What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Jaguar? Could it be the one redeeming feature from Dudley Moore's otherwise clunky comedy, Crazy People, about escapees from a mental institution who form their own advertising agency and whose delusion is that the world is ready for truth in advertising? Their take on Jaguar - a car for men who like, ahem, attention "from beautiful women they hardly know" - is probably closer to the truth than most of us would like to admit.
Jaguar has long traded on that sexy, feline nature. Indeed, former owners are prone to wistful and romantic reminisces, despite remembering the reasons they sold the car in the first place - the fact that, for example, it might have thrown transmission bits all over the front lawn. At least that's why I got rid of my Jaguar.
So, the news that the all-new-for-2011 Jaguar XJ is jam-packed with solid, logical features that will appeal to the engineer in all of us might come as a shock to some long-time fans. Indeed, climbing behind the wheel to be greeted by what is the world's first - or at least its most complete - digital instrument gauge set is not exactly in keeping with the hoary old-world, chrome-and-wood charm Jaguar traded on for so long.
But it is surely welcome. As is a host of many other high-tech features.
Of course, there's the now commonplace - on luxury cars at least - central infotainment computer. However, this one not only uses much more user-friendly touch-screen technology rather than a twiddly mouse, but the screen itself displays different images (for example, a digital readout of vehicle settings for the driver and, say, a movie for the passenger) simultaneously. It's also worth noting that the two rear screens (built into the back of the front seats' headrests) can have different inputs. So, if the toddlers can't agree on which movie to watch, it's not imperative - at least from a technological point of view - that they share.
All this talk of digitisation doesn't mean that Jaguar has forgotten how to reward the senses. The Bowers & Wilkin audio system, for instance, is pure ecstasy to eardrums. Jaguar has stuffed 20 speakers (a record for a production car as far as I know) into the cabin and then excited their precious little permamagnets with no less than 1,200 watts of bass-booming amplification. I'm not sure if I am ready to state that it's better than the Bang & Olufsen systems Audi offers when it comes to DVD output, but I can tell you that there is no better automotive stereo system at radio reproduction, the Bowers & Wilkins system proving as clear and sharp on an FM station as most audio system playing a CD. It really is incredible.
And that TFT screen that is the gauge set is a marvel to watch. As both the tachometer and speedometer needles swing around, their numbers simultaneously illuminate. There are little histographs to explain hidden functions and, my favourite touch: the speedo and the tach can get into role reversal games where the tachometer can switch places with the speedometer when the car is set to sport mode. Hey, it gets me hot and heavy.
So, too, does the rest of the Jaguar. Of course, the leather is supple beyond belief; it's a Jaguar after all. The big 5.0L V8 engine makes all manner of feline noises as well, its supercharger ever so subtly announcing its presence while its 470hp ensures that the telephone poles fly by not-nearly-as-subtly.
And the exterior shape is just as sensuous as Jaguars of yore, though thoroughly more modern. I actually prefer the proportions of the longer-wheelbase "L" version, not something that could be said of previous XJs. And, if you don't like designer Ian Callum's one stylistic oddity - those pronounced piano-black C-pillars - well, just order the entire car in black like my tester and nobody will notice.
There are also some surprises, like the rear seat legroom, which is gargantuan in the larger L version. And the handling of the standard version - even the Supercharged version runs on standard springs and dampers - makes one wonder how an "R" version can be expected to improve things. As it is, this is the first big luxury saloon to give BMW's 7 Series a run for its money in the corner carving sweepstakes.
On the money front, Jaguar's pricing is more than competitive. Even top-of-the-line premium models like the long-wheelbase Supercharged version are amazingly well equipped and start at barely more than a baby S-Class Benz. Jaguar is back, as sexy as ever, only this time she's not nearly so difficult to get along with.
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
If you go
The flights
Etihad flies direct from Abu Dhabi to San Francisco from Dh5,760 return including taxes.
