RAGMAG The Attachment Issue | March/April 2014 | Issue #43

MAGAZINE MAR/APR 2014

ATTACHMENT ISSUE

BLACK SABBATH THE GODFATHERS OF HEAVY METAL

A LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP LEBANON

A CHILD’S PERSPECTIVE MY PARENTS ARE GETTING DIVORCED

DANIELLA RAHME STAR LIGHT SPEAKS TO RAGMAG

EXCLUSIVE *

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MAGAZINE

Contributors

Publisher Gina Gabriel El-Fady Graphic Designer Eliane Elias Selected images Shutterstock

Stylist Jony Matta Public Relations Coordinator Lea El-Alam Marketing Lead Daniella Tayar

Hala Abi-Saleh Lara Ariss Elodie Barakat Jonathan Cainer Amal Chaaban Jonathan Dagher Marianne Ghanem Sarah Hourany Matthew Hussey J.E.N. Maria-Elena Kassab Chris Lambert Jacques Tchabarian Josie Younes

Administrative Coordinator Teddy Younes

Nada G. Farha | Cofounder-MD Jdeideh Chalet Suisse St 444 Center 3rd floor

Responsible Manager May Ziade

Media Representative

Printing Chamas for Printing & Publishing s.a.l. info@chamaspress.com +961 1 707 735/6/7

Tel: 01 87 16 63 Ext 103 nfarha@pinkodsal.com advertise@pinkodsal.com

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

RAGMAGMagazine @RAGMAGMagazine RAGMAG RAGMAGMagazine

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

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

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.

Get the RAGMAG App on iTunes and Google Play APPLE

ANDROID

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ON OUR COVER: DANIELLA RAHME Makeup ANNA BY M.A.C. COSMETICS Hair by ROGER GABRIEL | JEWELRY BY NADA G

SUBSCRIBE TO RAGMAG PER ISSUE 10,000 LBP | 6 ISSUES 50,000 LBP Contact us by phone or email to arrange your subscription subscriptions@ragmaglive.com Lea El-Alam +961 9 916 222 / 9 913 777 RAGMAG, Alex Gabriel Building, Rue Colomn de Sahel, Sahel Alma, Keserwan, Lebanon

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ABC ACHRAFIEH, L1. BEIRUT SOUKS, SOUK AYASS, T 01996020

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ATTACHMENT ISSUE 84

EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES COPYCAT

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DANIELLA RAHME

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CULTURE CLASH THE GODFATHER OF HEAVY METAL

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MESH 3AM NOTLA3 MENNAK!

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IN LOVING MEMORY

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LEBANON A LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP

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FINAL FRONTIER SHUSHH I’M ON THE PHONE

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LET LOOSE

REAL LIFE RUNWAY

OUR FASHION SHOOT

BLACK SABBATH HAYDA LEBNEN

LARA FAHAS GIVES US AN INDEPTH VIEW OF ZAHWA WE ALWAYS WANT WHAT WE CAN’T HAVE

ARE YOU OVERLY ATTACHED TO YOUR GADGETS RE-EVALUATE YOUR ATTACHMENTS

SEE, SPEAK + HEAR NO EVIL 106 SOUND CHECK MUSIC 107 WATCH OUT FILM 109 READ’EM BOOKS

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MON AMOUR, MON AMI STEP IT UP A NOTCH 8 TIPS TO HELP YOU OVERCOME A DRY SPELL IN YOUR MARRIAGE

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MY WAY....OR MY WAY OVERCOMING SELFISHNESS

7 SIMPLE WAYS

HOW TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

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ATTACHMENT ISSUE 50

MIND, BODY + SOUL MY PARENTS ARE GETTING DIVORCED

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HELP ME WITH MY RAGGED PROBLEMS

A CHILD’S PERSPECTIVE ADVICE

110 MIX IT & FIX IT HOME REMEDIES

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MIRROR MIRROR GET CONFIDENT NOW

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BLURRED LINES

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ECSTASY COMES IN ROUGE

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GO WITH THE GLOW

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AQUA ALLEGORIA

A GUIDE FROM HEAD & SHOULDERS MAKE-UP FOREVER BRINGS YOU THE HD RANGE GIORGIO ARMANI’S FIRST “CC” LIPSTICK YSL DREAM PRODUCTS

THE NEW SCENT FROM GUERLAIN

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 112 DECADENT DESSERTS RECIPES

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OUT + ABOUT MADNESS IN BEIRUT

THINGS TO DO THIS MONTH

TAKE ME WITH YOU 102 MONTMARTRE TRAVEL

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BRAINFOOD QUIZZ. DINBATS. CROSSWORDS. SUDOKU.

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足 GE T I N O N T H E AC T 足 SP R I NG SU MMER 2014

TEL: 01/283862 ABC DEPARTMENT STORES: ACHRAFIEH & DBAYEH TEL: 01/212888 04/416000

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T E D B A K E R B L O G .C O M AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

RAGMAG brings to you ‘The Attachment’ issue with Daniella Rahme, Lebanon’s most recent heartthrob. ‘She is a beautiful soul and we are glad that fame has not changed her’ is what we were told of Daniella by her friends and acquaintances. Though I have not met her personally, but to those who have met her from the RAGMAG team seem to think that she is simply radiant.

We are introducing a new column by Naringa Kisler, who will be analyzing, discussing and answering questions mostly asked by our readers. This month we have chosen to talk about Divorce, from a child’s perspective.

Feel free to write to me to publisher@ragmaglive.com or to any member of the RAGMAG team with your input.

Talk to me on twitter @GinaGabriel1 I look forward to hearing from you.

Gina Gabriel El-Fady | Publisher

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

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK AND SCRIBBLE ON OUR WALL TO WIN, WRITE TO US AT PUBLISHER@RAGMAGLIVE.COM TWEET US ON TWITTER @RAGMAGMAGAZINE!

IF YOU’RE BRAVE ENOUGH TO TAKE A PIC WITH YOUR FAVORITE ISSUE, SEND IT OUR WAY VIA SOCIAL MEDIA OR EMAIL! YOU’RE ALL SO PINTERESTING, SO PIN US. RAGMAG IT’S YOUR MAGAZINE! RAGMAG reserves the right to edit for clarity and content 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.

WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU SO KEEP IT UP!

WANNA DOWNLOAD OUR APP? WE’RE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE ITUNES STORE AND ON GOOGLE PLAY SO GET DOWNLOADING

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OUT + ABOUT

MADNESS IN BEIRUT THINGS TO DO THIS APRIL!

BY MARIANNE GHANEM

IT’S FUNNY (AND SAD) HOW MOST OF US ARE TOO CAUGHT UP IN OUR BUSY WORK SCHEDULES TO NOTICE SOME OF THE THINGS GOING ON AROUND LEBANON – ESPECIALLY IN APRIL. IN CASE YOU FIND THAT YOU DO HAVE SOME TIME TO SPARE THIS MONTH, BUT CAN’T THINK OF ANYTHING EXCITING OR FUN TO DO – HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS TO HELP MAKE YOUR APRIL A LITTLE BIT MORE STIMULATING:

Ever seen the graffiti on the walls in Dora and wondered when, how and who does it?

Well, here’s your chance to find out!

Secret Walls is the world’s premier live art battle, daringly named the Fight Club of the arts. Two graffiti artists go head to head with only black paint and pens, as well as having giant blank white walls at their disposal.

APRIL 3rd, 2014 | ROOJ - GOLDEN TULIP HOTEL - HAMRA, BEIRUT DOORS OPEN AT 7 P.M. | BATTLE BEGINS AT 10:00 P.M. THOSE WISHING TO SEE THE BATTLE MUST BE 18+ SECRET WALLS X BEIRUT

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If you’ve already heard of Music Hall, and the wonders it presents, then really ‘Magic Malik’ needs no introduction. The fantastic jazz performer is back with his magical flute for another extravagant show. If you saw him back in 2005, hesitation is one thing you won’t be feeling in response to this news. And if you haven’t, go out and give him a listen!

APRIL 8TH, 2014 | MUSIC HALL, STARCO CENTER, BEIRUT | 8:00PM LIBANJAZZ | +961 1 361 236

If you love to dance, or love to watch people dance, the Beirut International Platform of Dance (BIPOD) is the place to be! Hosted by Maqamat Dance theatre, this festival will be lighting up the streets and theatres of Beirut for their 10th edition!

APRIL 10TH – 27TH, 2014 | AL MADINA THEATRE THÉÂTRE MONNOT | METRO AL-MADINA MAQAMAT | +961 1 343 834

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OUT + ABOUT

MADNESS IN BEIRUT | THINGS TO DO THIS APRIL!

Have any of you felt a sort of lacking in the field of literary culture and art? No? Just me?

Well, either way, the UK’s famous literary festival is here to replenish and revitalize the poetic and aesthetic scene here in Lebanon. Bringing along literary debate, Q&A’s, group discussions, as well as all night parties for three days, Hay Festival Beirut hopes to unite talented artists, art lovers, and art critics all in one place. Attending the event will cost you absolutely nothing.

APRIL 8TH, 2014 | @HAYFESTIVALBEY WWW.HAYFESTIVAL.COM/BEIRUT

Are you looking for a chill night out with your friends?

Somewhere you can have a drink, but also simultaneously hold a conversation? ‘Floyd the Dog’ pub on Mar Mikhael street, for ambiance that allows you to enjoy the music as well as the company.

MAR MIKHAEL, BEIRUT | +9613286596 FLOYDTHEDOGBEIRUT @FLOYD_THEDOG

Yet again Beirut Jam Sessions brings us another great act this April. Get ready for the sounds of Thomas Azier heading to Beirut for their HYLAS TOUR 2014! Get your dancing shoes ready!

APRIL 24TH, 2014 | CONCRETE 1994, BEIRUT | 8:00PM BEIRUTJAMSESSIONS @BEIRUTJAMS

We’ve all heard of the main museum (Mathaf) in Beirut… supposedly. Well, if you have heard of it, but never took a day to go see the museum, April’s your chance! The spring weather makes a trip like that all the more enjoyable. You can go for a late lunch after seeing the exhibits on display. Personally, I think we should all somehow try to reconnect with our great and shameless history – key word being history – especially now more than ever. +961 1 612 260 | WWW.BEIRUTNATIONALMUSEUM.COM

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Sunday

2014

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CULTURE CLASH

ALL HAIL THE GODFATHERS OF

HEAVY METAL BLACK SABBATH LIVE IN ABU DAHBI

THE TWENTY-NINTH OF MAY 2014 YAS ISLAND ABU DAHBI WILL WITNESS A NIGHT TO REMEMBER. THE LEGENDARY BLACK SABBATH WILL PERFORM AS PART OF THEIR 2013/2014 WORLD TOUR IN SUPPORT OF THEIR COMEBACK ALBUM ‘13’.

Do you have any stage mantra before you perform, how do you prepare yourself before stepping on stage?

GB I always do a 15 minute yoga routine and a 15 minute warm up on bass in my dressing room.

OO Well I get to the show usually do a meet and greet with fans and friends then I go into my show ritual which consists of 45 minutes of vocal warm ups, then 5 to 10 minutes of cardio workout then I say a small prayer and prepare to hit the stage.

What is the secret to a go stage show and what sort of things are you thinking about when up on stage?

GB All I think about is performing the best I can.

Have you ever considered steering away from heavy metal?

GB No. OO Like I said before that’s exactly the problem with the term “heavy metal.” You try and do something else like an acoustic song or ballad and the public frowns upon it. I would love to do any kind of music but being branded a heavy metal singer people would say I sold out if I wanted to do something different.

YOU TRY AND DO SOMETHING ELSE LIKE AN ACOUSTIC SONG OR BALLAD AND THE PUBLIC FROWNS UPON IT APRIL 2014

What are best and worst things about being on tour?

GB Best - being on stage. Worst - traveling.

OO It’s difficult to answer that one since I’ve played all over the world multiple times in my 45 years in the industry....with that being said I am looking forward to playing in the Middle East ....it’s a new challenge for me and would be great to get a new following there.

What sort of things do you talk about when you’re on tour?

GB Football.

I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO PLAYING IN THE MIDDLE EAST ....IT’S A NEW CHALLENGE FOR ME AND WOULD BE GREAT TO GET A NEW FOLLOWING THERE What would you say is the most stressful part of the job?

GB Travel OO My voice. If I am experiencing voice problems this stresses me out because I can’t give my fans the best show they deserve.

I hate to let them down.

How much time is spent to produce an album?

GB How long is a piece of string?

OO There is no set time to complete an album. When it’s done ...it’s done!!!

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CULTURE CLASH

ALL HAIL THE GODFATHER OF HEAVY METAL | BLACK SABBATH LIVE IN ABU DAHBI

10 THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW ABOUT

BLACK SABBATH

With the rising fan base for the music scene in the UAE, the excitement for the Black Sabbath concert on the 29th of May at du Arena grows. However, how much do we know about the famous band members? Here are a few facts that you never would have guessed.

OZZY OZBOURNE HAS A KNACK FOR THE COMEDY SCENE STARTING WITH HIS SKIT AD CAMPAIGN FOR I CAN’T BELIEVE IT’S NOT BUTTER IN 2006

OZZY OSBOURNE THE COMEDIAN BLACK SABBATH IS ROCK LEGEND THE BAND THAT COMES AND GOES Ozzy Ozbourne has a knack for the comedy scene starting with his skit ad campaign for I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter in 2006. His talents emerged in 1983 when he played a religious pastor who hates music in Trick or Treat. How ironic! The Black Sabbath band members also recently appeared in an episode of CSI. Horatio Cane be afraid!

THEY PARTICIPATED IN A CHARITY PROJECT TO RAISE MONEY TO REBUILD A MUSIC SCHOOL IN ARMENIA TONY IOMMI’S CHARITY ROCK Tony Iommi collaborated with Ian Gillan of Deep Purple and many other rock artists to form a supergroup entitled WhoCares in 2011. They participated in a charity project to raise money to rebuild a music school in Armenia. The school was demolished when the city of Gyumri was hit by an earthquake in 1988.

JAZZ INSPIRED MUSICIANS When Tony Iommi injured his fingers, he was inspired by the jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt to continue playing and so he developed a love for jazz music. It’s not all about the metal! The band themselves started out as a jazz-blues band named Polka Tulk, later called Earth. In early 1969, the group changed its name to the now iconic Black Sabbath.

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In 2005, Black Sabbath was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame by friend and music icon Brian May. Ozzy had previously removed the band from the list after they had been overlooked 7 times. The following year, the band was inducted into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

OZZY’S FIRST CAREER AMBITION Ozzy’s first career ambition wasn’t in the realm of music. Allegedly, when Ozzy was a youngster of around fifteen years old, he became a plumber’s apprentice, as that was the profession he was interested in at the time. Obviously, it didn’t pan out – and we’re not complaining

Before their reunion in 2012, the band has had 22 different members over the years.

Tommy Iommi has been the only ever-present member, but he did quit the then Earth for a brief stint with Jethro Tull in 1968.

Additionally, there were many members shared between Black Sabbath, Rainbow and Deep Purple. Ronnie James Dio, who replaced Ozzy as frontrunner when he began his solo career in 1978, was the vocalist for Rainbow.

BLACK SABBATH’S DEBUT The band’s self-titled debut was done in a single day, much of it in a single take, and cost a mere £800 quid to record. The first title on the album? ‘Black Sabbath’.

OZZY’S FIRST CAREER AMBITION WASN’T TERENCE MICHAEL JOSEPH IN THE REALM OF MUSIC

GEEZER AND TOM HANKS FRIENDSHIP Bassist Geezer Butler is good friends with Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, having bonded over their mutual love for Premier League strugglers Aston Villa, sometimes attending games together.

OZZY’S SOLO MUSIC HELP SAVE AUTISTIC BOY An eight-year-old autistic boy in Twin Peaks, California ran away into the woods due to parental abuse and was lured back into police protection after they played his favourite song “No More Tears”.

“GEEZER” BUTLER

Born Terence Michael Joseph Butler, Geezer got his nickname for his preference of calling his classmates “Geezer” at school, a British slang for “guy” or “dude”

THE BAND’S SELF-TITLED DEBUT WAS DONE IN A SINGLE DAY, MUCH OF IT IN A SINGLE TAKE AND COST A MERE £800 QUID TO RECORD AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

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Yes he did, and just a few days before winning the local municipal elections last Sunday. Even though the Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan hadn’t been personally running in the elections, the results mattered in order to reaffirm him as the popular ruler of Turkey and to pave the way for his presidency. Erdogan labelled the elections a referendum reasserting his popularity after the latest protests. Before the elections, however, the internet exploded with a leaked recording of a meeting between Erdogan and his foreign minister. The two men allegedly discussed the possibility of faking a Syrian attack on Turkish soil that would justify military intervention in Syria. The recording also contained implications of corruption within Erdogan’s government. Shortly after, Erdogan vows to “wipe out Twitter” in order to protect the nation’s security as he blamed the judiciary of scheming a “dirty campaign” to destroy him. Days later, Erdogan bans YouTube. While people have managed to surpass the block, the censorship remained violently condemned by AKP’s local opposition and by the international community, particularly Europe, who have claimed that Turkey’s actions do not agree with their values of free speech. The question remains: Does Erdogan’s municipal victory signify the people’s support, or is it a matter of time before they turn against a ruler whose latest actions can only be labelled ‘oppressive’?

RAGMAG’S VOTE UNBELIEVABLE

WILL WE EVER KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO MALAYSIAN 370?

“All right, goodnight”: the last words to come from the Boeing 777, Malaysian flight 370. On the 8th of March, 8:11 am, 239 passengers mysteriously disappeared on their way to Beijing. What happened next is what has baffled the 26 countries involved in the search. The plane took a sudden left turn and its transponder, a device that keeps track of the plane, was also mysteriously shut off right afterwards. Veering a plane off course and shielding it from radars are not easy tasks, not even for trained commercial pilots. A transponder can either be shut off by highly qualified professionals or due to a sudden catastrophe. Experts claim that the unexpected turn could have only been deliberate along with implications of terrorism which are being investigated by performing background checks on pilots and passengers.

