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Welcome, To this new issue of our monthly digital lifestyle magazine for friends of Tunisia. Our magazines are now also published as part of the bluuprint publishing library, where you can find all our latest editions as well as past issues, plus many more free magazines and books to read. In this issue we look at items of current interest in Tunisia Topics, and continue our in-depth look at the archaeological wonder that is Dougga. There are all our regular lifestyle pages on healthy living, Tunisian cuisine, sport and books, and not forgetting our business directory. Throughout the magazine there are offers, many of which are free to enter, with great prizes available, and for those of you visiting Tunisia, there is our regular tourist guide and map, with a quick look at some of the main places of interest. So there really is something for everyone....
Essential Tunisia Magazine Published by : LiveTunisia Distributed by : bluuprint.com Information: info@livetunisia.net Advertising: ads@livetunisia.net Design & Editing: LiveTunisia.com Contibutors: LiveTunisia Photos :LiveTunisia, PhotoXpress.com CoverFoto : Yuri Arcurs/PhotoXpress
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The Editor
Read all our past issues here on bluuprint.com 2
Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy and legality, the Publisher accepts no liability or responsibility for the material published herein, the views of our contributors are not necessarily the views of the Editor. The Publisher further accepts no liability or responsibility for errors in content or quality that occur beyond all reasonable control of the Editor. Furthermore the publisher accepts no liability or responsibility for the publicity content which in all cases remains under the ownership of the advertiser, and can not be held responsible for the content or actions resulting from accessing webpages outside the control of this publication. The contents of this publication are the property of the publisher and nothing may be reproduced, stored in a retrival system or transmitted in any form without express permission in writing from the editor.
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In This Issue LIFESTYLE Tunisia Topics 08
Tunisia Tourism Looking Forward
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The leaders of Tunisia and Egypt set up Facebook pages to connect with their youth
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New, liberal Tunisian PM named as Beji Caid Essebsi
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"I Love Tunisia" campaign shows Tunisia open and ready for business
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Cosmos re-introduces Tunisia at low lead-ins
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Places 16
Discovering Tunisia's History Dougga ( Part IV ) Temples of the Gods
Healthy Living 26
How to start your day, and not ruin a healthy breakfast
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March 2011 FEATURES Tunisian & Medterranean Cooking 32
Broudou bil hout - Fish Soup Books
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Tunisia: Mediterranean Cuisine
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Sport 36
Tunisia appoint Souayah as old coach rejects past regime
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Tunisia end a seven-year drought to lift the CAF African Nations Championship
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Tunisia Tourist Map
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Places of interest in Tunisia
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Business 48
Tunisia Directory
REGULARS 52
Monthly Horoscope
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The Birthday File
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Tunisia Topics Tunisia Tourism Looking Forward There was a 19% uplift in interest in Tunisia on review site Tripadvisor in the four days after the Foreign Office changed its advice about travel to the country.
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Tunisia Topics The Foreign and Commonwealth Office lifted its warning against all but essential travel to the destination in the first week of February. Tripadvisor says that the rise in interest is compared to the four days before that day. Spokeswoman Emma O’Boyle said: “This will come as welcome news to the Tunisian hospitality industry following a turbulent few months. Some tour operators, who have cancelled package holidays to Tunisia, are said to be reconsidering their stance with some flights expected to resume in early March. “It is always important to check with the Foreign Office before travelling, but this is encouraging news for British travellers and tour operators, as well as the Tunisian travel industry.” “Tunisia is a popular holiday destination for Brits and UK visitors are clearly starting to consider Tunisia as a viable destination once again.”
Most travel sites are now reporting that UK tour operators are set to resume flights to Tunisia at the end of February or early in March after the FCO relaxed its warning. According to the Tunisian National Tourist Office, major tour operators including Thomas Cook, Thomson and First Choice plan to resume normal flight schedules to Monastir Airport soon after February 27th.
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Thomas Cook said it will continue to review the situation for travel to Tunisia after February, but it has already announced its next planned departure is March 2nd.
Last year saw an unprecedented rise in UK visitors to Tunisia with 353,282 arrivals, up 28% on 2009 and exceeding its previous record of 350,000 back in 2006.
Tunisia Topics The leaders of Tunisia and Egypt have set up Facebook pages to target the youth of their countries. The leaders of Tunisia and Egypt have set up Facebook pages, an apparent attempt to target the youth who effectively harnessed social media to organize regimeending protests. The Facebook page of Tunisia's Interior Ministry — which tried to stamp out social networking during the uprising last month against President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali — is hoping its new Facebook page will help it thaw relations with Tunisian citizens. The ministry has long been feared as an instrument of repression, but days after being set up, the new Facebook site has more than 110,000 subscribers. It contains thousands of posts, ranging from requests for the dissolution of the political police to a suggestion not to let pushcart salesmen roam freely in the capital. "We want to create a new way to communicate with Tunisians, that provides total transparency and instant information," a spokesman for the ministry said. "We're very interested in the opinion of people on Facebook and we're trying to listen to all Tunisians."
The Facebook page of Egypt's new military rulers, dedicated "to the sons and youth of Egypt who ignited the January 25th revolution and to its martyrs," reportedly already has more than 75,000 followers. In Egypt, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, in setting up a page, followed the example of the Egyptian Interior Ministry, which first set up a Facebook page to counter public accusations of corruption and non-transparency and widespread anger over the way it treated protesters at the outbreak of the demonstrations last month. Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites were consistently blocked at the height of both countries uprisings, largely orchestrated by the disaffected youth, who used social media to organize demonstrations.
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Tunisia and Egypt change outlook on Facebook The page of Egypt's new military rulers has extremely high traffic, which is unusual for governmental Facebook pages and is suggestive of how highly social networking sites are valued by the young. The wall of the Egyptian site consists of posts affirming the importance of the January 25
movement and it's protesters and stating the Egyptian military's role in safeguarding reform. The most recent post on the Facebook page received 4,500 comments within 24 hours. User comments show a wide range of responses that seem to indicate the uncertainty felt in postrevolution Egypt.
