RAGMAG Orchestra Issue | March 2012 | Issue #22

MAGAZINE MARCH 2012

ORCHESTRA

ODE TO

MOM

FINELY

TUNED

SOUNDING

OFF

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RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

Publisher Gina Gabriel El-Fady Editor in Chief Fida Z Chaaban Creative Lead Odette Kahwagi Managing Director Georges Yarack

Photograhers Odette Kahwagi Christian Harb Jason Zamora Teddy Habib Selected images Shutterstock

Webmaster Youmna Chagoury Stylist Jony Matta Public Relations Coordinator Lea El-Alam Marketing Advisor Daniella Tayar Admnisitrative Coordinator Teddy Younes

Printed by Raidy Printing Group

Contributors RAGMAG is a division of Raycon s.a.l.

Copyright RAGMAG 2012 All Rights Reserved.

Stephanie Aoun Lara Ariss Liliane Assaf Jonathan Cainer Amal Chaaban Youmna Chagoury Kiran Choudhry Rabih Feghali Maria Frangieh Alice Hlidkova Sarah Hourany Matthew Hussey Maria-Elena Kassab Imogen Kimber Chris Lambert Sabina LLewellyn-Davies Maha Majzoub J.E.N. Nour Obaji Jacques Tchabarian Adam Volk Media Representative

publishing & media representative

Nada G. Farha Managing Director Jdeideh Chalet Suisse St 444 Center 3rd floor Tel: 01 87 16 63 Ext 103 nfarha@pinkodsal.com RAGMAG Alex Gabriel Building Rue Colomn de Sahel Sahel Alma, Keserwan Tel: 09 916 222 / 09 913 777 lea.elalam@ragmaglive.com Distributor Lebanese Distributor Company Hamra, Axa Middle East bldg.

Tel: 01 368 007

w w w . r a g m a g l i v e . c o m

@RAGMAGLebanon RAGMAGMagazine RAGMAG

Opinions expressed are based solely on personal opinion and expericence, not reflective in any way of RAGMAG, a division of Raycon s.a.l.

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ORCHESTRA EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES 96 COPYCAT REAL LIFE RUNWAY 102 CAVALLI’S NEW MUSE ELISA SEDNAOUI 104 CHORDS + CABLES OUR FASHION SHOOT DOLLARS + SENSE 22 HIT A HIGH NOTE IMPROVING LEBANON’S ECONOMY OUT + ABOUT 154 METRONOME TIME OUT BEIRUT 18 26 32 34 52

CULTURE CLASH HARMONIOUS VOICES NEW ARAB WOMAN FORUM OPTICAL CRESCENDO INTERVIEW WITH SHANNON NOVAK FINELY TUNED THE LEBANESE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA DAVID GUETTA THE NUMBER ONE DJ IN THE WORLD FAUX ORCHESTRA CHIEF HAYDA LEBNEN

FML 48 OFF-KEY LEARN TO PLAY THE CELLO YOU + YOUR COUNTRY 30 SING FOR YOUR SUPPER BOOKS IN MOTION (B)IM THE FINAL FRONTIER 44 SOUND BITES SCIENCE 46 DANCING THE ROBOT TECH 126 127 128 129 130

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SEE, SPEAK + HEAR NO EVIL SOUND CHECK MUSIC READ’EM + WEEP BOOKS PLAY NICE GAMES WATCH OUT FILM WORLD VISION BLOGS

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ORCHESTRA EDITOR’S OPINION 14 MARCHING TO A DIFFERENT DRUMMER WE DO IT ALL THE TIME! MON AMOUR, MON AMI 60 DUELING BANJOS MY CAREER, MY MOM + ME 62 MARRIAGE, MOTHERHOOD + ME KEEPING IT REAL 64 THE NIGHTENGALE’S SONG TIME WELL SPENT MIND, BODY + SOUL 54 KEEPING A HARMONIOUS LIFE MATTHEW HUSSEY 56 HELP ME NOUR + RABIH ADVICE 66 LISTEN HARDER MUSIC THERAPY MIRROR MIRROR 70 THE SOUND OF SILENCE SHISEIDO SPA 74 BEHIND THE SCENES JASMINE BY DIOR 78 ODE TO FLORALS DYPTIQUE 80 LA BOHEME MUFE 84 A SMILE + A SONG GET BRIGHTER SNOW WHITES EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 140 DINE WITH MUSIC BEIRUTRESTAURANTS.COM 142 RESTAURANT REVIEW TITANIC 144 HARMONIOUS PALATE CHEF SOPHIE TABET 146 A SYMPHONY OF TASTE MOTHER’S DAY RECIPES

Can I Be It All? Motherhood VS My Career 6 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

TAKE ME WITH YOU 134 FRENCH RIVIERA ORCHESTRATES DRAMA TRAVEL BRAINFOOD 150 QUIZZ. DINGBAT. CROSSWORD. SUDOKU.

Free professional photo shoot at Beirut Souks Come and experience an unforgettable photo shoot with your mom with a professional team of photographers, make up artists and hair stylists that will be working to ensure your gift is picture perfect!

www.beirutsouks.com.lb THE ORCHESTRA ISSUE

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Why exhibit: • GUARANTEE YOUR PRESENCE AT THE REGION’S NUMBER ONE BOATING, LIFESTYLE AND GLAMOUR SHOW. • OPTIMIZE YOUR BRAND VISIBILITY THE MINUTE YOU BECOME AN EXHIBITOR THANKS TO COMPREHENSIVE MEDIA CHANNELS INCLUDING THE BEIRUT BOAT SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS AND WEBSITE.

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publisher’s letter

The month of March brings with it Mother’s Day and the first day of spring. Here at RAGMAG we are celebrating it with our Orchestra issue. I must say that our monthly photo shoot has been complimented this month with the breathless designs of Joe Challita.

A big thank you to our supporters flydubai and Shiseido Day Spa for this month’s great and envious reader rewards. I would like to thank the Lebanon Aggregator for inviting RAGMAG to be part of the #GetTogether001 it was a pleasure being amongst you. Of course a big thank you to the online community for their constant contribution to RAGMAG. RAGMAG has gotten you used to always being up to date and the first to start with anything new out there. Needless to say we have now joined Pinterest. So go on and get your accounts and follow us at RAGMAG. The world has just become much smaller!

Please keep talking to me on Twitter @GinaGabriel1 I love talking back and remember RM is #YourMagazine. Keep your emails flowing with both the good and the bad to publisher@ragmaglive.com Happy Mother’s Day to my Mum and to all of the mums out there!

Gina Gabriel El-Fady | Publisher

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SUBSCRIBE TO SPECIAL SUBSCRIPTION OFFER PER ISSUE 10,000 LBP 6 ISSUES 50,000 LBP 12 ISSUES 100,000 LBP Contact us by phone or email to arrange your subscription subscriptions@ragmaglive.com Lea El-Alam 09 916 222 / 09 913 777 RAGMAG Alex Gabriel Building, Rue Colomn de Sahel Sahel Alma, Keserwan

w w w . r a g m a g l i v e . c o m ON OUR COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ODETTE KAHWAGI STYLED BY JONY MATTA DRESSED BY JOE CHALLITA MODEL FREDERIKA OF LIPS AGENCY

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@RAGMAGLebanon RAGMAGMagazine RAGMAG

editor’s letter

ORCHESTRA BECAUSE RAGMAG IS SOUND PERSONIFIED February just rocked- the amount of amazing comments and dialogue that came our way was absolutely terrific!

We couldn’t have hoped for a better response! The two main things that had people tweeting at us? The grand dame –Dita Von Teese- and surprisingly, my piercings! We got tweeted from as far away as Dubai about Hady Beydoun’s handiwork. When articles and writeups bring our readership closer to us, it motivates us to one-up ourselves.

Hence, the Orchestra issue.

It’s Mother’s Day and International Women’s Day, so we thought there was no time like the present to sound off on some of the current women’s empowerment initiatives (like the New Arab Woman Forum). Nasawiya, one of the most relevant activist groups, had quite a different opinion on NAWF, as you’ll see in our Culture Clash section.

Regarding the ever-important (perhaps most important even) relationship

between you and your mom, we’ve asked a couple of our contributors to talk about their own situations.

Stephanie Aoun’s essay in Mon Amour Mon Ami will make you reflect on time well spent, and Maria Elena Kassab discusses the struggle many women face between high-pressure careers and motherhood.

But it’s not all mommy + me. In this issue, we also visit the Lebanese Philharmonic and give you a little insight as to what the world class performances entail. No issue devoted to symphonies is complete without a maestro, so we chose a person that is currently ranked number one in the world- DJ and Producer David Guetta!

Check out Guetta’s feature and let us know what you think. A big thank you to EMI Music Arabia for rewarding five of our readers with Guetta’s Nothing But The Beat CD in honour of his visit to Abu Dhabi!

Readers, remember you can subscribe to us by emailing subscriptions@ragmaglive.com and have RAGMAG delivered right to your door, every issue!

Talk to me on Twitter @fidachaaban and follow @RAGMAGLebanon for updates and reader rewards that are meant to thank you for being part of RAGMAG. If you have something to tell me about the mag or something that deserves some print space in Lebanon, my cyber door is always open.

Reach me directly at letterstotheeditor@ragmaglive.com We are the only magazine in Lebanon that talks back. We’re here because of the support and constant encouragement of our loyal readers.

Spend 2012 with RAGMAG- It’s Your Magazine.

Fida Z Chaaban

Editor in Chief

Lebanon Aggregator #GetTogether001 to celebrate the online Lebanese community.

Check it out in our reviews section!

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letters to the editor FOR OUR FEBRUARY ISSUE WE CONTINUED TO TALK TO YOU VIA OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS- TWITTER AND FACEBOOK. WE THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND PARTICIPATION AND HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO INTERACT WITH US ONLINE.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK AND SCRIBBLE ON OUR WALL TO WIN, WRITE TO US LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR@RAGMAGLIVE.COM OR TWEET US ON TWITTER @RAGMAGLEBANON!

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

Congratulations to two RAGMAG readers!

RAGMAG loves reader interaction so we paired up with Nokia and Cream Boutique for GlamOnYou and ran an online contest via social media. We posted the teasers for the cool rewards on our Facebook page and Twitter a few days beforehand then we ran the competition. We also gave you a small hint in last month’s issue for what was coming up! Congratulations to two RAGMAG readers.

For the fashion part of the reward, Eliane Imad was treated to a GlamOnYou personal style session with a stylist from Dubai! She took home a GlamOnYou gown chosen just for her. With tons of entries it was a stiff competition. Eliane had to write why Beyonce + Jay-Z compared themselves to infamous crime duo Bonnie + Clyde and this is what she came up with “The reason Jay-Z and Beyonce compared themselves to Bonnie and Clyde is because it plays as such a sincere reenactment of the Bonnie and Clyde ideology. It hones in on that almost-mythological, us-vs-the-world romanticism which Bonnie and Clyde are emblematic of, but makes it simultaneously grand and ordinary. At no point in the song do Jay-Z and Beyonce identify specific adversaries in this ‘this life of sin’, they just know they can’t get through it without each other, then so be it.”

Check out the brand for yourself!

www.glamonyou.com @glamonyou glamonyou

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CONNECTING RAGMAG READERS

For the tech part of the reward, Mhammed Marzouk competed pretty tirelessly to get his Nokia N9! He got 314 likes on his post and he would’ve just kept right on going connecting RAGMAG readers for his reward. For those of you who don’t know what inspired all the N9 heat, check out the specs right here!

The Nokia N9 Smartphone • 3.9-inch AMOLED screen made from scratch-resistant curved glass • Easy single-tap pairing with NFC-enabled accessories such as the Nokia Play 360 wireless speaker and sharing of content through NFC technology • An 8-megapixel Carl Zeiss autofocus sensor with wide-angle lens for HD-quality video and photo capture, and large lens aperture for great camera performance even in lowlighting conditions; easy capture and share of images and videos with your favorite social networks • Free turn-by-turn drive and walk navigation with voice-guided maps for more than 100 countries and in more than 50 languages • Top social networking, communication, entertainment and gaming apps preloaded • Global and local apps available through Nokia store for further personalization • Available in three colors – black, cyan and magenta with 16GB in Lebanon and options of options of 64GB worldwide, to accommodate plenty of content.

If you want to connect with Nokia like we do, like them on facebook.com/NokiaLebanon and follow them on Twitter @NokiaLebanon

BELLE OF THE BALL

Our Science + Tech contributor reviews the Nokia 701

BY JEN

Nokia sent me the new 701 (aka Belle) to review and I honestly wasn’t expecting much since it runs on Symbian. But when I turned on the phone, I was pleasantly surprised. Unlike previous Symbian phones, the 701’s interface is less rigid and more dynamic. Icons can be moved and arranged and the multiple home screens can be customized. The phone honestly looks like it took a few lessons from Android and Apple while remaining true to its Symbian roots.

The touch screen is responsive and the 3.5” ClearBlack display is bright and crisp. The colours are vibrant. The 8MP camera with flash and HD video does its job well. The phone’s design is simple and hence isn’t a turnoff. The Nokia 701 also has quite a

bit of power with its 1GHz CPU, 512MB RAM, and 8GB internal storage. And if you need more storage, then don’t worry since it supports up to a 32GB microSD card. The phone has Wi-Fi, 3G, Near Field Communication (NFC) and other treats.

The phone comes packed with lots of goodies in its menu. In addition to Ovi synch and quick and easy access to maps, the app store, email and the internet, the 701 has Quickoffice, Shazam, YouTube, Vlingo, Angry Birds and much more.

Will the 701 lure Android users back to Symbian? Most probably not. Will it appeal to Symbian fans who want a well-rounded phone? Definitely. The Belle has attractive features after all.

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editor’s opinion

WE’RE NOT AFRAID OF CRITICISM AND IN FACT, WE WELCOME IT, BUT THAT DOESN’T MEAN WE FIND EVERY OPINION VALID

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his month, I thought about the age old adage of marching to your own tune- that of being different than everyone else. What I came up with was that being different, especially in print media in the Middle East, can be both good and bad. This month I’m going to point out why we’re different and what responses we’ve gotten.

We’re not afraid of criticism and in fact, we welcome it, but that doesn’t mean we find every opinion valid. We have our reasons for doing things the way we do them and we think our readers can vouch for the fact that we stick to our guns. We didn’t put pages and pages of people’s party pictures when we were asked to do so because our readers didn’t want to see that. In fact one of the comments we hear time and time again is that you -the readerlove that we don’t have party images.

