Paying for software has never been as unnecessary but might be just as foolish CAIRO: Not only in Egypt, but wherever you are, finding the right piece of software that does just what you want can be difficult. The challenge is harder still if the stores don’t stock the latest releases or the prices are …

Pick any iconic subject, the Great Pyramids for example, and I m sure you ve seen countless photographs. Only a few will stand out from the crowd, captivating the viewer. Some photographers have the rare talent of transforming the image they see through the lens of their camera into a vision that supersedes what the …

Mind maps are a stress-free technique aimed at organizing your thinking process CAIRO: I admit it. I am a procrastinator. When an immediate solution doesn’t present itself, I push the problem aside to deal with later. With a looming deadline I usually come through at the last minute. I’ve told myself that I work better …

The Motorola V3x is better classified as a transition phase in the Razr line CAIRO: Though the Motorola Razr phone has yet to be mistaken for a credit card, its remarkably sublime design has helped to build its iconic status among cell phone users. But that is no more. Its ubiquity has led the Razr …

Summer sets the mood for a short lived relationship, but not a long-term commitment, psychologists say CAIRO: In the summer it is very easy to fall in love. The setting is exotic and you are in a relaxed mood, enjoying yourself on stress-free days away from work. But can this summer fling make the transition …

Sabai Sabai is located in 21 El Maahad El Swiesri, next to the Nile Zamalek Hotel, on Brazil St., Zamalek Tel: 735 1846, Mob: 010 3921736,Email: tlaobuppa@hotmail.com CAIRO: Approaching the bleak entrance at the foot of the stairs that lead to Sabai Sabai, you don’t expect the enchanting little restaurant that lies ahead. A plaster …

Trip to Bahariya Oasis uncovers some of the country s unknown attractions BAHARIYA, Western Desert: The oases of Egypt are like few other places on earth; an awesome range of geographical features, terrain and wildlife are concentrated on the outskirts of the Sahara. Used in ancient times by the Egyptians for agriculture, the beautiful scenery …

BALI: The most famous Island in Indonesia is often referred to as an “exotic paradise. This is no exaggeration and may still not be doing it justice with the incredible sunsets, great food, beautiful beaches, rich culture and impeccable service that is all on offer. Once you get to Bali, you realize that there is …

Egypt’s untapped tourism resources boundless CAIRO: Along with the Suez Canal and oil and gas revenues, tourism is one of Egypt’s main sources of foreign currency and, as the number of tourists increase every year, so does the importance of the money they pump into the national economy. Patterns, however, are shifting, with tourists looking …

Zamalek’s Crave combines fusion cuisine with excellent accommodating service CAIRO: There are countless options for where to go for a casual dinner in Cairo. We do, however, tend to fall into a rut and go to the same couple of restaurants over and over again. If you’re looking for somewhere new to go, they try …

Life style and food draw a line between the cultures of the two countries CAIRO: French women are known for their elegance, sophistication and slimness. In France, an overweight woman is an exception rather than the norm. In Paris, where the cream of the French crop reside; it’s practically unseen. So fascinated are people about …

Microsoft and Google are vying for your futures CAIRO: This year has seen both Microsoft and Google lining up with the Middle East. Each is tied into a global audience and intends to build on it; each is increasingly aware of the Arab demographic and what it means to their futures. Both have markedly different …

Misconceptions and high prices slow down pace of yoga s popularity CAIRO: In many Western countries, where nutrition stores and organic supermarkets are as ubiquitous as restaurant chains, yoga seems like the obvious counterpart to a subculture that has become unhealthily obsessed with health – or at least the idea of it. Here in Egypt, …

Nada Rashed explains the essentials of reflexology CAIRO: Many people laugh at the idea that touching certain points in their feet or hands can grant a feeling of relief from the pain usually associated with headaches or digestive and back problems. Like most alternative medicine, reflexology still struggles for public and official acceptance. Even though …

Villa D’Este at the Conrad serves up classy and tasty Italian food CAIRO: Everybody loves Italian food and when you’ve got a craving for a real taste of Italy, keep the pleasant Villa D Este at the Cairo Conrad in mind. Although it is situated on the crowded Corniche, parking is easy. Just turn into …