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Tunisia Topics New, liberal Tunisian PM named as Beji Caid Essebsi When the north African country became independent from France in 1956, Caid Essebsi joined the government as an advisor to Bourguiba, before being named head of the state security service, then minister of the interior in 1965. He was later defence minister from November 1969 to June 1970. A long-serving activist in Bourguiba's Destourien Socialist Party (PSD), Caid Essebsi left the PSD in 1971 to press for political change. In December that year, he rejoined the government as an aide to prime minister Mohamed Mzali, who sought to undertake reforms.
Beji Caid Essebsi, 84, who has been named Tunisia's prime minister in place of the unpopular Mohamed Ghannouchi, has a reputation for being a political liberal and has held several ministerial posts.
In 1978, Caid Essebsi joined the Movement of Democratic Socialists (MDS), a liberal party in the opposition. In 1989, Caid Essebsi was elected a member of parliament, and he became president of the House of Deputies until 1991. After his parliamentary mandate expired, he resumed his profession as a lawyer.
He was appointed just as we were going to press in a climate of tension after the resignation of Ghannouchi, who had headed the government of ousted president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, who was toppled in a popular uprising.
His task now is to head a transitional government whose role is to prepare Tunisia for democracy after the fall of president Zine El Abidine Ben Ali's regime.
Born on November 26, 1926, Caid Essebsi trained as a lawyer and was a close aide of Habib Bourguiba, Tunisia's first president after independence. He held ministerial posts in charge of the interior, defence and foreign affairs.
Caid Essebsi "is known for his patriotism, his loyalty and his self-denial in the service of the country," declared Tunisian interim president Foued Mebazaa when he announced the appointment of the new government leader.
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'I Love Tunisia' campaign shows Tunisia OPEN and READY for Business!
Tunisia Topics
The Tunisian tourism ministry launched the "I Love Tunisia" online promotional campaign, on Valentines day, February 14th, appropriately enough. The initiative encourages foreigners and Tunisian expats to visit the country to show their support and help lead the revival in the tourism sector. In addition The Tunisian National Tourist Office has also launched a new campaign with the slogan "I love Tunisia, the place to be... now!" to remind tourists of what this fantastic country has to offer. The ambassador of Tunisia went on to personally thank Britain after the Foreign and Commonwealth Office removed restrictions on travel to the country following the civil unrest in January. So with airlines resuming normal service to Tunisia from the 2nd March 2011, there really is no reason not to get booking your next holiday now! Online travel and accommodation companies are expected to highlight a range of promotions and special deals to Tunisia as soon as regular flights are underway.
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Tunisia Topics Cosmos reintroduces Tunisia at low lead-ins Cosmos has announced it is to restart its flight and hotel programme after the Foreign Office relaxed its advice on travel to the destination, and the operator says it is delighted to send customers to Tunisia again. Cosmos will resume flights from Gatwick and Manchester to Monastir in Tunisia on March 6th. Cosmos’ sister flight-only operation Avro will follow suit. The company has also decided to run an agent fam trip to Tunisia along with the Tunisia Tourist Board from March 22 to 26. Cosmos product and commercial Director Phil Boggon said: "We are delighted to be able to resume our programmes. With the support of the tourist board we expect demand to revert to previous levels very quickly. We will obviously put the most price competitive deals into the market to stimulate early demand.” Cosmos’ lead in price for seven nights in Tunisia is £169 for an all-inclusive stay at the Hotel Dar Khayam.
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Dougga (Part IV) : Temples of the Gods Continuing our look at Dougga, one of the greatest archaeological sites of the ancient world, in part four, we take a tour around some of the religious temples and structures which show a different side to this archeological site. Dougga itself (or Thugga as it was often referred to in Latin texts), is mainly an ancient Roman city in northern Tunisian. UNESCO qualified Dougga as a World Heritage Site in 1997, believing that it represents “the bestpreserved Roman small town in North Africa�. The site has been protected from the encroachment of modern urbanisation, in contrast, to nearby Carthage for example, which is a suburb of modern Tunis.
The capitol 16
Places: Discovering Tunisia’s History It is the size of Dougga, as well as its well-preserved monuments and rich Punic, Numidian, ancient Roman and Byzantine history, that make it exceptional. The history of the settlement of Dougga is best known from the time of the Roman conquest, even though numerous pre-Roman monuments have been discovered during archaeological digs. Although not so well documented, these monuments are an indication of the site's importance long before the arrival of the Romans. The original city appears to have been founded in the 6th century BC, and was always an early and important human settlement, and although our knowledge of the city before the Roman conquest remains very imited, recent archaeological finds have revolutionised the image that we had of this period. The following is a more detailed description of the religious edifices you will find upon visiting the ruins at Dougga along with some background information, where known.
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Places There is archaeological evidence for more than twenty temples at Dougga; a significant number for a small city. There are archaeological remains and inscriptions proving the existence of eleven temples, archaeological remains of a further eight, and inscriptions referring to many more. This abundance of religious sites in such a relatively small area is thought to be mainly as the result of the philanthropy of particular wealthy families of the time. The capitol The capitol (see image on previous pages) is a Roman temple from the 2nd century AD, principally dedicated to Rome’s protective triad: Jupiter Optimus Maximus, Juno Regina and Minerva Augusta. It has a secondary dedication to the wellbeing of the emperors Lucius Verus and Marcus Aurelius; judging by this reference, the capitol must have been completed in 166-167 AD.
Near the capitol is the “square of the Rose of the Winds” which is named after a compass rose that is engraved on the floor, and the remains of the Byzantine citadel, which reused a section of the ruins after the city’s decline.
