THE FIRST BUSINESS & EMPOWERMENT MAGAZINE FOR WOMEN IN THE MIDDLE EAST
Summer 2011
Decode Your Destiny BRAS FOR A CAUSE
BREAST CANCER CAMPAIGN WITH A FASHIONABLE TWIST
10 COOLEST SUMMER GADGETS WHAT'S LUCK GOT TO DO WITH IT?
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EDITOR'S NOTE sksolh@pushmag.me
DESTINATION...KNOWN
Sow a thought and you reap an act; Sow an act and you reap a habit; Sow a habit and you reap a character; Sow a character and you reap a destiny. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her. But once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game. ~Voltaire
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We have a choice of whether to be dynamically taking part in the cosmic dance of life or if we become wallflowers, mere spectators. Our purpose in life has a spiritual foundation. Our MAJOR LIFE ISSUES are usually of 3 types: - Physical and POWER-ORIENTED like taking a stand and being more courageous. - Emotional and LOVE-ORIENTED like expressing and receiving love, compassion and nurturing others. - Mental and INTELLECT-ORIENTED like developing our minds and creating new things and processes. Part of our duty is to recognize what is pushing us to make decisions in our life, what these decisions are based on. By going into the three spiritual foundations when trying to take a decision, it will be less likely for that decision to take us down a road we are not interested in. I truly believe every one of us should have a purpose in life and we can’t be complete if we don’t find it or create it. A lot of people look for directions in life by searching for the right answers; you can only get the right answer if you ask the right question! Taking the time to find the right questions and their answers is a perfect method to talk to your inner self to help guide you through your journey. If you get lost along the way, use your gut as your compass. Having high expectations of what is to come will lead you to a life that will give you satisfaction, contentment, peace of mind and happiness. Choose to move by being present and open to the signs, opportunities and the guidance available to us each moment. I could go on about this subject but I thought, Why not leave it to Voltaire, Shakespeare and Einstein?
"Each today, well-lived, makes yesterday a dream of happiness and each tomorrow a vision of hope. Look, therefore, to this one day, for it and it alone is life." ~Sanskrit poem
You are what your deep driving desire is; As your deep driving desire is, so is your will; As your will is so is your deed; As your deed is so is your destiny. ~Maitri Upanishads
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Men are not prisoners of Fate, but only prisoners of their own minds. ~Franklin Roosevelt
Life is like a game of cards. The hand you are dealt is determinism; the way you play it is free will. ~Jawaharlal Nehru If fate means you to lose, give him a good fight anyhow. ~William McFee
“I seldom end up where I wanted to go, but almost always end up where I need to be.” ~Douglas Adams
Destiny is not a matter of chance, but of choice. Not something to wish for, but to attain. ~William Jennings Bryan
The highest destiny of the individual is to serve rather than to rule. ~Albert Einstein
One meets his destiny often in the road he takes to avoid it. ~Jean de La Fontaine French Proverb
Lots of folks confuse bad management with destiny. ~Kin Hubbard
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It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped. ~Anthony Robbins
There's much to be said for challenging fate instead of ducking behind it. ~Diana Trilling
No gifts from Chance, have conquered Fate. ~Matthew Arnold, " Resignation,"1849
If we do not change our direction, we are likely to end up where we are headed. ~Chinese proverb
Destiny has two ways of crushing us - by refusing our wishes and by fulfilling them. ~Henri Frederic amie
If you can’t change your fate, change your attitude. It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves. ~William Shakespeare Samia El-Solh Editor-In-Chief PUSHMAG.ME
THE PUSH MANIFESTO It was once believed that the Earth was flat and that we would fall off if we ventured beyond its limits. As time changes, different limits, rules, regulations and beliefs are set. Yet, some outdated norms and traditions set by society remain unchanged. As educated women of the 21st century, we are aware of these limits. We feel them. We are affected by them. We now live in a world where physical strength is no longer the main factor for survival. We live in a world where culture, education, politics and intellectual skills are revered and admired. We declare that we are ready to embrace our destinies and to take matters into our own hands. We are mothers, daughters, wives; we are ambitious businesswomen. We are citizens of the Arab region and of the world. We believe in dreams and passions. We believe in the relentless search to know who we are and what we stand for. We believe in self-awareness and the never-ending pursuit of self-improvement. PUSH will be the platform for a new community – a sisterhood of empowered women, who are ready to claim their place in the world and ready to make a change. We are ready to pave our own paths and follow our own dreams. We are ready to pay our dues and create our ideal life. To inspire and be inspired is what we live for. To motivate and be motivated are what fuel our drive. We are all members of this movement. We strive to achieve as well as give in return, and we speak up for those whom are without a voice.
We are all of this and much more. Are you one of us?
ISSUE 7 - SUMMER ISSUE 002 004 006 008 012 016 017 020 026 032 034 038 042 046 048 050 052 054 056 058 060 060 062
FEATURE
Editor's Note The PUSH Manifesto Meet The Marhaba Team Winners Of The Maurice Fadel Prize Money Madam Executive Sky: A Business Women's Ultimate Private Aviation Choice! Woman Of The Month Book Of The Month Bras for a Cause If Life is really 50/50, which 50 would you choose The Destined Journey Art In The Moment 044 La Maison Du Sommelier How Yoga can increase your Productivity The Fate Of A Nostalgic Memory Film: 39 Seconds Summer Office Attire: Do's & Don’ts Fitflop The 10 Coolest Summer Gadgets for 2011 Editors' Picks 058 How To Zap Those Zits Destiny Through Clarity Optical Illusions: Fact and Fiction about your vision Destiny VS Self-Control Quiz
FEEDBACK feedback@pushmag.me
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Joanne Lawen, fitflops Everyone read the Interview and loved it, we got very interesting comments on it. They also loved the whole Magazine in general. Good work PUSH team and I wish u the best for the coming issues.
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Maha Matraji
FOR OUR MAMAPRENEURS 018 The Birth of Mumpreneurs
GEEK CHIC
044 The Golden rules of Netiquette
LAST BUT NOT LEAST 066 068 070 072 078 079 080 083 084
Small Talk Cut out: Affirmations Recipe: This Summer Night's Feast Events Pages Not so FAQ Exhibitions & Conferences Your Chinese Horoscope Brain Gym Classifieds
Just picked up your magazine recently - GREAT WORK! A much over due venture in the region. I live in Beirut time and so excited to see quality-filled magazines... vs the lips and lipstickettas!
PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Samia El-Solh
Dr. Nadine Krikorian Dr. Marian Coutinho Jessica Khudeida Moustafa Hamwi Christine Mdawar Sara Boustany Caroline Assaf Malak Hassan Lara Ariss
CHIEF EDITOR
Diana Nemeh Afif MANAGING DIRECTOR
Dania Boustany OPERATIONS MANAGER
Manal Nakhle RESPONSIBLE MANAGER
Ali Zeineddine
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES BEIRUT
INTERNATIONAL LIAISON
Ahmad Bawab ahmad@pushmag.me
Rania Tabbah SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Ralph Waked UAE CHIEF BUREAU
Rym Ghazal CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Hania El-Solh WRITERS
Fada Hanna DNA
DUBAI ADVANCE MEDIA
samar@advancemena.com evelyn@advancemena.com REGIONAL SALES
sales@pushmag.me PRINTER
Arab Printing Press
Bechara El-Khoury st., Sayegh Center, 6th fl. - Beirut, Lebanon - Tel/Fax: (961) 1 204 577, 330 803 info@pushmag.me - www.pushmag.me - Copyright - All rights reserved 2011
Dear PUSH, I have revcieved the copies of the green issue its just looking as great as it is displayed ONLINE- hope more success to come to you all well done !! Maha M, Dubai Looking forward to the printed version! Thanks again for the interview opportunity in such a great magazine! All the best. We will make sure to promote the publication vs all the makeup and boob mags out there! Cheerz! MM
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MEET THE MARHABA TEAM! WINNERS OF THE MAURICE FADEL PRIZE
Meet the Marhaba team, one of the 12 finalists to compete in the MIT Enterprise Forum Arab Business Plan Competition. Selected by MIT judges as the top 12 out of over 3800 applicants, each team has the potential to generate real value in the MENA region and throughout the world. In the Semi-Finals ceremony last March in Beirut, the quality of the companies was so high that the target for number of finalist teams was raised to 12 from an original 9. The Marhaba team, from Lebanon, has created an online social platform that connects tourists to a network of local amateur guides in order to provide them with a genuine discovery experience of Lebanon. Marhaba’s four co-founders are passionate Lebanese citizens, all 25 years old, from various towns and with a wide variety of academic and professional backgrounds. The team has a proven excitement for entrepreneurship and a combined experience that is of great value for such a project. All four share a passion for travel and tourism and take every opportunity to discover Lebanese cities and towns and try new activities all across the country. Each person’s education and specialization will be an asset to cover part of the responsibilities in the newly formed company. PUSH interviews Marhaba: • What was the inspiration that led to the creation of your social platform that connects tourist with local amatuer guides in Lebanon? The idea was conceived after the personal experiences our team went through during their stay in Lebanon. While the tourism sector was witnessing a year after
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year growth in Lebanon during the unfortunate events of 2006, we met some tourists during their vacation and we realized that none had an authentic Lebanese cultural experience. Few had a satisfying amount of information or found it easy to move around and visit different areas without assistance. It was hard for any of us to imagine how a tourist feels while driving a rented car in our streets compared to how easy renting a car and driving around in their country is. And since we wouldn’t want any visitor to our country to leave without taking full advantage of his stay and build a perfect image about our land and our people, we realized an additional service is needed. • What was the most difficult part your team encountered during the project's process and how did you overcome it?
online survey and share it over social networks such as Interations and Facebook. We received feedback from more than 250 participants from 48 different countries which helped us in refining our offer and mapping out our business model. • How do you plan on introducing this project to the tourists visiting Lebanon? We will utilize various channels of communication such as social media, targeted online advertising, airport leaflets and partnerships with key stakeholders. • What advice would you give to other young entrepreneurs that want to start a business in Lebanon? There are many youth that are hesitant to enter the world of entrepreneurship due to factors like lack of support from family and friends, tight cash flow and instability. Based on our experience we would share a learning with youth looking forward to enter the entrepreneurship field and that is to identify and connect with a mentor early on in the process which would improve their chances of survival and success considerably. There are prominent organizations that support young entrepreneurs such as Bader, they have a great impact in this aspect.
We faced a challenge in defining our final business model since we had multiple options that we could choose from. Our approach to solving this point is to create an PUSHMAG.ME
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MONEY MADAM
DIVIDEND INVESTING FOR VOLATILE MARKETS ‘Sell in May and go away’ is in full bloom again. It’s mania time and small investors make big gains and even bigger losses. A perennial investment strategy with seasoned traders, they dismiss the summer months as being the worst time to invest in stocks. Year in and year out they book their holidays, sell and disappear to sit on a beach, avoiding all the volatility they have created. It is an especially dangerous time for inexperienced short-term traders; short term profit is not guaranteed when there is market absence, uncertainty gets magnified and leads to greater swings. This year, the Greek debt crisis and Arab Spring have entrenched this volatility. No one knows where those will lead. If your investment strategy has a short time horizon, it means more active monitoring of the markets. This takes up a lot of your personal time and could find itself eating its way into your day job, family and social commitments. Why put yourself through all that stress and uncertainty if you have just started your personal investing career? Unless you like being a slave to your PC and have an in depth knowledge of trading strategies, it’s best not to play Russian roulette this summer, Much better to sit under the sun, sipping a long cool drink and relaxing instead. For a novice investor, safety and less stress are found in a longterm investment strategy that can guarantee a good level of returns. PUSHMAG.ME
Forget leaving your money in a bank; there are no easy rides for a Money Madam. Inflationary pressure means $1 does not stretch this year as far as it used to. Low interest rates are also not doing your bank balance any favours. The money in your bank loses value if left alone. At times like these, it pays to look for an alternative form of investment that carries a similar level of stability, whilst producing a better income. Putting you money to work and avoiding volatility means equities darlings; sticking to well established brands with large capitalisation that pay out a regular flow of dividend income. Small cap stocks are also an option. These have a market capitalisation between $300 million and $2 billion. However, every seasoned chaise longue investor knows small cap stocks are more volatile, exposing you to big gains and big losses. They give the investor the opportunity to receive a better rate of return but are higher risk investments; not conducive to a relaxing summer. For that summer feeling, you’ll want large caps with a track record of paying dividends, a steady upward projection and a strong balance sheet. In other words, market leaders that continue to supply relevant goods or services to their respective markets. These are the safe bets and Money Madam also has some tips on how to turbo charge these dividends. All summer, you’ll sit on your chaise longue making money
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a n d g e t t i n g re a d y t o t a k e advantage of the retur ning traders. Institutional investors know this, and year on year their values grow. Novice investors would do well to emulate those strategies in these volatile times. Institutional investors, big pools of money like mutual funds, build a foundation by investing in well-established companies with a long performance and payout history. Think Coca Cola and Kellogg - both have a well-entrenched market share, a huge portfolio of products, creating high barriers to entry and making them market leaders within their respective industries. They are well-positioned within the minds of the public and have the ability to command premium prices, as well as offering more e c o n o m i c a l p ro d u c t s t h a t cope with shifts in economic behaviour. That stabilises their revenues from the most severe market downturns. Companies with these characteristics usually have seen and ridden out repeated economic downturns and they outlast new market entrants or small caps. They are the Money Madam’s source of a more reliable revenue flow. Household names such as CocaCola (Nasdaq:COKE), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), Kellogg (NYSE:K), General Electric (NYSE:GE), BP (FTSE:BP), British American Tobacco (FTSE:BATS), HSBC (FTSE:HSBC) fall under this category. So how do you take advantage of such well-established market leaders? You the investor, need to select companies with the characteristics of staying around and paying out. You should be picking companies that pay out quarterly dividends and reinvesting those dividends to compound your earnings. You should choose companies with a long history of dividend payouts to ensure a higher probability of them continuing along this line in the future. For example, Johnson & Johnson have been paying dividends to their shareholders
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every year since 1966. If you had owned their stock since the early 1970s, your dividend yield on the initial shares would have grown on a yearly basis by approximately 12% (see Figure1). This is a very respectable return on your investment. If we were to compare the performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Index to that of Johnsons & Johnsons, we would see a marked difference in the stock outperforming the index from the early 1970s to June 27 2011. This is a perfect illustration of how to maximise your revenue via re-investing your dividend earnings without the headache of monitoring your stock on a daily basis - as you would have to do for a more short-term strategy.
