RAGMAG Summer Breeze | July/August 2014 | issue #45 by RAGMAG Magazine

MAGAZINE J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

SALMA HAYEK THE MAKING OF THE PROPHET

SOBER UP

RAGMAG’S NATURAL HANGOVER CURES

PATRICK HOBEIKA

ARTIST SHOWCASE

THERAPY AND YOU HELP YOUR PROBLEMS GO AWAY

SUMMER BREEZE

MAY 2014

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t r a t S ch from

Sket

Persil leads “Start from Sketch”, 1st up-cycling fashion design competition in the region. Persil’s “Start from Sketch” competition has drawn to a close after 5 months of hard work and creative twists and turns. The winners were announced on Sunday the 25th of May during a fashion show at AUB. Throughout the entire initiative, Persil Gel acted as a sponsor for young fashion designers, supporting these upcoming talents while giving back to society. “Start from Sketch” represented a real chance for these talents to shine while creating awareness about the importance of “upcycling” and sustainability. The idea behind “Start from Sketch” involved collecting old clothes and breathing new life into them (known as “upcycling”). 65 aspiring young talents from participating universities (Academy of Fashion Design, CAMM, AUST, NDU, and Creative Space) rose to the challenge while aiming for zero waste. This led to the creation of 65 fashionable outfits made from donated clothes that combined style with sustainability. The distinguished members of the jury (Lulwa AbdelBaki, Janine Asmar, Rosa Maria, Rayya Morcous-Bird on a wire and Nemer Saade) narrowed down the competition to 25 finalists. The finalists’creations were posted on Facebook and the public had the chance to vote for their favourites. At the announcement ceremony, the top ten designers were revealed based on feedback from the public and the jury. Carefully assessing the ten top designs, the jury selected the 3 winners. Rony El Helou won the top prize, a prestigious workshop at NABA Milano-Italy, Rola Mezher won the second prize, a trip to Paris fashion week, and Maya Hayek won the third prize, an internship at Tony Ward. With ‘’Start from Sketch’’ initiative, Persil confirmed their involvement in enriching the community, their faith in local talent and genuine concern for the environment. In collaboration with: 4 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

MAGAZINE

CONTRIBUTORS

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Eliane Elias Amal Sabsaby Selected images Shutterstock

STYLIST Jony Matta PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR Lea El-Alam

ON OUR COVER: EUGENIA FROM VELVETMODEL AGENCY PHOTOGRAPHY AND CREATIVE DIRECTION: SANDRA CHIDIAC SWIMWEAR: ERES | SHORTS: IRO | SHOES: BCBG | STYLIST: JONY MATTA MAKEUP: IVANNA BOU SALAME

Lara Ariss Sabine Alphonse Chalhoub Jonathan Cainer Jonathan Dagher Kaylyn Hlavaty Leanne Elahmad Sally Nassar Sarah Hourany Neringa Kisler Chris Lambert Josie Younes beirut.com

MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER Gina Gabriel El-Fady

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 1 4

SALMA HAYEK

SUMMER BREEZE

THE MAKING OF THE PROPHET

MARKETING LEAD Daniella Tayar

RESPONSIBLE MANAGER May Ziade PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY CHAMAS

RAGMAG’S NATURAL HANGOVER CURES

Nada G. Farha | Cofounder-MD Jdeideh Chalet Suisse St 444 Center 3rd floor Tel: 01 87 16 63 Ext 103 nfarha@pinkodsal.com advertise@pinkodsal.com 45

www.3achamas.com

SOBER UP

Media Representative

DRESS: MASSIMO DUTTI | NECKLACE: ZARA

ADMINISTRATIVE COORDINATOR Teddy Younes

w w w . r a g m a g . c o RAGMAGMagazine

RAGMAG Alex Gabriel Building Rue Colomn de Sahel Sahel Alma, Keserwan Tel: 09 916 222 / 09 913 777 lea.elalam@ragmaglive.com

PATRICK HOBEIKA

ARTIST SHOWCASE

THERAPY AND YOU HELP YOUR PROBLEMS GO AWAY

@RAGMAGMagazine

Distributor MMO Messageries du Moyen-Orient de la Presse et du Livre Sal

RAGMAG @RAGMAGMagazine

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RAGMAG is a division of Raycon s.a.l. Copyright RAGMAG 2014 | All Rights Reserved Opinions expressed are based solely on personal opinion and experience, not reflective in any way of RAGMAG, a division of Raycon s.a.l.

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SUMMER BREEZE 68

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES COPYCAT

MIRROR MIRROR MAC’S MALIFICENT COLLECTION

BREAKING BAD

100

YSL

BEACH BUM

102

RETURN OF THE MAC

READY, STEADY, GO!

104

ADDICTED TO IT

106

BOBBI BROWN

CULTURE CLASH CAMERON DIAZ

108

CLARINS

PELÈ

112

BB CREAM

SALMA HAYEK

ARTIST SHOWCASE

WORLD CUP CHEERING MANUAL

126 127

SEE, SPEAK + HEAR NO EVIL WATCH OUT FILM READ’EM BOOKS

MON AMOUR, MON AMI A GUY’S GUIDE

YOU + YOUR COUNTRY IN OUR DEFENSE

REAL LIFE RUNWAY

OUR FASHION SHOOT RAGMAG’S FAVORITE SWIMWEAR SS2014 RAGMAG TELLS YOU HOW TO WEAR IT

ON SEX TAPE INTERVIEW

THE INTERVIEW

PATRICK HOBEIKA

EVIL NEVER LOOKED SO GOOD

THE BLEUS LUMIÈRE COLLECTION PREP+PRIME CC COLOR CORRECT DIOR ADDICT THE NEXT CHAPTER PERFECTLY DEFINED COLORS OF BRAZIL YOUR FLAWLESS SKIN SECRET

HAYDA LEBNEN

ON THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD ‘TERRORIST’

HOW TO SURVIVE A CHICK FLICK AND ROMANTIC COMEDY

MIND, BODY + SOUL 116 BEACH BODY

136

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY SUMMER BLISS

OUT + ABOUT MADNESS IN BEIRUT

132

TAKE ME WITH YOU BORA BORA

RECIPES

GET YOUR BODY READY FOR SUMMER

118 SUNSCREEN YOUR HAIR

PROTECTION AGAINST ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT DAMAGE

122 SOBER UP

THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

RAGMAG’S NATURAL HANGOVER CURES!

124 MIX IT & FIX IT HOME REMEDIES

128 THERAPY AND YOU

TRAVEL

A GOOD THERAPIST WILL HELP PROBLEMS GO AWAY

130 HELP ME WITH MY RAGGED PROBLEM ADVICE

SIGNS

140

BRAINFOOD QUIZZ. DINBATS. CROSSWORDS. SUDOKU.

ARE YOU BEING EMOTIONALLY ABUSED ?

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FOR OUR JULY/AUGUST ISSUE WE CONTINUED TO TALK TO YOU VIA OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS- PINTEREST, TWITTER, FACEBOOK + INSTAGRAM. WE THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND PARTICIPATION AND WE HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO INTERACT WITH US ONLINE

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WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU SO KEEP IT UP!

WE’RE SHOWING OFF SOME OF THE BEST IMAGES THAT OUR READERS SENT IN VIA EMAIL AND TWITTER. THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE READERS WHO SENT US TWEETS AND EMAILS OF THEIR COPIES OF RAGMAG.

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@RAGMAGMagazine

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SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

With the dramatic and unrealistic economical and political situation that has been haunting us these past few months, it has become more and more difficult to shake our troubles away. So if you feel that you are alone in this, you are not! We have called this issue Summer Breeze, to remind everyone including us, that it is summer, so let’s kick our troubles away go out and have some fun. After all summer in Beirut translates to fun, going out, holidays, colours, feeling light and carefree. Why stop now! This month we have a Q&A with Salma Hayek, on her animated movie in the making the Prophet. An interview with Pele. Cameron Diaz on her new movie out soon, SEX TAPE. Laugh out loud with Hayda Lebnen’s World Cup Cheering Manual. Join our writer on a trip to Bora Bora. If you manage to get tipsy after all of the above and you can’t handle more then use RAGMAG’s natural cures for sobering up and getting rid of your killer hangover. We have worked this issue with another great photographer, known to many of you Sandra Chidiac. She has been an inspiration to us and has helped us see the light through her lens. Stay on alert on our Facebook page and our twitter @ RAGMAGMAGAZINE for our RAGMAG competitions which will be starting soon. Drop us a picture of you with your favourite magazine #RAGMAG this summer for a 6 month subscription delivered straight to your door. I mean it when I say keep us updated and write to us. We look forward to hearing from you every month and we love your input. So keep writing to publisher@ragmaglive.com and talk to me on twitter@GinaGabriel1.

Gina Gabriel El-Fady | Publisher

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CULTURE CLASH

SALMA

HAYEK

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SALMA HAYEK | THE INTERVIEW

BUT I WOULDN’T HAVE HAD A FULFILLING LIFE IF I HADN’T BEEN ABLE TO START MY OWN FAMILY. BEING A GOOD WIFE AND MOTHER IS WHAT MATTERS TO ME MOST. SURE I LOVE TO ACT AND WORKING ON FILMS BUT NOTHING GIVES ME GREATER HAPPINESS THAN SEEING THE SMILE ON MY DAUGHTER’S FACE Salma Hayek no longer worries about the ups and downs of her acting career. Her marriage to French billionaire Francois-Henri Pinault, CEO of PPR, one of the world’s largest luxury goods and clothing manufacturers, has given her happiness, peace of mind, and a loving family to look after. Arriving at the Cannes Film Festival together with her beloved 7- year-old daughter, Valentina, the stunningly beautiful Hayek admits to being at times “over- protective mother,” but that motherhood has also given her more fulfilment than she ever imagined. “I was very driven when I came to Los Angeles and determined to be successful,” Hayek recalls. “But I wouldn’t have had a fulfilling life if I hadn’t been able to start my own family. Being a good wife and mother is what matters to me most. Sure I love to act and working on films but nothing gives me greater happiness than seeing the smile on my daughter’s face.” Hayek was in Cannes to promote her new project, an animated fil m adaptation of Khalil Gibran’s legendary book, “The Prophet.” Hayek has spent three years developing the project as a producer, and she summoned nine animation directors to contribute their own interpretations of Gibran’s poetry. The project is particularly close to Hayek’s heart because Gibran was Lebanese, just like Hayek’s father, and she had long dreamed

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of trying to bring The Prophet to life as a feature film. She presented The Prophet as a work in progress to at the Cannes Film Festival where there was intense interest from anxious international buyers and distributors. After a career as a highly popular Mexican soap opera actress, Hayek moved to L.A. where she dreamed of becoming a Hollywood star despite struggling to overcome her accent. She went on to landed major roles in films like Desperado, From Dusk Till Dawn, 54, and Wild Wild West. Growing tired of playing characters where her too much attention was focussed on her buxom physique, Hayek put together her own project - Frida [2002], the biopic about legendaryMexicanpainterFridaKahlowhichearnedHayekanOscarnomination. More recently, audiences know her from the Ugly Betty TV series and her voice-over work as Kitty in the Puss n’ Boots children’s film. Hayek, 47, lives with her husband in Paris with their daughter Valentina and Pinault’s two children, Francois, 17, and Mathilde, 14, from a previous marriage. In person, Hayek has never looked more radiant and cast a slimmer profile than she has in recent years. For our interview, Salma was wearing a chic Gucci black jacket and striped pink blouse. During the festival, Hayek wowed the paparazzi with a striking pink Yves Saint Laurent (her husband owns the fashion house, after all) gown and a multi-million dollar Boucheron bracelet.

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CULTURE CLASH

Q: What drew you to Khalil Gibran’s book, The Prophet? HAYEK: The Prophet was the beside book of my grandfather, who was Lebanese. When I reread it as an adult, I realised who my grandfather was...Ever since I have always felt a deep connection to the book and it was important for me to find a way of bringing the work to an even larger audience and acquaint a new generation of people to it. I was very close to my grandfather and I was also his favourite granddaughter. When he died, I was six, and this image of this book came to my mind and never left me.

MY DAUGHTER GETS TO BED LATER AT NIGHT BECAUSE HER MOTHER IS SO BUSY SOMETIMES

THE PROPHET WAS THE BESIDE BOOK OF MY GRANDFATHER Q: Is that what inspired you to produce this film? HAYEK: Yes. It was that and also the fact that The Prophet has been read by millions of people all around the world without ever having been adapted into a film. So it was a challenge for me to find a way of bringing his poetry and words to life and I saw that it could make for a wonderful animated film. I then asked nine of the world’s most outstanding animation directors to work on the project and I gave them total freedom to create their own stories based on the book.

I LOVE BEING HERE AND I’VE BEEN ABLE TO SHOW MY DAUGHTER VALENTINA AROUND A BIT Q: Salma, how is being at Cannes? HAYEK: It’s been wonderful! I love being here and I’ve been able to show my daughter Valentina around a bit. She’s quite excited about it all and it’s fun for me to have her along. Q: Is it important for you that your daughter learns about her mother’s being part of the film world? HAYEK: (Laughs) Of course. She’s seen some of my films and she now understands more about my other life as an actress. I want her to appreciate that side of my life. For the past three years, I’ve been working very hard on this film and my daughter has heard me talking about it on the phone every night before she goes to bed because I’m calling Los Angeles wherepeoplearejustgettingtowork. My daughter gets to bed later at night because her mother is so busy sometimes so bringing her to Cannes is a little reward for all that.

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SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

SALMA HAYEK | THE INTERVIEW

Q: What led you to decide to make it an animated film? HAYEK: I wanted the audience to experience the philosophy of the book through the eyes of a child. The film is an invitation to talk about the serious and important things in life in a very simple, even naive way. Animation is the only thing that makes that possible. Q: What message do you think audiences will take away from the film? HAYEK: There is so much poetry and philosophy in The Prophet that speaks to everyone. It’s more about having faith and a sense of wonder about the world and finding meaning by asking questions about life. Sometimes that ability to think about the world and approach it that way is more important than finding answers if there even really are definite answers.

THE FILM IS AN INVITATION TO TALK ABOUT THE SERIOUS AND IMPORTANT THINGS IN LIFE IN A VERY SIMPLE, EVEN NAIVE WAY Q: Are you looking forward to watching the World Cup this summer? HAYEK: Sure... I love to shout at the referees when I’m watching TV at home but when we go to games the French are so very composed, and I’m not. I saw pictures of myself on the internet, and everybody made fun of me, so whenever I go to games I try not to move a muscle. I prefer to watch football at home where I can drink my beer, be in my pyjamas and insult them, in Spanish, in English and, if necessary, in French. (Laughs) I really enjoy a good football match. I adore it. I know I should be saying, “I love my shopping sprees,” but I love soccer. It’s something that ignites my fire. I become very, very passionate and, at the same time, very emotional about it. I’m tough, but it’s one of the few things that can make me cry.

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CULTURE CLASH

SALMA HAYEK | THE INTERVIEW

Q: Looking back, how hard a road was it for you to build your career in Hollywood as an actress? HAYEK: I’m grateful to everyone who gave me an opportunity but strangely there hasn’t been that many. I’ve had to fight very, very hard for every silly small role....I think my accent cost me many parts, and I accepted that, but there were other times where it also helped me work with directors like Robert Rodriguez. Sometimes I look and wish I could have done more but I’m also proud of bringing to life Frida and now The Prophet. You shouldn’t ever waste time in life complaining. I just tell myself to get up and make something happen and that gives you so much energy and self-belief. I’ve always had that in me.

Q: You seem to have a very positive outlook on life. Where did you get that from? HAYEK: From my parents I think, and from observing people and seeing how much you can change your life for the better by maintaining an optimistic outlook. When I was working on this Mexican TV show, I was very, very popular and successful. I could have had a great career for the rest of my life in Mexico. I was famous at the age of 18 but as a TV star. But I wanted more than that. It was my dream to come to Hollywood and make movies. People thought I was crazy to quit that series and move to L.A. I could barely speak English and I had a very thick accent when I first started auditioning for roles but I was stubborn and I kept working hard. I knew I had enough talent and willpower to be successful and even though for a long while I didn’t really get the roles I was looking for. But it’s worked out pretty well for me...

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Q: Do you have any advice to give other women who may be struggling to realise their dreams or find happiness? HAYEK: Be yourself. Live the way you want and try to find positive people and forces around you who will help you realise your ambitions and dreams. We don’t have to conform to the latest fashion and trends. Look at me. I’m short, I have big boobs, and they never make clothes that really fit me. So I find things that I can wear, I have them altered, and usually I feel very sexy in clothes. But that’s only one way to display your sexuality and femininity. I think real men like real women who think and feel things passionately. So indulge your passions! Q: Making The Prophet is obviously your way of paying tribute to your Lebanese roots and yourloveofyourgrandfather. Isitalsoalegacyforyourdaughter? HAYEK: Of course. Besides being a beautiful lesson in life, the film will remind her of her origins, because it’s my love letter to the Lebanese part of my heart...I want my daughter to get to know that side of her mother’s history as well as her French background. It’s important for children to have roots

SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

I’VE HAD TO FIGHT VERY, VERY HARD FOR EVERY SILLY SMALL ROLE

CANDY FLORALE

The newest treat from Prada’s Candy collection brings together a world of imagination and sweet sensual elements of fresh Spring blossoms. Prada takes us on a journey in search of this perfect flower composed of a myriad of floral notes brought together to cre-

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ate the delicate Candy. The fragrance’s bottle features a white and pink palette to compliment its floral tones, holding inside light powdery notes infused with warm honey sweetness. Candy is a wondrous and sophisticated flower, unique to the woman wearing it

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OUT + ABOUT

MADNESS IN BEIRUT THINGS TO DO THIS JULY / AUGUST! THERE ARE SO MANY EVENTS HAPPENING OVER THE NEXT TWO MONTHS, IT’S – DARE WE SAY IT – OVERWHELMING. BUT DON’T LET THE SUMMER PASS YOU BY WITHOUT HITTING UP SOME OF THESE EVENTS. THEY’RE SURE TO MAKE THE NEXT FEW MONTHS TOTALLY MEMORABLE.

NIGHT HIKE & TREE-HOUSE DINNER WITH VAMOS TODOS Go hiking with Hikingo and enjoy the wonderful natural scenery of Oyoun El Samak, with its waterfalls, valleys and beautiful lake. A great resource of untapped beauty waiting for your discovery. Meeting Point: Alfa (Furn el Chebbak) under the bridge, near the city furniture and Sagesse University. SUNDAY, JULY 13TH 2014 | 6:30AM -> 6:00PM | +961 3 469255 | 40,000 LL | /EVENTS/255406027994430

IMAGINE DRAGONS AT THE JOUNIEH FESTIVAL Las Vegas-based indie rockers Imagine Dragons take their desert-born stadium rock to Beirut, blending synth-based dance-pop with emotionally charged, Brit-pop-inspired alt-rock. MONDAY, JULY 7TH 2014 | 8:30PM -> 11:30PM +9619913000 | FROM 75,000 LL TO 225,000 LL | JOUNIEHINTERNATIONALFESTIVAL

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SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

MADNESS IN BEIRUT | THINGS TO DO THIS JULY / AUGUST

VANDIT NIGHT WITH PAUL VAN DYKE Poliakov Vodka proudly presents, after a long absence from the Beirut scene, Grammy nominated DJ/producer and dance music icon Paul Van Dyk. Accompanied by five Vandit Label DJs, expect to pull an all-nighter as you dance to trance, fist pumping, for as long as you can stay on your feet. MONDAY, JULY 28TH 2014 | 10:00PM -> 4:00AM | PIER 7 SEA SIDE ROAD | +961 70 697 777 |$50 to $100 | /EVENTS/570290949751551

ELLIE GOULDING AT BIEL Chart-topping, award winning pop star Elie Goulding is making her way through to let it burn in Beirut. And burn she will, with her catchy lyrics, dynamic lyrics and pulsating energy. FRIDAY, JULY 25TH 2014 | 8:00PM -> 10:00PM | EHDEN ZGHARTA DISTRICT EHDENIYAT

JULIO IGLESIAS AT THE EHDENIYET FESTIVAL Blessed with good looks and a powerful voice, Julio Iglesias is one of the most popular and enduring figures in the history of Latin music. He’s a true international superstar who has sold over 300 million albums copies of his 80 albums released worldwide, including original versions in various languages, compilations and live albums. FRIDAY, JULY 25TH 2014 | 8:00PM -> 10:00PM | EHDEN ZGHARTA DISTRICT | EHDENIYAT

AMERICAN WRESTLING RAMPAGE Wrestling Superstars and Former WWE champions are taking a break from their shows in the US to take part in one giant extravaganza in Lebanon. The show will feature action-packed wrestling from former WWE champions, John Morrison (aka Johnny Nitro) and Carlito, plus the “Masterpiece” Chris Masters, The French Phenom Rene Dupree, the Chaotic Maniac Sabu and a female tag match. AUGUST 8 AND AUGUST 9 2014 | 7:30PM -> 10:30PM | FORUM DE BEYROUTH | /EVENTS/336002109880937

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OUT + ABOUT

MADNESS IN BEIRUT | THINGS TO DO THIS JULY / AUGUST

LIGHT FM CELEBRATES 25 YEARS AT THE ZOUK MIKAEL FESTIVAL Check out what the best of Lebanon’s local musicians have to offer, with bands like Mashrou’ Leila, Who Killed Bruce Lee, The Wanton Bishops, Pindoll, Sandmoon, and Loopstache giving their versions of your favorite hits and introducing you to their own unique sounds. This concert is all about celebrating 25 years of Light FM Radio’s contribution to the Beirut music scene. SATURDAY, AUGUST 2ND 2014 | 6:00PM -> 2:00AM | ZOUK MIKAEL ROMAN AMPHITHEATER | +961 9 212 212 | 60,000 LL | /EVENTS/612456615516737

UNINTERRUPTED FUNNY OBSERVATIONS WITH NEMR ABOU NASSAR Check out MixFm’s infamous radio host Nemr Abou Nassar’s brand new show called “Uninterrupted Funny Observations” with a new set of stand-up comedy material that you don’t want to miss. Tickets available at Virgin Ticketing Box Office. TUESDAY, JULY 29TH 2014 | 8:30PM -> 11:00PM | BIEL (BEIRUT INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION & LEISURE CENTER)PORT OF BEIRUTDOWNTOWN | +961 1 995 555 | $30 TO $70 | OFFICIALNEMRCOMEDY

THE BAALBECK INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL The Baalbeck International Festival is back in 2014 with another great series of concerts and performances, including live concerts by Assi El Halani, Dhaffer Youssef, Tania Saleh and more. THE BAALBECK TEMPLES |

BAALBECKINTERNATIONALFESTIVAL

MASSIVE ATTACK AT BYBLOS Iconic British band Massive Attack are widely considered to be the founders and catalysts of trip hop. Their unique “Bristol sound” remains one of the most influential of the last 20 years. With a collision of music, visuals and technology, expect this to be one of the best concerts of the summer. TUESDAY, JULY 29TH 2014 | 8:30PM -> 11:30PM | BYBLOS UNESCO SQUARE, JBEIL | +961 9 542 020 / +961 3 538 536 | 60,000 LL TO 150,000 LL | /EVENTS/626950260722143

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OUT + ABOUT

MADNESS IN BEIRUT | THINGS TO DO THIS JULY / AUGUST

GEORGE WASSOUF AT BEIRUT HOLIDAYS

OPEN AIR BATROUN FESTIVAL

Kicking off the annual Beirut Holidays festival on July 29 is a performance by George Wassouf. Witness the return of the Sultan of Tarab as he re-emerges from a long hiatus to perform an eagerly anticipated concert. Other performances in the festival to watch out for: Tamer Hosny on August 2, and a tribute to Wadee el Safi on August 12.

