Vivalife Nov-Dec 2010

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A lifestyle magazine celebrating living life to the fullest

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Content

VivaLife
Business Bytes
Business news

Oct - Dec 2010 Volume 2 - Issue 4

Living Life to the Fullest

Porsche Cayenne

A Hybrid too Good

90-year Retail History

Jashanmal

IRAQ
Business Perceptions

Dates an Ideal Food
Date Recipes too

Random Recipes

Diet be Damn’d

Valuing World’s Foreign Currency Reserves

Buckling Paper Buck

CONTENTS
5 6 10 12 16 18 20 24 28 31 34 36 Editorial Porsche unveils Cayenne Hybrid Toyota introduces Avalon 2011 Business Bytes Pareto Principle 25 years of Dot com Buckling Paper Buck Jashanmal - 90 year retailing history Iraq - Business Perceptions Dates an Ideal Food Random Recipes Your Cosmic Calendar 18 34 12 20 10 6

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Managing Editor Sunil P’vee Senior Editor Yacoub Omar Editorial Assistant Marcel Assousi Content Contributors Butros Shadly - Ken Rubin - Leena Ayyad - Martin Tobola - Rita Alshoaibi Art Director Reyas Ensign Design & Layout TMC Kaur Web Designer Mohammed Abbas Photography Ashraf Hassan Marketing Analyst Namaya Jayamanae Sales Co-Ordinator Michelle Paule For Content [email protected] For Advertisement [email protected] For more info [email protected]

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An Editorial Note ...
e all laud tolerance, or at least we should. We believe that a lack of tolerance among our fellow beings is the root cause behind many of the conflicts in the world around us. Good for us. Now that we have benevolently patted ourselves on our back, perhaps it is time to take a really good look; right under our noses among the community we live and work in. Do we show tolerance to those around us? For that matter is tolerance the right attitude we should be displaying? Is tolerance by its very nature implying a condescending attitude on our part? Communities differ along religious, nationalistic, ethnic, racial and linguistic lines; they are divided into indigenous people, disabled people, migrant workers and people in-between; and then they are further demarcated by wealth, education, gender. No matter where we live in this wide world, the diversity of our community and our inability to identify with a community other than our own might come as a surprise to us. Let us take a look ... Except for the omnipresent hamburgers, pizzas, sushi or biryanis what is the extent of our interaction with cuisines of other communities? How about the arts — music, films, theater, literature — except for the popular varieties what is our exposure to them. Have we ever created the opportunity to visit a concert or cultural festival of another community? It has been said that a culture is the sum total of all the influences that a region has undergone, and this region no doubt has undergone quite a few; but despite the variety of these influences, what has its impact been on us? How about the rights of people working for us, or with us? Do we respect their rights to human rights as enshrined by the UN and other bodies. When was the last time, or even the first time, that we actively attempted to propagate tolerance towards other communities; or, at least refrained from stereotyping, including gendertyping others? How about our assumptions and beliefs about other nationalities and ethnic groups; have we ever made any attempt to verify the veracity of these impressions? We seem to easily forget that every community is based on interdependence among its diversity. The very survival of the human race is based on the intrinsic diversity in a community, not in its homogeneity — Darwin proved this long ago on the Galapagos Island and elsewhere. However, we still seem to have difficulty accepting this. Meanwhile, let’s pat ourselves on being tolerant ...

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P’vee Sunil
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Porsche unveils Cayenne Hybrid

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orsche Centre Kuwait recently introduced 5 new models of Cayenne to the market, including its flagship hybrid model the Cayenne S Hybrid. Speaking in front of a crowd of hundreds of Porsche enthusiasts and afficionados gathered at a lavish launch ceremony, Graeme Hunter, General Manager of Porsche Centre Kuwait, emphasized the new features of the Cayenne which meet customers demand in the local market. “We are extremely proud to launch the new Cayenne. This model represents the perfect balance between elegant design, powerful driving dynamics and high level of comfort. Despite all of this, the efficiency on the new models of Cayenne is a significant improvement over its predecessors, making this model an outstanding trendsetter in its segment.”

More dynamic and more efficient, more spacious inside and yet lighter overall, the new Cayenne models point to the future of technology. And in its sporting elegant design, the new Cayenne models are more Porsche than ever before.The new Cayenne enters the Kuwait market with several versions, led by the Cayenne S Hybrid, the first production car from Porsche with hybrid drive. Like every Porsche, the new Cayenne models have been developed according to the principle of Porsche Intelligent Performance — more power on less fuel, greater efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. Together, the five versions offer customers the exact model of their choice. Of the five new models of Cayenne, the base model comes with 3.6-litre V6 engine delivering 220kW power through a six-speed manual gearbox or an optional eight-speed Tiptronic S. Other specifications include Porsche Traction Management (PTM) with active allwheel drive; acceleration 0–100km/h in 7.5seconds (with Tiptronic S in 7.8seconds); top speed 230km/h; fuel consumption 11.2ltr/100 km (with Tiptronic S 9.9ltr/100 km) and CO2 rating 263g/km (with Tiptronic S 236g/km). Cayenne Diesel is powered by a 3.0-litre V6 engine that delivers 176kW through eight-speed Tiptronic S. 6
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PTM with permanent allwheel drive ; acceleration 0–100km/h in 7.8sec; top speed 218km/h; fuel consumption 7.4ltr/100km; CO2 rating 195g/km. Cayenne S 4.8-litre V8, 294kW; eight-speed Tiptronic S; PTM with active all-wheel drive; acceleration 0–100km/h in 5.9sec; top speed 258km/h; fuel consumption 10.5ltr/100km; CO2 rating 245g/km.

speed Tiptronic S; PTM with active all-wheel drive; acceleration 0–100 km/h in 4.7sec; top speed 278km/h; fuel consumption 11.5ltr/100km; CO2 rating 270g/km. Given these facts and figures, three out of five models in the range remain below the limit of ten litres fuel consumption per 100 kilometres. While, two models – the Cayenne Diesel at 195g/km and the Cayenne S Hybrid at

improvement in product substance and an even higher standard of allround safety. Clearly, this is good news not only in terms of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, but also when it comes to performance, agility and handling on the road. As a result, the new Cayenne offers even more driving pleasure than before both onroad and offroad, combined with even

Cayenne S Hybrid is a parallel full hybrid 3.0-litre supercharged V6 and synchronous electric motor, 279kW overall system output; eight-speed Tiptronic S; PTM with permanent allwheel drive; acceleration 0–100km/h in 6.5sec; top speed 242km/h; fuel consumption 8.2ltr/100km; CO2 rating 193g/km. Cayenne Turbo 4.8-litre biturbo-V8, 368kW; eight-

193g/km – also remain below the emission limit of 200grams of CO2 per kilometre.

greater everyday driving qualities, enhanced comfort and supreme elegance. Brand-new, sporting but elegant design Benefiting from a weightmakes the new generation optimised mix of materiof the Cayenne in 2010 an als and concept changes even closer member of the on the overall vehicle such Porsche family, bringing as the new, extra-light out its particular character all-wheel drive, weight is as a sporting performer down, for instance, on the from every angle and Cayenne Turbo by no less clearly revealing that parthan 185kilos from previticular shape and design so ous versions, despite the typical of a Porsche.

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Toyota introduces Avalon 2011

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oyota recently introduced the boldly redesigned 2011 Avalon. Evoking a time when travel was sophisticated, elegant and comfortable, the new Avalon possesses a distinctive new exterior style while offering a restyled interior rich with premium touch points and practical new technologies. Dynamic New Exterior Re-styled Avalon projects an elegant, outgoing presence; a wider, more substantial grille ties into state-of-the-art projector headlamps, working with a broad, undisturbed front hood to suggest a lowered

center of gravity that emphasizes the Avalon’s wide stance. The new headlamps, which combine multi-reflector halogen high beams with halogen or HID low beams, utilize light pipes to create a signature, night-time appearance. The front fog lamps, now integrated into a trapezoidal front bumper, provide a wider angle of illumination. Viewed from the side, New Avalon is enhanced by additional use of chrome trim, redesigned rocker panels, and glare-resistant outer mirrors with integrated turn signals.