Johnson & Johnson’s performance vs Dow Jones Index from the early 1970s to June 2011. Source: Yahoo! Finance website
A steady and dependable income stream is vital during a market downturn. Statistical analysis over the years has shown that companies with consistent dividend payouts offer premium shareholder returns over time, compared to firms that do not offer these payouts, thereby making your equity investments work harder for you. A study from Standard & Poor’s showed that over a 20-year period, capital gains would have yielded a 381.9% gain. However, reinvested dividends would have yielded a whopping 905.1% gain (see Figure 2). From this you can see that it pays to reinvest those company payouts rather than cashing them in and spending the proceeds on the latest Miu Miu handbag – as tempting as that might seem. This investment strategy will also help mitigate risk and produce income during an upward as well as downward market. You will need to search for high dividend yield stocks and review their earnings per share (EPS) and balance sheet to determine if the
YOU SHOULD BE PICKING COMPANIES THAT PAY OUT QUARTERLY DIVIDENDS AND REINVESTING THOSE DIVIDENDS TO COMPOUND YOUR EARNINGS.
targeted company can continue to pay out these dividends in the future. If the company has a habit of increasing its dividend payout and has an appreciating stock price, then you are in the right place. This will allow you to steadily increase your holdings of a particular stock over time, as you re-invest those dividends, thereby compounding your gains.
...IT PAYS TO RE-INVEST THOSE COMPANY PAYOUTS RATHER THAN CASHING THEM IN AND SPENDING THE PROCEEDS ON THE LATEST MIU MIU HANDBAG... PUSHMAG.ME
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Gaining 381.9% on Capital Appreciation vs 905.1% on Dividend Reinvestment
How Dividend Reinvestment can trump standard capital appreciation gains.
A STEADY AND DEPENDABLE INCOME STREAM IS VITAL DURING A MARKET DOWNTURN. FOR A NOVICE INVESTOR, SAFETY AND LESS STRESS ARE FOUND IN A LONG-TERM INVESTMENT STRATEGY PUSHMAG.ME
So how do you go about doing this? There are several avenues to take. You can contact the company’s Investor Relations division to see if they offer a Dividend Re-investment Plan (or DRIPs). You will find the Investor Relations’ contact details on the company corporate website. They are the team responsible for marketing the company and its shares to the public. If they do not offer the DRIPs programme directly, they will refer you to an agency that deals with this. Some plans allow you to purchase your shares at a discount of 1% to 10% to the stock’s current market price. Obviously, you have to be in it for the long-term to make this re-investment scheme worthwhile. There are also specialised third-party websites such as www.computershare. com and www.moneypaper. com, which administer this service for hundreds of DRIP plans, allowing you to search by company name. If your company does not offer a DRIP plan, you can do it via your broker. Most brokers offer this service at no charge. If not, you can do it via www.sharebuilder.com.
You should be looking for a stock that produces a dividend greater than 6% if you are investing in the US markets. Money market funds usually pay out an interest between 4% and 6%, therefore, anything above that target allows you to justify the dividend investment exercise. For UK stocks, yields above 3.6% are deemed respectable since you can buy an index tracker and expect to get that level of return, so anything above that justifies you venturing into dividend investing. If you are investing in your local market, you can compare bank interest rates versus your chosen dividend stock to see if the stock produces a higher income than what your bank is offering under a certificate of deposit (CD) contract or other savings product. You can determine the dividend percentage via the following formula: For example, if stock AZ has a yearly dividend of $0.80, and its stock price in $10, the current dividend yield will be 0.80/10 x 100 = 8%. That is a desirable regular income to aim for. If the stock price declines, the dividend
yield will increase, assuming the company does not lower their dividend payout. That is why it is important to constantly review the company balance sheet and EPS history against future predictions. You can search for dividend pay ing st ocks o nline , with websites such as Yahoo!Finance and MSN Stock Search providing free data. Just type into the Quote box which stock you are looking for and you will get a stream of information, including charts and Dividend Rate and Yield. Another method is to use the local newspaper of specialist finance publications like the Financial Times or Wall Street Journal where you can scan the dividend column for yields above the 6% mark. Create a list of stocks to add to your portfolio and contact the relevant investor relations department, your broker or online third parties offering dividend reinvestment services. Et voila! You are on your way to a new form of regular income gathering. Finally, I would like to end this article with two main benefits to this investment strategy. A quarterly dividend income stream can offset any decline in stock price during bear markets or short correction downturns. The second benefit is that when stocks rebound from long or short-term downturns, quarterly dividends magnify the overall profit as the quarterly dividend is paid out to shareholders in addition to stock price appreciation. This investment approach has been tried and tested throughout the decades, proving to yield a stable income compared t o m o re a c t i v e i n v e s t m e n t strategies. And that my dears, means more time by the pool!
You can now follow TheMoneyMadam on twitter or contact her at
moneymadam@pushmag.me
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EXECUTIVE SKY, WE DON’T COMPROMISE ON YOUR LUXURY
EXECUTIVE SKY A BUSINESSWOMEN’S ULTIMATE PRIVATE AVIATION CHOICE! PUSHMAG.ME
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omen have demonstrated capabilities in conquering fields such as sales, communication and other operational tasks that have changed the axioms! Business fields used to be classified as “strictly men’s territory” but now we are witnessing “feminine appealing entrances,” in Automotive, IT and even Aviation! Women are not only in complementary roles, but also fulfilling leading and fundamental positions, such as in the domains of Private or Business Jets. Simply following the principal “where luxury is found, women are around,” adding the glamour ingredient to this luxurious business. From operational seats - such as pilots, flight attendants, dispatchers to management & administrative players in sales, marketing and coordination tasks - businesswomen and VIP figures equally share, with men, the exclusiveness of the private jet’s leather seats.
EXECUTIVE AVIATION KEEPS ON EXPENDING VALUES Since the restrictive use for Royals and Governmental parties, Private Aviation has extended edges during the past decade to more than just a discreet means of travel and securing privacy.
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operate had capitalized the need for jets available to depart anytime to any destination.
EXECUTIVE SKY OFFERS GREAT DEALS FOR BUSINESSWOMEN’S NEEDS As we noticed, the majority of corporate bookings are executed for businessmen, but Executive Sky adopted a pioneering strategy to support women’s presence in this field. They dedicated their resources to highlight major businesswomen preferences and accommodate them through special packages & appealing rates offered for the following occasions: Businesswomen meetings Honeymoon trips to any known honeymoon destinations Shopping/Women leisure Need to catch that meeting in Brussels? Or the next fashion show in Paris? Or just want to smoothly take off for that Caribbean vacation? Executive Sky guarantees the deluxe service with performances exceeding your expectations. By Christine Mdawar
With an interesting core - that combines two major intrinsic values Luxury & Adventure, this niche activity earned its rank among the most pursued passions and leisurely means. So the demand for Executive flying increased as it included not just those who need discreet travel but also to those who simply like it! After a demonstrated efficiency, executive aviation smoothly found its way to big corporations and the interests of businessmen and businesswomen. Punctuality and flexibility to meet executives on the spot flight requests also played a major role. Reaching some destinations where commercial aviation does not PUSHMAG.ME
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WOMAN OF THE MONTH
Maria Shriver
First lady in more ways than one In our part of the world, Maria Shriver is most famous for being the wife of actor-turned-politician Arnold Schwarzenegger. But she is actually a high profile personality not only because she is the first lady of California and a member of the Kennedy family, but also for being an award-winning newswoman. This mother of four has had an illustrious career as a journalist – one who managed to interview renowned figures from around the world. And ever since she relinquished her position as a correspondent for the TV network NBC when her husband became governor, Shriver has been involved in many humanitarian activities. She is a supporter of several social causes, and serves on the boards of many charitable organizations. And despite her overwhelming role as a public figure, Shriver continues to pursue her passion as an author. She has written several works, including a successful series of children’s books. Her most recent book ‘Just Who Will You Be?’ is an inspirational title. And it conveys the message that asking not just what you want to be but who you want to be is crucial at every stage in your life. movement and consider the accusations against her to be false.
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BO OK OF T H E MON T H
SUZE ORMAN Women & Money Owning the Power to Control Your Destiny Bestselling author (2005's The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke, etc.) and host of her own CNBC show, Orman encourages women to "give to yourself as much as you give of yourself" in her ninth financial advice book, sure to resonate with legions of readers who will appreciate her straightforward advice and supportive tone. Aiming squarely for a female audience, Orman guides readers through the very basics of finances. She explores why women have dysfunctional relationships with money and notes the ways they undervalue themselves or "treat themselves as a commodity whose price is set by others," while also sharing the story of her own evolving relationship with her finances. Though her explanation of the "8 qualities of a wealthy woman" (harmony, balance, courage, etc.) is more inspirational than practical, she also presents a concrete five-month "save yourself plan" for financial repair, starting with setting aside checking and savings accounts, fixing one's credit rating, saving for retirement, setting up a will and purchasing home insurance. This encouraging guide will not intimidate women who are foundering financially.
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The Birth of The choice of having kids once meant mumpreneurs need to be realistic. There also inevitably be times when they giving up work, but nowadays being a will feel torn. mom and a businesswoman has opened a world of opportunities, creating a Here are some ideas to consider for mums looking to start up and manage their new generation of what we like to call businesses. “mamapreneurs”. • 1 in 10 mums aspire to have their own business. • 1 in 5 looking to have more flexibility on choosing the hours they work. • Nearly 15% of women have already started their own businesses since having children (UK based survey). Choosing the hours they work, achieving a better balance between their work and family life and being their own boss were the top 3 most cited reasons. Whichever way you look at it, working mums will increasingly ditch the 9 to 5 in favour of being their own boss. Mumpreneurship’ is a growing trend, with more and more women seeking a better lifestyle by working for themselves. It is vital that these women are encouraged to unlock their entrepreneurial spirit, not only to help them in supporting their own families, but also to ensure they continue to provide a valuable contribution to the economy. However, being a mum and a business owner is tough. You won’t necessarily have more spare time if you run your own business – but you will have more control over how you divide your time. As life doesn’t always run smoothly, PUSHMAG.ME
Research. Great ideas don’t succeed if you don’t work on it. Do a lot of research on the business you want to pursue, your target market, as well as your competitors in the industry. This will help you bank on your creativity and think of ways to differentiate your business. Put it on writing – Create a business plan. Having a business plan would help you think about and visualize every possible scenario before starting your business. Going through this process and having it on paper will help you stay on target. Time Management. For every working mum, time management is one of the essential skills you have to have. Working on a start up business can be time consuming that’s why you have to manage your time wisely so as to not drown yourself in work and neglect your kids. Having a work or project timeline can help you schedule and manage your time efficiently. Get support. Being a mum, though challenging, is the noblest and fulfilling job in the world. However, if you’re starting your own business, your mum duties may be affected. During this time, you need all the help you can get. Support and encouragement from family, friends,
and loved ones can help you physically and emotionally. Keep track of your finances. Financial management is one of the things mumpreneurs are gifted with. Simple family or grocery budgeting is one of the financial management tasks we unwittingly do everyday. However, it’s not the same with business. You should keep track of your business’ cash flow and expenses. Having an automated financial management tool can be great help. Being a mumpreneur isn’t right for everyone. Just don’t underestimate how hard it is. Make sure you take time to decide whether it’s for you. Caroline Assaf Head of Strategies at Strategyca, a boutique branding agency.
If you are interested in branding and brand strategies, follow brands4life on Twitter or “Strategyca” Groups on Facebook & Linkedin.
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Meet Amira & Loryne, founders of Bras For A Cause, a Breast Cancer Campaign in the Middle East with a fashionable twist. Questions for Amira: 1.Tell us a bit about yourself. I’m originally a Communication Engineer graduate, 23 years old and extremely passionate about fashion. I love creativity, originality and it excites me to see how many amazing talents the Middle East has. Born and raised in Cairo, a German school graduate and I love to learn new things on my own. I really believe that hard work and passion is the key to success, so I make sure to give it my best each day.
"THE INSPIRATION BEHIND BRAS FOR A CAUSE ARE THE MIDDLE EASTERN BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS THEMSELVES." PUSHMAG.ME
2.Tell us about Fustany. Fustany.com launched back in September 2009, it originally started with the idea of helping selective fashion designers and boutiques, which we believe in reach a wider audience through the power of the web. But while we were in the process of putting all the project together, one idea led to the other and as you can see Fustany.com is not only a fashion portal but it covers daily news, international events, beauty tips and tricks, motivational stories, lifestyle and anything that might interest women worldwide. We’re very proud to say that we are among the leading if not
actually the leading targeting the whole Middle East. Our aim is to motivate women and make sure they are active members in the community. 3.What was the inspiration behind Fustany? I wanted to create a platform where our team has no limits in terms of creativity and that was the main inspiration behind it! A platform for established and young up and coming designers also played a strong role in shaping Fustany. We always have new ideas and one of them will be announced in the next month or two where the user will have the ability to get interactive. 4.Who is your favorite designer? It’s so hard to give you just one name as there’s something I admire about each and every one of them. Elie Saab for the most classy dresses you would ever see, Joe Challita for the dramatic drapery and designs, Ayesha Depala for outstanding gowns, Tasche Handbags for the most adorable leather goodies, Love & Label for the funky colors and designs, aennis eunis for the perfect heels inspired by the wonderful Middle East and the list would go on and on.
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I'm a photographer and avid blog writer. Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, I've done my share of traveling and living abroad but something always brings me back to the beautiful chaos of my home country. It's the perfect enviroment to try out new ideas and work on interesting projects.
5.What is your definition of destiny? Destiny is a choice, not a chance, you don’t wait for it, it’s the moment you make a decision to achieve something that determines your own path. 6. What tips would you give to women who want to become entrepreneurs? Anything is doable when you set your mind to it. Nothing is easy, but if you’re passionate enough about it and trust your idea and most of all yourself you’ll make it big. You’ll always have good and bad times, but make sure to have the strength to go through the rough times, because you’ll always come stronger out of them and you’ll be a step closer to your target.
