R. R. Branstrom | Daily Press
Deanna Robinette prepares a hat by fixing a selection of patches in place with heat transfer tape before putting it on the press at Ruff Patch’s pop-up at a recent expo.
As one of the gems of the Albanian Riviera, Himara continues to be a favored destination for both local and international tourists, even during these September days.
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images today on social media from Filikuri Bay in Himara, where, despite it being late September, local and foreign vacationers still frequent the area.
“The beautiful Filikuri Bay, where foreign patrons seem in no hurry to leave,” Rama remarked.
Filikuri Bay is one of the most stunning beaches along the Himara coastline. This area offers breathtaking views for explorers and adventure tourists who seek to enjoy the crystal-clear waters amidst rocks and caves.
Moreover, this year’s tourism season in Albania recorded unprecedented figures compared to the previous year. According to INSTAT, by the end of August, 8.5 million foreign visitors had explored Albania.
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On September 19, homegrown book publisher Epigram Books posted to Instagram: “Another one bites the dust…”
This is followed by the bittersweet announcement that Epigram Books will be shutting down its sole physical outlet, Epigram Coffee Bookshop, on January 26, 2025.
“This week has been a tough one for Singapore’s book community, and we are even more disheartened to share with you this unfortunate news that has hit close to home for us at Epigram Books,” the post read.
Image Credit: Epigram Books
Epigram Books is of course referring to the recent closure of Times Bookstores, announced on September 16.
Specialising in Singaporean titles, Epigram Books is an independent publisher and bookseller. Its brick-and-mortar space has been located in Singapore Arts Museum for the past few years.
But its time there is coming to an end next January, coinciding with the Chinese New Year weekend.
In a press release, Epigram Books shared that its three-year lease is coming to an end. And due to poor sales performance, the business has chosen not to renew the lease.
“Despite efforts to boost sales and foot traffic, the decision to close comes after years of battling low visitor numbers and limited accessibility,” the release stated.
Low foot traffic and sales
CEO Edmund Wee stated in the release, “We tried everything to make this work. Over the past three years, we’ve often asked ourselves, how many people even knew our bookstore existed here, let alone visited?”
Previously known as Huggs-Epigram Coffee Bookshop, the first store was originally located at the Urban Redevelopment Authority Centre on Maxwell Road, established in 2019.
It was the first bookstore in Singapore dedicated to selling only books by Singaporean authors, about Singapore, or published in Singapore.
Alongside selection of works from Epigram Books, the bookstore also carries titles from other independent publishers like Ethos Books, Math Paper Press, and World Scientific.
Although the bookshop has been enjoying a temporary surge in visitors thanks to Olafur Eliasson’s exhibition at the museum, which ended on September 22, 2024, the team believes the increased foot traffic would be short-lived.
Edmund Wee / Image Credit: Epigram Books
“The exhibition book became the store’s bestseller for several weeks, but as predicted, once the exhibition leaves, so do the crowds,” the release said.
Wee also shared that Epigram had to close its first bookshop during the pandemic, which was difficult but more understandable given the circumstances.
“This time, however, the closure feels more frustrating. It’s not the pandemic—we just don’t have anywhere else to go,” Wee said.
With that, Epigram Books remains uncertain about the future of another physical store.
“Unless rent prices relent out there, it’s unlikely we’ll move into another space,” Wee shared. “The lights are still on for now, and customers can expect a closing down sale soon.”
The end of a chapter?
With two beloved bookstore brands closing down in Singapore, could that be signalling that demand for books have dwindled in the country?
Rather than indicate a diminishing reading appetite among Singaporeans, perhaps it might be more likely that readers are turning to new platforms and formats to satisfy their literary interests and thus their shopping habits.
With the ability to shop online for books, visiting physical bookstores has become more of a novelty experience than it is a common occurrence.
Moreover, piracy has become a serious issue within the book community, with people sourcing files of ebooks online, which is damaging for bookstores, publishers, and authors alike.
Epigram’s closure of its brick-and-mortar store in specific could also reflect a broader challenge in sustaining local book culture. Unlike large chains, Epigram focuses on promoting local authors, offering specialised genres and titles.
Image Credit: Epigram Books
Thus, the closure could signify a decline in the appreciation of these local themes, which can impact Singapore’s literary ecosystem in a dire manner.
“These spaces are special to our literary arts community,” Wee shared in the release. “They’re where booklovers gather, where literary events and book launches happen in support of our writers.”
As such, Epigram Books urged Singaporeans to continue supporting independent bookstores, stressing their importance as cultural spaces in a fast-changing urban environment.