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At the rear of the car, identification is clearly defined by a single Avalon logo located above the license plate. Dual-exhaust pipes are integrated into the cutaway trapezoid shape of the lower bumper for a modern image. Taillights have been reshaped to reduce turbulence at the rear, and integrate stop, turn and side marker lighting functions in one combined lamp. Spacious Interior Built For Comfort A new interior has been designed with a contemporary style. The new interior remains generously spacious and elegant, fitted with comfortable seating and thoughtfully integrated amenities. The rear seating area is configured to seat three passengers comfortably, with ample legroom and reclining rear seats, unique in the segment. The rear headrests have also been reshaped and enlarged for better support, and a convenient flip-down center armrest provides storage when the middle seat is not in use. The steering wheel includes controls for Bluetooth hands-free phones, the audio system, climate system, and the information center. A dual-zone climate control system has nine air-flow modes for more precise

control of interior climate, and a clean-air filter removes dust and pollen. The front-console box has a sliding armrest that moves 4.7 inches front to rear, able to accommodate a wide range of driver positions.

Safety is Standard The new Avalon’s occupant-safety strategy includes use of extensively tested energy absorbing structures, protective side impact beams and overhead structure, advanced belt systems and active front headrests as standard equipment. Avalon Performance and Efficiency will also have a redesigned Combined accelerator pedal assembly Avalon’s exceptional com- and a brake override sysbination of ample horsetem. power and excellent fuel economy offers one of Seven airbags, including the best overall dynamic a front knee bag for the performances in the large driver, and front side cursedan segment. tain airbags for both rows, are also standard. Toyota’s New Avalon is powered by standard Star Safety Sysa 24-valve, dual-overhead tem includes Vehicle Stacam 3.5-liter V6 engine bility Control (VSC), antithat produces 268 horselock braking system (ABS) power at 6,200 rpm. with Electronic Brake force The engine is equipped Distribution (EBD), Brake with the latest dual VVT-i Assist, and TRAC traction electronic valve-control control system. mechanism that provides Each wheel has its own a broader power-band, pressure sensor to warn if while requiring less fuel tire pressure drops, proand generating fewer viding the driver with an emissions. It is mated to a early warning to change a multi-mode six-speed au- tire safely. tomatic transmission. Avalon 2011 A roadworthy mix of fine Even with numerous reride quality and accurate finements inside and out, driving control is delivered the Avalon remains true by the Avalon’s MacPherto the idea that comfort is son strut suspension, honest and uncomplicatwhich uses coil springs at ed, and “Traveling Avalon all four corners. Rack-and- Class” is rich in simple, pinion steering combines familiar pleasures.

Avalon will also have a redesigned accelerator pedal assembly and a brake override system.

with front-wheel-drive and optimized steering gear for a natural handling feel.

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Oct - Dec 2010

Business Bytes
Caribou Coffee — Always Socially Responsible
Caribou Coffee, being part of the Kuwaiti culture has a strategic commitment to lead a strong socially responsible role in the Middle-East. As part of for this campaign is to encourage the participation and involvement of every individual, company, organization and institution to make Abdullah’s and other children with terminal conditions, dreams come true. Mr. Boulos Younes, General Manager of Caribou Coffee Middle-East added: “Sponsoring projects like Bayt Abdullah is an essential part of our company’s core values which are founded on the socially responsible principle of giving back to the community”. Caribou Coffee (CBOU), founded in 1992, is the leader in gourmet coffeehouses in the world, and second largest based on number of coffeehouses. In November 2005, Al Sayer Franchising Co. launched the first Caribou Coffee shop outside the United States, in Kuwait. Today, Caribou’s success has carried it to 28 locations in Kuwait, 25 in U.A.E, 8 in Bahrain, 2 in Jordan, 2 in Qatar, 2 in KSA, 1 in Oman and 1 in Lebanon with a plan to open more in the MiddleEast in the years to come. Living its mission statement of creating “an experience that makes the day better,” for coffee lovers, it seems Caribou Coffee is now gearing to make sure the days of children at Bayt Abdullah will indeed be better.
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this role, Caribou continues to play an active role in promoting the activities and projects of the Kuwaiti youth including being an active sponsor of Project Nation ‘Proud to be Kuwaiti’ and ‘Negdar’.

Mr. Hamad Musaed Al Sayer, Managing Director of Al Sayer Franchising commented: “Caribou Coffee being profoundly integrated in the Kuwaiti culture had no better choice than sponsoring KACCH foundation to give back to Caribou Coffee recently our community.” decided on taking another He added: “Bayt Abdullah step with the Kuwait Asis dear to our hearts we sociation for Care of Chilare behind it to the end dren in Hospitals (KACCH) and can’t wait seeing it foundation in supportcompleted to give the best ing the Fund Raising and care needed to our chilAwareness Campaign for dren in need. This project Bayt Abdullah Children’s is truly a manifestation of Hospice. The main purpose humanity”.
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We are committed to playing our part in the development of this route and wish flydubai every success for the future.” Established in March 2008 with start-up capital of AED 250 million, flydubai is Dubai’s first low cost airline. Owned by the government of Dubai, the airline supports the city’s commercial and tourism seccil Member, HE Hussain Al tors by serving all travelers, providing them with Shafar, Federal National affordable air links to a Council Member, HE Dr. Sultan Al Moadhen, Federal range of destinations. National Council Member, HE Hasan Salem Al Khayy- With flydubai, travellers can take 1 piece of hand al, UAE Ambassador to baggage (weighing up to Kuwait, and said: 10 kg) no larger than 56 “flydubai is an important cm x 45 cm x 25 cm on addition on the KuwaitDubai route and one which board without charge. If the bag does not meet the will create stability of prices and provide options cabin requirements, it will be checked into the aircraft and added convenience for the traveler. We salute hold at a cost of AED 150. For a little extra, passenthe Government of Dubai for creating this wonderful gers can check a bag. Each bag purchased can hold low cost airline and look up to 32 kg and not larger forward to working with than 90 cm x 75 cm x 43 flydubai and the travel agents in Kuwait to ensure cm. If customers want to take more, an additional this route is a success.” bag can be purchased, subject to availability. Mr. Monzer Najia, CEO of Boodai Aviation, spoke on behalf of the travel agents. Based on a low cost business model, flydubai offers He added his welcome to a value-for-money product the delegation, and comat an extremely commented: “We are excited petitive price. Its website that flydubai will operate (www.flydubai.com) twice daily flights from Kuwait to Dubai and hope will be an important interface for customers and that further frequencies will be added in the future. travel partners. 11
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flydubai strengthens presence in Kuwait
flydubai, Dubai’s first low cost airline, has officially launched its offices in Kuwait in an effort to reinforce its presence and strengthen its commitment to the market. Speaking at the launch of flydubai’s office in Kuwait City, which was attended by dignitaries from Kuwait and the UAE, Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “We are delighted to be able to open our first office in Kuwait. It is important to us to establish ourselves in the market with the right kind of partner and in Barakat Travel we are confident we will be able to enjoy a successful future in Kuwait. Tayseer Barakat, President of Barakat Travel, welcomed the official delegation, which comprised HE Jamal Al Hai, Senior Vice President of Dubai Airports and Federal National Counwww.vivalife1.com

comfort and inflight service. The airline, which offers superior space with an Economy seat pitch of up to 34 inches – above the Qatar Airways recently industry norm – recently claimed key international began introducing seat awards by winning three back entertainment across accolades at two glitterits cabins on the new Airing award ceremonies in bus A320 family of aircraft. Dubai. The Doha-based The British Embassy Concarrier retained its Leadsul General in Dubai Guy ing Business Class Airline Warrington presented the in the Middle East title as evening’s awards and the voted by travel industry latest accolades demprofessionals in the prestionstrate Qatar Airways’ gious World Travel Awards, commitment to offering an honor that the airline the travelling public with has now held for five conunrivalled levels of inflight secutive years. service.