The walls, executed in opus africanum style, and the entablature of the portico were restored between 1903 and 1910. A crypt was discovered beneath the cella as recently as 1955. The most recent works were carried out by the Tunisian Institut national du patrimoine between 1994 and 1996.
Temple of Massinissa
The capitol is exceptionally well preserved, which is a consequence of its inclusion in the Byzantine fortification. A series of eleven stairs lead up to the front portico. The temple front’s Corinthian columns are eight metres tall, on top of which is the perfectly preserved pediment. The pediment bears a depiction of emperor Antoninus Pius’s elevation to godhood. The emperor is being carried by an eagle. The base of the cella still features alcoves for three statues. The middle alcove houses a colossal statue of Jupiter. The construction of the capitol at Dougga occurred at the same time as the construction of other monuments of the same type elsewhere in North Africa, probably as a consequence of the greater proximity of the imperial cult and the cult of Jupiter.
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The Temple of Massinissa is located on the western flank of the capital. The first archaeologists believed that the remains of the temple were a monumental fountain, even though an inscription proving the existence of a sanctuary to the deceased Numidian king was discovered in 1904. This inscription has been dated to 139 BC. Although it is believed that the sanctuary set Massinissa on par with a god, this is open to debate, as some believe that a temple to the king would reflect a continuation of eastern and Hellenic practices. Its construction ten years into Micipsa’s reign can be explained by its political symbolism, as Micipsa, sole ruler after the death of his brothers Gulussa and Mastanabal, was affirming the unity of his kingdom around the person of the king.
Dougga
The Temple of Mercury
Temple of Mercury
The Temple of Mercury is also dedicated to Tellus. It faces towards the market and between the two lies the “square of the Rose of the Winds”. The temple is largely in ruins. It has three cellae but no courtyard. The sanctuary, which can be accessed via a series of four stairs, stands on a faded podium. It was excavated and shored up between 1904 and 1908. Temple of August Piety
The Temple of August Piety
The small Temple of August Piety was built during the reign of Hadrian. It was financed through the philanthropy of a certain Caius Pompeius Nahanius. The temple faces the “square of the Rose of the Winds”. Part of the vestibule survives. Behind the temple, on the foundations of the Temple of Fortuna, Venus Concordia and Mercury, stands a mosque. The mosque is the last remnant of the little village that existed on the site until the creation of New Dougga. The temple was identified in 1631 thanks to an inscription that was still in situ at the time. The podium is relatively low and can be ascended by a series of seven stairs on the southern side.
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Dougga
The remains of the Temple of Caracalla´s Victory in Germany on the right hand side of the road to Ain Dourra
Temple of Caracalla's Victory in Germany The Temple of Caracalla's Victory in Germany is the only edifice dedicated to the imperial cult to have been located precisely at Dougga. Fragments of an inscription on the temple's lintel were discovered in 1835, but the temple was not identified until 1966. It features a nymphaeum that dates to the reign of Commodus. The temple, which is relatively narrow, has an unusual design. It is 41.5 metres long and 14.2 metres wide, and is situated beside the road that descends from the forum to the AĂŻn Doura Bath. The temple is associated with a triumphal arch over the road. The temple can be accessed via a semi-circular staircase; in each corner of the courtyard in front of the staircase is a reservoir for rain water.
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The cella inside the sanctuary features six lateral niches which are designed to hold the bases of statues of Apollo, Liber, Neptune, Mercury and of two other gods that can no longer be identified. The temple can be seen from afar, but passers-by can only see the cella, the foundations of which are decoratively rusticated. Seven columns are spaced along the cella, linking to the lateral door, which opens onto the staircase. The tetrastyle temple is built in Tuscan style, which is unusual inasmuch as temples of the imperial cult are generally Corinthian and located in the middle of a vast courtyard with a portico.
Temples of the Gods The temple therefore bears witness to a desire to construct something that was different to other such buildings, doubtless in response to the constraints created by the terrain. The dedication in the temple sheds light on its construction: the inscription, which has been very precisely dated to 214 AD, consecrates the temple to the personification of victory, specifically in connection with the emperor’s campaigns in Germany. The text recalls the military projects of the son of Septimius Severus and their celebration within the context of the imperial cult. This inscription also explains that the temple was constructed at a cost of 100,000 sestertii on the wishes of a great lady of Dougga named Gabinia Hermiona after her death. Besides the generosity of this act of philanthropy, her will foresaw the holding of an annual banquet to be financed by her inheritors on the anniversary of the dedication of the temple. At the same time, Gabinia Hermiona bequeathed the land for the circus “for the pleasure of the people”. The sestertius was a small silver coin valued at one-quarter of a denarius (and thus one hundredth of an aureus). A silver denarius was supposed to weigh about 4.5 grams, valued at ten grams, with the silver sestertius valued at two and one-half grams.
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The temple occupied what was doubtlessly one of the last free spaces in the vicinity of the forum. The temple’s benefactor preferred this site in the city centre to those that she owned in the outskirts: the site of the circus or the site where the Temple of Celeste was later built. Gabinia’s family, one of the richest in Dougga, was well placed within Carthage’s notables and maintained its power at Dougga, even during the reduction of the local aristocracy in the 3rd century. The terms of Gabinia’s will provide evidence of her concern that the family should endure, and that the annual banquet would keep alive the memory of the family’s generosity and emphasise its sociability, while the circus would provide for the pleasure of the most humble of the city’s inhabitants. At the end of the 4th century AD, the Temple of Caracalla's Victory in Germany was transformed into a church. The reservoirs in the courtyard were filled in order to provide space for the faithful, while pulpits were added to the cella.