We didn’t shorten the articles when agencies across Lebanon asked us to because our readers actually read the magazine. You guys love the articles and you love the way we present them.

Maybe our readers need to tell the powers how much they really enjoy the content- that will convince them that Lebanese folks devour a good piece! We’re not afraid to be different than everybody else out there and we’ll continue to push the envelope as much as we possibly can. It’s what our readers like. As one reader described an article from last issue on Twitter: “It’s cool because it’s never been done before”.

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I cannot say this enough- RAGMAG is an entity not just a magazine. RAGMAG has a cohesive voice and we use it to talk to our readers. We respond to everyone, all of the time. We talk to our readers through articles and through social media and we get to know them.

We know which of our readers writes to us often, and which of our readers has been around since the beginning.

We make ourselves available- like regular people. We are not any different from our readers and we love when they get involved in our content.

We’ve had tweets and comments and letters by the truckload- from you, our

fantastic readership- telling us how sad or funny or great the personal firstperson pieces were. You guys love our FML section each issue and our Detox missions were an unparalleled success.

You laugh with us and at us and you feel kind of down when we do. Some people out there have said that we’re too personal in the mag. Our readers love that we’re personal- and that is what’s important. The readers can tell you who tried to quit smoking and who went to the circus. Our readers can tell you who seems funny and who seems a bit sarcastic. If you don’t know, ask one of them on Twitter.

OUR READERS CAN TELL YOU WHO TRIED TO QUIT SMOKING AND WHO WENT TO THE CIRCUS. OUR READERS CAN TELL YOU WHO SEEMS FUNNY AND WHO SEEMS A BIT SARCASTIC. IF YOU DON’T KNOW, ASK ONE OF THEM ON TWITTER

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editor’s opinion

We were the first magazine in Lebanon to engage our readers on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, but that’s old news now. A lot of people are now trying to jump on that bandwagon but the difference is that the online community knows us because we’re part of that community.

We attend events like tweetups and the #GetTogether001 and we know them by name. We know their online identities and we read their blogs. We don’t look at them as a vehicle of promotion- we look at Lebanon’s online community as the #AlternativeMedia that they are.

Now for the big announcement which we expect will be followed by a flurry of copycats- We’re on Pinterest! To keep our social media edge, RAGMAG is proud to engage the online Middle Eastern peeps even further- with our Pinteresting posts! We know that there will be a rush out there to imitate our most recent development, but since it’s the sincerest form of flattery, we’re happy to see you do so! Follow us on Pinterest and we’ll follow you back.

Online community, we look forward to seeing you there and everywhere else-

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you know who we are and we know who you are. Big love for our Tweeps, Facebookers and now our Pinteresting pals. We’re constantly looking for new ways to connect with our readersPinterest makes it even easier to give and take.

We’re a bit on the nerdy side. We know this! We love all things tech and science. It’s cool to be smart and we educate ourselves every issue by researching and learning about the things we don’t know. We share everything that we learn so that our audience and our staff grow together. We didn’t know enough about space travel, so we got one of the best astronauts in the world to teach us back in October. We wanted to figure out the wavering Lebanese economy, so we got an economist to brainstorm in our Dollars + Sense section. We will continue to learn with our readers, because every day

is a growing experience at RAGMAG. As our Publisher Gina Gabriel often says, “RAGMAG goes from strength to strength”.

This piece wasn’t about tooting our own horn, it was about clarifying a few points. We know who we are, who our readers are, and what sets us apart. We know we’re marching to a different beat than everyone else, and we hope that we can continue to set our own rhythm. Every single issue. We’ll see you on the dance floor, RAGMAG readers- save the last dance for us!

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cultureclash

HARMONIOUS

VOICES

THE NEW ARAB WOMAN FORUM

BY KIRAN CHOUDHRY

NAWF PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY TO DIGEST EVENTS FROM THE PAST YEAR, AND GAVE PARTICIPANTS THE CHANCE TO PLAN AROUND THE DAUNTING TASK OF LIVING UP TO THE EXPECTATIONS THAT THE WORLD IS INCREASINGLY HAVING FOR ARAB WOMEN

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he 5th annual New Arab Woman Forum (NAWF) was held in February of this year, and focused on the theme “Women and the Arab Spring”. Recalling Asma Mahfouz, a young Egyptian who sent out the initial call for people to march on Tahrir Square, setting off an unbelievable show of Egyptian solidarity and political protest, the role of women is clear: We are intricate to changing the face of the Arab World.

With distinguished speakers from all sectors, including politics, government, business development, social activism, academia, media, and the arts, NAWF provided an opportunity to digest events from the past year, and gave participants the chance to plan around the daunting task of living up to the expectations that the world is increasingly having for Arab women.

More importantly, the conference drew attention to the high expectations that Arab women are having for themselves.

Under the Patronage of the Minister of Social Affairs, H.E. Mr. Wael Abou Faour and in the presence of H.E. Mrs. Bahiya Hariri, the NAWF conference was held February 1st and 2nd at the Four Seasons Hotel in Beirut. The opening panel included Ms. Bothania Kamel, a presidential candidate from

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Egypt, Dr. Farida Allaghi, a human rights activist from Libya, Ms. Nabila Hamza, Tunisian activist and President of Foundation for the Future, and Dr. Moussa Wehbe, Professor of Philosophy at the Lebanese University. With the desire for freedom, equality and social justice driving people to the streets throughout 2011, women were at the forefront. Other speakers echoed these sentiments. Notably, Afghani activist Malalai Joya spoke openly about the devastating impact of the American-led occupation on the lives of women in her country. Ms. Arwa Damon, CNN’s Beirut correspondent, talked about the terrifying conditions that women are currently struggling against in Syria, while Ms. Octavia Nasr praised women as playing a pivotal role throughout the Arab World, one that is neither appreciated nor understood in the West.

SPEAKERS AGREED THAT ELEMENTS OF ARAB MORES AND GENDERBASED STEREOTYPES STILL NEED TO BE BROKEN, WITH TECHNOLOGY AND MEDIA CONTINUING TO MAKE A BIG IMPACT IN THIS REGARD

PHOTOGRAPHY JASON ZAMORA

Other topics included women in business, differing visions between the East and West, the roles of mainstream and social media, and civil society, traditional and evolving Arab culture, cinema, and revolution. Speakers agreed that elements of Arab mores and gender-based stereotypes still need to be broken, with technology and media continuing to make a big impact in this regard. Networking, marketing and communications were also cited as vital to the process in the Arab World via social media platforms like Twitter and Facebook. The conference ended with a “Sawa Sawa” march, with participants walking together in a symbolic show of unity with all Arab women meant to convey togetherness

5th NAWF Timeline DAY 1

Politics and Social Changes Panel 1: Where to now?

Panel 2: The East and West: Crossed Visions Panel 3: Social Media into the Arena Panel 4: Discussion with Women of the Week (WOW) Workshop A. Women in Business: Post Arab Spring Opportunities Workshop B. Media and Civil Society: What kind of Partnership?

Day 2

The Transitional Period and Arab Culture Panel 5: The Arab Spring and Cultural Flourish Discussion: Cinema and the Revolution Sawa Sawa: March together for the Arab Women

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cultureclash

TALKING BACK TO NAWF

Q + A WITH ABIR GHATTAS, ACTIVIST AND NASAWIYA SPOKESPERSON

You can respond to Abir Ghattas on Twitter @AbirGhattas and to Nasawiya @Nasawiya

At this link you can find a more indepth commentary regarding NAWF posted by “independent feminists and posted on Sawt al Niswa” in agreement with Nasawiya. www.sawtalniswa.com/2012/02/feminist-statement-concerning-the-nawf/

As a known rights advocate in Lebanon and heavily associated with Nasawiya, when you were tweeting against NAWF do you believe many people echoed your sentiments and were swayed by your opinion?

We know from the buzz created that many people in the NGO/Activist/ blogging community did. As for the rest of the population, I doubt they heard about the conference to start with.

What do you feel in short were some of the biggest issues with the conference?

The statement issued by Nasawiya described in details our issues with the conference. They essentially pertain to the elitist format of the forum,

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which prevented it from acting as a real discussion platform, one that is inclusive of real actors of change. They pertain to the conciliatory treatment of the topics, which prevented the forum from tackling essential issues at the heart of women’s mobilization in the Arab countries.

Nasawiya’s post mentions the fee- was Nasawiya invited to participate or help compile the agenda for the conference?

Nasawiya was not called upon to take part in the elaboration of the agenda nor was it invited to participate in discussions. Nasawiya was approached just a few days before the start of the forum, only to mobilize a crowd for the [Sawa Sawa] “March”.

Was Nasawiya given courtesy seats or invitations?

The entrance fee was set at 300 USD per person, a fee that most women cannot afford. It is only after bringing this issue to the attention of the organizers and after negotiations that one member of Nasawiya was offered a seat free of charge.

Do you believe that the forum’s agenda was relevant?

The topic itself - that of the role of women in what is known as the “Arab Spring” or in the socio-political changes occurring in a number of Arab countries - was very pertinent, especially in the current context. Had the approach been different, the forum could have succeeded in benefiting from the caliber, experience and variety of participants to elaborate an in-depth analysis of the role women have played and can play in different contexts with their differences and similarities.

The heterogeneity of topics addressed,

the generality of some of them, the short time allocated to most discussions, the absence of youth and that of organizations concretely working on the ground, all prevented the forum from going into the substance of the theme and confined it to a mere superficial overview.

Another concern was the conciliatory nature of the approach and of the topics chosen. The concern of preserving the politically correct tone of the forum, and that of not challenging patriarchal and religious norms, was sought at the expense of tackling fundamental topics that lie at the very roots of the mobilization of millions of women in the several Arab societies, topics like civil rights of women, violence against women, and others.

Who do you believe are the chief women’s activists in Lebanon that should have been invited to sit in on discussion panels?

There is no such thing as “chief women activists”. We need to get out of this “hierarchal” way of thinking. Activism is by essence a collective action. Nasawiya -and others- are vibrant change-driven young participatory movements and women from these movements should have been approached. More importantly, the women who should have been up there are the ones who have concretely been protesting and fighting in the streets, getting arrested, beaten up, assaulted and insulted. Those were the ones who made the revolutions, and yet they were absent. Their absence was detonating.

Why was the location of the march such an issue to Nasawiya?

The location of the march came as a reflection of the forum somehow.

It was conducted in one particular area in Beirut, a very privileged one, where no real people or women live

“THE LOCATION OF THE MARCH CAME AS A REFLECTION OF THE FORUM SOMEHOW. IT WAS CONDUCTED IN ONE PARTICULAR AREA IN BEIRUT, A VERY PRIVILEGED ONE, WHERE NO REAL PEOPLE OR WOMEN LIVE”

ABOVE: NASAWIYA WEBSITE RIGHT: THE SAWA SAWA MARCH

“THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS ‘CHIEF WOMEN ACTIVISTS’.

WE NEED TO GET OUT OF THIS ‘HIERARCHAL’ WAY OF THINKING. ACTIVISM IS BY ESSENCE A COLLECTIVE ACTION” THE ORCHESTRA ISSUE

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dollars +sense

HITTING

A HIGH NOTE ORCHESTRATING A STABLE LEBANESE ECONOMY

BY MARIA FRANGIEH

THE BENEFITS OF AN OFFERING AND BEING A PUBLIC COMPANY ARE THE POTENTIAL TO RAISE CAPITAL AND PROVIDE LIQUIDITY FOR CURRENT INVESTORS ALONG WITH FUTURE ACCESS TO FINANCIAL MARKETS AND ATTRACTIVE CURRENCY TO ACQUISITION TARGETS

Where are we today? Privatization or IPO? After 15 years of civil war, the Lebanese economy suffered from large public debt, low growth, inflationary pressures, low investments to name just a few of the repercussions. Stabilizing the economy is of crucial importance, especially in a highly competitive world, a highly precarious political situation in the region and financial crises. Obviously the current efforts are not in the right place; maybe the factors that are considered as the causes of this unstable economy are not the correct ones. A more general look might shed the light on some disregarded factors.

Or maybe adopting new policies could help resolve some of the problems we are facing.

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We have always heard talk of privatization and how it could save the Lebanese economy from our large public debt. Privatization could help raise a sum of capital that is desperately needed by the Lebanese government to develop the infrastructure of the country amongst other necessities. It is commonly known that privatization allows a better management of the organizations as opposed to the publicly held organizations which are very bureaucratic. Some problems with privatization are the current unstable economic and political situations which make Lebanese investments unattractive. Another approach to privatization can always be considered:

It is the process of transferring the ownership of an organization from the public sector to the private sector.

Initial Public offering (IPO) is the first sale of stock by the company to the public. It allows companies to raise the capital it needs from the public instead of taking bank loans and without losing ownership of the organization.

The benefits of an offering and being a public company are the potential to raise capital and provide liquidity for current investors along with future access to financial markets and attractive currency to acquisition targets. The initial public offering is characterized by its capital that is

raised from investors. The costs of offering and being a public company are reduced flexibility, disclosure of obligations, increased risk of legal exposure, time and expense to complete the offering, and long term costs. Taking a decision to pursue an initial public offering is difficult; the company must assess truthfully its own capacities while considering the benefits and costs of the totality of alternatives of such an action.

Let’s assume that the Lebanese government decided to go public in the case of Electricité du Liban (EDL) rather than privatizing. Why would that be a good suggestion? Assume that you, a Lebanese citizen, decided to buy the stocks offered. You can personally own a share; therefore you will encourage as much company efficiency

as possible. A basic example: Each time you turn on a light at your home or office, you’ll be consuming energy and adding costs to the company.

When you own stock in that company, you’ll automatically go the extra mile and introduce cost-cutting measures like minimizing electricity usage. In an indirect way, you are contributing to decreasing company costs thereby leading to a more efficient company, not to mention lowering pollution levels. A major benefit is that financial statements of the company will be available to the public decreasing red tape and corruption. The government will have fewer expenses. Better management practices will have to be put in place to attract further capital, and the government will always have financial resources flowing into the treasury.

THE COSTS OF OFFERING AND BEING A PUBLIC COMPANY ARE REDUCED FLEXIBILITY, DISCLOSURE OF OBLIGATIONS, INCREASED RISK OF LEGAL EXPOSURE, TIME AND EXPENSE TO COMPLETE THE OFFERING

WHEN YOU OWN STOCK IN THAT COMPANY, YOU’LL AUTOMATICALLY GO THE EXTRA MILE AND INTRODUCE COST-CUTTING MEASURES LIKE MINIMIZING ELECTRICITY USAGE

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dollars +sense

WTO or no WTO?