“These are great achievements for the airline and show that we clearly deliver an ultimate inflight experience which our customers appreciate. Our exclusive Premium Terminal is the world’s only dedicated commercial passenger terminal for First and Business Class passengers – and winning again just four years after its opening reflects the importance we place on service delivery. “Our passengers traveling in Economy also have an unrivaled experience and we are extremely delighted to have won over the traveling public for our high The airline’s innovative Qatar Airways Chief Execu- service standards in the exclusive Premium Tertive Officer Akbar Al Baker Economy cabins.” minal for First and Busisaid: “Most airlines invest ness Class passengers at heavily in developing their The World Travel Awards Doha International Airport premium cabins and, while were conceived in 1993 to was named Leading Airwe continue to do this, acknowledge and celebrate port Lounge in the Middle Qatar Airways strives to excellence in the world’s East. The two awards were innovate in Economy Class travel and tourism induspresented at a ceremony ensuring our high stantry. Now in their 17th year, held at The Address in dards are maintained and travel professionals and Dubai Marina where acpassenger expectations discerning travelers have claimed international are exceeded worldwide.” come to regard the World singer Nancy Ajram was More than 400 leading Travel Awards as the very the star performer of the figures from across the best endorsement that a night. regional and international travel product can hope to travel and tourism industry receive. Dubai-based BusiAt a separate ceremony attended both events. ness Traveller Middle East organized by Business Al Baker added: “Winning is a prestigious monthly Traveller Middle East for the Leading Business Class travel magazine, part of travel industry professioncategory five years in a a global franchise of simials held at the Jumeirah row and Leading Airport lar publications worldwide Emirates Towers Hotel, Lounge once again proves dedicated to frequent travQatar Airways took home that we have an outstand- elers. Qatar Airways curthe airline award for Best ing product, which conrently operates a modern Economy Class in the tinues to convince travel fleet of 82 aircraft to 89 diMiddle East for the second industry professionals and verse cities across Europe, year running. Readers our customers year on Middle East, Africa, Asia of the monthly magazine year.” Pacific and North America. based their voting on cabin

Qatar Airways wins three prestigious industry awards

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Flex Resorts unveils summer surprises
Flex Resorts in Kuwait proudly unveiled its new and exciting summer camp for children at the Flex Angels Academy. With a wide variety of sports activities and fun-filled educational programs the Academy will provide an engaging and challenging environment for the little children. Situated in Bneid Al Gar, the summer camp at Flex Angels Academy offers kids an all-rounder agenda designed to provide a rich learning experience involving group activities and interpersonal skills that help in developing self confidence and character in a professionally monitored social setting.

Flex brings a full-fledged summer camp tailored for children to indulge in. It is the organization’s aim to motivate the younger generation towards a healthy lifestyle combined with an intellectual active mind and to instill healthy living habits from a younger age. With the ability and facilities to provide a unique and exclusive experience, Flex Resorts houses a multi-level fully equipped Flex Resorts top priority is and state-of-the art facility which incorporates all the to keep children engaged with its fun-filled activities. activities lined up on the agenda for the summer With summer holidays on camp under different clubs the brink, and considerand services. ing Kuwait’s low activity rate during the season, Specifically tailored for children from 18-23 months, the program is focused on nurturing while developing self confidence and encouragement to discover the world around them as they will focus on enhancing social and motor skills.
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Children from 2-4 years will get to experience a multilingual Montessori based curriculum with lessons delivered in Arabic, English and French. Apart from the club facilities which include two swimming pools to build their swimming skills and water confidence there is also a 12 meter tall climbing wall, one of the most popular sport among kids! Moreover, a whole floor is devoted to children activities-Kids Athletic Club games include, basketball, soccer, gymnastics, hip hop dance, sand play and a bowling alley. In addition to the above, the Kid’s Athletic club offers complete sports skills development experience which caters to the kids focusing on the development of their body control, balance, coordination, speed and confidence. And not to forget, our very own little Dashing Diva; Flex Resort’s place for young girls to go and have their nails done.

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IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN boutique opens in Kuwait

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN is one of the pioneers of the Swiss watch industry and a highly emotional brand Morad Yousuf Behbehani with an exciting and fasttrading division recently changing corporate history. opened the first IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN boutique The founder, the American Florentine Ariosto Jones, in Kuwait at the dynamic had the vision in 1868 of 360 MALL. Redefining using Swiss horological luxury shopping within Kuwait, the opening of the craftsmanship to produce new outlet at the 360 Mall, high-quality pocket watch marks Kuwait as one of the movements for the Amerifirst premier markets that can market. In a location not far from the Rhine offer end consumers with the complete IWC SCHAFF- falls, the young manufacHAUSEN experience which turer utilized the energy of the river for its modern can only be performed in the hands of its sales con- production, bringing about a horological revolution to sultants. Switzerland. The IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN boutique will provide watch These roots and the development of the brand make a fascinating combination. A passion for brilliant inventions, technical refinements and horological milestones are, and always were, the driving force behind the engineers enthusiasts not only with the finest engineered time- at IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN. Men with a flair for techpieces, but also with a truly emotional experience nology and a taste for discreet luxury choose our and first class service. haute horlogerie products, With its 141-year history,
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to say nothing of our specialty products. The ingenieur line and our watches for divers and pilots with their professional features and functions, on the other hand, are the favorites of sportsmen, adventurers and people who are looking for a robust and dependable timepiece with an attractive design for everyday use. IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN is committed to several social responsibility projects such as: The Charles Darwin Foundation in the Galapagos Islands, for the protection of endangered species; the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, to help children in need to improve their life through sport; the Saint Exupery Foundation for children education and the adventure ecology and its Plastiki Project for the Cousteau Society.

Philips revolutionizes LED lighting
During this year’s Light + Building, the world’s leading lighting and architecture fair, Philips underlined its global leadership in lighting by substantially broadening its portfolio of LED-based lighting solutions that enhance the lives of people in homes and cities. Leveraging the fairs’ platform Philips launched its market-leading innovative
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portfolio of LED lighting solutions for consumers and professionals to make homes and cities more energy efficient, including a breakthrough 12 watt LED lamp as a substitute for a 60 watt light bulb.

the world today,” says Rudy Provoost, CEO of Philips Lighting and a member of the board of management of Royal Philips Electronics. “Lifestyles are changing, urbanization is presenting new challenges for city Other innovative products leaders, and society in launched at the fair ingeneral is more environcluded: LivingAmbiance, mentally aware. We are a revolutionary concept to applying the functional and mood creation that intecreative potential of LED grates multiple luminaries lighting to address these at home through a wireless trends, and to simply ensystem. Using a simple hance life with light.” remote control the system enables a room’s ambient lighting to reflect the mood or occasion. LivingAmbience also incorporates Philips’ latest generation of LivingColors, the acclaimed range of consumer luminaries which enable thousands of As LED technology opens colors to be chosen at the up the application of architouch of a button. tecture and design in home The new-shape range of lighting, Philips will introLivingColors colored and duce a collection of home white light luminaries build luminaries at the cuttingon this proposition by add- edge of contemporary ing adjustable and diminterior design. Three new able white light for daily product families - Lirio by activities as well as offerPhilips, Arcitone and Lediing more possibilities for no - each enable consumambiance creation. ers to express themselves by applying the design “Philips recognizes and un- flexibility of LED lighting derstands the fundamental with bold new forms, machanges taking place in terials and finishes.
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As increased urbanization presents new challenges for cities to provide more livable urban environments, Philips is to drive the appeal of LED in outdoor lighting to help cities improve road and pedestrian safety, reduce night-time light disturbance and make significant energy savings. During 2010 Philips will introduce a new range of outdoor luminaires all built around LEDGINE, a future-proofed and fully upgradable platform for outdoor luminaries With legislation to phase out older, inefficient lighting technologies, Philips will commercially launch the first ever highquality 60 watt-equivalent LED replacement lamp towards the end of 2010. The dim-able 12-watt bulb will deliver an industry benchmark 806 lumen of comfortable, warm white light, complying fully with European performance norms for replacement lamps. For businesses such as hotels, replacing high concentrations of 60 watt lamps with Philips’ LED replacement solution will potentially help them save up to 80 percent of the energy used earlier.
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8020
The Pareto Principle also called the 80/20 Rule, is named after Italian economist, sociologist, industrialist and philosopher Vilfredo Federico Damaso Pareto. In 1906, while a lecturer in economics at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland, Vilfredo noted the great inequality in the distribution of wealth in society.
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ilfredo published his findings on the correlation between distribution of land and land ownership in Italy in a book which showed that 80 percent of the land in Italy was owned by just 20 percent of the population. Pareto claimed that this 80/20 distribution of wealth was repeated “through any human society, in any age, or any country.”