Saying that, catastrophe on board is not being ruled out. Experts suspect anything from a fire caused by Lithium batteries, to the

plane’s tail getting disconnected mid-flight.

With no debris found and the absence of any distress signals, the mystery grows and pokes holes into whatever theory floats ashore.

The question that authorities, the airline, the families of the 239 passengers and the world are desperately asking still is: Will we ever find Malaysian flight 370?

FIVE QUESTIONS

BY JONATHAN DAHER

THE WORLD IS ASKING

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RAGMAG’S VOTE WORRYING AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

ERDOGAN: ©AFP / GETTY IMAGES | MALAYSIAN 370: © 2009-2014 HER CAMPUS MEDIA, LLC | © 2014 THE NEW YORK TIMES COMPANY | HTTPWWW.DAILYMAIL.CO.UK NEWSARTICLE

DID ERDOGAN SERIOUSLY JUST BLOCK TWITTER AND YOUTUBE?

FIVE QUESTIONS THE WORLD IS ASKING

WHY DID PUTIN INVADE CRIMEA? Vladimir Putin is not a man who takes no for an answer. At least not anymore. For years, the Russian president has undergone criticism from the West. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia had become the bullied child on the playground, with lost territory and a sense of national shame. The humorless man who despises revolution couldn’t handle the thought of another loss, yet found himself suffering one when the Ukrainian people ousted their Russian backed president who had refused to sign a free trade agreement with Europe. Putin’s latest setback in Kiev was the straw that broke the camel’s back and it wasn’t long before Putin’s troops marched into Crimea, armed with a referendum. It didn’t matter that the UN found the referendum illegal: Putin’s message was loud and clear: Russia is back. The West might be correct in that Putin is acting from a position of weakness, but his geopolitical power is undeniable. As the only player who was capable of diplomatically convincing the Syrian regime to give up its chemical weapons, Putin imposes himself again by reclaiming Crimea. In spite of recent calls between the US and Russia for a diplomatic solution, the fears stand: Is Putin’s move a one-time threat, a diversion from claims of corruption in the Kremlin, or is it the first step in a reawakened plan to restore Soviet borders?

RAGMAG’S VOTE CONFUSING

WILL THE FOURTH SEASON OF GAME OF THRONES LIVE UP TO THE HYPE? “What do we do to those who hurt the ones we love?” Littlefinger asks with a vengeance and fans around the world lean in for an answer. The gripping Season 4 trailer does not fall short on promises of revenge. Game of Thrones, like the winter it promises (All the time), is looming right around the wall, with the anticipated premiere coming soon on April 6th. Viewers are hungry to witness the coming treasons, deaths and weddings that will take over beloved Westeros. As the fourth season arrives, hardly anyone is questioning their faith in HBO’s and George RR Martin’s storytelling.

The episodes will be released on HBO’s paid network, but that had never stopped fans before from illegally downloading the episodes

of what has become the most pirated show in TV history. Meanwhile, producers and cast have promised their audience an action packed season that kicks off screaming right from the first episode, The Two Swords.

“The last 15 minutes are as epic as you’ve ever seen in Game of Thrones,” said John Bradley (Tarly). Kit Harrington (Snow) even promised fans more nudity. Obama himself has requested an advanced screening. When the season promises to host a certain “purple wedding”, can you blame the president? And don’t we all secretly hope this wedding is just as colorful as our beloved Red one?

RAGMAG’S VOTE EXCITED

WHAT DOES THE DEFEAT OF THE FSA IN YABROUD MEAN? Yabroud, Qalamoun holds a strategic significance as a stronghold for rebels in Syria. For them, Yabroud’s location on the Lebanese-Syrian border is essential in allowing supplies to arrive from Lebanon. On March 16th, however, the Syrian state news agency reported that the regime forces had taken over the city. By winning Yabroud, the regime had not only insured a secure passage between the regime-controlled Damascus and Homs, but had also cut the rebels off from necessary supplies. Nonetheless, Assad’s victory comes at a humanitarian and geopolitical price. By cleansing Qalamoun of rebels, Assad is cleansing it of the Sunni sect.

The citizens, much like the battle, have flooded APRIL 2014

over the border to Lebanon. The regime’s plan, whether intended or not, is altering the demographic of Syria by creating an Alawiteonly buffer zone. This further emphasizes the segregation of sects and adds fuel to the Sunni-Shiite conflict in the region. A recent front that has been opened against Bashar in the Mediterranean city of Lattakia could be a glitch in his victory, but only time can tell how big the glitch or how big the victory. With no inclinations towards agreement, and two sides finding themselves losing more by the day, will the war in Syria celebrate its fourth birthday, or is there still hope for much-needed peace?

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CULTURE CLASH

‘

HAYDA LEBNEN S MESH 3AM NOTLA3

MENNAK!

BY SARAH HOURANY

WE HEAR OUR PARENTS TELL US OF THE BEAUTIFUL LEBANON OF THE 60S WITH MINGLING STARS AND DREAMY LIGHTS, A LEBANON THAT WAS SAFE AND UP TO DATE

T

o all of you who enjoy a secure, healthy and loving relationship with your country, niyyelkon.

We Lebanese have not had this privilege since 1975. We hear our parents tell us of the beautiful Lebanon of the 60s with mingling stars and dreamy lights, a Lebanon that was safe and up to date, a Lebanon that was stable with opportunities, and most importantly harm free. So what happened to you Lebanon? That Lebanon doesn’t exist anymore and has become a BIG MESS. Our excuse is ‘3ade, hayda lebnen’, but deep down we still yearn for that stability our parents talked about, the safety they had and the freedom of expression that by now should be our right.

Despite it all ya lebnen, mesh 3am notla3 menak. We still live in a make believe world that things will fix themselves and one day we might be normal again. Until then we are happy to look at others with envy and suffer the burden of everyday life.

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MAZEJIE Wlek minimum! If you are not experiencing mood swings then it is time for your annual checkup. We spend our days struggling to do anything on time. A trip to Beirut is a nightmare from all the chaos. Enta w 7azzak, blocked road, car breaks down in the middle of the road, an accident in need of a khabir to arrive. We spend our weeks stressing, cursing and wondering why hasn’t the government done anything about this. Yet, hal 3azeb kello magically

disappears when we spend the weekend with our family bil day3a. For some reason, the warmth of family love and your natural beauty have the ability to make us say: Leh fi a7la menak ya Lebnen?

IF YOU ARE NOT EXPERIENCING MOOD SWINGS THEN IT IS TIME FOR YOUR ANNUAL CHECKUP AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

RAJE3 RAJE3 YET3AMMAR Even if we decided ‘2enno nhejir’ for reasons beyond our control, all of our future plans, dreams, and investments tie back to Lebanon. Studies show that us Lebanese leave our mother land only with hope to one day come back. Our umbilical cord is never broken. “bedde jammi3 massare ta 2eftah mashrou3 bi Lebnen”, “bedde 2eshteghil kam sene w 2erja3 3a Lebnen” and “bedde rabbe wlede bi Lebnen” are commonly used goals to the majority of the Lebanese living abroad. We are so in tune and interested to what is happening with you Lebanon more than we did when we actually lived in it. Min nazzal ghenniye jdide? Shu beddo ysir bi “wa 2ashrakat el shames”? 2amtin bedda tet2allaf el 7oukoumeh?

HALLA2 WE DO GO ON HOLIDAYS FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS SHAMET HAWA, BAS A7LA MEN LEBNEN MAFI

NASKHA TABE2 EL-ASEL We complain about the lack of job opportunities, the political instability, the pollution, the corruption, the deterioration in the quality of life but yet, we never imagine living somewhere else. Halla2 we do go on holidays for a couple of days shamet hawa, bas a7la men lebnen mafi. We want our kids to go to the same school we went to la2ana bi nazarna 2a7la madrasse bil 3alam. We want them to be perfect at kawa3ed and 2imla2 even if they are probably not ever going to be used. We want them to be as “Lebanese” as we are, but we doubt our “lebanesiness”. Not for a second do we stop and think, ‘if it didn’t work for us, why would it work for them?”

APRIL 2014

ARAR MA BA3ED EL-SADME Since explosions have become much more frequent (2eza mesh el taleta, el khamis) our coping mechanism has been severely distorted. We have become indecisive and hopeless human beings whose lives are always in danger, yes even when we are going to the supermarket. Ba3ed kel 2infijar, we immediately start filling out immigration and job applications to work abroad (no crying involved 2ad ma serna bekyin). This process usually lasts for 3 to 5 days until we decide 2enno “khalas baleha”, “shakla re2it” w “ma kel 3omro el balad hek”.

•“Lek ma 2a7lehon keno sa7ra w saro janne” implying that Lebanon was a paradise that is gradually becoming a desert.

•“Eh reb7o el Expo 2020?” (You wanted to say “el 3ama bi 2albon”, bass sta7et).

•“Shefet 2adde kabbo masare 3al fer2e3 on New Year’s eve?” This is usually followed by a very angry “w na7na ma byotla3elna 2ella 2infijarat”.

P.S: Having uploaded or tweeted pictures comparing the situations in both countries means 2enno yes 3andak el syndrome w BI2OUWE (no need for the test in this case).

OUR COPING MECHANISM HAS BEEN SEVERELY DISTORTED

LEH HENNE W MESH NE7NA We are always extremely jealous of Dubai (admit it) and have already developed the “leh henne w mesh na7na” syndrome, the much more advanced version of “bayye a2wa men bayyak” disorder. Halla2 to those who are not sure they have it or not, should do our quick test. Having pronounced at least two of these sentences at any point in your life (bala za3bara) would indicate 2enno yes 3andak yeh:

Mesh 7a2 3alek ya lebnen, ne7na ghletna bi7a2ak! Yes, we do admit that we are so attached to you despite your imperfections and yes 3ambit 3azebna, bass ma fina notla3 mennak...

MA HAYDA LEBNEN YA 3AYNEH!

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CULTURE CLASH

IN LOVING

MEMORY “LES NOCES DE ZAHWA”

T

here was once a young princess, forced to eternal sleep – only this time we’re not talking of Sleeping Beauty, nor are we talking of a wicked stepmother. This particular princess was murdered in cold blood 20 years ago by her parents.

Honor Killing, a story like many others; typical in this part of the world, the 9 o’clock news is filled with it: We stop, we listen, we sympathize, we might go as far as to discuss it, but then we carry on with our daily chores and forget. This particular story touched many for sure but for one particular person it was not brushed off easily, it continued living. Through a beautiful theatrical piece Lara Kanzo is telling the story of ‘Zahwa’ and every other woman who has suffered abuse in her way.

‘Zahwa’ was her name. We were on our third year of university; we were 20, we were not the best of friends, but more than acquaintances. I was studying French Literature, and she was studying business studies. She was friendly, and she was a gentle soul. I liked her. I remember it as if it were yesterday, it was a Wednesday, and we got to school on that morning, only to be told that ‘Zahwa’ our colleague, our friend, has been murdered in her sleep. Her parents killed her. We were shocked. We did not ask questions; we had to accept it as there was no one to ask questions to, and we never got the answers anyway.

‘Zahwa’ stayed with me for the next two decades and I have never understood why; I had no idea how to let her go. I knew there was something I needed to do for her, but at the time I didn’t know what! I had to deal with ‘Zahwa’ but I didn’t know how!” She continued to say that maybe it’s her way for not accepting life’s ironies. How can a murder take place for simply daring to love someone? Initially, I didn’t understand why Lara felt the need to do something for this unknown girl; I didn’t understand why this girl got a hold of her. I looked for answers through

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HONOR KILLING, A STORY LIKE MANY OTHERS; TYPICAL IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD, THE 9 O’CLOCK NEWS IS FILLED WITH IT: WE STOP, WE LISTEN, WE SYMPATHIZE AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

the most sensitive questions. I needed to know why Lara craved to free ‘Zahwa’. Though they were not the best of friends, she touched Lara enough that 20 years on ‘Zahwa’ is being resurrected in hope that it will bring her peace, and she will finally be able to say goodbye to her.

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THAT SHE IS NOT UPSET. JUDGING IS NOT MY AIM, BUT THROUGH THIS PLAY ZAHWA WILL FINALLY BE ABLE TO SPEAK The performance is different; it has been divided into 3 scenes. Throughout the scenes, Mr. Jean Marc Nahas, a well known Lebanese artist will be sketching in the background.

There will be a contemporary dance, poetry by Mahmoud Darwich, a reading from Marguerite Durace a French author. The sketches will bring forth parts of ‘Zahwa’. The first: We will celebrate ‘Zahwa’ the woman, the body and love through the wedding she never had. The second: We will see a woman in this part of the world and the abuse that is inflicted on her. The third: The woman who loses her child. This story will bring awareness to the public and especially the young.

In Lara’s words “ I do not want to harm ‘Zahwa’, I would like to think of her as happy. Judging is not my aim. I am hoping she will finally have her say, she will finally be able to love, and she will get to have the wedding she never had. Her life might have stopped 20 years ago, but her story should live in each and every one of us, as we are women in the Middle East and we are prone to it. I am definitely giving out a message; I hate what has happened, I do not accept it and I do not understand it. It is our responsibility to stop this and enlighten our young for a more respectful future where women are honored not killed.”

APRIL 2014

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CULTURE CLASH

LEBANON A LOVEHATE RELATIONSHIP

BY HALA ABI-SALEH

O

nce, when I was finding it particularly difficult to love all of the parts of my country, my mother reminded me that we don’t accomplish much by loving only those who are easy to love. Since then, I’ve turned this lesson into my personal homework and began trying to repair my fractious relationship with Lebanon.

If I were graded on this now, I would only merit an “E” for effort, because I can’t stop mourning the gentle, charming and warm-hearted Lebanon of my memories. So, it is still very difficult to reconcile this image with the abrasiveness and egotism I now encounter routinely.

But for someone who didn’t know the real Lebanon, the one before war destroyed the fabric of our society, tearing us from what we held so dear, living here is not so bad. In fact, Suzanne, a US native who moved here in 1995, thinks of

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Lebanon as her home and would never consider leaving it. What is the reason for this attachment?

“IT’S SUCH A BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY AND THE LEBANESE DON’T SEEM TO RECOGNIZE THAT” “Lebanon makes me cry,” she said “it’s such a beautiful country and the Lebanese don’t seem to recognize that.” She feels sad for the corruption and the fact that laws are not abided by or the land taken care of to reveal its natural beauty.

But she can see past this to find the extraordinary qualities that exist here.

The primary source of her attachment is her children, who are LebaneseAmerican. But Suzanne would never have agreed to raise them here if Lebanon didn’t have a low crime rate (excluding the tragic, political crimes), or an excellent healthcare system—as a nurse, she

knows what that should look like. Suzanne also loves the extended nuclear family, the beautiful mountains, beaches and open air markets.

AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

LEBANESE-MEMES BLOG AT WORDPRESS.COM. | THE ARI THEME.

LEBANON | A LOVE HATE RELATIONSHIP

THE PASSION WE HAD FOR THAT ELUSIVE CONCEPT OF “LEBANON” AND THE SAFETY! MOST OF MY ATTACHMENT IS TO THE VESTIGES OF THOSE BYGONE TRAITS Another American expatriate, Nancy, feels very much the same about Lebanon and is here for the long haul, as well.

“Maybe I’ve become accustomed to the chaos,” she said “I don’t want to go back to the U.S, I’ve been away too long and would find it hard to adjust to the rigidity of the system there.”

Nancy, Suzanne and I have all experienced life in both countries, but Nancy sees “flexibility” on one side of the Lebanese coin, whereas I see “laxness,” on the other. This possibly reflects the fact that I experienced more of Lebanon in its normality, than they—maybe it is still my bereavement informing me, but I just want it put back the way it was.

In the process of acculturation, both of these women have come to terms with life in Lebanon, as it is. They have formed their attachments to the land and the people in their own ways, down to the musical clicking of the coffee cups sold on the streets, the “arguileh,” and the niceties afforded by a service-based country.

For me, however, any attachment beyond the personal is merely a ghostly apparition. It is a longing for things that may never again be the same. The olive groves that surrounded buildings in the middle of a city to bring out a mystifying marriage of urban and rural life; the pride we took in our craftsmanship; the orderliness and cleanliness of our public areas; the pristine mountains, which were not

overbuilt without study; our instinctive acceptance of each other; the passion we had for that elusive concept of “Lebanon” and the safety! Most of my attachment is to the vestiges of those bygone traits, which I continue to cling to as my definition of Lebanon.

So, why am I here? Everyone has a reason, from the practical to the professional or in my case, the personal. I was blessed with many unexpected miracles that only could’ve happened here. I am

being taught a priceless lesson that I wouldn’t have been able to learn in a more comfortable country. I’m learning that like any relationship, loving one’s country requires patient work; an irritating, arduous, stumbling process that is healing for me and well worth it for my suffering country

I’M LEARNING THAT LIKE ANY RELATIONSHIP, LOVING ONE’S COUNTRY REQUIRES PATIENT WORK

“MAYBE I’VE BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO THE CHAOS,” SHE SAID “I DON’T WANT TO GO BACK TO THE U.S APRIL 2014

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THE FINAL FRONTIER

SHUSHHH!!!

I’M ON THE PHONE

BY JEN

IS YOUR PHONE ATTACHED TO YOUR HIP? HAVE YOU TRIED DRAGGING YOUR KIDS IPADS FROM THEM WITH NO SUCCESS? HAVE YOU BEEN ON A NIGHT OUT WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND FELT MORE COMFORTABLE LAUGHING TO YOUR PHONE?

W

e can’t live with it, we can’t live without it.

Just how reliant and attached have we become to our technology? Is it a good or bad thing?

Is your phone attached to your hip?

Have you tried dragging your kids IPads from them with no success? Have you been on a night out with your friends and felt more comfortable laughing to your phone? Then you are not alone, but sadly this has worrying implications and raises questions about people’s ability to really communicate effectively face-to-face. Interpersonal skills and relationship building don’t seem to be improving though we’re supposedly ‘communicating’ more than ever before.

