Good afternoon, folks and happy Monday. The news cycle is picking up locally and internationally as we approach our midweek mark.
THE BIG STORY TODAY
Tourism is off to a good start this year: Tourist arrivals in the first 40 days of this year are up 7% from the same period last year, Tourism Minister Ahmed Issa said at a speech at the CEO Thoughts conference yesterday, Asharq Business reported. Hitting Egypt’s target to welcome 18 mn tourist arrivals this year is now looking “difficult,” Issa said, but a turnout close to the target is still possible.
THE BIG STORY ABROAD
The international media can’t agree on one top story this afternoon: The Magnificent 7 ’s (a title given to the top tech giants) net income surpass the performances of all publicly listed companies in G20 nations except for China and Japan whose combined listings just make the cut, according to Deutsche Bank, raising concerns of an excessively concentrated US stock market (CNBC). The US warned China that if it floods global markets to mitigate their industrial overcapacity problem there will be retaliation, reports the Financial Times. Also looking to avoid tension with the US is Iran, as it tries to subdue proxies to deescalate the situation, says the Washington Post.
On the global politics side of things: Houthis are also in the news, as their most recent attack damaged a Belize-flagged ship all while the US conducts airstrikes against them (Associated Press). Meanwhile, Israel continues its offensive on Rafah despite international calls for a ceasefire (Reuters), and a suffering economy (19.4% contraction in 4Q 2023), according to Bloomberg, vowing “complete victory.”
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A new USD3 bn aluminum factory in the pipeline: The Public Enterprise Ministry is set to team up with UAE-based Emirates Global Aluminium to build a USD 3 bn aluminum factory somewhere in northern Egypt with an estimated production capacity of 600k tons.
Local private and public equities are on the menu for Egypt Post in 2024: Egypt Post could invest as much as EGP 6 bn throughout the year “split between private equity investments and investments in EGX-listed companies.”
⛅ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- Expect a partly sunny day with the mercury rising to a high of 21°C and a low of 12°C in the evening, according to our favorite weather app.
Mainstream news outlets are falling out of favor with the youths: With declining public trust in traditional media and the stream of media-related layoffs, “new age” platforms like Instagram, X, TikTok, and YouTube have emerged as the most current news juggernauts, reshaping how we consume information. Bite-sized updates from creators, such as News Daddy and reports from UnderTheDeskNews seem to be the source of choice for most of the youth, reports Bloomberg.These creators have become influential figures, the above have gathered 10.4 mn on TikTok and 3 mn followers on YouTube each — numbers which surpass the follower count of the New York Times (which stands at 599.4 k on TikTok).
While this cuts many loose from corporate affiliations and questions of bias, there are concerns: Social media companies are skimping on fact-checking and playing loose with moderation, Bloomberg says. Meanwhile, Meta, Twitter, and YouTube rolled back 17 policies geared at reducing hate speech, misinformation and harassment over the course of a year, according to a FreePress report (pdf). Even though social media platforms technically allow creators to reach and speak to viewers of all political factions more equally, users get “hyperpersonalized” feeds — thanks to their choices of which platforms to use, and the careful curation of content that algorithms spew out — meaning they could be continuously exposed to content that creates “fragmented views of the world,” Bloomberg says.
Gen Z scores A+ on activism, diversity, and emotional awareness but a D- on mental health: Using data from 45 countries, a Deloitte Global 2023 Millennial and Gen Z survey found 46% of Gen Z respondents to be anxious or stressed all or most of the time, and a 2023 WHO report details one in five adolescents experiencing a mental disorder as well as suicide being one of the leading causes of death amongst older adolescents.
Digital socialization is a double-edged sword: Spurred by choice and partly due to the pandemic, Gen Z heavily relies on socializing online, a departure from the in-person interactions of previous generations. Interacting with people releases feel-good chemicals, says behavioral neuroscientist Bonnie Nagel, and Gen Z missed out on that during formative years due to covid-19 lockdowns and isolation, reports Axios. Then there is the comparison factor — where the youth begin to compare their achievements, physical appearance, and possessions, which can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.
The often uncensored and overactive newscycle isn’t helping either. Gen Z is more anxious about the world, and the media is giving them several reasons to feel this way — regional conflicts, struggling economies, climate change, skyrocketing costs of living, and AI replacing several jobs are always on the back of their minds.
Understanding and supporting Gen Z’s unique challenges is paramount in fostering the upcoming generation. Gen Z are passionate activists, with 70% involved in social or political causes globally. Paired with their diversity, emotional intelligence, and commitment they can be agents for positive change and assets in any industry, according to Axios.