Questions for Loryne: 1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Well, by profession, I'm a graphic designer working out off my own studio in Beirut, but by passion,
2. Tell us about One Wig Stand. One W ig Stand is a breast cancer awareness and support group, inspired by a traveling wig stand that shares the stories of breast cancer survivors through the wigs they wear during chemotherapy. As cancer (in general) is still regarded as taboo here, One Wig Stand offers an alternative way of getting these women talking without having to reveal too much about themselves to the public. We also hold several fun, on-the-ground campaigns in Beirut to spread awareness to younger women about the importance of early detection. 3. What was the inspiration behind One Wig Stand? One Wig Stand was launched in early 2010 after hearing about a close family member's wig stand that was being passed between different Lebanese women with breast cancer. Whenever one women would complete treatment, she would pass the wig stand to another women she knew going through the same thing. I loved the idea of that wig stand connecting these women and wanted their stories to reach more people. 4. What is your favorite part about the One Wig Stand project? One of my favorite things about One Wig Stand is that it takes a very unconventional approach to talking about breast cancer in the Middle East and I genuinely enjoy working on it. Having been affected by breast cancer through a close family member's experience, I also know how much of a need there is to get more information out there which pushes me to constantly find creative ways to spread
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awareness. The most rewarding thing is knowing that breast cancer survivors are benefiting from One Wig Stand in one way or another. At the very least, I hope it helps them realize they are not alone in this and that they can overcome breast cancer. 5. What is your definition of fate? I'm a strong believer in fate. Everything truly happens for a reason but you also have to be ready to embrace the curveballs life throws at you (whether positive or negative). However, I also believe you can determine your own fate through the choices you make and the people that enter your life. 6. What tips would you give to women who want to become entrepreneurs? Believe in yourself and your ideas, even if others don't. Perseverance is key when you're starting out. And don't be afraid of failure - some of the biggest businesses in the world had to go through a trial-and-error phase. It's all about learning and constantly growing as both an entrepreneur and a person. The world is brimming with opportunity and when you find the right one, seize it and don't let go!
Questions for Amira & Loryne: 1. Tell us about Bras For A Cause. Amira: About 5 months ago, Loryne Atoui Founder of One Wig Stand got in contact with Fustany.com to work together on a Breast Cancer Campaign with a fashionable twist. We kept on discussing the bits and pieces after she told me more about what survivors have to go through and we began to work together on the ideas each one of us from their perspective and background to make sure we’ve covered everything. Bras for a Cause is a 6 months Campaign which is divided into three different stages, starting off with the
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"...we'd like to eliminate Breast Cancer from being a taboo here in the region; the more people talk about it openly the more awareness it'll create."
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Design Competition to get everyone involved from high end designers to anyone who has the talent, where they can design either a Mastectomy Bra, Bra or Tshirt. The winning designs and designer pieces will be showcased at the events in Dubai and Beirut and an auction will take place to raise further funds for the organizations we work with (stage 2). As for stage 3, which is the launch of the complete Look Good Feel Good collection to the market during October 2011. The collection is divided into three different lines, the Mastectomy Bras will be donated to the organizations we’re working with and the Bras and Tshirts will be sold at the top department stores such as Galeries Lafayette, boutiques and online stores and full proceeds will be going towards further research, mammography, treatments, bras and wigs to facilitate the recovery process. 2. What was the inspiration behind BFAC? Loryne: The inspiration behind Bras for a Cause are the Middle Eastern breast cancer survivors themselves. Mastectomy bras are hard to find in this part of the world yet they play a major role in the emotional recovery process. Oftentimes, survivors have very limited options when it comes to designs or they are too expensive, so they resort to ordering them from abroad. Bras for a Cause was launched to give these women more accessible and attractive options through the creative talents of designers in the region. 3. What do you hope to achieve with BFAC? Amira: We hope to achieve several things. Firstly, we’d like to make sure survivors feel good about themselves and know a lot of people care to help them achieve that. They find a very hard time to find the right bra and clothing and especially here in the region. By making sure we get everyone involved in making mastectomy bras available, it’ll go a long way with their recovery process. Additionally, we’d like to eliminate Breast Cancer from being a taboo here in the region; the more people talk about it openly the more awareness it’ll create. Which brings me to my next point, of course awareness is very important, as 89% of early detection will lead to recovery. A lot of women know how important it is to check themselves regularly but fail to do so, we’d like to
make sure by creating the right buzz and letting everyone know what a survivor goes through that would actually make women take the step of visiting the doctor. Last but not least, raising funds for several organizations throughout the Middle East, we’re currently working with BCFE & iCansurvive in Egypt, Fairface in Lebanon, Zahra in KSA, Brest Friends in UAE and talking to other organizations in Jordan, Syria, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait to cover as many countries as possible. 4. What has the overall response been from others about this campaign? Loryne: The responses so far have been wonderful and we've been overwhelmed by all the support we're receiving from the community. Taking into consideration that breast cancer itself is a sensitive issue in the region, we've also been very careful with how the campaign has been carried out to keep the right message out. We've already received some really great designs (from the Middle East and other parts of the world) and everyone is eagerly awaiting the public voting period when the designs will finally be revealed. We're hoping this is the first of many future initiatives to spread more awareness about breast cancer and help breast survivors in the region cope better.
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Maison Rana Nour Tohme
Samira El Ghoul
Mia Jaafari Jedeen Dsilva
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Noon by Noor
Naznin Akter
Joe Challita
Millniece Pinto
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IF LIFE IS REALLY 50 ,WHICH 50 50 WOULD YOU
CHOOSE? Life is funny sometimes: just when we think everything is going to work out in our favor everything goes wrong! Sometimes it feels like this is being done on purpose, as if we’re being punished for something we’ve done.
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50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 50 To start with: good or bad, right and wrong are matters of momentarily point of view based on what you know today; what you see good today could be bad tomorrow (how many times did you think that a certain person was the best person you ever knew until one day they shocked you with what they said or did whether they are a lover, a best friend, or a business partner); what you view as bad today could turn out to be a blessing in disguise (think about the times your parents pushed you to study, if they didn’t you would probably still be without an education, wasting time.)
When you look through the lens of retrospect, things look really different, and sometimes we wish we could see the future through that lens!
LUCKILY, IN A WAY WE CAN!
If you are an open minded person, you will find this article enlightening and informative. If you are a regular cynic, there is still hope for you… Just keep reading!
Surely there are a good portion of events that happen to us which are outside of our control (like death or a serious accident.) But it is important to understand that there are an equal amount of events that depend on our response and reaction to them. We get to choose how we understand and accept the circumstances that arise. In short, the choices we make define who we are.
And yes I know your eyebrows are already raised and you are thinking “oh really? What about all the times I had no control over what happened? What about when he cheated on me or when he dumped me or when I lost my job? Surely this wasn’t my choice and surely I did not choose for it to lead me to where I am today!”
Well of course you did not choose to be dumped and of course you did not choose to be cheated on and of course you did not choose to lose your job (or maybe you did but that’s another topic all together) but you did choose to hold a grudge and let it affect your decision making in every step of your life hereafter. It probably made you think all men are cheaters or “now I will never find a good job” or “it wasn’t fair for me to lose the job to someone else because of his connections” and so on. And you know what, maybe you are right in that instance, but when you choose to carry that baggage from a negative incident with you as a basis of all your choices, you made it change the course of your future in a very wrong way. It‘s like paying interest on a loan instead of getting interest from a deposit! If you choose to look at life through a stained mirror, it’s your loss. Sure, it wasn’t your fault but who cares? It’s your mirror so clean it up so you can see life as clearly as possible. Don’t be overly cautious but don't be too optimistic. Your life is what it is: take what it brings, enjoy it, learn from it, move on and move up!
When you understand nothing in this world will have singularity without unity of the opposites, even the unity of predetermined & changeable, if one ceases to exist the other will automatically disappear. If the probability of change did not exist the options will cease to be and thus there would literally be no option at all!
So here is the question: if life was 50% in your control and 50% out of your control, which 50% would you choose to focus on to make your life more productive and joyful? I think you know the answer to this one.
By Moustafa Hamwi
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Have you ever considered that just like DNA, our Destiny has been laid out for us right from the moment we entered this world? What if you came to the realization that your Destiny could actually be charted and that all you have to do is simply decode it? Skeptical?
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If you are willing to open your mind and heart you will see that a proper study of your Destiny will enable you to find your bearings in life. • The Chinese spent more than 3 millennia pondering upon life, universe and the role of Man. This led them to question the very purpose of our existence. One question led to another, and they soon immersed themselves in studying the correlation between human kind and what life particularly holds in store for each human being. Their efforts culminated in the understanding that there is indeed an omnipresent and omnipotent force called Qi (energy) that interacts with influences of the life of every person. This metaphysical science is based on the interaction of 5 elements - Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. The Chinese believe these elements make up the Universe, material things, people, time and space. Therefore, we are a composite of elements constantly interacting with other elements (people, places and seasons).
B A Z I I S PA RT O F T H E CHINESE METAPHYSICS F I E L D S C AT E G O R I Z E D THROUGH 5 CHINESE ARTS: • Mountain (geography) • Medical (Chinese medicine: acupuncture and others) • Divination ( I Ching, Book of Changes) • Destiny (BaZi- four pillars of destiny) • Physiognomy (Face reading and Feng Shui) CHINESE COSMOLOGY & PHILOSOPHY There are three interactive energies that affect our lives Heaven Luck, Earth Luck and Human Luck.
Heaven Luck
Relates to your individual astrology chart which reveals your personal destiny. It is considered passive as we cannot change the day, time or place of birth.
Earth Luck
Relates to the energetic blueprint of the environment in which we reside and work. It is not passive as we can manipulate its affects on our life through proper Feng Shui.
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Human Luck
Relates to our own personal ambition, drive, determination, education and virtues. Additionally, there are 5 main factors the ancient Chinese masters believe affect our success in life: • Destiny • Luck • Feng Shui (Energy map of your home/ workplace. Study of environment and property) • Virtues • Education
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IN A BAZI REPORT THERE ARE 3 PROMINENT FACTORS WE TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION:
1. T he day master (who you are).
Or the BASIC YOU. The inborn personality. There are ten basic personality profiles the TEN Day Masters - each with its unique set of personality traits, strength and weakness (calculated through your date of birth). For instance: If you are a Yin Fire type, this means you are a natural leader, an excellent motivator and you make a good salesperson. This information will enlighten you into choosing professions that evolve around the study of human excellence like: sales, consulting, management, teaching, or Human Resources.
TO MANIFEST OUR DESIRES, WE NEED AN ALIGNMENT OF ALL 3 FACTORS: • Timing (Heaven Luck) • Actions & Intentions (Human Luck) • Proper Placement (Earth Luck) Through understanding our Destiny and Luck we can make better decisions, accelerate positive life experiences and manage challenges more gracefully. BaZi or in English `Eight Characters,’ is known as `Four Pillars of Destiny.’ • Why Four Pillars? Because by plotting the details of our year, month, day and time of birth, a BaZi Chart will assume the form of 4 integrated pillars, into which we can pore and scrutinize to understand what Destiny holds in store for us! And why Eight Characters? Each of the Four Pillars consists of 2 Characters. Therefore, 4 Pillars x 2, (Characters per Pillar = 8 Characters)! A baZi chart of Mrs. X
Your BaZi is a Destiny Map of the Opportunities and Challenges that await you in life. It is set at the time of your birth, as a result of the cosmic energies (Qi) that are prevalent at the particular time, day, month and year. BaZi studies the factors of time, space, people, behavior and events that influence a person’s life from birth day and gives insights into your character, personality, strengths and weaknesses.
2. T he structures (how you approach the world).
The Structure is your behavior and attitude - in other words, how you use your personality. Ten Day Masters express themselves differently through the FIVE Structures. For instance, you may be a Yin fire type person, but have 2 structures: thinkers and connectors structures. Your Profile chart will also indicate clearly your Main Profile as well as its complementary side - that is, your Sub Profile (or Secondary Profile). Both profiles are equally important as human beings are complex creatures. Who we are at work can be totally different from who we are at home.
A BaZi Chart is basically plotted by assigning the time-related details of our birth in the form of the 5 Elements. Each Element has a Yin and Yang variation, which changes according to time. PUSHMAG.ME
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3. Profiles/ Roles (what you do):
The Profile reveals your unique abilities and skills, the masks that you consciously and unconsciously "put on" as you approach and navigate the world. There are TEN roles - or Ten BaZi Profiles. Everyone plays a different role.
up broke. In contrast, someone who understands that their life forecast has no easy money luck will not become involved with speculation, and hence will not lose money. Also, if someone is going to have good luck but does not know it, they may be promoted, perhaps making millions for their company, but none for themselves. Meanwhile others who have done the Bazi analysis will, at the right time, let go of a good job, start their own business and make millions. The results differ by working for yourself rather than for a company. Hence to upgrade your destiny first you need to understand your life, and then take the right actions. So why shouldn’t BaZi become a tool in your life and for your career advancement such as IQ tests, EQ tests or other psychometric tests? By Jessica Khudeida
Example of the 10 profiles/roles of a person‘s BaZi Chart
The report also covers these interpretations:
A) The skill needed to become rich
The best cases to understand this feature are: Donald Trump and Oprah Winfrey. They have both used their secret skill to become rich. Donald Trump is a Yin earth type person: self belief and personal branding to accumulate his/her wealth and this is what Trump excels at it. He has used his name everywhere: from buildings, books, brands to even the Swiss chocolate bar, “Trump.’’ Oprah Winfrey is a Yin wood type known to accumulate their wealth through people connections. Oprah has built human relations through her talk shows. Elie Saab and Carlos Ghosn are both Yang wood types. The skill to become rich of a yang wood is: diversification.
B) Recommended paths to your professional and personal life.
To recap, this energetic blueprint allows us to delve into the mysteries of your life: • Personality and potential • Relationships with parents, siblings, spouses and children • Social relationships with friends, colleagues and superiors • Career potential • Money aspects • Health aspects Through my personal experience in Entrepreneurship, companies are missing a lot by not applying BaZi for their organizations, career development and recruitment process (the right person for the right job). Through BaZi forecast we can understand the good and bad sides of life, and take control to mitigate losses. For example, if you are experiencing a robbing money luck year and if you enter the share market, you will be trapped and perhaps end
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JESSICA KHUDEIDA Feng Shui & Chinese Metaphysics consultant, Life Coach (Certified NLP practitioner), Masters in Business AdministrationEntrepreneurship & NTIC Facebook page: Feng Shui with Jessica KhudeidaLebanon jessica.khudeida@gmail.com www.byjessdeco.com Office: Gigieffe center, sin el fil. Contact: +961-1-335015 + 961-3-986031
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CHARBEL TADROS, 22 YEARS OLD, IS AN AUTHOR OF THE BOOK, THE DESTINED JOURNEY. CHARBEL SPEAKS WITH PUSH ABOUT HIS BOOK, HIS ANGELS IN TRAINING PROGRAM AND DESTINY. 1. What inspired you to write 'The Destined Journey.' I have always been interested in the three mages, also known as the three kings, who have visited Christ and brought him presents. I always wondered where they came from, how they met and what they were looking for. Also, through my own spiritual research and experiences, I was able to understand that “synchronicity” or “guided coincidence” rule our lives and guide us to where we would like to go without us really knowing it. Therefore, just like the mages followed the star to reach Christ, we follow synchronicity to reach our ultimate potential.