your friends or selecting clothes. You can apply the 80/20 Rule to almost anything: For instance, during the human gestation period, the critical early embryonic development takes up 20 percent of the time while the remaining 80 percent is devoted to fetal development.

als in the world, top three own as much as the next seven put together. The Pareto Principle has been generalized to state that, for many events, roughly 80 percent of the effects come from 20 percent of the causes. But the Pareto Principle is also often misquoted. For example, it is mistake to assume that a solution to a problem ‘fits the 80-20 Rule’ just because it fits 80 percent of the cases; it must be implied that this solution requires only 20 percent of the resources needed to solve all cases. It is also a misuse of the 80-20 Rule to interpret data with a small number of categories or observations. 80/20 Rule should only be regarded as shorthand for the general principle at work. The value of the Pareto Principle lies in reminding us to focus on the 20 percent that matters. Of the things you do during your day, only 20 percent really matter. Those 20 percent produce 80 percent of your results. Identify and focus on those things. When the daily grind of work begin to sap your time, remind yourself of the 20 percent you need to focus on. If something in the schedule has to slip, if something is not going to get done, make sure it is not part of that 20 percent.

In everyday life, we tend to spend 80 percent of our time with 20 percent of our friends; wear 20 perIn 1940, American busicent of our wardrobe items ness management pioneer 80 percent of the time. and quality proponent, In business, you know 20 Dr. Joseph M Juran, recog- percent of your stock takes nized a universal principle up 80 percent of your from which he derived warehouse space and that that, which he then de80 percent of your stock rived that 20 percent of comes from 20 percent something was always re- of your suppliers. Also 80 sponsible for 80 percent of percent of your sales will the results. Applying this come from 20 percent of principle as an effective your sales staff. 20 percent tool in business manageof your staff will cause 80 ment, Juran summarized percent of your problems. it as “the vital few and And, it works both ways, trivial many.” In Juran’s another 20 percent of your initial work he identified staff will provide 80 per20 percent of the defects cent of your production. causing 80 percent of the problems. Today, Project In a further affirmation Managers know that 20 of the Pareto Principle, a percent of the work (the United Nations Developfirst 10 percent and the ment Program report in last 10 percent) consume 1992 showed that the dis80 percent of their time tribution of global income and resources. is very uneven, with the richest 20 percent of the Pareto Principle has been world’s population controlapplied to observation in ling 82.7 percent of the a variety of fields from world’s income. A further human developmental dissection of income inbiology to more munequality reveals that of the dane matters as meeting top ten wealthiest individu-

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25 years of dot (.)com
ot com may be the most popular of those three little fragments that helped reshape the world, but the first registered name occurred without fanfare. A computer manufacturer based in Cambridge, Massachusetts called Symbolics, Inc. was the first to stake a claim in .com on March 15, 1985. What followed was hardly a gold rush: that year only five other companies signed up for a name. At the time, the Internet was largely a project for computer scientists and universities who wanted a way to communicate. As more and more people and institutions discovered the growing network that was set up by the Defense Department, it became increasingly shabby place. The early history of the Internet is peppered with stories about the difficulty of sending an email. One of the challenging things in the 1980s was getting mail from one network to another. Figuring out how to manually route through gateways was something of a black art — and often not officially sanctioned. As mail loads got heavier,

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sometimes postmasters would ask for people to stop using their connections. The need for some sort of organizing principles became more and more apparent as more entities connected into the fledgling Internet. Bringing order to the increasingly chaotic universe fell to the legendary Jon Postel and his colleagues at the Uni-

While we know that the first .com was assigned to symbolics.com on March 15, 1985, the genesis of .com is less clear.

While we know that the first .com was assigned to symbolics.com on March 15, 1985, the genesis of .com is less clear. According to Craig Partridge, chief scientist at Raytheon BBN Technologies, the name for domains evolved as the system was created. At first, .cor was proposed as the domain for corporations, but when the final version came out it was switched to .com. Likewise, .org was originally .pub and .mil was originally .ddn. Other domains that came into being at the same time as .com were .edu, .gov, .net and .arpa.

versity of Southern Califor- Jack Haverty, another nia’s Information Sciences Internet pioneer who was at MIT at the time, said Institute. they were not really thinkPostel who was called the ing about business when “King” of the Internet be- they were developing the came the request for com- top-level domains. “I think ment (RFC) editor in 1969. .com originally was derived from “company” rather As RFC editor, Postel and than “commercial.” The. his colleagues personally shaped the Internet as we com’s weren’t thought of as “businesses” in the know it today. In October 1984, RFC 920 “on the re- sense of places that conquirements of establishing sumers go to buy things,” a new domain in the ARPA- he wrote in an email. “They were companies doInternet and the DARPA research community” was ing government contract work. The Internet was published, setting the stage for the birth of .com. not chartered to interconnect businesses — it was

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Nations implemented laws to combat cyber-squatting, and the entertainer Madonna won a notable case in 2000 to get control of madonna.com. The burst of the “.com bubble” cooled off the rapid growth for a short period, and since then .com has grown at a steady rate, with now more than 80 million domains. Yet, some of the most popular websites today were registered late into the .com era. Youtube.com, for example, was not registered until 2005. Twitter.com was also registered after the .com boom. While Symbolics the company did not fare well, symbolics. some time to take off is an com remains as the oldest understatement. Two and .com and was purchased a half years after the first by Aron Meystedt, owner registration, only 100 total of XF.com in 2009. .com domains existed. Among the early adopters Today, .com is an integral part of a technology included IBM, Intel, AT&T and Cisco. By 1992, there boom that reshaped the were still less than 15,000 way people work, live, play and connect with family .com domains registered and friends. Much to the and the million-domain mark wasn’t crossed until amazement of its creators. “I don’t recall anybody 1997, well into the Interever thinking we were net boom. creating an organizational structure to encompass Then came the “.com hundreds of millions of boom”, with nearly 20 entities covering the enmillion names registered tire planet in support of all in the next two years. It also ushered in something human activities,” Haverty termed “cyber-squatting,” explained in another email. where domains of famous “And it certainly wasn’t people or companies were supposed to last for 30+ registered in hopes of get- years; it just happened to ting a hefty sum to sell it. turn out that way.”

a military command-andcontrol prototype network, being built by educational, governmental, and contractors.” Since most of the Internet’s pioneers were involved in educational institutions, the military and government, it would explain why the other toplevel domains seem more intuitive. Since what would become the Internet was not set up to do business, and the profit-motive was not officially sanctioned, Internet pioneers did not naturally think about a .biz or something else. Still, they seemed to understand that some kind of commerce was coming. But to say that .com took

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Buckling Paper Buck

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he question many people have begun to ask is how worthy is the paper buck, stored in the form of trillions of dollars of foreign currency around the worlde. Read on to find out. The foreign currency deposits and bonds held by a country’s Central Bank or other monetary authorities are referred to as the its foreign exchange reserves. This is different from international reserves, which in addition to the foreign exchange reserves also includes gold reserves, International Monetary Fund reserves and other drawing rights held by a country.