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An Intel survey conducted in 2012 in the US shed light on the level of attachment most of us have to our personal laptops and phones. 2,500 participants took part in the poll and around half stated they felt uneasy when their phone or laptop was not within reach. This finding is something most of us can relate to. When I asked several people to describe how they felt when their personal gadgets (primarily their phones) were not on them, I got “naked”, “exposed”, “vulnerable”, “unconnected”, “lost in space”, “on a desert island” and “out of touch”. The survey, interestingly enough, disclosed that 75% of people felt that misplacing their devices was more distressing than losing their wedding rings. Another fascinating finding is that 75% also experienced frus-

tration when they couldn’t charge their devices while travelling (this has been dubbed “outlet outrage”). Mike Fard, a marketing strategist with Intel Corp sums up the significance of this all: “The survey revealed how deep the emotional bond has become between [young people] and their devices and how far they are willing to go to feed their always-on craving and stay connected.”

While being connected through technology is a great way for people to know you’re safe and sound (which is a blessing in unstable countries like Lebanon

WORK-LIFE BALANCE, IF SUCH A CONCEPT STILL EXISTS AT ALL, IS THROWN TO THE WIND AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

when the bombs go off), it can result in your feeling like you’re being ‘chased’ by work 24/7. Business emails late at night, work related calls at all hours and even a blurring of lines when your boss sends you a Facebook friend request rather than a LinkedIn connection request can make our attachment to technology problematic. Work-life balance, if such a concept still exists at all, is thrown to the wind. The result is extreme burn out. This is counter-productive to say the least, and some have realised that this is actually a problem that needs to be addressed. In 2013, the German employment ministry banned its managers from contacting staff outside standard work hours unless there’s an emergency. And this is not something exclusive to the ministry. Several German firms like BMW, Puma and Volkswagen don’t expect employees to check emails during their free time or the weekends.

Some even turn off the Blackberry services they have. These measures are the exception rather than the rule though.

STUDENTS ARE MORE ‘CONNECTED’ THAN EVER BEFORE WITH THEIR MP3 PLAYERS, PHONES AND TABLETS Our attachment to technology has even transformed education. Students are more ‘connected’ than ever before with their mp3 players, phones and tablets.

This can have both a positive and a negative outcome. It can be negative during traditional lectures which can seem dull to a generation used to multimedia stimulation. It also makes cheating easier than ever before.

Yet it is positive in many ways. From facilitated research to the integration of social media in teaching, we now have more ways of engaging students and

making learning fun. Technology has also made learning possible regardless of where you are in the world (from paid online courses to free Massive Open Online Courses). Long gone are the days of retyping the same letter a million times on a typewriter just to edit a few things. Gone are the days of excessive paper filing and all the clutter and waste it brought. Gone is long wait for snail mail to arrive to its destination. And gone is the need to have excessive flights for meetings when a Skype session or Google Hangout can do the trick.

ANY FORM OF EXTREME ATTACHMENT IS NOT HEALTHY. BALANCE IS KEY. BUT HOW EASY IS IT TO STRIKE A BALANCE WHEN TECHNOLOGY IS SO ENGRAINED IN OUR DAILY LIVES?

We have become so reliant on the machine that most of us simply can’t use our heads anymore. Many need calculators to do the basic arithmetics our grandparents could have done in their minds. If something happens to the computers we rely on so much, we’d be lost.

Sometimes our attachment to technology can reach a level of obsession. Internet and technology addiction are growing issues in today’s world. Headlines such as “Teenager dies after playing computer game for 40 hours straight” now pop up in the news. Stories about a wife complaining about her husband who is always surfing the web instead of interacting with her and the kids are not uncommon. Any form of extreme attachment is not healthy.

Balance is key. But how easy is it to strike a balance when technology is so engrained in our daily lives?

TECHNOLOGY CAN REACH A LEVEL OF OBSESSION APRIL 2014

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THE FINAL FRONTIER

LET

LOOSE YOU NEED TO RE-EVALUATE YOUR ATTACHMENTS

BY MATTHEW HUSSEY

W

e are living in a revolution.

When historians look back on the early 21st Century, they will see it as a time of unprecedented change. The biggest change to our lifestyles comes from technology; the mass dissemination of the Internet means we can always be at the office, and the ubiquitous presence of Smartphones now enable us to handle every part of our lives from the palm of our hand. In our pocket we have our music player, email client, GPS system, 24-hour news source, and even a games console.

And hey, when you’re bored of all that you can even shop online with it.

But this change is all no good if we don’t know how to adapt. Sometimes the 21st century just has it all upside down.

Let’s look at some of the worst beliefs we have adopted in recent years:

YOU HAVE TO BE CONNECTED 24/7 This is perhaps the most destructive belief that modern society has adopted. It is now possible to be in the office every hour of every day, no matter where you are in the world. But the results aren’t promising; most of us have just become busier, and yet no more productive. Being connected does NOT equal being productive.

If we want to have a healthy family or social life out of work, it’s essential that we learn how to switch off again. Be disciplined about this; tell colleagues that they can’t call you in the evenings, or be sure to schedule in one day a week where you simply don’t check any emails. Learn to let go of control!

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AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

LET LOOSE | YOU NEED TO RE-EVALUATE YOUR ATTACHMENTS

NOW THAT WE LIVE IN AN AGE OF NEARLY INFINITE CHOICE, PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY FINDING IT EVEN MORE DIFFICULT TO MAKE DECISIONS

YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL We are living in a time in which the individual commands more freedom of choice than at any other period in human history.

What’s more, advertising, TV shows, movies, and magazines all reinforce the same message: you can have it all, and you can do everything. I don’t want to be a killjoy here, but this belief leads to perpetual dissatisfaction. Now that we live in an age of nearly infinite choice, people are actually finding it even more difficult to make decisions about how to spend their time. We expect to be able to do it all.

Unfortunately, life is about making choices. We need to re-learn the art of narrowing down, that is choosing the pursuits we want to focus our attention on and doing them exceptionally, rather than trying to take on more than we can handle and then collapsing under the pressure. David Allen best summarizes the lesson here: “You can do anything, but not everything.”

“THE RICHEST MAN IS NOT HE WHO HAS THE MOST, BUT HE WHO NEEDS THE LEAST.” THIS LESSON TEACHES US THAT HAPPINESS

IF IT’S DIFFICULT, IT’S NOT RIGHT More than ever, the 21st century inculcates us with a restless desire to acquire more and more goods. Human beings have always had infinite wants, but now more than ever we are taught that the only path to happiness is to constantly satisfy our material desires. This is the most destructive belief that consumerism teaches us: Modern media constantly reinforces the idea that we need either more money or more products in order to be happy. But as the old adage goes, “The richest man is not he who has the most, but he who needs the least.”

This lesson teaches us that happiness does not start with changing our circumstances; it starts with changing ourselves.

This is a belief instilled by the “quick fix” society. The modern attitude is that if something is difficult, then it’s broken and we should get rid of it. You can see this belief in action all the time in people’s at-

APRIL 2014

titude to their career, their businesses, and especially in their relationships with loved ones. Modern dating works entirely around this ethos. Romance stories teach us from a young age that true love should be completely perfect all the time, which leaves us with completely unrealistic expectations for our love life. But it is a fantasy to expect a relationship without difficulties.

The best relationships I know aren’t perfect, they just have two people who are mutually willing to work through the difficult times in order to get to the good. In fact, most of the things worth having in life come hand in hand with difficulty, something the 21st Century often fails to realize.

Just to clarify, this isn’t a call to break from the 21st Century. It is a call for us to realize that we can choose to change these beliefs, instead of letting our circumstances dictate them to us

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GET INSPIRED

DON’T GIVE UP RAGMAG’S FIVE FAVORITE CELEBRITY MARRIAGES

BY MARIANNE GHANEM

SARAH JESSICA PARKER + MATTHEW BRODERICK The former ‘Sex and the City’ actress Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, better known for his role as ‘Inspector Gadget,’ were married on May 9, 1997. The two have a son and twin daughters together. When asked about their marriage, Sarah Jessica Parker stated in Harper’s Bazaar that after all these years, she’s still deeply in love with the man. They’re both very devoted to their family and their life together. She loves that he’s the father of her children, and it’s because of him, there’s this whole other world that she loves.

SHE LOVES THAT HE’S THE FATHER OF HER CHILDREN, AND IT’S BECAUSE OF HIM, THERE’S THIS WHOLE OTHER WORLD THAT SHE LOVES

BREAKFAST IN BED WITHOUT THE KIDS ONCE A WEEK HELPS LESSEN THE EARLY MORNING HUSTLE AND BUSTLE

DAVID + VICTORIA BECKHAM The English former footballer was married to fashion designer, model and singer Victoria on the 4th of July 1999. Seeing as lasting celebrity marriages are a rare breed, Victoria dished about how she keeps her marriage fresh to ‘Nowdaily,’ saying that breakfast in bed without the kids once a week helps lessen the early morning hustle and bustle. Her and David have monthly ‘summits’ to make sure they are both on the same page, and to never allow some small worry go unnoticed.

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AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

TOM HANKS + RITA WILSON

The two actors have been married for a little over 25 years. Hanks, known for his recent role in Captain Phillips, and Wilson who’s appeared in several movies such as, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Runaway Bride, Larry Crowne etc… The actors have two sons together, and two step sons from Tom’s previous marriage. Hanks told Piers Morgan in a 2013 interview that he never knew marriage to be so easy going and fun, every day with Rita is a blast.

GOLDIE HAWN + KURT RUSSEL

JOHN TRAVOLTA + KELLY PRESTON The two actors met on the set of ‘The Experts’ in 1987. After the death of their 16-year-old son, Jett, their marriage suffered quite a bit. John however stated that therapy does help, especially when you’re both prone to blaming each other. “It’s hard,” Preston says in an interview, “nobody should have to lose a child, but I’m here to say you can get through it…” When asked about how they’re continuing to keep their marriage alive, Preston replied that communication is huge, that both partners need to grow and change at the same pace, both sides need to keep checking in. Also that laughter is a big part of the solution no matter what the problem is.

APRIL 2014

The two actors have been married for more than 30 years. Which is the sort of ‘blue moon’ that almost never happens with celebrity marriages. Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russel defy the odds, and prove that if you want something to happen, if you want to make it work, you definitely can (you also need to truly love the person). These two are all about the love. When Hawn was asked about their marriage in a radio interview she said, “I think Kurt’s an extraordinary person. I love being with him, and I love our family, and I love our family life.”

THE TWO ACTORS HAVE BEEN MARRIED FOR MORE THAN 30 YEARS. WHICH IS THE SORT OF ‘BLUE MOON’ THAT ALMOST NEVER HAPPENS WITH CELEBRITY MARRIAGES www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 37

MON AMI + MON AMOUR

STEP IT UP A NOTCH

THE CLAIM THAT A MARRIED SEX LIFE IS NECESSARILY REPETITIVE OR STALE IS AN INACCURATE CLICHÉ. IF YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE ARE FINDING PHYSICAL INTIMACY TO BE UNSATISFYING IN ITS NATURE OR FREQUENCY, YOU DO NOT SIMPLY NEED TO ACCEPT THAT THIS IS HOW THINGS WILL CONTINUE TO BE. READ ON TO DISCOVER THE EIGHT MOST EFFECTIVE AND STRAIGHTFORWARD THINGS THAT YOU CAN DO IN ORDER TO OVERCOME A SEXUAL DRY SPELL IN YOUR MARRIAGE, AND LEARN HOW TO MAKE MARRIED SEX HOT, FUN AND PASSIONATE ONCE AGAIN.

DON’T LET YOUR SEX LIFE CAUSE DEPRESSION OR ANXIETY: It is vital to remember that almost all couples experience periods of diminished sexual desire or satisfaction. Even people who are deeply in love and sexually open-minded can still find their sex lives destroyed by stress, family responsibilities or health problems. It is also common to

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EIGHT TIPS THAT WILL HELP YOU OVERCOME A DRY SPELL IN YOUR MARRIAGE

have a temporarily reduced libido and be entirely unsure of the cause, even when you are still extremely attracted to your partner. Problems in the bedroom do not have to indicate that the marriage is destined to fail, and they are not indications that a good sex life is a thing of the past. In addition, it is important that you not be fooled by popular claims about how much sex is healthy, or how much sex a married couple ‘needs’ to have. Such claims only cause doubt and insecurity, and they are deeply misleading because what is healthy or necessary varies greatly from one relationship to another. With these thoughts in mind, it will be easier for you to avoid panicking or becoming extremely distraught in response to a dry spell in your marriage. If you can stay calm and keep thinking in a productive way, it will be a lot easier to improve your sex life with your spouse.

A relaxed attitude to intimacy more easily leads to fun, uninhibited experimentation, while believing that your physical relationship is doomed usually ends up contaminating your everyday interactions as well.

IF YOU CAN STAY CALM AND KEEP THINKING IN A PRODUCTIVE WAY, IT WILL BE A LOT EASIER TO IMPROVE YOUR SEX LIFE AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

STEP IT UP A NOTCH | EIGHT TIPS THAT WILL HELP YOU OVERCOME A DRY SPELL IN YOUR MARRIAGE

ENCOURAGE OPEN AND HONEST COMMUNICATION ABOUT SEX: Although sex is becoming increasingly less taboo as a topic of conversation, some married couples still feel too uncomfortable and apprehensive to instigate a sober and direct conversation about their sex lives. However, studies repeatedly show that people who frequently discuss their sexual needs and desires tend to be much more likely to describe their sex lives as satisfying and enjoyable. If you are going to move past a dry spell in your marriage, it is important to be able to give each other suggestions regarding what would make physical intimacy more enjoyable for you. Is there a new way you would like to be touched? Do you want to learn what frequency of sex would be ideal for your spouse? These sorts of questions can help to restructure your sex life in a way that pleases you both, and you will also find that discussing what turns you on can be instrumental in spiking levels of desire. It is exciting to hear about what your partner likes most about you and your sexual prowess, and it can also be thrilling to confess to some fantasies that you have hitherto kept secret.

ADOPT AN OPEN-MINDED APPROACH TO TRYING NEW THINGS IN YOUR SEX LIFE: After years of having sex, married couples often fall into a minimally enjoyable and practical routine when it comes to making love. While this is better than having no sex life at all, it can become a dull or empty experience for one or both parties. In spite of this, you may be hesitant and uncomfortable at the thought of changing your routine. You may worry about your partner laughing at your new ideas, or fear that you will develop stage fright in the face of attempting a new technique in bed. One way to get around this intimidating roadblock is to agree to write a list of things that you want to think about trying. Once you and your spouse have worked out what should be on such a list, you can sit down and talk about what seems most appealing (and remember that you are not obligated to actually show your partner the list). If even this approach sounds too daunting, try browsing the internet to find checklists of sexual ideas. This is an excellent way to discover which things you want to try out or discount, and some of the items on this checklist may spark result in entirely new ideas of your own. In addition, most couples can find a lot of humor in this activity, as few are drawn to the most extreme options.

APRIL 2014

PEOPLE WHO FREQUENTLY DISCUSS THEIR SEXUAL NEEDS AND DESIRES TEND TO BE MUCH MORE LIKELY TO DESCRIBE THEIR SEX LIVES AS SATISFYING AND ENJOYABLE

TRY TO MAKE BEDTIME MORE CONDUCIVE TO SEXUAL INTIMACY: First, it is important that you be able to feel attracted to your spouse regardless of whether they are wearing a sexy outfit or an old t-shirt. However, you are unlikely to consistently burn with lust if you see your partner in an ill-fitting pajama set every time you go to bed. If one or both of you stop putting in effort when it comes to dressing for

bed, this can unfortunately have an adverse influence on the level of sexual desire and chemistry that exists between you. Bear in mind that neither of you need to squeeze into fetish wear in order to make going to bed more conducive to sex; simply going to bed in your underwear (or nothing at all) can set your spouse’s pulse racing

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MON AMI + MON AMOUR

STEP IT UP A NOTCH | EIGHT TIPS THAT WILL HELP YOU OVERCOME A DRY SPELL IN YOUR MARRIAGE

REMEMBER THAT THERE ARE IMPORTANT SEXUAL BENEFITS THAT COME WITH MARRIAGE: While you might fall into the trap of thinking that life would be more fun if you had multiple new partners on a regular basis or were just starting to have sex with a new love, don’t forget that married couples get to enjoy many benefits that are lacked in such circumstances. For one thing, you know that if something goes wrong in the bedroom then this one bad performance won’t shake your partner’s commitment or make them reconsider being with you. In addition, when you are with someone who knows you well and is committed to loving you, there is more freedom to be honest about certain sexual fantasies and activities that you would like to explore. Finally, knowing one another’s bodies as well as you do means that when making love goes well it can be profoundly satisfying in a way that a one night stand or a sex session with a new person seldom turns out to be.

REALIZE THAT SEXUAL PROBLEMS CAN INFECT OTHER AREAS OF YOUR MARRIAGE: If you are struggling to find the courage to talk to your spouse about your sex life concerns, one thing that might motivate you is the knowledge that a bad sex life seldom remains insolated. It almost always causes further interpersonal problems. In contrast, better physical intimacy usually improves your emotional connection with your partner, so it is well worth having a frank discussion about your sex life. As your sex life gets better, so will everyday aspects of your marriage, and in response to these interpersonal improvements the sex is likely to improve even more.

assumption that you know it all can lead to newly heightened sexual creativity. Each person is different when it comes to which areas feel best when stimulated, so try exploring new parts of your partner’s body during foreplay (either with your hands or your mouth). Some people love to be softly kissed on the back, while others experience shivers of pleasure when the sensitive skin of the scalp is stroked. Giving or receiving a full-body massage is also an enjoyable and relaxing way to learn about surprisingly pleasurable or arousing areas of the body.

Constantly trying to find new sensitive spots and experimenting with new ways of stimulating the confirmed erogenous zones helps to stop sex from being a predictable, business-like affair.