The beautiful town of Batroun opens the doors of all its pubs for one wild night of fun with international DJs and a surprise guest, as per usual. This annual celebration never fails to disappoint.

TUESDAY JULY 29TH 2014 | 9:00PM -> 11:00PM | BEIRUT SOUKS DOWNTOWN BEIRUT | +961 1 989 040 | BEIRUTHOLIDAYS

SATURDAY, AUGUST 23TH 2014 | 9:00PM -> 3:00AM | PART OF THE BATROUN INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL 2014BATROUN HARBOR | BATROUNINTERNATIONALFESTIVAL

STROMAE Just because “outai, papa outaaaai”. (And also because he’s a lively singer with some pretty fantastic songs.) BYBLOS, UNESCO SQUARE | +961 9 542 020 / +961 3 538 536 | /EVENTS/281247338716065

PUREINK PRESENTS HERNAN CATTANEO AND NICK WARREN This summer, two of the world’s legendary DJs, Hernan Cattaneo and Nick Warren, grace Beirut city at a prime location right along the capital’s incredible waterfront. FRIDAY AUGUST 15TH 2014 | 9:30PM -> 4:00AM | SAINT GEORGES YACHT CLUB & MARINA AIN EL MREISSEH | +961 3 810 618 | /EVENTS/632001383554573

BEIRUT AT THE BYBLOS FEST Every indie-rock Lebanese fan has been restlessly waiting for this occasion (perhaps ever since curiosity got the better of them and they decided to find out which American band had named themselves ‘Beirut’). With their transcendental music and powerful lyrics, this band is sure to blow away the anxious crowd of Byblos with their daring, melancholic mix of Balkan folk, Western pop and Mexican marching-band percussion. It feels a little too surreal. BYBLOS, UNESCO SQUARE | +961 9 542 020 / +961 3 538 536 | 60,000 LL TO 120,000 LL | / EVENTS / 235729693304105

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CULTURE CLASH

ARTIST

SHOWCASE

PATRICK HOBEIKA BY KAYLYN HLAVATY

For some employed individuals, pursuing a passion and having it as a career is a far reach, but for Patrick Hobeika, launching a career to include his passion: interior design and painting, was not a question. When an artist starts to create a collection, finding support and the motivation to create an open for display may sometimes be daunting, but for Hobeika, his work drew support from family, friends and strangers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I was drawing and finishing a piece, friends and colleagues would suggest I showcase my pieces in an exhibition. I always thought about it before, but having the support from people I trust, pushed me to create a collection,â&#x20AC;? said Hobeika.

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SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

ARTIST SHOWCASE | PATRICK HOBEIKA

A little under a year later, Patrick opened up his art to the artistic goers of Lebanon and showcased his first collection at the charming, stone building, “Voutes LEROY-College St. Joseph des Lazaristes- in Antoura. Patrick’s collection titled, “Danser La Vie” was created to reflect the sport of dancing. “I took dancing as my subject form because dancing is an artistic form in itself. From the movements of a dancer to the range of emotions such happy to sad to angry, I wanted my art to reflect this sense of connection,” Hobeika said.

I TOOK DANCING AS MY SUBJECT FORM BECAUSE DANCING IS AN ARTISTIC FORM IN ITSELF

Aside from the dancing exhibition, Patrick likes to stay in the realm of abstract drawing and painting. But he wasn’t always focused on the abstract form. While in university studying painting, he played around with different mediums and subjects. Prior to painting abstracts, he focused his work on classical subjects such as humans, fruits and other objects. While showing off his earlier work, Patrick points out that he tried his hand at gold paper when creating pieces of Buddha. He says it is important for him to switch his technique and subject matter because experimenting is

how he can learn what medium and subjects he wants to specialize in. While painting is time consuming, he manages to find time to still pursue interior design. Often, his paintings influence his interior design, either by placing his work in a given space, or drawing out the specific chair or table for a room. “Painting is my hobby, both worlds merge together. I’m doing something I love with my hands and mind. When I’m tired from doing interior design, I start to draw and put the brush on the canvas,” said Hobeika. “It puts me at peace.” After a successful first exhibition, Hobeika plans to further his painting endeavors. From start to finish, Hobeika learned some valuable lessons along the way.

I’M DOING SOMETHING I LOVE WITH MY HANDS AND MIND “I learned to paint a subject different way and to be more professional. I realized I have to look beyond the painting as a whole and focus on details,” Hobeika explained. “I also realized I have to produce paintings of various sizes for different client profiles.” In the coming future, Hobeika wants to work on another exhibition. He says that he wants to showcase one outside of Lebanon for others to see. In the meantime, he will continue to craft his abstract style with splashes of color, stroke by stroke

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WHY IS THE SWAP OF AMERICAN PRISONER BOWE BERDAHL A PROBLEM?

The code of the US Army is “Leave No Soldier Behind”. Nevertheless, the country went into dispute after President Obama cut a deal with the Taliban to trade an imprisoned sergeant with 5 terrorists detained in Guantanamo Bay. Sergeant Bowe Berdahl, captive of the Taliban for almost 5 years, was released to the U.S. army on May 31st. The deal was dangerous: First, because 5 dangerous terrorist leaders were reimbursed their freedom and allowed to rejoin the battlefield. More importantly, it has set a dangerous precedent: If prisoners could now be exchanged for army hostages, then soldiers have become valuable currency and the Taliban have just found an incentive to kidnap Americans in uniform. However, those aren’t even the reasons that sparked the outrage. The POTUS is required to notify congress of any Guantanamo bay transferal at least 30 days before the transfer happens: a law that Obama has decided to use his executive powers to override. The reason? Secrecy. National Security officials feared that notifying congress would compromise the mission. Naturally, keeping Congress in the dark was viewed as an act of contempt by Obama’s critics. It did not help that many accuse Berdahl of being a deserter. Obama himself remains confident about his decision: “Regardless of circumstances, […] we still get an American prisoner back,” he said. “Period. Full stop. We don’t condition that.” RAGMAG’S VOTE DANGEROUS

WHAT IS THE #YESALLWOMEN TREND ABOUT? When women around the world demand gender equality, the response is that “not all men” are sexist. #YesAllWomen was women’s powerful reply: Not all men are sexist, but “yes all women” are subjected to sexism. The hashtag trended immediately, and tweets described the discrimination women face daily. One woman tweeted: “I shouldn’t have to hold my car keys in hand like a weapon & check over my shoulder every few seconds when I walk at night.” But the Twitter discussion wasn’t brought about spontaneously. In fact, it was a tragic shooting in the University of California that left 6 students dead and 13 injured that had triggered the debate. On May 23rd, Eliott Rogers, a college student filled with resentment for not being noticed by women, set in motion a plan that culminated with him shooting students on campus and then himself. In a YouTube video he had released, Rogers blames “the cruelness of women”.

The story has incited intense reproach from feminists who believe Roger’s motives stem back to his sense of male entitlement. The accuracy of that claim is irrelevant, what matters is that, regardless of its motives, the crime broke the comfortable silence that the world had grown accustomed to when it came to women’s right violations. The question is for how long?

FIVE QUESTIONS THE WORLD IS ASKING

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RAGMAG’S VOTE WHERE IS THE WORLD GOING TO SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

BY JONATHAN DAGHER

In the popular books and movies, The Hunger Games, the oppressed citizens of Panem protest against the despotic President Snow by raising their three middle fingers in the air as a sign of rebellion. In the past few days, however, the symbolic gesture outgrew its fictional setting and has gotten adopted by the Thai people in their demonstrations against the recent coup d’etat. The coup was conducted on May 22nd under the leadership of Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, and since then, the military has suspended the constitution and imposed martial law. In addition to imposing a curfew on citizens, the military has also attacked journalists and banned all gatherings. The coup happened after months of political turmoil. Nevertheless, the parallels between Bangkok and Suzanne Collin’s fictional world are painful. Citizens of Thailand noticed the analogy and have taken to raising their three fingers in the air in silent protest. General Chan-ocha, who we’re guessing hasn’t read the books, has already imposed a ban on the hand gesture for fears that it could provoke rebellion. This isn’t the first literary allusion in Thailand’s protests: In a silent demonstration, citizens stood in a square and read George Orwell’s 1984. Fiction has always been a powerful weapon, but this time, Katniss Everdeen just might be Chanocha’s worst nightmare. RAGMAG’S VOTE NIGHTMARE

WHAT DOES THE HUNGER GAMES HAVE TO DO WITH THAILAND’S COUP D’ÉTAT ?

WHO HAS GANG-RAPED AND MURDERED THE TWO INDIAN GIRLS? The scrawny bodies of two dead Indian cousins were found hanging from a Mango tree in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The two girls from a lower caste, according to the state’s hierarchal system, were on their way to the fields when they were kidnapped, gang-raped, and then lynched by five men, according to initial reports. Autopsies showed evidence of brutal rape and death by asphyxiation due to hanging. Three of the suspects and two policemen accused of being unresponsive got arrested. A few days later the police issued a conflicting report stating that the women had been strangled before they got lynched, and the 5 men might in fact be innocent. They are

pointing fingers at the families of the victims who now have to undergo an investigation. The police suspect an honor killing. However, the victim’s parents claim that authorities are framing them for political reasons: to protect the real criminals who were of a higher caste. Now that the world has its eyes on the crime, the alarm has been sounded on the alarming rates of sexual violence in India. The UN has demanded justice, while UNICEF said that there can be “no justification”. But do these cries fall on deaf ears when the best response of the state’s former chief minister himself is: “boys will be boys”? RAGMAG’S VOTE TRAGIC

WHAT HAPPENED TO HUMANITY? After days of brutal fighting between Israel and Palestine, and the bloodshed of innocent civilians, there is only one startling question; what happened to humanity? Thousands of rockets have been launched and already hundreds of Palestinians have been killed with over 30 children falling victim to the onslaught. And of course, there is always the same unconvincing nonsense from the Israelis; ‘the target of the strike was Hamas terrorist operatives’. While efforts have been made by Egypt to end the bloodshed, Hamas rejected the plans, saying they did not meet the requirements they had asked for. Ten days into the

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battle, the two states agreed to a five-hour ceasefire. Palestinians rushed to banks and local shops to bulk up on food and other necessities for their families, not knowing when or if there was going to be another ceasefire. Celebrities from all around the world have taken to social media to voice their support for Gaza. Pop singer Rihanna tweeted the hashtag #FreePalestine, and Lebanese singer, Assi al-Hilani posed the question, “Where are you Arabs?” If there is one thing that the world is united on it’s that this is not about religion, it’s about humanity. RAGMAG’S VOTE HUMANITY HAS FAILED

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MON AMOUR, MON AMI

THE GUY’S GUIDE

TO SURVIVING CHICK FLICKS AND ROMANTIC COMEDIES

Why do women drag guys to chick flicks? Why do the movie studios continue to crank out those silly, sappy romantic comedies year after year? Because women want to see these films and they want their dates to see them for a very important reason. So the next time your date insists on going to see the latest romantic comedy, stuff your mouth with popcorn, sit down and watch the film. You might learn something. In 2008, moviegoers spent $322 million dollars at the box office on romantic comedies and the majority of those tickets were sold to women. That number is expected to double by the end of 2009. So the question is, do women really want to date the hero of their own personal romantic comedy? Yes! Women drag guys to see these films because they want to show guys their ideals. While romantic comedies are based in fantasy, women secretly yearn to experience their own personal romantic adventure and you can be the hero they’ve been dreaming about.

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But before you can play the role of the romantic comedy hero, you’ve got to know the rules of a romantic comedy film. Here’s the general formula: Girl meets boy, but boy is flawed. Boy overcomes his flaws and they both live happily ever after. Believe it or not, this is the basic formula that exists, not only in the movies, but in real life. Let’s look at the four basic rules of romantic comedy films and how you can use those rules to your advantage and become the hero that women want. At the very least, your next experience of being dragged to a romantic comedy flick will be less painful and you might even learn something.

SO THE QUESTION IS, DO WOMEN REALLY WANT TO DATE THE HERO OF THEIR OWN PERSONAL ROMANTIC COMEDY SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

THE GUY’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING CHICK FLICKS AND ROMANTIC COMEDIES

RULE #1 THE HERO IS PURSUING A WOMAN. HE WANTS TO WIN THE GIRL OR WIN HER BACK. There must be a woman that the hero is pursuing. In the film, Notting Hill, the hero is pursuing a movie star that he meets in his bookshop. In the film, Runaway Bride, a reporter is pursuing a woman who’s about to marry the wrong guy. In the film, Sweet Home Alabama, the hero is trying to win back his ex before she marries someone else.

HOW TO APPLY RULE #1: This first rule is the easiest one to apply. Ask a woman out for a date. Congratulations! You’re now starring in your own romantic comedy and you’re the hero.

THERE MUST BE A WOMAN THAT THE HERO IS PURSUING

RULE #2 THE HERO HAS MINOR FLAWS THAT HE MUST OVERCOME IN ORDER TO WIN THE GIRL. We’ve all got flaws just like characters in the movies. But what do we mean by minor flaws? Example; he can’t commit, he can’t trust women because his heart has been broken, he’s too poor for the girl, he still lives with his parents, etc. You never see romantic comedy heroes with major flaws like hard-core drug problems, incurable diseases, serial killers, etc. So if you’re not in the seriously flawed category, you’re qualified to become a romantic comedy hero.

SO IF YOU’RE NOT IN THE SERIOUSLY FLAWED CATEGORY, YOU’RE QUALIFIED TO BECOME A ROMANTIC COMEDY HERO

HOW TO APPLY RULE #2: Look at your flaws and be honest about them. What is it that makes you less than perfect? Come up with a plan to overcome these flaws. Example; You’re afraid to have a serious relationship because your parents made each other miserable. Be willing to laugh about it. Tell her some funny stories about how your parents ruined each other’s lives. Perhaps the plan to overcome this flaw is meeting the right girl. In the film, Fever Pitch, the hero must overcome his childish obsession with baseball to win the girl. At the end, he’s willing to sell his season tickets to prove to her that he’s grown up, but of course she doesn’t let him sell his tickets.

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MON AMOUR, MON AMI RULE #3

WHILE TRYING TO WIN THE GIRL, THE HERO IS CHASING SOME OTHER DREAM. In Sweet Home Alabama, the guy is trying to win back the girl and he’s starting his own glass making business in order to establish a good future for himself. He’s got plans and dreams.

THE GUY’S GUIDE TO SURVIVING CHICK FLICKS AND ROMANTIC COMEDIES

MAYBE YOU’RE ALLERGIC TO CATS AND THE WOMAN YOU’VE FALLEN IN LOVE WITH HAS FIVE FELINES

HOW TO APPLY RULE #3: Example; you’re working at a low-paying job that you hate, but your dream is to own your own restaurant or to write the Great American Novel. Don’t be afraid to talk about your dreams and ambitions. Come up with a real plan to achieve your goals and tell her about it.

COME UP WITH A REAL PLAN TO ACHIEVE YOUR GOALS AND TELL HER ABOUT IT

CMY

RULE #4

THERE MUST BE OBSTACLES.

There are always obstacles to overcome in romantic comedies, just as there are obstacles in life. In the film, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, the hero must overcome the fact that he’s not Greek and he has to win over the girl’s family. While obstacles in real life may not be so obvious, they will arise. Maybe you’re allergic to cats and the woman you’ve fallen in love with has five felines.

HOW TO APPLY RULE #4:

Whatever obstacles present themselves, treat them as adventures. Obstacles will come up and the key to overcoming them is to have a sense of humor, be willing to compromise and enjoy the ride. If the two of you can make it through your own romantic comedy script, you’ve struck gold.

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Of course real life isn’t a romantic comedy, but real romance and magic does exist. If you can stomach it, rent some of these films and observe the rules above. Millions of women watch romantic comedies and yes, they are comparing you to the flawed heroes on the big screen. Despite what they say, women want heroes and they want to know how you’re going to overcome your character flaws and be the hero they’ve been dreaming of

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

SIGNS YOU ARE BEING EMOTIONALLY ABUSED BY YOUR PARTNER

The behavior of emotionally abusive partners is extremely painful to endure. People who are emotionally abused often feel belittled, worthless, vulnerable and trapped. However, in spite of the commonplace nature of emotional abuse, many of its manifestations are so subtle and insidious that you may not even trust your own judgment when you first begin to suspect that you are being victimized. Read on to learn about the top ten warning signs that you are being emotionally abused by your partner, and discover what you can do about it.

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YOUR PARTNER ACTS LIKE THEIR HURTFUL REMARKS ARE FUNNY It is extremely common for abusive partners to hide the true nature of their behavior by pretending that the things they say are intended to be humorous. For example, they might mock you for how you look and then innocently claim that you ‘can’t take a joke’ if you object to the apparent cruelty. You may end up feeling awkward and uncertain as a result, wondering if you are bad at comprehending humor or if you can’t lighten up enough to laugh at your own flaws. However, abusers are often the ones who cannot accept or acknowledge their own flaws, and you are likely to start a war if you make any attempts to direct your own form of ‘humorous criticism’ at your partner.

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SIGNS YOU ARE BEING EMOTIONALLY ABUSED BY YOUR PARTNER

YOU PARTNER TREATS YOU LIKE A CHILD

YOUR SEX LIFE IS CONTROLLED BY YOUR PARTNER

Being infantilized by another adult is a particularly troubling form of emotional abuse. If your partner is guilty of this sort of behavior, you may feel as though you have little to no power over your own life. Your commitments and freedoms may be limited by your partner’s tight control of your money, or your partner may try to decide when you can attend social events. If you try to object, your partner may rationalize these restrictions by saying that they are doing you a favor because you do not have the common sense or experience to make such decisions for yourself.

An emotionally abusive partner may use threats and emotional blackmail in order to make sure that they get their own way when it comes to your sex life. For example, you may feel pressured to be physically intimate even when you are feeling unwell or have explained that you are not in the mood for sex, or you may feel forced to perform uncomfortable or unappealing sex acts for fear that your partner will leave you if you do not conform to their every desire. If you try to object to a significant extent, your partner might tell you that you are being selfish or dull.

YOU HAVE TO MONITOR YOUR EVERY MOVE TO AVOID RECEIVING NEGATIVE COMMENTS

or worries because certain things are just not up for discussion. In contrast, healthy partnerships are ones in which no conversation topics are ‘forbidden’ and both parties feel free to express their concerns so that the relationship can be improved.

If you are with an emotional abuser, daily interactions can feel like walking on eggshells and it can seem as though your partner is impossible to please. You may find yourself constantly watching for signs that your partner is going to start criticizing or lecturing you, and you will start to feel that nothing you do is quite good enough. One day, your partner might make derisive remarks about one of your achievements at work or college, while another day the focus of criticism could be one of your hobbies or interests. Eventually, this behavior can lead victims of abuse to feel so insecure that they are simply grateful that anyone is willing to ‘put up with them’. In addition, you may feel as though you have to repress doubts

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YOU MAY FEEL PRESSURED TO BE PHYSICALLY INTIMATE EVEN WHEN YOU ARE FEELING UNWELL

YOUR PARTNER OFTEN THREATENS TO LEAVE It is extremely common for emotionally abusive partners to threaten to end the relationship if you try to resist their attempts to constantly get their own way. If you question their controlling patterns of behavior, this will often spark an overreaction and your partner may try to force you to do what they want by saying that they are sick of the way you are acting and are on the verge of leaving you. Since emotionally abused people tend to have low self-esteem

after months or years or poor treatment, such threats can lead to feelings of panic and desperation. When you are backed into a corner in this way, you may find yourself offering an undeserved apology and a promise to let the emotional abuser get their own way after all.