On that note, Epigram Books’ online store will remain operational, giving readers the opportunity to continue supporting local authors, publishers, and bookstores. Perhaps, with increased awareness and support, Epigram Books may be able to consider opening a physical outlet again in the future.
Learn more about Epigram Books here.
Read other articles we’ve written about Singaporean startups here.
Featured Image Credit: Epigram Books
Your support helps us to tell the storyFind out moreCloseMy recent work focusing on Latino voters in Arizona has shown me how crucial independent journalism is in giving voice to underrepresented communities.Your support is what allows us to tell these stories, bringing attention to the issues that are often overlooked. Without your contributions, these voices might not be heard.Every dollar you give helps us continue to shine a light on these critical issues in the run up to the election and beyondEric GarciaWashington Bureau ChiefThe long-awaited Beetlejuice sequel, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, has claimed a narrow victory over the latest Transformers movie to retain its number one spot at the box office.It’s the third straight week that the follow-up to Tim Burton’s 1988 classic has dominated the box office but Transformers One, a new animated feature in the sci-fi franchise, did come close to toppling it from the summit.Beetlejuice Beetlejuice, which features returning stars Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder as well as Jenna Ortega, earned an impressive $26m (£19,526,260) over the weekend while the newly released Transformers One racked in $25m (£18,775,250).The animated prequel, featuring the voices of Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson and Brian Tyree Henry, tells the origin stories of the two main adversaries in the Transformers universe Optimus Prime and Megatron and has received positive reviews. Beetlejuice Beetlejuice in comparison has defied expectations despite pallid reviews from critics largely unimpressed by the second instalment. Its runaway success at the box office has seen it make $329.7m (£247m) globally.Although Transformers One almost matched Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’s box office tally for the weekend, its earnings so far will be considered a disappointment. The movie, which had a budget of $75m (£56,323,125) was projected to make between $30-40m and at the time of writing has only managed to bring in $14m (£10,513,650) internationally.Despite Transformers having its origins as an animated series in the 1980s, Transformers One is only the second ever Transformers animated movie. The Transformers: The Movie (1986), which is the last ever movie credit for the great Orson Welles, also underperformed at the box office making just $1,778,559m (£1,335,653) but has since become a cult favourite amongst fans. Overall, this is the eighth Transformers movie since 2007 and the first since 2023’s Rise of the Beasts.Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 daysNew subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelledTry for freeWatch Apple TV+ free for 7 daysNew subscribers only. £8.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelledTry for freeThe rest of the box office saw James McAvoy’s new horror movie Speak No Evil claim third place with another horror movie Never Let Go securing fourth position. Marvel’s Deadpool & Wolverine hung in at five while Demi Moore’s critically acclaimed The Substance opened in sixth. She’s got the juice: Ascendant movie star Jenna Ortega in ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’
EntertainmentPeople & CultureQatarTravel
Qatar is wooing GCC tourists with easy visas, special offers and enhanced tourism offering
50 seconds ago
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Qatar has extended its offering of special deals for GCC residents as it looks to attract tourists and travellers from across the region.
Visit Qatar invites GCC residents to experience a suite of exclusive offers designed to enhance their stay in Qatar.
The newly launched “Visit Qatar Pass” offers GCC visitors the opportunity to explore Qatar’s diverse attractions with exclusive benefits.
Qatar tourism offers
Now extended until September 30, 2024, the pass provides 30 to 50 per cent discounts across various categories, including:
Food and drinks
Beauty and Spa
Health and Fitness
Fun and Leisure
Room Nights
Services and Retail
Available for free through the Visit Qatar mobile app, the Pass requires only a simple email registration. Travellers can redeem offers on the Visit Qatar Pass in advance or directly at participating venues, ensuring a seamless and flexible experience.
In addition, Visit Qatar is launching a Buy-One-Get-One-Free campaign throughout September available exclusively on the Visit Qatar Pass.
This limited-time offer allows visitors to enjoy buy-one-get-one-free deals on a variety of experiences, including hotel stays, ticketed attractions, dining, and more
In partnership with Qatar Tourism, Katara Hospitality, a leading global hotel owner, developer, and operator based in Qatar, is offering exceptional deals across its 14 distinguished properties.
Available exclusively on the Visit Qatar Pass, visitors can benefit from special offers including Book Two, Stay Three or Book Three, Stay Four, applicable at all Katara Hospitality hotels in Qatar until September 30.