WORK TO MAKE YOUR BEDROOM A PLACE ASSOCIATED WITH SEXUAL INTIMACY: It is important to be able to see your bedroom as place in which you can enjoy freedom and relaxation away from your daily obligations.

Often, this will mean making sure that it is free from children and pets, especially since it seems that these family members are particularly prone to bursting in at the exact moment that you and your spouse are becoming amorous. While any children you have should feel free to knock on your door for attention if they need help or assistance, your sex life will improve if your children do not enter the room without permission

IT IS IMPORTANT TO BE ABLE TO SEE YOUR BEDROOM AS PLACE IN WHICH YOU CAN ENJOY FREEDOM DO NOT ASSUME THAT YOU ALREADY KNOW EVERYTHING ABOUT YOUR PARTNER’S BODY: When you have been married for years or decades, it is all too easy to believe that you must have already learned everything that there is to know about your spouse’s erogenous zones and sexual responses.

In truth, there is always more to learn, and abandoning the mistaken

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IF YOU KEEP THE ABOVE TIPS IN MIND, THEN WITH A LITTLE TIME AND EFFORT YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO OVERCOME A DRY SPELL IN YOUR MARRIAGE. HOWEVER, IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT ALL IS NOT LOST IF YOU AND YOUR SPOUSE STILL FIND THAT YOU ARE STRUGGLING. SOME COUPLES COUNSELORS SPECIALIZE IN SEXUAL THERAPY, AND THEY MAY BE ABLE TO GET TO THE HEART OF WHY YOUR SEX LIFE REMAINS SO UNSATISFYING.

AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

2014

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APRIL 2014

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www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 41

MON AMI + MON AMOUR

MY WAY...

OR MY WAY CONQUERING SELFISHNESS IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

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AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

MY WAY...OR MY WAY | CONQUERING SELFISHNESS IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP

In a healthy relationship, each person looks out for the needs of the other person. When you are primarily interested in looking out for number one, however, your relationships will suffer. Selfishness is “controlling and negative,” says couples’ therapist Jane Greer, in her book, What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship. If you think that you have slipped into this undesirable behavior, you are ready to address the behavior that is making your relationship miserable.

BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT GIVING If you care about people, but slip into a default mode of self-centeredness, making an intentional effort to focus on others can help to bring a healthier balance to your relationships. When you see the person you care about, think about what you can do to make his day better. That may mean picking up a hamburger for him because he does not have time to eat lunch, encouraging him after a hard day at work or asking if you can get him anything while you are out. To remember your goal, write it down on your daily to-do list. For example, write, “Make John feel awesome,” or “Pick up a surprise gift for Carol.” You will find that the love and affection you give will begin to flow back into your life.

WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU CARE ABOUT, THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MAKE HIS DAY BETTER

BECOME AWARE OF THE BEHAVIOR Awareness is the first step to conquering selfishness. If you suspect that you are too self-involved, ask your significant other to point out times when you are being selfish. You can also ask yourself if the actions you take each day are primarily motivated by a desire to benefit yourself or if they will benefit the two of you. If you know you are being too self-centered, you are ready to move on to the next step, which is to identify why.

IF YOU KNOW YOU ARE BEING TOO SELFCENTERED, YOU ARE READY TO MOVE ON TO THE NEXT STEP, WHICH IS TO IDENTIFY WHY IDENTIFY THE REASON BEHIND YOUR SELFISHNESS Understanding your behavior is essential before attempting to change it. If you are insecure because you rarely had your needs met as a child, for example, you can address that issue by making sure your needs are met, but also balancing those needs with those of your loved ones. When you catch yourself being selfish, remind yourself that the thinking that led to the development of this behavior is no longer necessary and that you have the power to change.

LEARN YOUR LOVED ONE’S LOVE LANGUAGE The Five Love Languages, a book by relationship expert Gary Chapman, outlines five ways you can let your beloved know that you care.

If you are intentional about finding out which ones are the most important to him and implementing them in your relationship, you’ll be perceived as less selfish. The love languages include quality time, receiving gifts, words of affirmation, acts of service and physical touch.

Incorporate any or all of these into your interactions with the person you care about and you will take the focus off yourself. Note that you do not have to be in a romantic partnership to benefit from using these love languages to improve your relationship.

Once you turn selfish behavior on its head, you are certain to find that you begin to receive more than you ever did when you were worried about balancing the scales. The bottom line is that tit-for-tat never works in relationships. Just give, and the rest will take care of itself

APRIL 2014

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MON AMI + MON AMOUR

7

SIMPLE WAYS to simplify your life

BY EVA KURILOVA

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR LIFE HAS BECOME FAR TOO COMPLICATED? IF YOU CAN’T SEEM TO FIND ENOUGH HOURS IN THE DAY TO FINISH ALL OF YOUR TASKS,

AND IF YOU GENERALLY FEEL AS IF THERE IS JUST TOO MUCH ON YOUR MIND, THEN YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING 7 WAYS TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE:

SPEND LESS TIME ONLINE Aimlessly surfing the web has become something of an addiction for many people. There is nothing wrong with logging in to check out the daily news, but you know there’s something wrong when you’re still browsing around an hour later. Once you’ve got the information you need, it’s time to exit out of the browser and get on with your other tasks. You’ll get everything done and you’ll get more time to yourself as well.

STOP PROCRASTINATING Such aimless browsing can also be seen as a form of procrastination. So, if you truly want to simplify your life, then it’s time to get into the habit of tackling your tasks as soon as they are brought to your attention. Unfortunately, it is impossible to erase all stress and complexities from our lives, but things can become a whole lot simpler if you get those things out of the way instead of letting them linger and stress you out.

KEEP LISTS

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Keeping lists might seem like something that would complicate your life even more, but only if the lists are used improperly. You really only need a few lists to keep everything sorted out. Consider keeping a grocery list that you update the minute that you are out of something, a list of errands that you need to get out of the way, and a list of chores. If you commit yourself to keeping these lists updated, then you’ll have no problem staying on top of your tasks.

AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

SEVEN SIMPLE WAYS TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

GET RID OF THINGS YOU DON’T NEED

PLAN YOUR MEALS AHEAD OF TIME

Devote a few days to expelling all of the clutter from your life, and you’ll be able to breathe easier again. Dig through your bag and get rid of everything that is just taking up space. Scour your bathroom for things like cleaning supplies, beauty products, or bath products that you used once but are never going to use again. Go through your closet as well, and donate clothes that you rarely or never wear.

This will further help to simplify the task of getting dressed every day.

Figuring out what to make for a spouse, an entire family, or even just for yourself can be a pretty stressful part of your day. Save yourself the stress, the trouble, and the time by setting aside one night of the week where you sit down and plan your meals ahead of time. You can simplify your life even more by doing this right before your weekly grocery shopping trip, as you’ll know exactly what you’ll need to buy for the week ahead.

DEVOTE A FEW DAYS TO EXPELLING ALL OF THE CLUTTER FROM YOUR LIFE, AND YOU’LL BE ABLE TO BREATHE EASIER AGAIN ASK YOURSELF IF YOU REALLY NEED SOMETHING BEFORE YOU BUY IT Keep the clutter at bay by taking a moment to think about a purchase before committing to it. This doesn’t require any deep reflection. Simply ask yourself, “do I really need this?” and you’ll quickly be able to tell the difference between an impulse buy and something that you are actually going to use. This doesn’t mean that you can’t splurge on yourself once in a while, but it will help to temper your everyday frivolous spending, and thereby save you money as well.

ESTABLISH AND STICK TO A WORKOUT ROUTINE It may initially complicate your life a bit to begin a new workout routine, but if you stick to it for a while you’ll begin to see that it can actually help to stabilize things. It can become a lynchpin for you to plan your day around, which can help to balance out a hectic schedule. Getting regular exercise will also go a long way towards making you happier, healthier, and much less stressed. It will give you more energy, a better attitude, and a greater ability to deal with the complexities that life can throw at you

THIS DOESN’T REQUIRE ANY DEEP REFLECTION. SIMPLY ASK YOURSELF, “DO I REALLY NEED THIS?” AND YOU’LL QUICKLY BE ABLE TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN IMPULSE BUY AND SOMETHING THAT YOU ARE ACTUALLY GOING TO USE

APRIL 2014

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NEW + NOW

A’ LISTER Nespresso, in partnership with Google and its YouTube social network, launched a unique, new brand platform featuring George Clooney and Matt Damon. The TV commercial extends to the digital world where viewers can uncover film experts of Clooney in action as a member of the newly founded Nespresso Sustainability Advisory Board. Viewers will be delighted to learn that longstanding Nespresso Brand Ambassador George Clooney is accompanied in a series of humorous scenes for television by Academy Award winning screenwriter, actor and friend, Matt Damon. On working with Nespresso, Damon commented, “I like the product and I drink Nespresso and then, I like George Clooney a lot.”

CURVY OR BENDY Taking TV viewing to a whole new level, Samsung’s 85” U9B Bendable UHD TV is the world’s first and largest UHD TV that transforms from a flat panel to a curved TV design with a touch of a button. Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the leader in TV technology for 8 years, announced it will bring its newly introduced 105” U9500 Curved Ultra High Definition (UHD) TV , the world’s first and largest Curved UHD TV, and 85” U9B Bendable UHD TV to consumers in the second half of 2014. Following the unveiling of these two new breakthrough models at CES 2014, the company will add them to its stunning line up of Curved and UHD TVs this year. Samsung’s 105” U9500 Curved UHD TV features an expansive display, curved design and is the largest TV ever with a movie-theater aspect ratio of 21 x 9 to create a truly cinematic viewing experience in the living room.

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AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

NEW + NOW

EVOLUTION OF TIME Almost half a century after its creation in 1969, El Primero Calibre 410 has evolved in various ways, including having a complete model named after it and finding its way back into the legendary El Primero collection. Introduced this year with a silver-toned dial, it reproduces the original function layout in a distinctively 1970s spirit. The Manufacture-made complications of El Primero Calibre 410 are fairly classic, yet nonetheless rare. While Zenith wished to preserve the authentic character of an 20th century icon, it has succeeded in infusing it with “that little something extra” that imparts a modern touch and makes it truly unique. The beating pulse of an authentic Manufacture model driven by the daring spirit of the one that will forever remain “the first”, the El Primero Calibre 410 reveals its fascinating 390-part mechanism through the sapphire crystal case-back. It brings to the wrist the unique pleasure of owning an icon.

STAR OF THE BIG SCREEN Ford Mustang has been a star of the silver screen and the small screen for nearly 50 years, with more than 3,200 appearances in movies and television shows. 2015 Ford Mustang The all-new Mustang is the most advanced version yet of the iconic pony car. The sleek new design of Mustang Fastback and Convertible is backed

APRIL 2014

up by world-class performance from a range of available engines including a new turbocharged EcoBoost® 2.3-liter and an upgraded 5.0-liter V8 with more than 420 horsepower. In addition to state-ofthe-art connectivity systems, Mustang features available advanced driver-assist systems, track apps, launch control and more.

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NEW + NOW

SENSUAL CLIO Inspired by the DeZir concept car, New Renault Clio evokes sensuality and desire thanks to its feminine curves. New Renault Clio mirrors the style and emotion of the concept car, and boasts the new Renault identity, and a sporty design. Like an airplane wing, both sturdy and light, the interior of New Renault Clio inspires a feel of well-being and vitality. It also combines the practical and the pleasurable with its dashboard in the shape of an aircraft wing, its integrated multimedia systems, and its stowage spaces scattered throughout the cabin. Its interior is just as equally synonymous with comfort and spaciousness. New Renault Clio conforms to Renault’s exacting quality standards, and received five stars at the Crash Test Euro NCAP for its performance in terms of both active and passive safety. New Renault Clio answers the needs of all those clients who seek a made-to-measure sedan, that’s sporty and sensual, while being dynamic and comfortable.

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AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

MOTHERS IN WHITE, GOLD & BLACK Going in and out of relationships with lovers and friends, we learned that there’s really only one relationship that we will never regret no matter what: the mother-daughter relationship. As we get ready to celebrate their day this month, Pantene invites you to take a look back at the beautiful moments that you’ve shared with your mom.

1 2 3 APRIL 2014

KEEP IT SIMPLE, KEEP IT MEMORABLE: PANTENE’S MOTHER’S DAY GIFT IDEAS: FLOWERS ARE TIMELESS. Even if you get her a big gift and some cake, don’t forget a nice bouquet of flowers that will lighten up her house & make her think of you for days. n

The white You can’t possibly count all the good times you’ve shared with your mom. She’s witnessed your most valued moments, from birth, to graduations and achievements all the way to marriage and having a child of your own. Take a moment to thank the one woman who’s been through it all with you.

The gold Your mom will always be the very first beauty expert you’ve had, who never failed to see you shine, inside and out. On Mother’s Day, Pantene invites you and your mom to hold on to your hair health, and commit to healthier hair.

The black Let’s face it, whenever you’re going through a hard time, the first person that would come to mind would be your mom. She’s been on the other end of the phone to always listen and give you a shoulder to cry on. She always managed to wish for the better and turn things around for you. Without your mom, you wouldn’t have grown into a more resilient you.

TAKE HER UP FOR THE 14-DAY CHALLENGE. With its new formula, Pantene Anti Hair Fall Shampoo, Conditioner and Oil Replacement promises to give you healthier hair in only 14 days.

All she has to do is use the three-step regimen at least twice a week for two weeks for visible results.

You can learn more about Pantene’s challenge by visiting Pantene Arabia’s Facebook page. n

BEAUTIFUL ACCESSORIES. Give her a bag, a necklace or even a scarf that fits with her style, and remind her that she’s your favorite fashion and beauty idol by contributing to her wardrobe. n

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MIND, BODY+SOUL

DIVORCED MY PARENTS ARE GETTING DIVORCE FROM A CHILD’S POINT OF VIEW

BY NERINGA KISLER

D

uring the last few decades divorce rates have been significantly increasing throughout the nations and in Lebanon it has doubled since 1970, as reported by MADMA (Center for Development Studies & Project) in 2013.

When parents decide to separate or divorce, there is usually a good reason for it and if the relationship is no longer reparable it is better to make the step towards separation than to continue to live together and expose your children to an unhealthy and dysfunctional family environment.

HOW DO OUR CHILDREN COPE WITH THIS CHANGE, WHAT DO THEY THINK, WHAT HAPPENS IN THEIR WORLD THROUGH THEIR EYES?

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Divorce or separation is hard for everyone and it may have a personal and economic impact on a family. It is often children and young people who are affected the most by it – this can be a very difficult and stressful time for them. Although the majority of younger children can adjust and settle with the changes healthily within 2 years, some may have a harder time with it and it all comes down to us, parents and caregivers, to make it easier for them. How do our children cope with this change, what do they think, what happens in their world through their eyes? Do we know what our child is going through? What can we do to help? These are the questions we should be asking ourselves.

Family divorce can be a very scary and, at times, traumatic experience in a child’s life, therefore it is very important to talk to your child and explain what is happening and what may happen. It is important for both parents to come together and have a family talk about the changes that are happening so that children, despite their age, understand that it’s not their fault, that mommy and daddy still love them and they have done nothing wrong. Children often feel guilty and blame themselves

FAMILY DIVORCE CAN BE A VERY SCARY AND AT TIMES TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE IN A CHILD’S LIFE AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

MY PARENTS ARE GETTING DIVORCED | DIVORCE FROM A CHILD’S POINT OF VIEW

IT IS IMPORTANT TO COMMUNICATE EMOTIONS AND FEELINGS TO CHILDREN AS WELL AS TO EACH OTHER for their parents getting divorced. They are confused and don’t fully understand what has happened, nor what is going to happen. Why did daddy really leave? Was it their fault? Was it something they did wrong? Has daddy or mommy stopped loving them, don’t they want them anymore? “My dad left us, he doesn’t love me anymore, because I was naughty the other day” – a toddler describes his family separation. A hurt 17-year-old girl describes it as “dad left mom for another woman, abandoning us, a perfect family, or so I thought”.

Talking about emotions is very important in any family, it is important to communicate emotions and feelings to children as well as to each other (but not arguments – children should never

CHILDREN OFTEN BLAME THEMSELVES FOR THEIR PARENT’S SEPARATION hear you row) from a young age in order for them to be able to understand emotions and develop a better ability to form close relationships with others later in life. Children who are “difficult to manage” and demonstrate behaviour problems tend to come from families who don’t talk openly about emotions and therefore tend to show poorer emotional understanding, which can have an impact in their ability to form pleasant close relationships with others.

When a child doesn’t fully understand, he/ she goes through various negative feelings and emotions – children often feel sad, frustrated, angry, guilty and afraid of the unknown, they may feel lonely and abandoned by their parents. Children often blame themselves for their parent’s separation, and while some children express themselves through their behaviour others may hideaway emotionally. It is important to note that a child as young as 3 years of age can show some ability to control their expression of mild negative emotion, however, the younger the child is, the harder it is for them to keep emotional expressions

APRIL 2014

enclosed. Younger children express their true emotions through their facial expressions, such as trying strongly to keep their lips closed or shutting their eyes tightly as if they are hiding away.

Talking about a divorce and emotions to your children, not only helps them understand what is happening and why, but it teaches them that it is ok to talk about problems, feelings and emotions – positive or negative. Ease children in slowly into the change, let them know what is happening, what may happen and when it may happen so that a child knows what to expect. Agree with your spouse in advance on the explanation of why you’re getting divorced, but don’t blame each other nor anyone else.

Tell the truth about what is happening and why, but don’t overwhelm your children with details as this may lead to more confusion.

The smaller the child is, the less details are needed, choose something less complicated like “mommy and daddy can’t get along anymore”. You may also want to remind them that while sometimes parents and children don’t

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MIND, BODY+SOUL get along too, they never stop loving each other or get divorced from each other. Don’t talk negatively about the other parent, as children may see this as a sign that you want them to choose sides and thereafter develop a feeling of guilt for being with the other parent – ensure that the child has a relationship with both parents, but don’t use your child for your communication.