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

SIGNS YOU ARE BEING EMOTIONALLY ABUSED BY YOUR PARTNER

YOU HAVE BEEN ISOLATED FROM YOUR FRIENDS OR FAMILY Some emotionally abusive people deliberately try to isolate their partners, while others subconsciously implement tactics that achieve the same result. When you are less in touch with your friends and family, it is a lot easier for your partner to continue abusing you without being held accountable. Further, if you feel as though your partner is your main source of companionship, it will be harder for you to make the decision to leave the relationship. If this situation sounds familiar, you should at least consider the possibility that your partner is the one who has created it.

YOUR PARTNER BLAMES YOU FOR EVERYTHING THAT GOES WRONG Emotionally abusive people are typically unable or unwilling to take responsibility for their own flaws and mistakes, so they often place the blame elsewhere. If you are with someone like this, you may have been accused of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;makingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; your partner fly into a rage or you may have been told that you are what stands in the way of your partner having the wonderful life they would otherwise be living.

THIS CAN MAKE YOU DOUBT YOUR VERY SANITY

YOU ARE ACCUSED OF BEING UNFAITHFUL WHEN THERE IS NO EVIDENCE Since emotional abusers have a strong desire to control their partners, they can start to panic and make baseless, insulting accusations whenever they fear that they are losing their grip. For example, your partner might yell at you after a night in the pub with friends, claiming that you are seeing someone else even though there is no reason to believe this is true.

YOUR PARTNER WILL NEVER ADMIT TO BEING WRONG In a healthy relationship, partners can usually meet in the middle after an argument. In most cases, both parties will have done something that warrants an apology. In contrast, emotionally abusive partners will always find a way to describe arguments or disagreements in a way that makes it sound as though you are entirely to blame. In the end, this can make you doubt your very sanity as you repeatedly wonder if you might be the one who has the skewed perspective.

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YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR PARTNER HAS MORE THAN ONE PERSONALITY Finally, it is important to note that emotionally abusive partners are not always horrible to be around. Indeed, in many cases one of the reasons why people who are being abused choose to stay in the relationship is that things are not unbearable all the time. However, your partner may have unpredictable mood swings that make your daily life tense and unnerving. For example, smiles may give way to a sullen mood that has no obvious origin, and a relaxing lunch might quickly transform into your being on the receiving end of a deluge of vicious complaints. If some or most of these signs of emotional abuse paint a picture that sounds painfully familiar, you are in an unhealthy relationship and are in need of help. In some cases, it turns out that abusive partners do not know just how damaging their words and actions can be, and if you intervene in a decisive way then you may find that your partner is shocked by the truth of the situation. In those circumstances, relationship counseling may help to heal your relationship and help your partner change and grow into a more mature and caring person. However, the sad fact of the matter is that many emotional abusers will never be able to admit that their behavior is both cruel and unfair. If your partner refuses to discuss your concerns about emotional abuse, it is vital that you end the cycle of abuse by leaving the relationship behind. If you are struggling with this final decision, seeing a counselor on your own may help you to find the courage that you need

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CULTURE CLASH

INTERVIEW WITH

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OPPOSITE PAGE: BRAZIL CULTURE: PELE IS OFTEN CONSIDERED THE MASTER OF THE GAME, AND IN BRAZIL IS A NATIONAL HERO

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“ MESSI BETTER THAN ME? WHEN MESSI HAS SCORED 1283 GOALS AS I HAVE AND WINS THREE WORLD CUPS, WE’LL TALK ABOUT IT AGAIN.”

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CULTURE CLASH The most recognizable face – and name – in the world’s most popular sport is about to take on an even more public role, as Brazil prepares to host the 2014 World Cup. But even looking to the future, there are some questions from the past that will go forever unanswered. Pelé doesn’t shake your hand; he takes you in his arms and gives you a hug so tight you can hear his heart beating. After the FIFA

Golden Ball award ceremony in Zurich, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pelé, sat down for an extended interview with Le Monde. Now 71 years old and still as stylish as ever, “King” Pelé talks about Brazil hosting the next World Cup, a crown he helped win three times (1958, 1962 and 1970), as well as corruption and racism in soccer. He also can’t resist the age-old question about who is the game’s all- time greatest.

Q: What image of Brazil do you want to show the world? Brazil is the fifth most powerful country in the world! But I would like there to be less poverty and more social equality. After the World Cup, there will be the Olympic Games in 2016. The government and the people must make the most of these important occasions to modernize the country. These two events will consolidate the changes already underway. We want to make sure that the income from the World Cup and the Olympics is shared amongst all the population. We have to do a good job. This will give investors the confidence to come to Brazil: we have lots of space, land and minerals. Now is the time to invest here!

TOP PHOTO: BLOG SU WORDPRESS.COM. , THE GREYZED THEME. | BOTTOM PHOTO: © BISSKEY PARABOLA 2014

Q: What does the 2014 World Cup in Brazil represent for you as its official ‘Ambassador’? I don’t want to give the impression that I am the World Cup. The most important thing is the image of my country and its influence throughout the world. I remember no one really knew about Brazil in 1958 when I went to Europe. When I arrived at the training camp in Switzerland where

the World Cup was being held, the Brazilian flag had a circle instead of the diamond. From then on, I have had just one wish for the World Cup: to use it to help my people, my country.

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TOP PHOTO: PHOTO BY YARON MIMEL PHOTO | BOTTOM PHOTO: BY DON NORTON STARS AND STRIPES

INTERVIEW WITH PELÉ

PELÉ DOESN’T SHAKE YOUR HAND; HE TAKES YOU IN HIS ARMS AND GIVES YOU A HUG SO TIGHT YOU CAN HEAR HIS HEART BEATING Q: What could stop investors from believing in Brazil? It is the political differences in the country that worry us. They could endanger the work currently underway to make the World Cup a success. These internal political problems can also lead to corruption and excessive spending. Spending too much on the construction of the stadiums is out of the question because the money is coming from the people. We cannot afford to find ourselves with these “white elephants,” which won’t have any use after the World Cup. We need to make the most of this opportunity to build schools and universities that will actually be of use afterwards. Q: Brazilian football is also being undermined by corruption ...

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There is some cleaning up to be done, but not only in Brazilian football. Now is the time to clean things up, from the top of FIFA down to the bottom.

Q: How would you explain the fact that Brazil football is no longer at the top of the world rankings? The best Brazilian players develop in Europe. Brazilian clubs have sold far too many players: all the top ones go abroad. This means that the national team doesn’t have enough time to play together. This is proof of the bad management of football. If the top teams, like Flamengo, Corinthians and Vasco, were better run, they wouldn’t need to sell their players all the time. However, our training works well. We just need to keep the young players in the country for longer.

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CULTURE CLASH Q: You were Minister for Sports between 1995 and 1998. What did you take away from that experience? I was very proud of that; I freed Brazilians footballers from slavery. Before I took the post, the player belonged completely to his club: he wasn’t free to transfer, even at the end of his contract. And when some clubs had no money left, they would go to the bank and say: “I will give you my player.” They treated the players like merchandise, like slaves. Fortunately, thanks to Henrique Cardozo who was president at the time, this situation ended in 1996. But we need to go even further. We need to further limit the role of agents, who are given too much importance.

I LIKE MESSI. HE’S A TOP PLAYER

Q: Is there too much money in modern football? No. The only difference with my era is that today there are sponsors involved. The true question is not about money, but who is the best player in the world.

the Argentinian national team he doesn’t have the same level of success. Neymar is also very strong with both feet, very intelligent. This comparison of styles makes me think of (France’s Michel) Platini, who was a very good player, but (the Netherlands’ Johan) Cruyff was quicker.

Q: And who is the best player in the world? Today? I like Messi. He’s a top player. Q: What differentiates you from him? There are some big differences. Technically, we are at practically the same level. With me, nobody ever knew which foot I was going to use: I played with both. I also scored lots of goals with headers. Messi’s left foot is good, but his right foot is better. He is a very good player at Barcelona, but when he plays with

I TOOK MY REVENGE BY SCORING TWO EXTRA GOALS FOR EVERY INSULT Q: You were the first black man to become a minister in Brazil. Is there a problem with racism? Racism doesn’t exist in Brazil. It is absurd to say that there is racism in football. How many matches are played each week throughout the world? A huge number! Football is multi- colored. Q: And yet, you have been insulted on the pitch, haven’t you? Many times, and I took my revenge by scoring two extra goals for every insult. Players apologized after the incident. I have insulted players as well, but it was never racist. With all the media coverage and the Internet, we just talk about it a lot more.

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Q: So, is Messi better than you? It is difficult to say: football lovers would say “he is the man of the moment.” Some will say Beethoven didn’t know how to play the piano, others will say Michelangelo didn’t know how to paint, and Pelé didn’t know how to play football. But we all received a gift from God. When Messi has scored 1283 goals as I have and wins three World Cups, we’ll talk about it again. We don’t need to compare people. Football changes, records are made to be broken, but it will be difficult to beat mine. People ask me all the time “When will the next Pelé be born?” Never! My mother and father have closed the factory.

PHOTO BY YARON MIMEL PHOTO

INTERVIEW WITH PELÉ

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CULTURE CLASH

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Q: How would you like people to remember you? You know, Pelé is the most famous name in the world. I can go anywhere; if I’m looking for a job, I will find one. More seriously, after

my death, I would like people to remember that I was a good person who always wanted to unite people and draw communities together. And for them to remember me as....a good player

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Q: Do you think that you have contributed to changing the image of black people? Yes, I think so. There were two occasions in particular. The 1958 World Cup, when the King of Sweden came down onto the pitch: for the first time in history, there was a photo taken of him shaking hands with a black man. That photo was seen worldwide. The second event was when Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain knighted me; that sent a very important message. Something else also happened to me: in 1975, my contract with Santos ended and Henry Kissinger, then US Secretary of State, came to see me to say: “You have to come to the United States to develop football.” And, in the US, there was racism. I think that my presence on the Cosmos in New York helped to change things. One last anecdote, I went to play in Zaire in 1969 with Santos. The civil war there stopped for our match. At the time, there was no Internet, but everyone found out what happened.

INTERVIEW WITH PELÉ

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NEW + NOW

BAUME & MERCIER LIFE IS ABOUT MOMENTS

Baume & Mercier revisits great celebrations with a new advertising campaign. Under Peter Lindbergh’s sensitive eye, Baume & Mercier reveals intimate, universal photographic stories which seal the decisive and festive moments in each individual’s life. The bond that unites a person to those he loves is sealed, through the promise of an eternal union: the birth of a child, a wedding anniversary, the achievement of a degree or a promotion. Baume & Mercier invites us to remember all these celebrations and to carry them within ourselves, in the same way one wears a cherished object. Baume & Mercier, watchmakers since 1830, have always been a generous Maison that expresses watchmaking excellence in all its creations and through a simple, consistent motto devised by its founders: “Accept only perfection, only manufacture watches of the highest quality”. Baume & Mercier envisions watches as “gifts that contain feelings”. And to turn these emotions into images, both intimate and universal, one could dream of no better artist than Peter Lindbergh, with his sensitive and distinctly cinematographic touch through careful composition with purely emotional truth.

TED BAKER SS14 GET IN ON THE ACT

Fashion’s foremost enigmatic showman, Ted Baker, has set the stage for an eye-popping collection of stylish thrills and frills this SS14. Ted’s sumptuous women’s wear collection puts on a show this SS14 with striking prints, strong silhouettes and intoxicating colors. Theatrical tones and sorbet shades are paired with metallic highlights to create a stylish allure. Botanical beauty provides a focus on prints across clothing and accessories. In contrast, clean lines and structured silhouettes also make an appearance while neon continues to make a statement with Ted’s ‘Electric Dreams’ floral print featuring fluorescent flashes. Ted’s menswear collection, meanwhile, is full of flamboyant polish and panache, offering vibrant colors, original prints and thrilling threads. Stripes, spots, geos and checks appear throughout, whether worn head to toe or as subtle details on clothing and accessories. Ted’s iconic linings reflect the diversity of his latest travels, from English straw boater lining prints to the more exotic parrot print. So get in on the act with Ted this SS14, and enjoy a spectacularly fashionable collection that will take your breath away.

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NEW + NOW

UNITED PARTNERSHIP L’OREAL AND ESSIE An iconic partnership took place recently as beauty giant L’Oréal Group acquired the colorful and trendy American nail polish company, Essie. Essie has an unparalleled array of hues and unforgettable whimsical names with its 240 shades. It truly is color with personality. The award-winning nail polish brand is also known for the highest quality with its long-lasting, chip-resistant formula, available in over 250,000 salons, spas and beauty destinations, in 100 countries. Essie has strong standards and an emotional connection with women all over the world. Continuously diversifying, Essie arrives in 4 seasonal collections, Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter, and 6 specialty collections, Encrusted, Luxeffects, Bridal, Resort, Neon and Breast cancer. Nail color and care are the fastest growing markets in the U.S and around the globe and this partnership can only make each partner stronger.

SCHOOL’S OUT WITH EUCERIN For the next couple of months it’s all about fun in the sun, and yes that means splashing around in the water and don’t forget the must have accessory of the season, floaties. With the increasing effects of global warming, it’s more important than ever to protect your children from the sun’s damaging rays. Eucerin has developed a unique formula to not

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only shield children from the sun with an advanced UV-filter but it also comes with cell and DNA protection, which can also act as a repairing agent to damage caused by UV rays. Eucerin Kids Sun Protection is suitable for children with sensitive and atopic skin. Eucerin Kids Sun Spray SPF 50+ protects from sunburn and reduces the risk of long-term UV skin damages with cell and DNA protection. Sun protection with high SPF, long-lasting water-resistance and doesn’t contain fragrances, that’s what you’ll get with Eucerin’s sun protection products.

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YOU + YOUR COUNRTY

IN OUR DEFENSE ON THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD ‘TERRORIST’

BY JONATHAN DAGHER

They found the head of the victim on a rooftop. It was my first explosion, 11 years ago. I can still recall with a cold chill the quiver in the reporter’s voice as she read the news. Some images never leave you. There was a blast a few days ago. In Hermel, I think. But it was a Saturday night and I didn’t find out about it until Sunday lunch.

Our familiarity with the emotional turmoil that follows a blast is sickening. The mental assessment of how risky the blast was. Is the blast in our Lebanon or theirs? I never knew where the Iranian Embassy was. Almost every day, we learn the name of a new village in the Bekaa and in the North, and shamelessly text our friends “Is Hermel in Lebanon?” Then comes the outrage, where we realize that not everyone is as angry about the blast as we are. There are the first few post-explosion hours when the mask slips off the faces of many and the true hatred in our society reveals itself. When heated arguments burn through the pages of every website, and people’s words sound more violent than the terrorist with the bomb strapped around his waist. There’s the friend who posts “they were asking for it” and the aunt who thanks God for the bomb. This destructive anger is as short lived as it is cruel and misdirected. In the earlier days, the outrage

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used to last longer. A tribute to the victims, a day off. Now we barely get an hour of mourning at noon. Not everyone has this violent reaction, though, and it is important to avoid the generalizations that are just as dangerous as a rigged car. While a bomb kills, generalizations justify the killings. The saddest part is that these events are so frequent, they have become part of the social norm. We just don’t dwell on them anymore. We’ve come to a point where we brush it off

EVERY DAY, THESE DAYS, WE LEARN THE NAME OF A NEW VILLAGE IN THE BEKAA AND IN THE NORTH, AND SHAMELESSLY TEXT OUR FRIENDS “IS HERMEL IN LEBANON?” SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

IN OUR DEFENSE | ON THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD ‘TERRORIST’

WE ARE THE PHOENIX RISING FROM BELOW THE ASHES. WE ARE THE DAREDEVILS WHO PARTY ON ROOFTOPS WHEN WAR RUMBLES A FEW NEIGHBORHOODS AWAY.

WE #STRIPFORCHANGE AND INSIST THAT WE ARE #NOTAMARTYR. SOME DAYS, THESE HASHTAGS ARE ALL THAT KEEP US GOING.

rising from below the ashes. We are the daredevils who party on rooftops when war rumbles a few neighborhoods away. With open arms we survive and we say: I will embrace and love you, stranger, with all your differences. I will not ask why you wear a Hijab or why you choose to drink or why you think the idea of a god is absurd. I will just accept you. There is no remedy to our problem other than accepting everyone as they are. I insist on that. But there is a danger in what has become our thoughtless tolerance and unquestioned acceptance. Is it really acceptance when it comes with avoidance? What passes off as acceptance, in in fact another form of indifference that disguises itself with shiny slogans and hip catchphrases that fail to graze the surface of the real problem. While we mean well and want to just live, our reactions are, in reality, alarmingly close to the labels of “careless” and “indifferent”. We want so bad to live together but we don’t care to get to know each other. Instead of looking for the

differences and solving them, we deny their existence and drown them in rosy images of an ideal Lebanon. Not only is our way suffocating, on the long term, it also doesn’t work. It doesn’t matter how hard we try to deny it, the fact that we are different will slap us in the face the moment an explosion occurs. But what choice do we have? In the land of fight or flight, we are given the chance to do neither. Fleeing is scorned and you can’t fight a stolen, rigged Toyota with tinted windows. Afraid of becoming like those who provoke and burn tires, we choose to do what we do best. We adapt. It’s a tough pill to swallow: accepting the fact that at the end of the day, our good intentions are just as detrimental to our country as the actions of those who accuse and add fuel to the

IN THE LAND OF FIGHT OR FLIGHT fire. Are fight and flight our only options? Are we either tearing at each other’s throats or ignoring our differences and drowning in apathy? Not really. Because this is not apathy. We are not normalized. We are afraid. You can’t normalize the bloodshed. You can tell it still hurts us every single moment. We might not be hiding under the covers, but there is a fear that has become a part of who we are. Fear has become as Lebanese as the eternal cedar. How else do you begin to explain the way our breathing automatically goes off autopilot

with a frustrated sigh and accept that there’s not much we can do about the situation. We used to read the news and voice our outrage but have come to resort to “quieter” means of online activism and clever campaigns. We #StripForChange and insist that we are #NotAMartyr. Some days, these hashtags are all that keep us going. Nevertheless, there are those who, understandably, believe that our efforts aren’t enough and criticize our lack of action. They label us indifferent. Some say we’ve normalized; some use the more romanticized connotations of “adapted to the situation”. We figure that the best thing we can do is to be as good citizens as we can, to insist on living our life the way we want to live it and to love and accept those who are different. We’ve heard it everywhere. We are the phoenix

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YOU + YOUR COUNRTY

IN OUR DEFENSE | ON THE ORIGIN OF THE WORD ‘TERRORIST’

IT’S NOT BIGOTRY OR RACISM. IT’S FEAR. FEAR THAT AT ANY SECOND WE ARE GOING TO BE RIPPING EACH OTHER TO PIECES this country are the true terrorists at the end of the day. We could harbor the friction between us to light a fire that will burn our terror down. This is how a true phoenix is born. ‘Terror’ is the root word of terrorism, and no bomb will ever cripple our country more than fear

when we drive into an unknown neighborhood: One that is probably as harmless as our own, but that doesn’t matter, because we are afraid by default. This is what it is, mostly. Isn’t it? It’s not indifference. It’s not bigotry or racism. It’s fear. It grips our veins a little tighter with every new blast. To fight fear we must dismantle its parts. We do this by working up the courage to examine

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CMY

THAT’S WHEN “THEY” WOULD HAVE WON, THE ABSTRACT TERRORISTS, WHEN THEY GET US TO CENSOR OURSELVES

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OMAR IBRAHIM REUTERS CORBIS | AFP/GETTY IMAGES | NICKOLDSTOCK.COM

ARE WE EITHER TEARING AT EACH OTHER’S THROATS OR IGNORING OUR DIFFERENCES AND DROWNING IN APATHY?

our differences. We don’t have to carelessly dive into the void of land mines. How about we try dismantling them, one piece at time. We can’t be afraid of having a strong political opinion. An in-your-face, rude one, even, if that’s how we feel. And we shouldn’t feel guilty about wanting to argue with those who disagree with it. That’s when “they” would have won, the abstract terrorists, when they get us to censor ourselves. When they get us to become so afraid of each other that we drown ourselves in apathy. This is when we become the very terrorists we’re afraid of. It’s called listening, and disagreeing, and arguing and reconciling. It’s called reading and knowing and it is far better than living in fear. Because fear of the other and fear of failing at

IT’S A

ACLE! Old Whites are still as BRIGHT

CMY

OMAR IBRAHIM REUTERS CORBIS | AFP/GETTY IMAGES | NICKOLDSTOCK.COM

, perfect care for special fabrics JUL | AUG 2014

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NEW + NOW

15 YEARS OF ABED EL WAHAB If having multiple restaurants all around the Middle East in cities such as Beirut, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Manama and Riyadh wasn’t enough, there was even more reason to celebrate at Abd El Wahab restaurant which marked 15 years of serving delicious gourmet Lebanese food.