Dougga The remains of the Temple of Saturn overlooking the valley
Temple of Saturn Saturn was the successor of the Punic Ba'al Hammon and was the attendant of Tanit or Juno Caelestis. During the Roman era, the city of Dougga had at least two sanctuaries dedicated to Saturn. The evidence for the existence of one of the two derives mostly from inscriptions found in the city. The second temple, which is the one commonly known as the Temple of Saturn at Dougga, has been excavated. The remains of this temple, which are less significant than those of the capitol or the Temple of Juno Caelestis, are of particular interest because of their location. The ruins lie atop a promontory that overlooks the rich cereal valley of the Oued Khalled, 160 metres from the theatre and outside the bounds of the city. During the excavation works, remains of a temple of Ba'al Hammon were discovered.
The Roman temple thus replaced an indigenous sanctuary that dated back at least to the 2nd century BC. This sanctuary consisted essentially of a wide open space designed to receive offerings and sacrifices, but was covered over to facilitate the construction of the Temple of Saturn, the ruins of which can still be seen today. The Roman temple was built during the reign of Septimius Severus. It consists of three cellae, a courtyard with a portico, and a vestibule. Water from the temple roof was collected in cisterns. An inscription provides details about the temple’s construction. It was erected using funds bequeathed in the testament of a notable local resident named Lucius Octavius Victor Roscianus at a cost of at least 150000 sestertii, which seems expensive but may be explained by the extent of the earthworks required to give the temple a solid foundation.
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Temples of the Gods
The remains believed to be the Temple of Pluto
Temple of Pluto Pluto receives particular honour at Dougga as the city’s patron divinity. It is possible that the Temple of Pluto is located near Septimius Severus’ triumphal arch in an area of the city that has only been partially excavated as yet, based on the discovery of a bust in a courtyard which has been dated to the 2nd or 3rd century AD. The associated building was excavated in the 1960s but little is known about the manner in which the excavation was conducted, but a cella with just one niche was discovered on a podium in the middle of a courtyard and the altar has also been preserved. An architectural study was carried out between 2000 and 2002, but it did not lead to any excavation work.
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Dougga
The Temple of Juno Caelestis
Temple of Juno Caelestis The Temple of Juno Caelestis, which was built on the outskirts of the city, was excavated in the 189’s, and significant restoration work was undertaken between 1904 and 1914, with new studies carried out between 1999 and 2002. The temple is dedicated to Juno Caelestis, the successor of the Punic god Tanit. Its well-preserved temenos is demarcated by a wall, a large section of which has been very well preserved. The court is only partially tiled and has two symmetrical doors. A portico with 25 bays runs along the circular section of the temenos. The portico is topped with a frieze depicting the construction of the temple. The temple in the strict sense of the word stands on a high podium that can be accessed via a series of eleven steps, and the pediment features a dedication to Alexander Severus. The temple, which was erected between 222 and 235 AD, was paid for by a certain Q. Gabinius Rufus Felix, who donated inter alia two silver statues of Juno Caelestis that cost 35000 sestertii. The temenos, which is 52 metres in diameter, is reminiscent of a crescent moon, the symbol of Juno Caelestis.
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Temple of Minerva The first Temple of Minerva at Dougga was a gift of the patron of the civitas at the end of the 1st century AD, but the more important site dedicated to this divinity is a building which features a temple and an area surrounded by a portico dating from the reign of Antoninus Pius. It was financed through the philanthropy of a priestess of the imperial cult, and designed to take advantage of the slope on which it stands. The podium is at the level of the roof of the portico and the temple in the strict sense of the word is located outside the surrounding building.
Dar Lacheb
Dougga
The purpose of the edifice known as Dar Lacheb (the house of Lacheb) has not been clearly identified, but is believed to be a sanctuary dedicated to Aesculapius. Dar Lacheb was excavated at the end of the 19th century and has not been the subject of further works since 1912. A house that was built nearby re-using some of its antique remains was destroyed at the start of the 20th century. Dar Lacheb was built between 164 and 166 AD, at the same era as the capitol, which is 50 metres away. The entrance to the building has been perfectly preserved, as has one of the columns of the entrance porch. The interior consists of a courtyard that was once surrounded with a portico. Victoria Church
The door of the Dar Lacheb from inside the building
The Victoria Church, which stands in the northeast of the site, below the Temple of Saturn, is the only Christian building that has been so far excavated at Dougga. At the end of the 4th century AD or at the start of the 5th century, the Christian community erected the unusually designed little church in a pagan cemetery.
Photos sourced from Pradigue/Giraud/Wiki
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Healthy Living
How to Start Your Day
We are often told that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that people who eat breakfast tend to be of a healthier weight and more mentally alert than people who skip breakfast. Of course a healthy breakfast is going to do more good for your body than an unhealthy one. Think about what you and your family had for breakfast today. Was it a healthy breakfast or not? It wouldn’t be a big surprise if your breakfast was’t healthy since there are so many bad breakfast foods available in supermarkets these days.
Here are some ways we can ruin a healthy breakfast: We Make Our Breakfast Too Sugary Next time you go to the store or watch kids’ television, take a look at all of the pre-sweetened cereals. Basically, these cereals are just boxes of sugar with a few vitamins and minerals added in. The sugar problem isn’t just in boxes of cereal; many people associate breakfast with sweet pastries, etc. Sugary breakfasts have for a long time been associated with poorer mental performance so stay away from extra sugar! Choose unsweetened, whole grain breakfast cereals. You can add a little sprinkle of sugar on top, but no more than a teaspoon. Try some fresh fruit on it to add variety to your breakfast. Instead of a pastry, pop a slice of whole grain bread into the toaster and then top it with a 100% fruit spread. You still get the sweet flavour, but a lot less sugar.
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And Not Ruin a Healthy Breakfast
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How to Start Your Day We Skip the Proteins Sugary cereals or waffles smothered in syrup often appeal to us at breakfast time. These foods are high in sugars and starches, but low in protein. It is protein that keeps you feeling full longer so you won’t feel so hungry in the middle of the morning. Make sure you get some good quality protein: Have a piece of whole grain toast with peanut butter or almond butter and a glass of milk. Peanut and other nut butters are delicious sources of protein and when combined with milk, you get all of the amino acids you need. Eat an egg or two as eggs help you to feel full, and they are a great source of lutein.