DON’T TALK NEGATIVELY ABOUT THE OTHER PARENT, AS CHILDREN MAY SEE THIS AS A SIGN THAT YOU WANT THEM TO CHOOSE SIDES When a child isn’t aware of the changes that come, so suddenly, as it seems to them, it becomes a scary, threatening and confusing experience, and when that happens children try to put the puzzle together from what they think they know – this is when their minds start playing games on them. A separation or a divorce may mean that a child may have to leave all that they know; the house they grew up in, their school and all their friends. If a child isn’t aware of what may happen they may be afraid that they will never see their other parent again – this can feel as a huge loss for a child, losing a parent, the environment they know well, friends, a family unit. A million questions arise

and many assumptions get made and usually those assumptions come in the form of a negative feeling and emotion. Children start to feel guilty, start blaming themselves, feel unloved and abandoned, confused as everything seemed to be ok “we were a happy family, what did I do wrong?”, “is it because I misbehaved the other day?”, trying to find answers, yet they may not talk to a parent to not “cause” more harm. They may shut themselves down or the opposite, expressing themselves behaviourally,

which sometimes may be more obvious out of the home. It is helpful to talk to teachers and ask if they have noticed any behavioural changes. Talk to your child, let them know it’s ok to talk about it, they need to know they are not going to be punished for their feelings and that it’s ok to express how they feel. Try to help children by answering all their questions honestly, and if you find you don’t always know the answer it’s ok to admit to them that you’re not sure but that you will get back to them.

TRY TO HELP CHILDREN BY ANSWERING ALL THEIR QUESTIONS AND SOMETIMES IF YOU DON’T KNOW THE ANSWER IT’S OK TO LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU DON’T KNOW

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AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

MY PARENTS ARE GETTING DIVORCED | DIVORCE FROM A CHILD’S POINT OF VIEW

Nonetheless, a child who makes little fuss about the changes and withdraws into themselves is the one to be most concerned about. This usually means that the child is not coping well with the changes, yet is unable to express him/herself and therefore keeps the hurt inside. This is serious and you should give special care and attention to a child like this, while keeping the boundaries intact. Give as much time and consideration as you would if they were having more obvious problems, however if there’s more than one child in a family, make sure you are sharing your attention to all of your children equally even though they may all be reacting differently to the circumstances depending on their age. It is important that no child feels

neglected, or that another other sibling is receiving more attention. Make sure you have time to talk daily about what is happening and that it is ok to be sad. Continuously talk about the changes that are occurring and keep reassuring your child that he/she is loved by both parents, and remind them that they did not do anything wrong, they are not to blame. A child’s emotions and moods can swing from day to day - one day they may feel as if they understand and they know that both parents love them, another day may be all too confusing again. While it is a difficult time for parents going through a divorce; it is important to be continuously patient and attentive to your child, try to keep reassuring them and loving them

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT NO CHILD FEELS NEGLECTED, OR THAT ANOTHER SIBLING IS RECEIVING MORE ATTENTION APRIL 2014

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

WHILE I WAS ON HOLIDAY WITH A GROUP OF FRIENDS I HAD MY FIRST ONE-NIGHT STAND. SINCE THEN THE GUILT HAS BEEN EATING AT ME My best-friend and I were in a horrific car accident, and while I survived my friend did not. Since then I have been unable to face reality and I live with the grief every day. You can say that my life stopped on that day. How can I get over this trauma? Lisa, 26

DEAR LISA,

We are deeply sorry for your loss. Sadly your story is one of many in Lebanon and not always down to car accidents. People are very quick to point fingers of blame without taking into account the feelings of those who survive these tragedies. One can say this is everyone’s nightmare.

Grief is part of our life experience and we each go through it in different ways. I’m not aware of what sort of family support you have but it is of vital importance that you seek some sort of grief counseling, be it a therapist or a group of people that have gone through the same experience.

With time, support and professional help you will eventually find acceptance. We know that at this time you might think locking yourself up from the outside world is the answer to your problem but that is exactly what you should not do. Find the strength from within to fight and live.

SADLY YOUR STORY IS ONE OF MANY IN LEBANON AND NOT ALWAYS DOWN TO CAR ACCIDENTS. PEOPLE ARE VERY QUICK TO POINT FINGERS OF BLAME WITHOUT TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE FEELINGS OF THOSE WHO SURVIVE THESE TRAGEDIES

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AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

WHEN IT COMES TO DRUG USE IT IS NEVER OK TO CASUALLY DISMISS A PROBLEM My boyfriend has recently become a regular weed smoker, and he finds ways to justify that it is the “norm” these days and everyone does it. Even though this is the sort of society we might be living in and people do seem to think that it’s ok, I do not accept it and it is starting to bother me. We are always fighting and I cannot see how to make him stop without losing him. Leila, 25

DEAR LEILA, It is true we live in a society that is constantly breaking the rules to suit their vices and we try to justify it by saying “it’s the norm now.” When it comes to drug use it is never ok to casually dismiss a problem as not being significant enough to make a big deal over. Obviously you have already dealt with talking to your boyfriend and given him reasons to stop, as he is still adamant about continuing with this past time then perhaps you risk losing less now by getting out of this relationship than by staying and dealing with a bigger problem later.

YOU HAVE LEFT THE NEST AND IT IS TIME TO ALLOW THEM THE FREEDOM AND SPACE TO MOVE ON I’m a 21 year old student who recently found out that my parents are getting divorced. I know they have been having problems but I did not think that it would come to this. Apparently they waited for me to grow up and become independent to take this step. I am shocked! I thought my parents would go on forever. Sara, 21

DEAR SARA, At any age divorce comes as a shock to those involved. We are sure your parents have thought of it long and through. Though you might think it’s a shocking decision, it is one that is not easy to make. You should know that you will always be their priority and your happiness is vital to them.

Your support and understanding is needed now. You have left the nest and it is time to allow them the freedom and space to move on also.

With time you will understand and accept your parents’ decision. At the end of the day two loving parents are better than an unhappy couple.

APRIL 2014

While I was on holiday with a group of friends I had my first onenight stand. Since then the guilt has been eating at me. Do you think it makes me trashy? Donna, 21

DEAR DONNA, At 22, you are old enough to know what you can and cannot do. We only learn from experience. We understand that we are living in a modern age that is still tinged with old fashioned criticisms; however, it is up to you to find a balance with living in today’s world whilst maintaining your principles. There is nothing to feel guilty about, once you have tried something you know you cannot handle, it is best to put it in the past and learn from it.

WE UNDERSTAND THAT WE ARE LIVING IN A MODERN AGE THAT IS STILL TINGED WITH OLD FASHIONED CRITICISMS

A family member has asked for my help on numerous occasions and I have done my best to help. It has gotten to the point where I am no longer in the situation to help as much as they need it. How do I let them know that I cannot help without hurting them? This matter is sensitive as they are very dear to me! Alain, 32

DEAR ALAIN, We all live with this fear that if we are honest and straightforward about not being able to help a friend or family member they will stop wanting to have anything to do with us. You should tell it like it is, and not worry about their reaction. It is up to them to then decide through their actions what sort of relationship they want to have with you. You might be surprised to find that they are more understanding than you have given them credit for 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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SOCIAL MEDIA

FLASHBACK & FORECAST

Cloud961: The First Social Media and Digital Marketing Magazine in Lebanon and The Middle East.

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GET CONFIDENT

NOW! HEAD & SHOULDERS YOUR GUIDE TO CONFIDENCE

EVER WONDERED WHAT GIVES US CONFIDENCE? Ever looked at a man and thought to yourself “I want to be confident like him”? That’s because with Head and Shoulders he makes confidence look effortless. Head and Shoulders have introduced a step-by-step guide to a more confident ‘you’ and it is acquired effortlessly through sensible choices and everyday experiences.

HEAD & SHOULDER CONFIDENCE GUIDE

1. Get things done. Success will boost your confidence on a personal and career level. When you get things done, no matter how small, you will feel better about yourself.

2. Claim responsibility. Be headfast with your decisions and don’t let small obstacles stand in your way. If you have responsibilities, no matter how small, this means that other people are counting on you, so don’t let them down – this will automatically get you more confident.

3. Be active. Keep yourself busy with different tasks, and take what you’re doing seriously so that you gain more pride in yourself.

4. Be positive. Start your day with positive thoughts, and stay away from negativity.

5. Stay informed. Educate yourself with random information, and actively participate in intellectually stimulating discussions. The more you’re knowledgeable, the more attention you’ll get from other people.

6. Be brave. Help others unconditionally. Your confidence will grow when you’re not expecting praise and credit from other people.

7. Keep a cool head. You don’t necessarily have to be a head-turner, but you should definitely keep up a good appearance. Your look is the first thing others will notice about you – especially your hair. Don’t let small problems like dandruff get in the way. Stay 100% dandruff free and use Head & Shoulders regularly.

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MIRROR, MIRROR

BLURRED

LINES! WE KNOW YOU WANT IT!

HD PRESSED POWDER

MAKE UP FOREVER BRINGS YOU THE HD RANGE

The HD Pressed Powder is a smooth lightweight powder that diminishes the appearance of fine lines, reduces shine and sets your make-up. Perfect all day for touch ups and selfies!

INSPIRED BY THE DEMANDS OF PROFESSIONALS AND DESIGNED TO SATISFY EVERY WOMAN’S DAILY NEEDS, MAKE UP FOR EVER HAS RELEASED ITS HIGH DEFINITION RANGE. THE HD SERIES IS A NEW GENERATION OF MAKEUP THAT PERFECTS SKIN FOR EXTREME CLOSE-UPS ON CAMERA AND IS ALSO DESIGNED TO MAKE WOMEN’S COMPLEXION LOOK FLAWLESS UNDER DAYLIGHT. A REAL SCIENTIFIC AND SENSORY ACCOMPLISHMENT, THIS INVENTIVE FORMULA DELICATELY BALANCES A BLEND OF THREE HIGH-TECH INGREDIENTS: SYNTHETIC MICA, SILICONE POWDERS AND SILICA THAT EVEN OUT THE SKIN TONE WITH AN INVISIBLE RESULT.

HD ELEXIR A unique, lightweight elixir that is quickly absorbed into the skin, simultaneously hydrating and brightening the complexion. Specific ingredients were added to prepare skin for high-definition makeup and to ensure an immediate boost of long lasting hydration!

HD PRIMER An innovative serum that primes the skin for make-up while creating a protective shield on the skin allowing foundation to be applied smoothly.

The result: immediate radiance!

HD FOUNDATIONINVISIBLE COVER An oil-free, light foundation for medium to full coverage. It screens out any discolorations and evens out your skin tone while creating a soft focus effect to blur flaws.

HD CREAM BLUSH

HD CONCEALER A concealer that remains invisible to HD camera’s and the naked eye, it illuminates the eye area and diminishes fine lines giving a natural and radiant appearance.

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The HD Cream Blush is a super mixable cream that applies easily and lasts forever. With the collective combination of a secondskin look and the ease of a powder this blush was created for HD technology and blends into skin with no visible texture for a truly natural flush of color.

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ECSTASY COMES IN ROUGE THE BEATBOX ON EVERYONE’S LIPS

GIORGIO ARMANI’S LABORATORIES CREATE THE FIRST “CC” LIPSTICK PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES OF OUR EXPECTATIONS EVEN FURTHER IN THIS STUNNING BULLET ENCAPSULATED ROUGE À LÈVRES.

The newest technology in lip care comes from Giorgio Armani in this innovative generation of lipstick. “Colour” & “Care”: a new hybrid product that offers the comfort and softness of a balm through shea butters combined with exceptional colour intensity. Using new patented technology from Armani laboratories Rouge Ecstasy is infused with Kaleidoscope Pearls, or multi-faceted microshimmers, which provides colour that is brighter and allows light on the surface of the lips to change the appearance of colours. With an explosion of 36 shades to choose from, Armani’s new Rouge Ecstasy is the way forward this spring for enhanced and nourished lips!

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GO WITH

THE GLOW FOREVER LIGHT

THE DREAM PRODUCT Integrating the exclusive GlycanactifWT™ complex, Yves Saint Laurent introduces its first Skin Tone Corrector which is designed to create luminous opalescent, rosy or gold-hued skin in three new tubes of intelligent light corrector: Apricot, Rose and Lavender. The new CC Crème Forever Light Creator is

instantly effective giving you an even skin tone while minimizing pores and imperfections. The Glycanactive WT complex blends away color discord as new-generation translucent liquid pigments leave skin brighter and pearlescent. Labelled a “dream product” this is one creation you need to own this spring.

POT OF GOLD

“OR” ROUGE

YSL combines the precious gift of Saffron with cutting edge science to bring us “OR” Rouge (Red Gold). Thanks to the science experts at YSL and their exclusive knowledge in Glycobiology they were able to study a Glycan of the Pistil of Saffron and identified its powerful properties on the skin. They created the innovative and complex “OR” Rouge which resulted in a line of products that will work on fine lines, wrinkles, lack of firmness, dullness, and other signs of aging. Aiding skin quality and uniformity and promoting natural skin protection against free radicals this luxurious product is the new “skin renaissance treatment” to get your hands on.

yslbeauty.com

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MIRROR, MIRROR

AQUA ALLEGORIA

LIMON VERDE THE NEW SCENT FROM GUERLAIN

PETALS LADEN WITH DEWDROPS, FRUITS STEEPED IN SUNLIGHT, TREMBLING LEAVES AND DELICATE BLADES OF GRASS…THE JOIE DE VIVRE OF SUNNY DAYS BURSTS FORTH FROM THE AQUA ALLEGORIA COLLECTION, A SELECTION OF PERFUMED POEMS FREELY COMPOSED BY A PERFUMER SMITTEN WITH GARDENS. EVERY YEAR SINCE 1999, GUERLAIN HAS REINVENTED THE TIMELESS THEME OF FRESHNESS IN THIS OPUS, DESIGNED AS AN ODE TO EVERY FACET OF NATURE. LIT UP BY SPARKLING CITRUS,

THESE DELICATE AND HAPPY BOTANICAL ACCORDS GAIN THEIR FULL EXPRESSION IN THE PRESENCE OF EXCEPTIONAL RAW MATERIALS. OVER THE YEARS THERE HAVE BEEN FOUR FRAGRANCES THAT HAVE BECOME HOUSE CLASSICS FROM THE AQUA ALLEGORIA COLLECTION, PAMPLELUNE, HERBA FRESCA, MANDARINE BASILIC AND NEROLIA BIANCA, WITH A NEW EDITION, COMPOSED BY THIERRY WASSER, JOINING THESE BENCHMARK CREATIONS EACH SPRING.

LIMON VERDE

The art of Aqua Allegoria lies in the unexpected yet irresistible union of natural and naturally festive notes. A perfect example is the astonishingly simple accord of cachaça, cane sugar and lime. In Limon Verde, Thierry Wasser interprets this contrast between the sparkle of lime and the sweetness of cane sugar to create a tropical citrus as joyful and lively as a samba.

A NEW FACE

The Aqua Allegoria spirit reinvents itself not only through its fragrances, but also through its visual imagination, as rich and varied as the infinite palette of the world’s gardens. To celebrate the launch of Limon Verde, Guerlain continues its olfactory journey, this time heading for exotic lands. A tropical Eden, symbolizing lush and exuberant nature, serves as the setting for its iconic bee bottle this year. Set atop a cascade of scintillating, crystal clear water, it takes centre stage amongst the exotic foliage, interspersed with brilliant red flowers.

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

DANIELLA RAHME JEWELLERY BY NADA G | LINGERIE BY LALA ROSE | MAKEUP BY M.A.C | HAIR BY ROGER GABRIEL

LEBANESE-AUSTRALIAN

STAR LIGHT SPEAKS TO RAGMAG

BY GINA GABRIEL

WE GOT A CHANCE TO CHAT WITH THE GORGEOUS DANIELLA RAHME, RECENT WINNER OF DWTS SEASON 2 AND MISS LEBANON EMIGRANT 2010. WITH AN INFECTIOUSLY FRIENDLY PERSONALITY IT WAS AN ABSOLUTE PLEASURE HAVING HER AT THE RAGMAG H.Q. WE HAVE NO DOUBT SHE WILL CONTINUE TO ‘WOW’ US IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS!

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WHAT INFLUENCED YOUR MOVE TO LEBANON FROM AUSTRALIA? My decision to move to Lebanon did not come hastily, there were many attributing factors though the main one would have to be the opportunities presented to me whilst a contestant of the Miss Lebanon Emigrant pageant. Lebanon appealed to me as a cultured and artistic hub. The energy of the city and the organized chaos was something that I craved personally. I was magnetically drawn towards it. I have a deep love of Australia, and Sydney in particular, as that is where my family and friends all reside, though the thought of the being able to try the “reverse migration” or to work abroad was simply a challenge that I really wanted to engage in. The biggest influence would have to have been the opportunities presented and the city itself.

THE THOUGHT OF BEING ABLE TO TRY THE “REVERSE MIGRATION” OR TO WORK ABROAD WAS SIMPLY A CHALLENGE THAT I REALLY WANTED TO ENGAGE IN

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HOW EASY WAS IT FOR YOU TO SETTLE IN LEBANON, BLEND IN, AND ADAPT? Lebanese are the most welcoming people in the world. I wont lie and say that I’ve travelled far and plenty, though if I were to compare the places I’ve been to, be it for work or pleasure, Lebanon would rank no. 1 in terms of hospitality. The openness of the Lebanese made it easy for me to blend in. Being of Lebanese descent also made it easier. Adapting is another story all together. Lebanese are overly stressed at times and I personally think that they, and not intentionally, over analyze things. Adapting to this way of thinking was probably the hardest

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COMING FROM A WESTERN SOCIETY DID YOU FIND MUCH OF A CULTURE SHOCK? IF YES, WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT ADJUSTMENT? Parts of Lebanon are far more westernized than most places in Australia so I can’t really attribute to a culture shock. I was surprised at how advanced places are and the way of thinking really surprised me too. I love the melting pot of ideas that the ex pats from around the world have brought to this beautiful country. It gives it that spicy uniqueness we all love.