A quick guide to buying and eating everyone’s favorite fruit: mango CAIRO: Known to man for over 4,000 years, the mango has been at the top of the favored tropical fruit list with its mouth watering taste and aroma. But this doesn t mean that every piece of mango in the market is a culinary …

Put a stop to children’s restlessness in the car with fun, educational games ALEXANDRIA: Children get bored quickly, but at the same time it doesn t take much to relieve their boredom. The true challenge, however, comes when children are cooped up in a vehicle for hours at a time. Instead of unfastening their seatbelts …

Whether you like the crowds or quiet, this summer s beaches offer both NORTH COAST, Alexandria: The lake coast at Marina s seventh gate is the new hottest beach this summer. The long extended beach across the lake is a mixture between greenery and sand. The entrance via Marina’s seventh gate, which commonly known as …

Five ways to relieve stress, freshen the body and mind CAIRO: When people say they are “under stress or “feeling stressed it can mean anything from over-exhaustion and emotional anguish, to basic bouts with everyday anxiety. The problem is that many people don’t understand the meaning of the term in the correct sense. Stress is …

CAIRO: Dandy Mega Mall has created the perfect outing combining both the summer’s fresh air with the season’s latest blockbuster: the Dandy summer movie theatre. Open-air theatres are not a new concept to Cairo, but located on the Cairo-Alexandria highway (right before the toll station) this venue is far from the pollution and noise of …

Know the basics before shopping for a new laptop CAIRO: Whether you are looking for a laptop with minimal options that would best meet your professional and personal needs or are into the high-tech machines that bare resemblance to those in sci-fi movies, there are some basics that you must know and definitely can t …

CHI brings Hollywood’s hair products to Egypt CAIRO: The flow of Jennifer Aniston s hair, the elegance of Laura Bush s and the changing hairstyles of Madonna, Britney Spears, Jennifer Lopez, Claudia Schiffer, Jessica Simpson, Uma Thurman, Salma Hayek and Halle Berry all have one thing in common: Farouk Shami. With more than 1500 hair …

Crash course in the popular board games ALEXANDRIA: After a long day on the beach, the most traditional thing to do in a summerhouse is have lunch and sit down and play cards. There are, however, a variety of educational and recreational games families and friends can play together. Scrabble is my favorite word game …

Lost in the World Cup was the news that Anna Kournikova might be back. When last we saw the Russian bombshell, she was 22 and a constant sufferer of back pain, which forced her to walk away from professional tennis in 2003. Apparently, though, the pain is not as bad as it was and it …

Get your nutrition facts straight CAIRO: With over 30,000 diets available to choose from, it’s not surprising that we are confused. Many people go it alone and try to find what works for them. Take note of the following myths that you may be living by and modify your lifestyle to help you reach your …

Recommended swimming pools around the city Swimming is the best feature of the summer, and Cairo has a lot to offer in this regard. You can rent a hotel room, pay for day use in a country club or head to the nearest sporting club, all for the sake of the refreshing splash of water. …

ALEXANDRIA: The Windsor Palace Hotel in Alexandria has a colonialist atmosphere, garlanded with marble, adorned with red spiral staircases and a traditional closed-cage elevator built of wooden panelling in keeping with a traditional English hotel. Built in 1906 and considered one of the world’s heritage hotels, the luxurious setting of the Windsor Palace houses 71 …

Safe sunbathing means better skin and healthier body CAIRO: As the summer kicks off, all dermatologists seem to unite in one call: Take it easy with sunbathing as its bad for the skin. But as physicians unite in this call, it seems that most people also unite in ignoring the advice. Tanning makes us look …

Stuck in Cairo doesn t mean you can t enjoy sun and water CAIRO: So your air-conditioner has been on full power 24/7, your only weapon against the scorching heat. Give the poor thing a rest and avoid racking up a high electricity bill. Trek to a nearby swimming pool, drink a fresh fruit shake …

The essential seaside guide NORTH COAST, Alexandria: Beach time is here at last. Everyone is excitedly heading off to the North Coast every weekend, showing off their new swimsuits, swimwear and big beach bags. So what actually goes into that big colorful bag? Water sprayIn the humid and sunny weather you can’t take a dip …