Central banks around the world cooperate in buying and selling official international reserves in order to influence its flexible or fixed exchange rate policies. A central bank with a fixed exchange rate policy may face a situation where an increase in demand for the currency would tend to push its value higher, and a decrease in demand would lower its value. In a flexible exchange rate regime, these operations occur automatically, with the central bank clearing any excess demand or supply by purchasing or selling the foreign currency.

reserves. Even in the absence of a currency crisis, fluctuations can result in huge losses. For example, China holds huge U.S. dollar-denominated assets, but if the U.S. dollar weakens on the exchange markets, the decline results in a relative loss of wealth for China. In addition to fluctuations in exchange rates, the purchasing power of fiat money (state-issued money which is neither legally convertible to any other thing, nor fixed in value in terms of any objective standard) decreases constantly due to devaluation through inflation. Therefore, a central bank must continually increase the amount of its reserves to maintain the same power to manipulate exchange rates. Also, reserves of foreign currency provide a small return in interest. However, this may be less than the reduction in purchasing power of that currency over the same period of time due to inflation, effectively resulting in a negative return known as the “quasi-fiscal cost”. In addition, large currency reserves could have been invested in higher yielding assets.

Large foreign currency reThe foreign currency reserves allow a government serves of the central bank, to manipulate exchange often held in US dollar, rates - usually to stabilize and to a lesser extent in the foreign exchange rates euro, UK pound and the to provide a more favorJapanese yen, support the able economic environbank’s liabilities, including ment. Also, the greater a local currencies issued and country’s foreign reserves, the various bank reserves the better position it is deposited with the Central in to defend itself from Bank, by government or speculative attacks on the financial institutions. Fordomestic currency. eign exchange reserves are important indicators However, there are costs of ability to repay foreign in maintaining large curdebt and for currency rency reserves. Fluctuadefense, and are used to tions in exchange markets determine credit ratings of result in gains and losses nations. in the purchasing power of

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The British act of parliament that introduced the gold bullion standard in 1925 simultaneously repealed the gold specie standard. The new gold bullion standard did not envisage any return to the circulation of gold specie coins. Instead, the law compelled the authorities to sell gold bullion on demand at a fixed price. This gold bullion standard lasted until 1931.

could convert dollars into gold from official gold reserves, and after 1973, no individual or institution could convert US dollars into gold from official gold reserves. And since 1973, no major currencies have been convertible into gold from official gold reserves. Even though US dollars and other currencies are In theory the manipulano longer convertible into tion of foreign currency gold from official gold exchange rates can proreserves, they still funcvide the stability that a tion as official international In 1931, the United King- gold standard provides, reserves and allow central dom was forced to suspend but in practice this has not banks to stabilize the value the gold bullion of domestic curstandard due to rency. large outflows of gold across the At the end of Atlantic Ocean. 2004, central After World banks and inWar II, a sysvestment funds tem similar to a held 19 percent Gold Standard of all abovewas established ground gold as by the Bretton bank reserve Woods Agreeassets. It has ments. Under been estimated this system, that all the many countries gold mined by fixed their exchange rates been the case. Previously, the end of 2009 totaled relative to the U.S. dolbefore the Bretton Woods 165,000 tonnes. At a price lar. The U.S. promised to system when the US dolof US$1000 per ounce, exfix the price of gold at $35 lar began to function as a ceeded in 2008 and 2009, per ounce. Implicitly, then, reserve currency, official one tonne of gold has a all currencies pegged to international reserves, the value of approximately US the dollar also had a fixed means of official internadollar 32.15 million. The value in terms of gold. tional payments, consisted total value of all gold ever only of gold, and occasion- mined would not exceed However, under the really silver. US$5 trillion at that valuagime of the French Presition. dent Charles de Gaulle, up From 1944-1948 the US to 1970, France reduced dollar was convertible And yet, according to a reits dollar reserves, tradinto gold from the Federal cent Reuters report citing ing them for gold from the Reserve System, but after U.S Treasury Department U.S. government, thereby 1968 only central banks sources, global foreign cur-

reducing U.S. economic influence abroad. This, along with the fiscal strain of federal expenditures for the Vietnam War, led President Nixon to end the direct convertibility of the dollar to gold in 1971 resulting in what is commonly referred to as the Nixon Shock.

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rency reserves swelled to $8.1 trillion by the end of 2009. This figure, recently released as part of the longawaited report by the Treasury to the Congress on exchange rate policies, more than covered the amount that was pulled out during the recent global economic throes. And despite China intervening heavily in the foreign exchange market from February to December 2009, to hold its yuan pegged to the Dollar, the Treasury Department once again declined to label Beijing a currency manipulator. Not surprising seeing how in the same period China boosted its holding of Dollars by $487.1 billion, more than six times the rise of any other country. Before the worst phase of the financial crisis in 2008, global reserves had peaked at $7.2 trillion. Between July 2008 and February 2009, they declined by 5.8 percent, largely as a result of countries’ efforts to stem currency depreciation. Some countries also used a portion of their reserves to fund stimulus programs. Russia’s reserves showed the biggest decline, dropping $120.1 billion over a seven-month period. Nearly all major reserve-holding economies resumed

building stockpiles starting According to Treasury’s in February 2009. figures, China’s reserves as of December 2009 to“For a few countries, most taled $2.4 trillion, up 2.3 notably China, the increase percent since February of in reserves was associthat year. Japan’s were ated with a decline in the $997 billion, up 0.2 pernominal effective exchange cent since February. Russia rate, indicating that reand Saudi Arabia each held serve accumulation may nearly $400 billion. have been used to prevent By H1 2010, the following exchange rate appreciacountries held more than tion,” the Treasury said. 60 percent of the total There are no hard and world foreign currency refast rules for how much serves. a country should hold in reserves. Commonly-used China with 2454 billion benchmarks include a suf- topped the list followed by ficient amount to cover Japan with 1019bn, Euexternal debt coming rozone with 716bn, Rusdue within 12 months, or sia 456bn, ROC (Taiwan) enough to cover three to 362bn, India 283bn, South four months of imports. Korea 271bn, Switzerland 262bn, Brazil 257bn, Hong Treasury said China’s reKong 240bn and Singapore serves alone would cover 203bn. The adequacy of the short-term debt of the the foreign exchange re12 largest reserve-holding serves is more often exemerging markets and still pressed not as an absolute be above adequacy bench- level, but as a percentage marks. of short-term foreign debt, money supply, or average Countries hold reserves monthly imports. for a variety of reasons, including for day-to-day While the gold reserve is transactions like debt rethe gold held by a central payment. Countries such bank or nation intended as China with pegged exas a store of value and as change rates need to hold a guarantee to redeem reserves to offset downpromises to pay deposiward pressure on their tors, paper money holdcurrencies. ers, or trading peers, or to secure a currency. Some governments also hold reserves as a form Today gold reserves are of self-insurance against almost exclusively, alsudden loss of investment beit rarely, used in the flows that could cause a settlement of international financial crisis. transactions.