Executive chef and co-founder, Elias Andraous, hosted the event with a fancy dinner featuring his famous home-made signature dishes on the restaurant’s Summer terrace. From its delicious Samkeh Harra and Kebbeh Nayyeh to its sweet Ashta and Dates with Honey, its definitely the place to indulge in authentic Lebanese food set in the perfect mood with a lavish oriental décor and warm atmosphere presenting worldrenowned Lebanese hospitality.

LA FRANCE A BEYROUTH ‘La France a Beyrouth’ another successful event put on by Francofolie brought fun and excitement to Uruguay and Argentine streets in Beirut on May 11. Following the success of La Folie Rouge held in Winter, this season’s street festival seen thousands of ‘Francofoux’ and ‘Francofolles’ from all generations take the streets in an uplifting manner as good vibes filled the atmosphere. A street party was ‘au rendes-vous’, with great entertainment for everyone including stilt walkers, mimes, fire breathers, living statues and other performances dazzled the crowd with beats spun by DJ Marc. The largest francophone event of the year was complete with an interactive outdoor space, with impoverished tables and wine and canapés live stations.

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NEW + NOW

JAGUAR LAND ROVER MENA Jaguar Land Rover continues to receive automotive accolades for its strongest ever line-up by racking up 17 automotive awards in the last year alone. This impressive figure is in addition to the numerous global awards already on mantle for the luxury British car brand. The Range Rover led the charge by winning “Best SUV” from Automobile magazine. Since its launch in 2012, the world’s most refined and capable luxury SUV has continued to garner accolades in the MENA region, winning “Best Large SUV” from Car and Driver ME and “Best Luxury SUV” at the highly coveted Middle East Motoring Awards last year. The All-New Range Rover Sport lived up to its reputation as the fastest, most agile and most responsive Land Rover ever built by sweeping an impressive five “SUV of the Year” awards across the region from Sport Auto, EVO ME, Wheels, Automan and Auto Sport. Building on its wealth of global accolades, Jaguar also received an incredible string of regional awards thanks to its highly acclaimed Jaguar F-TYPE which was awarded “Best Convertible” by Car and Driver ME, EVO ME and Wheels within three consecutive months. The highly acclaimed two-seater, all-aluminum Jaguar F-TYPE was named “Best Premium Sports Convertible” and “Car of the Year” at the prestigious Middle East Motoring Awards and was also bestowed the same title by Auto Sport, while Automan credited it with the title of “Best Debut 2013”.

NEW MASERATI GHIBLI UNVEILED IN BEIRUT G.A. Bazerji & Sons, the official distributor of Maserati in Lebanon, had the pleasure to host an exclusive event to celebrate the launch of the all-new Maserati Ghibli. With the Ghibli Maserati enters the E-segment by combining breathtaking design with exceptional handling qualities and outstanding performance. Making inspirational motoring more accessible, Maserati’s new 4-door sports executive sedan, appeals to the heart, the head and the soul. The launch marks a turning point in Maserati’s history giving the Italian marque two concurrent four-door sedan models for the first time in its 100-year history. The Ghibli provides a cornerstone in Maserati’s plan to build 50,000 cars a year by 2016. It is the second model after the flagship, the Quattroporte, to be manufactured to new benchmark quality standards in Maserati’s new state-of-the-art production facilities in Grugliasco. The new Maserati Ghibli is now available at the G.A. Bazerji & Sons showroom, with a wide variety of customization options, customers can also order the Ghibli tailor-made to their individual tastes.

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CULTURE CLASH

‘

HAYDA LEBNEN S

WORLD CUP CHEERING MANUAL

BY SARAH HOURANY

The event you have been all waiting for has finally come and gone! The 2014 World Cup! It has left such a big impact on us that we felt the need ta ne7ke feya. Eh ma houwe 3a2ses mesh mbayan 2abadan with all the flags that were popping out of cars or dangling from balconies all over Lebanon. Even though our country’s national football failed to qualify for the World Cup since… Umm, NEVER. Us Lebanese, feel more involved in this worldwide event than anyone else on this planet. Halla2 those who have been living here for more than four years know exactly 3an shou 3am mne7ke but newcomers, need to learn how to act during this tournament ta yfouto ma3na bil jaw. Kif?

NA22E FARI2AK! La2 habibi, you cannot watch the games for the sake of watching. You have to pick one team and become its number one fan. This would mean taking the games too seriously (waking up at 4am to watch them); consider yourself me3ne bil team by using “we” instead of “they” (ma nehna el Telyen); and even becoming their spokesperson whenever needed (Ma kenna te3benin lyom/ halakna hal 7akam). Halla2 choosing a team to support is relatively easy. You can either go for the historical choices of Lebanese: Olmania/El-Brazil or select teams that have recently won the World Cup such as Spain (ma el Lebnene deyman ma3 el reb7an). If you are brave enough, you can choose a much less popular team (Croatia, Honduras, Ecuador...) but you would have to bear the consequences of getting out of the competition early (allah ma bikhalsak men lsen as7abak).

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HAYDA LEBNEN | WORLD CUP CHEERING MANUAL

NA22E 3ADOUWAK! You cannot only choose a team to cheer for and forget to pick a team to “hate”, 2enno wen el suspense? Ma 2enno 3anna, it is either March 8 or March 14, Hekme or Riyadi, Geagea or Aoun, Ansar or Nejme. You can’t just admire one side without despising the other! Fa yalla, meeting this requirement is a must as it would allow you to do the following: Tease your friends who support this team when the latter loses a game (more about this in step 4). Increase your happiness levels as you will be happy if your team wins & if your hated team loses. Boost your chance of winning the World Cup, as you are going to end up basically supporting everyone except “3addouwak”. Smart. No?

NAZZIL AKBAR 3ALAM YOU CAN MEN EL BALCON

INCREASE YOUR HAPPINESS LEVELS AS YOU WILL BE HAPPY IF YOUR TEAM WINS & IF YOUR HATED TEAM LOSES

A3LEN MAW2AFAK! The above two choices cannot be made privately. You have to announce it. Otherwise, what is the point of even being part of this event? The announcement can be made using one or all of the methods listed below: On/In your car: Flags, stickers, hats, can all be used to publicly announce who you’re with. Decorations can be placed 3a sa2f l siyara, 3al mreyet, 3al seats w 3a ghata el moteur. Don’t nag if your decorations risk blocking your view while driving. Cars could be fixed kel yom, bass el world cup bteje

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marra kel 2arba3 snin! Bassita!! On your balcony: Nazzil akbar 3alam you can men el balcon to announce lal day3a kella who’s your favorite team this year. If you are not sure what “akbar” means, well it means larger than that of your neighbor’s. On your social media accounts: Shou natir, replace your profile pictures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by the flag of your favorite team. Don’t forget to add hashtags to any picture you upload: #YallaItalyYalla, #BrazilTla3eBarra and #ComeOnEngland are some of the hashtags that have been used. Finally, annoy your friends & followers by as many statuses and tweets before, during and after the game. Examples “GGGOOOOOALLLL”, “We are the Champions” & “Bye Bye ya helwin”. 2arrefon yeha please!

7AR2IS 2AS7ABAK! The loss of your hated team ma fi yemro2 mourour el kiram. Rou7 Riyadiye ma rou7 riyadiye, forget about it. You should make fun of this team’s supporters, mesh kermel shi, bass to increase your serotonin levels! Start with a series of missed calls whenever your friend’s team byekol goal, followed by “HAHAHA” Whatsapp messages and phone calls to say “Mabrouk” live. El sa2ale on social media accounts is also advised. License for creativity here is allowed.

EL SA2ALE ON SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS IS ALSO ADVISED

NA2E MATRA7AK! Where would you watch the game? Well, at home, in a pub or in a restaurant as long as it allows at least 10 people to scream, shout and even curse! Jerseys. Face paint. Costumes, both extravagant and simple are a must. Pay attention not to forget your celebration tools, starting from the annoying zammour to the fer2e3. Also, please keep your car ready as you might end up in a celebration convoy around Beirut that will cause a huge unexpected traffic, because you know, Lebanese need more reasons lal 3aj2a!

Now that you read our detailed ‘how to’ we are expecting you to ask: “3am betzidouwa mahek?” But what can we do, MA HAYDA LEBNEN YA 3AYNEH!

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

THE RISE OF THE

MALE FASHION

BLOGGER BY LEANNE ELAHMAD

Seizing the opportunity to change the mainstream perception of men’s fashion may seem to be a lost cause for those who have some interest. ‘Who cares’ would be the opinion of those who were programmed to believe that a man isn’t supposed to enjoy shopping or put in the effort to look stylish. But Elias El-indari, the creative mind behind Sydney Men’s Fashion Blog (SMF Blog), has made it his mission to inspire males all around the world to take pride in the way they look, and having an eye for styling an impeccable suit, it’s no wonder he is gaining industry accreditation one outfit post at a time. Born in Sydney to Lebanese parents, Elias started his fashion blog in February 2013, mainly because he noticed a gap in the industry with male bloggers. Instantly capitalising on the opportunity, he started taking photos in front of his sister’s wardrobe mirror and posting them on Instagram. 16 months later and SMF has grown to over 22, 000 followers on Instagram.

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SMF is no longer just a guide for fashion inspiration, it now caters for all aspects of a gentleman’s life including style, travel, food, cars, lifestyle, dating, grooming, health and even women related topics. But like most entrepreneurial endeavours it’s challenging to make people understand the point of having a men’s fashion blog. Since society has become heavily accustomed to putting a label on everything, the male fashion blogger unfortunately is no exception. “Many people think I am a model due to their lack of knowledge about blogging. I am far from a model; I am short, hairy and have a big nose.”

SMF IS NO LONGER JUST A GUIDE FOR FASHION INSPIRATION, IT NOW CATERS FOR ALL ASPECTS OF A GENTLEMAN’S LIFE SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

THE RISE OF THE MALE FASHION BLOGGER

LEBANESE GENTLEMEN ARE VERY WELL DRESSED AND PRESENTED. I THINK IT IS IN OUR BLOOD TO DRESS WELL get’ approach. “I am a very straightforward individual. I will never wear something because I was endorsed with the item. If I do not like it, then I will not wear it.” He also gives some credit to being Lebanese. “Lebanese gentlemen are very well dressed and presented. I think it is in our blood to dress well. A prominent trait we all possess.” He admits the key to the success of SMF is due to his extreme dedication to networking “because at the end of the day it is who you know, not what you know.”

“I did receive some slack when I first started due to the stigma behind men’s fashion. Everyone automatically assumes you are “gay” if you like dressing well and love shopping.”

“So when I first started the blog, I wanted to make a statement that men’s fashion must become a norm throughout our community.” However, blogging is still only something Elias does on the side, he has relocated to Dubai and is the digital sales executive for Sport360, a daily English sports newspaper. Having experimented with various styles, Elias has recently developed an interest in the “clean-cut suit”. The European inspired suit and tie or a double-breasted blazer and white pants are not being covered by many bloggers, so he is putting his own unique touch on the trend. Perhaps the blog has attracted many followers due to Elias’ ‘what you see is what you

I AM FAR FROM A MODEL; I AM SHORT, HAIRY AND HAVE A BIG NOSE JUL | AUG 2014

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

THE RISE OF THE MALE FASHION BLOGGER

WITH MORE AND MORE PEOPLE EXPANDING THEIR UNDERSTANDING ABOUT BLOGGING, BLOGGERS WILL SOON BE TAKING OVER FROM CELEBRITIES AND SPORTS STARS the start because they love the specific style you are covering.” Build a strong social networking presence; “Luxurious brands, local businesses and even global companies are investing thousands of marketing dollars to grow their social presence online.” He also says to simply engage in conversation with readers and build a relationship with them. So what’s next for SMF? Well Elias hopes to collaborate with luxurious brands by the end of the year and will continue to work to double his readership figures. “With more and more people expanding their understanding about blogging, bloggers will soon be taking over from celebrities and sports stars. There is a huge future for bloggers and it has only just begun.”

AMONG HIS MOST FASHIONABLE PLACES WAS FLORENCE IN ITALY WHEN HE ATTENDED THE PITTI UOMO MEN’S FASHION FAIR EARLIER THIS YEAR He often travels to fashion events around the world just to meet people in the industry and form those vital relationships. Among his most fashionable places was Florence in Italy when he attended the Pitti Uomo men’s fashion fair earlier this year. These extra efforts have provided him with more exposure and led to his current collaborations with brands such as Aquila Shoes, Mavi Jeans, Lacoste, Azzaro, Montblanc, Nike, adidas, Canon Middle East, Mercedes Benz Middle East and Audi Middle East just to name a few.

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His styling ability has earned him privileges such as viewing New York City from the GQ headquarters. But this fashion enthusiast is not the one to shy away from opportunities. “I usually approach brands or clients myself. I am not your every day blogger who sits there and waits to be contacted. I put in the hard yards of covering emails and contacting on the spot. With that being said, many brands have contacted me from their end as well.”However he says there is a gap in the fashion industry with male bloggers, opinion leaders and popular personalities. And he’s got just the tips for aspiring male fashion bloggers … “Pick a specific target audience and cater to them. You need to build a group of loyal and engaging readers who will follow you from

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BREAKING

BAD WITH

STYLE

PHOTOGRAPHY AND CREATIVE DIRECTION BY SANDRA CHIDIAC | DRESSED BY ABC | STYLING BY JONY MATTA MAKEUP BY IVANNA BOU SALEME

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TOP: MAJE SHORTS: MAJE SHOES: BCBG

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DRESS: IRO

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DRESS: MAJE

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CROP-TOP: SEA FOLLY TROUSERS: IRO

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CROP-TOP: SEA FOLLY TROUSERS: IRO

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DRESS: MAJE SHOES: BCBG

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emilio pucci ss 2014

COPYCAT MIX Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; MATCH REAL RUNWAY ragmag shows you how to replicate that runway trend! see our takes on how to make the ready to wear, actually wearable

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SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

ALL IN ONE mason by michelle mason washedsilk playsuit

SUNRISE

michael kors

rosantica la forza necklace marc by marc jacobs ss 2014

by malene birger uminni silktrimmed jersey jumpsuit

HOLD ON TO IT

victoria beckham clutch

chloeĚ carly goldtone ring

fendi printed watersnake

rag & bone ss 2014

ALL IN WHITE stella mccartney ariana open-back cotton-piqueĚ playsuit

sass & bide jumpsuit

vivienne westwood anglomania square mile draped crepe playsuit

moschino olivia leather and metal belt oscar de la renta

tod

SWEET ADDITION monica vinader

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versace ss 2014

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LABONITA ISLA

anna-karin karlsson tropical swarovski crystalsunglasses

COMPLETE IT monica vinader lapis lazuli necklace

PERFECT ENDING

kenzo printed modal and silk-blend scarf

tommy hilfiger ss 2014

ben-amun goldplated chain-link necklace

t by alexander wang classic muscle jersey t-shirt

marni glossedleather shoulder bag

clements ribeiro carioca cotton and silkblend shorts

virzi+de luca goldplated bracelet

TROPICAL EVENING

just cavalli printed stretch-ponte mini dress

just cavali ss2014 kenzo leathertrimmed palm tree-print pvc tote

j.crew collection neon floraljacquard straight-leg pants

kenzo palm tree silver-tone and leather key fob

k jacques st tropez metallic leather sandals

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alexander mcqueen two-tone leather sandals

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alberta ferretti ss 2014

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ZEBRA

CROSSING

maiyet asymmetric gold-plated cuff

tom binns swarovski crystal necklace

holly dyment skull 18-karat gold, spinel and diamond bracelet

emilia wickstead ss 2014

BE ADVENTUROUS anna sui striped chiffon turban

richard nicoll striped woven bustier top

OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE j.crew collection neon jacquard pencil skirt

victoria beckham

WATCH YOUR STEP

mason by michelle mason striped silk gown

cedric charlier ss 2014

mother of pearl + jim lambie striped silk skirt

CLEAN CUT

eﾌ》oile isabel marant metallic leather belt santoni

sophia webster leilou stripe leather, suede and canvas sandals

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RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN

FABIO QUARANTA

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SS 2014

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ETRO

JUL | AUG 2014

SS 2014

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN

VERSACE SS 2014

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ALEXANDRE VAUTHIER

JUL | AUG 2014

SS 2014

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN

ICEBERG SS 2014

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RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR WOMEN

ZUHAIR MURAD SS 2014

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

BEACH BUM RAGMAG’S FAVORITE SWIMWEAR SS2014

RAGMAG brings to you the most-stylish swimsuits Summer 2014 has for your body type. So whatever your choices are high or low, Tankini or Bikini we want you to look the part, feel comfortable and be yourself. Do us a favor when you’re strutting that swimsuit clad body somewhere in the world don’t forget to take a pic with your favorite magazine RAGMAG and send it to us #itsyourmagazine

ERES

les essentiels gredin high-rise bikini

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VICTORIA’S SECRET lattice push-up bandeau, high-rise bikini

NORMA KAMALI

bill halterneck bikini

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BEACH BUM | RAGMAG’S FAVORITE SWIMWEAR SS2014

CROP-TOP

MARA HOFFMAN printed bikini

LISA MARIE FERNANDEZ two-tone bikini

T BY ALEXANDER WANG

MARA HOFFMAN

racer-back bikini

ananda printed underwired bikini

ADIDAS BY STELLA MCCARTNEY swim cutout bikini

WOMEN’S SECRET

ROSANTICA

WOMEN’S SECRET

rosarietto gold-dipped agate belly chain

VICTORIA’S SECRET

ITEMS

crop rashguard

ALEXANDER WANG prisma silicone tote

KOKU ioli appliquéd canvas tote

HAVAIANAS

GUCCI printed beach towel

neon rubber flip-flops

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

BEACH BUM | RAGMAG’S FAVORITE SWIMWEAR SS2014

ONE PIECE MARA HOFFMAN

ZIMMERMANN

printed swimsuit

floral-print swimsuit

LISA MARIE FERNANDEZ

bandeau swimsuit

DOLCE & GABBANA

padded underwired swimsuit

T BY ALEXANDER WANG

mesh-paneled swimsuit

ROSANTICA

appeso gold-dipped multi-colour anklet

ITEMS

WOMEN’S SECRET MICHAEL KORS

unwired bandeau swimsuit

santorini leather-trimmed raffia tote

DOLCE & GABBANA

kendra leathertrimmed raffia tote

MICHAEL MICHAEL KORS

pvc sandals

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KARL LAGERFELD

cotton-terry beach towel

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ARE YOU

100% confident girl Get your confidence on with Head & Shoulders

“

Confident women are the ones who are impeccably dressed and perfectly groomed, day in day out

”

JUL | AUG 2014

There are two types of women: on one hand, there are those that are interrupted by the small details: the keys they forgot, a broken nail, or an itchy scalp, and it always seems like these things hold them back. On the other hand, there are those girls who are the 100% confident women. They’re the ones who are impeccably dressed and perfectly groomed, day in day out. Being a ‘100% confident girl is easier than you thought. Here’s your simple guide to getting to be the woman you’ve always wanted to be, by Head and Shoulders for girls:

1 2

Spread positivity and expect nothing in return, you’ll be surprised at how much attention you can get from people, when you least expect it.

Speak up. Even if you’re still a junior at work, or even a student, that doesn’t mean that your opinion doesn’t count. You may know more about a certain topic than anyone else in the room, so voice your thoughts and learn how to control a conversation, while knowing when to leave some space for others.

Make use of the compliments you get – it’s the biggest sign of confidence. Don’t just shy away and look down when someone gives you credit. A simple ‘thank you’ will appreciate the other person and get you noticed.

Care for your Scalp While appearances shouldn’t stand in your way, maintaining a healthy, fresh looks is a must. Care for your scalp and keep it in great condition at all times. After all, it’s where healthy hair comes from. Use Head and Shoulders Shampoo & Conditioner regularly with its formula that is suitable for women too, like the Smooth & Silky line-up. It will leave you 100% dandruff free, while keeping your hair moisturized and beautiful.

Don’t let it get to you -it’s important not to be let down by the small things or things that you don’t have control over, such as the heavy traffic or the heat wave. Save your energy for the bigger battles and let the people around you see that you can hang in there, despite all odds.

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

READY, STEADY, GO! RAGMAG TELLS YOU HOW TO WEAR IT BY SALLY NASSAR

what’s more convenient this summer than to own a gorgeous crop top that could be dressed for any occasion. This black knotch hem bandeau is the perfect choice for this season! Slap on a black skirt and some dressy heels, dress it with a cute skirt and a chunky necklace or even throw on a careless maxy skirt with some vintage shades and you are ready to go!

