Latest news with #Moussa
Ottawa Citizen
7 days ago
- Business
- Ottawa Citizen
New homes: Former Anglican church's unused property to become location for a nine-storey condo
The former All Saints Anglican Church turned community hub in Sandy Hill will become even more of a gathering space with a forward-thinking residential development called The Evergreen. Article content The project, launched in June, will turn unused land on the property into a nine-storey condo building that will hug the back of the church, incorporating its exterior as an exposed limestone wall in the building's soaring lobby. Article content Article content Article content It's an example of community-led development that has buy-in from the neighbourhood and allows the creation of further amenities for Sandy Hill residents. Article content Article content 'We saw the heritage (church) building as a really important community asset, a place where if we developed it in a way that people could really use the space, we thought it would be a major community asset,' says Leanne Moussa, a Sandy Hill resident who put together a group of investors to buy the church in 2015 and then set about reimagining it as an inclusive urban space called Allsaints. Article content 'We asked people what are the amenities that are missing in Sandy Hill, what do we have that are great assets, and how can we use this property to further develop that?' Article content The church was restored and became home to an events space, the restaurant Working Title Kitchen and a small bakery that Moussa runs. She also had the property rezoned for further development, a process that the community association and Heritage Ottawa supported 'because we worked very closely with them to make sure that we were all in step,' she says. Article content Article content Then she went looking for a developer, ultimately opting for Windmill Development Group, which has a track record for thoughtful sustainable design and reimagining church properties such as Stone Abbey in Old Ottawa South and Cathedral Hill downtown. Windmill was also the initial developer behind the revitalization of the old Domtar industrial site on the Ottawa River that has since become known as Zibi. Article content 'Anytime we're working on a site, it is often in partnership with like-minded individuals who have a strong engagement with the community, (which) often results in strong synergies' to find the right type of development for the site, says Windmill president Jeremy Reeds.
Arab News
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Ambushes, mines, kidnappings: the Sahel's roads of fear
ABIDJAN: In the Sahel, a region plagued by jihadist violence, there are roads people steer clear of and others they travel on with their heart in their mouth. Such was the case for Moussa, when in March he had to take his mother's body to another village for burial, forcing him onto National route 15 in central Mali. While on it, he witnessed a terrifying scene — jihadists on motorcycles, armed with military-grade weapons, their heads wrapped in turbans, kidnapping passengers from a bus. 'They stopped us, but seeing my mother's body, they told us to continue,' he told AFP. Africa's turbulent Sahel region, sometimes referred to as the global epicenter of terrorism, has been plagued by violence from jihadist groups linked to Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State for more than a decade. According to a recent OECD report, '70 percent of violent events and 65 percent of fatalities in North and West Africa occur within just one kilometer (0.6 mile) of a road.' In the central Sahel — as well as the Lake Chad basin and western Cameroon — some roads 'have become epicenters of violence,' the 145-page report said, disrupting financial trade and governance. 'Transport routes have become a prime target for attacks against government forces, particularly military convoys, and a means to pressure rural communities,' said Olivier Walther, a co-author of the study, adding that jihadists regularly set up roadblocks around towns. Road insecurity 'is directly linked to the spread of jihadist insurgencies' in the region, Walther, an associate professor at the University of Florida, said. With 433 recorded incidents since 2012, he said Mali's National route 16 connecting Mopti in central Mali to Gao in the north, is 'by far' the most dangerous transport axis. South of the Malian border, in Burkina Faso, 'all roads leading to Djibo' are dangerous 'due to blockades imposed on the town' by the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Group for the Support of Islam and Muslims (JNIM), Walther said. National route 22 that connects Bourzanga, Djibo and the capital Ouagadougou has been nicknamed 'the death corridor' due to the frequency of deadly jihadist attacks. In September 2022, jihadists burned over 200 supply trucks on the Bourzanga-Djibo section, killing 11 soldiers and civilian volunteers supporting the army, with numerous civilians missing. A few months later, Abdoul Fhatave Tiemtore, editor-in-chief of the Burkinabe radio station Omega, wrote about his experience of traveling that section of road. He described feeling 'sadness, anxiety, fear and stress' after witnessing 'truly horrific things.' 'We saw bodies that were still fresh, decaying bodies, abandoned vehicles and craters from mines on the road,' Tiemtore wrote in an article. Niger has two high-risk highways, both in the southwest and both leading to Burkina Faso. Since 2022, it has been nearly impossible to travel from the capital Niamey to Burkina's Ouagadougou by road due to the threat posed by jihadists along the 600-kilometer (373-mile) border between the two countries. The National Association of Wood Operators in Niger told AFP in May that it had lost 24 of its drivers and apprentices since 2015 and that 52 of its trucks had been burnt on roads in the southwest of the country. 'We are tired of counting our dead,' another Nigerien truck drivers' union said, with several of its members, drivers and apprentices also killed in attacks. 'The terrorists have banned us from traveling to local fairs, they even held some drivers hostage in the bush for days,' said Zakaria Seyni, a Nigerien driver based in the tri-border region shared by Niger, Burkina and Mali — a hotspot for jihadist attacks. According to the OECD, security measures in the Sahel must be accompanied by the development of transportation infrastructure, cross-border cooperation and economic integration to promote stability. The scarcity of roads and their poor condition have forced armies in the region to travel in convoys, leaving rural areas to jihadists, Walther said. An alternative would be to rethink the way armies move around, using for instance 'vehicles as light and versatile as those of jihadists,' such as motorcycles, he said.