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2. At 22 years old, where did you find the knowledge to write: through wisdom or education? I cannot really deny the role some teachers played in my youth to help me reach this stage. However, as a child, I was very curious and always asked questions wanting to know more and dig deeper. School alone could not answer my questions, so I had to look elsewhere. In the beginning, I started studying paranormal phenomena, such as the Bermuda Triangle, Aliens and the likes. Later on, I started being more interested in the mysteries of life. Synchronicity played a vital role here by allowing me to get in contact with many people who already had some of the answers I had been seeking. While some of these people gave me some leads to further my research, others gave me books and movies which allowed me to satiate my thirst for understanding. Eventually, I reached a stage where, even though I had my answers (and more questions,) I couldn’t keep them in my head anymore and I just had to share them. Therefore, I can say that through self-education in the spiritual areas which are so neglected by schools, I was able to acquire the wisdom through which I write. 3. Tell us about the Angels in Training program. The Angels in Training program is an online spiritual training program. Even though the word “angel” may carry a religious connotation, I use it in its original Latin meaning “messenger.” The goal of the program is to create messengers who will be able to make wiser decisions based on the flow of life and synchronicity and be more in tune with their inner calling. As soon as they “graduate” from this program, they will want to share these insights with others. The problem is that you don't always find people willing to listen, and if they ignore these insights, they will start losing them. That’s why, when angels graduates, they would get further training and then become in charge of a new angel trainee and so on. For more information, you can access the program through http://angels.seekersofwisdom.org or www.thedestinedjourney.com
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5. How many people have participated in this project and what was the overall outcome? So far, around 20 people have joined the program. 3 of them have already graduated while others are taking it slowly because, even though the program is divided into 14 weeks, some participants find that they need a bit more time on a certain insight. This is arranged between the participant and his/her mentor. In general, the three participants who have graduated report that their lives really changed for the best. Also, one of them was initially worried about mentoring new participants however, as soon as he graduated, he was so thrilled to share what he learned and took on a participant a few weeks later.
4. What was the inspiration behind this program? The main inspiration behind the Angels in Training program is a very nice song by Garou. The song is called “Heaven’s Table” and it describes how all the people around us are angels in a way or another. Another inspiration behind it was the fact that, when I started sharing my wisdom with the people around me and helped many reset their lives on the right track, many more started flowing in asking for guidance. I couldn’t provide that by myself, which is why I established the program. It would help the participants make their own choices with more awareness.
6. What does destiny mean to you? The simplest way for me to explain destiny is through Karma. It is a Sanskrit word meaning “deed” or “action.” In other words, it’s the work we have to accomplish. Each person is born with karma; therefore, each person has work to accomplish. This is as far as destiny intervenes in your life. You have work to do, how you do it (or even how you don’t do it) is your own choice. To explain this idea further, I usually use the analogy of the GPS. You tell the GPS where you want to go and technically, it finds you the best way there. However, if you miss a turn, it recalculates and gives you another route. Usually, the second route is longer and harder than the initial one. That’s life. Before you are born, you are provided with a mission and the best way to accomplish it. The guidance of life’s GPS is through synchronicity. If you grab every chance and give it all your attention, you will easily reach your goal through the shortest and simplest road. If you miss a synchronicity, you will get another one, but your road would be a bit longer. The more chances you lose, the harder your life becomes. I go into more detail about this in my book.
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destiny while destiny is looking for us. Many people ignore the synchronicities provided by destiny and fail to really see it while destiny keeps throwing more chances so that we would grab onto at least one. 8. What other projects can we expect from you? Currently, I am writing for Mystera magazine from time to time and hopefully PUSH Magazine soon. In addition to that, I am working on a new science-fiction/fantasy novel with a touch of spirituality. It will take a bit more work though. Moreover, along with some friends, I am working on reviving the Seekers of Wisdom which was a spiritual group that I founded a few years ago. The first meeting in which participants will be discussing some spiritual issues will be sometime in August 2011. If anyone is interested, they can follow the activities of the SOW through www.seekersofwisdom.org and, if they would like to participate, they can contact me through info@seekersofwisdom.org.
7. Do we find our destiny or does our destiny find us? Based on the answer to the previous question, we can say that it’s mutual. We are looking for our
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One-on-one with artist Jasm 'Jaz' Auty. From London to Syria, Jaz tells PUSH how he defines his paintings and how his paintings define him. 1. Tell us a little about yourself. Born and raised in London to a British Father and Syrian mother, I never saw myself attempting to get in touch with my Arabic roots as I grew up as a Londoner with no sense of the Arabic language nor religion. I was 6 years old when my father left, never to be seen again, and most of my life's education was learnt on the streets of Camden Town. Though having a mixed bag of an upbringing I was always drawn to everything creative and I think that's why I have been through so many art based occupations ranging from Graphic Design, Advertising, Web Design, Sculpture and having turned full circle I came back to my first love. My move to Damascus, Syria in 1997 happened for many reasons one of which was to have a sense of family and a purpose, rather than just being a part of the 'rat race' which is what I felt life was like in London. 2. At what age did you start painting? From childhood, as I was always drawing away.
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3. What inspired you to start painting? For me, art is a form of communication and escapism. As a child not having a role model or family structure I suppose I considered art as my sanctuary. Using oil paints on canvas, I try to have no rules and I am always inspired to experiment with all forms and techniques. Exhibitions are so important to an artist. As pictures of paintings, like the ones you can find on www.jazdesigns.com only capture the idea and look of a painting but lack portraying the mood, vibrant colours, textures and hidden messages of text that I try to sneak into my paintings. For example, 'The claws of truth' have scarred my lifeless soul,' and 'Two paths lead the way and I am lost,' and finally, 'We live in light and yet we are left blinded in darkness.' I try to capture depth and meaning in my paintings as a one
of a kind piece of art, rather than a mass produced photograph. 4. Please tell us about the inspiration behind your paintings? Most of them are of women, bulls...etc. Contrary to the sexual innuendos, for me the bulls represent my anger, frustrations and confusion. Why women? First of all, is there anything more beautiful? Second, I am fascinated by women's complexities, their moods, essence and the choices they make in life. I try to capture the spirit and the feel of a woman, good, bad and sometimes naughty.
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6. What does destiny mean to you? To me destiny is something out of our control, something to which a person or thing is destined. We want to control our own destiny but whichever path we choose, i believe it is already predetermined. I am motivated by a sense of destiny and follow my heart. 7. Were you destined to be an artist or did you have something else in mind? In my heart I believe I was destined to be an artist though it took many sacrifices which still effect and control my life and work. Not having support made the dream that much more frustrating but at the same time it gave me that much more determination to follow my heart and dreams regardless of the obstacles. By Sara Boustany
5. You have a painting called Destiny, why did you choose that name for it? I was trying to capture the many sides to women (the many colours & aura) whilst highlighting the importance of their destinies which is captured by the crystal ball. And the most important thing to humanity, which is life itself.
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La Maison Du Sommelier Carlos Khachan of La Maison Du Sommelier and Founder of Club Grappe gives PUSH readers an inside look into the wonderful world of wine.
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Tell us about LA MAISON DU SOMMELIER
We have the pleasure to introduce “La Maison du Sommelier,” a world of taste, aromas and pleasure in the heart of Beirut. “La Maison du Sommelier” proposes to you activities such as wine and food courses as well as private dinners, special wine fair promotions, free home wine delivery, special wedding wine orders and corporate wine gifts. Our focus is to offer a selection of wines that represent real value for money (we are not “label drinkers.”) It is really difficult not to get excited with so many rare and surprising delicious wines premium Lebanese wines like Chateau Bellevue, premium French and Italian wines like Bordeaux Cheval Blanc or Amarone Zenato, Yellow wines, Ice wines, Natural wines with no sulfite, Organic wines like Domaine de Baal waiting to be discovered, enjoyed and celebrated. All our wines are tasted and approved by Carlos Khachan a well known Lebanese sommelier graduated from the French Université du Vin – Suze La Rousse and the British Wine & Spirit Education Trust School. Carlos is also the founder of Club Grappe, the first wine tasting club in Lebanon. Our cellars host more than 100 wine references from as little as 9,000 L.L. and 180,000 L.L bottles offering all guarantees owing to a rigorous selection, impeccable storage.
We selected our wine baskets, champagnes and spirits to meet up with the most discerning palates. Visit us in Beirut and let our sommelier guide you to taste our wines and discover your wine style. Wine Corporate Gifts and Accessories are a true must in the festive season. You can also enjoy an unforgettable evening at our private wine dinners and appreciation courses. On the other hand, since the opening in 2011, La Maison Du Sommelier ART GALLERY SPACE has been dedicated to representing and exhibiting the work of emerging and established Lebanese talented artists. The gallery represents a stylistically varied, comprehensive and exciting view of fine arts. La Maison Du Sommelier ART GALLERY SPACE has a continually changing exhibition calendar of both solo and group exhibitions boasting a
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high standard of work. Our artists are recognized as being highly collectable and their work in held within some of the major public and private collections in Lebanon and overseas. In a few words, La Maison du Sommelier welcomes all epicureans who love to mix art with food and wine. Our services and activities can be resumed by the following: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Special Events (new wine brand launching, other alcohol brand launching) Private Celebrations (birthday…) Private Cooking Classes Wine Events Professional Wine Classes for restaurants staff Private Wine Events Corporate Events Banquets and Meetings Team Building Executive Dining Experiences Trade Shows For Fun Cooking, Baking, and Wine Classes and Workshops for beginners Beer and Food Pairing Ladies Breakfast Pastries meeting
• • •
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Ultimate Pizza Party Matched With Italian Wines Ultimate Caviar and Premium Vodka Party Ultimate Whisky and Cigar Party
What was the inspiration behind opening this new concept?
First of all, you have to know that me (as the sommelier) and my brother (as the painter and artist) wanted to create a new and unique concept; innovative, not commercial, selective and cultural so we came to the idea of “La Maison du Sommelier” in english “the house of the wine expert” a new Wine and Art space. As I lived and studied in Paris, I was impressed by the Gastronomic French culture so I decided to transfer this food and wine culture to my country. That is when I created “Club Grappe” (www.clubgrappe.com) the first wine tasting club in Lebanon since 2002. La Maison du Sommelier is tailor made for private dinners especially for teams in companies, food and wine lovers, art lovers and groups of friends between 4 to 34 persons. We mix Art with Wine with a gastronomic twist since we offer a wide selection of French cheese, cold cuts, cheese fondue and chocolate fondue carefully selected by the Sommelier; owner of the place (his house ! ) in the heart of Beirut. The food will be matched with a selection of Lebanese and imported fine wines.
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Souk Forn El Chebak
Big Sale
Gendarmerie
How to get to La Maison du Sommelier
Abraj Center
From Hazmieh
Damascus Street
Badaro
The concept is unique since we bring our guests by cabs and take them back home with the cab avoiding drinking and driving. In such case our guests will have the liberty to consume as much as they like wine. We are planning to be sponsored by Kounhadi association.
3. Tell us about your wine experience background.
I got my agricultural engineering diploma In Lebanon then I decided to go to France to develop my studies so I chose Sensory Analysis as my Master Degree. I graduated from INAPG-ENSIA in 2000. During my stay, I visited several countries such as Montpellier, Lilles, Strasbourg and Bretagne, savored their wines and paired them with their appropriate cheese (as we all know, French people are known for their various choice of cheese since they have more than 360 kind). This amazing experience enlarged my passion including all the convivial diners with fondue Bourguignone, fondue Savoyarde, Raquelette, Daube, Cassoulet and Choucroute paired with premium French wines. This positive obsession made me go back to my country and initiate, in 2002, the first wine tasting club in Lebanon: “Club Grappe”. A year later, I went back to Paris to develop my knowledge and
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McDonalds
Jack & Jones
Pizza Hutt
majored in Wine Steward (Sommelier) at the very well known “Universite du Vin” where I was the only Lebanese student among 33 French students. I was at the top of my class which made me extremely happy. And by the way, I constantly remember my graduation day as a special one because I shared it with my French colleagues who always loved what they did and did what they loved the most! After that I studied in the British Wine & Spirit Education Trust School and got the Advanced Wine tasting Diploma and came back to Lebanon full of passion for wine to start in the wine business. Today, besides being a sommelier and teaching wine science in universities I am a wine consultant creating new wineries. Besides opening “La Maison du Sommelier”, I am currently working on the preparation for the 4th Food and Wine Festival a special event for wine lovers and epicureans where all the visitors can discover and taste premium local and international wines and food.
4. Tell us about Club Grappe.
Club Grappe is the first wine tasting club in Lebanon founded in 2002 by Carlos Khachan wine consultant.
UL Beaux Arts
Valet Parking
La Maison du Sommelier
Club Grappe organizes especially outdoor wine events like the Lebanese Wine Trip where we go to the Bekaa Valley or to the north to visit new wineries and discover their wines. Also the Club is organizing cheese and wine events in all trendy and fancy restaurants (the Club provides the wine and the restaurant provides the food) Club Grappe has 5000 members and the number is increasing daily. Club Grappe is the main organizer of the Food and Wine Festival of Zouk Mikael a yearly event where all the members of the club are invited to share good times just before Christmas holiday. At Club Grappe, the first wine tasting club in Lebanon, wine lovers is now able to go beyond the immediate appreciation of a wine as the inexhaustible possibilities and richness of wine tasting is open to the amateur! Club Grappe is preparing the 4th Food and Wine Festival will be held in Al Bayt el Hourafi, Zouk Mikael between 1 and 4 December 2011 every day from 5 pm till midnight. To subscribe, you can visit the official website of the event www.lebanesewinefestival.com. In addition to this festival I am planning to organize a wine trip to Italy in the summer of 2012. The related information will be posted on Club Grappe’s website www.clubgrappe.com. www.lamaisondusommelier.com
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HOW YOGA CAN INCREASE YOUR
PRODUCTIVITY
P
racticing yoga is a technique for improving productivity by bringing conscious awareness to all of your methods. By taking care of yourself, you are in turn taking care of everything around you and everything you do. The way you treat your body is a reflection of the way you treat everything else in your life. When your body is stronger, you are better able to approach strengths in other parts of your life. The flexibility you achieve through yoga will allow you to overcome obstacles with ease because the changes you make to your body will allow you to change the way you see and handle life’s matters. If you work in an office, there are yoga techniques, referred to as ‘office yoga,’ which you may do in order to refresh your body’s circulation and to increase productivity. You may start with neck rolls by closing your eyes and dropping your chin to your
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chest. Begin to slowly move your neck by taking the right ear to the right shoulder, and then move your head to the back and then the left ear to the left shoulder, rolling 3-5 times in each direction.