We Eat Lots of Saturated Fat and Processed Meats Bacon, sausage and ham are the most common meats we eat at breakfast time. Bacon and sausage are high in unhealthy saturated fat, which increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, and all three are high in sodium. Processed meats like these also contain nitrites, which have been linked to colon cancer. These meats are just plain bad for you, so stay away from them. Eggs are a great source of protein and very versatile. Have a poached egg served over whole grain toast. Try salmon or tuna with a “lite� mayonaise on whole grain toast as each is a great source of omega-3.
We Avoid Whole Grains Most of those sugary breakfast cereals and pastries are also made with processed flour so they are low in fibre. Whole grains provide fibre, which can keep your cholesterol levels healthy and keep your blood pressure down. Whole grain fibre also slows down digestion of the sugar you put on top of it. Eat whole grain, unsweetened hot or cold breakfast cereals and use whole grain bread instead of white bread for your toast.
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How to Start Your Day We Don’t Eat Any Fresh Fruit or Vegetables It is difficult to imagine a healthy diet that is not rich in fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are usually low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. Experts recommend that we eat 5 servings of fruit and vegetables every day, so why not get started on them by including fruit and vegetables into your breakfast: Make an omelette with mushrooms, peppers and onions for breakfast, and slice a grapefruit or orange in half and enjoy it next to a slice of whole grain toast. Add berries, raisins, or bananas to your whole grain cereal. We Skip Breakfast Altogether Not eating breakfast has been linked to higher rates of obesity and to poorer mental performance, yet many people think they will lose weight by skipping the most important meal of the day. Many studies show that kids of all ages need to eat breakfast to be able to learn well at school. Not eating breakfast is not a good strategy for losing weight, but choosing a quick healthy breakfast will help you to manage your weight and keep you thinking clearly throughout the morning.
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Tunisian & Mediterranean Cooking STEP BY STEP
This traditional mixed fish soup from Tunisia is more like a stew, so could also be served as a main course.
Heat the oil in a large pan and fry the onions until soft.
Ingredients
Add the peppers and garlic then when the peppers are soft, add the fish stock.
2 kg mixed fish and seafood, skinned, boned, peeled and cut into small pieces, if necessary 4 onions, roughly chopped 75 ml olive oil 1 large green pepper, deseeded and chopped 1 large red pepper, deseeded and chopped Garlic, to taste, peeled and findly diced 3 litres fish stock 4 large potatoes, cut into small chunks 2 bulbs fennel, with leaves, diced Salt, to taste Large pinch saffron 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 to 2 teaspoons harissa 2 preserved lemons, finely chopped 8 tomatoes, peeled and chopped 1 large bunch parsley, finely chopped 1 large bunch coriander leaves, finely chopped
Stir in the potatoes, salt, saffron, cumin, cinnamon, harissa and preserved lemons and simmer, covered, for about 30 minutes. Add the fish, tomatoes and herbs and add further liquid if necessary and cook for a few minutes until the fish is done. Serves 6 Serve with bread. Note: You can also add 2 tablespoons of capers, 2 tablespoons of caraway seeds and/or 1 teaspoon ground coriander. Use the juice of 1½ lemons instead of the preserved lemons and if you do not have any harissa, substitute it with 1 teaspoon paprika and ½ teaspoon Cayenne pepper.
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Broudou bil hout (Fish soup)
Use a mixture of firm fish, such as monkfish, bream or bass and some delicate fish such as whiting, cod or haddock, together with small whole fish, squid, prawns or crabmeat.
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BOOKS Tunisia Mediterranean Cuisine
This is a really surprisingly good cookery book. If you have ever enjoyed a holiday in Tunisia (or even if you've never been there but would like to sample some traditional cuisine of the country), and loved the food so much, but could not find any cookbooks there in English, a quick search on Amazon and you'll soon come across "Tunisia: Mediterranean Cuisine". This is by the far one of the best ones available, with very easy to follow instructions.
Available from:
amazon.co.uk
Highly recommended for anyone who has enjoyed a holiday in Tunisia as it invokes memories of eating out in many a traditional Tunisian restaurant.
Tunisia
Mediterranean Cuisine (Paperback) H F Ullmann (Author)
RRP: ÂŁ9.99
Or, an ideal gift for anyone that loves great tasting food from this interesting North African country.
Price:
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ÂŁ9.50
Read in Bright Sunlight - No glare New and Improved Fonts - New crisper, darker fonts New Sleek Design – 21% smaller body while keeping the same 6" size reading area 17% Lighter - Only 241 grams, weighs less than a paperback Double the Storage - Up to 3,500 books
Kindle is Amazon.com's #1 bestselling item for two years running. It's the most-wished-for, most-gifted, and has the most 5-star reviews of any product on Amazon.com.
Now it's even better.
Built-In Wi-Fi - Connect at home or on the road Download books in 60 seconds, anytime, anywhere 20% Faster Page Turns - Seamless reading Enhanced PDF Reader - With dictionary lookup, notes, and highlights
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SPORT Tunisia appoint Souayah as old coach rejects past regime Just after going to press last month, yet another change was brought about at national team level. Ammar Souayah has been named as Tunisia's coach for the second time after Faouzi Benzarti stepped down less than one month after taking over. Souayah takes charge of the bid to qualify for next year's African Nations Cup finals, a campaign that is already faltering with the team having picked up only four points from three matches. The new coach, appointed after a meeting of the Tunisia Football Federation, previously took the north African nation to the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan and South Korea. Benzarti had agreed at the start of January to take the job for the second time in just over a year but reversed his decision in the wake of the revolt that toppled the country's president.