RELAXING EVENING

zara pearl necklace

forever21 turban headband

TOPSHOP miss selfridge wedges

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malene birger maxi skirt

crop-top

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GARDEN SHOW asos floronet headband

proenza schouler black heels

givenchy obsedia clutch in printed leather

tibi black skirt

CLUB IT UP topshop

miss selfridge round necklace

m2malletier la fleur du mal leather clutch

valentino

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

Be it a night out for a fabulous dinner with some friends, a relaxing morning with a quick cup of coffee while you run some errands, or a sunset drink at a glamorous lounge by the sea, these ripped out boyfriend jeans will do you just the trick. Not only are they comfortable and stylish for this summer season, but they can be dressed up or down just the way you’d like it!

alexander mcqueen

NIGHT OUT

topshop

maria black double harper oxidized silver twofinger ring

christian louboutin

ZARA

boyfriend jeans

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SUNSET DRINKS sophie anderson marilu crocheted cotton clutch

givenchy shark tooth necklace in gold-tone brass and stingray

valentino

tamara mellon

TEA TIME

kenzo round-frame acetate and metal sunglasses marc by marc jacobs protection enameled gold-tone charm bracelet

todâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sneakers t by alexander wang

anna coroneo scarf

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CULTURE CLASH

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CAMERON DIAZ on

SEX TAPE

JUL | AUG 2014

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‘’IT WAS A GAME OF COMEDY CHICKEN AND NONE OF US WAS WILLING TO TURN THE WHEEL!’’ Actors and directors often talk about wanting to work together again, particularly when their movie has been both a critical and commercial success. It rarely happens. Following their collaboration on the hit 2011 comedy Bad Teacher, however, director Jake Kasdan and his two leads, Cameron Diaz and Jason Segel, were determined to find another movie project suitable for their combined talents. They found it in Sex Tape. Written by Kate Angelo (The Back-Up Plan), the film follows the hilarious capers of two college sweethearts, Annie (Diaz) and Jay (Segel), whose intense romance has been cooled by a combination of ten years of marriage, two kids and their respective working schedules. It’s a scenario that will resonate with many modern couples and it certainly struck a chord with Cameron Diaz.

THEY WANT TO DO SOMETHING SO OUTRAGEOUS WITH EACH OTHER THAT IT REMINDS THEM THAT THEY WERE REALLY GOOD AT THIS TOGETHER ‘’The couples who I know that have children and have been married for a decade all say it is a challenge for them to find the time to connect at that level, so they have to work at it,’’ the actress explains. ‘’Sex Tape is a film about two people who really love one another. These are two people who have always felt comfortable being vulnerable with one another and showing each other, certainly in a sexual situation, that they are carefree. They are trying to get back to that. They want to show that they can still connect on this level. They want to do something so outrageous with each other that it reminds them that they were really good at this together.’’ In order to reignite their romantic spark, the ‘’outrageous something’’ the couple decide upon making a video of themselves re-enacting chapters from The Joy of Sex using a tablet, some courage and a fair amount of tequila. ‘’It was a game of comedy chicken and none of us was willing to turn the wheel!’’ says Jason Segel of the scene, while Cameron

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CAMERON DIAZ ON SEX TAPE

Diaz recalls it as being, among other things, an exercise in logistics. ‘’While you’re shooting a sequence like that, you’re always aware that everything has to fit inside a screen,’’ she says; ‘’and it’s also about how to get limbs in the correct position for any given shot.’’ The big night goes well for Annie and Jay until the supposedly private (and supposedly erased) contents of the tape are accidentally uploaded to the cloud and the chase to erase begins in earnest. When it comes to making romantic comedies - from My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997) to The Other Woman (2013) - or comedies that push the boundaries (and earn their R ratings), Cameron Diaz has few peers. The 41-year-old actress has been at the top of her profession since raising eyebrows in There’s Something About Mary (1998). And the fact that she’s still raising eyebrows with her choice of roles sixteen years later is a testament to both her dedication and her talent. ‘’No one makes it look easier than Cameron Diaz,’’ says her Sex Tape co-star, Rob Lowe, ‘’and no-one wears the mantle of A-list movie star, sex symbol, icon, great actor and comedienne better than Cameron. She has the common touch, but she is also unbelievably sophisticated at the same time. She’s the real deal.’’

‘’NO ONE MAKES IT LOOK EASIER THAN CAMERON DIAZ,’’ SAYS HER SEX TAPE CO-STAR, ROB LOWE JUL | AUG 2014

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CULTURE CLASH

The real deal, indeed, and an actress who refuses to let age be a factor when it comes to choosing her film projects. ‘’People always ask are you worried about good roles now that you’re not 20 anymore,’’ Cameron explains. ‘’I’ve continuously got better roles as I’ve gotten older. Look at all these women who get nominated for Academy Awards every year - Dame Judi Dench, Emma Thompson, etc they are the ones getting the great roles. It’s not the ingénues, the people just playing ‘’The Girl’’, who are getting the great roles. I feel very grateful. I feel really lucky that I get to make movies. I don’t think that I’m entitled to it: it’s a privilege. Every time I make a movie, I work my ass off, I do my best, and I try to put things out there that people will enjoy. And I do it with gratitude.’’ Looking at the range of her films to date (from Charlie’s Angels to Gangs of New York to Being John Malkovich), it’s clear that Cameron Diaz has become an impossible actress to typecast. In the last year alone, she has made a romantic comedy (The Other Woman), an R-rated comedy (Sex Tape), a Broadway adaptation (Annie), and even found time to play her darkest role yet, one half of a powerful drug couple, in Ridley Scott’s The Counsellor. ‘’I thought it would be fun to play a sociopath!’’ says Cameron. ‘’You don’t turn down the chance to work with Cormac McCarthy’s words; or the chance to work with Ridley, Javier Bardem, Michael Fassbender, Penélope Cruz, etc. You pray to God that you can step up and do the best job you can. I loved that character: I loved her unapologetic way. There was something in the words that I got to say through her that were so honest. If everybody could understand themselves at that depth, maybe the world would be a better place.’’

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“PEOPLE ALWAYS ASK ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT GOOD ROLES NOW THAT YOU’RE NOT 20 ANYMORE’’ SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

CAMERON DIAZ ON SEX TAPE

While many actors would prepare for a movie such as Sex Tape by fasting for months and spending every waking hour in the gym, anybody who has read Cameron Diaz’s best-selling tome, The Body Book, will know that she is against the idea of such an approach. ‘’I don’t believe in letting yourself go and then realising that you are over your limit and having to try and work yourself back,’’ she explains. ‘’I try to stay in a relatively middle ground where I’m comfortable with my life, enjoying the things I want to enjoy, but also maintaining a certain level of fitness that makes me feel good on a mental, emotional and spiritual level. I didn’t do anything special for this movie. It’s not like I go, I’m going to be half naked in this movie so I need to do this or that.’’

HER GOALS HAVE REMAINED UNCHANGED SINCE HER SHOW STOPPING DEBUT AS THE OBJECT OF JIM CARREY’S AFFECTIONS IN THE MASK (1994) After twenty years in the movie business, during which time the Long beach native has shot up the A-list, Cameron Diaz has had plenty of time to reflect on her craft. And her goals have remained unchanged since her show stopping debut as the object of Jim Carrey’s affections in The Mask (1994). ‘’If you went back to my very first junket for The Mask,’’ she says, ‘’people asked me the question, where would I like to be in ten years? The answer has been exactly the same since that day. And that is, I just hope to be happy. That is my goal in life; to maintain a good level of happiness, and if that comes from making movies, then great!’’ Meanwhile, with another watercooler movie on her hands in Sex Tape, the actress concludes by reflecting on what she feels is the real villain of the piece in this funny, romantic, irreverent, cautionary tale. ‘’What’s really bad is the cloud,’’ laughs Cameron. ‘’The uncertainty of the cloud is something of which we should all be very, very wary!’’ You heard it here first

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RAPIDBLACK: TRUE BLACK

PENULTIMATE EYE LINER

MIRROR, MIRROR

EVIL GOOD NEVER

LOOKED SO

M•A•C’S MALEFICENT COLLECTION Mysterious, magnificent and much misunderstood – Disney’s most iconic villain, brought to life this summer in the epic new film, “Maleficent,” inspires a limited-edition color collection in specially designed packaging to delight the most demanding of dark sorceresses. Intensely admired for her evil elegance, despite her efforts to instill fear in the hearts of generations, this icon casts a spell of absolute adoration with sensuous shades for eyes, face, lips and nails so wickedly gorgeous, who needs beauty sleep?

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LASHES

36 INDIVIDUAL LASHES | 30 LASHES

LIPSTICK

TRUE LOVE’S KISS: A CLEAN BRIGHT RED (AMPLIFIED)

PRO LONGWEAR LIP PENCIL KISS ME QUICK: COMES IN YELLOW AND RED

NAIL LACQUER

UNINVITED: NEUTRAL NUDE WITH SLIGHT PEARL FLAMING ROSE: TRUE RED NOCTURNELLE: BLACK-AS-NIGHT BLACK

EYE BROWS FLING: LIGHT TAUPE ASH BLONDE JUL | AUG 2014

SCULPTING POWDER

SCULPT: SOFT TAUPE MATTE

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PRO LONGWEAR LIPGLASS ANTHURIUM: CLEAN BRIGHT RED

SCULPTING POWDER

SCULPT: SOFT TAUPE MATTE

MALEFICENT EYE SHADOW QUAD GROUND BROWN: DIRTY DEEP BROWN (MATTE) CONCRETE: MUTED TAUPE BROWN (SATIN) CARBON: INTENSE BLACK (MATTE) GOLDMINE: INTENSE GOLD WITH SHIMMER (FROST)

PREP + PRIME HIGHLIGHTER BRIGHT FORECAST: MID-TONE PEACHY CORAL

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BONBON Mandarin and orange slices with a sprinkle of sun-filled jasmine, crystalized and wrapped in creamy caramel notes sounds like a bonbon perfect for any occasion. And it is with Viktor&Rolfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Bonbon fragrance, a sweet delight for all your senses. The deliciously edible scent invites women to create their own self-indulgent moments. It is a true celebration of empowerment and beauty, symbolized by the design of the bottle in the brands signature bow tie. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the ultimate haute confection

JUL | AUG 2014

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MIRROR, MIRROR

YVES SAINT LAURENT

THE BLEUS LUMIÈRE COLLECTION The inspiration behind Bleus Lumière is YVES Saint Laurent’s utter captivation with the various hues and tinges of blues in the sea. The Summer Look 2014 captures the alluring contrast between the fresh Mediterranean Sea and the glowing warmth of summer beaches…. our favorite combo!

BABY DOLL KISS & BLUSH

KISS YOUR CHEEKS, BLUSH YOUR LIPS Yves Saint Laurent introduces a double play of color for lips and cheeks. A cross between a lip color and a blush, this innovative air-whipped formula allows for instant application on both lips and cheeks. With a luminous matte finish, color is easily buildable from a soft and natural look to a more intense sophisticated look. The patented “hidden pearl” applicator is customized to glide perfectly on the lips and to allow the optimal amount of formula to be dotted on the cheeks.

LA LAQUE COUTURE #51 BLEU CYCLADES YSL has introduced 2 nail varnishes as part of the Bleus Lumière Collection: #50 Bleu Celadon and #51 Bleu Cyclades. Bleu Cyclades is a deep blue with a touch of inkiness and some subtle shimmer in the mix. It has a metallic finish which flashes both dark navy and hints of green under different angles

VERNIS A LEVRES’ GLOSSY STAIN Glossy Stain is an all-in-one lipstick that gives you a gloss, stain and lipstick so you can have it all. Its light texture immediately melts onto your lips, providing intense glossy color and extremely long-lasting shine.

‘DESSIN DU REGARD WATERPROOF’ EYE PENCIL The perfect Eye Liner for summer in the sun ‘Dessin du Regard Waterproof’ Eye Pencil gives the look of a liquid with the precision of a pencil. This exceptional long-lasting waterproof eye pencil will stay put on your lids for up to 16 hours!

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RETURN OF THE M•A•C PREP+PRIME CC COLOR CORRECT

M·A·C PREP+PRIME CC COLOR CORRECT IS AN INNOVATIVE NEW LINE OF COLOR CORRECTING CREAMS AND POWDERS THAT ENHANCE AND PERFECT YOUR SKIN TONE.

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PREP+PRIME CC COLOR CORRECTING SPF 30 A creamy, tinted primer that evens out the skin tone in a multi-tasking formula; it increases luminosity and inhibits oily shine, while protecting from harmful UVA/UVB rays. Will keep your skin fresh and hydrated all day!

PREP+PRIME CC COLOR CORRECTING POWDERS

CORRECTING LOOSE POWDER Ultra-soft powders that are finely milled and absorb oil as well as reducing shine all day. You can powder all over the face with a large brush, or use a powder puff and spot treat areas on the face such as redness in the cheeks or darkness under the eyes.

These powders apply transparently, smoothing away the appearance of lines and imperfections. They come in four shades, as do all the products in this line, and they all achieve what it says on the box: Adjust (Peach), Neutralize (Yellow), Illuminate (Lavender) and Recharge (Apricot). Available in Prep+Prime CC Color Correcting Loose Powder and a go-anywhere Prep+Prime CC Color Correcting Compact.

P+P CC COLOR CORRECT APPLICATION TIP BY M.A.C SENIOR ARTIST MARIAM KHAIRALLAH Every shade works on all skin tones, which can even the look of a skin tone, re-energize the complexion, neutralize redness or brighten dull skin. Every shade of P+P CC Color Correct can be worn alone, used to set or stabilize makeup, or simply applied over moisturizer. TIP: P+P CC Color Correct Powders or Loose Powders can be applied using the M.A.C Small Duo Fibre Face Brush #188, creating an invisible veil across the face for a luminous finish. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also ideal for touch ups on the go and smoothing away the appearance of lines and imperfections

JUL | AUG 2014

PREP+PRIME CC COLOR CORRECTING COMPACT The loose powder also comes in an accessible compact. With all the benefits of the loose powder, the compact is a smooth and velvety pressed powder that will enhance your skin tone and reduce shine.

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ADDICTED TO “IT” DIOR ADDICT: THE NEXT CHAPTER

Dior introduced the next chapter in the Dior Addict story with their new IT-LASH mascara and liquid eyeliner IT-LINE. In bold, daring and addictive colors this new line can practically do magic!

IT-LINE The original feature of Dior Addict It-Line lies in its exclusive gel formula that provides everything: pure color, intense shine, perfect, long-lasting wear… and incredible ease of use, thanks to its precision tip. Its smooth fluid texture dries instantly and it can be taken off just as easily. Four vibrant shades are available: It-Black, It-Blue, It-Pink and It-Purple for creating daring combinations.

DIORSHOW MONO The Dior Addict It-Line is accompanied with four new shades of Dior’s backstage eye shadow. Pop tones are styled as fashion accessories, especially created to work in an infinite game of mix & match with Dior Addict It-Lash and It-Line. Diorshow Mono’s unique texture with two professional finishes remains unchanged: apply dry for a subtle glow of color, or wet for a graphic color block. Adjust the intensity of your made-to-measure look and enjoy endless creativity.

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IT-LASH It-Lash comes in Jet Black, Pink Pop, Pure Blue, and Deep Purple. It pumps up extreme volume to create an ‘it-look’ lash effect – giving lashes a gleaming coat of deep black or vibrant color. A new, thick brush, made from soft and supple elastomer, makes this mascara easy to use and an exclusive formula that combines the most high-coverage, volume-creating waxes, with a new, transparent gel base that adds vibrant gleam and reveals pure color. It adds curve and definition, displaying a fringe of supreme lashes with heightened impact and spectacular results.

JUL | AUG 2014

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MIRROR, MIRROR

BOBBI BROWN PERFECTLY DEFINED EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR STANDOUT EYES As a makeup artist and glasses wearer, beauty expert Bobbi Brown is often asked how to make eyes stand out. The answer? “It’s all about lining your eyes and defining your lashes,” she says. The Perfectly Defined Collection gives women everything they need to create standout eyes: a gel-pencil eyeliner for effortless precision, a gentle lash curler to instantly open up eyes and a dual-ended mascara for layering formulas to give lashes a boost.

“For standout eyes, it’s all about lining and defining.” – Bobbi Brown

NEW, PERFECTLY DEFINED GEL EYELINER Bobbi’s first retractable pencil, Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner, effortlessly delivers super-saturated, intensely rich pigment for precise and bold definition. This eyeliner ensures a 12 hour wear that is resistant to water, sweat and humidity so color always looks fresh. The airtight mechanical pencil features a built-in sharpener housed within the end cap, making it easy to get a perfect line every time, even on the go. Shades: Pitch Black, Chocolate Truffle, Sapphire, Steel Grey, Scotch, Violet Night

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LIMITED EDITION DUAL-ENDED MASCARA:

EXTREME PARTY MASCARA & NO SMUDGE MASCARA A swipe of mascara is the perfect way to open up eyes, making you look fresh and awake. Designed to be layered, this dual-ended mascara accentuates eyes with depth and intensity– it’s the best of both worlds. Bobbi’s No Smudge Mascara was developed at the request of her global makeup artists, with a brush that coats individual lashes evenly and precisely from root to tip for waterproof 10-hour wear. Extreme Party Mascara is for women who want the dramatic look of false lashes without the hassle, thanks to Bobbi’s reactivation technology that allows you to reapply up to four times in a day for added volume without clumping. Wear separately or layer No Smudge over Extreme Party for a bold lash look that lasts from dawn to dusk. Shade: Black

NEW GENTLE CURL EYELASH CURLER The second eyelash curler in Bobbi’s portfolio of makeup tools, the Gentle Curl is specially designed for women with large, shallow or almond-shaped eyes. Its flatter curve allows the curler to get very close to the lash line, to lift and curl lashes without pinching or crimping. Extra cushiony lash pads gently grip even the smallest of lashes for a perfectly lifted and curled look.

Available: June 2014 at all Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Counters and at www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com. For further information please contact: Sylvia Terry sterry@ae.estee.com

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MIRROR, MIRROR

CLARINS COLORS OF BRAZIL Clarins re-interprets the energy and creativity of Brazil with a collection that is teeming with tanned bronzes and gorgeous azures and corals.

SUMMER BRONZING

COMPACT

Clarins brings back an old favorite, the Summer Bronzing Compact, a two-toned, stunning matte bronzer embossed with the South American inspired Motif and a blend of warm browns and earthy terracotta. The whizzes at Clarins concocted two variations: for light and dark skin. Lightweight and perfect to give your tan that added sun-kissed glow, it contains a mineral and reflective complex to improve skin tone and correct minor flaws.

QUARTET AND LINER PALETTE

4 wet & dry highly concentrated mineral eye shadows with matte, iridescent and satin effects. The shades are based on a wet and dry texture that is easy to blend and layer.

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MIRROR, MIRROR LIP BALM CRAYONS

With sensitive pigments that react to the PH balance of your lips, boosting their natural shade these delicious crayons are based on mango, apricot and shea butters that moisturize and instantly leave lips hydrated, smoother, more nourished. Boasting a sheeny finish they come in six stunning shades; a deep red-brown, a plum, a pink-red, a golden corral, a mid-toned pink and a baby pink.

TRULY WATERPROOF MASCARA

The new waterproof mascara composition contains properties of wax orange blossom and olive oil so it remains uncompromising in water and can be applied to the eyelashes before hitting the beach. It comes in black and an intense blue curacao, for the attention-seeker.

SUN SPRAY OIL BODY AND HAIR UVA / UVB 30 Clarins introduces a new addition to their sun care line with a dry oil spray for both the body and hair! This SPF 30 dry oil spray is formulated with organic Indonesian Nyamplung Oil to protect skin and hair from the damaging and drying effects of salt water, chlorine and the sun. Rich in Omega 6 and 9, it will nourish and enhance the skin and hair.

EXTRA-COMFORT ANTI-POLLUTION CLEANSING CREAM A gentle Cleansing Cream for skin that has been weakened by a polluted urban environment. Enriched with Moringa seed extract, known in Africa for its nutritional and medicinal properties, and a generous composition of jojoba oil, vegetable butters (mango and Shea) and lemon extract this rich cream cleanser is ultra-effective in restoring the skinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purity, radiance and beauty while providing ultimate comfort. Clarins Cleansing Cream Anti-Pollution coaxing the skin and provides soothing her floral-fruity fragrance for an incomparable well-being.

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MIRROR, MIRROR

BB CREAM YOUR FLAWLESS SKIN SECRET FOR THE SUMMER

Summer time means it’s time to break out those flirty sun dresses, sweep that hair up, and let that sexy bare face of yours shine, but we weren’t all graced with perfect skin, and piling on the foundation is a no-no in the warm weather. Don’t sweat it! Just grab yourself a BB Cream and you’ll be all set.

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If you’re a little late to the BB cream party, don’t panic. We’ve got the scoop on this beauty secret that’s become all the rage in the makeup industry recently. You ever see photos of those K-Pop stars and wonder how they got such immaculate porcelain-finished skin? It’s unreal, right? Well yes...and no.

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BENEFITS! WHAT ARE THEY? Award-winning dermatologist Dr. Neal Schultz breaks down a few popular BB creams in a 2012 Boston Globe article: “Clinique’s Age Defense BB Cream is SPF 30 broad spectrum with vitamin E that doesn’t do anything for pigmentation, but it has oil control so it’s good for people with acne. Garnier’s Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream has vitamin C, my favorite antioxidant, which is good for fighting free radicals and brown spots as well as a combination of glycerin and hyaluronic acid. These are very high level moisturizers and would work for someone with dry skin.

SO, WHAT DOES IT DO, YOU ASK? This is no ordinary makeup. BB creams are designed to be an all-inone facial cosmetic. Picture being able to throw out your serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation and sunblock! Think of the time, the energy, and perhaps most importantly, the money you could save! That’s what BB cream does. It can be worn alone as a tinted moisturizer or foundation, and under your powder, depending on your desired coverage.

BB CREAM BENEFITS VARY DEPENDING ON THE BRAND, SO BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE FEATURES AND INGREDIENTS LISTED ON THE LABEL, BUT COMMON BENEFITS ARE AS FOLLOWS: Evens skin tone Smooths skin Moisturizes Provides SPF and antioxidant Protection Brightens skin Provides semi-coverage Adjusts to and blends with your skin tone

THEIR SECRET IS BB CREAM BB stands for “blemish balm” or “beauty balm.” It was developed in 1960 by German dermatologist Dr. Christine Schrammek to protect her patients’ skin and provide coverage after laser treatments and facial peels. The cream was introduced to, and developed further in, South Korea before spreading throughout Asia. It has been touted as the secret of Korean actresses, who wear popular brands that help brighten the skin. Word spread across Asia and eventually hit the US.

