Aerial violinist Caitlin De Ville performs at Mall of the Emirates in Dubai

The Zambian-born electric violinist has been turning things up a notch with three performances daily - at 5, 7.30 and 9pm - and will do so until Wednesday night.

Overheard in the newsroom: Brrrrr it's Thursday edition

I wonder how long the toilet seat has been missing?

No, no, no, not on top of the soup.

What is ICYMI?

Unless you are sitting on his lap, no way you pay that kind of money.

She has a condition that covers almost everything.

Editor A: I thought you didn't like mushrooms?
Editor B: Thank you for knowing that.

Canada's beloved Tim Hortons in the UAE: You know it's a big deal when...

...the launch of a new coffee flavour is billed by the PR as "one of the biggest events of the month", held at SkyDive Dubai hosted by Virgin Radio's Kris Fade. Not to mention the proliferation of outlets in every mall and gas station since 2011 and this 2013 marking of the thaw in Canada-UAE relations.

(As an aside, when my father was visiting over Christmas, we stopped to take a picture of him at the Dubai Mall outlet. A nice Arab man who noticed us stopped and said "welcome home". Aw.)

Remember how excited we got about the first few in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?

UPDATE: Okay, yes, it was the launch of the Dark Roast. Slightly disappointing.

UAE diary: Sir Patrick Stewart, SJP, Dubai International Film Festival, Breitling Wingwalkers and lots and lots of Lego

It's been quite a week here in the UAE, culturally speaking. Personally, I totally loved that we got this guy to pose in front of the Burj Khalifa: 

Yes, Sir Patrick Stewart dropped by and became a Chivas Legend. He's doing a sitcom with Seth McFarlane and Jackie Weaver (UAE connection - remember when she was here for Abu Dhabi Film Festival last year?) and it sounds awesome...as if that wasn't enough, Sarah Jessica Parker was in the emirate right on his heels to launch her shoe collection at Harvey Nicols and Bloomingdale's. She sounded lovely (and spent some time at Cle Dubai):

Overheard in the newsroom: Big bad Banana Guard edition

It finally happened: a cat bit me.

One thing about Bollywood guys, they've all got a good head of hair.

It's good to be a spaz.

Editor: Which ones were you talking to?
Reporter: Marlon and Tito

If you get caught having sex in India you are getting married. 

But it's such a cool thing. It kept my banana from getting bruised.

Editor A: Would you go 6 times a week?
Editor B: I wish I could so I could be thin.

Memories: UAE National Day 2014

Overheard in the newsroom: Not the National Day edition

It looked to me like an accident waiting to happen.

I'd like to say I've had a great time. This wasn't it. But I've had a great time at some point in my life.

British editor A: That's a big box of tea.
British editor B: It's just a week's worth.

Editor A: Are you missing that guy?
Editor B: Who?
Editor A: The cat. Are you missing that cat?

That lizard ended my day for me.