Masters of the Air pays homage to the brotherhood forged among the US Air Force during WWII. Produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, this nine-episode drama series delves into the true events of the 100th Bomb Group that joined the US Army’s Eighth Air Force, named the “Bloody Hundred” — a unit of American bomber pilots who fought from 1942-1945.
The series is adapted from historian Donald L. Miller’s novel of the same namewhich focuses on the group that was formed in 1942 in the aftermath of Pearl Harbor. Their mission: To build a powerful bomber unit to speed up the Allies victory by crippling Germany’s economy. But the pilots faced extreme conditions: High casualties, unheated planes that led to frostbite, and enemy fire that spared no one.
Masters of the Air portrays the pilots as a tense yet close-knit group, which put a focus on John Egan (Callum Turner) and Gale Cleven (Austin Butler), celebrated for their flying prowess and budding bromance, amidst the perilous missions they encounter. The series is immersive, the cinematography spectacular — particularly the aerial battle scenes. As the episodes progress, you find yourself rooting for the young pilots and their missions against the Nazi Germany.
Unlike most WWII series, Masters of the Air also focuses on the mental health and the psychological toll on the pilots, writes Variety.One review referred to the high-grossing series as “ aim[ing] high — and bombs ” because it does not address more of the issues mentioned in Miller’s book — which we can blame on time and budgetary constraints (the first three episodes cost a whopping USD 300 mn).
WHERE TO WATCH IT- You can watch Masters of the Air on AppleTV+
Related
⚽ It’s mostly a quiet day for footballin Egypt and abroad. Some matches will be played here and there tonight until the Champions League resumes its games tomorrow night.
In the Egyptian league, El Ismaili and Zamalek will be going head to head at 7pm tonight while Modern Future and Al Moqawloon will be kicking off earlier at 4pm this afternoon.
Over to the Premier League, Gameweek 25 continues with Everton and Crystal Palace facing off at 10pm tonight.
Meanwhile, in La Liga: Girona and Athletico Bilbao will be playing at 10pm this evening.
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? EAT THIS TONIGHT-
One for our Alexandrian friends:Baba Gedo is a quaint restaurant nestled in Kafr Abdo, and now has a branch in New Cairo. The restaurant’s motto is “oriental food with a twist” which it establishes with a variety of sauces added to their sandwich filling on their in-house baked bread.
Small but mighty sandwiches packed with flavor: The sandwiches are tasty, budget-friendly, and intentionally small — think palm size — to allow you to experiment with different flavors rather than sticking with one option only. Our favorites were the shish tawook and Mexican hot dog, but if you like soujouk, we suggest you try their spin on the dry sausage drenched in melted cheese.
Sandwiches aside, Baba Gedo also offers options like chicken strips, mozzarella sticks, and Texas fries if you feel like nibbling instead. If, like us, you have a sweet tooth, you’re in for a literal treat: Think decadent classics like honey and cream or more innovative Lotus-halawa sandwiches. You can also make your own dessert with your favorite ingredients like Nutella, Oreos, white chocolate, nuts, and more.
NOTE- Be very careful if you eat their sandwiches while wearing your work attire. Use their provided gloves — and maybe a bib — as things will get sloppy and messy as you wolf down their sandwiches.
Related
? OUT AND ABOUT- (all times CLT)
MUSIC-
Renowned musician and composer Omar Khairat will be gracing the stage again at the Egyptian Opera House for two nights this Wednesday, 21 February and Thursday, 22 February at the Grand Theatre at 8pm. The tickets are currently sold out.
Sharmoofers will be performing the same night this Wednesday, 21 February at Cairo Jazz Club 610. Message CJC on their Facebook or Instagram page to book your tickets.
Hisham Abbas and Hamid El Shari are giving the audience what they want this Friday, 23 February. CJC 610’s round of Ma Yatlobohoo El Mostame3oon will deliver all the hits you love, and will feature DJ Andy Cheikho to set the mood. Message CJC to find out how to book your spot.
Get ready to be mesmerized as Aziz Maraka takes the Cairo Jazz Club 610 stage next Wednesday, 28 February. Get your tickets today to book your seat to hear him sing in an unforgettable performance from CJC610’s Facebook page.
