First Farrah, now Michael

June hasn't been a stellar month. I mean, Air France flight 447, swine flu, the pandemonium over the Iranian election results, Farrah Fawcett - talk about turbulent times.

And now, the bell tolls for a true legend: Michael Jackson, the talented [and troubled] King of Pop, died in Los Angeles yesterday at the age of 50.

Although his cause of death is presently unknown [an autopsy is scheduled for June 26] but may most likely be attributed to a cardiac arrest, Jackson leaves one million people scattered over 50 scheduled concerts in London between July 13, 2009 and March 6, 2010 behind, as well as eight siblings of the famous Jackson family, three young children and millions of fans.

Interestingly, when news of his death broke, worldwide Internet traffic surged - enough to slow the web down. The celebrity world is in shock, with icons like Elizabeth Taylor being "too devastated" to talk about the death, Elton John singing tributes to Jacko, and Celine Dion comparing his death to those of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley.

So sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

As Michael would say: Don't stop 'til you get enough. Or in this case, don't stop 'til your heart gets enough.

[Attached to this post are Michael's body being taken to the coroner's office, as well as the last photo of him taken in an ambulance as paramedics try to resuscitate the singer.]

Farrah Fawcett: February 2, 1947 - June 25, 2009

After several years of battling metastasized anal cancer, 1970s beauty and sex symbol Farrah Fawcett died this morning in Santa Monica, California at the age of 62.

Beginning her career with shampoo ads, the actress gained superstardom after her role in the 1976 TV series Charlie's Angels, as well as for her blond locks [which many a female emulated] and the now-legendary poster of her in a red bikini which sold over 12 million copies [Why is it not posted here? Haram, people.]. Now that's fantasy for you.

Her final days were chronicled in the emotional and painful-to-watch TV documentary, Farrah's Story. Involved are scenes of the ailing actress undergoing tests at hospitals, projectile vomiting and writhing in pain. Cancer's a disaster.

Rest in peace, Farrah.

360 Mall - Opening July 5, 2009

It's all in the title: Kuwait's newest offering to free money from your recession-stricken wallets is opening in less than two weeks.

How do you set 360 apart from its peers? Why, bring new stores in to Kuwait, of course. Expect [individual] boutiques/stores/dining outlets from the following:

- Bebe

- Bottega Veneta

- Dolce & Gabbana

- Givenchy

- Gucci

- Intersport

- Toys 'R' Us

- Wagamama

Then there's the 15-screen cineplex [with 2 VIP theatres and an IMAX screen], the 20-lane bowling alley, the 9000 square meter family entertainment zone, a Marks & Spencer department store, a 1200-seat food court, 36 restaurants and coffee shops... need I go on?

Exactly what Kuwait needs: another mall. You know, because The Avenues, The Marina, Salhiya, Arraya, Al Fanar, Souq Sharq, Laila Gallery, Al Kout, Al Manshar, Sulail Al Jahra, the Muthana Complex and all the others simply aren't enough. 

Better yet, before 2012 rolls around, our retail arsenal will be further augmented with The Symphony, Olympia, the Al Hamra Mall, the mall at the Kuwait Trade Center, the mall at the United Tower, the Avenues' massive expansion and the enormous Mall of Kuwait.

So many malls, so little time.

[360 is located at the intersection of the King Faisal Highway and the Sixth Ring Road in the Al-Zahra district of South Surra. For more information, visit the following link: http://www.360mall.com/]

UPDATE: 360 changed their opening date from June 25 to July 5. How unexpected.