MDNA ranks Nb.1…

Controversial pop icon Madonna has added another feather on her cap by topping this year’s list of highest-grossing concert tours. According to Billboard, her world tour brought in the most money this year, reaching an incredible $242 million in revenues, besting rock and roll legend Bruce Springsteen’s total of $198 million from his “The Wrecking Ball” tour with The E Street Band.

Madonna handily beat her younger contemporary, the equally-controversial Lady GaGa, who only managed to secure the no. 6 spot with $124 million from her “Born This Way Ball” tour. The notorious Material Girl is consistently in the headlines by making controversial stunts in her shows, like brandishing a gun onstage in Denver only shortly after the Colorado shooting during “The Dark Knight Rises” movie premiere, and handing out pink anti-homophobia wristbands to Russian fans.

With seventy more shows still lined up and potentially $450 million in total earnings, the “MDNA” tour may end-up as the all-time highest-grossing live act. The record is currently held by Irish rock band U2 for their “360 Degrees” tour which grossed a whopping $736 million from a total of 110 shows.

The Cheesecake Factory…

Yesterday I had the chance to dine at cheesecake factory without waiting in the horrible queue . I decided to sit at the bar area although not all food was served there. However having a burger from them is always great! I tried their macaroni and cheese burger which was good. You can’t leave them without trying their cheesecake, so the recommendation fell on their ultimate red velvet cheesecake which was killing. It was so rich and heavy at the same time. I don’t know how many calories I ate but it was worth it. Moreover, their staff were amazing with their approach and customer service. Most of them are americans that they bring for a short period to support the restaurant in their launch.

I recommend everyone to try it but not during rush hours you can go for an early breakfast or lunch around 2pm.

Obama for another 4 years…

After a tense and bitter campaign, Obama rolled to reelection Tuesday night, winning a new chance to repair the nation’s economy and fulfill the promises of hope and change he made four years ago. Obama is the 44th president of the United States and first African American to hold such a position.

I really hope the US will change their foreign politics towards ARABS.

The Grand Avenues…

Too much hype recently going on regarding the opening of Avenues Phase 3 which will be tomorrow morning at 10am. The new phase is going to be huge in space and retails outlets brought in. Reviewing few blogs about the opening was really impressing to see the brands that Al Shayea is bringing to Kuwait. Apparently no need to shop outside Kuwait when everything is here. Some of the major stores opening are Harvey Nichols, COS, PINK, JO Malone, Cheesecake factory, Red Lobster…and much more. I think I will be able to go next week only just to avoid the massive crowd that will invade the new avenues.

Another Empire is on the way to Qatar…

London-based private equity fund Permira is in exclusive talks with the Qatari royal family over the sale of Italian fashion house Valentino and a decision is expected by the end of the month, four sources close to the talks said.

The Qataris, who also own London’s Harrods department store, have been one of the world’s most active investors with assets ranging from stakes in German sports car maker Porsche to shares in British bank Barclays.In March, Qatar Holding bought a 1.03 per cent stake in luxury conglomerate LVMH.

A sale of the entire Permira stake in Valentino would however be the first acquisition of a top fashion house by the Qatari family, where the wife of the Emir, Sheikha Mozah, is known for loving Valentino dresses.In a statement on Monday, Valentino confirmed it was in talks with a potential buyer but did not disclose its identity.

The deal is around 927 million dollars!

BMW recalling 1.3 million cars worldwide!

German car maker BMW is recalling 1.3 million cars over problems with a battery cable cover which could in extreme cases cause a fire.

The cable is found in the boot of the car.The worldwide recall affects 5 and 6-Series models made between 2003 and 2010 and includes 109,000 cars in the UK.”This can result in the electrical system malfunctioning, the vehicle failing to start and, in some cases, to charring or fire.”

The issue came to light through the continuous testing and development of BMW vehicles and some customer feedback.No incidents of this kind have so far been reported, the car maker added.

BMW said that it would be writing to car owners to warn them about the defect.

Lulu hypermarket promotion…

Lulu hypermarket started a promotion on March 15 named ” Half pay back is back ” that is whatever you pay you will get half the amount as a voucher. For example is you pay 100 KD for items you will get 50 KD as voucher. I find this promotion very interesting and will make a boom in the market. Promotion is valid till 15th April,2012.

Kuwait Airways Strike…

Kuwait Airways will halt its flights until further notice due to a decision taken by KAC workers’ union to strike at Kuwait International Airport. KAC apologized to its customers in a statement saying it will not be able to serve them and this is beyond its control. The statement said KAC will resume operations according to their flight schedule as soon as the strike ends.

Nokia Tab in progress…

 

 

Rumours of that Nokia is working on a tablet just got a bit more concrete, as design head Marko Ahtisaari confirmed that the Finnish firm has a tablet in the works.Speaking to Finnish magazine Kauppalehti Optio, Ahtisaari answered a question about tablets saying, “We are working on it.”

The magazine claims that a third of Ahtisaari’s time is spent on developing the tablet, which is speculated to be a Windows 8 slate for release at the end of 2012.

82nd Geneva International Motor Show…

The exhibition opened on March 8 and continues till March 18, for those of you who will be in Geneva at the time. Visitors will be the first to discover the latest technologies and models from more than 30 of the world’s leading car manufacturers.

This year, a total of 180 premiers are being presented by 260 exhibitors; 140 World and European Premiers in the automobile sector – specialized body designers/builders and preparation/tuning specialists; as well as 40 World and European Premiers in the accessory sector – parts, OEM providers and garage equipment suppliers.

This year, the Opel (Vauxhall) Ampera/Chevrolet Volt won ‘Car of the Year 2012’, beating the six finalists: Citroën DS 5, Fiat Panda, Ford Focus, Range Rover Evoque, Toyota Yaris and Volkswagen Up!

The seven finalists for the ‘Car of the Year 2012’ were selected from the 35 most significant novelties of the year by a total of 59 automobile journalists from 23 European countries.
The key criteria for Car of the Year include innovation and value for money but also safety, quality and design as well as environmental aspects.