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REMEMBER: BB creams aren’t miracle workers but they will do the trick. With summer officially in session these bad boys are perfect for a natural, lightweight, and radiant look. They protect your skin from the sun while they’re at it.

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ALILA JABAL AKHDAR’S SUMMER BEAUTY TIPS LOOK YOUR NATURAL BEST THIS SUMMER WITH ALILA LIVING PRODUCTS

Enjoy a revitalising holiday this summer at the recently opened luxurious Alila Jabal Akhdar, the unique destination resort overlooking a stunning gorge with sensational views of the Al Hajar Mountains in Oman. Spa Alila offers unique treatments that blend ancient Asian healing techniques with age-old beauty recipes using Alila Living products, all made from natural and high quality ingredients rich in healing and nutrients with therapeutic qualities. Alila Jabal Akhdar incorporates the beneficial natural elements found on the mountain itself such as the gentle 100% natural Juniper Berry and Rose Handmade Soap. The Alila Hotel & Resorts Group Director of Spas and Development, Steve Jeisman shares his summer tips from Alila Living for damaged or dry hair and sun kissed skin.

AVOCADO & COCONUT HAIR SMOOTHIE For reviving sun damaged and dry hair, an intense antioxidant treatment designed to detoxify, balance and hydrate the scalp delivering the optimum environment for new hair growth and a healthier looking scalp. “Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp, but occasionally the trials of everyday life can easily put our hair and scalp out of balance. The Avocado & Coconut Hair Smoothie is an earthy, grounding, herbal concoction designed to help repair hair by increasing blood flow to the hair follicle ensuring a perfect youthful glow,” noted Steve. Key Attributes Avocado oil is beneficial in treating frequently chemically processed hair. It is high in nutrients such as amino acids and vitamins A, B, D and E, all of which help repair and support hair and scalp health. Coconut oil frequently used throughout the Asia Pacific region for both food and medicinal purposes, helps the healthy growth of hair and provides a shiny complexion. Rosemary essential oil stimulates hair follicles and growth, in addition to slowing down or premature hair loss. Key Ingredients: Aloe, Avocado Oil, Coconut Oil, Shea Butter, Honey, Tamarind, Rosemary and Lavender essential oils Price 100ml for AED56 (USD 15)

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CUCUMBER & ALOE FACIAL CLEANSER For sun kissed skin, this facial cleanser is a delightfully-fresh, calming blend of lavender, lemon and cucumber seed oils in a soothing aloe vera juice base. “One of the most important parts of maintaining healthy skin is thorough cleansing. An effective cleanser should remove excess oil, perspiration, dirt, dust, pollution, make-up and dead skin cells from the surface of your skin but should be gentle enough so as not to strip the skin of its natural oils,” adds Steve. Key Attributes Cucumber Seed oil is rich in both oleic and linoleic acids helping the skin prevent moisture loss and promoting elasticity. Nutrient-filled Chlorophyll made from Alfalfa is rich in vitamins and minerals that nourish tired and exposed skin accelerating the formation of granulation tissue. Key Ingredients: Aloe, Wheat Germ, Chlorophyll, Lemon and Cucumber essential oils Price 150ml for AED83 (USD 22.50)

INDIAN FIG DREAM CREAM For nourishing skin, this cream is an effective moisturiser with excellent repairing, antioxidant and anti-aging properties. The cream protects, balances, repairs and hydrates all skin types. “It is perfect for summer months as the cream leaves a dry matt finish. For an extra cool summer treat, keep it in the fridge,” noted Steve. Key Attributes The star ingredient, Tamarind (aka Indian fig), is rich in organic acids and is an antiseptic, anti-allergy, and skin tightening; excellent antifreckle and anti-aging remedy. Vanilla is a premiere aphrodisiac, warming and gently stimulating. Aloe vera has been used for thousands of years as a healing and medicinal plant. Men particularly appreciate this product as a soothing and repairing after-shave moisturiser that helps to heal razor burn, small cuts and nicks. Key Ingredients: Aloe, Olive Oil, Kukui Nut Oil, Jojoba Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Shea Butter, Tamarind Extract, Vanilla, Lavender, Patchouli Oils

Availability All products are available for purchase at Alila Jabal Akhdar, other Alila Hotels & Resorts and online http://www.shopalila.com/

Price 65ml for AED101 (USD 27.50)

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

GET YOUR BEACH BODY

READY BY SABINE ALPHONSE Chalhoub

Aaah, summer! While many of you have smiles on your faces just at the thought, there are also quite a few stressing about losing some weight before strutting their stuff by the pool. This is the time of year when many people resort to last minute crash diets. Terrible idea! There is good news however. To get your beach body ready, you don’t have to diet, just follow these simple do’s and don’ts and you’ll be ready in no time.

A HEALTHY MORNING MEAL GIVES YOU ENERGY, SATISFIES YOUR APPETITE AND SETS THE STAGE FOR SMART FOOD DECISIONS ALL DAY DON’T: SKIP BREAKFAST DO: Start your day off right Skipping breakfast to save calories because you want to shed those kilos is not an effective strategy. By mid-morning, those hunger pangs kick in and set you up to overeat during the day. A healthy morning meal gives you energy, satisfies your appetite and sets the stage for smart food decisions all day long. The right kind of breakfast should include a healthy source of protein and plenty of fiber; the combination will help satisfy your hunger and will keep you feeling full until lunch time. Try something like a hard-boiled egg, a piece of 100% whole grain toast along with a cup of 100% fruit juice. If you really don’t like to eat in the morning, split your breakfast into two smaller meals. Eat a hard-boiled egg, or a small cup of yogurt before you leave for work, then about an hour or two later, take a break to snack on an apple and a handful of healthy nuts like walnuts.

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GET YOUR BEACH BODY READY

DON’T: ALLOW YOURSELF DON’T: CUT OUT TO GET THIRSTY CARBOHYDRATES AND SUGARS COMPLETELY DO: Drink a ton of water Then drink some more. Water is the most essential tool for a healthy body. You want your body to be hydrated not only for your general health, but for your body’s appearance too. Why? When our bodies are dehydrated, they hold onto water, which ends up often being held underneath the skin on top of the muscle. And when you have water being held under the skin (or within the fat storage areas) it wreaks havoc on your appearance. It basically results in your muscles looking ‘soft’- opposing defined. The solution is to drink enough water so that your body never thinks that it is even coming close to being dehydrated. The leaner you want to be, the more water you need to drink! Now go grab a bottle… oh! And lose the booze for a while!

DO: Eat more high fiber carbs It’s a myth that carbohydrates make you fat. Your body needs carbs for energy and cutting carbs from your diet will leave you weak, irritable, and even nauseous. For healthy weight loss you’ll definitely want to eat more high fiber carbohydrates such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Dietary fiber has zero-calories so the more fiber a food has, the fuller you’ll feel after eating it. Not only will you eat less during the day, fiber helps stabilize blood sugar levels by slowing digestion, which in turn puts an end to sugar cravings. Talking about sugar, they are just as bad when consumed in excess amounts. They can have an equally negative impact on your metabolism. They key is stay away from juices, sodas, etc. Even if they look ‘fruity’ or antioxidant rich, there is a good chance that they are loaded with sugar. Craving sugar? Opt for one piece of fresh fruit instead.

THE SOLUTION IS TO DRINK ENOUGH WATER DON’T: BE UNREALISTIC DO: Set realistic, short-term goals Everybody wants instant gratification, but to think you can lose 10 kilograms in one month is unrealistic and actually dangerous. Patience nowadays is in short supply but a healthy rate for weight loss is about 1 kilogram per week. You can achieve this by eating a balanced diet that’s satisfying and easy on calories and fat.

WEIGHT TRAINING AND CARDIO DON’T: BE LAZY NEED TO WORK HAND IN HAND DO: Exercise to tone burns calories, it’s true, but if you’ve TO CREATE A LEAN AND TONED Exercise eaten more calories than you’ve burned, by day’s end you are going to gain weight. Far APPEARANCE more effective for weight loss is weight training. Lifting weights builds up lean muscle mass. Weight training and cardio need to work hand in hand to create a lean and toned appearance. By performing hours of cardio and no weight training your muscle will start to deplete - as your muscle will burn off. This basically defeats the whole purpose of toning because it’s actually your muscle that creates the toned effect once the body fat is reduced. Take up an aerobics class, running or jogging, swimming and working with light weights for multiple repetitions. These exercises will build muscle tone, strengthen your cardiovascular system and provide you with the body you want to have, soon!

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

SUNSCREEN YOUR HAIR PROTECTION AGAINST ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT DAMAGE

A sunny day is the perfect time to show off your hair, to literally let it down while you enjoy the weather. At the beach, on the sports field, having a picnic or just taking a stroll through a farmer’s market, it’s the time to lose the hat and let the tresses see some sun. Unfortunately, the conditions that make going bare-headed so pleasant are exactly those that can cause damage to your hair. The culprit is the sunlight itself, specifically the ultraviolet (UV) range of wavelengths just outside the visible band of light.

Even strong, healthy hair full of body, shine and suppleness can suffer loss of those very features that make hair so attractive. Long-term exposure to unfiltered sunlight can result in hair that is dry, brittle and rough, with loss of gloss and faded color. This damaged is caused by the biochemical and mechanical reaction of hair when exposed to the energy of UV radiation, in the UVA and UVB bands of light waves. About 95% of hair is made up of keratin, a family of proteins that organize themselves into fibers, arranged into three layers: the outer cuticle, an intermediate cortex and the inner medulla core. The high-energy UVB

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ABOUT 95% OF HAIR IS MADE UP OF KERATIN, A FAMILY OF PROTEINS THAT ORGANIZE THEMSELVES INTO FIBERS SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

SUNSCREEN YOUR HAIR | PROTECTION AGAINST ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT DAMAGE

rays photo-oxidize the outer protective cuticle layer, damaging the overlapping keratin plate structure and drying out the lipids - the natural oils that coat hair strands - resulting in a rough, dry surface. Meanwhile, the UVA wavelengths penetrate deep into the cortex fibers, damaging the elasticity and strength of hair. Overall, exposure to sun causes hair to lose it suppleness and shine, taking on a rough, dry texture and becoming susceptible to breakage. The reaction between the melanin content of hair, which gives it color, and sun also causes bleaching. All of these signs of damage are magnified when hair has already been stressed by processing, including perms and color dyeing.

OVERALL, EXPOSURE TO SUN CAUSES HAIR TO LOSE IT SUPPLENESS AND SHINE The obvious - and most effective - solution to this problem is to keep hair covered during sunny days by wearing a broad-brimmed hat, covering the head with a scarf or using a sun parasol. In fact, since approximately 80% of UV radiation is able to penetrate cloud cover, hair (and skin, for that matter) isn’t safe from sun damage even on overcast days. Obviously, this isn’t a very appealing solution for most people. Is there a way to go bare-headed and still provide some protection for hair from the ravages of UV radiation?

Some advisors on hair care argue that it isn’t possible to provide an effective sunscreen for hair. Any hair treatment that can be applied to hair in a rinse or shampoo, they argue, can be too easily washed out again, leaving the hair unprotected. Actually, this isn’t entirely accurate. There are several ways that sun damage can be corrected, to restore hair to its pre-sun exposure strength and beauty, as well as preventing some of the damage from occurring in the first place. These approaches can be divided into three categories:

1. PREVENTION If you plan to spend a lot of time in the sun and don’t want to wear a Little House on the Prairie bonnet, go easy on hair coloring and processing. Avoid using hair products that contain peroxide or that are heavy on alcohol; these chemicals react when exposed to sunlight, magnifying damage. If swimming in a pool with chlorinated water, make sure to thoroughly rinse hair to minimize a reaction with the sun.

THERE ARE SEVERAL WAYS THAT SUN DAMAGE CAN BE CORRECTED

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

SUNSCREEN YOUR HAIR | PROTECTION AGAINST ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT DAMAGE

2. REPAIR Stay ahead of sun-caused damage by deep conditioning your hair frequently. These help to strengthen the keratin structure, so hair doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t become too brittle. Use moisturizing shampoos, to replace losses from the sun and to maintain shine and suppleness.

3. PROTECT LOOK FOR PRODUCTS THAT OFFER A KERATIN PROTECTION FACTOR (KPF) OR HAIR PROTECTION FACTOR (HPF) RATING 120 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

There are a number of shampoos, leavein rinses, spray-on conditioners and mousses which are specially formulated to provide protection from the ravages of UV radiation. These will not have an SPF (skin protection factor) rating, since that deals with a sunscreenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effectiveness in protecting skin. Instead, look for products that offer a keratin protection factor (KPF) or hair protection factor (HPF) rating. Some UV-filtering hair products offer a percentage protection number, showing how much they protect hair over untreated hair, as expressed in a percentage.

Reading ingredients labels for hair care products is one way to determine if they provide any protection against solar radiation. An ingredient used in some UV-blocking hair care products is ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (EHMC), also called octyl methoxycinnamate. Another, called butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (BM-DBM), is found in some rinse-off products. Polysilicone-15 (marketed as Parsol SLX) absorbs light in the UVB wavelengths and is used in a wide variety of hair care products, from mousses to shampoos and conditioners. When these, and other UV-screening ingredients, are processed so that they have cationic or polymeric characteristics, they tend to hold more closely to hair and are not easily rinsed out. Go ahead, enjoy the sun. With some basic care, you can take off that wide-brim hat and show off your hair, and still keep it looking great

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MIND, BODY+SOUL

SOBER UP WITH RAGMAG’S 6 NATURAL HANGOVER CURES! As summer rolls around, the charm of rooftop parties and drinks on the beach leaves us with very little resistance to refuse which translates into one thing: the dreaded, head-splitting hangover. To help you through these nightmarish days RAGMAG decided to put together some healthy and natural cures to get you through the day. First of all remember that there is no “miracle cure” for a hangover, try drinking in moderation for both your health and safety; and secondly, nothing can replace hydrating with water (or a non-alcoholic beverage) both during and after alcohol consumption. Another thing to keep in mind before you reach for your pain-killers is that acetaminophen (Panadol, Tylenol) is a big no-no as it is metabolized by the liver, and when combined with alcohol, can cause severe liver damage. Plus taking painkillers the night before is basically pointless as its effects would have worn off by the time your hangover strikes. You can, however, take Ibuprofen (Advil, Profinal) but only if necessary as it may cause stomach bleeding. So, to not wreak more havoc on your bodies give these natural cures a try!

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WHEAT GRASS Take a shot of wheat grass! A nutrient-rich form of young grass that comes from the wheat family; it is usually sold as a dietary supplement in capsule and liquid form and provides concentrated amount of nutrients, including calcium, magnesium, iron, amino acids, chlorophyll, and vitamins A, C and E. Its rich nutrient content boosts resistance, kills unwanted bacteria in your digestive system, and purges your body of waste. The chlorophyll in wheat grass preserves optimal pH in the body and delivers powerful antioxidants, consequently deep cleaning the intestines and liver while improving wound healing.

SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

EGGY EGGS!

GO BANANA’S! (OR COCONUTS!)

Eggs contain 2 amino acids, cysteine and taurine, which work together to get you feeling good again. Studies have proven that taurine can reverse liver damage caused by a night of heavy drinking and will help the body flush out toxins more quickly. When you drink alcohol a poisonous product known as acetaldehyde is generated, more toxic than alcohol, it gives you the chills and headaches. Cysteine directly counteracts the effects of acetaldehyde by breaking it down in the liver. As a result, eggs can assist to clean up the residual toxins making it a fab cure!

Alcohol is a diuretic which means it will send you to wee quite a bit; this results in dehydration, which not only means you’ve lost water but you’ve also lost electrolytes and potassium. Reloading on either bananas or coconut-water, which are loaded with potassium, will greatly reduce hangover symptoms by replenishing electrolytes and potassium back into your system.

GINGER SPICE Mix ginger into some tea or warm water. Ginger helps battle the nausea and dizziness associated with hangovers. It is also a potent antioxidant that battles free radical damage brought on by alcohol. To sweeten the mix, add honey, instead of sugar to your ginger. Honey provides fructose, which helps the liver uptake and will metabolize the alcohol.

FOOT-RUB! A well-proven organic way to relieve a hangover includes reflexology (massaging your feet). Reflexology helps relieve your hangover by targeting the liver. “The outer edge on your right foot is the reflex of the liver and if there is a hard, crunchy texture between your little toe and the middle of your foot, it means that there is congestion in your liver” according to Discovery Communications Planet Green. Massaging that particular zone should help detoxification.

TRY TIGER BALM TO HELP THE HEADACHE Tiger Balm is a blend of camphor, menthol, cajuput oil and clove oil and known for its pain-relieving and blood flow promoting properties. Gently massage the balm on the back of your neck and temples (avoiding the eyes) and wait for that pounding headache to melt away.

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MIND, BODY+SOUL

MIX IT +

FIX IT

TRIED AND TRUE AND SENT BY YOU! THANK YOU ALL FOR SENDING IN YOUR MIX IT AND FIX IT SECRETS! ALL THE FOLLOWING HOME REMEDIES WERE SENT IN BY YOU AND WE PICKED OUT THE BEST OF THE CROP!

FIGHT CELLULITE, EXFOLIATE AND MOISTURIZE! NAHYA SENT THIS IN:

4 tablespoons of ground coffee 4 tablespoons brown sugar 3 tablespoons olive oil Mix them all together to make a thick paste and massage vigorously on problem area’s for a few minutes to stimulate blood flow and wash off!

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MIX IT + FIX IT

GOT A BROKEN/SPLIT NAIL? AMAL SENT US THIS TIP

Cut a tiny piece of fabric from a tea bag, place on the broken nail and seal with a transparent nail varnish! Super simple and it works!

GET RID OF DARK LIPS NATURALLY: SENT BY CARLA

Mix equal parts of lemon juice and honey to make your tanremoving lip serum. This works on lips to peel off the tan with citrus extracts and nourish with honey while adding a tinge of pink to the lips. Coat your lips with serum and leave for an hour before wiping off with soft wet cloth. This process can be done as many times a day to remove tan and pigmentation and the serum can be refrigerated and used for up to a week.

AN UNDERARM WHITENING SCRUB SENDER ANONYMOUS

Mix about a tablespoon of baking soda with coconut oil and scrub under your arms, baking soda gently exfoliates the skin removing any dark or rough patches making it softer and smoother. You can leave it on as a mask for 5-10 minutes

ZAP THE BLACK HEADS SENT BY MAYA

While oily skin seems to be the main cause of blackheads other triggers include smoking, an unhealthy diet and pollution. Try the following remedy and let us know if it works for you! 1. Exfoliate: Try scrubbing with a mix of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of sugar and wipe off with a hot wet towel. 2. Mask: Separate an egg placing the yolk and white in 2 small plastic containers. In the container preserving the egg white add a teaspoon of lemon juice, a dash of turmeric, a pinch of cinnamon, and 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda. Put the lid on and shake well. Use this mixture as a mask after you exfoliate either overnight or for 20 minutes. 3. Moisturize: Mix egg yolk, drop of olive oil and a bit of milk. Add fresh aloe from a plant if possible.

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LONGER HAIR FASTER ZEINAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S SECRET:

Mix 1 egg, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp. honey and/or coconut oil and 1 tbsp. castor oil. Apply to hair and leave on for 30 min. Massage your scalp as you wash it out to promote blood flow. Repeat once a week

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WATCHOUT

SPEAK, SEE, HEAR NO EVIL

BY JACQUES TCHABARIAN

The Face Of Love

Annette Bening, Ed Harris

| 95 mins | Drama, Romance

This movie is worth seeing because of the forceful performance by Annette Bening. Just soak up the authenticity of this complex real character brought to life with such depth. Five years after the death of her beloved husband Garrett (Ed Harris), Nikki (Annette Bening) meets a man who seems his exact duplicate.

Not only does this stranger possess the same deeply lined face and startling blue eyes, he also shares Garrett’s kindness humor, and passion for art. Yet, he is a stranger. Romance blossoms between Nikki and Garrett, but she omits to tell him the truth of her attraction to him in the first place, by hiding pictures, friends and family.

Single Moms Club

| 111 mins | Drama, Comedy Nia Long, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Amy Smart

What First Wives Club did for divorced women, The Single Moms Club may do for the legion of women who are raising kids alone by necessity or choice without the benefits of a father or a partner in the picture. This comedy with dramatic overtones focuses on what transpires after one incident or vandalism is reported at the local school. Unmarried mothers form

a wide spectrum of social and economic backgrounds find themselves brought together to find a solution to prevent future destruction at the school. But what the women discover is that their unexpected meeting to solve one problem facing them will be transformed into a unique support group that is destined to help them face many future obstacles in their lives.

The Other Woman | 105 mins | Romantic Comedy Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann and Kate Upton Not one to watch if you’ve already got trust issues in your relationship. A man tells his girlfriend (Cameron Diaz) that he is going on a business trip, but, she finds out that there is much more to his story, when she decides to surprise him at his home and is welcomed by another woman – his wife (Leslie Mann). The pair form a friendship, as

they discover that they have much in common, that starts with a pact to make him get his just deserve by plotting revenge. They soon found out that they were not the only ones in the picture, there is another affair (Kate Upton). All three women team up to plot mutual revenge on the cheating, lying, three timing SOB.