BBC News
01-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Faith amid the fury - how Lion king Itoje keeps his peace
Maro Itoje's head has been in Moussa's hands for more than a behind the barber's chair, Moussa has seen Itoje mature from a much-hyped teenager to a three-time 30-year-old British and Irish captain for the first time, one of Itoje's final appointments before departing for Australia is to have his mane trimmed."It has been a while," says Itoje of his and Moussa's relationship."It is going to be a challenge on tour."You always have to have some trust - a bit of a leap of faith - when you walk into a new barber's chair. Especially in Australia, where I don't think they are too used to Afro-Caribbean hair!"Faith, and contingency plans, will be a theme for Itoje over the next five asked about how religion fitted into his tactics, former Labour spin guru Alastair Campbell famously said "we don't do God".Itoje, who was introduced to Campbell by England team manager Richard Hill as a youngster and remains in touch, definitely his unveiling as Lions captain in May, he revealed he had missed Bible study to be he was promoted to England captain in January, his pastor was one of six people he told before the public announcement., externalAsked about the long journey to both posts, Itoje has a simple explanation: "God's timing is always the best time.""In the last two or three years I have made a conscious decision to double down in that regard," he tells BBC Sport."I was probably a lukewarm Christian for a large part of my life. I was probably someone who went to church, but was not really living the principles or values of it that deeply, but I have always been a believer."The humility that I have tried to embody throughout my life definitely comes from knowing that everything I have has been a gift, not by my own doing, but by the guy upstairs."By Itoje's high standards and own admission, that humility wasn't always present on previous Lions has described his 22-year-old self, who won over the Lions fans' sea of red in New Zealand in 2017, as "a little bit brash and a bit naive".This time around, at the very centre of the hype and hoopla, he is determined to keep his calm and routine. "I try to have a daily amount of time that I spend, whether that is reading the Bible or praying, ideally both," he explains."I also try and do Bible study once or twice a week at least."I am going to try and maintain the system I have over in Australia, with Zoom and Whatsapp video calls."Itoje's previous Lions tours have come down to the New Zealand, his team was ahead for only three minutes across three Tests, but came away with a drawn South Africa, four years later, Morne Steyn's kick, two minutes from time in the deciding third encounter, dashed the tourists' margins are small. The emotions are vast. The pressure is a thousand leagues can scramble the composure of the best. But Itoje has his philosophy and his peace."Sport is unpredictable, you don't know how things are going to transpire," he says."Sometimes you can deserve to win and lose, and sometimes you can deserve to lose and win - there is not necessarily rhyme or reason for that."You have to just stay as consistent as possible through your actions and hope, through it all, you end up in the place you are supposed to be."Faith is just one part of a hinterland as wide as the outback. Itoje describes himself as having a "portfolio existence" off the Akoje Gallery, which Itoje founded in 2023, is a prominent part"There is a commercial aspect to it - we want to sell art - but we also want to propel and promote art, particularly African art," he says."It is a massive market and full of talent and we want to help provide opportunities for artists in our care." Last year, the Akoje Gallery funded residencies for seven artists to spend time developing their work at the stately Dumfries House in rural Ayrshire in also set up the Pearl Fund, which helps disadvantaged children in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. He has a keen interest in politics. He has a degree in it from SOAS, University of London. He has since earned a Masters degree in business as a teenage travelling reserve for Saracens, he spent a coach trip to Newcastle composing poetry., external More recently he has trodden the catwalk as a April, at a Downing Street reception to mark St George's Day, he was the star turn, giving a speech in which he talked about Englishness and identity."I believe human beings are multi-faceted, we are not a monolith," he said."I am a rugby player, I am an athlete, but that is what I do, not who I am. I have other interests."He finished by jokily making a play for the job of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was standing next to breadth of his interests and the depth of his thought have triggered suspicion in England coach Eddie Jones publicly doubted whether Itoje was captaincy material. Jones claimed Itoje was "very inward-looking" and lacked influence over his politely, but firmly, disagreed. So far, events seem to support the younger clear, calm 80-minute leadership carried England to a second-place finish in this year's Six Saracens, footage of his pep talks - passionate, canny and expletive-free - have been engaging viewing., externalThe Lions are another level. There is more scrutiny, and fewer home he approaches the pinnacle though, Itoje has perhaps, about the hair."I hope not," he smiles when asked about the prospect of accidentally acquiring a mullet down under."That would be quite bad."