The free trade policy that the government is enforcing is supposed to lead to sustainable development according to the recommendations of the UN Reports. Ever since 1999, Lebanon is in the process of accessing the World Trade Organization (WTO) which promotes free trade between nations. Unfortunately, being a member of the WTO is a double-edged sword.

The country will be able to access more markets, but its production will be under higher competitive pressures than today. Let’s take for example the Lebanese agricultural sector: A few things that come to mind when we think on this are the farmers throwing out their crops when they were unable to sell, crops destroyed by weather changes, coupled with no governmental action since the country is under a large public debt and there is a lack of liquidity. Surprisingly, most

of the food we’re eating is coming from Western countries, where the standards of living and the costs of production are much higher than ours.

Why? Farmers of Western countries receive agricultural subsidies from their governments, and these same countries are members of the WTO. So what to do in Lebanon’s case? Let’s face it, the government cannot afford to subsidize the farmers, but there are always other alternatives! Why are we eager to become a member of the WTO when we do not have anything competitive to offer to the world? We can’t even compete with the current markets that we are accessing! So why don’t we impose customs duties on the imports that compete with our local production, any production! Why should we destroy our own production and encourage the Lebanese customers to purchase imported goods? Who says that the imported goods are

cheaper? Or even of better quality? How about we begin with the agricultural sector, let’s protect it for some time, allow the farmers to have profits and reinvest in the sector, and when the sector becomes ready for international competition we can remove the protection and allow free trade. Isn’t this what most of the largest countries with sustainable economies did before adopting free trade?

We must admit that the Lebanese economy is in deep trouble. But there are always available opportunities that have yet to be seized. Why don’t we reconsider our current assets and liabilities, and reassess our situation?

Reconsidering our planned policies for a better economy is not a signal of weakness, on the contrary, it might provide a positive signal for investors and encourage them to reinvest their much needed funds in our economy

THE LEBANESE ECONOMY IS IN DEEP TROUBLE. BUT THERE ARE ALWAYS AVAILABLE OPPORTUNITIES THAT HAVE YET TO BE SEIZED

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EU - LEBANON COOPERATION DAYS LES JOURNEES DE LA COOPERATION UE - LIBAN

23 - 24 March 2012

14h00 - 20h00 Lebanese University - Central Administration Facing the National Museum - Beirut

SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITIES SAISISSEZ LES OPPORTUNITES ENGAGE IN REFORMS PARTICIPEZ AUX REFORMES NETWORK WITH EXPERTS DIALOGUEZ AVEC LES EXPERTS PARTICIPATE IN SEMINARS PARTICIPEZ AUX SEMINAIRES

ً Human Rights & Governance Economic Deve lopment Natural Resour ces & Agricult ure Social Develop ment Culture & Herit age Infrastructure Peace, Reconc iliation & Stab ility Decentralisation & Local Develop Refugees ment Humanitarian Aid

Droits de l’H Homme et go uvernance Développemen t économique Ressources nat urelles et Agric culture Développeme ent social Culture et Pa atrimoine Infrastructure es Paix, Réconcill iation et Stab ilité Décentralisatii on et Dévelop pement local Réfugiés Aide humanita ire

Organised by: For more information:

eucooperation@ifpexpo.com THE ORCHESTRA ISSUE

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LEFT: ODIC TIME PIECE, TRANSLUCENT FILM, FLUORESCENT LIGHTING, 2011

OPTICAL CRESCENDO Shannon Novak’S

VISUALLY COMPELLING OPUS

BY MAHA MAJZOUB

PHOTOS COURTESY SHANNON NOVAK

S

hannon Novak has a sixth sense, but it is not dead people that he sees. He can, however, see the colors and shapes of music. He can also hear the beat of paintings. Novak is not a fruitcake and he doesn’t have a Vincent Van Gogh thing going on, and he is not an extraterrestrial being either. Novak is a mere mortal just like the rest of us, but he was endowed with something called synesthesia, a perceptual condition of mixed sensations, which basically allows the New Zealand based artist to experience one sense in response to another. In simple terms, Novak composes artwork and paints music.

Novak’s practice involves painting, installation, sculpture, and musical composition, spanning quite a few mediums because what interests him is far from clean-cut and nicely shaven art. What he likes to explore is the interrelationships between sound, color, form, space, time, and social context.

And what helps him understand and interpret those links is geometric abstraction, a pictorial language that makes use of simple geometric forms combined in non-representational compositions. With palpable influences from Kazimir Malevich and Piet Mondrian, respectively the Russian pioneer of geometric abstract art and the Dutch proponent of geometric abstract language, Novak’s art presents balanced relationships between several elements that inject a sense of harmony in the spectator.

“Rhythmic Verve”, a site-specific installation Novak created for the national Queenstown JazzFest 2011, is one of many works that leave the viewer with such a feeling. Through translucent film, aluminum, and fluorescent lighting pepped up with an intoxicating mix of color, the artist tries

to translate the experience of rhythmic vibes or the groove of swing music. A pianist by schooling, which included a thorough study of jazz, Novak understands the infectious energy that swing musicians pass on to their audience. “Rhythmic Verve” captures this idea using color and form on a large pyramid.

The circular motifs represent the activation of sound from the bottom upward, much like the rising volume indicators on a stereo system. They are at their most vibrant and complex state at the base – the origin of the sound – and at their calmest at the top – the leveling or settling of sound. The triangular motifs, meanwhile, represent the rhythmic presence in sound and have been choreographed like a dance across the face of the pyramid, forming a pattern with clear peaks and dips in intensity. Novak explains that each face of the pyramid uses a different color scheme, each scheme representing the varying emotional states each musician moves through as they perform. Each face links to the next through color just as one emotion links to the next through an emotional transition.

THE CIRCULAR MOTIFS REPRESENT THE ACTIVATION OF SOUND FROM THE BOTTOM UPWARD, MUCH LIKE THE RISING VOLUME INDICATORS ON A STEREO SYSTEM 26 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

cultureclash BELOW: MELODIC FLOURISH, TRANSLUCENT FILM, FLUORESCENT LIGHTING, 2011

TAKING NOTES

While easy on the eye, Novak’s work might not be directly easy to process, something the artist attests to although geometric abstraction is anything but new as an art form. “One key challenge I frequently experience is around getting people to see geometric abstraction as a valid form of communication. When working through the proposal process, I often get pushed back on abstract work in favor of figurative work, as there is usually a strong preference for the literal interpretation of an idea,” he laments. He found that it’s a matter of education or discussing the wider context of abstraction, bringing to light the incredible strength and beauty that it possesses.

OPPOSITE PAGE, BOTTOM: SHANNON NOVAK

Abstractly complicated but tangibly strong and beautiful, Novak’s installations always carry a wellconstructed story or some amusing lesson in history or music. A solid example of that is his 2011 work “Melodic Flourish”, which celebrates the New Year of the Maori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Consisting of four printed translucent film panels that were applied onto glass and then backlit, “Melodic Flourish” acts as a collective synesthetic response to Novak’s exploration of traditional Maori waiata or songs. For that, he fully immersed himself in traditional Maori song and rendered what he could hear into vibrant abstractions that leave the viewer with the “I learned something new today” feeling of accomplishment.

Of course, reactions to the young artist’s pieces may differ, as not all viewers are on par with his musical training and artistic background. It was the piano that first piqued Novak’s interest in music, naturally started at a very young age. After composing and performing his own musical works, Novak would also spend several years as a visual artist. In recent years, however, the holder of a Master’s in Education decided to finally bless the two -- art and music -- in a holy union. “The conscious connection was triggered by an exhibition my mentor, Michael Smither, developed titled ‘The Colors of 12 Sound’. The show consisted of 12 works, each representing one of the 12 notes in a musical scale,” Novak says.

REACTIONS TO THE YOUNG ARTIST’S PIECES MAY DIFFER, AS NOT ALL VIEWERS ARE ON PAR WITH HIS MUSICAL TRAINING AND ARTISTIC BACKGROUND

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cultureclash

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OPPOSITE PAGE: RHYTHMIC VERVE, TRANSLUCENT FILM, ALUMINUM, FLUORESCENT LIGHTING, 2011 RIGHT: ODIC TIME PIECE, TRANSLUCENT FILM, FLUORESCENT LIGHTING, 2011

“SOUND IS PART OF US, OF ALL WE EXPERIENCE, OF ALL THAT EXISTS” Each note was assigned a color of the visible spectrum from red to violet according to Smither’s soundcolor mapping system, and then the harmonics for each note were displayed on top of the note/color as concentric circles colored using the same system. Finally, a sound device was installed behind each work that the audience could activate to produce music composed by Smither reflecting the notes shown in the work. “Smither had developed a way to fuse sound, color, and geometric abstraction in a manner I had not seen before. It was at that moment that everything came together for me – everything made sense, all these strands I had considered in isolation, were in fact symbiotic. I distinctly recall rushing home and writing a letter to Smither who doesn’t have a computer or email, telling him how connected I felt to what he was doing, and that I wanted to learn more,” Novak beams.

SOUND LOGIC

Though both art and music are inextricable in his body of work, Novak has an unfathomable fascination with sound above all else, as his work seeks to globally defragment the idea that “sound is part of us, of all we experience, of all that exists,” he says. This explains why all of the works he has produced to date make some allusion to sound. The artist, who’s also released two studio albums, usually makes the music for an installation or sculpture then turns to the artwork, “which is a visualization of that sound,” says Novak, who lists cymatics and harmonic science among his inspirations alongside the world of sound and color. After extensive research and the consultation of his mentors, Novak would consolidate the information available and create a high level design primarily as sketches and/ or prototypes. These designs then go through a series of evolutions until a particular work feels ready to move into

the development phase. “Once the work has been developed and documented I evaluate the work in terms of its impact on the surrounding environment over time,” he adds.

The impact varies – sometimes becoming a learning experience, generating positive memories, or even drawing tears from the viewer. “I strive to engage the audience on an emotional level with my work, as I believe that if one experiences a strong emotional reaction to something, it has a high chance of being lodged in long-term memory. This moves the work from being something you pass by and forget in a matter of minutes, to something you remember for the rest of your life,” he argues. Novak’s compositions always pack a punch, his visual melodies hitting hard in more ways than one. He makes listening to shades of color and watching the drumming beat something actually achievable when you’re sober www.shannonnovak.com

ABOVE: WINGED CRESCENDO, TRANSLUCENT FILM, FLUORESCENT LIGHTING, 2011 THE ORCHESTRA ISSUE

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you + your country

CURTAIN UP (B)IM SINGS FOR THEIR SUPPER

BY IMOGEN KIMBER

I

n an abandoned train station in the Bekaa Valley a small troupe acted out an old legend. They told the story of long sort after treasure, allegedly buried in the very train station in which they performed: Back at the turn of the century, when Lebanon was still under the Ottoman Empire, a mysterious occurrence happened in the dead of night in a small village called Rayak. Marching into the village Ottoman soldiers blindfolded men of the village, making them dig and bury what was thought to be treasure. The men did not know the location of the buried treasure, but hearing the trains they knew they were near the station, and so a hundred years later, people can still be found digging in the area, searching for the buried goods.

The troupe performing was the (B)IM Project founded by Denise Maroney, their second project, took place in the summer of 2010.

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HIT THE BOOKS Maroney came to Lebanon three years ago with the purpose of putting this project into action, although back then it was to be a one off. A costume designer from New York, Maroney has an Irish father and a Lebanese mother, while she grew up between Japan and New York. Busy embarking on her career in costume design in New York it was almost out of the blue that she got the grant for this, her passion project. The principle behind it was offering free theatre in Lebanon. Now it has metamorphosed, but the original concept was to bring books to life hence the (B)IM project - Books In Motion.

Searching an Arabic library in Paris, Maroney stumbled upon the story ‘What is the colour of the sea?’ written

by Nadine Touma and realized she had found her first subject. “I fell in love with it, it is such a beautiful fantastical

story, with a poignant message, so particular to the Lebanese,” she exclaimed. Essential criteria for the production was that it reflect on Lebanese culture and history. The story follows a group of young children who make the journey to the sea to discover its colour.

As the new project takes shape it looks set to be a multidimensional performance; the sea itself is to be incorporated in the show with puppets and props fashioned from plastic bottle amongst other things.

Working with the author on the script and using the Director Lucien Bourjeily for the theatre production, Maroney created her first performance.

In the summer of 2009 she toured the country; quite literally, they went to the smallest villages in the mountains, in the South on the border, everywhere. “The reactions were amazing, everywhere we went,” said Maroney. Apparently crowds of people came to watch: the young, the old, even a wedding party once passed by.

As often with a good children’s story it can appeal to all ages, the message is for everyone.

“I AM INTERESTED IN THEATRE THAT OFFERS PEOPLE THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE SENSITIVE, TO REFLECT, TO LISTEN, AND FROM THAT YOU GET THE RESULTS”

TO THE SEA This year’s project is currently being put together in what might be described as an organic process. Trawling the coastline of Lebanon, visiting fishermen and exploring villages Maroney was struck by the lack of care for the environment.

The mountain of rubbish outside Saida is perhaps the most obvious monstrosity but the littered beaches and polluted seas can be a shock to new eyes. In fact when I first asked Maroney how she was finding living in Lebanon (having not grown up here but visited for the first time at the age of eleven) amongst her mixed reply was mention of the astonishing lack of care towards the environment. “The sea is such a mythical creature, and there was such love for it,” she said wistfully, expressing the desire to promote the return of this love and reverence for the sea.

As she has been from the beginning, Maroney is looking to not only entertain but also to inspire, “[Our theatre] offers time and space to reflect and to feel,” she said “I am interested in theatre that offers people the opportunity to be sensitive, to reflect, to listen, and from that you get the results. I don’t believe in didactic theatre.” By this the potential results stretch from the message on the environment that she wishes to incorporate in the play to the use of open space and the promotion of free art in Lebanon

To see some of the incredible creations so far visit www.thebimproject.com You can donate to them on their website as well. If you are interested in getting involved with the 2012 (B)IM Project, it could be in any area from production to performance, you can contact Denise Maroney on thebimproject@gmail.com @theBIMproject

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cultureclash LEFT: THE LATE WALID GHOLMIEH, FOUNDER OF THE LEBANESE PHILARMONIC ORCHESTRA

THE LEBANESE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA FINE TUNING THE COUNTRY’S CLASSIC SYMPHONY

BY SABINA LLEWELLYN-DAVIES

F

or some Lebanese the highlight of their week arrives at eight o’clock on a Friday evening.