How To Train Your Dragon 2 | Brenton Thwaites, Karen Gillan

Hiccup is no ordinary Viking, he is a dragon rider. The young Viking, along with his friends and his lovable dragon Toothless, continue their journey in this sequel to the 2010 movie How to Train Your Dragon. While the first film showcased Hiccup trying to convince his father, Stoick, that dragons can be lovable, the sequel takes on a new edge. Hiccup is now 20 years old and learning more and more about the world that he lives in. One day, while exploring with Toothless, Hiccup stumbles upon the ruins of an icy village. Upon further

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102 mins | Action, Adventure, Family examination, he runs into dragon trapper Eret. Eret reveals that he works for the mysterious Drago who is building a dragon army. Hiccup can’t understand why anyone would want to harm or hunt dragons, nor does he comprehend the importance of a dragon army. He determines to find Drago and set him straight. After all, Hiccup reasons that if he can change his father’s mind about dragons, he’ll be able to change Drago’s mind, as well. If you’re looking for a feel-good summer movie, How to Train Your Dragon 2 is the perfect choice.

SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

READ’EM

SPEAK, SEE, HEAR NO EVIL

BY AMAL CHAABAN

The Book Thief Markus Zusak Why you should read this book

Touches the core of a human soul.

It is set in Nazi Germany before and during World War II. The title character, the book thief, is a stubborn young girl, whose traumatic life is transformed by her discovering books and their liberating power. Though confused and dismayed by the Nazi upsurge, she is attracted to an arrogant local member of The Hitler Youth who lives a few doors away. Initially, the plot feels overburdened with unnecessary and suffocating sentimentality, and the writing style displays a hint of pretentiousness. After just a few pages, the reader could well become apprehensive

and even be tempted to give up. That would be the reader’s loss. After reading the first chapter, the reader, though initially dreading the prospect of 600 pages of drudgery, is soon happily rewarded with quite the opposite. Death’s frequent wry comments are welcomed by the reader as a kind of absurd relief. At the same time, the author compels the reader to confront a reality usually consigned to the depths of the mind: that no one truly knows when their time is up. This is a disquieting coming-of-age story of horror and love.

The Fault in Our Stars John Green Why you should read this book

Not a minute of your life should be waisted.

Author John Green has become a fixture of the young adult genre over the last decade. His novels such as Looking for Alaska and Paper Towns have been critically acclaimed and commercially successful. Still, no one could have predicted how popular Green’s fifth book, The Fault in Our Stars, would become. The Fault in Our Stars sets itself apart from almost any other “teen” book ever written in the way that it deals with the reality of living with a life-threatening illness. 16-year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster suffers from thyroid cancer and is undeniably

terminal. Her life gets turned upside down at her cancer support group when she meets 18-year-old Augustus Waters - an enigmatic young man in remission from osteosarcoma. The two teens fall in love and experience a once-in-a-lifetime whirlwind romance. Without spoiling too much, it’s safe to assume that a book about kids with cancer is going to have its fair share of unfortunate events – but still manages to maintain a very “hopeful” tone and may make you question everything you’ve ever thought about illness, death, and oblivion.

L’Amour Actually Melanie Jones Why you should read this book

If it’s change you’re after, this book will make you pack up in seconds.

If you have ever dreamed of starting a new life abroad, L’Amour Actually is a good book to read. Fed up with the unreasonable demands of her clients, the author of L’Amour Actually, Melanie Jones, decides to leave her job in celebrity PR in London and move to a peaceful hamlet in the south-west of France. She does not really have a plan for her new life although she does intend to find a job before her bank account runs dry. After arriving at her idyllic-looking rented cottage, Melanie discovers that life in France isn’t quite as she had imagined..On her

disastrous first day in France, Melanie meets Julien, a local farmer. After some time, they begin a relationship but all is not as it seems. A tragedy strikes and Julien’s secret is revealed. L’Amour Actually is a travel memoir written in the style of a chick-lit novel. The book is full of humorous incidents that will make you laugh out loud. There are also sadder moments when you will sympathize with the heroine and wonder how she will cope. All in all, it is an entertaining page-turner that describes the realities of life in rural France with humor and spirit.

Hat Dance: An Emilia Cruz Novel Carmen Amato Why you should read this book

Great read by the pool.

Emilia Cruz, Acapulco’s first and only female police detective, will risk a dance with the devil to catch an arsonist and find a missing girl. But the music comes with a price no honest cop can afford to pay. Dining by coincidence at the same restaurant as Acapulco’s popular mayor, Emilia’s evening out with hotel manager Kurt Rucker is cut short by an explosive fire that kills half of the mayor’s security detail. Emilia is assigned to investigate what quickly is dubbed an assassination attempt on the politician. When the involvement of the Mexican Army seems likely and would-be vigilantes post videos on YouTube, Acapulco erupts with a

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wave of violent demonstrations. But even as pressure mounts for a fast arrest, Emilia remains bound by a promise to look for a girl who disappeared from her own neighborhood. It doesn’t take long before Emilia uncovers some nasty family secrets and turns to the city’s most notorious hooker for answers, only to end up on the wrong side of a dirty Vice cop. HAT DANCE is the second book in the Emilia Cruz mystery series. It follows CLIFF DIVER, the novel that Kirkus Reviews called “Consistently exciting . The Emilia Cruz mystery series is as raw and action-filled as the headlines coming out of Mexico today.

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MIND, BODY + SOUL

THERAPY AND YOU

A GOOD THERAPIST WILL HELP PROBLEMS GO AWAY BY NERINGA KISLER

Seeking therapeutic help for many - and in particular for men – it is a taboo subject, especially in the Middle East. It is seen as a sign of weakness. A typical answer when a person is advised to seek help would be “are you for real there is nothing wrong with me!” This perception cannot be further from the truth. Many go through life without major emotional difficulties; others are more prone to mental illnesses and psychological difficulties triggered by daily stress of life, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties and loss of loved ones. But not many of us seek the help we need, because of the old perception of being weak or “crazy”. We are affected by our environment, our upbringing, our social groups and definitely our past struggles. The experiences we gain over the years help develop our belief system, responses and build defence

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THERAPY AND YOU | A GOOD THERAPIST WILL HELP PROBLEMS GO AWAY

The process will bring your feelings, the painful memories and emotions onto the surface which can feel as if you have gone back in time and reliving it, however the difference in therapy would be that you will have the support and guidance to move on from it and so it will no longer affect you in any aspect of your life. It will become no longer needed, serving no purpose and you will be able to let go. Therapy is a great tool we have nowadays widely available to us, helping us to heal from emotional wounds, grow as individuals and be the person we want to be. Ask yourself – are you the person you wish to be? Are you really aware of your emotions?

mechanisms, which influence our characters and in turn the decisions we make. Therapy is quite the opposite from being weak or “crazy“ and I think everyone would benefit from it in one way or another. Therapy is hard work; it requires a lot of effort and commitment. It means facing your feelings and emotions, which can be scary even for the most strongest, it means exploring your past and your present, trying to understand yourself and your actions better. Waking up your unconscious mind and finding answers to the questions you were scared to ask yourself.

THERAPY IS HARD WORK, REQUIRING A LOT OF EFFORT AND COMMITMENT Seeking therapy is hard and brave yet very rewarding in the long run. Weakness should never be linked with therapy. It is quite the opposite from weakness; on the contrary, facing your inner demons is brave and challenging. It is often too easy to hide away your negative emotions or unwanted feelings, ignoring it and pushing it deeper inside. It is too easy sometimes to put a “mask” on and pretend it doesn’t exist, it doesn’t bother you – pretend that you are OK. The truth is – You are NOT OK. Sooner or later the undealt negative feelings will come out with a “bang”, affecting many areas of your life without you even recognising it. It is there and will always be there eating at you until you wake up and

IT HURTS AND YOU NEED TO FACE IT, ACCEPT IT, DEAL WITH IT AND MOVE ON FROM IT

face the music. The longer you neglect it, the longer you try to ignore it and sweep it under the carpet, the harder it will get affecting your daily life, your relationships, your work and definitely your social life. It hurts and you need to face it, accept it, deal with it and move on from it. This is hard to do on your own and a professional psychotherapist is trained to reach the furthest, darkest corners of your subconscious mind, helping you to see it in a different light.

Neringa kisler (BSc Psy-Dip Hyp CSDip CP-Ad. Dip. CP-MBPsS-LHS-MCS) is an Integrated Counsellor/Psychitherapist with experiences in working with adult individuals and couples. Neringa has achieved a BSc in Human Psychology and holds an advance diploma in Integrated Concelling and Psychotherapy as well as Clinical Hypnotherapy. Neringa is a graduate member of the British Psychological Society 2007, and an active committee member of the BPS Psychotherapy Section 2013. She is also an accredited member of the British National Counselling Society 2011and National Hypnotherapy Society in the UK 2010. She currently works at an independent practice in the UK where she deals with patients on a variety of issues, however her main interests are in human development, relationships/attachments and eating disorders. If there are any issues that you would like Neringa to address please email us at Neringa.kisler@ragmaglive.com

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MIND, BODY+SOUL

HELP ME WITH MY RAGGED PROBLEMS I’m happily married but recently at work a guy has been flirting with me, and sadly I flirt back! Am I crossing a line here even if I think it’s just harmless fun and have no feelings for him? Sarah,30

DEAR SARAH,

We think it’s a matter of opinion. Where to draw the line? Flirting is usually a sign of attraction and as long as it doesn’t go any further, we consider it harmless fun. BUT and there is a BUT, there is a very thin line between fun and a sort of “danger zone” so be careful how far you let things go. We do not think that flirting is at all harmful however when flirting leads to satisfying needs that should be met by your spouse then you are crossing the line.

THERE IS A VERY THIN LINE BETWEEN FUN AND A SORT OF “DANGER ZONE” I’m 41 and, unlike other women my age, I’m feeling broody and want another child, I already have 2 kids that are 15 and 13 but still I feel my family is not complete. Nadine, 41

DEAR NADINE,

It is normal to feel that you want another child and at this age it is still possible. However, your partner needs to be on board and as your kids are veering into adulthood you need to think through the challenges that another baby would bring into your life. If you find that you have the time and resources for another child and the support of your family then we wish you the best of luck! How can I tell my friend, in a way that won’t offend him, that I think he needs therapy? George, 27

DEAR GEORGE,

Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness; it is, in fact, a sign of maturity. We are all challenged with daily problems and where we think these problems have been solved they are in fact lying dormant waiting to be triggered at any point. So we think you should be honest with your friend and advise him accordingly and make sure that he knows being ashamed of therapy is a thing of the past. Don’t let his macho-ness stand between him and good health.

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I don’t know why I’m always angry and bad-tempered; I’m scared I’m ruining our family environment but I don’t know how to stop and be happy. Carol, 36

DEAR CAROLE,

You need to find the source of your unhappiness which is the reason for your bad temper and anger. We feel that you should seek a third party to give you the professional help that we cannot offer especially as we don’t know the reasons. You should find a solution as soon as possible as your actions will damage those around you and ultimately it will cause you more harm.

I DON’T KNOW WHY I’M ALWAYS ANGRY AND BAD-TEMPERED My friend’s 15 year old daughter smokes, drinks and gets up to all sorts of things that are not appropriate for her age and her parents either don’t know or don’t care, I’m worried that sooner or later she is heading towards a disaster, what should I do? Marie-Claire, 39

DEAR MARIE-CLAIRE,

Since you seem to know the family very well, you are probably in a position to understand why the girl is acting out. If you say that they do not care or might be ignorant to her actions then we feel that automatically you have been placed in a position to rescue and enlighten this child. She is heading towards major problems and needs adult guidance. You are obliged to point out the results of her actions as she is nowhere near the age of consent; unfortunately we are seeing a lot of these cases and we hope that more people would get involved and help these kids before it’s too late.

I’M WORRIED THAT SOONER OR LATER SHE IS HEADING TOWARDS A DISASTER A year ago I was promoted to a managerial position and I must say that was one of my proudest moments I felt that I deserved it through hard work. Soon after my boss started dropping hints that I owed him for my promotion and if I was not to do as he wishes then my job is threatened. Chadia, 26

DEAR CHADIA,

This problem has psychological and mental abuse written all over it! You should not be put in a position to be threatened in any way nor in a position where your job is threatened. Seek the human resources department if you have one at your work place - if not - seek legal advice. Note that what this person has done to you might have been done to others and you should be the one to put an end to it. Please keep us posted as this is a very important issue, one that has not been addressed often

YOU SHOULD NOT BE PUT IN A POSITION TO BE THREATENED IN ANY WAY

JUL | AUG 2014

TO JOIN THE READER RESPONSE PANEL send your name, age, and email address to raggedproblems@ragmaglive.com subject line: Interactive Panel We will contact you if you are chosen to www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G participate.

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TAKE ME WITH YOU

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BORA BORA HOLIDAY ITINERARY

BORA BORA AND OTEMANU MT.

MANY HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS LAY CLAIM TO BEING PARADISE BUT THE ISLAND OF BORABORA MUST SURELY BE IN THE NUMBER ONE SPOT. IT HAS FREQUENTLY BEEN CALLED “THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ISLAND IN THE WORLD” AND WORDS SEEM INSUFFICIENT TO CONVEY THE MAGIC OF SUCH A PLACE.

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TAKE ME WITH YOU THIS PAGE, FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: OVERWATER BUNGALOW IN BLUE LAGOON AROUND TROPICAL ISLAND. COUPLE SNORKLING IN TROPICAL LAGOON WITH OVER WATER BUNGALOWS.

OPPOSITE PAGE, FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: NIGHT, THE MOON OVER THE SEA AND REFLECTION IN WATER. OVER WATER BUNGALOWS OVER AMAZING LAGOON WITH CORAL.

HOW TO GET THERE Bora-Bora is a volcanic island, one of the Leeward Islands of French Polynesia, in the south Pacific. It’s relatively small, only 17 square miles, with a resident population of about 8000 people, most of them employed in the tourist industry which is vibrant. It is a tropical island of shining, white-sand beaches with lushly-green vegetation covering the volcanic slopes. There is a lagoon of unforgettable blues and greens in which swim multi-colored fish; they can be spotted as they dart among the coral of the surrounding reef. This is the island of the “over-water” bungalows that are, literally, built out over the emerald waters; palm trees and thatch-roofed villas blend together to create a romantic ambience. Nowhere could be more fitting for a honeymoon.

IT IS A TROPICAL ISLAND OF SHINING, WHITE-SAND BEACHES

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There are regular flights from most U.S. cities; the flight from Los Angeles takes 8 or 9 hours. From Europe, the best route is from Paris, a flight of about 22 hours; alternatively, fly from Europe to Los Angeles and on from there. There are no flights direct to the island; all international flights go to Papeete, on the island of Tahiti, and then after a 45 minute flight, the visitor arrives at Bora-Bora. The airport is situated on a nearby islet and a short boat trip over the lagoon and between other tiny islets is the visitor’s charming welcome to Bora-Bora.

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WHEN TO VISIT Bora-Bora, being tropical, has a wet and a dry season. The dry season is from May to October and this is the high season for visitors to the island as rain is rare at this time of the year. The wet season, with the wettest months being December and January, runs from November to April and is the low season for tourism. The weather is still warm, about 23 -25C but more humid and the presence of mosquitoes has to be reckoned with during these months. Accommodation is fairly expensive at any time of the year on the island, but it is possible to find a bargain during the wet season; a good time is the brief “between seasons” period, in the months of April or November. The weather is somewhat erratic at these times, but there will always be some sunshine and the visitor could be very lucky. An added advantage of a visit in the off-peak season would be that there would be fewer visitors.

THE WEATHER IS SOMEWHAT ERRATIC AT THESE TIMES, BUT THERE WILL ALWAYS BE SOME SUNSHINE JUL | AUG 2014

TROPICAL ISLANDS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN FAVORED FOR VACATIONS ACCOMMODATION All budgets are catered for. If you want a 5 star pampered luxury, there are many hotels offering that degree of comfort. Many of the 2 or 3 star hotels are very appealing, and close to luxurious. There are also the smaller “pensions” which offer family-style accommodation and service; many visitors are happy to recommend this more personal type of holiday as it makes contact with the local people more enjoyable. At the bottom of the economy scale, there are the back-packer establishments, offering basic rooms, or bungalows, with bedding and linen but often with only cold water in the bathrooms. Deals are always available, airlines offering packages of flights and accommodation; special offers are made by the island resorts, particularly in the low season. Reviews are available to read online and it is recommended that the would-be visitor compares special offers and reads the comments made by people who have experienced at first-hand what Bora-Bora has to offer.

Tropical islands have always been favored for vacations; they are loved for being exotic, warm and spectacular. Bora-Bora has another name: Mai Te Pora, or Created by the Gods. If in your life you visit only one tropical island, then let it be the heavenly creation of Bora-Bora

BORA-BORA HAS ANOTHER NAME: MAI TE PORA, OR CREATED BY THE GODS

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EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

ASPARAGUS, FETA

COUSCOUS SALAD

PREPARATION TIME 10 MINUTES COOKING TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4 LEVEL EASY

INGREDIENTS • 2 cups couscous • 1 bunch of fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces • 8 ounces cherry tomatoes, halved • 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • Black Pepper to taste.

METHOD

• Cook couscous according to package instructions • Put aside and allow to cool slightly • Meanwhile, place

asparagus in a steamer over 1 inch of boiling water, and cover • Cook until tender but still firm, about 2 to 6 minutes; drain and cool • Toss the asparagus, tomatoes, and feta with couscous • Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and black pepper and toss to incorporate.

PEPPERED SHRIMP ALFREDO PREPARATION TIME 30 MINUTES COOKING TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 6 LEVEL EASY

INGREDIENTS • 12 ounces penne pasta • ¼ Butter • 2 Spoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil • 1 Onion Diced • 2 Cloves Minced Garlic • ½ pound mushroom, diced • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined • 1 red bell pepper, diced • 1 (15 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce • 1/2 cup grated Romano cheese • ½ Cup Cream • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste • 1/4 Cup Chopped Parsley • Salt and Pepper to taste

METHOD

• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. • Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain. • Meanwhile, melt butter together with the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat • Stir in onion, and cook until softened and translucent, about 2 minutes • Stir in garlic, red pepper, and

mushroom; cook over medium-high heat until soft, about 2 minutes more • Stir in the shrimp, and cook until firm and pink • Pour in Alfredo sauce, Romano cheese, and cream • Bring to a simmer stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes • Season with cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste • Stir drained pasta into the sauce, and serve sprinkled with chopped parsley.

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EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

PEACH CRISP + OATMEAL-WALNUT TOPPING PREPARATION TIME 20 MINUTES COOKING TIME 35 MINUTES SERVES 6 LEVEL MEDIUM

SPONGE INGREDIENTS • 5 cups sliced fresh peaches • 2 tablespoons instant tapioca • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar, divided • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and cooled

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METHOD

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). • Combine

peaches, tapioca, almond extract, and 1/4 cup brown sugar in a bowl. • Set mixture aside until tapioca pearls have softened, about 15 minutes • Whisk remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar and flour in a separate bowl. • Process rolled oats with walnuts in a food processor, pulsing a few times to grind to coarse crumbs; stir walnuts and oats into flour mixture • Drizzle topping mixture with melted butter and stir with a fork to create large crumbs of topping • Pour peaches and their juice into an 8x8-inch baking dish; spread crumb topping atop peaches in an even layer. • Bake in the preheated oven until topping is golden brown and the peaches are bubbling, 35 to 40 minutes • Serve slightly warm.

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BRAINFOOD ROUND #1

ROUND #2

Pot Luck

ROUND #3

Films

1. What dark alcoholic spirit is made from molasses? 2. What was James Bond’s favourite gun of choice? 3. What is the cabin that is below an airship called? 4. In wine terms, what is the opposite of dry? 5. How many ghosts appeared to Scrooge?

ROUND #4

History + Geography

1. What was the name of the 1998 film starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks which was about internet dating? 2. In the film “Bambi”, what sort of animal was Thumper?

Science + Nature

1. What gift did France give to the USA in 1884? 2. In what mountain range would you find Mount Everest?

3. How are the employees of the Charles Townsend Agency better known?

1. What gas makes a drink fizzy? 2. What can be known as monopole, helical or dipole? 3. What animal lays the largest egg? 4. In the letters VHS, V and S mean Video and System. What does the H mean? 5. In physics what letter is used to represent the constant that is equal to 9.80665 metres per second squared? 6. What is the middle colour of the rainbow? 7. What is measured in Curies?