Qatar remains a top choice for GCC travellers and, in the first half of 2024, it welcomed a record-breaking number of international visitors, with 43 per cent hailing from neighbouring GCC countries including Saudi Arabia, Oman, the UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain:
Saudi Arabia: 700,000+
Bahrain: 122,000+
Kuwait: 98,000+
Oman: 96,000+
UAE: 75,000+
Vaazha: Biopic Of Billion Boys, the coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Anand Menon, hit the theatres in August 2024. Siju Sunny, Joemon Jyothir, Amith Mohan Rajeshwari, Anshid, and Anuraj OB played the lead roles in the film, which earned immense love from the audiences and super hit status at the box office. After a highly successful run at the theatres, the movie, scripted by writer-director Vipin Das, has finally had its OTT release, on Disney+ Hotstar.Vaazha out on OTT: Where to stream Anand Menon’s film?As per the latest updates, Vaazha had its much-awaited OTT release on the famous streaming platform, Disney+ Hotstar. The Anand Menon directorial had its OTT release at midnight today (September 23, 2024). The super hit is currently available for streaming in the popular platform in five languages including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. Vaazha is one of those recent Malayalam films, which is expected to recreate its grand success in the OTT space as well.
Vaazha: Plot, cast and crewVaazha official posterFor the uninitiated, Vaazha revolves around the lives of five friends named Ajo, Vishnu, Moosa, Kalaam, and Vivek, played by Siju Sunny, Amith Mohan Rajeshwari, Joemon Jyothir, Anuraj OB, and Anshid, respectively. They are always labeled as losers and troublemakers by their respective families. After the step into adulthood, the unbearable pressure from the parents and society forces them to take up a challenging route, to prove their worth. However, these new choices bring major changes in their lives and ultimately contribute to their personal growth.
Vaazha features a promising star cast, including Saaf Bros, Basil Joseph (in a cameo), Jagadish, Kottayam Nazeer, Noby Marcose, Azees Nedumangad, Meenakshi Unnikrishnan, Hashir, Alan, Vinayak, Ajin Joy, Gourishankar Krishnamoorthy and others in supporting roles. Ankit Menon composed the songs and original score. Aravind Puthussery and Kannan Mohan handled the cinematography and editing, respectively. Vaazha is produced by Vipin Das, Harris Desom, PB Anish, and Adarsh Narayan, under the banner WBTS Productions.
Charles Mavhunga
HARARE is on a promising trajectory to boost its visual appeal through cleanliness.
The city’s current initiatives, such as the “Keep Harare Clean” campaign, are making significant strides to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the capital city, and this is positive news in tourism branding.
City of Harare is improving its aesthetics, and this is contributing to a positive visitor experience, as tourists are more likely to feel welcome and comfortable in a well-maintained environment.
I have noticed the city’s efforts to renovate and upgrade its infrastructure, such as the rehabilitation of Harare Gardens and the installation of new streetlights.
Harare is, therefore, transforming into a clean and beautiful city that showcases Zimbabwe’s rich culture and history, making it an attractive destination for tourists and a source of pride for its residents.
Role of aesthetics in tourism development
The role of aesthetics in tourism development cannot be overstated.
Globally, destinations like Singapore and Switzerland are renowned for their pristine environments, which significantly contribute to their appeal as tourist destinations.
In Africa, cities like Kigali (Rwanda) and Cape Town (South Africa) have prioritised cleanliness and aesthetics, resulting in increased tourist arrivals and economic growth.
Similarly, Zimbabwe can leverage cleanliness to enhance its tourism branding and attract more visitors.
Impact of cleanliness on tourist satisfaction
The impact of cleanliness on tourist satisfaction is profound.
A study by the World Tourism Organisation found that cleanliness is among the top factors influencing tourist satisfaction.
In Africa, a clean environment has been cited as a key reason for repeat visits to destinations like Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Tanzania’s Zanzibar.
Through prioritising cleanliness, Zimbabwe can significantly enhance tourist satisfaction, leading to increased visitor numbers and revenue.
Relationship between visual appeal and destination choice
The relationship between visual appeal and destination choice is well-documented.
Research has shown that visually appealing destinations are more likely to attract tourists.
In Africa, destinations like Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia) and Marrakech (Morocco) boast stunning natural and built environments, making them popular tourist choices.
Through investing in cleanliness and aesthetics, Zimbabwe can enhance its visual appeal and compete favourably with other destinations, ultimately boosting its tourism brand and attracting more visitors.
Way forward
To enhance the tourism sector in Zimbabwe, Local Government should continue to prioritise cleanliness and maintenance in urban planning and development.