LEBANON HAS DONE MORE FOR ME THAN I HAVE DONE FOR IT. IT HAS TAUGHT ME THE VALUES OF BEING GRATEFUL FOR WHAT YOU HAVE

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I’M ENROLLED IN MEDIA AT NDU, I’D LOVE TO BE BEHIND THE LENS AND PRODUCE. THAT WOULD BE AMAZING WHAT DO YOU FEEL THAT YOU HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO LEBANON? WHAT DO YOU FEEL THAT LEBANON HAS CONTRIBUTED TO YOU? As of now, Lebanon has done more for me than I have done for it. It has taught me the values of being grateful for what you have. Lebanese, through the many years of suffering and uncertainty have perceived and I’ve been taught that under no circumstance should anyone ever give up. Just as Lebanon has done and continues to do. In the future id love to work on charitable events and help those less fortunate than most of us.

PRESENTING IS MY PREFERENCE. AS A CHILD I LOVED TO ACT SO ACTING WOULD BE FUN TOO LEBANON HAS SEEN DANIELLA THE MODEL, THE PRESENTER, AND MOST RECENTLY IN DANCING WITH THE STARS… WHAT IS NEXT IN YOUR FUTURE? For now, Presenting is my preference. As a child I loved to act – so acting would be fun too. Most likely though, as I’m enrolled in Media at NDU, I’d love to be behind the lens and produce. That would be amazing.

YOU’VE BEEN INVOLVED IN VARIOUS DIFFERENT PROJECTS IN ENTERTAINMENT WHICH OF THESE HAVE YOU ENJOYED THE MOST? That’s an easy question today and simply answered, Dancing with the Stars has been an incredible experience, and so far, my all time favorite.

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WOULD YOU SAY LEBANON OPENED CAREER MOVES FOR YOU THAT MAY HAVE NOT BEEN POSSIBLE IN AUSTRALIA? Lebanon gave me opportunities that were different.

When I left Australia I was in demand for modeling and most castings had me directed toward catwalk and photo shoots, Lebanon opened up the hosting gate and it’s something I really enjoy doing. The radio gig is something I love too – it’s so lucrative in the Australian market and I’m so pleased to have the opportunity to work on radio here in Lebanon.

I SUFFER FROM STAGE FRIGHT AND IT TAKES A LOT OF RELAXATION TECHNIQUES TO GET ME TO DO WHAT I DO

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LEBANON OPENED UP THE HOSTING GATE AND IT’S SOMETHING I REALLY ENJOY DOING. THE RADIO GIG IS SOMETHING I LOVE TOO IN LIGHT OF RECENT EVENTS HAPPENING IN THE MIDDLE EAST, DOES IT CROSS YOUR MIND TO GIVE UP ON WHAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED HERE AND LEAVE? NO!!! If Lebanon is strong enough to constantly stand ground then I too take the decision to stand ground. A mass exodus of people is not what this amazing land needs right now. It needs a voice and that voice needs to be the voice of the people.

TELL US SOMETHING WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT DANIELLA RAHME? A lot of people have this misconception that I am really self-confident – this is far from the case. I suffer from stage fright and it takes a lot of relaxation techniques to get me to do what I do.

IT BEING OUR ATTACHMENT ISSUE…WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT ARE YOUR GREATEST ATTACHMENTS? My mum – she’s my greatest attachment. Non replaceable and my rock.

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marc by marcjacobs ss 2014

COPYCAT MIX N’ 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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WALK IN

aurelie bidermann available at boutique 1

THE PARK etro scarf

ferragamo

CHARMED

carolina herrera necklace

givenchy

t by alexander wang classic jersey racerback tank

COLOR ME GREEN see by chloeĚ printed silk crepe de chine shorts

fendi leather jacket

SPORTINESS

rag & bone kent stretch-satin jersey sweatshirt

t by alexander wang rainbow cotton-terry shorts

tommy hilfiger ss 2014

emilio pucci ss 2014

POWER WALK isabel marant available at boutique1

STUD ME UP

versace studded leather sandals

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saint laurent ring

SILVER STRINGS

ferragamo necklace

AT FACE VALUE aquilano.rimondi ss 2014

lanvin face print top

jean-charles de castelbajac ss 2014

LIPSY RED nozomi ishiguro short sleeve cotton t-shirt

kotur available at boutique1

givenchy madonna and angeles print silk square scarf

BOWIN’ IT maje flash david bowie-print cottonjersey sweatshirt

carolina bucci bracelet

WITH ATTITUDE givenchy clutch

isabel marant belt

salvatore ferragamo

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prada oscar de la renta ss 2014 fw 2014

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marc by marcjacobs ss 2014

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GLAM GOTH saint laurent jewelry

AFTER HOURS richard nicoll pythonjacquard bomber jacket

corneliani available at aishti

balmain ss 2014

GOLDEN AGE missoni

SQU SQUAARE carolina herrera necklace

t by alexander wang classic jersey racerback tank

braccialetto cruciani c pop dog t by alexander wang satin bomber jacket

corneliani bag available at aishti

TOTALLY IN etro charm bracelet

aquilano rimondi ss 2014

anna sui letters printed georgette bomber jacket

TIP TOE

saint laurent

saint laurent APRIL 2014

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN

HERMÈS SS 2014

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RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR WOMEN

VALENTINO SS 2014

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN

JOHN VARVATOS

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SS 2014

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RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR WOMEN

RALPH LAUREN SS 2014

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN

FRANKIE MORELLO SS 2014

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RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR WOMEN

PACO RABANNE SS 2014

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Q&A

CLIMACHILL “CLIMACHILL HELPS YOU TO FOCUS ON PERFORMING AT YOUR BEST WHEN A HOT CLIMATE OR VERY INTENSE ACTIVITY BECOMES A CHALLENGE, KEEPING YOU COOL AND ENERGISED REGARDLESS OF THE CLIMATE, ALLOWING YOU TO PERFORM AT YOUR OPTIMUM LEVEL FOR LONGER”

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How was ClimaCHILL tested during the development phase?

We conducted research using a 35 degree ‘hot plate’ which simulates critical functions of the human skin. These tests helped to determine a pre-selection of functional fabrics to find the ultimate ClimaCHILL fabric.

Our state of the art test equipment allows us to test our products in extreme conditions, even in the winter. Our “Clima” Chamber, can research temperatures as high as 50°C, so we’re able to push the garments to extreme limits to ensure they will perform at their best in the toughest conditions.

What are the key benefits of using ClimaCHILL products?

The ClimaCHILL range is designed to keep you cool, even in extreme conditions. The fabric in the ClimaCHILL range actively improves its cooling function while drastically reducing the unpleasant side effects. It is a combination of multiple, active cooling innovations that are designed to help reduce your temperature to more optimum levels.

ClimaCHILL takes up excessive moisture from the skin and through its fast drying time allows you to stay comfortable even in extreme conditions.

When did the development for ClimaCHILL technology begin? adidas have always been about innovating to help athletes perform better. In 2002 we revolutionised athletic apparel with the invention of ClimaCOOL and body mapping to improve body temperature management. Since then we have constructed ClimaWARM/ CHILL shirts to correspond to the different heat and perspiration zones of the body using different panels of fabrics or meshes and special cut lines. This innovation has taken active cooling to the next level so athletes can train harder, run longer, retain their focus and compete better.

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How is the product range an improvement on previous ‘Clima’ ranges?

We have a long heritage in engineering cooling apparel and this time we didn’t want to redesign technology we already had - we wanted to totally reinvent it. And our many years of hard work has paid off - as our new Climachill apparel delivers up to 36 % more cooling capacity when compared to Climacool garments.

The ClimaCHILL fabric combines two unique characteristics: Its superior air permeability allows twice as much flow of air through the fabric as normal ventilated apparel to ensure the athlete is constantly dry.

Also, the dense but loose construction of the fabric allows perspiration to evaporate away from the skin through the garment to keep cooler, dryer and more comfortable. In the past, this could only be achieved through maximising air flow by using open mesh material. ClimaCHILL does not need open mesh anymore and exceeds previous materials by far.

MULTIPLE, ACTIVE COOLING INNOVATIONS THAT ARE DESIGNED TO HELP REDUCE YOUR TEMPERATURE AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

Q&A

CLIMACHILL

What are the primary zones on an athlete’s body that need to be kept cool?

The back, neck and forearms are the primary zones for cooling. These zones are targeted through the Aluminium Cooling Spheres are strategically located to correspond with the warmest area of the body. Once an athlete puts the garment on, they immediately feel the cooling sensation of the aluminium dots on the skin. The athletes movement during activity constantly lifts these dots away from the skin just to touch it again soon after.

This short movement allows the dots to create this instant chill effect again and again.

ITS SUPERIOR AIR PERMEABILITY ALLOWS TWICE AS MUCH FLOW OF AIR THROUGH THE FABRIC AS NORMAL VENTILATED APPAREL

What are the key product features of the ClimaCHILL range?

The range includes SubZero Yarn, a revolutionary flat yarn with titanium. SubZero Yarn’s breakthrough is its shape - it’s flat.

So when it makes direct contact with your skin, it has far more surface area than traditional, round yarns. This enables it to transfer more heat away from your body, allowing you to perform at a more optimum temperature, even in the hottest conditions.

On the outside of the fabric, a much finer “micro” fibre is used. The delta fibres’ denser but looser construction allows the fabric to act like a mesh. On the skin side of the fabric, the fibres have a flat shape that enhances the cold touch of the fabric surface.

The flat shape helps to evaporate moisture close to the skin, while utilising channels to move excess moisture through the fabric.

ClimaCHILL is also designed to have a fast-

APRIL 2014

er drying time than other products. Excess moisture that is produced during athletic activity is immediately taken up by the fabric to be transported from the inside to the outer side of the ClimaCHILL fabric. The fibre will encourage accelerated wicking and dry time through capillary action, moving moisture from fewer and larger interior fibres to more and smaller exterior ones. That happens very fast and allows for evaporation so the fabric dries much quicker.

What is the purpose of the special Aluminium Cooling Spheres inside the garment?

Aluminium Cooling Spheres are an industry first and are strategically located in the main “Heat zone” of the body. Made of aluminium and bonded into the back of each Climachill jersey, these metal spheres give a cooling sensation even in the most extreme temperatures.

What Product ranges does ClimaCHILL technology feature in?

• Men’s training • Women’s training • Kids training • Tennis • Outdoor

THE FLAT SHAPE HELPS TO EVAPORATE MOISTURE CLOSE TO THE SKIN, WHILE UTILISING CHANNELS TO MOVE EXCESS MOISTURE THROUGH THE FABRIC

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Q&A

CLIMACHILL

How does the ClimaChill technology work in footwear i.e. ClimaCHILL rocketboost?

The ClimaCHILL rocketboost combines the energy return benefits of boost cushioning with the temperature regulating benefits of ClimaCHILL, creating the optimal running experience.

What are the ClimaCHILL materials incorporated in to the rocketboost?

• The rocketboost has a midsole with a Clima vent under one of the key heat build-up zones in the midfoot. The midsole is temperature resistant - giving the athlete an energised run regardless of climate.

• From 40C -20C, boost cushioning performs more consistently and doesn’t lose its cushioning properties like a standard eva.

• A 360 degree engineered mesh upper with key ventilation areas integrated into one surface for cooling.

• A ClimaCHILL lining using a specially developed ‘cooling yarn’ that chills to the touch and feels great against the foot.

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What kind of environments has the ClimaCHILL range been tested in? adidas has invested in state of the art test equipment for many years to help provide athletes with the best possible performance equipment. This equipment allows us to test our products in extreme climates. Our “Clima” Chamber, can reach temperatures as low as -35°C and as high as 50°C, so it is easy to push the garments to the limits to ensure that they will perform at their best whatever the conditions.

WHEN YOU ARE COMPETING AS AN ATHLETE, ALL YOU WANT TO WORRY ABOUT IS BEATING THE COMPETITION How does it actually improve athlete performance?

When you are competing as an athlete, all you want to worry about is beating the competition. ClimaCHILL helps you to focus on performing at your best when a hot climate or very intense activity becomes a challenge, keeping you cool and energised regardless of the climate, allowing you to perform at your optimum level for longer

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TAKE ME WITH YOU

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LEARN THE SECRET HEART OF MONTMARTRE VIEW OF PARIS FROM THE SACRE COEUR IN MONTMARTRE HILL

BY ELODIE BARAKAT

“THERE IS MORE OF MONTMARTRE IN PARIS THAN PARIS IN MONTMARTRE”

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L

a Butte, a place for romantics, artists, and dreamers... and one of the most visited place in Paris. Montmartre might be universally known, but it only really reveals itself to people who know what to look for. The secrets of Montmartre are like a royal intrigue- you have to be in the thick of it to know what to look for.

“The stairways up to la butte, Can make the wretched sigh, While windmill wings, Of the Moulin Shelter you and I”

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The chorus of the song, La Complainte de la Butte, made famous by the movie Moulin Rouge, written in the 50s by the director Jean Renoir, son of the painter Auguste Renoir who had his atelier in Montmartre.

It’s at night that Montmartre, Paris’ little village, is ready to give you some quality time. Forget about trails: The beauty of Montmartre lies in get-

ting lost in it. Walk down the Avenue Junot, to understand how much of it you lose when you stick to the Pigalle/Sacré Coeur/Place du Tertre route.

You’ll pass the Moulin de la Galette, the only remaining windmill of 30 from centuries ago.

Le Moulin Rouge has never been a real windmill. Created in 1889 by two smart businessmen from Alsace, this mou-

LE MOULIN ROUGE HAS NEVER BEEN A REAL WINDMILL.THIS MOULIN GAVE BIRTH TO THE FRENCH CANCAN

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LEARN THE SECRET HEART OF MONTMARTRE

IT CAN BE VISITED DURING THE DAY, BUT YOU WON’T GET THE CHILLS LIKE YOU DO WHEN THERE IS NOBODY AROUND lin gave birth to the French cancan. This was during la belle époque of Montmartre, when the hill was a shelter for artists, theaters and cabarets. There Renoir, Picasso, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, and more, found a place to create, meet and share.

Hidden down the avenue Junot is the charming Villa Léandre, created right in the middle of Paris in 1926. The alley is edged with trees and English-Norman houses hiding private gardens. Further

is the Allée des Brouillards, alongside the Chateau des Brouillards, built in the 1770s. It can be visited during the day, but you won’t get the chills like you do when there is nobody around.

After the Place Dalida, at the end of one of the oldest streets of Montmarte, Rue de l’Abreuvoir, is the cabaret Le Lapin Agile. Named after the painter André Gill who painted a rabbit on its sign in 1875 (le lapin à Gill became the Lapin Agils). The still operational cabaret has welcomed some of the world’s biggest names: Charlie Chaplin, Ernest Hemingway and Georges Brassens to name a few.

Sit at the top of the hill on Sacré Coeur’s stairs to enjoy a panorama of Paris, La Ville Lumière and then enter the Sacré Coeur. Have your portrait done in

place du Tertre, buy some souvenirs in rue Le Pic, sit at a terrace in Les Abbesses, visit Montmartre Museum and learn about the Maison Rose and the Bateau Lavoir.

Take a guided tour and learn that Montmartre only became a part of Paris in 1860, and that before that, it was known for the quarrying of its soil, “There is more of Montmartre in Paris than Paris in Montmartre”. Destroyed several times, little remains of the very old Montmartre, but you can find it if you know where to look

TAKE A GUIDED TOUR AND LEARN THAT MONTMARTRE ONLY BECAME A PART OF PARIS IN 1860

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM RIGHT: AN OLD MILL CALLED MOULIN DE LA GALETTE IN MONTMARTRE, WHERE FAMOUS PAINTERS LIKE PICASSO OR MODIGLIANI USED TO LIVE. A POSTCARD PRINTED IN FRANCE SHOWS IMAGE OF A MOULIN ROUGE SERIES, CIRCA 1905.

TOP TO BOTTOM RIGHT: THE BASILICA OF THE SACRED HEART IS SECOND HIGHEST IN PARIS WITH EXCEPTIONAL VIEWS OF THE CITY THE BASILICA OF THE SACRED HEART. A POPULAR LANDMARK, MONTMARTRE, THE HIGHEST POINT IN THE CITY.

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SOUNDCHECK

SPEAK, SEE, HEAR NO EVIL

BY JACQUES TCHABARIAN

Bruce Springsteen High Hopes 2012’s Wrecking Ball was business as usual for Bruce “The Boss” Springsteen, an album that was good enough to enjoy but without any extra zest to be noticed. 2014’s High Hopes wouldn’t have had a spot in the review section of this fine magazine was it not for the fact that Springsteen had enlisted the services of one Tom Morello, a move that would make anybody jump with excitement at the potential that could be unleashed with such a combination. As anticipated, the Rage Against The Machine/Audioslave guitar guru has brought a breath of fresh air to the Boss’s creative process, most of the pieces offered on the

album are an unorthodox assemblage of sonic delivery that go well with the other traditional Springsteen straight Rock songs. The reason for this new style of composing is due to the fact that Morello, in addition to playing guitar, actually contributed in co-producing the songs, bringing his heavy, straight in your face approach to song delivery. Some may argue that this is too much of an experimentation for a straight Rock icon, but I say this illustrates that Springsteen is not afraid to come out of his safe zone and one listen to “Hunter Of Invisible Game” and “The Ghost Of Tom Joad” will confirm my theory. Hooray for the Boss!

Sharon Jones And The Dap Kings Give The People What They Want Sharon Jones And The Dap Kings are a rare example of old school success, meaning that they built their reputation slowly and solidly with each release, as opposed to instant stardom (a la Justin Bieber) bringing their Soul/Funk Revival sound to a larger audience as they progressed. Dealing with a style of music that had its height of triumph in the 60’s and 70’s is hard enough in this Electronic age, but the Dap Kings are so good at what they do that they were hired as a backup band for Amy Winehouse on the Back In Black album and the subsequent tour that followed, all the while releasing albums and touring themselves to promote their music.