3. The Island of Malta was awarded what medal after WWII?

4. In to which sea does the River Jordan flow? 4. In the film and TV series called MASH, what does the M stand for? 5. Nelson Mandella was the leader of the ANC. What does 6. What does the Oscar Statue 5. What was the name of the car in ANC stand for? hold in its hands? the film “The Love Bug”? 6. What is the capital of 7. You buy a TV that is 41cms. 6. In which film did Tom Hanks star as Zimbabwe? Where is the measurement a boy in an adult’s body? 7. What artist, sculptor and taken from? 7. Which actress played the part of architect designed the dome of 8. What is the National Airline of St. Peter’s in Rome? FBI Agent Clarice Starling in the Greece? film “Silence of the Lambs”? 8. What is the largest man made 8. In which European country 9. Showtime and Orbit have 8. What is the name of the dog in structure? (Clue: In length) would you find the Black now combined. What 3 Forest? Peter Pan? 9. What snake grows to be letters do they now use to 9. Name the Police Commissioner of 9. In which US City will you find the largest in the world? advertise? Madison Square Gardens? Gotham City? (Batman) 10. How many letters of the 10. Who wrote the book 10. Who were the two male stars of 10. Who was the President of alphabet are used in the Roman “Mein Kampf”? system of numbering? the White Star Line when the “Men in Black”? Titanic sank? EASY

3 1

8 1 3

4 7 8 1 3 6 2 5 7 3 8 6 9 1 4 6 5 2 8 5 7 9 3 2 7 9 4 7 6

ROUND#1 ROUND#2 ROUND#3 ROUND#4

1 5 7 3 8 9 1 6

4 2 6 8 3 4 2 7 9 5

9 4 2 5

2 9

5 2

8 9

6 8 1 1

1 6 3 9 8

4 7

7 9

9 3 7

8 6 9

7 8 9 3 3 4 2 5 6 2 1 4 6 7 9 5 7 2 3 7 5 3 2 9 5 7 6

1. Rum 2. Walther PPK 3. Gondola 4. Sweet 5. Four 6. A sword 7. Diagonal (corner to corner) 8. Olympic 9. OSN 10. Adolf Hitler 1. “You’ve Got Mail” 2. Rabbit 3. Charlie’s Angels 4. Mobile (Army Surgical Hospital) 5. Herbie 6. Big 7. Jodie Foster 8. Nana 9. Commissioner Gordon 10. Tommy Lee Jones, Will Smith 1. Statue of Liberty 2. Himalayas 3. George Cross 4. Dead Sea 5. African National Congress 6. Harare 7. Michelangelo 8. Germany 9. NewYork 10. Joseph Bruce Ismay 1. Carbon dioxide 2. Antennas/Aerials 3. Ostrich 4. Home 5. G (Acceleration) 6. Green 7. Radioactivity 8. Great Wall of China 9. Anaconda 10. 7 (IVLCDM)

6 9 4 7 1 2 3 4 5 2 5 1

2 5 6 8 3 4 8 9 7 7 9 3

6 9 5 4 7 3 9 1 3 8 1 6

3 6 7 9 8

2 4 5 1 1 6

2 5 8 2 7 4

3 2 5 6 5 7 5 5 8 4 2 9 5 1 5 8 7 3

1 8 8 1 2 5

7 4 2 2 5 1

7 2 6 3 4 7

4 8 9 6 3 5

5 9 9 6 3 4

8 7 1 3

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9 6

4 7 1 5 9 6 6 3 5 9 8 2 7 8 3 4 2 1

8 3 3 9 6 8 2 7 1 1 7 4

6 4 5

8 1 3

2 9 1

5 7 6

9 6 4 5 5 2

8 4 7 9 3 8 2

2 9 7 4 8 3 5 1 6

1 7 4

5 3 8

9 2 6

4 8 1

7 5 9

3 6 2

3 2 5

9 6 4 7 2 1

7 1 8

6 5 9 2 3 7

8 3 2

1 4 7 9 5 8

6 8 9

3 4 5

1 6 4

4 2 9 8 1 7 6 5 3

6 7 3 5 4 2 9 1 8

8 5 1 3 6 9

6 4 9 2 1

8 7 4 3 6

1 2 7 8 5

9 5 1

4 7 2

5 8 7

2 9 1

3 6 4

8 3 6

7 4

1 9 8 6 9 3 7 2

7 3 6 2 5 8

1 4 9

SUMMER BREEZE ISSUE

ACROSS 1. We all have one! 4. Can be good for your health. 11. Always looked for in a crime. 12. Regions said to be below the earth’s

surface.

13. Is it lucky for the Irish? 16. An Egyptian ruler? 19. A very big dog! [Two words] See 69

down.

21. A white one is supposed to be good. 22. Spherical bodies. 23. An adventure seeking for something. 25. He wrote an Odyssey. 28. Scientific name for man. 29. Tables and chairs are part of this. [Two

words] See 47 down.

30. Put the cargo on board. 32. A diamond can have many of these. 34. Hurt someone. 36. The X-Ray department? 38. Approximately 3.1427. 39. Dangerous in the wrong hands. 40. Half a dozen. 41. See 28 across 44. The land of the rising sun. 46. Our blood does this. 48. They are not the same! 52. Not acute 53. Can this information be useful? 55. A good book or something unusual? 56. Boston had a party for this. 59. A gas that is not spelt the way it is

spoken.

60. A gas used in advertising lights? 61. Are these on chickens or women? 63. What is the price? 67. It can be used on wood or nails. 68. It may be dangerous! 69. A short father? 71. Oil or grease can be this. 73. Shove it. 76. Stir it together! 77. Can give a huge bang! 78. Superman’s home? 79. The tide does this. 80. Do bald people have this? 81. Another word for the beat of the music.

SHOP PING

KJUSTK SHEET Is this part of word processing?

JUL | AUG 2014

JOB AN

O V E R S

31. Mr. Guevara’s first name? 33. A baby’s bed. 35. A special treat for the ladies? 36. Did you make one for the New Year? 37. It is more than just rude! 39. An engineless plane? 42. “I’m not guilty!” 43. Flowers from Hawaii! 45. Items for auction.

Did someone help you steal?

Not all the food has been eaten

LE VEL

A type of apartment?

GEGS

47. See 29 across. 49. Hot stuff from a volcano? 50. Is it a movie or a light covering? 51. Elliot Ness’ force. 54. An American cow? 57. The world turns on this. 58. Oops, it’s upside down! 62. It can reduce current and voltage. 64. Equal to?

How they are cooked

MAIL MALE Brings the letters?

issue issue issue issue issue

Worn for sport?

SHOPPING CENTRE - INSIDE JOB - SCRAMBLED EGGS - JUST IN CASE (Ks) - LEFTOVERS POSTMAN - SPREADSHEET - SPLIT LEVEL - TENNIS SHOES

To be sure!

15. The Mafia are also said to be one of these. 17. Obtained from fish? 18. A Greek or Russian church? 20. Helpful if you have lost part of your body. [Two words] See 71 down 24. Employ. 26. Just one! 27. Used by the hangman?

65. Not fully burnt! 66. A blue one is very pleasant. 69. See 19 across. 70. It didn’t go off! 71. See 20 down. 72. An old drinking establishment? 74. A Scotsman’s tradional dress. 75. A vote in favour of!

ACCROSS 1. PULSE - 4. THERAPEUTIC - 11. EVIDENCE 12. NETHER - 13. SHAMROCK - 16. PHARAOH 19. GREAT - 21. WITCH - 22. ORBS - 23. QUEST 25. HOMER - 28. HOMO - 29. HOUSE 30. LOAD - 32. FACETS - 34. HARM 36. RADIOLOGY - 38. PI - 39. GUN - 40. SIX 41. SAPIENS - 44. JAPAN - 46. CIRCULATES 48. UNEQUAL - 52. OBTUSE - 53. INSIDE 55. NOVEL - 56. TEA - 59. XENON - 60. NEON 61. BREASTS - 63. COST - 67. VARNISH 68. RISKY - 69. DAD - 71. LUBRICANT - 73. PUSH 76. MIX - 77. DYNAMITE - 78. KRYPTON 79. EBB - 80. DANDRUFF - 81. TEMPO

2. Largest organ of the human body. 3. It has gone dry. 5. Not him! 6. He had a weak heel! 7. Sign this to stop the fighting? 8. Are frilly ones still worn by ladies? 9. A seat in Church! 10. Takes a few pictures. 14. Helps to locate where you are.

DOWN 2. SKIN - 3. SET - 5. HER - 6. ACHILLES 7. TREATY - 8. PETTICOATS - 9. PEW 10. SNAPS - 14. MAP - 15. CARTEL - 17. ROE 18. ORTHODOX - 20. ARTIFICIAL - 24. USE 26. ONLY - 27. ROPE - 31. CHE - 33. COT 35. MANICURE - 36. RESOLUTION 37. OBSCENE - 39. GLIDER - 42. INNOCENT 43. LEI - 45. LOTS - 47. FURNITURE - 49. LAVA 50. FILM - 51. UNTOUCHABLES - 54. STEER 57. AXIS - 58. INVERTED - 62. RESISTOR 64. PAR - 65. CHARRED - 66. SKY - 69. DANE 70. DUD - 71. LIMBS - 72. INN - 74. KILT - 75. AYE

DOWN

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ZODIAC FORECASTS FROM JONATHAN CAINER

JONATHAN’S THOUGHTS ON THE MONTHS OF JULY AND AUGUST

CANCER | June 23 - July 23

LEO | July 24 - August 23

AUGUST: They say, ‘The road to hell is paved with good intentions.’ I’m not so sure about that and - as I often point out - it raises a very big question. What is the road to heaven paved with, bad intentions? It is possibly true to say that the road to hell is often mistakenly taken by those who seek a short cut to heaven. It is often via the quest for something unbelievably good that we end up getting into a situation that seems unbelievably bad. Should you remain moderate in August? Not necessarily! Be cautious but don’t be fearful.

AUGUST: This month, you feel you need to know the answer to a crucial question. Actually, though, you already have this. It is just that you dare not yet trust your own judgement. You keep wondering whether there is more to find out. Soon, you will discover that there is nothing else to discover. Then it will become clear that what you already know is all you need to know. At which point you will be able to act on this information. You need less than you think. You already have more than you realise - as August’s events will prove.

JULY: The minute we hear a raised voice, we become defensive. Who is shouting and why? What do they want? Is there trouble? We enter a state of high alert, even if we soon realise that we are simply hearing a yell of recognition - one person calling out to another in friendship. Somewhere in your world now, an innocent, harmless, perhaps even potentially profitable message, is being delivered in a tone or context that is both misleading and off-putting. Pay more attention to content in July, and less regard to style.

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JULY: Other people win the Lottery. Other people have it made. Other people get to live in perfect homes with perfect families and drive perfect cars and have perfect jobs. Or do they? Actually, all that other people really do is sit around imagining the other people who are leading a better life than they are! You don’t have to be another person in July. You won’t win the Lottery - but you will find that you can discover, inside yourself, the kind of contentment that others can only dream of. There’s real magic in your outlook now.

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July begins with the end of Mercury’s recent retrograde phase. By the middle of the month, the communication planet will have fully regained the ground that it has lately lost (or should I say the space because Mercury’s orbit covers space, not ground). So the further into this month we get, the more we will all start to feel as if long-awaited progress is happening. That sensation of momentum after a frustrating delay will be enhanced still further by the departure of Mars from a sector of the sky that it has been resident in since 2014 began. If you want to wish upon a star, you may be better off in the Northern Hemisphere in the month of August. The annual Perseid meteor shower should show a shower of silvery streaks between August 10 and 13. Such spectacles confer, upon all who witness them, a traditional entitlement to seek a boon from the cosmos. But as if to demonstrate that the universe is fair, August 4 provides a special chance, Down Under, to take in the rare, stunning sight of the Moon passing in front of Saturn. For us all, that signifies a month when wild hope triumphs over dull convention.

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VIRGO

LIBRA

August 24 - September 23 JULY: Nothing stays the same forever. We all understand this. That’s why we cling so tightly to all that seems stable. It’s why we make so much of the apparently permanent. It is also why we create distractions, dramas and diversions. Far better to get caught up in a fuss about nothing than to feel overwhelmed by the idea that nothing is worth making a fuss about. Or so we think. But to be deeply philosophical is not to be nihilistic, even if there’s a slight superficial resemblance. Keep your sense of perspective in July.

September 24 - October 23 JULY: There are some things that you definitely cannot do. You have other options, though, which are very real - although they will require you to make much effort. Nothing is going to be easy. But, then, that includes nothing - if you see what I mean. In other words, even if you resolve to take no action at all you will find yourself struggling to repress the urge to do something. And that is as it should be - for something now can be done, something very positive indeed. Do what you can in July, and trust that this is the right thing to do.

AUGUST: Do you simply have to put up with what you do not like? Only up to a point. You have the power - and the opportunity - to bring about sweeping change now. But do you secretly prefer things the way they are? Do you fear that, if you turn everything upside down, you will end up even worse off? Don’t be reckless, don’t be rash, but do be ready to trust the good idea that is starting to emerge. There is a clever solution to your current problem. You are more than intelligent enough to find it. In August, a Baffling situation will make sense.

AUGUST: What shall we concentrate on this month? The long list of things you cannot do, dare not do, must not do? Or the possibilities, the hopes, the opportunities? When put like this, the question seems to have an obvious answer. Why on earth would you want to focus on the negative? In reality, though, it isn’t quite so simple. Big issues keep arising. They are understandably aggravating. Still, though, you have freedom of choice. In August, you can dwell on your frustrations or make the most of what’s good.

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

October 24 - November 22 JULY: What do you want to do in July? Heal the sick? Feed the hungry? Bring peace between warring nations? Cure a plague? Invent a pollution-free engine? Set the wage-slaves free? Abolish money? Create Utopia? Enlighten the ignorant? End prejudice? Tell you what. Why not just do what everyone else does and go shopping or watch TV. As usual. There are, on this Earth, an awful lot of good intentions. This month, though, if you really want, you can actually do something significant, different and practical about one of yours.

November 23 - December 21 JULY: You can make a little money go a long way. Might this, we wonder, be the reason why you can also make a lot of money go a very long way - away from you! Nature, after all, abhors a vacuum. If there is no great need why should there ever be any great fulfilment? I’m not suggesting that you will be able to increase your income by becoming profligate. But you do need to create psychological space for an improvement. Believe that a change for the better can happen to you in July - and it will be much more likely to.

AUGUST: With Mars in your sign this month, you face a situation that seems to be ‘no laughing matter.’ It’s not funny. But still, there’s something amusing about it and, if you can’t see it yet, you will one day. It will do no harm to acknowledge the comedy within a set of circumstances that some people are prone to take too seriously. In a sense of mischief is a sense of irreverence and the more respect you now give to a potential problem, the more you may somehow imbue it with a power that it need not have.

AUGUST: ‘To err is human; to forgive, divine.’ Notice how poet Alexander Pope did not comment upon the nature of ‘forgetting’. Perhaps that’s because ‘to forget’ is simply optional. We may think that we have no choice about whether or not we keep something in our memory. Some ideas slip like sand through our fingers, others stick like treacle to our feet. There is a mistake that you can avoid making in August. There is a chance to be spiritually generous that you really ought to take. As for what needs to be forgotten, forget it!

CAPRICORN December 22 - January 20 JULY: Edward de Bono, the great lateral thinker, once invented a special word, ‘Ebne’. It is an acronym. It stands for ‘Excellent, but not enough’. There is a reason why I am mentioning this to you, as we enter July. Somewhere in your world, there is something that is good but it could be even better. Now I know that there is a famous old saying, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ But is that really a reason to stop exploring the possibility of progress? You want the very best this month, and you may well find a way to get it.

JUL | AUG 2014

AUGUST: You really don’t need a ball and chain in order to feel weighed down with every step you take. It is quite sufficient to simply imagine the existence of such an impediment - or to fear its imminent appearance in your life. As long as you can get yourself into a suitably anxious or inhibited frame of mind, you can be restricted and restrained without the need for an actual, physical shackle. Now, er... mind if I ask you a question? What’s really stopping you from claiming your freedom in August? It’s time to start thinking differently.

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AQUARIUS

PISCES

January 21 - February 19 JULY: Faith, they say, can move a mountain. Indeed it can, but it can move it all the more efficiently if it happens to be equipped with a large stack of dynamite and a bulldozer. You now fervently believe that something is possible. You have high hopes - and rightly so. This does not mean, though, that you can now sit back and wait for everything to fall into place. Your great objective is only just attainable. To reach it you will have to expend a great deal of effort. So roll up your sleeves and sharpen your focus in July.

February 20 - March 20 JULY: Acupuncturists believe that invisible lines of energy run round the human body. By tweaking them lightly with a needle, it is possible to change the nature of these meridians and make a vast difference to a person’s health and state of mind. Some insist that states of far greater consciousness can be reached simply through gently touching crucial pressure points. A similar principle applies to you in July. One tiny, seemingly insignificant (and almost painless) intrusion into your life is about to make you a whole lot happier.

AUGUST: There are some forces that we can neither ignore, control nor even predict with any great degree of reliability. How then, do we protect ourselves from the intensity of their impact? By a combination of common sense and carelessness. First we must envisage every possible problem and do what we can to avoid it. Then, before we drive ourselves into a frenzy of anxiety, we must decide that having duly worried, we should worry no more and may as well relax. This month is a time, now, to be decisive and clear.

AUGUST: ‘Good times. These are the good times. Leave your cares behind. These are the good times...’ Remember Chic? That was their song. Not quite a lyrical masterpiece. But apparently the musical riff is one of the most sampled pieces in musical history. And your month ahead? Ah yes. Good times. And your weekend? You may be able to see a thousand reasons to worry. But you’ve got something in your life that’s truly wonderful. It’s an insult to that asset not to let yourself feel good! There truly are good times ahead for you.

ARIES

TAURUS

March 21 - April 20 JULY: There are many different varieties of apples, each just as delicious. It’s the same with different processes of self-development. Teachers of personal growth offer many alternative techniques. Are some better than others? That’s debatable. But most agree that it doesn’t matter what you do for therapy, as long as you do something. July eventually brings the long-awaited departure of Mars from your opposite sign. That’s a promise that tension can be eased. As long as you are doing something. That’s all that matters.

April 21 - May 21 JULY: The more resilient the packaging, the more fragile the content can be. Hence, your big, tough, I-can-cope-with-anything personality. It fools some of the people, some of the time. Every so often, it even fools you! Yet, deep within, you are soft and sensitive. Despite your self-defence mechanisms, your heart is at least partially exposed. Before you decide to cover it up in July, consider the possibility that you are now well place to make some constructive connections. Sometimes, even the toughest have to let themselves be helped.

AUGUST: August will bring you deep experiences. ‘Deep’ is a funny word. What does it mean? Complicated? Multifaceted? Mysterious? Are you going to discover, this month, that there is more to you (and life) than you knew? Well, yes, but your main encounter will be the depth of your own sincerity. When you mean something, you won’t merely mean it, you will really mean it. The same will be true of what you feel. You may have a profound reaction to an intense situation. But that’s appropriate and nothing to fear.

AUGUST: People born under your sign are often accused of being a little too cautious, serious or responsible. But those who know you know how playful and adventurous you can actually be. They also know how honourable you are. It is this determination to be fair, even when you’re having fun, or to be wise, even when you are being silly, that sometimes gets misunderstood or causes problems. Yet very soon, though, it is going to be deeply appreciated. Your sense of diligence and justice will pay big dividends in August.

GEMINI May 22 - June 22 JULY: A month that begins with Venus and Mercury in your sign, promises change. Positive change, of course. It can be change of no other kind - regardless of whether or not it yet seems that way. If you like your situation, be reassured. Nothing need alter it. But if you are less than ecstatic about some of the circumstances you currently face, be even more reassured. Even if sharp words are exchanged and worrying developments occur, crucial discoveries are being made and valuable developments are taking place.

JUL | AUG 2014

AUGUST: ‘A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down.’ So sang Mary Poppins in the classic Disney film, and who would want to argue with her? This month brings you first the sweetener then, later, the pill. Will it be a bitter one? Yes, if you try to swallow it without the context of the sugar coating. But why would you want to do that? August offers a genuine, much-needed remedy. It will work swiftly to fix your problem with no unpleasant side-effects. The only thing that’s not so great about it is that you may not initially like the taste.

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NEW + NOW

LAUNCH OF ADIDAS’ FIFA WORLD CUP No team has ever won the FIFA World Cup™ without giving it their all. It‘s about team work, togetherness, passion and whole nations uniting and coming together for a common cause. The FIFA World Cup™ is the pinnacle of any player’s career, it‘s where the best meet the very best and where icons are made. With one month to

go until the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™, adidas launched Battle Pack, the official footwear collection for the tournament. adidas Battle Pack features a new boot from each of the five adidas boot ranges adizero™ f50, predator®, nitrocharge™, 11pro and adizero™ f50 Messi, each with its own disruptive black and white pattern to stand out on the pitch. Every boot has been designed with an aggressive identity and cutting edge technology. adidas Battle Pack will be worn on-field during the FIFA World Cup™ by the full roster of adidas players including Leo Messi and Oscar to Dani Alves and Luis Suarez.

L’OREAL“BEAUTY FOR A BETTER LIFE” IN LEBANON The L’Oréal Foundation, in partnership with the association SOS Children’s Villages, is launching its “Beauty for a Better Life” educational program in Beirut. The mission of the international “Beauty for a Better Life” program, initiated and implemented around the world by the L’Oréal Foundation, is to help certain fragile communities regain self-esteem and reintegrate socially through free, top-quality beauty training programs (hairstyling, make-up and beauty care). The beneficiaries of the program are mainly women from disadvantaged backgrounds; among them are the unemployed, the underprivileged, as well as those with school or family problems. The “Beauty for a Better Life” program deploys customized teaching methods characterized by reinforced instructor supervision in relation to a limited number of students. Mrs. Afifa Arsanios, President of the board of SOS Children’s Villages Lebanon, praised the pioneering nature of this partnership between the private sector and non-governmental organizations ; an initiative that “creates new opportunities for young people, helping them enhance their potentials and build their selfconfidence. SOS looks forward to more collaborations with L’Oreal and

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more engagement on a wider scale of socially responsible activities to reach new beneficiaries in Lebanon and to provide them with a better life through a beauty métier.“

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