For instance, investing in waste management systems, maintaining green spaces and ensuring the cleanliness of public areas can make a significant difference.
Local Government should continue to invest in public space design and infrastructure, such as building modern transportation systems, creating recreational areas and developing eco-tourism projects.
It is also crucial for Local Government to foster community engagement and ownership of cleanliness initiatives.
This can be achieved through collaboration between local authorities, communities, organisations and other stakeholders to promote cleanliness and environmental conservation.
For example, organising community clean-up events, establishing recycling programmes and providing education on environmental conservation can encourage community involvement.
Local Government may also recognise and reward communities that prioritise cleanliness and environmental conservation.
It may also learn from global examples, such as Singapore’s Clean and Green campaign, which has made the city-state a model for urban cleanliness and sustainability.
Similarly, Zimbabwe can promote its natural attractions, such as Victoria Falls, and invest in eco-tourism projects that support environmental conservation.
Through prioritising cleanliness and environmental conservation, Zimbabwe can enhance its tourism sector and promote sustainable development.
For example, the Government can establish tourism development zones, like the concept applied in Mauritius and Hong Kong, which can be designated as safe havens for financial services or other specialised businesses.
Harare’s focus on cleanliness and infrastructure development is setting it on a path to become a thriving tourist destination and a model for other Zimbabwean cities.
I hope and trust that this trajectory will continue to become the norm and culture for the city.
*Charles Mavhunga has co-authored textbooks in Business Enterprising Skills. He is currently studying for a PhD in Management at Bindura University. He can be contacted at [email protected] or Cell: 0772989816
Dr Kudzanai Vere
In a world overflowing with entrepreneurial inspiration, the phrase “business ideas don’t work” might seem counterintuitive.
After all, countless success stories highlight the transformative power of a single idea.
Yet, the truth is most ideas remain just that — ideas.
They never materialise.
This article explores why many business ideas fail and emphasises the importance of execution over mere conception.
The myth of the perfect idea
The belief that a great business idea is the cornerstone of success is pervasive.
However, this notion can be misleading.
Many entrepreneurs spend most of their time searching for the “perfect” idea, believing that once they find it, success will follow.
In reality, the execution of an idea is far more crucial than the idea itself.
Consider the myriad of successful businesses today, many started as simple concepts that evolved through trial and error.
For instance, Airbnb began as a way to earn extra income by renting out air mattresses in a living room.
The initial idea was not revolutionary; rather, it was the relentless pursuit of improvement and adaptation that led to its current success.
Common reasons business ideas fail:
Lack of market research
Many entrepreneurs do not conduct thorough market research before launching their ideas.
They may assume their product or service will be successful based on personal opinions or anecdotal evidence.
Without understanding the target audience, market trends and competition, even the most innovative ideas can fall flat.
Poor execution
Execution is where many entrepreneurs falter.
A brilliant idea without a solid plan, marketing strategy or operational framework is unlikely to succeed.
Successful businesses are built on a foundation of effective execution, which involves meticulous planning, efficient processes and consistent effort.
Inflexibility
The business landscape is ever-changing.
Entrepreneurs who cling too tightly to their original ideas often miss critical opportunities for pivoting or adaptation.
Flexibility is essential; the ability to adjust based on feedback, market condition and consumer behaviour can mean the difference between success and failure.
Inadequate funding
Many promising ideas fail due to a lack of financial resources.
Initial funding is crucial for product development, marketing and scaling operations.
Entrepreneurs often underestimate the capital required to bring their ideas to fruition.
Without proper financial planning, even the best ideas can remain unrealised.
Ignoring customer feedback
Feedback from potential customers is invaluable.
Entrepreneurs who fail to seek or heed this feedback risk developing products that do not meet market needs.
Engaging with customers early on can provide insights that shape the product and increase its chances of success.
The importance of mindset
A significant barrier to executing business ideas is the mindset of the entrepreneur.
Fear of failure, self-doubt and perfectionism can paralyse decision-making and prevent action.
Embracing a growth mindset
Adopting a growth mindset believing that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning is essential for entrepreneurs.
This mindset encourages resilience in the face of setbacks and fosters a willingness to experiment and learn from mistakes.
Taking action over overthinking
Entrepreneurs often fall into the trap of overthinking their business ideas, leading to analysis paralysis.
Instead, taking action, even in small steps, can provide clarity and momentum. Experimenting with a minimal viable product (MVP) allows entrepreneurs to test their ideas in the real world, gather feedback and make necessary adjustments.