This is when they gather en mass at the St. Joseph church in Monot, Beirut, to find a vacant spot on a hard wooden benches, to listen to a classical repertoire delivered by their very own national orchestra.

There are certainly very few countries in the world where week after week, classical music lovers are treated to a complimentary seat at a classical performance. And, there are very few performances in Lebanon which actually start on time; this is one of them.

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The Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra is young by world standards, but, they still manage to deliver stellar performances. A month ago, on a very wet Friday evening, the artist-inassociation of the orchestra conductor Wojciech Czepieldid, revealed the mighty works of two classical stalwarts: Tchaikovsky and Elgar. The performance delivered by the orchestra under his wing was high-spirited, two real crowd pleasers: Tchaikovsky’s Polonaise from Eugen Onegin and the Waltz from The Sleeping Beauty. The delivery fed the audience who responded with cheer and enthusiastic applause. Up next was Elgar’s Concerto for Cello and Orchestra, with a vibrant cello performance by the talented Roman Storjenco.

Providing Lebanon with a philharmonic orchestra was not an easy feat and it took decades of dedication, with the backing of local classical music buffs and professionals. Walid Gholmieh, the president of the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music, was instrumental in the formation as the founder and the principal conductor of the orchestra. It was originally established under the name of The Lebanese National Symphony Orchestra in November 1998. The first rehearsals began in January 2000 and the orchestra’s first concert was put on just a month later in February.

BELOW + TOP OF OPPSITE PAGE: THE LEBANESE PHILARMONIC ORCHESTRA

In 2009 The Lebanese National Symphony Orchestra changed it’s name to The Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra.

Walid Gholmieh was the principal conductor of the orchestra until his death in June 2011; Wojciech Czepiel, Harout Fazlian, Michel Khayrallah, Garo Avessian, and Walid Moussallem are the current conductors joined on occasion by visiting conductors from abroad.

They give 25 to 30 concerts per season and the orchestra also has various Chamber Ensembles which perform many Chamber concerts each season.

The members of the orchestra are primarily Lebanese musicians who have

trained at the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music, joined by other talented musicians from Europe.

On that rainy Friday evening, it was the sounds of American composer Sousa’s March of The Stars and Stripes Forever, which really got the audience swaying to the music. This tune is all too familiar at football matches across Europe when fans cheer their teams to this one with the chorus “Here We Go, here we go, here we go…” And, just like after a wellplayed match, when their team has won, these classical music fans left the sacred venue on that night in high spirits…and on to the nearest restaurant or pub.

The Lebanese Philharmonic Orchestra is really a rare national institution that deserves a huge round of applause for giving the Lebanese, of all ages, a chance to experience world-class performances in their own backyard. All that’s left to say here are the words of another football anthem “Go, go, go…”

PROVIDING LEBANON WITH A PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA WAS NOT AN EASY FEAT AND IT TOOK DECADES OF DEDICATION, WITH THE BACKING OF LOCAL CLASSICAL MUSIC BUFFS AND PROFESSIONALS

THE VIENNA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA Trust the town, which nurtured composer greats such as Johann Amadeus Mozart and Richard Strauss, to form an orchestra in a class of it’s own. The Wiener Symphoniker, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra, was founded in October 1900, as the Wiener Concertverein. The orchestra was eventually renamed and since its foundation has premiered the staples of the orchestral repertoire and is today the best-known orchestra in the world.

Conducting greats of the orchestra have included Bruno Walter, Richard Strauss and the infamous Herbert von Karajan, the chief conductor from 1950-1960 who molded the sound of the orchestra most significantly. The current conductor Fabio Luisi assumed the position of Chief Conductor and Artistic Director in 2005 and since then the Vienna Symphony Orchestra has appeared in over 150 concerts and operatic performances per

season. The majority of concerts take place in Vienna but, the ensemble also tours the world and last November enthused audiences to standing ovations on completion of their U.S. tour. With a total of nine concerts, the Vienna Symphony Orchestra was seen by more than 20,000 visitors in 10 days proving that classical performances are most definitely alive and kicking.

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cultureclash

FOR THE ORCHESTRA ISSUE, I NEEDED A TRUE MAESTRO. I WANTED MY READERS TO HEAR A BRILLIANTLY MAD SCORE THAT WOULD REVERBERATE OFF THE WALLS LIKE GARY OLDMAN’S BEETHOVEN DURING THE ODE TO JOY SCENE IN THE 1994 FILM IMMORTAL BELOVED. BUT I WANTED A SYMPHONY CONDUCTOR CIRCA 2012. WHAT I WANTED WAS A DJ. BETWEEN MY PLAYLIST REPEATS AND YOUTUBE VISITS, I RECEIVED A COSMIC EMAIL: FLASH ENTERTAINMENT ANNOUNCED THEY WERE BRINGING THE WORLD’S CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED NUMBER ONE DJ TO ABU DHABI. DAVID GUETTA WOULD COME TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES AND HE WOULD COME MARCH 2ND, LESS

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OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTOGRAPHY BY NABIL ELDERKIN

THAN A MONTH AWAY. I FIRED OFF MESSAGES TO THE PARTY PEEPS AT FLASH, I CALLED ODETTE AND ASKED HER TO GET GOING ON ART CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENT AND I WAITED. I CONTACTED EMI MUSIC ARABIA TOO, MY EMAIL PLAINTIVELY ASKED THEM TO SEND ME EVERYTHING THEY POSSIBLY HAD ON GUETTA. I REMEMBERED THAT MIX FM LEBANON HAD A “F*** ME I’M FAMOUS!” EVENT RECENTLY SO I EMAILED THEM ASKING FOR IMAGES. THE METAPHORICAL AND LITERAL CRESCENDO OF THIS ISSUE, THE ARTICLE I’VE COMPILED ON THE MAESTRO HIMSELF, IS THE RESULT OF THE HELP OF ALL THE PEOPLE I JUST MENTIONED. SO HERE IT IS: DJ, KICK THAT SHIT!

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MIX FM

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cultureclash

B

orn Pierre David Guetta, the DJ and producer has a track for just about any mood with a veritable who’s who list of top musical talent collaborations. His latest album, Nothing But The Beat, and the movie by the same name, apparently got their titles from Guetta’s “obsessions. It’s about the beat. I’m a DJ first. I love beats.” While this may seem like stating the obvious, his “F*** Me I’m Famous!”

listing was no different, the asterisks leaving little to the imagination. But that seems to be Guetta, no mystery, just straight in your face incredulity. You can actually imagine the man hitting himself in the head saying, “Wow, fuck me! I’m famous dude!” You don’t have to look any further for proof than his recently released film. So what else is noteworthy on Nothing But The Beat?

“There’s one song that I love on the

record, a collaboration with will.i.am, that had the (working) title Nothing Really Matters But The Beat. So there’s a connection. Then also, because this is a double album – at the same time that I’m coming with all these huge stars on a vocal record, I’m coming with an electronic record. So the title is also a statement.” Regarding will.i.am, Guetta says, he’s “learnt a lot... because he’s doing melodic rap. That’s probably the key of the success of ‘I Gotta Feeling’.”

The phenom recently replaced fourtime consecutive winner DJ Armin Van Buuren as the world’s best ranked in Top 100 DJs Poll Awards 2011.

The carefully worded press release mentioned that French Guetta and Dutch Van Buuren were “close friends” perhaps in a bid to keep the competition light. Long before Guetta was number one, Van Buuren commented on his status in a 2010 interview, “Guetta’s success proves we were right about electronic. Hip hop hasn’t jumped on trance yet. But it raises the possibility of corporate sponsorship. If you want to do something big in America, you need money. Corporate sponsorship is available for hip hop because it’s so popular. So, a crossover may open the doors for trance. If you’re open-minded enough, it will happen. I’m sure we’ll see Snoop Dogg and Sander Van Doorn very soon. It will be an interesting time.”

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LEFT AND OPPOSITE PAGE PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIX FM LEBANON F*** ME I’M FAMOUS EVENT

cultureclash

Van Buuren’s predictions of rap-trance alliances soon materialized, but under Guetta’s swift hands not Van Doorn’s.

The star studded tracks under Guetta’s belt include noted artists like the aforementioned Snoop Doggy Dog and certified double-platinum rapper Lil Wayne. On this note, Guetta mentions that times are changing in both genres: “I don’t wanna speak about specific people, but in general a lot of DJs are afraid to go out of the box. Because our culture is very different from any other culture. If you’re a hip hop artist and you have a number one record, everybody respects you. It’s changing now, but in the dance culture it was like, ‘You’re number one? Urhg!’ No one’s gonna speak to you anymore – it’s totally self-destructive.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF EMI MUSIC ARABIA

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It was a major stretch even five years ago to think of rappers with serious street cred pairing up with DJs that spun primarily Euro style house and dance. Of Guetta’s track entitled “I Can Only Imagine” featuring Lil Wayne and Chris Brown, Guetta says the hardedged rap artists understand his beats: “[Wayne] he don’t give a fuck – about anything! So yes, of course. They all do now. This is very new, but they all do. All the rap artists see this as very cool. That’s what’s funny. They call it futuristic sound,” says Guetta. When asked about multi-platinum record setter Snoop and their collaboration for club track “Sweat”, Guetta sounds cocky. He insists that “[the rappers] come to me. I don’t go to them. For us, it’s been there for a while, but for them it’s a totally new sound. They wanna do this – but they don’t know how to do it. They will. Because in a year all the US producers, they will be able to do it. But right now they don’t have the techniques to do it. The same way that if I’m making a real hip hop beat, I can make it – but it’s never gonna be the same as Swizz Beats.”

How do the songs get strung together if they’re the ones approaching him?

“I don’t create it thinking of a person.

I create it first then I go, ‘OK, this would be perfect for her voice, or his voice…’ But I wanna be free when I make music. So I don’t like to make music [specifically] for someone - but if we are in the studio together; I play my beats and the one that they love, is what we write to,” explains the DJ. “If you see [sic], for example, a hip hop beat, they don’t really put melody in the music. So the people that are doing the songs, they have to really totally create it. Whereas because what I do is very melodic, that’s why they love to write on my music. The chord progressions and the melody are already pretty strong,” continues Guetta. The DJ doesn’t mince wordstime is money and in some cases, not as magical as the finished tracks appear: “My experience of working with some amazing musicians is that it’s actually difficult to do something simple.

When I work on something, if I need to add more and more arrangements, it means that the original idea is not strong enough. Usually if I don’t make it within two days, it means that it’s not good enough. If you need tonnes of strings and pianos and arrangements and drums, maybe the melody at the beginning was not good enough.”

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY NABIL ELDERKIN | OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF MIX FM LEBANON F*** ME I’M FAMOUS EVENT

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cultureclash

Rank notwithstanding, the two-time Grammy winner (the second for remixing Madonna’s track “Revolver”), has no qualms about running with the fast crowd but doesn’t travel with an entourage, saying that he gets the odd offhanded comment. “Where [your] people at?” is one question he gets often, but Guetta negates the hype saying, “I don’t need people. I don’t need bodyguards – I don’t have enemies. And I see the same peoplethey’re starting to act differently. Not only with me but in general. And I’m really happy about that. Because I think urban music is really incredible, but, you know, sometimes it’s good to be positive; simple. And a lot of them, although they are such nice people they had to be pretend, play a role… And I see them changing now.”

What progress has his music made?

He singles out “I Gotta Feeling” again, talking about sociocultural boundaries, “You have black artists being played on pop radio, and dance beats that are supposed to be white being played on black radio. So it’s bigger than we think it is. It’s a really big thing.”

It wasn’t always number one spots and high profile events for Guetta. Looking back, the DJ remembers “eight years ago. At the time I was still looking for gigs – right now it’s the opposite, I have too many proposals. And I went to Russia, to Moscow, and I was playing in a restaurant – they told me it was a club – and there was a bunch of billionaires watching me like with their arms folded. And I was like, “What the fuck am I doing here?” It was really embarrassing. I felt humiliated. It wasn’t even about the money. I wanted to play in Russia, because I was only starting to be international.” And what of the showboating on stage? Guetta’s trademark pose of arms up in front of the thronging crowd is common

among European DJs, but he’s got a little something, maybe even more charisma than Tiesto, who is arguably the first breakthrough DJ. “I always loved to party and dance, but I was very shy before. ‘Cause for me it’s like a love story with the people on the dance floor. That’s the way I see it. But if you were telling me I would have to come and be, I don’t know, like a pop artist, and I would have to do a dance show – that would be terrible! Because for me, it goes two ways: I’m speaking with people with my music.”

David Guetta is going to rock Abu Dhabi for the second time. Cue the music

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ORCHESTRA FACTS Big Time

A “Stradivarius” or “Strad” violin created by the original Antonio Stradivari or other members of his esteemed family are worth in the millions of dollars in today’s market. Antonio and his family specialized in the crafting of string instruments that are currently used by classically trained musicians the world over, such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma and other household names.

4X To date, the highest price ever paid for a Strad was in June 2011 when a 1721 Stradivari violin called “Lady Blunt” was purchased for $15.9 million. This was four times higher than the last highest price paid for a Strad since October 14, 2010, when a 1697 Stradivari violin named “The Molitor” was purchased for a“world-record price” of $3,600,000 by Anne Akiko Meyers, celebrated concert violinist.

Hit Me Again German pop singer Falco finagled a number one U.S. Billboard hit with his “Rock Me Amadeus”.

The original German song’s lyrics were reduced with more English introduced for the international version.

The video has Falco alternating between a modern day dinner jacket and then later dressed as the virtuoso himself.

VH1 gave the song 2 accolades: Number 87 in the“100 Greatest Songs of the 80s” and ranked it 44 on the “100 Greatest One-Hit Wonders” list.

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Little One A child prodigy is someone who typically becomes a master in any given field, academic or otherwise, at a very young age and is recognized as an expert in the field. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most famous composers in history, reportedly composed pieces as early as age 5. The pieces were “played to his father who wrote them down,” according to his sister. At the time of his death in 1791, he had composed over 600 works and remains one of the most popular and acclaimed classical composers.

53 The rank of the movie “Amadeus” by the American Film Institute on its list 100 Years… 100 Movies. The film was nominated for a total of 53 awards and managed to receive 40.

The awards included “eight Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, four Golden Globes, and a DGA Award”.

2 of the Academy Awards received were Best Picture and Best Actor in a Leading Role.

Hear Ye, Hear Ye Ludwig van Beethoven, another celebrated composer, began to lose his hearing as early as his twenties, according to some sources. Letters exist from Beethoven to close friends of his that mention his failing hearing and also some of the attempts to cure or stave off advancement of the deafness. There is some debate as to whether or not he was completely deaf at the end of his life and if the condition was related to his other illnesses.