Get ready to rock and roll. ROOM New Cairo are hosting Hardcase and Divine, two bands hot on the Egyptian rock scene. Hardcase will be covers from legendary artists from Beth Hart to Guns & Roses, and Divine will be providing tunes by Black Sabbath and Dio. Doors open at 8:30pm on Tuesday, February 27. You can snag your tickets for EGP 200, but they don’t include the required minimum order per person.
Vocalist Ali El Haggar is taking the stage at Elsawy Culturewheel on Wednesday, 28 February. The performance will begin at 8pm at the Zamalek venue. Keep in mind that photos and video recordings are not allowed, as are children under six years of age. Tickets are selling out fast — grab yours here.
SPORTS-
Double Dribble Leagues has got all basketball enthusiasts covered. Running until this Friday, 23 February, the weekly mixed league hosted at the Maadi Sporting and Yacht Club is for anyone who wants to live out their baller dreams or stay fit while having fun.
The Cairo Half Marathon is taking place in a couple of weeks: Mark your calendars for Friday, 1 March, and start stretching. Cairo Runners is bringing back a fan favorite, offering 5km, 10km, and 21km runs as well as a Family Run. Tickets are still available, giving you ample time to convince seven of your friends to join, which will get a 10% reduction in price when you register.
Get down and dirty at the TriFactory’s Tough Mudder Egypt on Friday, 1 March. The obstacle course challenge will take place at Belle Vie Club in New Zayed.
FILM-
Gaza Mon Amour will be screened at Qahrawya next Thursday, 29 February from 8pm till 11pm. Get your tickets here.
ENTERTAINMENT-
Russell Peters is taking the stage at Sports City Stadium tonight. Peters is making his comeback in Egypt in the New Administrative Capital City. Tickets are still available if you want to make any last-minute decisions.
Laugh at love and all the times it has gone awry at Cairo Jazz Club 610’s Al Hob Fain interactive show. This Tuesday, 20 February tell your stories of woes and heartbreak and they’ll help you find true love — in a comedic, dramatic, romantic, and musical way. For reservations message their Facebook page.
Comedian Mohamed Helmy and podcast host Alaa ElSheikh are taking to the stage once more in HelmyMan’s Podcast 3alMasra7 at Zed Park this Friday, 23 February. Tickets are available here and range from EGP 375 to EGP 675.
Already have plans or just want an extra dose of giggles? ROOM New Cairo is hosting the Konafa Comedy Night on Saturday, February 24. The five comedians will be starting their performance at 9pm, but doors open at 8:30pm. Tickets are available for EGP 200, but does not include the one minimum order required.
INTERACTIVE EVENTS-.
Fancy yourself a detective? Murder-mystery fans can pull out their magnifying glasses to crack this case. Cluedupp and Crime Scene Investigator are staging a hard-boiled outdoor event next Saturday, 2 March where you have to solve four murders around the city by solving puzzles, interrogating witnesses, and hunting for clues. Find more details here.
Two lives intersect in A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki. The story blends the journeys of two protagonists: The first, Nao, a sixteen-year-old teenager in Tokyo who is struggling with bullying from her classmates and her father’s depression who decides that suicide is her only way out. But before she departs, she chooses to chronicle the life of her great-grandmother, a Buddhist nun, who has lived for more than a century. In her diary, Nao finds some solace and relevance to help her cope with her struggles.
Across the Pacific Ocean on a remote island we meet the second protagonist, Ruth. She is a novelist who comes across a collection of artifacts hidden away in a Hello Kitty lunchbox — possibly from the catastrophic 2011 tsunami. As she — and we — uncover the meaning behind the collectibles, we are pulled into Nao’s journey.
Ozeki does use humor in the novel and underscores several themes: The writer-reader relationship, the intersection of past and present, and the blurred lines between fact and fiction are all highlighted in the narrative. It also throws a light on the world of adolescent struggles, family dynamics, and the complexities of modern Japanese society.
It might be a depressing read but many reviewers agree that it’s worth the time. The novel was described as “ delightful yet sometimes harrowing ” and “ a deep and illuminating piece of work ” which could inspire readers to discover more about Japanese culture as you plough through its 163 footnotes and six appendices.
The EGX30 rose 1.1% at today’s close on turnover of EGP 6.6 bn (70.4% above the 90-day average). Local investors were net sellers. The index is up 18.3% YTD.
In the green: Orascom Development (+7.7%), Talaat Moustafa Group (+6.8%) and GB Corp (+5.4%).
In the red: Oriental Weavers (-2.4%), Ibnsina Pharma (-2.1%) and Beltone Holding (-1.9%).
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