Another technique is the spinal twist that starts with you sitting sideways in your chair with both feet flat on the floor twisting towards the back of the chair while turning the chair the other way and repeating; this technique is adapted from the ‘Half Lord of the Fishes Yoga Pose.’ Taking a few minutes to do these stretches at your desk will make you feel better by relieving stress which can increase your productivity. In addition to yoga movement techniques, there are forms of breathing from yoga that disciplines your mind into finding ease and effectiveness in your work. If your mind is scattered, work will be a challenge and centering yourself through some breathing techniques can help you get your momentum back at work. When you are stressed at work, you will notice that a part or parts of your body are tensed up so you must try taking deep breaths into that tight spot, upon doing this, you will feel the tension begin to fade taking your stress away with it. The yoga technique of breathing into your heart and spine helps you to find the energetic center within. To breathe into your ‘heart chakra,’ grasp your hands
behind your back stretching them at heart level, then breathe deeply so that your upper chest rises and falls with each breath. To breathe into your spine, the ‘root chakra,’ place your hand on your lower back and concentrate on the sense of pressure there and take a few deep breaths, keeping your attention at the base of your spine, this will make you feel centered and stable. Yoga increases performance and productivity, attentiveness and creativity, tranquility and well being for all who practice. Stress from work impacts our environment by decreasing productivity, lessening our morale and causing conditions for physical injuries. Yoga is an essential strategy to defeat the stresses we face to help us feel better, think clearer and lead confidently. By Fada Hanna
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THE GOLDEN RULES OF Netiquette is a combination of the words network and etiquette and it is the social code of manners we use on the Internet. Knowing the golden rules of netiquette will keep us from committing social blunders or offending someone unintentionally. The netiquette rules may seem based on common sense and respect however, we should still remind ourselves to use them since being behind the computer may make it easy to lose the ‘human touch.’
Keep the following rules in mind when on the Internet:
1 For each grammar mistake in an email,
there is an average of 3 spelling mistakes. So spell-check and proofread your emails to avoid looking sloppy or illiterate.
2 Avoid
using all UPPER CASE LETTERS, it often indicates SCREAMING! On the other hand, do not write in only small letters, you may be perceived as lazy.
4 Never send an email with abusive 8 S.P.A.M. language or an email that will reflect badly on you. Always imagine your message plastered on a billboard because anything you send can be saved, printed or forwarded to anybody.
5 Always do unto others as you would
have done to you. Do not say anything on the Internet that you would not say to a person’s face. The Internet requires the same quality of professional courtesy as is required in person.
Never respond to an email while 3 Use a simple and non-offensive tone 6 you are upset. It is best wait at least 24 when sending emails at all times. You may use small emoticons to deliver your real tone to prevent the other person from taking your words harshly, but do not overdo it. Examples: :-) = Friendly ;-) = Winking :-( = Frowning :-/ = Frustrated :-o = Surprised :-> = Devilish grin
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hours before responding in order to cool down. If you must respond sooner, wait at least an hour, take a walk and save the email in drafts, you may change your mind after re-reading it later.
7 Your smartphone isn’t an accessory.
While on a date or in a business meeting, it’s not polite nor smart to place it on the table. Save your tweets and texts for later.
is a four-letter word. Facebook is a terrific place to expand your social and business network and brag about your accomplishments. Send a private message instead of posting your latest promotion on the walls of your friends, or you may find yourself de-friended in a New York minute.
9 Be
careful before you push the send button. If your emails are worth forwarding, they are worth sending. It should go without saying that you shouldn’t send an email when you are upset, but many do. When in doubt, don’t. Send the email to yourself and revisit it the next day. Proof-read your emails for punctuation and accuracy, as you can’t take them back.
10 Finally, showing proper netiquette
is vital in maintaining respect and building trust because after all, the computer is only a tool that helps us communicate with other human beings and good manners are appreciated everywhere. By Fada Hanna
CHANGE YOUR HABITS, NOT YOUR NATURE
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THE FATE OF A NOSTALGIC MEMORY Naming her first painting ever after Ibsen’s prose masterpiece “A Doll’s House”, Suzanne Chakaroune has launched her latest exhibition “ Nostalgic Memory” along with her private collection of poetry recitals in the literary salon “Shababeek” in April 2011. At first sight you would feel her abstract images are urging you to come closer to enjoy the bold strokes, the high technique and the daring colours. They set your emotions on fire and make you sway with joy, a doll’s delight with her new red dress. The abstract symbolic figures painted with shiny acrylics amaze you and make you gaze in wonder, about what is it behind those red shades of colour. “The collection reflects my attempt to capture lost memories. I still live those memories and try to humanise their presence by giving them the power of nostalgia. They are human like us they feel, they wear a doll’s dress and they get nostalgic to the old lost days”, Suzanne says about her collection.
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C
oming from a southern Lebanese village, Suzanne marched with her brush and painting tools to Beirut. All she had is her talent and there she decided to follow an artistic career after pursuing her diploma from the Institute of Fine Arts in Beirut in 2002. Her dreams had no limits; she challenged herself to pursue a Master’s degree in Fine Arts, completing it in 2011. With her first exhibition “The Assassination of an Artist’s Workshop” in 2008, she reflected transparency, high skill and professionalism, and her second exhibition “Features” in 2010 revealed talent and innovativeness in art. By mixing abstract with expressionism, she revealed a deep self expression and reflected uniqueness and mystery. “A Doll’s House” is a unique piece of art and Suzanne’s favourite one.
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The colours are shades of sharp red, they are warm as a heart, charming as a sweet memory, strong and infatuating as nostalgia, strident as the meeting with long lost friends and sad it is at times yet charming. It is about a nostalgic memory which will never fade, as days pass by the memory grows into a passionate woman with a doll’s dress, her nostalgia grows even more, and that is her fate.
Courtesy of photos to Suzanne Chakaroune.
Suzanne aims through her collection to mix abstract art with lyrics and poetry. Her work reflects abstract expressionism. In the light of today’s dominance of installation and conceptualization, and the tension between contemporary and post-modernism, she aims to take a different path; this is not a reaction against these trends, however she uses this method because of its consistency with the objective of her paintings and as a self expression of her emotions and feelings. The trend in this collection is the use of abstract musical art based on symbolic forms, lyrical colors and an expressive landscape. She aims to reflect excitement and enthusiasm in achieving the scene with the use of controlled deep lines, strong colors and wild emotions to express the inner composition of space. Suzanne’s work is a combination of variable techniques, she uses collage and painting, sticking cloth, newspapers and carton then covering it with shiny acrylic trying to give the elements a final shape, “I choose acrylic because of its transparency which fits the subject to reflect my transparent memories” she claims. Some of her pieces which are exhibited in the collection: A Crow’s Dance, The Exaggerated Shadow, and Hugs, yet “A Doll’s House” is a special piece which reflects a transparent nostalgic memory indeed. By Malak Hassan
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Nibal Arakji, Producer & Writer, spoke one-on-one with PUSH Magazine about her movie 39 Seconds and Destiny. 1.Please tell us what inspired you to write the film 39 Seconds. 39 Seconds is a movie about destiny and how a decision can change not only your life but the lives of people around you. I have always questioned myself about the decisions I have made, whether they were good ones or not and how my life would have turned out differently if I had decided to take another path. This constant questioning was always on my mind: Are we born with our destiny or can it be altered? This is how 39 Seconds got started and since I was sure there are a lot of other people who ask themselves these same questions, I tried to write about it. 2. What is your definition of destiny? To me, destiny means life; it is what happens to and in our life. I don’t know if it is God, fate, luck, coincidence or karma that pushes us to choose and to take decisions or it could be a mixture of all. I believe that things always happen for a reason, even if sometimes we do not understand why we feel hurt or disappointed about something, it always turns out for the best. Even when we only find out years later, it is always for the best. PUSHMAG.ME
3.Did you write about a character you can relate to? If yes, which character and how do you relate? I did not write about characters I can relate to, I wrote about topics that touch me. Topics about real situations that can happen to any of us, like the loss of a loved one, the struggle to make ends meet, parenthood, poverty, superficiality, loneliness and how far one will go if they are in desperate need of money. This is what I liked about 39 Seconds; it is a real human drama. Anyone that watches the movie will be able to relate to it themselves or to someone they know. 4. What was your favorite part of the film making process? I loved all parts of the film making process; it was such an amazing and wonderful adventure. They were all different, sometimes very hard, but so powerful, if I had to choose one, it would probably be the ‘casting’ part. This is where we first met our actors and where it all got started with them. Some of the castings were very emotional and others funny, those were great moments.
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apartment. A few months later, when I was looking for a director for the movie, I contacted her, we went for lunch and this amazing connection happened between us. I knew it was going to be her and I do not think anybody else could have done a better job. Lara and I are so different but we complete each other so much and most importantly neither one of us had ego issues so communication was easy. Going back to what I was saying that everything happens for a reason, I feel that we met because she was meant to shoot the movie, so yes, we probably can call that destiny; the fact that we worked together, not the fact that we are both women.
5.What was the most difficult part of the film process and how did you overcome it? For me, the most difficult part was letting go of my ‘baby’ because in the beginning, it was only a movie and then it became the ‘baby’ of Lara Saba, the director, which she took very good care of and then it became everybody’s baby because the crew, team, actors and investors were all involved in their own way, so it was very hard to ‘lose control’ over it. However, we had a wonderful team and every single person gave it their best and worked for the best interest of the movie; this is what helped me overcome it. Another difficult part is now actually, because we finished shooting a few weeks ago and the shooting was so intense that now I have this feeling of emptiness. I miss the set, the team, the ambiance and even the fights were good… I miss everything about it.
6. What were the funniest and saddest moments during filming? The funniest moment was when were shooting an outdoor scene and the actor was supposed to get in his car and drive away very fast, it turned out he did not know how to drive a car, even though he was over 30 years old! The car was not even a manual. The saddest part was definitely after the last scene was shot. Even though we finished at 6 in the morning no one wanted to leave the set because it was the last time we would live these moments. It was a very emotional situation, saying goodbye to everyone, because it was the end.
8. Do you have any other projects in the works? I have started to write again but very slowly, it is more in my head than on paper but it is about something much lighter. At this point, I just want to finish 39 Seconds in the best way possible by giving it all the time and attention it needs before I move on to something else. 9. Do we find our destiny or does our destiny find us? I think it is both. I mean the path is here and when we arrive at a crossroad, we decide whether we want to turn left or right…it is up to us.
7. This film was written by a woman and directed by a woman, was that destiny? I met Lara at the Cannes Film Festival in 2010. We did not talk much back then even though we were sharing the same PUSHMAG.ME
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SUMMER OFFICE ATTIRE: DO’S & DON’TS The mighty hot summer is here and it is posing quite the confusion about what to wear to work. You want to be comfortable, but you don’t want to expose too much skin and you can still make that professional statement while beating the heat. Our Do’s & Don’ts will help you avoid the distractions and embarrassments that happens when one wears clothing that is too revealing or sends the message that their comfort is more important than their client’s business.
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DON’T
Sundresses are pretty and fun to wear; however, they do not belong in the office. Any dress that shows too much back or too much skin is not appropriate.
DO
Wear lighter colored and lighter weight fabrics since they absorb less heat. Cotton is a great choice for dresses, tops and skirts. Also linen or silk suits are made of breathable material that will keep you feeling cool throughout the day.
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DON’T
Never consider wearing shorts that show off your legs at the office. Shorts are never acceptable for business meetings and especially for job interviews.
DO
If you work in a casual environment or have, for example, ‘Casual Fridays’ it may be acceptable to wear Bermuda length (to the knees) shorts.
DON’T
Short skirts, jean skirts, miniskirts are never acceptable at the office; save them for the weekends or nights out. If you want to be seen as more smart than sexy, avoid tight skirts or skirts with high slits that show too much when you sit or bend over.
DO
Keep the length of dresses and skirts professional and comfortable for you. To test out the length, bend halfway over while looking in the mirror; if you can see your upper thighs or panties… change your outfit!
DON’T
If you wear it to the pool or beach, don’t wear it to the office. Fit flops and strappy sandals are too casual for a professional office and should never be worn to an executive meeting, business lunch or seminar.
DO
Summer business attire will vary from office to office so it is important to know the fashion sense of your particular office. Take note of what others are wearing in your office or consult your HR department. Taking into consideration whether you are behind the scenes (less-formal attire) or deal with clients (more-formal attire). Don’t look too hot for the office by trying to stay cool!
Wearing closed-toe shoes are the general accepted rule of the shoe dress code. It is always wise to follow the office guidelines for business attire.
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PUSH SITS WITH TWO GIRLS WHO ARE GETTING TO BE KNOWN AS THE FITFLOP SISTERS IN LEBANON. BORN AND RAISED IN CANADA, JOANNE AND DIANE SHARE SOME OF THE GLORIES AND CHALLENGES OF DOING BUSINESS IN LEBANON. T ELL US ABOUT YOURSELF. Diane: I am the sixth child. One sister and four brothers - all living in Canada. The Lawen family has a background of real estate and development. After graduating with a Double Major in Computer Science and Math, I worked with my family and oversaw all aspects of our property websites including web developers and programmers. Having visited Lebanon just about every summer as a child, I have come to appreciate my parents’ love for Lebanon and wanted to try it out for myself. Even with the countries instability, I was willing and ready to make the dive. In 2009, I moved to Lebanon. Joanne: I too worked with my family’s business on jobsites, however, most of my time is spent at my jewelry and accessory boutique in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Shortly after attending University pursuing my Arts Degree, I moved to California where I continued the family tradition of Property Management but the glitz and glam of LA was far too exciting and I was lured to attend Stella Adler Acting School. I currently live between Canada and Lebanon, tending to my boutiques and our new business in Lebanon. Busy? Just a little bit. I do believe though that there are 25 hours in the run of a day.