1994

The year that the blockbuster film “Immortal Beloved” was released about the life and times of Beethoven.

One of the many movies about the composer, this film starred Gary Oldman as Beethoven; the soundtrack of the movie was written

by Beethoven and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. Oldman actually is a pianist and “traced over” Beethoven’s works during the filming.

He has gone on record as saying he would rather be a musician than an actor, despite his reputation for genius.

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43

SOCIAL MEDIA + EMOTIONAL CONTAGION

T

he rich and varied symphony of human emotions can spread on social networking websites like Facebook. We all read other people’s messages and status update posts on a daily basis and post our own. And hence we all are exposed to a torrent of emotion. Our way of interacting with the community and world around us has changed with the social media boom.

And psychologists have stepped up to the challenge of redefining the sharing of emotions in this brave new world.

Until recently, emotions were only considered to be channeled between people through body language and variations in vocals. However, on January 27th, 2012, at the annual meeting of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, Adam Kramer, who works at Facebook’s headquarters, claimed “It’s time to rethink how emotional contagion works since vocal cues and mimicry aren’t needed…

Facebook users’ emotion leaks into the emotional worlds of their friends.”

And his claims are founded in evidence.

Initial analysis indicates that friends are affected by the underlying emotions in other friends’ posts. Psychologist Jeffrey Hancock and Jamie Guillory, a graduate

44 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

student at Cornell University came to this conclusion after conducting an experiment. Participants were put into groups of 3 friends. Some groups had one friend watch a film clip of a child being bullied and other groups had one friend watch a neutral film clip. The groups then used instant messaging to communicate. Groups with a member who had watched the film clip with bullying used more negative words and handled a joint assignment better than the groups with a member who watched the neutral film clip. This means that the negative emotions created by watching the bullying clip were picked up by other group members. And it also implies that emotions are “unknowingly” spread on Facebook in the same manner. It’s worth noting that group members in the experiment did not know if the member who watched the film viewed the bullying clip or the neutral clip.

With the assistance of a computer program to pinpoint words indicative of positive and negative emotions in Facebook status updates, Kramer screened over 1 million English language users over a 3 day period.

He also screened the status updates the friends made over the next 3 days.

All in all around 150 million people were included since each one of the 1 million users has on average 150 friends. The results show a correlation, albeit not a mind blowing one. When a post is positive, friends’ posts included 7 percent more positive words and 1 percent fewer negative words (similar findings emerged for negative posts). But when these seemingly small numbers are seen according to the grand scale of Facebook, then the numbers show a subtle wave of emotional contagion.

It follows logic that similar conclusions would be reached on Twitter and other social networks. If social networks did not have the potential to act as vehicles for our emotions, then brand influencers and social media marketing would not be successful… and firms wouldn’t care about negative feedback on Twitter or Facebook. But they are successful and companies do care

“FACEBOOK USERS’ EMOTION LEAKS INTO THE EMOTIONAL WORLDS OF THEIR FRIENDS.”

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45

the final frontier

DANCING

THE ROBOT

BY J.E.N.

WE NOW KNOW MORE ABOUT WHY WE REACT TO ROBOTS AND LOVE THEIR QUIRKY WAYS

“PLEASE COULD YOU STOP THE NOISE, I’M TRYING TO GET SOME REST FROM ALL THE UNBORN CHICKEN VOICES IN MY HEAD WHAT’S THAT...? (I MAY BE PARANOID, BUT NOT AN ANDROID)” PARANOID ANDROID, FROM THE ALBUM OK COMPUTER BY RADIOHEAD (1997)

T

he good news is that you don’t have to be paranoid (or to hear chicken voices) to love androids and other types of robots. In fact we all have a soft spot for automated creations and things in motion. And it’s all because of a special part of our brain.

When we watch someone dancing, a part of the brain that unravels the actions others make (and that you can also do) is active. This is called the “mirror system” and it was always thought to merely help us register movements so we can mimic them. But new research shows that this part of our brain does much more than that. It can actually react and relate to actions beyond those we can copy ourselves.

Emily Cross (Radboud University

46 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

Nijmegen in the Netherlands), the co-author of a study presented at the Cognitive Neuroscience Society’s annual meeting in 2011 believes that the wide aptitude the brain has can possibly show how we can understand the actions of others and robots without much effort or time.

In our daily lives, we regularly encounter actions we can’t mimic without extensive training, such as those of a professional dancer or gymnast. Or even the non-human actions of robots in films and TV series.

And yet we respond to these actions anyway. Cross wanted to get to the bottom of this and so she and her colleagues cooked up an experiment.

They scanned the brains of 22 participants while they watched a video of a man dancing in a flowing natural way or in a very mechanized robotic manner.

They expected that parts of the brain associated with the mirror system would show increased activation in the scan when participants were watching the natural dance. The results were “quite surprising” though according to Cross. Contrary to what was anticipated, the scans revealed really strong activation when participants watched the robot dance.

Keen to learn more, the team then tested to see if the identity of the dancer had an impact on the results.

The team created a video of a dancing Lego man (lovingly named Gresh) and scanned 23 new participants while they watched it. The results again surprised the researchers and went against all preconceived notions of how the mirror system reacts. Regardless of who was dancing (human or robot), the response was stronger to the robotic dance moves.

The finding that our mirror system can be activated by an odd robot form doing a dance with unnatural moves is very significant. Cross states: “This is a very seductive hypothesis—that we use

our own motor systems to understand the actions of others.” The findings imply that the mirror system isn’t just a “copycat” centre. Rather, it aids us in comprehending the actions of things that aren’t human like us.

Some deem these findings to be less surprising but not unimportant.

Neuroscientist Lisa Aziz-Zadeh of the University of Southern California in Los Angeles said they “do make a lot of sense.” In fact Aziz-Zadeh believes that the results clearly showing that these parts of the brain react more to less familiar behaviors and actors “may

indicate that the mirror system is not just modulated by expertise, but also perhaps by attention, novelty, and other factors.”

Learning more about how the mirror system operates will definitely shed light on how “we process individuals who differ from ourselves” (AzizZadeh). It could unravel the mystery behind how we react when faced with many “dissimilar” things such as character, appearances, ethnicity and more. But for the meantime, we now know more about why we react to robots and love their quirky ways

LOVE MACHINE ROBOTS IN POP CULTURE • WALL-E did more than collect waste in Disney’s 2008 hit. He collected lots of love and scored high on cuteness.

• Who needs Godzilla when you can have MechaGodillaz! Yes Godzilla in glorious robot form (1974 film).

• Der Maschinian-Mensch (aka False Maria) from Fritz Lang’s 1927 tour de force, Metropolis is still a fabulous icon of robotic splendor.

• Marvin the Paranoid Android is depressed and bored but then again you can’t really blame him since his brain is the size of a planet (Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy series).

• Optimus Prime, the Autobot leader from Transformers. Robot? Truck? Cool either way and always ready to roll.

• The Daleks from Dr. Who (famous British TV series) have wanted to “Exterminate!” everyone since 1963.

• Happy to be “alive” Johnny-5 from Short Circuit (1986) stole many hearts while trying to be a hero.

• Motoko Kusanagi is a cyborg who can kick ass while musing over existentialist concerns (Ghost in the Shell manga and anime).

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47

FML [f*ck my life]

LEARNING TO SOLO THE CLASSICS

BY MARIA-ELENA KASSAB

PHOTOGRAPHY JASON ZAMORA

E

xperts made a breakthrough in musical health: Belieberism (the syndrome of loving teen phenom Justin Bieber) may turn into a chronic illness for most people who contract it, but it can also be short and seasonal, like the flu. I suffered from the latter, not the former, when Christmas was almost upon us. It was a cold and rainy December and I blasted Christmas music everywhere, all of the time. Among my faves this Christmas were two Justin Bieber tunes. Experts also found that Belieberism takes control of the subject’s mind and strives to infect as many people as possible.

This is why I showered Fida (my Editor) with Justin Bieber lyrics, links to his Christmas music videos and tweeted her about him.

48 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

FIDA CAME UP WITH A SEEMINGLY PERFECT REVENGE PLAN: SHIP MY MUSICALLY-CHALLENGED ASS TO THE MOZART CHAHINE MUSIC SCHOOL TO GET EDUCATED IN PROPER MUSIC AND LEARN HOW TO PLAY A DIFFICULT INSTRUMENT Editor’s Note “Showered” sounds positive. Receiving YouTube Justin Beiber videos attached to your articles is not positive. Try “spammed Fida” or even “junk-mailed Fida”.

Needless to say, our editor was NOT pleased –slightly amused, yes, but not happy at all. Christmas came and went, and Justin Bieber left my mind –and my iPod. Apparently, my bout of Belieberism kept haunting Fida so she came up with a seemingly perfect revenge plan: Ship my musically-challenged ass to the Mozart Chahine Music School to get educated in proper music and learn how to play a difficult instrument.

You may now imagine Fida laughing maniacally while throwing darts at

the Bieb’s poster. Fida must know the truth: I am a classical music aficionado and a former piano player. Upon learning this, Fida dubbed our situation “interesting” and decided that the show must go on so off to Mozart Chahine I went, calling my dad on the way to make sure that it’s Beethoven’s 7th Symphony (Second movement) that I love so much.

Editor’s Note After learning that you were musically trained, I thought it even more of a travesty that you spent your time downloading and subsequently sharing the “Beib’s” music, as you so affectionately referred to him. This is why the show must go on. Clearly a refresher course is in order.

“You’re going to play the cello? It’s one of the most difficult instruments to play! It takes years to play three notes correctly, I told Fida not to choose the cello but she seemed hell-bent on it.” Okay, it wasn’t that dramatic, but Ramy didn’t help my confidence, which had started to crack when I heard I would be playing the cello and not, say, the guitar. And I won’t lie: When Jason and I greeted my instructor, Roger A. Smith, my heartstrings wailed out of tune. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE CELLO, FIDA?

it back!” I growl in my head) and he teaches me how to hold the bow. That simple-looking act is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. My hand should be like a spider, thumb under the middle finger. Arm relaxed, but apply pressure with it. No, my pinky shouldn’t point upwards like I’m having tea with the Queen and –thumb, get back under my middle finger! The hand should lean towards my index and my arm moves from the elbow down, not the shoulder –this is worse than a workout.

NO, MY PINKY SHOULDN’T POINT UPWARDS LIKE I’M HAVING TEA WITH THE QUEEN AND –THUMB, GET BACK UNDER MY MIDDLE FINGER!

After a short introduction about the cello, the history of the instrument and how it’s made (Roger made his own cello, by the way), Roger plays us a few notes. I kid you not, two seconds into the melody, Jason and I look at each other and point to our respective goosebumps with amazed smiles.

Roger then tells me to *ahem* open my legs to place the cello between my knees. Awkward moment number one. He then tells me that the top part must rest “above my heart”. Awkward moment number two, musical “aww” number one. Once I get a feel of the instrument, he takes it away (“Give

WHEN JASON AND I GREETED MY INSTRUCTOR, ROGER A. SMITH, MY HEARTSTRINGS WAILED OUT OF TUNE

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FML [f*ck my life]

I TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND MANAGE TO CREATE A SOUND HALFWAY BETWEEN A DYING COW AND AN EPILEPTIC VIOLIN. BLUSHING AT MY INEPTITUDE, I MEEKLY SHOVE THE CELLO BACK AT ROGER, WHINING ABOUT KILLING HIS INSTRUMENT Editor’s Note I chose the cello second, incidentally. I have been told that the harp is by far more difficult and that was my first choice- of course. When the harp wasn’t available, I told Daniella to book you for a crash course in cello.

When the cello is back between my knees, I have to draw the bow across the strings while keeping it steady.

I take a deep breath and manage to create a sound halfway between a dying cow and an epileptic violin.

Blushing at my ineptitude, I meekly shove the cello back at Roger, whining about killing his instrument. Kindly, but firmly, he tells me to go on and shows me how to move from string to string, tells me over and over to apply

more pressure with my bow (I’m afraid of breaking something so beautiful), corrects my posture and basically the way I’m doing everything else.

He then takes the bow away (AWAY, EVIL THING THAT I CANNOT HOLD PROPERLY) and we work on notes.

The first string, the deepest, bass string that I like so much is the one we work on: Do, Re, Mi, Fa and back up. Roger tells me to feel the notes in my chest, in my heart and I do, and it’s beautiful (musical aww moment number two).

I’m making beautiful sounds with this graceful instrument, I’m –oops, I miss the Re and it sounds like I’m killing a moose here. But before Roger can place my fingers back where they should be, I adjust them myself and play the correct notes.

I positively beam when he tells me I have a good musical ear and I’m doing fine for my first time. And then Jason goes and steals my thunder by grabbing a guitar and playing a few notes. Before I knew it, he and Roger were playing together –Jason a steady melody and Roger improvised notes – and it’s so beautiful that I don’t want to hold that cello again because I cannot, I will not taint that sound. Our hour passes so swiftly that it leaves me longing for more and I go home with a smile on my face, listening to Dvorak’s Cello Concerto and mentally hugging Fida for giving me the BEST FMLs ever Editor’s Note Between the dying cow, epileptic violin and murdered moose I was beginning to worry about having a “happily ever after” type of ending. Elena, I hope this FML has influenced the next few YouTube links you send me. For some suggestions, Google: “List of silent musical compositions”.

50 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

line-up

www.mozartchahine.com

JAL EL DIB Mozart Chahine Bldg, Jal el Dib Highway

ACHRAFIEH Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Street

ZOUK MOSBEH Joe and Joe Centre, Main Jeita road

T +961 4 416813 F +961 4 414634

T +961 1 215000 | +961 1 322226

T +961 9 224 923/5

THE ORCHESTRA ISSUE

51

HAYDA LEBNEN’s

FAUX ORCHESTRA CHIEF

BY SARAH HOURANY

WHEN IT COMES TO MARCH 21ST, WE THINK THAT IT IS TIME TO POINT OUT THAT NOT ALL MOMS ARE CREATED EQUAL!

N

ot every mother genuinely deserves a round of applause on Mother’s day. It is true that we may not have the particular right to classify moms into categories, but when it comes to March 21st, we think that it is time to point out that not all moms are created equal!

There is the type of mom who got the title from the simple act of getting pregnant and giving birth. And there is the SuperMom who dedicates her life to support, guide and give unconditional love to her children while succeeding in her career. And believe us, there is a big difference between the two.