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Jashanmal
a 90-year retail history
times and opened a general store in Kuwait’s Safat Square in 1934, his first venture out of the secluded confines of Basra. The square was then the destination of camel caravans When the Jashanmals first from Saudi Arabia. Vintage came on the scene, Indian pictures show the Jashanelebrating its 90th traders were spread all mal store surrounded by anniversary in 2009, over the Gulf region, buy- bored-looking camels and Jashanmal is syning pearls from Arab mer- their shabbily-dressed, onymous with quality retail chants in return for just tired drivers. around the Middle-East. about everything that a Founded by the late Rao starved land and its people After Kuwait, growth came Sahib Jashanmal — who required. Ships from Inrapidly. Rao Sahib’s sons came from India and dia ferried in people and -- Narain, Atma, Hiro and launched his general store “Made in England” goods, later Mohan -- took over in Iraq’s port city of Basra making stops at Basra, and began expanding the in 1919 — the Jashanmal Kuwait, Dubai and Bahrain business into other parts Group is now run by the before returning to Bomof the region. The busifourth generation. bay (now called Mumbai). ness moved into Bahrain -- which then was the only What started out as a It was apparently a 21-day destination of British Airone-store outlet selling trip. Later, planes began ways in the region -- Dubai household goods, men’s landing on sandy strips and finally Abu Dhabi, clothing, stationery, books unseen from the skies, where the youngest brothand newspapers in Basra bringing in has grown to become a tinned food, retail and wholesale behe- shoes, moth with branches spread clothes across the region. and other luxury The group, which is a big items that name in retail and whole- the colonial sale business in consumer rulers and goods in the region, is the locals steeped in history beginneeded. ning when the British controlled most parts of an Rao Sahib underdeveloped Arabian took advanGulf, and there were more tage of the sand dunes than people. It changing Vintage photo: Jashanma Kuwait 24
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was also a time when camels and bandits roamed freely and oil, which later brought immense riches to the land, had not yet been discovered.

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er Mohan arrived in 1964 to open an outpost on the beach.

founder’s vision is diluted by second- or third-generation descendents. The main issue is one of sucAt the time, Abu Dhabi, cession and how families says Mohan, had no roads, manage succession,” says a few buildings and a lot of Wharton management protents. There was no pofessor Raffi Amit. table water or electricity. When Mohan arrived there The Jashanmals are difwith his Boston-educated ferent. Founder Rao Sahib newly-wed wife, she won- retired in 1973, leaving the dered whether they were business to his five sons going to crash when she one of whom later chose to saw the wide expanse of go his own way. The busisand below. The Jashanness has only grown since mals have seen the emirthen, as the Jashanmals ate grow and they have have remained involved in grown with it. the company from a distance, letting professionals Rao Sahib made the region his home. The busi“The desire of every perness in Basra was closed son who starts a business in the late 1950s when the is to see it grow so that Hashemite monarchy was he can leave something overthrown in Iraq and it became difficult to imfor his descendents.” port goods from the West. Tony Jashanmal Since then, the group has focused on the Gulf region -- except Saudi Arabia run the day-to-day opera-- and today runs stores tions. and franchise shops in the United Arab Emirates, Despite research findings Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman that family-run compathat sell pens, cameras, nies are a better bet for luggage, fashion accesall stakeholders as long as sories, books, magazines, the founder of the firm is newspapers, giftware, involved as chief executive household and kitchen ap- officer or chairman, the pliances, and crystal ware. Jashanmals say the busiThe firm has some of the ness has lasted well into biggest global brands in its the fourth generation bestable and employs more cause family elders underthan 1,000 people. stood very early on that to grow, they needed to step Research shows that a into the shadows and hand company’s performance over management to prousually slips once the fessionals.

Tony Jashanmal - Executive Director - Jashanmal Group “The desire of every person who starts a business is to see it grow so that he can leave something for his descendents. It works well for two generations. It is the transformation from the second to the third generation when [the firm] either breaks up, or some professional structure has to be formed for it to last,” notes Tony Jashanmal, Rao Sahib’s grandson and currently the executive director of the Group. The multifold growth may not have been possible if the family had not decided to step away from day-today operations, they maintain. The process began in stages. After Rao Sahib’s retirement, the group continued to be run as a traditional family business. Later, the family decided to turn the business into a shareholding company equally divided between the four brothers. “[Family members] who worked for the company received salaries and dividends; those who didn’t got only the
Oct - Dec 2010

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was shepherded by Gangu Batra, the group president who plans to step down after 50 years with the group. For decades, he was the public face of the company and shepherded rapid expansion in the firm’s retail and wholesale Gangu Batra - President business, while also seekJashanmal Group ing other opportunities dividend. This was the first for growth as consumers began spending more and act of discipline,” states Tony, in a phone interview places like Dubai became major tourist and trading from Kuwait. hubs due to low customs duties. In the early 1980s, when Copenhagen 7 -lawsDecember, 2009 18 were new partnership Since 1980s, the Jashanintroduced in the region, the Jashanmals decided to mal business has undergone a huge change take a step forward and floated a holding company -- expanding through joint ventures and affiliations to accommodate family that have allowed it to and non-family partners become leaner, and remain with different shareholdprofitable even in the curing, a move that Tony calls “a jump into modern rent troubled economic times. times.” A new entity -Jashanmal Holding -- was Many businesses that the Jashanmals once concreated, with a board of trolled directly, such as directors and a chief experfumes, are today manecutive officer to run the business. Family members should not be at the top of the company,” Tony notes, adding that while family members could work for the company, they had to come up from the bottom just like other professionals. “That was one of the reasons why many family members did not stay.” The transition from a family-run company to a family-owned company
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aged by joint venture partners, ensuring that the group keeps reaping profits without the daily headaches. The group does not have plans to expand aggressively outside the region, however, not even in India, where the Jashanmals originally came from. “We are the most confident in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) because we know this region the best. We have helped our principals to get into India when they wanted to,” Tony states. At the same time, the group has chosen to stay out of the vast Saudi market -- the biggest in the region -- because of the various market restrictions there. It, however hopes to be back in Iraq where it started once the security situation there improves. “I don’t think you lose out if you are not the first one to enter,” he says. To succeed, Tony notes, family businesses need to make the staff aware of the family’s values, and the beliefs on which the founder based business practices. “Many professionals have a short-term view, but in family business they need to have a long-term view. People need to have more meetings, talk more. That’s why you need family members to be around to emphasize that point of view.”
Oct - Dec 2010

Family members should not be at the top of the company,” Tony notes, adding that while family members could work for the company, they had to come up from the bottom just like other professionals.

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IRAQ - Business Perceptions

But more than half of those surveyed said their view of Iraq has become more positive over the past two years.

new survey of senior businesspeople by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) finds that despite the country’s many pro9blems, investor perceptions of Iraq are slowly improving. Preliminary results from the EIU survey of 300 executives – all of whom have direct input into their company’s decisions on doing business in the Middle East – show that the security situation remains the major deterrent to business. Indeed, 64% said it is still too dangerous to do business in Iraq at the present time. But more than half of those surveyed said their

A

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view of Iraq has become more positive over the past two years. Moreover, most respondents expect the security situation for foreign executives and employees to improve over the next two years, with 46% saying it would improve somewhat and 9% saying it would improve significantly, despite the draw-down of Western troops. Just 10% expected it to worsen. Other key findings include: Iraq’s capital holds great economic importance: Northern Iraq, where violence has been limited, is the region that investors view the most favorably, with 46% of respondents viewing it either highly favorably or somewhat favorably, while 20% view it unfavorably. Yet Baghdad, which has suffered far more violence, is viewed almost as favorably by respondents, 46% of whom said they viewed it either highly favorably or somewhat favorably – illustrating the economic importance of the country’s capital. Sector analysis: 43% saw construction and real estate as the country’s most promising non-hydrocarbon sector, followed by consumer goods (23%), with healthcare and pharmaceuticals tying with chemicals for third place

The most attractive aspect of Iraq as perceived by these executives was – unsurprisingly – the country’s oil and gas resources (cited by 56% as one of the top three attractions).

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(18%) respectively. Media (4%) and retail (6%) were seen as the least promising sector. A country with significant opportunities: 45% of respondents judged that “The ongoing violence means doing business in Iraq will remain too risky for some time”. But nearly as many – 38% – see Iraq as “A country with significant opportunities for those who are willing to accept risks in the shortterm”. Increased business dependent on issue of security: 40% of respondents are not currently considering doing business in Iraq but would do so if circumstances change. Those who are not currently doing business in Iraq emphasized that the most important factor in their decision is security.