Benzarti, who was also Tunisia's caretaker coach at the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola, said the task of qualifying for next year's tournament was too hard and that the contract terms did not suit him, as well as the fact that he said he was pressurised to take the post by then President Ben Ali. In an interview with Radio France International he said "The presidency encouraged me to take the job saying I had to be nationalist and do my best for our people," added Benzarti. "But now I feel free like the rest of the Tunisian people and we can make decisions not only for the
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SPORT
Tunisia ended a seven-year trophy drought to lift the CAF African Nations Championship. Tunisia claimed the second edition of the CAF African Nations Championship in Sudan at the weekend, adding to the celebratory atmosphere in the country after their recent political upheaval. Despite their domestic league not operating since the New Year, the strength of Tunisia's domestic football was all too evident in their success at the 16-team tournament designed for home-based players only. They beat Angola 3-0 in the final in Khartoum, having overcome Algeria in the semi-final and the defending champions and favourites Congo DR in the last eight of the competition. The tournament provides an opportunity to gain international exposure for players still based in their own countries, and it has been a revelation in terms of the strengths of the respective leagues around the continent. Long the home of one of Africa's strongest leagues, Tunisia have had a steady rate of success in continental club competition and their relative power was there for all to see as the North African nation won their first piece of silverware since winning the CAF Africa Cup of Nations at home in 2004. Second-half strikes from Mejdi Traoui, Zouhaier Dhaouadi and Oussama Darragi won the gold medals for Tunisia. Angola, who got a 92ndminute goal to draw 1-1 with the Tunisians in the group stage, started well but were unable to break down the opposing defence. They were then overrun after the break as Traoui opened the scoring two minutes into the second half and then laid on a through pass to Dhaouadi for the second goal in the 74th minute. Five minutes later, substitute Darragi added the third goal.
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Zouhaier Dhaouadi of Club Africain and Tunisia was named as the tournament’s best player, running his side from midfield and proving decisive in the key matches along the way to the title. The promising 23year-old, who comes from Kairouan in the centre of Tunisia, went to the last Cup of Nations after battling his way back from injury and is now a national team regular. Adel Chedli was a member of Tunisia’s full international side when they won the 2004 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Now he has become the first player to also pick up a winners’ medal in the event known as the CHAN. At the age of 34, the Franceborn Chedli is concluding his career at Etoile Sahel, having started his journey at St Etienne and played also in Ligue 1 for Sochaux and Istres and in the Bundesliga briefly at FC Nuremburg. It will be three years before the next African Nations Championship, which is being switched to each even year as the Cup of Nations changes scheduling to every odd year from 2013. Libya is due to host the 2014 edition, and it will be in Rwanda two years later.
TUNISIA is a beautiful country with many places of interest well worth a visit. The information on these pages is a quick guide to just some of those, but by no means a comprehensive list of all that Tunisia has to offer. TUNISIA is situated on the Mediterranean coast of North Africa, bordered by Algeria in the west and Libya in the southeast. An abrupt southern turn of its shoreline gives Tunisia two faces on the Mediterranean with a coastline 1,148 kilometres in length. Despite its relatively small size, Tunisia has great geographical and climatic diversity. An extension of the Atlas Mountains, traverses Tunisia in the north to the Cape Bon peninsula. The Sahil is along Tunisia's eastern Mediterranean coast famous for its olive groves and beaches. Inland from the Sahil are the Steppes. Much of the southern region is semi-arid and desert leading into the Sahara.
Tunis
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Tourist Guide TUNIS is the capital of Tunisia, and is divided into the old city, known as the medina, and the new city (ville nouvelle in French). Although located on the Mediterranean coast, it is spared much of the tourist beaches and resorts, which lay to the north and south. With a population of over 1,500,000, the city still has the feel of being small and compact.The must-see attractions of the capital are The Souq, which is known as one of the most authentic and hassle-free in all of Northern Africa.
Tunis
Bardo Museum, occupying the 13th century palace of the Ottoman-era ruler and renowned for its extensive collection of Roman mosaics.
Zitouna Mosque
Cathedral of St. Vincent de Paul. Built in 1882, this is the largest surviving building from the colonial era, in the neoRomanesque style. Zitouna Mosque. The largest mosque in Tunisia and an important landmark, dating from the 8th century, although the distinctive square minaret is a later 19th century addition.
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Tourist Guide The ruins of CARTHAGE, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a former city of the Pheonician and Punic periods dating from the 6th Century BC, and are situated 12 km north of Tunis. This was the base of a powerful empire spanning the entire south Mediterranean and home to a population of the order of half a million people. Its most famous general was Hannibal who famously crossed the Alps to battle the Romans. In 146BC the city finally fell to Rome and its destruction ordered by the Senate. The site was later redeveloped by the Romans and Carthage became the capital of the province of Africa.
Carthage
SFAX is the country’s second city by virtue of it’s population and it’s prowess as a large industrial centre. Situated on the east coast of Tunisia, 270 km south of Tunis, the city was founded in AD 849 and is a thriving Mediterranean port sited on the Gulf of Gabes. From here, you can also take the ferry to Kerkennah Island where you can wander around in a land, virtually unspoilt by modern standards.
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Tourist Guide SOUSSE is a popular destination, with tourists from Britain, Germany and many East European counties visiting the area. It is one of Tunisia’s oldest cities, and boasts an authentic medina, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
MONASTIR is a city situated 165km southeast of Tunis and 24 km east of Sousse, on the eastern Mediterranean coast. It is an ancient city dating from Phonecian times, and it is believed it takes it’s name from the French "monastère" (monastery). It is the site of a busy international airport which caters mainly for tourist flights from Europe. Sights to see are theimposing Ribat, which is a fortified monastery located next to the sea with great views from its walls and towers. It has been used in several films as a stand in for Jerusalem, most notably "Monty Python's Life of Brian".