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TELL US ABOUT FITFLOP. Diane: FitFlop was developed by a native Canadian based out of the UK. Marcia Kilgore, a mother of two, founder of Bliss Spa (New York) and Soap & Glory is the woman behind the ‘miracle’ shoe that has sold over 10 million pairs. FitFlop, with the tagline “Get a workout while you walk” is biomechanically engineered to help tone and tighten your leg muscles while you walk in them. The MicrowobbleboardTM technology is the concept behind what is being called a ‘global shoe phenomenon’. When I first moved to Lebanon, I spent six months researching the country and possible business opportunities. Having experienced the successful sales of the sandal both at Joanne’s boutiques and in 47 other countries, I thought, why not Lebanon? A week later, we were on a flight to Dubai to meet the distributor. In late 2009, we established Fit Beirut and the fun started! We launched FitFlop Footwear at ABC on Mothers Day and the Lebanese women have not disappointed us so far. The response has been overwhelming. ARE THEY AS COMFORTABLE AS THEY CLAIM? Joanne: Well I own 16 pairs, and rarely wear other shoes. The best testimonial is that of my mom. She’s a grandmother to 11 and does the “Big Fat Greek Wedding” every Sunday. Yes she’s a tired sole
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(literally). Mom hasn’t taken the shoes off since 2008. She has always had a very hard time finding comfortable shoes, which are still attractive. After all this time, my mother is our biggest supporter. Diane: Feels like walking on marshmallows. DID YOU HAVE MANY CHALLENGES WITH THIS START-UP BUSINESS? Diane: One would think that bringing something this popular to Lebanon would be a no-brainer right? Wrong. Lebanon was oblivious to the FitFlop craze, making it very hard at first. I may have been a glorified tourist in the country, but this would be the first time I would actually be working within the business world. It wasn’t easy. Being a female owned company, headed up by two Canadian girls who spoke ‘3arabee mkasar’. Let’s just say those we were wanting to meet with, business people who have been in the shoe industry from before either of us were born, were not always excited to sit with us. Joanne: Let’s be honest, no matter where you are in this world, it’s hard to be a woman in business. Being a businesswoman in the Middle East? It’s been interesting to say the least. I have learned though, that if you’re not getting enough rejections in a day, that you are clearly not trying hard enough. OTHER THAN HAVING A GOOD PRODUCT, WHAT IS THE 'SECRET' TO MAKING IT A SUCCESS? Joanne: You have to know your product, now your audience, know your competition. You need to be willing to breathe, eat and sleep your business concept. Most importantly though, you must believe in what you are doing. At that point, the hard work actually becomes more like fun. Coming to Lebanon meant being on our own, which of course was tough. If we didn’t believe in the FitFlop Brand, it would have been so much more difficult. Because of this, we have had an unyielding drive, very persistent. We were the new kids on the block. There were a lot of rejections, and worse than that, a very overwhelming amount of negativity for us to face, but we did face it, and pushed beyond it. Diane: Hard work is key. Nothing is going to be handed to you. You have to do your own work. My family who had always encouraged business ventures were the first to say “Are you seriously considering Lebanon?” That was probably the biggest hurdle; convincing them that we could do it. JOANNE, WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF FATE? Fate is what we are put on this earth to accomplish. A foot print we are born to fill. DIANE, WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF DESTINY? Destiny is the choices we make along life’s journey. It’s how we handle the bumps along the way and which paths we choose.
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DIANE, IS THIS NEW BUSINESS IN LEBANON A PART OF YOUR DESTINY? I don’t know the answer to that. I think that’s the point of destiny; we’re not supposed to know. When it comes to destiny and fate, I think we sometimes need to make it for ourselves. I draw a picture for myself of where I want to be and what I want to be doing. Doing business in Lebanon has definitely opened new paths to my destiny and where I will be. YOUR BUSINESS SOUNDS SO INSPIRING, DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS TO SHARE WITH WOMEN WHO WANT TO START THEIR OWN BUSINESS? Joanne: For all the women out there; be honest with yourself. Read and listen. Most importantly though, love and believe in what you do and surround yourself with POSITIVITY! There will be plenty negativity out there to face. Do your best to make sure those around you are there to reciprocate. WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP? Diane: FitFlop is our first venture, and we are fortunate that women in Lebanon have embraced it. Along with toning footwear, there’s a big trend towards fitness apparel. Now that our feet are in the Beirut Sand, we are much more comfortable looking into other brands for the region.
FITFLOP RETAILERS: • Moustache • ABC Shoe Department (Achrafieh & Dbayeh) • Feel Free Boutique, Jal El Dib • Sinno Sport, Manara • Naiiman Salon, Verdun • The Tanning Salon, Gemmayze • BB. St. TROPEZ, Edde Sands – Jbeil • Panacea Health Club, El Jnah • Bouddha Club, Adma • Nadine’s Academy, Tripoli
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PAIR OF FITFLOP SHOES? Diane: I love them all! If I had to chose one, it would have to be the Pietra. It is very feminine, sleek and shows off more of the foot. It’s sexy and smart! Joanne: My favorite is the Rokkit with tons of Swarovski Crystals. I’m very into bling. Bling is always in! DIANE, ARE FITFLOP SHOES JUST FOR WOMEN? Not just women. My father and brothers live in FitFlop Sneakers. They now make them for children too! Everybody FitFlop!
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The
10
COOLEST SUMMER
JUICE BAG SOLAR BEACH TOTE
Spend the day at the beach while keeping your iPod, phone, or camera totally charged!
M-EDGE WATERPROOF KINDLE CASE
Waterproof case floats level on water's surface for hands-free reading.
DREAM CHEEKY USB FRIDGE
The Dream Cheeky USB Fridge is a neat little beverage chiller and an excellent conversation piece.
TRENDYDIGITAL WATERGUARD iPAD CASE
A waterproof iPad case for those enthusiasts who love to take their iPad to the beach, near the pool, out in the rain, or even the bath tub.
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GADGETS FOR 2011 6. SOLARGORILLA
Solargorilla's 24 volt and 5 volt USB socket make it the ultimate renewable power station for your laptop, mobile phone, iPod and many more devices.
HI-SUN SPEAKER TOWEL
A towel with built-in speakers lets you listen to your iPod while sunbathing.
PLAY & FREEZE ICE CREAM BALL MAKER
It doesn't need electricity, so all you have to do is add ice and rock salt in one end and ice cream mix in the other, then shake it, roll it and pass the dessert!
SONY NEX-5 CAMERA
An amazing little camera that packs a lot of capabilities into a very small package.
CONTORT USB HUB
Contort is a four-port USB hub and cord manager, with a flexible neck to protect all your USB devices from accidental damage.
THE DXG-5B1V 1080P UNDERWATER CAMCORDER A HD camcorder that can go up to 10 feet deep in the water up to 1 hour.
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MAMAPRENEURS
SUMMER SHOES / PIETRATM by FITFLOP The prettiest sandal yet – as agreed by masses of fans – the PIETRA is built on sleek, minimal metallic microfibre-lined patent upper and embellished with a strip of three shiny resin stones. Fabulous. Feminine. Wear it for fun or for formal. It’s the flip flop with the gym built- inTM. www.fitflop.com 136,000LL + VAT .
SOFTWARE /
Microsoft Office OneNote
Microsoft Office OneNote is a powerful tool to help you organize your life. Besides organizing text notes, the application allows you to insert images, audio, video, links, documents, email addresses and more.
WEBSITE /
www.silverlininglimited.com
Silver Lining Ltd. helps entrepreneurs grow their small business using the Silver Lining Action Plan (SLAP) model. The SLAP Center is an interactive resource that guides you through developing a 12-month Action Plan designed to grow your business. Creative. Connected. Committed to Growing Small Business.
EDITORS' PICKS MAKE-UP / GUERLAIN
Terracotta-MOSAIC
MOVIE /
Source Code
An action thriller based on a soldier who wakes up in the body of an unknown man and discovers he is part of a mission to find the bomber of a Chicago commuter train.
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Two Shades in a Single powder for a unique Tan
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MAMAPRENEURS
P
imples and blemishes used to be a nuisance during puberty but studies have shown that more and more adults are suffering from acne. This skin disorder is caused by the inflammation of the oil glands (also known as sebaceous glands) found on the face, neck, chest, back, upper arms and buttocks. The symptoms of the disorder include blackheads, white heads, puss-filled pimples and, in some serious cases, cysts. Typically, it is formed during puberty due to androgen overstimulation which causes oily skin. Family history and genetics can also play a role in severe cases. Acne should stop developing around the mid 20's. If it does develop during the 20’s
HOW TO ZAP THOSE ZITS and 30’s, it is due to a hormonal imbalance. Other causes can be emotional stress and drug use. If you suffer from adult acne, visit your dermatologist to see which of the following treatments work best for your skin type.
topical antibiotics (Clindamycin, erythromycin), Benzoyl peroxide, Retinoids (Trenitoin, Adapalene). Salicylic acid, which is usually found in all acne treatment face and body washes, also helps reduce the occurrence of acne.
TREATMENT TIME! When it comes to treatments, most dermatologists advocate prevention rather than medical treatment. This means eat right, exercise more and have an effective daily skin care regimen.
Moderate Acne: Oral antibiotics like Doxycycline/Minocycline are given along with local applications.
But if treatment is needed, the type depends on the severity of your acne. MILD ACNE This includes blackheads, white heads, and occasional pustules. For mild cases, local applications are enough, such as
Severe: Sever cases means p i m p l e s b e c o m e i n fl a m e d , cystic, or painful, oral isotretnoin is recommended. Moderate and severe acne has to be managed by a qualified dermatologist. Once your skin begins to heal, the scars can be treated by chemical peels, microdermabrasion and fractional laser radiofrequency. By Dr. Marian Coutinho
T: 00 971 4 3576620 www.kayaskinclinic.me PUSHMAG.ME
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DESTINY THROUGH CLARITY Have you lost focus on the big picture? In today’s world it is very easy for a woman to become overwhelmed by spreading herself too thin, making her susceptible to ‘burning-out.’ W ith all of the distractions we have surrounded ourselves with; we may begin to get off course by losing the sense of who we are and where we were going.
TRUE OR FALSE:
Using the computer for a long period of time damages your eyes.
FALSE!
If I just described you then take a step back, inhale deeply and exhale out. Now begin to regain your focus through clarity. A good sense of clarity consists of knowing what you want, so ask yourself what that may be. Spend some time answering that question, don't limit yourself with what is reasonable and/or possible, write down your answers as they come and you will be surprised what your insight can tell you.
Over time, you may feel fatigue, eye strain or dry eyes, but those are temporary symptoms that will not permanently damage your eyes. Normally, a person blinks 16-20 times a minute, however while we are focusing on the computer screen, the blink rate can decrease to just 6-8 blinks a minute! As a result, you may feel dry eyes which can lead to fatigue and eye strain. The best advice I can give you is to take breaks, especially if you are at work and sitting on the computer for 6-8 hours. As we like to call it, it’s the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds. Not only will this cause less strain on your eyes, but in the long run, it will help you avoid the irritation and dryness you may be getting at the end of the day. Do not be afraid to use your eyes – that’s what they are there for!
Focus on what you really want and clarity will be with you every step of the way to help you achieve the desired outcome. Not only will the quality of focus help you in your personal life but also in your work and with your business goals.
Eating carrots will improve your vision.
You may have many ideas running around in your head and this fogs up your sense of purpose. Unblock this by letting all the ideas out and then start selecting which you want more than others and which you have outgrown. Focus on the few ideas you really want and think of how you can accomplish them because clarity is the guide to your destiny. By: DNA
PUSHMAG.ME
TRUE OR FALSE: TRUE!
Bugs Bunny never wore glasses, right? That is because carrots are rich in Vitamin A which is essential for your eyes. However, other foods are also rich in Vitamin A. Foods such as asparagus, apricots, nectarines and milk also provide sufficient amounts of Vitamin A. Therefore, a well balanced diet is just as important to take care of your eyes.
TRUE OR FALSE:
Reading this section will increase your knowledge about your eyes.
I HOPE SO!
I will be discussing some common misconceptions about your vision. Together, we will disprove some old wives’ tales, discuss some common eye diseases and learn about things we can do to prevent certain eye conditions. In the meantime, if you have additional questions regarding your eyes, we can discuss them next time by notifying me at eye.can.help@pushmag.me By Dr. Nadine Krikorian
Destiny Self Control Quiz
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Questions
6. When you need to make an important decision, how do you most often go about it? a. Get other people’s opinions first, and then 1. Do you feel you can really fulfill your dreams decide. b. Go with my gut. if you put your mind to it? a. Absolutely. I can do or be almost anything I 7. When people find themselves in bad situations, want to be. it’s usually due more to: b. Not really. While it sounds good to “reach for the stars”, in reality, few people can really a. Poor choices b. Unlucky circumstances have everything they want.
3. Do you feel you are able to choose your moods? a. No, they choose me. It’s very hard for me to pull out of a bad mood, for example, if things go wrong. b. Yes, I’m aware that, while I can’t always control what happens around me, I do control my own reaction to said events
8. Do you sometimes feel you have no choice in how things go in your life? a. Yes, I quite often feel that things are set in my life and I can’t change them. b. No, I know that I always have choices, even if I don’t always like them. 9. Do you feel you have a voice in the political process? a. Yes, we all have the power to make a difference if we care enough. b. No, I only have one vote. How many elections were decided on one vote? 10. Whether or not you are religious, which phrase would you agree with more strongly (or disagree with less vehemently)? a. God’s will trumps human desires every time. b. In God, all things are possible.
11. True or False: “We are all responsible for how 4. Complete this sentence: “When I’ve had my our own lives turn out.” greatest successes in life, it’s usually been due to: a. True (or mostly true) a. My abilities. b. False (or mostly false) b. My good luck. 12. Do you feel that you are responsible for the 5. Think about any ongoing conflicts you state of your own health? had with people in your life. Being perfectly a. No, genetics and life circumstances seem to honest, how much of the conflict were you trump any personal power people have. You responsible for? can spend your whole life eating healthy only a. To be perfectly honest, I have to admit that to die in a car accident, so what’s the point? I was responsible for a good portion of it. b. Yes, I feel I have ultimate power over my health. b. To be perfectly honest, there was nothing I While some freak accidents are unavoidable, I could do in those situations. The other know that choices I make have a dramatic person was being completely unreasonable. impact on my overall health and life expectancy. PUSHMAG.ME
Answers on the next page
2. How important do you think your parental influence is on your kids? (Or how much do you think you would influence kids if you were a parent?) a. Not very. They come with their own personalities, and they are who they are. You can’t fight genetics. b. Very important. While they’re born with their own temperaments, I can greatly influence whether those traits are expressed in a positive, healthy way or not.