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The former does not wake up early in the morning, bta3ref betkun sehrane abel bi layle, metel kel layle, leaving Sinkara (her maid) to do the annoying job of waking up 3 children ma elon jledit el madrase, getting them ready and ushering them to their school bus all in under an hour. When she finally wakes up (mech abel el 12), bterkod raked so she doesn’t miss her beauty salon appointments that prepare her to attend the very important brunch covered by the two main ta2 7anak magazines in the country. Honik, her area of expertise starts: Lek hay chu lebsa, walaw? Dakhlik mech cheyfina bi hal pantalon men 2abel? 7aram lek hayde chu nos7ane. Tired from

the nonstop zooming in and out on the guests’ shoes and bags, she goes home, repeats her standardized remarks to Sinkara (who by the way prepared lunch, too) then takes her afternoon nap (ma haram betkun te3bene). At 5pm, she wakes up and finally sees her children. Just before initiating her daily Lebanese Boutique tour, she admonishes them, “Ma t3azbo Souha (their tutor) bil dares, ok?” Once back, she checks if Sinkara has adequately prepared her children to sleep (bath and dinner), bravo 3laya btentebih! The faux orchestra chief ends her day by going out again, with her hubby if available, chu nsito enno 3anda wejbet?

cultureclash

The latter, has a daily schedule that resembles Sinkara’s, only with another tiring job and with no help la men Souha wala men Sinkara. SuperMom wakes up at 5am, prepares breakfast then gently wakes the children.

She helps them get ready (we don’t know how she manages this ma3 their maddening na2 and beke) and drives them to school before heading to her office where another work shift begins: Tiring reports, sharp deadlines and stressful meetings. It’s 3pm so SuperMom hurries to pick up her children and quickly serves the lunch she had prepared late last night. During this afternoon ritual, she’s fielding frustrating comments like: “Mom ana jou3an!” and “Mom yalla khalsina ba2a!”. In the afternoon, SuperMom becomes a teacher, tutoring

her 3 kids while attending to endless work emails in parallel. It’s 8pm now and the children are finally asleep. But guess what? She’s not likely to follow suit soon. SuperMom gets ready for her nightshift: Temsi7, teknis, jale, ghasil, kawe and tabekh- all over again. At midnight, SuperMom’s hectic day ends, only to be repeated five short hours later.

The former appears on magazine covers claiming that she is the ultimate orchestra chief, coordinating a huge number of chores, while the latter, spends the day feeling guilty for the days where she had to leave them to attend a workshop or for the nights she was too tired to cook their favorite meal! Two extremes ma hek? Ma hayda Lebnen…ya 3ayneh!

THE FORMER APPEARS ON MAGAZINE COVERS CLAIMING THAT SHE IS THE ULTIMATE ORCHESTRA CHIEF, COORDINATING A HUGE NUMBER OF CHORES, WHILE THE LATTER, SPENDS THE DAY FEELING GUILTY FOR THE DAYS WHERE SHE HAD TO LEAVE THEM TO ATTEND A WORKSHOP OR FOR THE NIGHTS SHE WAS TOO TIRED TO COOK THEIR FAVORITE MEAL!

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53

MAINTAINING HARMONY JUGGLE YOUR ROLES + MAKE IT LOOK EFFORTLESS

BY MATTHEW HUSSEY

MANY MOTHERS ARE STILL STRUCK BY OVERWHELMING GUILT AT NOT BEING ABLE TO SPEND ALL DAY WITH THE KIDS A working mother once told me during a seminar: “My life feels like a neverending chaotic play. And what’s worse, I’m expected to play about eight different characters!” I have heard some version of this problem throughout my years of coaching, and it’s one that touches the core of what we all struggle in fulfilling the roles life demands of us. In trying to have it all, we are expected to play the loving parent, the dedicated workaholic, the loyal friend, the helpful son or daughter, the romantic lover… the list goes on.

How do we keep all these things in harmony? It might seem like we have made a lot of social progress, but 21st Century women are struggling more than ever to resolve the conflict between motherhood and financial success. Many mothers are still struck by overwhelming guilt at not being able to spend all day with the kids, seeing them through every worry, every bump on the head, or every feeding time. But there’s no need to give up the fight yet. From meeting some of the most successful working mothers, I’ve gathered the very best of their wisdom to help those of us who struggle to keep everything in balance:

1. Quality Not Quantity

We have a tendency to think that everything would be perfect if we only had more hours in a day. This is the most bogus belief of our time!

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mind, body + soul

What counts to your children is not having you there all day, but you giving them what they need. Think of it this way, there are plenty of parents who hang around the house all day and have almost no relationship at all with their children. This is because having a relationship requires high quality investment.

3. Trim The Unnecessary

The most important thing for children is to feel loved and understood. Get to know what your children like, take them to the kind of activities they enjoy, spend time with them alone outside of the house. Showing your children love is not a product of time; it’s a product of thoughtfulness and being attentive to their needs.

But here’s the secret: Successful people make it look effortless because they choose wisely about what to spend their time on. Do you really need to spend more of your day in meetings?

Do you need to go to another networking event? Most of us spend all day on activities like this, instead of the few things that are really important.

Within our day there are usually only about 4-5 activities that must get done.

The rest can usually wait for a better time. Which leads us to our next point:

2. Organize Your Emotions

This is about remembering what you love about each role. There is a common fallacy held that acquiring success leads to happiness. The truth is actually the opposite. The latest cognitive psychology has shown that when we are happier and more grateful for our work and relationships, we become exponentially more effective at dealing with these areas of our lives.

That’s why we have to create a compelling motivation for performing well in these roles. We need a better reason to wake up in the morning than simply keeping up with the Joneses!

Remember why you cherish being able to spend time teaching your children those important lessons while they are young. Enjoy just laughing with them and allowing yourself to be childish again. The same goes for work: Instead of focusing on the daily drudgery of meetings and emails, focus on a plan for getting to where you want to be in the next two years. Move your activity to those things that will make you excited to go into the office and put in quality hours, instead of just trying to keep your head above water.

As I have said before, getting our lives in order is not simply about taking on more stuff. We have to re-learn the exquisite art of saying “NO” again!

This is often a tricky one for ambitious people, who love to pile on more and more in order to keep themselves busy.

4. Divide + Conquer

Perhaps you can find someone to help out with the responsibilities like daily chores, or delegate more of your menial work in the office to someone else.

Sometimes playing our roles well in life requires that we let go of controlling everything, and focus on doing the important things well.

5. Pump It Up

Finally, remember what really matters: Your health. Incorporating exercise into your life can make a huge difference.

Staying around to enjoy the relationships with your children is more important and lasting that any of those daily chores, career worries, or workplace politics. Never see your daily wellbeing as a subsidiary concern. Being physically fit and able will allow you to enjoy those special moments.

Playing all those roles is a demanding business!

INSTEAD OF FOCUSING ON THE DAILY DRUDGERY OF MEETINGS AND EMAILS, FOCUS ON A PLAN FOR GETTING TO WHERE YOU WANT TO BE IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.

RAGMAG brings you the best in selfimprovement. Matthew Hussey is one of the leading talents in behavioral change and success. As a Life Strategist he has founded two coaching companies working with thousands of individuals across the globe to show them ways of making dramatic shifts in their lives. Matthew’s success has been built on finding out what people want, and showing them how to make it happen in the shortest time possible. He is currently a weekly columnist for Now magazine, providing expert advice on dating and relationship issues for female readers. In addition, his coaching has been featured in the London Metro, Evening Standard, The Sun, The Independent, Men’s Health, Glamour magazine, Cosmopolitan, and Elle magazine. A highly sought after public speaker and executive coach, Matthew has consulted companies including Accenture, Virgin, Morgan Stanley, Weil & Gotshal, and CB Richard Ellis, as well as over 5000 individuals and organizations ranging from directors of FTSE 100 Companies, Universities, international investment funds, artists, and royalty.

For more information on Matthew Hussey´s worldwide coaching programmes visit www.matthewhussey.com today.

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mind, body + soul

TO ASK A QUESTION send your problems to helpmenour@ragmaglive.com

TO JOIN THE READER RESPONSE PANEL and give feedback to women across Lebanon, send your name, age, and email address to helpmenour@ragmaglive.com subject line: Interactive Panel We will contact you if you are chosen to participate.

help me

NOUR+RABIH

BY NOUR OBAJI + RABIH FEGHALI

UNLESS YOU’RE RESTRICTING YOUR HANG-OUTS TO CHURCHES AND KHALAWATS, IT IS MORE THAN LIKELY YOU ARE JUST DOING SOMETHING TO DEFLECT MUSLIM SUITORS Every guy I’ve met in the last 12 months that I have really clicked with is either Christian or Druze and I am Muslim. I have a chance to date a few of them and I know I can’t marry a guy from another religion but I’m bored and lonely and haven’t had a real relationship in a while. What do you think?

Carine, 31

“I would say date whoever you want - your heart doesn’t feel religion or any other socially imposed identities. If you fall in love, make it work. Your heart will decide.

At the end of the day, relationships are about two people trying to make it work on a daily basis. Trust me, it is more important that you click with someone on things like work schedules, ability to laugh and cry together, wanting to share precious moments, eat dinner together, physical attraction and intimacy, and compatible long-term visions that you both have for yourselves. Unless you are both very religious in different faiths, you should be able to make it work.”

Aya, 21

“Arghhhh! Why don’t we simply start the tragedy scene from now. The drama you will go through after the entertaining date leads to a warm relationship that (since you are devoted to your religion) will end in nothing but heartbreak. This has happened with my best friends and brother. Result?

FAIL. Unless the guy is willing to convert, but why risk it? Enjoy the ‘you’ time while u have it.”

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Nour’s Vote I think the whole religion mess in Lebanon and the surrounding countries permeates everything from politics to relationships. I think I’m sick of responding to these kinds of questions BUT unfortunately for this region it is a harsh reality so this is why I continue to give these sorts of questions priority. At the end of the day, we all want someone who we can spend time with and even grow to love. At the end of the day your parents and your social group may or may not like that person for a bevy of reasons, not the least of which could include stuff like finances and social standing. You weren’t clear whether or not your partner being Muslim matters to you or to your social group. If it matters to you, then why bother wasting someone else’s time unless you are upfront and honest with them that this is a dead end relationship and that this is just a way to occupy yourself.

You said you were “bored and lonely”- your words, not mine. In my humble opinion, you can take it or leave it and make do with what’s available.

Rabih’s Vote “Every guy I meet” is quite a broad statement.

With over 50 percent of the population in Lebanon being Muslim, I can’t see why you’re having a hard time. Unless you’re restricting your hang-outs to Churches and Khalawats, it is more than likely you are just doing something to deflect Muslim suitors.

Either do something about it - find out what they like, and change. Or just accept the fact that they don’t find you interesting or attractive and start dating Christian and Druze men.

YOU HAVE LOW SELFESTEEM. YOU ARE EASILY INTIMIDATED AND NEED TO WORK ON YOUR PERCEPTION OF SELF-WORTH

We met online and there was an instantaneous click between us. We talked for months non-stop until we finally met. The first date went extraordinarily well and I never heard from him ever since. What happened?

until you live with him- and by default you don’t know an online suitor until you meet him. Maybe he was a flake or maybe he just wasn’t attracted to you. In any case, cut your losses and move on. No use crying over spilled milk.

Jessica, 27

Rabih’s Vote

“Online intimacy can be very different from real life. Unfortunately, he is just not that into you. If he was, he would continue the relationship and make it work.”

You may think that the first date went really well, but maybe to him, it was terrible. I must say it’s quite odd that he would totally disappear. Did you try reaching out to him?

And has he totally ignored you? If that’s the case, then it would mean he is no longer into you - it happens - it’s not your fault.

Move on to the next guy, but this time, curb your enthusiasm.

Nour’s Vote It sounds like this is a hit or miss scenario.

You can talk online for eons but until you meet there is a whole ballgame of stuff that you have yet to see. Scientifically speaking, it could have been something as simple as pheromones that didn’t mesh. You said your first date went well, so at least on your side physical attraction wasn’t a factor. Look, the truth is he could have any number of weird closeted issues that would have eventually come out in the wash. They say you don’t know a man

I seem to get approached by a lot of guys who are well-known for their “status” or“power” and out of the league of most women. But each time this happens (although I am good looking, smart and funny), I kind of lose my selfconfidence and run away, refusing to give it a try. What is wrong with me?

Nour’s Vote You have low self-esteem. You are easily intimidated and need to work on your perception of self-worth. The weird thing about your question is that you seemed to find it necessary to mention their status and power. I think that the simple fact that only mentioning these two details about the prospective men in your life indicates that you have way deeper issues than I can explore in a paragraph. I think you should seek help for your self-confidence issues and perhaps for your viewpoints and scope of priorities.

Rabih’s Vote Believe it or not, these “men of status and power” have more insecurities than you think. It is quite often the driver behind their ascension in the first place.

Do meet them. Maintain your composure.

Be yourself. Find their weakness and pierce it. Afterall, every superman has a kryptonite weakness.

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mind, body + soul

I am about to start a job that I really like but everyone around me keeps saying that they expected more of me. This leaves me stuck between a job that I think would be a great start for me and between having a comparatively lower salary than other opportunities I might get. What do you say?

Leila, 36

“Money isn’t everything. It allows you to buy things, increase your standard of living, etc., but ultimately, you should do the kind of work that makes your feel happy and fulfilled. No one on their deathbed wishes for more money; they wish that they started being happy earlier in their life.”

Hanan, 25

“I started with a much lower salary than what I expected, and even my family was wondering why I settled for that kind of salary. Since I started, I also got other job offers with better salaries, but I just won’t leave the company I work for now. I love my work, the kind of work I’m doing, I learn a lot every day, my colleagues and boss are amazing. I am happier than ever, and if you don’t take that job, you’re risking a great opportunity for being happy on the professional level of your life. Just do whatever you feel like doing. Those decisions are not only made with your brain, but also with your guts.”

MONEY ISN’T EVERYTHING. ULTIMATELY, YOU SHOULD DO THE KIND OF WORK THAT MAKES YOUR FEEL HAPPY AND FULFILLED

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Aya, 21

“To make it simpler think of what you is for your better at this life stage: money or gratification? Go for what you need not what you want. Good luck.”

Nour’s Vote If I wrote to you and said that my parents expected me to be an astrophysicist but I ended up working as an advice columnist because it is what I love and what I’m good at, what would you say to me? You would probably tell me that yes, I could have made more money as an astrophysicist

(if I was even capable of doing thismentally speaking), and yes, it is a way more high-profile career. But then you would tell me that doing what I love and what I excel at is more important than money and pleasing others. So this is what I am telling you.