Sousse
Monastir
Situated on the Mediterranean coast it has good beaches and many first class hotels. Most of Sousse's sights are located within the medina, the labyrinth which is at the heart of the city. The Great Mosque is a tranquil place despite its location in the middle of the city. Built in 850 AD, it is simple and austere in the Aghlabite style. The Ribat, whilst not as impressive or extensive as the one in Monastir, is a fortified holy site well worth visit. It served as home to a branch of Islamic warriors very similar in nature to the Hospitaller Knights that lived in Rhodes. Climbing to the top of the watch tower affords you fantastic views over the Medina.
Also, there is the impressive Mausoleum of Habib Bourguiba in the centre of a large cemetery in Monastir, which is the resting place and home of the founding president of modern Tunisia.
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Tourist Guide HAMMAMET is a resort town located in the south east of the northern peninsula of Cap Bon in the Governorate of Nabeul, on the northern edge of the Gulf of Hammamet.It lies just 65km south of Tunis and 85km north of Sousse and was one of the first tourist destinations in Tunisia. Due to its fine beaches it has become a popular destination for European visitors particularly for it’s swimming and water sports, with a population that regularly quadruples due to tourists in the summer months. The area is particularly known for its jasmine, and this is how the more recent, adjacent tourist resort of Yasmine Hammamet came by its name.
Hammamet
BIZERTE is located on the north coast of Tunisia, 65 km north of Tunis and 15 km from Cap Blanc (the northern-most point in Africa). Noted for its beautiful forests, beaches and scenery, it is known as the oldest and most European city in Tunisia. Originally founded around 1000 BC by Phoenicians from Tyre, it is was also the last town under French control after the rest of the country won its independence.
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Tourist Guide Sidi Bou Said PORT EL KANTAOUI is a purpose built tourist and residential area began in 1979. It is situated 8km north of Sousse and 65km south of Hammamet, centered around a marina and traditional-style buildings with narrow streets. There is the waterfront with walkway, jetty and yacht pier, the open “square� in front of the "gate", followed by another pedestrian area containing a musical fountain, shops and restaurants. To the north, there is a golf course as well as a number of hotels. To the south, there is an amusement park and more hotels.
Port El Kantaoui SIDI BOU SAID is a beautiful and typical Tunisian village just 20km north of the capital Tunis. The best time to visit is autumn or spring, out of the tourist season, when you can still walk the narrow streets, around white and blue traditional houses, enjoying the views. The village is quite small, and perched on a hill, you can enjoy amazing views of the Mediterranean and Bay of Tunis. EL KEF is a small city in northwest Tunisia, built onto the southern face of the Jebel Dyr Mountain, which is part of the Tebersouk Mountains, at the east end of the High Atlas Mountains. It is a relaxed town, offering an authentic taste of Tunisia with some interesting sights to see. The main attraction is the Byzantine Kasbah. Noticeable from almost any part of the city, it rises out of the old medina and used to be a site of a series of fortresses dating back to the 5th century BC.
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Tourist Guide KAIROUAN, a Muslim holy city, ranks 4th after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem as a place of pilgrimage. Situated 55km inland from Sousse, it's mosques and cultural history have seen it added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It’s main sights are The Great Mosque, one of the finest Islamic buildings in North Africa, and Bi'r Barouta, which is a Well at the place where the city was founded, and one of the holiest sites in the city for Muslims. The Medina in general is a nice place to wander around, although it may well look familiar as it was used in Raiders of the Lost Ark to double for Cairo.
Kairouan
TOZEUR is a city in south west Tunisia, around 450km from Tunis. With thousands of palm trees, Tozeur is a large oasis from which exported dates are very well known. In ancient times, the oasis was important for the caravan routes through the Sahara, and was an important Roman outpost. From Tozeur there are a selection of camel trips available to explore the edge of the Sahara.
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Tourist Guide El Jem
EL JEM is a small town in the east of Tunisia, 60km south of Sousse, that houses the remains of a UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman amphitheatre. Formerly the Roman town of Thysdrus, one of the most important in N. Africa after Carthage. The Amphitheatre was built in the middle of the 3rd century AD, but fell into disrepair, with its blocks being used for building the surrounding town and also the Great Mosque in Kairouan. Declared a World Heritage site in 1979, it was more recently used for filming scenes from the Oscar winning film Gladiator. DOUZ is a small town in south-central Tunisia, often known as the "Gateway to the Sahara". The town has grown up around a large palm oasis that is a large producer of "diglat noor" dates.
Regions of Tunisia
Tunisia is made up of 24 Governates (administrative regions) (1) Ariana (Aryana), (2) Beja (Baja), (3) Ben Arous (Bin 'Arus), (4) Bizerte (Banzart), (5) Gabes (Gabis), (6) Gafsa (Gafsah), (7) Jendouba (Jandouba), (8) Kairouan (Al Qayrawan), (9) Kasserine (Gasryn), (10) Kebili (Guebilli), (11) El Kef (El Kaf), (12) Mahdia (Al Mahdiya), (13) Mannouba (Mannouba), (14) Medenine (Midnin), (15) Monastir (Munastir), (16) Nabeul (Nabul), (17) Sfax (Safaqis), (18) Sidi BouZid (Sidi BouZid), (19) Siliana (Siliana), (20) Sousse (Soussa), (21) Tataouine (Tatawin), (22) Tozeur (Touzer), (23) Tunis, (24) Zaghouan (Zaghwen)
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Tunisia Directory
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Tunisia Directory
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Tunisia Directory
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Monthly Horoscope for March ARIES (Mar. 21- April 20) You need a change and you need to earn more cash. You must not let fellow workers take advantage of your talents. You will be tempted to shop till you drop. Don't allow your partner take advantage of your good nature.