Give The People What They Want is full of little gems of sharp tunes that would have fit perfectly in the 60’s but with a crisp modern production that make the songs flow easily on your ears and sparkle with tonic shots of hyper melodies. The purest gem, however, would have to be the stunning voice of Sharon Jones who has come a long way since her job as a Corrections Officer and, more recently, beating cancer during the recording of this album. Her vocal chords were unaffected by this awful disease and she was able to put together, with the rest of the Dap Kings, an amazing indulgence for us to enjoy, and enjoy we will.

R. Kelly Black Panties It seems that when an artist has been present long enough on the music scene and his long time fans are aging along with him it might be time to get the attention of younger fans. But where Springsteen succeeded at this by bringing in Tom Morello, R.Kelly has failed miserably in his attempt at rejuvenation by bringing, well, simply put… filth. After releasing two pretty decent, “polite” albums in the past few years, Kelly has shifted gear drastically and dished out enough sleaze with his cohorts of writers and producers to make even Miley Cyrus blush. Songs like “Marry The Pu**y” or lines like “beat that pu**y till it’s blue” gives you a rough

idea of what I’m talking about. Kelly basically churns out this caliber of dirt on a good number of tracks on this album. That is not to say, however, that you can’t find some decent tunes on this album, “Right Back” is a deep song that talks about gratitude to the people who have been around to support him, while “You Deserve Better” is a nice moody ballad, one among the best he has ever produced. It would have been great if, the now almost pushing 50 year old R&B singer would have spent more time coming up with those types of songs, but I guess everybody is trying to stay young these days at whatever cost. Too bad.

Mogwai Rave Tapes Experimentation is the order of the day, as it always has been for Glaswegian/Scottish combo Mogwai.

Ever since their bombastic debut on the music scene back in 1996 till now the band never took the traditional path of your average Rock band, providing, among other side projects, soundtracks to numerous independent films and series of which “Les Revenants”, a French show about zombies was their latest challenge back in 2013.They returned at the beginning of this year with a proper new album in the form of “Rave Tapes” where they continue forward with their eerie flavors of Experimental Indie Rock.

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Amid more of an inclination towards synthesizers on most of the ten tracks at hand, guitar swirls and massive beats follow not too far in the mix. The best of the synth works can be found on the clinical “Simon Ferocious” while “Hexon Bogon” boasts a heavy riff and “Remurdered” brings you a fine piece of Electro Rock. Each song on the album sounds like a small piece of a jigsaw puzzle which comes alive as tracks flow one after the other, culminating at the end with “God Is Out Of Control”, a majestic slow burner that shows off the most delicate use of a vocoder I have ever heard to date. Grand and Majestic indeed.

AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

WATCHOUT

SPEAK, SEE, HEAR NO EVIL

BY JACQUES TCHABARIAN

RIDE ALONG | Ice Cube, Kevin Hart

110 mins | Action Comedy

Ice Cube and Kevin Hart get together as a comedy duo in the 2014 comedy Ride Along. The Cube/ Hart combo, while appealing to movie goers with its $41 million opening at the U.S Box Office in its first week, was not quite the comedic extravagance we hoped for. Ben (Kevin Hart) is a school securityguard who is going out with James’ (Ice Cube) sister Angela. In an effort to impress James, who is a decorated police officer and not a fan of Bens, Ben joins the police Academy. Therein a police ride ensues designed by James to set Ben up for failure

and subsequently lose respect in Angela’s eyes but which doesn’t go as either predicted. Cube is more or less a certified comedy actor, but Hart is more of a one dimensional performer keeping his humor at one speed only, the hyper speed, which is fun to watch for the first half an hour but you end up longing for him to tone it down. The script is less than average, the actors seemed to be improvising on many occasions and the director barely pulled in any weight of his own. To watch on a lazy afternoon if nothing else is available.

Lone Survivor | 121 mins | War/Drama Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsh Hollywood has released its fair share of movies that pay tribute to the men and women who serve in America’s armed forces in numerous conflicts across the globe. Lone Survivor is its most recent production recalling actual events that affected the spirit of soldiers and the public alike in Afghanistan.

The year is 2005, in the heat of the Afghan war, and the military intelligence receives information that a wanted Taliban commander is hiding in a village, deep in a mountainous area. A group of Navy Seals are assembled to carry out the daunting task of

capturing this leader. Eventually it all starts to go heavily awry leaving Marcus Luttrell (Mark Wahlberg) as the sole survivor of the entire task force.

Director Peter Berg considered this a personal project as he was very enthusiastic to portray the difficulties and sacrifices of the soldiers in dire combat situations and how human feelings and emotions are tested beyond any ordinary bounds.

Add to the equation a talented cast led by Wahlberg, and a surprisingly good Taylor Kitsch, and you are in for quite a thrill.

HER |

120 mins | Drama/Romance/Sci-Fi Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Adams In this witty and enigmatic Love/Drama Oscar nominated director Spike Jonze proposes to us the idea of a person falling in love with the voice on their computer operating system. In this modern age of technology, where people integrate daily with voice automated engines, the premise does not come as a total shock to us, especially when it is weaved by the master hands of Jonze who brings color and humanity to the issue. The brilliant Joaquin Phoenix

plays the role of Theodore Twombly who purchases a super state of the art processor that is able to develop and adapt to its user (voiced by the lovely Scarlett Johansson). Theodore begins to gradually get more connected and attached with Samantha (Johansson) to the point where he becomes intimate with her.

I won’t give you more details on the events that ensue as I deeply recommend you see this movie when you get the chance, it will be worth it.

Devil’s Due | 89 mins | Horror Zach Gilford, Allison Miller The most interesting thing about Devil’s Due would have to have been the clever publicity stunt the creators of this horror movie came up with. A baby stroller is left unattended on a busy street in New York with baby sounds coming from the inside. In an effort to aid, pedestrians try to uncover the stroller when a mechanical Devil baby emerges complete with demonic eyes and ghoulish shrieks scaring the unsuspecting passersby. The most antiquated clichés and gimmicks were literally reproduced from older movies without even a slight hint of a makeover in order to make it look different or modern. Following

APRIL 2014

the same concept of Paranormal Activity by being shot with a modern Handy Cam only highlights my lack of appreciation. Satan is trying to spawn an army of Antichrists, the gates of hell are opening, raw meat is being eaten, shady rituals and a whole lot of hysterical screams coat the entire movie. If only some tweaks and twists had been updated or given a different touch, the movie could have had some potential. You can’t help but feel as if you are watching all the horror movies you’ve ever seen since your teens meshed up together in this pool of boring scenes. View at your own risk.

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AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

READ’EM

SPEAK, SEE, HEAR NO EVIL

BY AMAL CHAABAN

Fear Nothing Lisa Gardner Why you should read this book

You can’t escape your past no matter how hard you try.

Meet Adeline and Shana, the two surviving daughters of a serial killer that was famous for the torture murders of several women. Shana is in prison and has been since she was 14 and committed her first murder; Adeline has a rare genetic disorder that does not allow her to feel any pain. When a murder victim is found using the same M.O. as their father, Adeline and Shana are forced into examining their relationship and the complexities that lay in the past and in Shana’s

case, forced to tolerate speaking to the Boston P.D. to try and catch their killer before it is too late.

This book is very well written without the gore that seems to have to accompany these types of novels, Gardner continues to build her world adding layers and complexity with each new book in the series. It is a relief to see that her characters are evolving and not stagnating with her success. This is the book to read if you love a mystery within a mystery.

Cain’s Blood Geoffrey Gerard Why you should read this book

Breakthroughs in bioscience are the defining moments of our time.

Nature vs. Nurture is an age old debate that questions just how much our surroundings and upbringing have to do with how we turn out. Geoffrey Gerard takes it to the extreme (in this writer’s opinion) in this novel. Several children have escaped a high security facility and someone is in to bring them back from the beginning, things are off, there is too much damage, too many deaths and far too many vicious acts for mere children to have done this and soon, the investigator is turning up information that is utterly horrifying. These aren’t

just any children. They are genetic clones of some of the most famous killers in modern history; Albert Fish, John Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Ted Bundy, and others. They were created using the DNA of these men and then raised in different environments to see if nature or nurture would win. This is a very interesting take on this debate and for those who wonder about nature and nurture, it may answer some questions.

A caveat: if the thought of using children as lab rats disturbs you, this is not the book for you.

We are Water Wally Lamb Why you should read this book

Water, no matter how fluid, can still be brackish.

Wally Lamb is known as a master wordsmith for the breadth and depth of his novels and We are Water is no exception to that. It follows what this reviewer calls the “Lamb master plan”: introduce characters, build their lives (some fascinating, some mundane), and while doing that, build your story line. This is not to say that his books are cookie cutter, because they aren’t. Each is unique and has a story line that reverberates with his readers. In Water, this cast of characters is small, yet their impact is very large.

Though the story is primarily about Annie Oh and

her choices, every character leaves a mark and there is not one character in the whole book who is wholly likeable. Annie is appalling in her own special way. The edge of contempt that marks her every word when she is thinking to herself is highly indicative of how she sees the world around her.

Some parts of this book cut very superficially into social issues but don’t delve all that deep. This book is primarily about relationships and family and how they shape us. Lovers of Wally Lamb will enjoy it but new readers may find it all a bit much.

For the Roses Julie Garwood Why you should read this book

Hate should never override justice.

On the surface, this book is a feel good love story set in the 1800’s in the United States. Our story opens with 4 young men living on the streets of New York City, sleeping in alley ways and trying to survive. Each has a secret and they all share a bond. When they find a baby girl in the trash, they all decide to head out west because one of them has a bigger secret than all of the rest. Adam is an escaped slave whose master is dead – potentially by his hand. The years pass and the family grows up but Adam is rarely seen outside their ranch for no matter how many years

APRIL 2014

have passed and laws have changed, he is still an escaped slave who dared to touch his master. When the past explodes and interferes with their present, an attorney (married to Mary Rose) is tasked with keeping Adam from the hangman’s noose. To do so, he must overcome the innate prejudice built in against someone who is other. He must show Adam is a human first and foremost and that skin colour matters little. This is the book to read when you want to examine your own ingrained prejudice while smiling at the blush of love.

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MIND, BODY+SOUL

MIX IT +

FIX IT

We are all guilty of heading to our local pharmacist for even the slightest ailment. While this is all well and good there are times when your body, your pocket and maybe even your pharmacist needs a break! Here are some home remedies we here at Ragmag thought to be easy and effective using standard household items you probably already have at home.

OLIVES

STOPS MOTION SICKNESS

If you’re prone to nausea during long car rides or boat trips pop a couple of olives once the first signs of nausea begin.

Compounds in olives called tannins dry out your mouth and can help soothe queasiness. If olives aren’t your thing you can also try sucking on a lemon.

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AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

MIX IT + FIX IT

LISTERINE

RELIEVES ITCHY, FLAKY SCALP + SMOOTHES BLISTERS Thanks to its four essential oils, namely eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate and thymol, Listerine can be used to ease itchiness in the scalp by killing off the bacteria that builds up. Recommended

by Health 911 and Straight to the Root websites you can either saturate a cotton swab and dab it through the scalp or fill a spray bottle and spray it on. You can also dab it on blisters three times a day until they heal.

ASPIRIN

TO HELP + PREVENT ACNE

With more online reviews than any individual skin product the aspirin mask takes the lead in treating spots and clearing up acne. Even Dr. Oz loves the aspirin mask and has his own version which he revealed on his show.

There are quite a few variations of the mask but the following is the standard description: 3-6 aspirins pills, crushed a tablespoon or 2 of lukewarm bottled water a spoon of honey or plain yoghurt (honey for a thick mask, yoghurt for a soothing one) Mix the aspirin and water to make a paste and add the honey or yoghurt, apply on your face and leave for 7 to 15 minutes. Try to use twice a week for best results. (If you are allergic to aspirin then please don’t try this without your doctor’s consent)

DUCT TAPE CURES WARTS

Studies have proved that Duct Tape is more effective in clearing up warts than treatments.

Cut a piece of tape larger than the wart and apply to cleaned area; change, clean and exfoliate every few days until the wart is gone.

A SPOON FULL OF SUGAR

STOPS HICCUPS

There’s nothing more annoying than never-ending hiccups! When all else fails try munching a teaspoon full of sugar. I tried it on my 8 year old and less than a minute later it had stopped.

VIX IT UP

TREATS TOENAIL FUNGUS This chesty rub contains the active ingredient camphor, which has antifungal properties. Apply daily on the infected nail and cover with a bandage. Though not medically or clinically tested thousands of people swear by it!

APRIL 2014

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DECADENT

DESSERT FARE

BY LARA ARISS

Each edition of RAGMAG Lara Ariss will present a meal in several courses that you can try at home. Lara trained at Le Cordon Bleu in London, England.

For this issue of RAGMAG, Lara has compiled a selection of entrĂŠe and fullmeal soups for a warmer season.

For her menu selection, check her out on the web http://www.bylara.me @laraariss

bylara

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laraariss

AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

VANILLA

CHEESECAKE

PREPARATION TIME 20 MINUTES COOKING TIME 50 MINUTES SERVES 10 - 12 LEVEL EASY

This recipe is very basic but extremely decadent, perfect for afternoon tea with friends.

INGREDIENTS • 160 grams digestive biscuits • 40 grams unsalted butter INGREDIENTS FOR THE FILLING • 500 grams creamcheese • 300 ml sour cream • 150 grams caster sugar • 3 eggs • 3 teaspoons vanilla extract

METHOD

• Preheat the oven at 180°C. • Lightly grease a 30 cm springform tin. • In

a mixing bowl, use your hands to crush the digestive biscuits and then combine with the butter. The mixture should be sandy in texture. • Pour the mixture into the tin and pat it down till smooth and even. • Place the tin in the preheated oven for 7 minutes and set aside to cool. • Bring down the temperature of the oven to 150°C. • Meanwhile, make the mixture for the filling. In a mixing bowl, combine sugar, cream cheese, scraped vanilla seeds and the vanilla extract and mix until the ingredients are well combined.

• Add in the eggs one at a time, and continue to mix till all the ingredients are well combined. • Pour the batter into the springform tin and bake for 55 minutes and then slightly open the oven door. Continue to bake until the center of the cheesecake is set, about 5 - 7 minutes.

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AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

APPLE CRUMBLE PREPARATION TIME 20 MINUTES COOKING TIME 40 - 45 MINUTES SERVES 6 - 8 | LEVEL EASY

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CRUMBLE • 700 grams Bramley apples • 225 grams Cox’s apples • 25 grams light brown sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves TO SERVE • Clotted cream or vanilla ice cream

Apple Crumble is an all-time favourite of many and is known for being a quick and easy dessert served with nostalgia after an intense meal.

INGREDIENTS • 700 grams Bramley apples • 225 grams Cox’s apples • 25 grams light brown sugar • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves • 110 grams whole almonds • 75 grams chilled salted butter, diced • 175 grams all-purpose flour • 110 grams brown sugar

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METHOD

• For the apples: Peel, core and slice into thickish slices.• Toss

the apple slices in a bowl with the sugar, cinnamon and ground cloves and then placein a 24 cm x 16 cm x 6 cm baking dish.

• For the crumble: In a food processor place the diced butter, sugar, flour, optional almonds and cinnamon and whiz for a few seconds until the mix resembles crumbs. Spoon the crumbs mix evenly over the apples. Use your hands to firmly flatten. • Bake for 40 – 45 minutes at 200°C. Serve warm with a side of clotted cream or vanilla ice cream.

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EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

BRIOCHE PREPARATION TIME 3 HOURS 25 MINUTES COOKING TIME 15 MINUTES SERVES 1 LEVEL DIFFICULT

Brioche is known for its sophisticated taste, although not favoured by the general public I personally find comfort when having a slice of brioche with goat cheese and tomato jam.

INGREDIENTS: • 150 grams bread flour • 2.5 grams salt • 17.5 grams sugar • 17.5 ml milk • 2 eggs • 8.5 grams yeast • 170grams unsalted butter • Optional: handful of raisins or sultanas

APRIL 2014

METHOD

• Sieve the flour, salt and sugar together into the bowl of the Kitchen Aid. • In a separate bowl, add the eggs and milk and gently combine.

• Gently swirl the ingredients using the hook of the Kitchen Aid. • Add

in the yeast and turn on the kitchen aid to combine all the ingredients - it shouldn’t take more than 10 - 12 minutes. The dough should feel elastic. • Gradually add in the butter and continue to mix until fully combined. • At this point, you may add the handful of raisins or sultanas, and mix till just combined as you do not want to over mix.

• Flatten the dough on a tray and cover with cling wrap. Place in the oven at 50°C for 15 minutes. • Remove from the oven and knock back the dough and place it in the fridge for 60 minutes. • Lightly grease a rectangular 500 gram loaf tin and shape the dough into a rectangular shape to fit the tin. • Place the loaf into the oven at 50°C for about 1 1/2 hours, until the dough doubles in size. • Remove from the oven, and set aside for 10 minutes. • Gently brush the dough with egg wash. • Bake for 15 minutes at 170°C, until dark brown. A cocktail stick inserted in the center should come out clean.

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ZODIAC FORECASTS FROM JONATHAN CAINER

April 2014

PISCES February 20 - March 20 As we now prepare for a month that’s teeming with powerful alignments, including a lunar eclipse and a rare Cardinal Grand Cross, Jupiter dominates the night sky. You are finally making a break with a part of the past that you thought would hang over you forever like some dark, depressing cloud. But you feel unsure of this. What if things slip back to the way they used to be? Continue, by all means, to be cautious about eggs that have so far failed to hatch. But be aware that there are some actual chickens. These need feeding.

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

TAURUS April 21 - May 21

Science fiction writers love to describe parallel worlds or alternate universes where all is much the same as it is in ours, apart from one or two crucial things. Somewhere, they argue, is a world in which Germany won the Second World War or the Titanic never sank. Physicists, interestingly, are starting to find evidence that might support this. So perhaps one day they may discover there’s a world in which you make every choice perfectly? April’s rare Grand Cross plus a solar eclipse in your sign, suggests you may yet find you are already living in it.