Rabih’s Vote With these things you just have to follow your gut instinct. You’re the one that knows what’s best for you. Take the job and see how things work. It’s not the end of the world if it doesn’t.

DOING WHAT I LOVE AND WHAT I EXCEL AT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN MONEY AND PLEASING OTHERS.

GUY’S CORNER My gf’s best friend and I have chemistry.

Serious chemistry like I can tell even when we look at each other. I’ve been Whatsapping with her everyday too, even when I’m with my gf. When we’re all out in a group I avoid her and she avoids me too which makes me believe we’re both feeling the same thing and that we’re trying to hide it. What do you think I should do? I love my gf but this is been building up for a few months and maybe I want to see what will happen?

Sally, 35

“What will happen ya habib albe, is that you will lose both. And let me tell you, you are a pig. She’s your girl’s BEST FRIEND. When you first felt that ‘chemistry’, you should have stopped it right there. When your girlfriend finds out (I said WHEN, not IF) she’s going to hate you and her friend too. You’re risking your own relationship AND their friendship.

FIX THIS NOW.” Iman, 24

“Break-up with your girlfriend and see what happens. You obviously want to follow this road any way. You have to make a decision though. Staying with your girlfriend while you have feelings for someone else is not fair to your girlfriend, nor to you. Before you do anything though, you have to know that this will cause great scandal - you will probably never speak to your girlfriend again, and her relationship with her friend will likely be over.

If you are comfortable with this, then follow your heart.”

Nour’s Vote What will happen is that your girlfriend’s best friend will probably tell you she likes you (if your instincts are correct) and that she can’t date you because you are her best friend’s ex-boyfriend. I don’t suggest going for the gold here. I do suggest figuring out if you want to continue your relationship with your girlfriend seeing as you have more than a passing fancy for someone else, no matter who the other person may be. I want to add that most of the Interactive Panel hates you and that they were all probably picturing their boyfriends hitting on their best friend. Put the shoe on the other foot- what if it were your best buddy and your girlfriend? How do like ‘dem apples? I just want to add that Rabih has been the perfect voice of reason this month, until the last 2 sentences of his vote for this question- not a single woman out there should date Rabih, ever.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN YA HABIB ALBE, IS THAT YOU WILL LOSE BOTH. AND LET ME TELL YOU, YOU ARE A PIG. SHE’S YOUR GIRL’S BEST FRIEND Rabih’s Vote You’ve obviously made the decision to go for it but are looking for third party validation. The devil in me would tell you to go for it. But I’m siding with the angel this time because if you do go for it, you will wreak havoc. I would suggest that since you’re already having second thoughts about your girl, you should just leave her as soon as possible.

One day, things may happen with the other chick.

Just don’t do it right away

TO ASK A QUESTION send your problems to helpmenour@ragmaglive.com

TO JOIN THE READER RESPONSE PANEL and give feedback to women across Lebanon, send your name, age, and email address to helpmenour@ragmaglive.com subject line: Interactive Panel We will contact you if you are chosen to participate.

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Can I Be It All? Motherhood VS My Career

BY MARIA-ELENA KASSAB

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henever I yell at my mother that she doesn’t spend enough time chilling with me and my sister, I immediately feel a pang of guilt: She works two jobs, cooks for us, takes care of my sick grandmother and deals with our college fees, car payments, medical bills and a million other things that I don’t have room to list here. She doesn’t yell back when I complain, she just looks at me with a tired sigh or continues working silently. Then without fail, I have the same terrifying thoughts: Will I ever be this strong? Will I ever be able to get married, raise a family and have a career at the same time? Will I ever be able to juggle work and children, bills and friends, worries and taxes and the daily nagging that children, husbands, friends and parents spew every day?

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As a future interpreter, I know that I’ll have a career heavily based on traveling and moving around from conference to conference, similar to a number of careers that young women aspire to have one day. We’re not talking about being a translator, where you can work from home, as a freelancer, or have a 9-to-5 job at a firm. As a future interpreter, I know that I’m going to hate the sight of planes and airports one week and hate staying home for more than three days the next. And from meeting seasoned interpreters, I know that I might have to put my career on hold to get married and have children, then resume working when I’m done making babies and when I’m sure they can stay with their father while I travel for a few days. This might put my career at risk because I’ll be

competing with younger interpreters, eager people who have no kids to worry about and are willing to travel to far away locales for weeks at a time. I also know that I might do the opposite and put my career first -postpone love, marriage and the baby carriage- until I have made a name for myself, travelled the world and had my fun.

WILL I EVER BE ABLE TO GET MARRIED, RAISE A FAMILY AND HAVE A CAREER AT THE SAME TIME?

mon amour, mon ami

When I look at children today, I am appalled at how spoiled they are.

Perhaps young Lebanese parents are trying to give their children everything they couldn’t afford when they themselves were kids. Maybe new parents think that those things we found exceptional when we were kids are pretty mundane now –think iPads for raucous 6-year-olds. Perhaps parents are now so absorbed with their own lives, they forget that their children are, in fact, children and not their best friends. Parents who let their teenage girls, all decked out in their

sparkly minis and smoky makeup, go out drinking with men twice their age are acting like teens themselves. Parents who allow their ten year-old son to stay up all night on a school night so he can play Call of Duty until his eyes are bloodshot are irresponsible. Being a parent isn’t easy, and seeing what is happening today makes it even scarier for me. What if I’m so taken by my job that I miss out on precious moments in my children’s lives or make a mistake in raising them and they turn out to be the most obnoxious, spoiled, ruthless little shits?

MAYBE NEW PARENTS THINK THAT THOSE THINGS WE FOUND EXCEPTIONAL WHEN WE WERE KIDS ARE PRETTY MUNDANE NOW

If I do become a mother, what kind of mother would I be? When I was younger, a “rebellious teenager”, my first thought when I imagined my children was, “I will NEVER be like my mother! They’ll be free to drink and go out till four in the morning! I’ll let them eat whatever they want, not vegetable soup and grilled meat! I won’t tell them they can’t watch R-Rated movies, and I won’t forbid them to wear skimpy clothes on school trips! I’ll let them cut their hair however they like, wear as much makeup as they want to and to go out with all sorts of people!”

Today, my first thought is, “I want to raise my children as my mother raised me. Alright, maybe I’ll be a tad more lenient!” If you know my mother, you know what I mean. She is the single most loving, caring and generous person in the world –she’s actually famous for that in our hometown. She’s also famous for being a little coarse, really loud and pretty strict with her children. And I can safely say that my sister and I turned out to be decent, polite and honest young women. So thanks, mom. We owe you

MY FIRST THOUGHT WHEN I IMAGINED MY CHILDREN WAS, “I WILL NEVER BE LIKE MY MOTHER! THEY’LL BE FREE TO DRINK AND GO OUT TILL FOUR IN THE MORNING!”

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MARRIAGE, MOTHERHOOD + ME

BY GINA GABRIEL EL-FADY

I HAD DECIDED TO BE A FULLTIME MUM FOR THE FIRST FIVE YEARS OF MY CHILDREN’S LIVES

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hen I sat down to write about me playing many roles -a wife in a long distance relationship, a working mum of two kids under ten, whilst highlighting my hectic schedule and managing to juggle it all and still have time for myself- I realized that my story doesn’t start with me. It starts with my grandmother, followed by my mother and then passed onto me. We’re three generations of women who do not wait for things to fall into our laps, but rather go after what we want.

It took me a long time to get to where I am today. As a child, I always looked at kids with their mums and felt envious. Don’t get me wrong, I have one of the most amazing mums; my life without my mother would’ve been a fraction of what it is today. My mum is a gentle soul and very feminine, and I

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used to love looking at her and like any other child emulate her actions and her sense of style. However she’s not your average mum who enjoyed coffee time and shopping sprees, my mum strived to work and to progress in life. Her vision for us was to need for nothing, to learn from our hardship and not to expect anything from others. The envy came from not having her fulltime, and having to learn to share her passion for work and always being on the go.

Did I always know this? I wish! I understood my mum much later- when I had my children Leanna and Stefan.

With every passing day I understood her more. I heard myself say and do the things she used to say and do. I had decided to be a fulltime mum for the first five years of my children’s lives. I had Leanna and soon after I had Stefan just a year and seven months

apart. I felt being with them was a priority so that we could get to know one another. A child is born with individuality and it is my job as a mum to get to know their personality and to help them mature into the human beings they are meant to be. It is worth clarifying here that doesn’t mean I want them to be who I am, nor who I think they should be.

I UNDERSTOOD MY MUM MUCH LATER- WHEN I HAD MY CHILDREN LEANNA AND STEFAN. WITH EVERY PASSING DAY I UNDERSTOOD HER MORE

mon amour, mon ami Motherhood for me was a lesson to be learned, and being a mum isn’t always easy. I had to learn to become a new person, a person that was no longer a free spirit. I admit that I traded my independence for their happiness and wellbeing. There were ups and downs throughout my eight year journey and to date there isn’t a day that goes by without me questioning the job I’m doing! I feel blessed to be in such an environment and I don’t resent it, but when both kids started school, I decided that it was time for me to get back to work and continue my journey as an individual as well as being a wife and mum. It was important to me that they see me in a working environment, especially for Leanna’s sake. Frankly, I am a bit stricter with Leanna as I do not want her to take things for granted.

I try to make both of my children

comprehend the value of life. I think they already grasp the concepts of work and fending for oneself and they’ve already started laying plans for their futures.

I needed my children to see me as an individual as well, because for a long time whilst being with them I forgot how to be myself- and I forgot that I had a right to still be Gina. So I had to go back to the beginning (pre Leanna and Stefan) to get to know myself again and to find the person who married my husband and became a wife. There are things that I feel I learned a bit late in life, and as a result of this, suffered damages to my personal self. I have since learned how to segregate and to slot my life into different boxes, and allocate time for everything and everyone. Even myself.

So when RAGMAG asked me to tell my story I had to dig back into my childhood, and all I can think of is that my mum made me what I am today and in turn I will pass it on to my children. So yes, I multitask and I juggle a marriage, two kids and a fulltime job. And yes, sometimes I feel very tired, and sometimes even overwhelmed. But it’s worth it, especially when I think that one day my kids might be as proud of me as I am of my mum

I DECIDED THAT IT WAS TIME FOR ME TO GET BACK TO WORK AND CONTINUE MY JOURNEY AS AN INDIVIDUAL AS WELL AS BEING A WIFE AND MUM

I ADMIT THAT I TRADED MY INDEPENDENCE FOR THEIR HAPPINESS AND WELLBEING. THERE WERE UPS AND DOWNS THROUGHOUT MY EIGHT YEAR JOURNEY AND TO DATE THERE ISN’T A DAY THAT GOES BY WITHOUT ME QUESTIONING THE JOB I’M DOING! THE ORCHESTRA ISSUE

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THE NIGHTINGALE’S SONG AT MIDNIGHT

BY STEPHANIE AOUN

MY MOM IS BATTLING A FATAL ILLNESS, AND HAS “TWO TO THREE YEARS LEFT IF NO COMPLICATIONS OCCUR”

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or RAGMAG’s Mother’s Day issue it seems only natural for Fida to ask me to write a piece about my mother and our relationship.

Anyone else would have probably been excited about the idea, but me...

It actually took me two weeks to get the guts to write this essay and finally one day before my deadline- I’m sitting down to do it. Why? Mainly because my mom is battling a fatal illness, and has “two to three years left if no complications occur,” according to the doctor.

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I’ve always had a very intense relationship with my mom. I never really understood her until I was in my twenties. She was the kind of person who would spank us as children and then go to her room and cry. She was never able to express her emotions to us, cuddle us or even show us any affection. Nevertheless, she is no doubt the best mom any one could have, being the perfect example of a devoted mother who would do anything for her family. We are too much alike though, which is probably why we spent most

our time together fighting. Precious time wasted, and only now am I aware of its importance. What I wouldn’t give to turn back the clock and just live it all over again. I watch her daily fighting with her stage four cirrhosis and I can do absolutely nothing about it. We never know what tomorrow will be like, we never know how she’ll wake up the next day, and we never know when the dreaded final moment will arrive. Facing this reality, I found myself bound to quit my job and stay home with her, it’s time for me to give back

mon amour, mon ami

and be next to her. Be there during her almost monthly trips to the emergency room, next to her in her hospital bed, next to her in the bathroom while she’s throwing up, in bed at home rubbing her legs to keep them warm and massaging them to make the cramps less painful.

WHAT’S THE POINT OF LIVING WHEN YOU’RE LOSING THE PERSON YOU CARE FOR MOST ABOUT IN YOUR LIFE

These past couple of years have been without a shadow of a doubt the hardest of my life. Coping with this reality was almost impossible. I stopped living for a while, after all what’s the point of living when you’re losing the person you care for most about in your life, the dearest to your heart, and simply your reason for living. That’s what my mom has always been to me.

I couldn’t stop thinking about what my life would be after she’s passed away.

How will I wake up the day after? Will I even be able to get out of bed? And even after I start recovering, what will my wedding day be like? Who’s going to be there next to me on the biggest day of my life, and what about the day when I’ll give birth, what would it be like without her? These thoughts were killing me and they were dragging me deeper and deeper into isolation and terrible depression. I had to find help- I felt weak and powerless. And so one night I just prayed. That’s right, I prayed but not for healing and not for a miracle. I prayed for inner strength and tranquillity for everyone in my family and especially for mom. That was my turning point.

The next morning I decided I would not turn into a weeping willow, I will not live for the future but for

the present. I’ll live for the precious moments we can still share together, for all the love we can still exchange, and for all the blessings I’m afforded.

I will not allow myself to be the bitter, angry and hopeless person I was seeing every day in the mirror. I resolved to be thankful for everything.

Thankful for the caring and loving home I was brought up in, for the hours of care my mother spent at my bedside when I had fevers as a child, for the happy outings with my family, for the holidays I spent with my mother, and for all the priceless moments we shared.

I know now that everything happens for a reason… if she’s meant to pass away at a young age then it’s her destiny and nothing can change that.