Iraq’s attractive resources: The most attractive aspect of Iraq as perceived by these executives was – unsurprisingly – the country’s oil and gas resources (cited by 56% as one of the top three attractions). 18% also cited other natural resources such as phosphates. The second and third biggest draws were the prospects of the untapped consumer markets and early-mover advantage.

advantage of oil and gas resources, while another 25% believed their company was well-placed to take part in reconstruction efforts. 23% cited the country’s important strategic location in the region, while 17% emphasized a desire to participate in Iraq’s renewal. Desire to renew Iraq: Among executives based in the Middle East, 27% cited a desire to participate in Iraq’s renewal – although the opportunities for returns and for reaching untapped consumers remained the first and second most important reasons respectively.

The full results of the survey also Opportunity to make high included a detailed analyreturns: sis of how businesses from Among the 175 respondifferent regions of the dents who are doing or word perceive Iraq – and considering doing business what they believe should in Iraq, the top reason happen politically. cited was the opportuThe complete findings will ‘Violence’ possesses most nity to make high returns form part of an extensive risk to businesses: (49%), followed by the op- piece of research into busiThe top three risks to busi- portunity to reach a largely ness perceptions of Iraq, ness were judged to be untapped consumer marincluding in-depth interviolence (67%), corrupket (38%). views with key executives, tion (44%) and the lack which will be launched at of infrastructure (35%). Taking advantage of oil Economist Conferences’ The next three were buand gas resource: Iraq Business and Investreaucracy, lack of contract 25% were attracted by ment Summit in Manama, protection and credit risk. the opportunity to take Bahrain.
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Dates an ideal food

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he health benefits of dates are numerous, as this fruit is rich in natural fibers. These natural products also contain oil, calcium, sulfur, iron, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, copper and magnesium which are advantageous for health. Dates are even rich in several vitamins and minerals. It is said that one date is minimum requirement of a balanced and healthy diet. It helps in fighting constiwww.vivalife1.com

beneficial for both adults and children, especially during the time of recovery. According to modern medicine survey, it is known that dates are useful in preventing abdomiHealth benefits of dates have made them the best nal cancer. It is also seen that many Muslims break nourishment for muscle development. People con- their fast by eating dates and water according to sume dates in several ways, like mixing the paste their traditions. Breaking of the dates with milk, yo- fast with dates helps us to ghurt or with bread or but- avoid overeating after the ter to make the food tasty fast. When the body absorbs the nutritional valand healthy. This paste is pation, intestinal disorders, weight gain, heart problems, sexual weakness, diarrhea and abdominal cancer. 31
Oct - Dec 2010

calories alone are sufficient to meet the daily requirements of a human body. Heart Wealth: Dates are quite helpful in maintaining your heart in healthy condition. When soaked for whole night and crushed in the morning and consumed, they prove to be quite advantageous for weak hearts. They help to fortify heart, if taken twice in the week. ue of the dates, the feeling the laxative effect from of hunger gets pacified. dates, you need to soak dates for one full night in Dates are termed as the water. You should consume crown of sweets and ideal these soaked dates in the food which easily balances morning like syrup to get and digests food. It gives their actual advantages. extra energy to a tired human body within half an Intestinal Disorders: hour after taking it. Dates The nicotine content that is are considered to be the present in the dates is said best diet for confinement to be beneficial for curing of the women. American any kinds of intestinal disCancer Society recomorders. Continuous intake mends intake of 20-35 of dates helps to maintain grams of dietary fiber in a check on the growth of a day, supplied through the pathological organisms dates. It is said that takand thus, helps in the rise ing one date in a day will of friendly bacteria in the help you to maintain your intestines. healthy eyes for your lifetime. They are quiet effec- Weight Gain: Dates are tive in guarding the night said to be a part of healthy blindness problems. diet. They consist of sugar, fats, proteins as well as Benefits of Dates: many essential vitamins. If the dates are consumed Constipation: Date is with the paste of cucumtermed to be a laxative ber, one can easily come food. This is the reason out from the problem of that dates are beneficial over-slimming. One kilofor people suffering from gram of dates contains alconstipation. For getting most 3,000 calories. These Sexual Weakness: Dates are even beneficial for increasing sexual stamina in the human body. A handful of dates, when soaked in fresh goat’s milk for the night and then grinded in the same milk with the mixture of cardamom powder and honey, becomes a very useful tonic for increasing sex endurance and sterility due to functional disorders. Diarrhea: Ripe dates contain potassium. Potassium is beneficial for controlling diarrhea. They are easily digestible, which helps to cope up with the problems of diarrhea. Intoxication: Dates are known as an excellent remedy for alcoholic intoxication. Dates provide quick relief in the case of alcoholic intoxication. They should be rubbed and soaked overnight for getting more nutritious values from them.

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Abdominal Cancer: Dates are beneficial for curing abdominal cancer. They work as useful tonic for all age groups. They work as better as the medicines, and are natural and do not bear any side effects in the body. They can be easily digested and used for supplying extra and needed energy. Although dates carry tremendous nutritional values, great care should be taken in their selection because they consist of sticky surface which attracts various impurities in them. Hence, you should consume only those dates that are packed nicely. Make sure to wash them thoroughly before consuming. This will help to remove the impurities present in them. Date Recipes: Date carrot cake: Ingredients 2 cups flour 2 tsp. baking powder 11/2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1 tsp. salt 4 eggs 2 cups sugar 11/2 cups olive oil 1 can 450g crushed pineapple (well drained) 1 cup walnuts (chopped) 1 cup dates (chopped) 2 cups carrots Preparation Sift together flour, baking

powder, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves 1 and salt. Set aside. In large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar thoroughly. Add the olive oil and mix well. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the batter and beat just until combined. Stir in the pineapple, walnuts, dates and carrots. Spread batter in two greased and waxed paper lined 25cm cake pans and bake at 160 degrees C for about 45 minutes or until cake pulls away from pan, and cool completely on wire rack. Frosting 1 pkg. 240g cream cheese (softened) 1/2 cup butter (softened) 1 tsp. vanilla pinch of salt 450g. confectioners’ sugar (sifted) In large mixing bowl, beat together cream cheese, butter, vanilla and pinch of salt until fluffy. Gradually add sifted confectioners’ sugar and beat until

smooth. Frost Cake and refrigerate. Chewy Date Bars: Ingredients 250g stoned dates, roughly chopped 75g demerara sugar 60g plain flour 50g porridge oats 4 tbsp vegetable oil 1tsp baking powder 1tsp mixed spice 1tsp vanilla extract 2 large eggs, beaten 175g pecan nuts, roughly chopped Icing sugar, to dust Heat oven to 180°C Place all the ingredients in order into a bowl. Stir until evenly mixed. Pour into 15 cm tin buttered and lined with grease paper, level the top and put on the middle shelf for 30-35 minutes or until the top is firm and browned. Leave for 10 minutes, then turn on to a wire rack to cool. When cold, cut into 12 bars and dust with icing sugar.

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Random Recipes
cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili powder, cinnamon and cardamom. Stir in the mashed potato mixture. Remove from heat and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or until cool. Heat oil in a large, heavy saucepan over high heat. Mix cilantro and green chili peppers into the potato and beef mixture. Place approximately 1 tablespoon of the mixture onto each phyllo sheet. Fold sheets into triangles, pressing edges together with moistened fingers. In small batches, fry until golden brown, about 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

Beef Samosas

Ingredients 2 large potatoes, peeled 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 bay leaf, crushed 2 large onions, finely chopped 1 pound ground beef 4 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger root 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom 2 tablespoons chopped
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fresh cilantro 2 tablespoons chopped green chili peppers 1 quart oil for deep frying 1 (16 ounce) package phyllo dough Preparation Bring a medium saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Stir in potatoes and peas. Cook until potatoes are tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain, mash together and set aside.