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

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ARIES March 21 - April 20 Back in May 2010, the planet Uranus entered Aries, where it will remain until March 2019.

When a slow moving outer planet makes a transit of such a long duration, astrologers interpret it as being significant for the whole world, rather than for one particular sign. But special circumstances apply now. April’s Cardinal Grand Cross speaks of a glorious awakening to a new possibility. The whole of the rest of your life can change for the better as a result of the developments that occur and the decisions you make this month.

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

MEGAN FOX AT THE ‘JENNIFER’S BODY’ HOT TOPIC FAN EVENT AT HOLLYWOOD AND HIGHLAND IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA ON SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

SOMETIMES, WE RECOGNISE A BETTER WAY FORWARD ONLY WHEN WE SEE HOW THAT AN OLD ROUTE HAS REACHED A DEAD END. THAT’S WHY CHANGE, NO MATTER HOW POSITIVE, IS OFTEN ACCOMPANIED BY AN EXPERIENCE OF FRUSTRATION. BACK IN 2012, A SERIES OF SEVEN RIGHT ANGLES BETWEEN URANUS AND PLUTO BEGAN. THEY CONTINUE TILL 2015. EACH TRIGGERS ‘AWAKENING TO THE EXISTENCE OF NEW POSSIBILITY’. APRIL BRINGS THE FIFTH IN THIS SEQUENCE. IT IS PARTICULARLY POWERFUL BECAUSE IT MEETS A FURTHER RIGHT ANGLE (OR SQUARE) BETWEEN MARS AND JUPITER, CREATING A GRAND CROSS IN THE FOUR ‘CARDINAL’ SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC.

AQUARIUS

GEMINI

CANCER

January 21 - February 19 When is a problem not a problem? When it is the kind of problem that you should consider yourself lucky to be suffering from. Your current difficulty falls into that category. It’s a side-effect of a great blessing. In complaining about it, you are rather like the person who is given a brand-new car but then stands by the exhaust pipe complaining about the smell from the catalytic converter? Your ruling planet, Uranus, is about to form part of a rare Cardinal Grand Cross. Focus on what’s good and pay less attention to its downside.

May 22 - June 22 You can cover your home in sensors. You can hire a security team to stay and guard you 24/7. But the ‘agenda burglar’ will still find a way through. He or she is just as ruthless as any villain wearing a mask, a striped T-shirt and carrying a bag marked Swag. But it is your schedule, not your silver, that is being targeted here. The only way to protect yourself, involves being very clear and focused.

Under April’s amazing Cardinal Grand Cross you can get back on track after a recent distraction - and enjoy great success.

June 23 - July 23 The veil that separates yesterday from today, hangs like a heavy curtain. It is not a wall. It is not a window. The distinctions between the past, the present and the future are like pieces of cloth, until we try to reach back through them. Jupiter, as it now passes through your sign, forms part of this month’s unusual and exceptional Cardinal Grand Cross with Mars, Uranus and Pluto. Here comes your chance to revisit history, alter your understanding of a crucial event and thus enter a whole new, much brighter tomorrow for yourself.

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

July 24 - August 23 Imagine a fortress playing a constant recording of a siren, punctuated by a loud voice saying, ‘Warning! This is a trap.’ Unless, that is, you are trying to catch a rebellious person with insatiable curiosity. Then, the more posters you put up saying, ‘Please Keep Away’, the more you may succeed. April’s Cardinal Grand Cross, now urges you to look at the tricks and traps that you must be wary of.

You will be safe as long as you refrain from indulging worry, anger or anxiety and operate only from the highest possible motives.

August 24 - September 23 Treasure whatever is precious to you but don’t covet it. Trust that if something is truly right, you won’t be able to lose it, spoil it or miss out on it. Remember, this month, that there are two types of caution. It is fine to sense potential danger and do whatever may help to reduce it. It is bad, though, to become so anxious that you end up scared of your own shadow. Your current problem may seem urgent, but it is not an emergency. So don’t turn it into one. Just let April’s Cardinal Grand Cross bring the magic you need into your life.

September 24 - October 23 Your agenda is setting itself. Mars in your sign now, makes a Cardinal Grand Cross, plus a mid-month visible conjunction to the Moon, just before a lunar eclipse. Lines are being drawn, alternatives are being ruled out and priorities are becoming clear. There is no doubt about what’s needed. Unless you want to spend your month holding back a tide, recognise the direction things are going in and go along with them. Save your fighting energy for a battle that’s really worth entering into or one campaign that you can win brilliantly!

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

October 24 - November 22 The end of April brings an annual eclipse in your opposite sign. Prior to that comes a visible conjunction of Mars and a Full Moon, plus the rare Cardinal Grand Cross involving both Mars and Pluto, your celestial co-rulers. These intense, potentially life-changing, alignments carry a message that is simple and clear: your life is now being blessed in a very real and wonderful way. Not conscious of this? Aware only of an ongoing problem?

How perfect! You are getting the heavenly help - just when you need it most.

November 23 - December 21 Jupiter remains beautifully bright this month as it prepares to form part of a Cardinal Grand Cross. The need to sort something out decisively is increasing. But what are you going to do? There are factors that just will not respond to any attempt you make to influence them. Some of these issues you simply do not understand. These most urgently require your attention. Though you are reluctant to look at a confusing situation, look beyond your resentment and your fear. Think harder. Solve a mystery. Then, you will have power.

December 22 - January 20 Are you sure that you are old enough to be reading this? Do you have permission from a grown-up? Oh hello, it’s you! Sorry about that. It’s just that, when you first started reading this page, all I could see was your eyes.

Have you looked at them lately? Gaze into a mirror the next time you get a chance. Or ask a friend. They are sparkling and glowing in a very vibrant, youthful way. Aren’t they?

If not, they soon will be. As a shining Saturn now lights a sky that will soon contain a rare Grand Cross, prepare to be rejuvenated.

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM

APRIL 2014

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BRAINFOOD ROUND #1

ROUND #2

Trivia

ROUND #3

Geography

ROUND #4

Science and Nature

Sports

1. What do the letters UPS stand

1. What is the largest country in

1. Where does the name “Blu Ray”

2. Cat Steven’s record “It’s a Wild

2. In which country can you see

2. What is the main difference

for?

World” is used in trailers for what TV crime series?

3. What organ in the human

body has the same name as a punctuation mark?

Africa?

the Angel Falls?

5. What English word is derived from an old French word meaning “Sour Wine”?

between a fish and a mammal beside the fact that mammals breathe air?

3. Which of Australia’s six states comes first alphabetically?

4. Erie, Superior and Michigan are

know as what?

the Caribbean?

6. In the book “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, who was the captain of the Nautilus?

7. What is the capital city of 8. What letter of the alphabet does

7. Staying with the book, what

distance is a league? 3, 3.5 or 4 miles?

8. What distinguishing feature does a Manx cat have?

9. Which Italian city is home of the

not appear in the name of any US State?

6. What is the largest key on a

6. Who won the 2008 UEFA

7. What is difference between a

7. How many times has Michael

world that is crossed by both the Equator and the tropic of Capricorn?

dynamo and an alternator?

10 What name is given to the study of poisons and venoms?

what hair product on TV?

came second in 16 F1 races but never won a championship?

Champions League Final?

water comes in contact with the electricity and was the cause of death of many submariners during WWII?

10. What is the only country in the

10. Cristiano Ronaldo advertised

5. Who is the British F1 driver who

9. What gas is formed when sea

Asia and Africa?

Ducati motorcycle company?

5. Where in the body would you

Cup against which country?

of a Wimbledon Championship?

8. Xenophobia is the fear of what?

9. What sea has shores in Europe,

took place in 1981 against Trevor Berbick?

4. Who was the youngest male winner

standard keyboard?

Belarus?

2. Which famous boxer’s last fight

4. What is the Latin name for

find the Cochlea and the stirrup bone?

6. What is the largest country in

hold both F1 and Motorbike World championships at the same time?

3. Uruguay won the first soccer World

womb?

5. The Aurora Borealis is better

1. What is the name of the only man to

3. A polygraph is more commonly known as what?

3 of the 5 Great Lakes. Name the other two.

4. What is the most common colour used on the flags of countries? (beside white)

come from?

Schumacher won the F1 championship?

8. Who did Al Riyadi beat to win the 2006/2007 Arab Clubs Championship?

9. Which American cyclist won the Tour de France 7 times?

10 Who’s the youngest driver to win the F1 championship?

EASY

2 1 9

3 4 1

1 3

8 4 5 9

3 6 9 5 8

5 1

7 3 5 1

5 6

4

5 8 6 6 4 1

7

9

9 7 3 4 3 8 4 5

7 5

7 3 6 2

9 1 3

7

8

5

8

7

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

ROUND#1 1. United Parcels Service 2. Without a Trace 3. Colon 4. Red 5. Vinegar 6. Captain Nemo 7. 3 Miles 8. No Tail 9.Bologna 10. Clear Shampoo ROUND#2 1. Sudan 2. Venezuela 3. New South Wales 4. Huron and Ontario 5. Northern Lights 6. Cuba 7. Minsk 8. Q 9. Mediterranean 10. Brazil ROUND#3 1. Laser is Blue 2. The tail 3. Lie detector 4. Uterus 5. The ear 6. Space bar 7. A dynamo produces D.C. 8. Foreigners 9. Chlorine 10. Toxicology ROUND#4 1. John Surtees 2. Mohammed Ali 3. Argentina 4. Boris Becker 5. Stirling Moss 6. Manchester United 7. Seven 8. Sagesse 9. Lance Armstrong 10. Sebastien Vettel 1 4 1 3 9 9 7 6 2 8 8 6 4 3 7 5

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9 7 2 6 4 3 8 1 5

8 5 4 7 1 9 6 3 2

1 3 6 5 2 8 9 4 7

3 1 9 2 5 6 4 7 8

4 8 5 9 3 7 2 6 1

6 2 7 4 8 1 5 9 3

5 6 8 3 7 4 1 2 9

2 4 3 1 9 5 7 8 6

7 9 1 8 6 2 3 5 4

3 7 2 5 6 9 8 1 4

8 9 1 7 3 4 6 5 2

5 4 6 2 8 1 9 3 7

7 2 8 9 1 3 4 6 5

9 1 3 6 4 5 2 7 8

6 5 4 8 2 7 1 9 3

1 3 5 4 9 2 7 8 6

2 8 7 1 5 6 3 4 9

4 6 9 3 7 8 5 2 1

AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

DOWN

1 2

3

4

5

6 7

8

9

10

11 12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19 20

21

22 23

24

25

26 27

28

29 30 31

33

34

35

36

impulses.

32

37

22. Gives a mental image.

25. They make electricity.

27. Middle Eastern man’s traditional

38

39

40

dress.

41

42

29. A state of perplexity.

31. Like the TEN COMMANDMENTS. 32. Annoying?

34. Gives up the throne.

35. A sailor’s bed?

36. Curved up in the middle.

40. Never been beaten.

41. At the front of the leg.

46. Schedule.

47. Sometimes found on motor cycles.

49. Burden with.

52. Formed with the absorption of

43

44

45 47

48

46

49

50 51 53

52

54 55 56 59

1. A noisy rock breaker?

3. A flower of the amaryllis family.

4. Relit.

5. Cut. 7. Drugs.

10. Rich?

11. Bosses, colloquially.

13. To approve.

14. Thought of a method or plan.

16. Skillful with his hands.

17. For computers or televisions?

19. Unaware of!

20. A book of knowledge?

21. Something that sends nerve

57

58

60

61

heat.

62

67

63

64

68

65

66

69

70

73

71

74

72 75

76

77

78 79

80

81

82

83 84

88

85

86

89

87

90

91

92

93 95

94 96

53. Not washed.

55. Overweight.

56. Seaweed.

57. Railway engine.

60. Has less hair!

63. Fertilized.

67. A kind of balance.

68. Holy, as in ground.

69. Reborn?

71. A female Gaelic Spirit.

72. Is this curly writing?

77. Said to be divided by a membrane.

80. Thrown out.

83. A factory can be called this.

84. Rock formed by a volcano.

85. To do with the thigh.

87. Has two different parts that do the

same thing.

90. Compressed (As on a computer).

97

ACROSS

AN OLD POP GROUP?

USEFUL FACTS TO HELP US?

IT GOES ON AND ON!

BEFORE MAN?

FOR A BETTER VIEW?

IN THE USA?

execution.

95. Prepared for seeding.

96. Not set correctly.

97. Screams.

86. Dwelling on the

gruesome.

88. Forgave.

89. Little people in stories?

91. One type of current!

92. Has a split personality.

93. The study of organisms

and their environment.

94. Battles in war time.

IS IT ROMANTIC?

HAVE FAITH!

PAY ATTENTION!

DOCTOR HOOK - GOOD INFORMATION - MOONLIGHT - FOR EVER AND EVER - MONKEY - BELIEVE EYE GLASSES - WASHINGTON - LISTEN TO ME

A PARUI G L U2S0T1 42 0 1 2

MAGTION MAOTION MAOTION MADTION

79. Make imperishable.

81. A tempting morsel?

82. Jesus’ place of

ACROSS 1. JUSTIFIED - 2. ABANDONMENTS - 6. OVERPRODUCE 8. WHACK - 9. OSTENTATIOUS - 12. TEMPORARY 15. LAUDANUM - 18. WHORE - 23. IMBECILE 24. WHITENED - 26. ICON - 28. LACQUER 30. PARANORMAL - 33. XANTHIC - 37. KERNEL 38. GOSSIPPED - 39. GYMKHANAS - 42. VIBRANT 43. HAGGARD - 44. GOURMET - 45. RIBALD 48. OBJECTIONABLE - 50. JUGULAR - 51. BANQUETTE 54. FATAL - 58. YOKEL - 59. GABARDINE - 61. EDIFY 62. KELVIN - 64. CALCULUS - 65. OPPOSE 66. CADAVER - 70. ORBIT - 73. SATURATED - 74. ZERO 75. FEISTY - 76. QUOTIENTS - 78. INDULGES 79. IMMORTALIZE - 81. BAIT - 82. CALVARY 86. MACABRE - 88. PARDONED - 89. GNOMES 91. EDDY - 92. SCHIZOID - 93. ECOLOGY 94. CAMPAIGNS - 95. FALLOWED - 96. MALADJUSTED 97. YOWLS

33. Of a yellowish color.

58. A gullible, rural area dweller.

37. The center of a nut?

59. Wool or rayon that is twilled.

38. Talked about personal facts about 61. Give instructions in morality.

62. A temperature scale. another.

39. Competitions for horses?

64. One form of mathematics.

42. Pulsing with life and energy.

65. Go against.

43. Looking old.

66. A dead body?

44. A connoisseur of food or drink.

70. A planet’s path?

45. A debauched person is called this. 73. Soaking wet.

48. Undesirable.

74. Nothing.

50. To do with the throat or neck.

75. Frisky.

51. A great feast.

76. The results of division.

54. Deadly.

78. Over eats or drinks?

DOWN 1. JACKHAMMER - 3. DAFFODIL - 4. REKINDLED 5. LACERATE - 7. NARCOTICS - 10. OPULENT 11. GAFFERS - 13. ENDORSE - 14. DEVISED 16. DEXTROUS - 17. NETWORKS - 19. OBLIVIOUS 20. ENCYCLOPEDIA - 21. NEUROTRANSMITTER 22. VIVID - 25. DYNAMOS - 27. ABA - 29. QUANDARY 31. DECALOGUE - 32. MADDENING - 34. ABDICATES 35. HAMMOCK - 36. CAMBERED - 40. UNDEFEATED 41. SHIN - 46. ITINERAY - 47. FAIRING - 49. ENCUMBER 52. ENDOTHERMIC - 53. UNCLEAN - 55. OBESE 56. KELP - 57. LOCOMOTIVE - 60. BALDER 63. IMPREGNATED - 67. COUNTERPOISE 68. HALLOWED - 69. REINCARNATED - 71. BANSSHEE 72. ITALIC - 77. SEPTATE - 80. REJECTED - 83. FACILITY 84. IGNEOUS - 85. FEMORAL - 87. HYBRID - 90. ZIPPED

1. Proved to be right.

2. Desertions.

6. Manufacture too much!

8. Hit someone?

9. Pretentious?

12. Not permanent.

15. Opium?

18. A lady of easy virtue?

23. A fool, (offensive use).

24. Bleached?

26. A religious image?

28. Varnish?

30. Supernatural.

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NEW + NOW

CROSSOVER The Dodge brand is upping the ante in the fast-growing full-size sport-utility vehicle (SUV) and crossover segments with the introduction of the new 2014 Dodge Durango. The ultimate, no compromise SUV raises the bar for performance, technology and style in the three-row

SUV which has arrived at Gargour Automotive Company, the only authorized distributor for Dodge in Lebanon. “The latest Dodge Durango takes everything that customers love about Durango and adds the latest advancements in technology to enhance its design, capability and

functionality”, said Mr. Joachim Zeitler, Chrysler Group General Manager at Gargour Automotive Company, the only authorized distributor for Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge, Ram and Mopar in Lebanon. The 2014 Dodge Durango is available in Limited AWD and R/T AWD editions.

BBAC EXPANDS BBAC (Bank of Beirut and the Arab Countries) has continued its expansion strategy to strengthen its reach in the local banking sector while meeting the growing needs of its clientele by opening its newest branch in Badaro-Sami el Solh. The Badaro branch, equipped with the latest banking technologies, serves as a preliminary step in the bank’s expansion strategy which aims to extend the bank’s network to cover all areas in Lebanon. BBAC’s Chairman and General Manager Sheikh Ghassan Assaf reiterated the importance of the newest opening, stating “since our customers are our top priority, the proliferation of BBAC branches is necessary to better serve their needs while also bolstering our ability to effectively provide all necessary services throughout Lebanon, reaffirming BBAC as “Your Caring Bank”.”

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AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E

Let it snow softness, this season!

, perfect care for special fabrics APRIL 2014

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AT TA C H M E N T I SS U E