends? These questions are not easy to answer, but they are most certainly not going

to help you to move forward with confidence if you are asking them to yourself.

Share these concerns with your parents. Tell them what you are afraid of. Discuss what you are concerned about. Many parents, when surveyed, do not know how

to bring up the topic of divorce with their children. They are afraid of bringing more stress and pressure into the

household so, unfortunately, they choose to avoid the topic, which is not helpful.

Divorce is not something that you choose, it is something that your parents choose. This is the most challenging

for most young people. ‘I don’t want them to get divorced, why can’t they just get along’; as unfortunate

as divorce is, it is much worse to live in a home of anger and depression. Relationships are created to empower our lives and not suppress us into boxes of sadness and unfulfillment. Don’t lock yourself up in isolation. Talk to your parents; share what you are feeling. They love you,

and they will always want to help you.

It’s Personal but it’s NOT Personal

What Will Happen To Me?

by maria V. CHatila

OMG!58Doritos were

first created at Disneyland in an

attempt to use up old tortillas

that would have otherwise been

thrown out.

If you multiply the number 21978 by 4, the

product is the same number reversed.

50 Cent made most of his money not from

rapping, but from an investment in Vitamin

Water. He made 10 times more than he ever made rapping.

The longest game of Monopoly

lasted 70 straight days.

Two million videos are added

to YouTube every day!

There’s a little voice in your head reading

this right now.Under extremely high

pressure, peanut butter can be turned

into diamonds.

English students at the University of Missouri can take classes studying the relationship

between Jay Z and Kanye West.

Pluto is smaller than Russia.

On average, a jar of Nutella is sold

every 2.5 seconds.

Free Delivery�����DP�ĥ������SP�

Downtown 04 422 7797 SZR 04 388 9422 Jumeira 04 394 4212 Mirdif 04 288 8192 JLT 04 454 2805

Mar

ch 2

014

Astrology

Pisces18 February - 20 March

You have a strong heart and you’re emotionally comfortable. You care for others, which makes you popular and sociable; Pisces-born are selfless because you know how to appreciate those that matter to you, and you make a point to put their needs above your own whenever necessary. People come to you when they have a tough decision to make because of your intuitive mind. You think beyond the horizon and don’t settle when given a set of facts and figures; you use your intuition to guide you. You are also a very trusted person among your circle of friends due to your kind and compassionate nature. Your emotions can make you feel at breaking point sometimes, especially when things go wrong, and you lose your path easily when let down, but the people who you have helped and who love you will return the kindness.

60by Shams El Mutwalli

ARIES20 March- 19 April

This month is about moving forward. Try engaging in activities that will bring you closer to your loved ones - this is crucial for ridding yourself of any unhealthy thoughts and feelings you may be having. The stronger the better, Aries! You should acquire this outlook at work. Becoming more acquainted with your colleagues will make moving towards your goal more accessible and relieve you of any excess stress.

LEO22 July- 22 August

You will feel particularly joyful at the beginning of this month, but that could change as the month progresses. Perhaps you’ve hit a rough patch with a friend but don’t fret. Communication is the solution. Working through problems together can also bring you closer. When faced with a problem we instinctively focus on the negativity that it brings, so try hard to look at your problem from a new perspective.

SAGITTARIUS22 November- 21 December

You’ve been waiting for something for a while now, and this month you’ll finally get it, but don’t forget that what you have isn’t to be taken for granted; make sure you value what you have been waiting for. It would also be beneficial to brush up on your communication skills. You may need to apply them in the near future.

TAURUS19 April- 20 May

You may find that the pace quickens this month, but take advantage of the speed and don’t stop. You will begin to do things more efficiently which will insure success later on. Besides this, make sure to pay close attention to your health. Avoid immense pressure and unwind a little, as that could be a major reason your health has reached a slight downturn.

VIRGO22 August- 22 September

You have been holding back recently because of feeling incapable, but these cloudy thoughts are preventing the sun from shining through. If you break out of your shell you may just find that the challenges are not so scary. As well as hiding your potential, you’re also supressing the fun, spirited and active person that you could be if you let go of whatever is tying you back.

CAPRICORN21 December- 20 January

This month a reminder of the past will surface; this is only because you have been locking it away in the corner of your mind for quite some time now. Make sure you revisit this issue from the past early in the month and send it away for good. In doing so, you will make your life much easier, everything will look a lot clearer, and you may just be able to give yourself a break.