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7. a. Good for you! The more empowered answer is “A” b. Answer “A” shows a greater belief in personal 1. a. Good for you! The more empowered answer responsibility and your personal power to change your own circumstances is “A” b. Answer “A” shows a greater belief in your personal power to change your own circumstances. 8. a. Answer “B” shows a greater belief in your personal power to change your own circumstances. 2. a. While studies show that genetics and b. Good for you! The more empowered answer environment both play a significant role, Answer is “B” “B” shows a greater belief in your personal power 9. a. Good for you! The more empowered answer to change your own circumstances. is “A” b. Good for you! The more empowered answer b. While each of us may only have one vote; is “B” there are ways to sway public opinion to further 3. a. We can't always choose what happens during a political cause. While both answers have some our day, but we can choose how we respond to validity, Answer “A” shows a greater belief what happens. Answer “B” shows a greater in your personal power to change your own belief in your personal power to change your own circumstances
circumstances. b. Good for you! The more empowered answer 10. a. While both points of view can be found in most major religions, Answer “B” shows a is “B” greater belief in your personal power to change 4. a. Good for you! The more empowered answer your own circumstances. b. Good for you! The more empowered answer is “A” is “B” b. While both answers may be true, Answer “A” shows a greater belief in your personal power in 11. a. Good for you! The more empowered answer influencing your own circumstances. is “A” b. Answer “A” shows a greater belief in your 5. a. Good for you! The more empowered answer personal power to change your own circumstances. is “A” b. It's extremely rare for conflicts to be completely 12. a. While it's true that tri-athletes can one-sided; our reactions to others influence their die the same freak accidents that kill chain reactions to us. Answer “A” shows a greater smokers, far more people die of heart disease belief in your personal power to change your own and other illnesses where lifestyle factors circumstances. play a role. Answer “B” shows a greater belief in your personal power to change your 6. a. While it's good to research a decision, our own circumstances. first instincts are usually correct. Answer “B” b. Good for you! The more empowered shows a greater belief in your personal wisdom. answer is “B” b. Good for you! The more empowered answer is “B”
PUSHMAG.ME
girl geek camp ARE YOU A GIRL WHO LOVES TECHNOLOGY AND COMPUTERS? WANT TO SPEND AN AMAZING WEEK THIS SUMMER LEARNING ALL ABOUT USEFUL DIGITAL SKILLS? THEN JOIN OUR GIRL GEEK CAMP! the camp will take place on july 11-17, 2011 in ecolodge, taanayel, it is open for girls who are between 15 and 18 years old. join us!
SOCIAL MEDIA, PHOTOGRAPHY, VIDEO, WEB DESIGN, SECURITY, DIGITAL ACTIVISM, BLOGGING AND LOADS MORE.
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Fate implies no choice, and ends fatally, with a death.
NERDY FACTS Origin of the word Destiny: The word comes from destinee, the Old French descendant of Latin dēstinātus. This was the past participle of dēstināre ‘make firm, establish.’ The Latin verb also gave English destine and hence destination, whose current use comes from an earlier place of destination ‘place for which one is bound.’
TERM OF THE MONTH TASSEOGRAPHY
(also known as tasseomancy or tassology)
Destiny has been envisaged as fore-ordained by the Divine (for example, the Protestant concept of predestination) or unfolding through the exertions of human will, for example, in the American concept of Manifest Destiny: "By the 1850s it was generally believed in the United States that a superior American race was destined to shape the destiny of much of the world." The explicit racialism had developed from a 17th century vision of Puritan New World destiny as a "chosen people" whose destiny it was to establish a "New Jerusalem". Micaic Destiny, states that free will and destiny can coincide in harmony. This argument states that we all make only one unchangeable choice every moment. Simply because a certain choice will inevitably be made does NOT mean that we do not make our own decisions. This belief assumes that we have no power to accurately and precisely predict the future. The word kismet derives from the Arabic word qismah, and entered the English language via the Turkish word kısmet, meaning either "the will of Allah" or "portion, lot or fate". In English, the word is synonymous with fate or destiny.
Tasseography is a divination or fortunetelling method that interprets patterns in tea leaves, and coffee grounds. The terms derive from the French word tasse (cup), which in turn derives from the cognate Arabic word tassa. PUSHMAG.ME
One word derivative of "fate" is "fatality”, “fatalism". Fate implies no choice, and ends fatally, with a death. Fate is an outcome determined by an outside agency acting upon a person or entity; but with destiny the entity is participating in achieving an outcome that is directly related to itself. Participation happens willfully. The origin of the word Fate: Its immediate source was Italian fato, a descendant of Latin fātum, which was formed from the past participle of the verb fārī ‘speak’. That which the gods say determines the destiny of human beings, and so Latin fātum came to signify ‘what is preordained, destiny.’
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Luck: The force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person's life, as in shaping circumstances, events, or opportunities.
WHAT'S LUCK GOT TO DO WITH IT?
Luck is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Some encourage the belief in luck as a false idea, but which may produce positive thinking, and alter one's responses for the better. Others, like Jean-Paul Sartre and Sigmund Freud, believe in luck has more to do with a locus of control for events in one's life, and the subsequent escape from personal responsibility. According to this theory, one who ascribes their travails to "bad luck" will be found upon close examination to be living risky lifestyles. In personality psychology, people reliably differ from each other depending on four key aspects: beliefs in luck, rejection of luck, being lucky, and being unlucky. People who believe in good luck are more optimistic, more satisfied with their lives, and have better moods. If "good" and "bad" events occur at random to everyone, believers in good luck will experience a net gain in their fortunes, and vice versa for believers in bad luck. This is clearly likely to be self-reinforcing. Thus,
a belief in good luck may actually be an adaptive mean. Free will is the apparent ability of agents to make choices free from certain kinds of constraints. Historically, the constraint of dominant concern has been the metaphysical constraint of determinism. The opposing positions within that debate are metaphysical libertarianism, the claim that determinism is false and thus that free will exists (or is at least possible); and hard determinism, the claim that determinism is true and thus that free will does not exist.
The principle of free will has religious, ethical, and scientific implications. For example, in the religious realm, free will implies that individual will and choices can coexist with an omnipotent divinity. In ethics, it may hold implications for whether individuals can be held morally accountable for their actions.
LEARNING TO BE LUCKY Affirm your luck!* Simple affirmations can have a hugely beneficial effect on the way we think and feel. For the next few weeks, start each day by repeating the affirmations below out loud to yourself. At first you might feel odd, but give it a try and notice the difference. "I am a lucky person and today is going to be another lucky day." "I know that I can be even luckier in the future." "I deserve good luck and will receive good fortune today." Lucky people create, notice and act upon the chance opportunities in their lives. People who tend to think and behave in the same way are said to have the same personality. When the personalities of lucky and unlucky people are compared on the five dimensions of personality – agreeableness, conscientiousness, extroversion, neuroticism and openness – lucky and unlucky people had only agreeableness (the degree to which someone is sympathetic toward others) and conscientiousness (the degree to which a person is self-disciplined, strongwilled and determined) in common. PUSHMAG.ME
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cut
fold
LOVING MYSELF HEALS MY LIFE. I NOURISH MY MIND, BODY AND SOUL
THE MORE GRATEFUL I AM, THE MORE REASONS I FIND TO BE GRATEFUL
cut
fold
I RELEASE ANY DESPERATION AND ALLOW LOVE TO FIND ME
PUSHMAG.ME
I CHOOSE LOVE, JOY AND FREEDOM, OPEN MY HEART AND ALLOW WONDERFUL THINGS TO FLOW INTO MY LIFE
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LAST BUT NOT LEAST
THIS SUMMER NIGHT’S FEAST
Enhance your long outdoor summer evenings and make the most of this season’s fresh fruits and vegetables with this selection of recipes.
TOMATO MOZZARELLA BREAD Preparation time: 30 minutes Cooking time: none Makes: 6 – 8 slices Ingredients: • 6 – 8 slices of crusty white bread • 3 – 4 garlic cloves, halved • 2 – 3 tomatoes, halved • Buffalo Mozzarella • 2 tbsp olive oil • salt Preparation method: • Toast the slices of bread on both sides, in the oven at 170°C, until pale brown. • Rub one side of each slice of toast with 1/2 a clove of garlic. • Rub the garlicky side of each slice with the cut side of a tomato. You should aim is to give the bread a reddish colour without making it soggy. • Sprinkle each slice with salt and olive oil • To serve, arrange the slices on a serving plate with a slice of mozzarella cheese on each bread slice.
CHERRY TOMATO & ROCKET SALAD Preparation time: 20 minutes Cooking time: none Serves: 4 Ingredients: • 450 grams cherry tomatoes • 50 grams wild rocket, stalks removed • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • 3-4 tbsp olive oil Preparation method: • Put the tomatoes into a bowl and toss with some salt and pepper. • Add the rocket leaves and toss together once more. • Drizzle with the olive oil. Serve straight away. PUSHMAG.ME
SUMMER ISSUE
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BEEF BURGERS WITH ONION MARMALADE Preparation time: 45 minutes Cooking time: 80 – 120 minutes cooking time Serves: 4 – 6 Ingredients: For the burgers: • 500 grams minced beef • 1 tsp mild chilli powder • Salt and black pepper For the red onion marmalade: • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 thinly sliced red onions • 100 grams sugar • 60 ml cup balsamic vinegar • 120 ml cup cranberry juice • ½ tbsp salt To serve: • 4 – 6 burger buns Mayonnaise • Preparation method: For the burgers: • Put the meat in a mixing bowl and sprinkle over the chilli powder and a little salt and pepper. Mix well with your hands. • Divide the mixture into 4 - 6 equal pieces, then shape with your hands into round burgers about the width of the buns. • Grill them on the barbecue for 5 minutes on each side, turning them carefully with a metal spatula. For the red onion marmalade: • In a medium saucepan, heat the oil over a medium-low heat. Add the onions and saute until soften, about 10 – 15 minutes. • Add the sugar and cook until dissolved. • Increase the heat; add the vinegar and juice bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until all the liquid has evaporated, stirring frequently – the onions should be caramelized at this stage but be careful they don’t burn. • Serve on the burgers warm or cool. Assemble the burgers: • Spread a little mayonnaise onto the bottom side of the bun then top with beef burgers and spread red onion marmalade, followed by the remaining half bun.
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE Preparation time: 50 minutes Cooking time: 40 minutes Serves: 10 – 12 Ingredients: For the base: • 240 grams digestive biscuits • 75 grams butter, at room temperature For the filling: • 600 grams cream cheese • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour • 175 grams granulated sugar • ¼ teaspoon vanilla • 2 whole eggs • 1 egg yolk • 142 ml soured cream • 300 grams strawberries Preparation method: • Preheat the oven to 180°C. Greese 25 cm springform tin. • Crush the biscuits in a food processor, mix with the butter, press into tin and bake for 5 minutes. • Using an electric mixer beat the cream cheese, flour, sugar, vanilla, eggs, the egg yolk and soured cream until light and fluffy. • In a food processor puree the strawberries and stir into batter, use the electric mixer to allow for puree to blend with the batter. • Pour the batter into the tin and bake for 40 minutes and then check, it should be set and slightly wobbly in the center. • Leave in tin to cool. By Lara Ariss
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LAST BUT NOT LEAST
AFDCSTARBUCKS GREEN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY; INSPIRING TOMORROW’S LEADERS FOR A GREENER FUTURE. STARBUCKS PARTNERS WITH AFDC TO EMPOWER YOUTH THROUGH TRAINING TO HELP THEM BECOME LEADERS OF A GREENER TOMORROW
PUSHMAG.ME
Beirut, Lebanon, May 26 2011 Starbucks (NASDAQ: SBUX) has partnered with the Association for Forests Development and Conservation (AFDC) to launch the AFDC-Starbucks Green Leadership Academy, a 3-year project, which aims at empowering tomorrow’s young leaders through environmental awareness training p ro g r a m s o n s u s t a i n a b l e g re e n environment. The announcement was made at an inauguration ceremony held at Starbucks Hamra coffee shop on May 26, 2011. The ceremony was attended by UNDP officials and representatives from Beirut Municipality, Starbucks and AFDC management, university students, environmental activists, and members of the media.
The Academy offers a unique opportunity for participants to broaden their knowledge and perspectives on environmental and natural resources, policies, management, and leadership skills. It takes them on an intense learning journey through sessions on innovative sustainability given by notable speakers in different fields such as Mr. Nizar Hani, Cedar Shouf Reserve Director, Ms. Cathy Tyan, Chief Editor of World Environment TV and Magazine, and Mr. Wael Hmaidan, Executive Director of IndyAct among other distinguished speakers. To read more about the AFDC-Starbucks Green Leadership Academy or to apply online, visitwww.stabucksme.com or www.afdc.org.lb
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On June 11 th, over 500 technologists and web-lovers attended GeekFest Amman, organized by ArtMedium. The event took place at Q-Yard. GeekFest is an offline social event for online people, and is for anyone involved in using technology to create, educate, entertain, inform, drive change or just play around. There are no rules, registration, requirements or regulations beyond that those interested turn up when they want and leave when they want. It's all about love, fun, and geekdom.
The theme of GeekFest Amman revolved around geeks and art. Some of the attractions consisted of GeekTalks, a xBox gaming station sponsored by D1G, an Arduino workshop, a Lego station, and a t-shirt making station sponsored by Mlabbas. The TechnoCases included Aramex and Orange. The crowd went mad over an interactive social mapping wall. Otherwise, it was just a roomful of smart people who have stuff that is interesting, engaging and even possibly visionary to discuss.
PUSHMAG.ME
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ARAB INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S FORUM COMMEMORATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY WITH PROGRAM ON “BUILDING BRIDGES, BUILDING BUSINESS: EMERGING ECONOMIES, EMERGING LEADERSHIPS”
LONDON, UK – 9 May 2011: The Arab International Women’s Forum (AIWF), a non-profit global organisation linking Arab women to their international counterparts, is marking its 10th anniversary with a special program. It includes a headline conference on new emerging economies and leaderships, a commemorative business dinner and a seminar dedicated to youth generations also on the agenda, Being held in London from May 11 – 13, 2011 the programme will recognise the AIWF ten successful years of advocacy with events that have been designed to reinforce AIWF’s achievements in enabling Arab women to advance in business, professional and public life. The AIWF 10th Anniversary Commemorative Program will be a springboard for AIWF for expanding the organisation’s advocacy work to a wider International level—promoting the impact women can have as engines of economic growth while engendering peace and prosperity in their communities. Their focus will be specifically on the challenges that women face within a global context and the critical role they should play in the development of their economies, while recognising their remarkable and groundbreaking achievements. Haifa Fahoum Al Kaylani, Founder and Chairman of AIWF, stated “We are delighted to mark the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Arab International Women’s Forum, recognising and building on its achievements and looking forward to the opportunities for leading roles to which Arab women may aspire in the future. Now more than ever, successful Arab women have a fundamental role to play in the advancement of younger generations and women in emerging economies.”
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LEBANESE LEAGUE FOR WOMEN IN BUSINESS CONVENES CORPORATE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM IN BEIRUT Program Addresses National Trend of Family-owned Businesses and Focuses on Strategies for Management and Succession BEIRUT, LEBANON (9 JUNE 2011) – After hosting successful programs in 2008 and 2009, the Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB) convened its third Corporate Ambassadors Program (CAP), an initiative which brings small delegations of international businesswomen and senior executives to the Middle East and North Africa for business training and knowledge exchange.