The car
Etihad Guest members get a 10 per cent worldwide discount when booking with Hertz, as well as earning miles on their rentals. A week's car hire costs from Dh1,500 including taxes.
The hotels
Along the route, Motel 6 (www.motel6.com) offers good value and comfort, with rooms from $55 (Dh202) per night including taxes. In Portland, the Jupiter Hotel (https://jupiterhotel.com/) has rooms from $165 (Dh606) per night including taxes. The Society Hotel https://thesocietyhotel.com/ has rooms from $130 (Dh478) per night including taxes.
More info
To keep up with constant developments in Portland, visit www.travelportland.com. Good guidebooks include the Lonely Planet guides to Northern California and Washington, Oregon & the Pacific Northwest.
Personalities on the Plate: The Lives and Minds of Animals We Eat
Barbara J King, University of Chicago Press
Last-16
France 4
Griezmann (13' pen), Pavard (57'), Mbappe (64', 68')
Argentina 3
Di Maria (41'), Mercado (48'), Aguero (90 3')
One in nine do not have enough to eat
Created in 1961, the World Food Programme is pledged to fight hunger worldwide as well as providing emergency food assistance in a crisis.
One of the organisation’s goals is the Zero Hunger Pledge, adopted by the international community in 2015 as one of the 17 Sustainable Goals for Sustainable Development, to end world hunger by 2030.
The WFP, a branch of the United Nations, is funded by voluntary donations from governments, businesses and private donations.
Almost two thirds of its operations currently take place in conflict zones, where it is calculated that people are more than three times likely to suffer from malnutrition than in peaceful countries.
It is currently estimated that one in nine people globally do not have enough to eat.
On any one day, the WFP estimates that it has 5,000 lorries, 20 ships and 70 aircraft on the move.
Outside emergencies, the WFP provides school meals to up to 25 million children in 63 countries, while working with communities to improve nutrition. Where possible, it buys supplies from developing countries to cut down transport cost and boost local economies.
Nayanthara: Beyond The Fairy Tale
Starring: Nayanthara, Vignesh Shivan, Radhika Sarathkumar, Nagarjuna Akkineni
Director: Amith Krishnan
Rating: 3.5/5
Company%20Profile
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A cheaper choice
Vanuatu: $130,000
Why on earth pick Vanuatu? Easy. The South Pacific country has no income tax, wealth tax, capital gains or inheritance tax. And in 2015, when it was hit by Cyclone Pam, it signed an agreement with the EU that gave it some serious passport power.
Cost: A minimum investment of $130,000 for a family of up to four, plus $25,000 in fees.
Criteria: Applicants must have a minimum net worth of $250,000. The process take six to eight weeks, after which the investor must travel to Vanuatu or Hong Kong to take the oath of allegiance. Citizenship and passport are normally provided on the same day.
Benefits: No tax, no restrictions on dual citizenship, no requirement to visit or reside to retain a passport. Visa-free access to 129 countries.
Kanguva
Director: Siva
Stars: Suriya, Bobby Deol, Disha Patani, Yogi Babu, Redin Kingsley
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Company%20Profile
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Citadel: Honey Bunny first episode
Directors: Raj & DK
Stars: Varun Dhawan, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Kashvi Majmundar, Kay Kay Menon
Rating: 4/5
The specs: 2019 Mercedes-Benz C200 Coupe
Price, base: Dh201,153
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 204hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 300Nm @ 1,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
Company%20profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 380hp at 5,800rpm
Torque: 530Nm at 1,300-4,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Price: From Dh299,000 ($81,415)
On sale: Now
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The more serious side of specialty coffee
While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
One of the UAE’s largest suppliers of green (meaning not-yet-roasted) beans, Raw Coffee, is a founding member of the Partnership of Gender Equity, which aims to empower female coffee farmers and harvesters.
Also, globally, many companies have found the perfect way to recycle old coffee grounds: they create the perfect fertile soil in which to grow mushrooms.