Strategies for moving forward
To overcome the pitfalls associated with mere idea generation, entrepreneurs can adopt several strategies:
Start small
Instead of launching a full-scale business, consider starting with a pilot project or MVP.
This approach allows you to test your idea with minimal risk and gather valuable feedback from early adopters.
Conduct thorough market research
Invest time in understanding your target market. Identify customer pain points, preferences and behaviours.
Analyse competitors and industry trends to position your idea effectively.
Create a business plan
A well-structured business plan serves as a roadmap.
Outline your goals, target market, marketing strategy, operational plan and financial projections.
Build a support network
Surround yourself with mentors, fellow entrepreneurs and advisors.
A strong support network can provide guidance, feedback and encouragement.
Networking can also open doors to partnerships and funding opportunities.
Stay adaptable
Be prepared to pivot your idea based on market feedback.
Flexibility is key to adapting to changing conditions and customer needs.
Embrace a culture of continuous improvement.
The role of passion and persistence
While a great idea is important, passion and persistence are often the true drivers of success.
Passion fuels the energy needed to overcome obstacles, while persistence keeps entrepreneurs moving forward despite challenges.
Finding your why
Understanding your motivation — your “why” — can sustain you through tough times.
Whether it is a desire to solve a problem, create jobs or make a positive impact, a clear purpose can provide direction and inspire resilience.
Celebrating small wins
Recognising and celebrating small victories along the way can boost morale and motivation.
Each step forward, no matter how minor, is progress on the journey to realising your business idea.
In the end, it is not just about having a great idea; it is about the relentless pursuit of bringing that idea to life, learning from the journey and adapting along the way.
So, let go of the notion that ideas alone pave the path to success and focus instead on making those ideas a reality.
*Dr Kudzanai Vere is the CEO of Institute of Entrepreneurs Zimbabwe, regional director for Centre for Business and Entrepreneurship Development, and director in charge of Forensic Accounting at Kudfort Zimbabwe. He can be contacted on +263 719 592232 or [email protected]
An amber weather warning has been issued by the Met Office as parts of England and Wales are braced for heavy rain.
KCRA 3 is sharing the stories of the Latino community and highlighting literacy in the Capitol City during Hispanic Heritage Month. For the second year in a row, the Latino Book and Family Festival is returning to Sacramento. The event will feature award-winning authors, activists, and a youth Mariachi group from Stockton. The Keynote speaker is Edward James Olmos. Olmos is known for his roles in Zoot Suit, Stand and Deliver, Selena, Battlestar Galactica and more. If you ask him, one of his biggest accomplishments is bringing literacy to underserved communities. “To me, it’s the most beautiful thing that I do…This thing is amazing. This is our second year,” Olmos said. “This will be our 75th festival somewhere in the country so this is the second time we are there in Sacramento. You guys deserve it.”On Saturday, Sept. 28, he’ll participate in the Sacramento Latino Book & Family Festival at Sacramento City College.The event highlights Latino authors and creators.Last year, more than 3,000 people came out to the literacy event. This year with Edward James Olmos participating, it’s expected to have a bigger turnout.”There will be book readings by authors, and Reyna Grande is going to be there, as an award-winner. Victor Villaseñor and myself will all be there talking with everybody,” said Olmos.The actor points out that reading changes lives, and he wants kids in the community to see authors who look like them and share their stories.”The books that we have there, the authors that we have they are just wonderful. For the little ones, just to inspire them to understand that I did not come out of my mother’s womb saying ‘to be or not to be’, I had to learn how to do it,” Olmos said. “I learned how to be who I am today by reading, and it started that simply.”The Sacramento Latino Book and Family Festival will feature tasty food and entertainment like the Cesar Chavez High School Mariachi Band from Stockton.More than 60 award-winning authors will be signing books, and there will be literacy workshops.It’s Latino-focused but organizers say everyone will benefit from attending this community event.”Books that allow you to think and then have a difference in understanding of somebody else, and so all of that helps. To me, it’s the essence. Reading is the key to advancing yourself as a human being,” said Olmos.”The Latino Book and Family Festival will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Sacramento City College Quad.KCRA 3’s Leticia Ordaz will be one of the featured award-winning authors. She will take the stage to have a special conversation with Edward James Olmos at 1 p.m.Leticia will host a free workshop called “How to Get Published” at 2:30 p.m.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter
KCRA 3 is sharing the stories of the Latino community and highlighting literacy in the Capitol City during Hispanic Heritage Month. For the second year in a row, the Latino Book and Family Festival is returning to Sacramento.