As a collaboration between the Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB) and the AUB Olayan School of Business, this pivotal event was held in partnership with the Middle East and North Africa Businesswomen’s Network (MENA BWN), Vital Voices Global Partnership, and Exxon Mobil.
The theme of the 2011 program is Family Business: Strategies for Management and Succession. More than 200 insightful professionals and inspiring speakers gathered at the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut (AUB) to discuss the difficulties of leading a family business and the challenges inherent in creating strategies for succession and management.
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III MEDA WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS FORUM AND ANNUAL MEETING OF AFAEMME November 21-25 2011, Barcelona (Spain) Barcelona will host, from November 21st - 25th 2011, the V Mediterranean Week of Economic Leaders. This fifth edition will be divided into four different thematic sessions: • The VIII North African Business Development Forum • The Union for the Mediterranean Open Days • The V Eco MEDA Green Forum • The III MEDA Women Entrepreneurs Forum The III MEDA Women Entrepreneurs Forum will be celebrated under the title "Women and Economy: Investing in Social Change" and will be, among others, about new strategies for women’s initiative in economy, women in innovation and in the media and communication sector and women’s power in small business management. During the Mediterranean Week of Economic Leaders, on Friday 25th (afternoon), AFAEMME will also celebrate its Annual Meeting 2011, gathering together the representatives of its 33 members associations.
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SUMMER ISSUE
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MAURICE FADEL PRIZE FOR BEST BUSINESS PLAN IN NORTHERN LEBANON Monday, June 20 The Maurice Fadel Prize holds a ceremony and announces the winners of the Maurice Fadel best business plan competition in Northern Lebanon. The prize was awarded to four innovative projects in the North, paying the winners of 25,000, 10,000 and 5,000 dollars. The first prize was awarded to the project Marhaba Local Guides, an online website that allows visitors to get in touch with guides in the North of Lebanon. The second prize went to the project Multi-E Dimensions that offers educational programs in 2D and 3D. The third prize was obtained by two projects. The first transformed the Arabic letters into decorative objects. The second project, CardioDiagnostics, plans for the creation of a structure that allows the medical centers in the region to follow up on the medical status of the patients with severe heart disease through a monitor placed on the arm, and which notifies them of the patient's condition in real time allowing the center to take the necessary measures promptly.
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NOT SO
Most days at work after lunch, I feel sleepy and sluggish, my co-workers jokingly call it a 'food coma.' I am not overeating and I am trying to eat as healthy as possible, but right after lunch I become so tired that I feel like I can't make it through the rest of the day. Is there anything I can do to beat this sleepiness?! Abeer R., Dubai Dear Abeer, Don't worry, you are not alone. Many of us experience the same sleepiness at work right after lunch. Luckily, there are quite a few things you can do to fight the urge to nap. One of them is to take a brisk walk after eating, the exercise will give you a boost. Movement is very helpful, so if you don't have enough time for a walk, step away from your desk for a minute and talk to a co-worker or go up and down the stairs a few times, it will increase your energy level. Also, try to avoid a lot of carbs for lunch and drink plenty of water.
I have trouble relaxing! I take my work with me wherever I go even on vacations, thanks to technology. Work related stress has put my neck and back into knots and I'm hoping there is something I can do to ease my inability to completely relax. Rita N., Jordan Dear Rita, You should take time away from work when you can, but even if that is not possible, you should find a little time to relax each day. Try some relaxation techniques like the 2 Step breath – Fill the bottom of your lungs first, then add the top as you breathe through your nose. Breath out slowly. Feel the tension flowing out. Another technique is to tighten the muscle that you want to relax. Focus on and feel the tension where you have tighten. Now let the muscle become loose and limp. Feel the relaxation flow into the muscle. Also, if you are lucky enough to listen to music at work, it can help keep you calm. If you can't listen to music at work, make sure to put some on at home, it will help you unwind after a long day.
For general business advice or office etiquette questions, email us to: feedback@pushmag.me
PUSHMAG.ME
I like to think of myself as a perfectionist, especially in my job. I am very paranoid about making mistakes so I always double check my work but sometimes a mistake slips past me and I take it very personal, even if it is a minor mistake. I know mistakes are inevitable but is there anything I can do to handle the situation better when it does happen? K.A., Lebanon Dear K.A., Ease up on yourself, everyone makes mistakes but how you handle it after is what matters most. Mistakes at work may cause problems for your employer or company so your career may depend on how you handle the error. When you catch the mistake, tell your boss right away unless it is insignificant and does not affect anyone. Don't try to hide the mistake because it will make you look bad if someone else finds it. When you admit your mistake, make sure you have a clear plan to correct it noting the time and cost it will take to fix the error. Blaming other people for your mistake won't help, if others share responsibility encourage them admit their fault to your boss as well. Apologize for your mistake but never beat yourself up for it, especially in public and finally correct the mistake on your own time even if you have to spend extra hours working, but don't expect to get paid for that time!
SUMMER ISSUE
Jul 5-6 Relocate To Lebanon BIEL Arabcom Group 961 5 450 212 info@arabcom.com www.arabcom.com Jul 13-16 MENASART FAIR BIEL Cedarlys 961 3 386 979 info@menasart-fair.com www.menasart-fair.com Jul 20-23 Beirut Jewelry Week BIEL IFP 961 5 959 111 info@ifp.com.lb www.ifpexpo.com Sep 6-10 Dream BIEL Promofair 961 1 561600 /1/2/3/4 dream@promofair.com.lb www.promofair.com.lb
INTERNATIONAL
CONFERENCES
EXHIBITIONS
LEBANON
079
DUBAI
INTERNATIONAL DUBAI Sep 18-20 Private Label Middle East Exhibition 2011 Dubai World Trade Centre 971 4 3321000 info@dwtc.com www.dwtc.com Sep 18-20 Premium Exhibition Dubai World Trade Centre 971 4 3321000 info@dwtc.com www.dwtc.com ABU DHABI 27 - 28 Sep The internet show middle east Adnec - Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre Terrapinn Middle East Fz Llc +971 4440 2500 enquiry.me@terrapinn.com
Sep 10-14 MENA Private Equity Business Summit 2011 IQPC Middle East 971 4 3642975 enquiry@iqpc.ae | www.iqpc.ae ABU DHABI Sep 11-14 Second Business Process Excellence MENA, IQPC Middle East IQPC Middle East 971 4 3642975 enquiry@iqpc.ae | www.iqpc.ae Sep 25-28 Offshore Technology Summit MENA 2011 IQPC Middle East 971 4 3642975 enquiry@iqpc.ae | www.iqpc.ae Sep 27 Social Media World Middle East 2011 Terrapinn
Sep 27-28 The Internet Show Middle East 2011 Terrapinn 974 44402500 enquiry.me@terrapinn.com www.terrapinn.com TURKEY Jul 7-10 Konya Shoe, Shoe Side Industry and Fashion Tüyap Fairs and Exhibitions www.tuyap.com.tr
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LAST BUT NOT LEAST
OX
RAT
Born in the year: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008
WORK: Burning the midnight oil could help you get that promotion you've been striving for. Or, you might think of the next big thing. It's possible you'll create your own position and make more money. You might be the only one around who can do the job. LOVE:
A passionate climate will stir your sentiments up during this period. With a long-time loved one, you'll experience profound and secret complicity, which will be psychic, intellectual, and physical at the same time and which will tighten your ties.
HEALTH:
A sudden change to health condition is likely during this period. You could be exhausted and worse with so many new arrangements as well as you are short of facts, this means basing decisions on your instinct.
TIGER
Born in the year: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010
WORK: It would probably be wise
Born in the year: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009
WORK: As an Ox, you're no stranger to hard work, and this year will require your steadfast focus. This year could bring a career change for you, but you'll have to plan things carefully and slowly. Get your ducks in a row. Smile, even on your bad days. LOVE: It's virtually certain that your neighbors will be disturbed by the din that your love life will produce. Try to control yourself and keep some sense of humor. You can definitely cut off your past relations or, more simply, do away with the dust covering a long-lasting relation. HEALTH:
During this month, you are going through a cycle of profound personal realizations. You may already be experiencing these phenomena. During the mist of all such confusion, you should take good advantage of this opportunity for reflection.
RABBIT
Born in the year: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999
WORK: If working with people is a big part of your job, you might find it difficult to make a lot of progress this year. This is a time for diplomacy, for presenting a soft face to the people you work with.
to stay under the radar at work and continue on your current career path. A change might be on the horizon, but it probably won't be one of your own making. Your passion and insight might bring well-deserved recognition.
LOVE: Some will have to snuff their ill-placed sentiments and get rid of certain ties, even though this may entail a financial loss among other things. They will afterwards feel ready to give their love life new and more enchanting prospects.
LOVE: Profit well by this auspicious period to live your love
HEALTH: You are in for yet more tense issues and face the demanding mood of certain individuals. Perhaps it is about time spent reflecting on what works, what does not, your priorities come first.
which will be without storms or clouds. Build for yourself a nest which will be sheltered from prying eyes and in which you'll exchanges tender kisses.
HEALTH:
Obviously you would never commit to an arrangement that did not add up in practical terms. Yet that is what you are being cornered into during this month. Question what is going on but in a manner that is more about being inquisitive rather than confrontational.
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SUMMER ISSUE
081
DRAGON
Born in the year: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000
WORK: If you have your heart set
on a promotion or a radical career change this year, you might have to work extra hard to get there. It's not impossible for you to make strides in your work, but they'll require a hefty amount of effort.
LOVE: You'll be wavering between cynicism and dreams without apparent reason. You'll perhaps untiringly look for ideal love from arm to arm, or will leave your present mate and yearn for another one, and all this without realizing that you're running after a mirage
HEALTH: Do not make the mistake of assuming that just because certain situations seem impossible, you are facing overwhelming challenges. While some difficulties will yield only to be a blend of canny and persistent effort, others are more about what you can learn.
HORSE
Born in the year: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002
SNAKE
Born in the year: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001
WORK: Without a moment's notice, you might have to suddenly change directions in your career. Perhaps your job title will expand. Maybe your company will enter into a merger. Trust that your path will unfold regardless of your confusion. LOVE: Some of you might probably have suffered recently from loneliness or misunderstandings. If you're already engaged in a stable relation, harmony with your mate will grow stronger spectacularly. HEALTH: Usually it is you who is urging others to get out
and about. But now others are plunging into questionable yet intriguing arrangements or pursuits and are encouraging you to join in.
GOAT
Born in the year: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003
WORK:
One of your greatest challenges as a Horse is probably sticking around even when you're bored. If you can learn the lesson of patience and quiet diligence, you might be surprised at how good it feels to reap what you sow.
LOVE: You'll appreciate pleasures of all kinds, more particularly the carnal ones. Happy encounters will probably take place during these months. As for married couples, emotions will be stronger and more profound. HEALTH: You may have noticed how events could force you
to make sudden and often unsettling changes in elements of your life and you are not best pleased. Look around you and you will realize others are experiencing similar disarray.
WORK:
You'll have the ability to make some serious strides at work, but it won't come without a little elbow grease. If you're not being challenged or inspired, think about giving your job the old heave-ho. You're far too curious and creative to be stifled by a boring gig.
LOVE: You'll be torn between the desire to preserve the
status quo and the need to change things in the sentimental field. Some of you, for fear of possible problems, will wonder if they had not better contain their outbursts and refuse to live a great passion.
HEALTH:
There are times when it is important to take the initiative. Listen to what others have to say first before responding promptly, merely to avoid misunderstanding. Otherwise your stress or tension level could increase unnecessarily. PUSHMAG.ME
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LAST BUT NOT LEAST
ROOSTER MONKEY
Born in the year: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004
WORK: If other things are shaky this year, work might be a solid foundation to stand on. Don’t rock the boat, stay proactive at the office and offer to take on more. You might have to put in overtime, but your dedication won't go unnoticed. LOVE: If you go to a faraway place during this period, you'll
probably meet someone to whom you'll feel irresistibly attracted. However, it's almost certain that you'll only live a short, frivolous romance - but a romance which will enchant you and leave you with an ineffable memory.
HEALTH: While recent changes, most unceremonious, have everybody in a state, you are actually less surprised than others. Perhaps your real challenge is riding out the emotional dramas, which are more about mourning what is going than about what is coming.
Born in the year: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005
WORK: Bring some headphones to work and get inspired by some tunes. Buy donuts and bagels for your co-workers, chummy up with your colleagues at office outings or anything you can do to make work more fun will probably help you stay productive. LOVE: New sentimental adventures in view! Under such conditions, how could you avoid mortification, especially if you've in all good faith induced your temporary mates into believing that you would love them forever? HEALTH: These are exciting moments for you, although much of what you are doing or going through is still taking form. While you are confident things will work out, others are anxious and insist on saying so. You just have to be more patient and have some faith as well.
BOAR
Born in the year: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007
WORK:
DOG
Born in the year: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006
WORK:
You've got that humility and loyalty act down pat! Your superiors in the workplace probably value how dependable and hard-working you are. You've got the wits and the know-how to make just about anything happen. So do it.
LOVE: Suddenly, your existence will change drastically, for you'll undoubtedly experience a most exciting romance even though you may not have met the one. Married couples will enjoy a renewal which will provide them with unknown delights and pleasures. HEALTH: While you are unlikely to welcome the vulnerable feelings triggered by the recent discovery of an illness, delve into it and it will reveal the source of and produce a potential solution for the complex anxieties you have been facing.
PUSHMAG.ME
Feel free to feast on all the flavors you can this year when it comes to your professional life. Perhaps you'll finally make strides in the work you've always wanted to do. Lifelong dreams can be realized this year so reach for yours with confidence.
LOVE: The atmosphere of your love life will evolve into joyous freedom of care soon after the beginning of this period. Sentiments will be reserved, modest, discreet, but will not lack solidity, intensity and fervor. HEALTH: Few things annoy you more than those good-
hearted souls who try to introduce new ideas or activities, each of which you know will not suit you. That might have been true in the past. Hence say yes first and perhaps ask questions later.
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SUDOKU
SUMMER ISSUE
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Bridges (also known as Hashiwokakero) is a logic puzzle with simple rules and challenging solutions. The rules are simple. Bridges is played on a rectangular grid with no standard size. Some cells start out with numbers from 1 to 8 inclusive; these are the islands. The rest of the cells are empty. The goal is to connect all of the islands into a single connected group by drawing a series of bridges between the islands. The bridges must follow certain criteria: They must begin and end at distinct islands, travelling a straight line in between They must not cross any other bridges or islands They may only run orthogonally At most two bridges connect a pair of islands The number of bridges connected to each island must match the number on that island.
PUSHMAG.ME
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LAST BUT NOT LEAST
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PUSHMAG.ME
BRAIN GYM SOLUTION
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SUDOKU SOLUTION
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