TAURUS (Apr. 21- may 21) Problems with in-laws or relatives may be more damaging than you realise. Get help to finish a project if you need it. Don't overspend on items for your home. Home improvement projects should run smoothly.
GEMINI (May 22-June 21) You may have a problem with coworkers if you try to tell them what to do. You can expect changes in your financial situation as well as in your status. Be prepared to neutralise any threats. Focus on your own domestic problems.
CANCER (June 22-July 22) Financial gains can be made through wise investments. You need to get down to basics with regard to yourself. Don't give out any personal information that you don't want spread around. You should be doing something special with children.
LEO (July 23-Aug 22) Secret affairs will only lead to deception. Take whatever time you can to get to know each other all over again. Don't be too eager to spend money that you really don't have. You may find your nights sleepless due to bad dreams.
VIRGO (Aug. 23 -Sept. 23) You can change your living arrangements. Problems with peers are apparent. Difficulties with female members of your family may result in estrangement's. Do not get involved in joint financial ventures.
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Monthly Horoscope for March LIBRA (Sept. 24 -Oct. 23) Do not let people in on your plans if you want things to run smoothly. Your colourful conversation may attract new friends. Your partner may be pushing you to do things that you really don't want to do. Consider a trial separation if you and your partner just can't come to terms.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24 - Nov. 22) Let friends know what your intentions are. You will probably have to defend your partner. Lovers may prove unworthy of your affection. Your best efforts will come through hard work.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23 -Dec. 21) Outbursts of passion may cause arguments with your family. You will be able to talk to your partnerr about future goals and perhaps make plans for the two of you to take a vacation. Don't exhaust yourself or minor health problems will set in. Don't overindulge in anyway.
CAPRICORN (Dec 22.- Jan. 20) This month was meant for love. Make creative changes to your residence. Romantic opportunities will be plentiful if you go out with friends. You may be admired by colleagues and employers for your diplomatic way of handling your work and those you work with. Keep the promises you've made or you can expect to be in the doghouse.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 21 -Feb. 19) Don't be shy; show your abilities! Sign up for seminars that will expand your business awareness. Property investments, insurance, tax rebates, or inheritance should bring you financial gains. You need to start planning that vacation.
PISCES (Feb. 20-Mar. 20) Joint ventures might prove to be unfavourable. Don't let your partner goad you into wearing your heart on your sleeve. New relationships will surface through work related events. Try not to push your philosophies on to others.
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If it’s your birthday this month . . . Mar. 1st: Glenn Miller (1904) David Niven (1909) Ron Howard (1954) Roger Daltrey (1944) 2nd: Mikhail Gorbachev (1931) Karen Carpenter (1950) Lou Reed (1944) Jon Bon Jovi (1962) Daniel Craig (1968)
5th: Rex Harrison (1908) Dean Stockwell (1936) Andy Gibb (1958) 6th: Michelangelo (1475) Kiri Te Kanawa (1944) Alan Greenspan (1926) Lou Costello (1908) 7th: Ivan Lendl (1960) Lord Snowdon (1930) 8th: Aidan Quinn (1959) Lynn Redgrave (1943) Cyd Charisse (1923) 9th: Bobby Fischer (1943) Raul Julia (1944) Yuri Gagarin (1934) Mickey Spillane (1918) Juliette Binoche (1964)
3rd: Jean Harlow (1911) Alexander Graham Bell (1847) 4th: Antonio Vivaldi (1678) Patsy Kensit (1962)
10th: James Earl Ray (1928) Chuck Norris (1940) Sharon Stone (1958) Prince Edward (1964) 11th: Rupert Murdoch (1931) Douglas Adams (1952) 12th: Al Jarreau (1940) Liza Minnelli (1946) James Taylor (1948) 13th: L. Ron Hubbard (1911) Neil Sedaka (1939) Adam Clayton (1960)
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Who do you share yours with . . . 14th: Albert Einstein (1879) Billy Crystal (1947) Michael Caine (1933) Quincy Jones (1933) 15th: Sly Stone (1944) Judd Hirsch (1935) 16th: Jerry Lewis (1926) Bernardo Bertolucci (1940) 17th: Nat "King" Cole (1917) Rudolf Nureyev (1938) Kurt Russell (1951) Gary Sinise (1955) Rob Lowe (1964) 18th: Queen Latifah (1970) Vanessa Williams (1963) 19th: Wyatt Earp (1848) Ursula Andress (1936) Glenn Close (1947) Bruce Willis (1955)
22nd: William Shatner (1931) Chico Marx (1886) Karl Malden (1914) Marcel Marceau (1923) Stephen Sondheim (1930) George Benson (1943) Andrew Lloyd Webber (1948) Reese Witherspoon (1976) Keira Knightley (1985)
23rd: Roger Bannister (1929) Joan Crawford (1906) Chaka Khan (1953) 24th: Harry Houdini (1874) Steve McQueen(1930) Fatty Arbuckle (1887) 25th: David Lean (1908) Simone Signoret (1921) Aretha Franklin (1942) Elton John (1947) Sarah Jessica Parker (1965) 26th: Diana Ross (1944) Leonard Nimoy (1931) 27th: Gloria Swanson (1897) Quentin Tarantino (1963) Sarah Vaughan (1924) Mariah Carey (1970) 28th: Dirk Bogarde (1921) Dianne Wiest (1948) 29th: John Major (1943) Elle Macpherson (1964) Pearl Bailey (1918) 30th: Van Gogh (1853) Celine Dion (1968) Eric Clapton (1945) Warren Beatty (1937) 31st: Al Gore (1948) Richard Chamberlain (1935) Herb Alpert (1935) Christopher Walken (1943) Ewan McGregor (1971)
20th: Spike Lee (1957) Holly Hunter (1958) William Hurt (1950) 21st: Matthew Broderick (1962) Gary Oldman (1958) Timothy Dalton (1944) Mussorgsky (1839)
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