CairoScene
29-06-2025
- CairoScene
Sorrento to Smouha: Alexandria's The Lemon Grove Embodies Italian Zest
Sorrento to Smouha: Alexandria's The Lemon Grove Embodies Italian Zest Alexandrians and coastal Italians may not share a language, but they're fluent in the same habits: leisurely lunches, sea-soaked views, a hint of drama, and a shared conviction that carbs are best served with emotion. Above all, they orbit around a mutual zest for life. Somewhere between espresso shots and sunset strolls, The Lemon Grove opened its doors in Smouha's Matajer Mall—tuning into those Mediterranean frequencies, Italian in spirit, Alexandrian in setting. While Alexandria's vibe has long flirted with Italian influence, the city's Italian food scene has often felt a little... under-seasoned. 'The Lemon Grove emerged from a long-held aspiration to bring a more authentic Italian dining experience to the city,' says co-founder Amr Moussa. 'Together with my co-founder Ahmed Ashour, we set out to create a space that reflects that experience—not just through food, but in atmosphere and design.' The design revolves around openness: an open kitchen, clean lines, greenery, minimalist seating, and a balance of airy sunshine by day and intimate lighting by night. The culinary process is fully visible. 'The dialogue between the cooking and the diner is what gives the space its elegance,' says Moussa. From the smoker to the Neapolitan wood-fired oven, much of the action happens in plain sight. 'We wanted it to feel immersive—like the kitchen is part of the dining room.' Heading up the kitchen is Chef Abdelbasit, whose culinary roots trace back to years of training in Italian cuisine. 'He's worked closely with top Italian chefs for years, which has shaped his approach to technique and sourcing,' says Moussa. 'He understands not just how to make a dish authentic—but where each ingredient should come from, and why.' On the menu? A tour of Italy's comfort canon. Think brisket, salmon, beef fillets, handmade pasta—and of course, pizza. 'We don't cut corners when it comes to pizza: we use a traditional Neapolitan wood-fired oven and are one of very few in Alexandria to do so,' says Moussa. 'We also bring in our Caputo flour, mozzarella, and burrata directly from Italy.' As for what happens beyond the plate, the goal is something that lingers. 'Our philosophy is simple: offer something welcoming, memorable, and fresh,' says Moussa. 'We want it to feel like a place where people stay a little longer than they meant to.' Whether you find yourself chasing a truffle pizza with a citrusy mocktail, or twirling fettuccine while eyeing a tiramisu, The Lemon Grove aims to strike that sweet (and slightly salty) spot between Italian indulgence and Alexandrian charm—elegant, lively, and just zesty enough to keep things interesting.
CNN
24-06-2025
- Business
- CNN
A grocery store staple is getting a major makeover
King's Hawaiian, maker of sweet buns and rolls that come in distinct bright-orange packaging, is retooling its branding as part of its 75th anniversary. The company unveiled Tuesday a modernized logo and updated packaging for its products, which have grown in recent years to include snacks like pretzel bites and cinnamon rolls. King's Hawaiian introduced the crown logo on its packaging in 2018, with a capital serif font. The new logo is softer and friendlier: The crown is now rounded, and the brand name is written in a hand-drawn font that is 'cushier,' resembling its trademark rolls, according to King's Hawaiian chief marketing officer Raouf Moussa. 'We're not making a left turn or doing a drastic revolution — it's more of an evolution and modernizing our brand expression,' Moussa told CNN. However, the company was careful not to lose the personality of the bright packaging that helps King's Hawaiian stand out in bread aisles. The orange color is now warmer and includes a new motif inspired by native Hawaiian flowers and meant to resemble a gift. 'Obviously, (the orange) is what we're known for and have established for a long, long time, so we're not losing that,' Moussa said. 'We're just slightly adjusting it, making it a little warmer.' The changes come at a challenging time for grocery sales and this category in particular. Consumers are looking to cut back their grocery spending and shift away from name brands to more affordable private-label options. Bread and rolls sales have declined by nearly 1% in the past year, according to market research firm Circana. Moussa said King's sales have grown year-over-year, however. Consumer packaged goods expert Nate Rosen said that's likely because its brand identity hasn't swayed too far from its original positioning of selling sweetly flavored rolls and buns. 'They're not trying to reinvent themselves every five minutes, which is honestly refreshing,' Rosen told CNN. 'When you bite into one of those rolls you immediately know what it is.' Rosen, who writes the Express Checkout newsletter, said King's Hawaiian expansion and refresh is an 'update to keep things slightly modern and eye-catching while staying grounded in what made them successful.' Still, King's Hawaiian has been rolling out new products and advertising strategies. Last year, the company debuted television ads with former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning that promoted sliders and pretzel bites. It's also planning to show off the new branding during an upcoming NASCAR race with the company's partner Joe Gibbs Racing. The company also created a new 'Bites' line when launching with miniature-sized salted soft pretzel bites. The line was inspired by feedback in recent years from consumers who said they're are snacking on the rolls rather than using them for sandwiches. The Bites line has been a 'tremendous success from the get-go,' Moussa said. The company plans to expand Bites, likely with miniature cinnamon rolls that are being tested in California and are selling 'slightly better' than their pretzel bites.