GEMINI20 May- 21 June

Balance is key this month. Avoid travelling in an unnecessary direction and stay focused to build firm and secure grounds. Be sure not to let your thoughts travel down an unnecessary path, either. Avoid thinking of the future as a foggy abyss as this will only instill fear and worry. Instead, be optimistic about the opportunities that are still yet to come your way.

LIBRA22 September- 23 October

Be patient this month, and try to keep your cool, while you sort through any misunderstandings that may have occurred between you and someone you love. Let yourself be heard but take precautions to ensure you don’t hurt anyone with your words. You may also find yourself in the midst of hard work, this month, but stress will be cut down to a minimum as you’re bound to enjoy it.

CANCER21 June- 22 July

Take a deep breath and relax, Cancer. You’ve been pushing yourself hard at work and it looks like it's paid off because you may be able to start this month off on a positive financial note. Reward yourself but still handle your expenses responsibly to avoid future complications. Show the important people in your life that you do love and appreciate them. We tend to assume that they know but reassurance will make them feel special.

SCORPIO23 October- 22 November

Don’t blame yourself too much for any financial struggles you may be having. Nobody is perfect and you can still turn it around. Pay close attention to what you consider necessities; put your foot down and say "no" to anything you really want but don't really need in order to get back on track. If you follow through, next month won’t be such a hassle.

PISCES19 February- 20 March

This month you’re bursting with creative ideas, but slow down - rushing things will only make you overlook important signs. Instead, approach someone trusted for useful advice and, even if you happen to disagree, don’t forget to listen. Some peaceful, alone time could do you some good as it will give you the chance to take a step back and observe.

AQUARIUS20 January- 18 February

It's time to welcome the new with open arms and make some space for better things. You could start by cleaning out your closet. This will get the ball rolling and prepare you for bigger sacrifices in return for the better results that you deserve. Don’t pressure yourself to get rid of too many things at once, but try to make a start. You’re certain to feel a lot lighter.

Tick the answers in the quiz:

1: How are you seen by your friends? a. The leader of the group. b. The shy one. c. The smooth talker.

2: Which of these would you have as a pet? a. A chemically-enhanced rabbit. b. A tarantula. c. A robotic dog.

3: Which is closest to your fashion style? a. Classy and fitted suits. b. Skin-tight Lycra. c. Metallic onesies.

4: Why are you a superhero? a. To save the planet. b. To protect my family. c. To impress my friends.

5: Which super-power would you most like? a. Super-strength. b. Stronger senses. c. Flight.

6: What is your best skill? a. Bodybuilding. b. Gymnastics. c. Talking.

7: Which is your favourite quote? a. ”You’re a monster... and I’m gonna stop you.” b. ”We all have secrets: the ones we keep... and the ones that are kept from us.” c. ”I don’t want to see this on your myspace page. Please no gang signs.”

You’re noble, strong and brave: you didn’t choose this path, but you do this job to protect your city and your planet. You have

one major weakness, but you know how to avoid it, and no enemy is too much for you to overcome.

You’re a person of two halves; on one side, you’re friendly and shy, but when you transform you become confident and are

able to do things beyond your wildest dreams. You are very situationally aware, and use this to your advantage.

Some love you, and some don’t, but one thing’s for sure: you’re cocky, outspoken and cool. You’re not afraid to reveal your secrets, and

your huge technological capabilities make you an almost unparalleled presence.

Mostly a Superman:

Mostly bSpiderman:

Mostly c Iron Man:

by Jacob Jowitt

Which SuperheroAre You?62

Across4 Wears red-starred tiara (2 words)5 Tony Stark's alter ego (2 words)7 'The Avengers' villain8 He played Joker in the Batman (2 words)9 Motion picture10 He is not really made of steel

Down1 Superhero with a power ring (2 words) 2 Work in panels3 Main actor in 'Pirates of The Carribean'6 Mutant who is able to regenerate

SUDOKU

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2 6 3 73 6 7

4 11 9 2

5 8 6 35 2 73 8 1

5 9 6 3 45 7

9 7 87 2 6 9 4

8 5 3 2 6 73 7 1 2 54 5 8

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BrainFood 63CROSSWORD by natasha aguiar

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Editor in CheifMaria Rousan

EditorSofia Fernandez Vyas

Artistic DirectorAnton Rodionov

Fashion Editor & StylistHommam Arbi

Photography Cover & FashionEddy Adlan

Make up FashionMarina Angelina De Medici

Youth ContributorsAaricia Van OmmenAiza AhmedAngeli CastilloConel Van ZylHamzah Shahid Jacob Jowitt Jas SinghJuhi ChaandKaylon KoeriesLamisLaraib SaeedMaria V. ChatilaMegan Lacey

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