Ingredients 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp salt 500g ground lamb 3 tbsp grated onion 3 tbsp chopped parsley In a large saucepan over 1 tbsp ground coriander medium high heat, heat 1 tsp ground cumin the oil. Brown cumin seeds 1/2 tbsp ground cinnamon and bay leaf. Mix in onions 1/2 tsp ground allspice and ground beef. Cook 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper until beef is evenly brown 1/4 tsp ground ginger and onions are soft, about 1/4 tsp ground black pepper 5 minutes. Mix in garlic, 28 bamboo skewers, fresh ginger root. Season soaked in water for 30 with black pepper, salt, minutes 34
Oct - Dec 2010

Kofta Kabab

tray and bake slightly until golden brown in color. Do not burn. Heat milk in a non stick pan and dissolve sugar. Add cinnamon and bring to boil. Then set aside. The sweetness of the milk should be a bit more than you like. Break the baked pastry in a 20x30 cm Pyrex add the almonds, hazel nut and then the milk. Heat oven at 250 degrees has cooked to your desired centigrade and bake the pastry, nuts and milk for preference; about 6 min15 minutes. If the pastry utes for medium. absorbs all the milk, add a bit more. Umm Ali Ingredients Remove the Pyrex from 5 packs puff pastry (200 the oven and mix the butgrams each) ter and heavy cream to5 cups of milk gether and add on top of 2 tbsp granulated white the desert. Sprinkle with sugar dry coconut. 3 tbsp brown sugar Bake again for an addition3 tbsp butter al 15 minutes. 4 tbsp heavy cream Form the mixture into 1/2 cup golden/yellow rai28 balls. Form each ball If no golden crust develsons around the tip of a skewer, 1/4 cup hazelnut crushed ops on top, then grill for 2 flattening into a 2 inch minutes. open in half oval; repeat with the reServe hot. 1/4 cup almonds, maining skewers. Place blanched, the kebabs onto a baking peeled and sheet, cover, and refriger- split open ate at least 30 minutes, or 1tsp ground up to 12 hours. cinnamon 2 tbsp Preheat an outdoor grill for shredded medium heat, and lightly dry coconut oil grate. Preparation Mash the garlic into a paste with the salt using a mortar and pestle or the flat side of a chef’s knife on your cutting board. Mix the garlic into the lamb along with the onion, parsley, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, allspice, cayenne pepper, ginger, and pepper in a mixing bowl until well blended. Preparation Cook the skewers on the Place puff preheated grill, turning oc- pastry in casionally, until the lamb a baking
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Your Cosmic Calendar
One-to-one linking appeals to you more than group activities or more casual associations. If single, you are more eager than usual to enter into a devoted relationship. In general, you are flexible when it comes to your affections - very willing to negotiate and make harmony. You may have a greater than before wish to rule the roost. Family-related conflicts and disputes may arise; you may have arguments with them, about them, or on their behalf. It could also happen that now you’re so busy working for others that you have no time for yourself, in the process you miss out a lot of good things of life

ARIES

After a period of selfprotectiveness, you are now more spontaneous and more willing to take risks. A rich, fruitful and happy phase comes to you and you’re enjoying it. Rashness in an affair of the heart might leave you hurt and scattered, if not shattered. At this time, you intuitively know how to position yourself in the best light in order to make a good impression on others. Financial conditions and related areas may see advances, with a boost in both resources and possessions. You have more oomph at your disposal to make money, but also to support your ideals in self confidence.

GEMINI

All your mental activity will be intensely personal, subjective and even egocentric. No carelessness of any kind to be made if you want to achieve your goals. You are more curious and alert than usual, and you could be quite busy with errands, paperwork, phone calls, and light socializing. As a result, fresh acquaintances and friendships come to you, giving pleasure, inspiration and ideas. You are especially good at mediating conflicts. Try smoothing over differences using your diplomacy skills. Being clear-cut in your ideas and this is a good time to schedule interviews, meetings and one to many discussions..

LEO

TAURUS

You may be making changes in your job/profession, in your relationships with colleagues, health and diet. There may be some mental strain, or perhaps financial difficulties. This phase presents an opportunity to get rid of what doesn’t work in your life, while also discovering what does. You could seek distinction and strive towards perfection in your work. You have a tendency to act and reflect automatically, and you could come across as an “open book” now. It’s a favorable time for solving problems and to work on improving your skills.

You are able to stand your ground and assert yourself more than usual. You want working conditions that satisfy you in every way, physically, technically and in the prevailing atmosphere and will take pains to achieve just that. There is a marvelous closeness built up with parents, older people, in-laws, who might not always approve of your eccentric and strongly different opinions. You will do your best to make an impression and these attempts are either assisted or challenged by the circumstances in which you find yourself and by others

CANCER

The truly intimate and personal you, needs to be examined minutely and where there is room for improvement, positive action be taken. There is a certain determination building up within you to alter not just your life or circumstances, but practically cast yourself in a new image. People could literally approach you and appreciate you for who you are. A mood of elation sustains you even as people question your values and your ability. The entire range from new contacts and acquaintances, to lifetime ties and bonds like marriage, are all very important, indeed.

VIRGO

VIVALIFE

36

Oct - Dec 2010

Our in-house astrologer gazes at planetary positions in the skies to find out what the stars foretell about your health, wealth, family, work and social life in the upcoming period ...

You may feel You are likely that you’re in the to throw caugrip of a force tion to the beyond your wind, especontrol, since cially where it is a time for boundaries begreat, perhaps tween fantasy even radical or and reality can be blurred, so drastic, changes in your material tread carefully. You will have a sense of awareness of your own as well as emotional world. This is an especially introspective limitations this month, leadmonth during which you have ing up to mid-month phase, be they physical, emotional or even the chance to truly uncover your personal strengths and talents. financial. You want more than This is a very expansive time what mundane reality offers, when you have lots of livelibut perhaps too much. Avoid ness, but not necessarily selfsecret dealings, especially the discipline to match. Now such ones that are not clearly legitia careless attitude may lead to mate and justifiable. It can be better to be motionless and still, undesired troubles. You take much more interest in play and and feel the wind change, than to row in the wrong direction pleasure!

LIBRA

SAGITTARIUS

Financial matters become important or at least the main focus, but good moves have to be thought out. Back your own judgment, but do so with caution and restraint. The ability to relate well with others might enhance your own personal finances during this period. This is a stable position for love matters and close relationships. Group activities and joint efforts are the best way to accomplish your goals right now. In fact, you have all sorts of ideas about what you want to do. You would want to organize projects and put things in shape

AQUARIUS

SCORPIO

You reach out to people in a rare show of warmth, connubial bliss and friendship. This is a rather happy, goal-oriented period. Forming pleasant, affectionate social friendships, possibly related to activities within an organization/society, can figure. You may meet someone through such group activities; consequently, your interests will be shared. This is a time when your best course of action is to recognize that you need, or rely on, others for support. Cooperative efforts revolve around making the most of all the resources belonging to other people, organizations or groupings

The preceding time span had lots of highs and lows for you to reckon with. The upcoming period reorients you to your lasting values, and greater idealism is the result. You are confused about what future directions to take. You want both absence of worry, and at least some, if not all, the good things of life. Imagination and desires may fog your decision making capabilities and create confusion. Relationship ups and downs characterize this phase. Disputes with co-workers are possible. If you are feeling particularly annoyed, it would be wise to find little projects and things to do on your own

CAPRICORN

vision is practical right now, and you want to see tangible results for your efforts. More contact with authority figures is likely during this period. Recognition is likely to come your way whether you ask for it or not. You are most charismatic and well-received on the job. You are socially gogetting right now, and success may come though your good managerial qualities or some form of artistic talent. Try to work cooperatively on relationship problems, and when differences arise show tolerance for minor issues as that’s the need of the hour.

PISCES Your

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Oct - Dec 2010

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