I’d like to consider myself lucky actually: People pass away every day accidently with no last words and no final wishes. But this is different, we know what’s coming and we will live it together. We w ill cherish what time we still have left, and make these last couple of years memorable. And when it happens, I’ll be happy knowing that her suffering is over and that she’ll be able to rest in peace. Life will go on, and so will the memory of my mom

I DECIDED I WOULD NOT TURN INTO A WEEPING WILLOW, I WILL NOT LIVE FOR THE FUTURE BUT FOR THE PRESENT

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mind, body + soul

THE HYPE BEHIND

MUSIC THERAPY

“MUSIC THERAPY IS THE CLINICAL AND EVIDENCE-BASED USE OF MUSIC INTERVENTIONS TO ACCOMPLISH INDIVIDUALIZED GOALS WITHIN A THERAPEUTIC RELATIONSHIP BY A CREDENTIALED PROFESSIONAL WHO HAS COMPLETED AN APPROVED MUSIC THERAPY PROGRAM.” THE AMERICAN MUSIC THERAPY ASSOCIATION

BY YOUMNA CHAGOURY

WALTZING AROUND For the past decade, online and paper media have given us stories of miraculous coma recovery stories, in which music was the leading lady.

Unfortunately, to date, there is no evidence that listening to music is what actually heals a patient in a comatose state. Studies have however shown that playing music to a comatose patient stimulates the brain, thus enhancing the efficacy of medical treatments. The BRAMS – International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research- found that playing songs (comprised of both music and lyrics) allow a communication between the two hemispheres of the brain.

Considering a significant sample of people, researchers have shown that daily listening to music improves the patients’ mood and their level of excitement.

What mostly comes out of the different researches and studies conducted on the subject is music as a therapy for neurological disorders. Nordoff Robbins is a British music charity that uses music therapy and other music services to help people with a range of challenges such as autism, dementia, mental health issues, stroke, brain injury or depression. People living with a neurological disorder commonly experience paralysis, muscle

weakness, poor coordination, loss of sensation, seizures, confusion and pain.

People living with long-term chronic neurological disability may experience social isolation, traumatic life changes and communication impairment in addition to their physical disability.

Nordoff Robbins conducts their own research, which has shown that music therapy can improve the state of patients with long-term neurological disorders. Patients improve in areas of fine motor coordination, cognitive function, spatial orientation and it also helps them regain control over parts of the body lost through neurological neglect or weakness.

LIP SYNCHING

Music and language appear to be intimately linked in the brain. In 2002, the Berklee College of Music organized a symposium called Music and Neurology. Dr Tomaino, director of the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function at Beth Abraham Medical Center in New York and speaker at the symposium, tackled the benefits of music to restore language ability. He explained that patients with aphasia, a stroke-related disability, lose capacity for regular speech after the language control areas of their brain were damaged. However, they can still sing, the music area of the brain being intact.

Through therapy using music and lyrics then lyrics, they can relearn how to formulate normal speech.

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MUSIC + YOUR UNBORN CHILD Let’s start with the bottom line: There are no definite results as to the beneficial effect of music on the fetus.

“There are no studies on the effects of stimulation before birth on intelligence, creativity, or later development,” says Janet DiPietro, a developmental psychologist who studies fetal development at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. DiPietro does however advise pregnant women to listen to music if it makes them feel better and more relaxed. According to her, feeling relaxed during pregnancy is “good for the fetus and that’s an indirect effect of music on the fetus.”

According to a study led by Professor Chung-Hey Chen at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan, the type of music also plays a role in the pregnant woman’s stress and anxiety. The study, though not tackling the effect on the fetus, split the 236 women in 2 groups. The music group was given music CDs –lullabies, classical music, nature sounds and New Age “crystal music” versions of Chinese nursery rhymes and songs – and the control group that followed a regular pregnancy care program. “The music group showed significant reductions

LISTENING EVEN HARDER

BY ELODIE BARAKAT

Music therapy is the use of music in therapeutic ways. The patient can either be receptive or active • in the receptive approach, the patient only listens • in the active approach, the patient is invited to create the music, to express himself through the instruments, use his body, his voice, or even his environment.

Basically, music in its therapeutic approach is used in 2 main ways: As a vehicle of communication and as a cathartic outlet.

The type of music used only depends on the receptivity of the patient.

Music is used with • AUTISM, SCHIZOPHRENIA & DEMENTIA What do these conditions have in common?

Strained communication between the patient and their surroundings, troubled behavior and a tendency toward isolation.

In such cases, several studies have validated the use of music: It stimulates the interest of the patients, helps them to communicate and canalize their attention.

It also helps to contain aggressive behavior and anxiety.

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• MOTILITY Music therapy has been used to assist those suffering from Parkinson’s disease with increased motility, particularly if used with physical therapy. This effect on motility can also be used with physical disabilities.

• MOOD, ANXIETY & DEPRESSION “I gotta a feeling...” Uplifting isn’t it?

Music affects our mood! Apart from day to day life, music has also been used in more medical contexts like hospitals and treatment facilities to improve the general mood of patients and ease their stay. Several clinical trials have also proved the music can have a very relaxing effect- reducing stress, improving sleep, and some studies suggest it helps to treat depression!

• PAIN & PERFORMANCE Music could help with pain relief. We don’t yet know if it actually decreases the pain or increases the subject’s tolerance for pain. The same questioning applies to physical performance: It’s been observed that music can help subjects reach higher physical and intellectual levels of performance.

in stress, anxiety and depression after just two weeks, using three established measurement scales,” says Professor Chung-Hey Chen. “In comparison, the control group showed a much smaller reduction in stress, while their anxiety and depression scores showed little or no improvement. Women in the music group also expressed preferences for the type of music they listened to, with lullabies, nature and crystal sounds proving more popular than classical music,” he explains, casting doubt on the so-called Mozart effect. This 1993 study by Frances Rauscher at the University of California, Irvine, showed that teenagers listening to Wolfgang Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D major performed better in reasoning tests than those listening to something else or sitting in a silent room. Recently, University of Vienna researchers refuted the effect, not being able to replicate the results. “I recommend listening to Mozart to everyone, but it will not meet expectations of boosting cognitive abilities,” says Jakob Pietschnig, lead author of the study

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OF SERENITY SHISEIDO DAY SPA STRIKES A RELAXING CHORD

BY YOUMNA CHAGOURY

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hen one enters the Shiseido Spa, one does not get just any welcome. The therapist rises from her chair and comes to you, greats you with a friendly smile, and after asking you what you’re here for, escorts you to the locker room and hands you a pair of slippers. “I’m just here for a facial,” I say thinking she must be mistaken. “Yes, I know, but it’s more comfortable isn’t it?” she asks with a smile. Well, I’m not going to disappoint her, now am I?

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I fill out the usual form that asks about possible allergies and the like, in the relaxation room, and I am asked to choose my essential oil for the aromatherapy. “But… I’m just here for a facial,” I say again. I quickly learn that at the Shiseido Spa, one doesn’t get just a basic facial. It’s like a small ceremony: You start with a footbath, then you’re treated with aromatic essential oils, then you get the treatment you’re actually booked for. I opt for what smells like lemongrass, which I feel will revive my body on this cold February day.

I QUICKLY LEARN THAT AT THE SHISEIDO SPA, ONE DOESN’T GET JUST A BASIC FACIAL. IT’S LIKE A SMALL CEREMONY

PHOTOGRAPHY JASON ZAMORA

THE SOUND

mirrormirror

AFTER THE FOAM COMES THE SCRUB, FROM THE SHISEIDO PURENESS LINE, AND THE HYDRO-NOURISHING SOFTENER My therapist Josiane then takes me to my treatment room. It is warm and minimalist. The only decoration is the clouds and birds painting on the ceiling, for me to stare at while I’m lying down. I’m asked to take my clothes off and get under the sheets.

I’m starting to wonder if they know that I’M JUST HERE FOR A FACIAL. I do as I’m told and wait for Josiane for a few minutes, listening to the Eastern music and stare at the painted ceiling. Honestly, it has a very strong

quieting effect on me. When Josiane comes back, my eyes are already closed, and I’m about to fall asleep.

The aromatherapy can start: Josiane has me inhale the essential oil while moving her hands in a circular motion above my body. She then holds my arms and stretches them, also in circular movements. She repeats the process a few times, and begins pressuring two points on my body, called Tsubo points or acupoints: One on my upper chest, and one on my stomach. Pressuring them releases the bloodstream, for both energy and relaxation.

She does that for just a minute or two, and focuses now on my facial. Like any professional therapy practioner, she starts with the cleansing part of the treatment. Using Shiseido products, she starts with the eye and lip makeup removal, to make sure I don’t have any make-up particles, invisible to the naked eye. After that, she applies the Shiseido’s Skincare Cleansing cream with a brush –that’s hygienic but very rare- and the foam of the same product line with an electric brush to “help the foam cleanse the inner layer of your skin.” After the foam comes the scrub, from the Shiseido Pureness line, and the Hydro-Nourishing Softener.

Bonus: These products are all available to purchase at the spa, enabling the clients to get the same benefits at home.

LIKE ANY PROFESSIONAL THERAPY PRACTIONER, SHE STARTS WITH THE CLEANSING PART OF THE TREATMENT

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mirrormirror

Now that Josiane thinks my skin is clean enough, she starts the facial massage. She uses their Qi massage cream, a product only available in their Spas for therapist use. Qi (commonly known as Chi) is your energy flow or your life force. Josiane uses the cream to massage my face, working on its meridian lines, enhancing the positive energy in my body. She shares a little secret with me (sensing a newbie), and explains that she always works moving from left to right. Indeed, whatever part of my face that she massages, she starts from the left and massages her way to the right. She explains that this Shiseido hydrating treatment follows a very simple rule: Not only should it hydrate my skin, but it also has to preserve the natural hydration. That’s what I actually loved about this treatment. Many of the facial treatments offered in spas have

great appearance effects on the face: It looks brighter, prettier, and has a bigger glow. The problem is, most of the time, the face is not hydrated, and worse, the products can sometimes later cause dehydration which can tarnish the skin and make you more prone to wrinkles and blemishes.

doesn’t seem surprised by the fact that I literally fell asleep during my treatment –if she’s as good with other clients as with me, no wonder! The facial treatment took me 90 minutes, but I must say, it was just no regular facial, and it was really worth being late for work that day!

A few minutes of the Qi massage, and I’m ready for the mask. Paying attention to the weaker parts of my face, Josiane first applies the Pure Retinol Instant Treatment Eye Mask from Shiseido’s Benefiance range on my eye contour and protects it with warm cotton. She then applies the Moisture Relaxing Mask from the Skincare line on my face and neck.

She tells me she’s leaving the room for about 10 minutes, and next thing I know she’s back, removing the mask excess with damp cotton. She

PAYING ATTENTION TO THE WEAKER PARTS OF MY FACE, JOSIANE FIRST APPLIES THE PURE RETINOL INSTANT TREATMENT EYE MASK FROM SHISEIDO’S BENEFIANCE RANGE ON MY EYE CONTOUR

SHISEIDO DAY SPA SPARKLES!

• The hygiene. The place is more than clean, from the restroom to the relaxation room, to the treatment areas.

The fact that the therapists apply their creams with brushes is a real plus.

• The minimalist interior. They play it simple and don’t overdo it… a few candles here, three flowers there, and a painting on a ceiling, how much more does one need?

Perfect!

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RAGMAG’S TOP PICKS AT SHISEIDO DAY SPA

• The Shiseido Spa Journeys They start with a Japanese footbath ritual, followed by a body exfoliation to polish the skin. Then, you immerse into a fragrant Japanese hydro-therapy bath, followed by a Qi full body massage, stimulating Tsubo points and releasing the positive energy in your body. These are 2-hour rituals, they would be great to start your weekend with.

• Quick Tension Release A targeted stress 30-minute massage that concentrates on key stress areas such as the neck, shoulders and back. Perfect during your lunch break if you work nearby.

• Deep Cleansing Back Treatment If you suffer from breakouts and blemishes on the back and shoulders, this is the perfect fix. It incorporates deep cleansing with gentle steam to clean the pores, together with a cleansing mask to detoxify the skin.

Appropriate body products are then applied on your back.

Mother’s Day is here and you know what would be even better than going to the Shiseido Day Spa yourself? Sending your mom! The luxury-loving Shiseido team are rewarding 3 RAGMAG readers with treatments for their hardworking Moms.

Watch our Facebook fan page for the contest announcement for your chance to win any of these 3 spa experiences!

FIRST PRIZE KUROHO BODY MOISTURE FROM THE BODY COLLECTION FOR LUXURIOUS MOISTURE

A body massage that concludes with the application of replenishing body cream, specially designed to provide nutrients, moisture and give a complete alluring beauty. Kuroho is a fragrance treasured by the Japanese aristocracy in the 9th century and still used today. Using superior fragrance technology, Shiseido has recreated the aristocratic Kuroho scent with rare and valuable ingredients. This modern arrangement is an exhilarating, revitalizing fragrance.

SECOND & THIRD PRIZES FUTURE SOLUTION LX EYE & LIP CONTOUR CEREMONY FROM THE FACIAL COLLECTION

A premium targeted treatment to help prevent wrinkles and sagging around the delicate eye and lip contour area. Future Solution LX is Shiseido’s most luxurious and advanced skincare line.

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La Colle Noire, Christian Dior’s property in the hinterland of the Provence region…

The Couturier created a sumptuous garden there, filled with hundred-year-old olive trees, delicate roses and radiant jasmine. A legendary flower with an enthralling scent, jasmine has always held a seat of honour in Christian Dior’s floral pantheon. In 1947, when he decided to create an elegant fragrance, he naturally chose jasmine as one of the most decisive elements of the Miss Dior signature.

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Native to the Himalayan valleys, Jasmine is a shrub whose pearly white flowers blossom at night between the months of June and September.

Amongst the 200 existing species, only Indian Sambac Jasmine and Jasmine Grandiflorum from Grasse are used in Perfumery.

For centuries, Jasmine has been considered to be a symbol of beauty in the east. Many legends are linked to this flower with its powerful fragrance, such as that of Cleopatra who is said to have met Mark Antony in a boat with sails coated in Jasmine essence.

Sultry and delicious, Jasmine has a unique, sensual and evocative scent.

Jean-Louis Fargeon, perfumer to Queen Marie-Antoinette, thus wrote in his treaty L’Art du Parfumeur (“The Art of the Perfumer”) that “the scent of jasmine flowers is so delicious that people attempted to transport it in a variety of substances.” In love with the Age of Enlightenment, Christian Dior couldn’t help but adore the bloom, which became a star in the 18th century and whose exotic smoothness seduced Joséphine de Beauharnais.

In Tunisia, it is still considered a sign of love to offer jasmine. Now a legendary essence on par with the rose, Jasmine has always been one of the essential raw materials of Haute Perfumery.

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Today, François Demachy, PerfumerCreator for Dior, perpetuates this love of Jasmine. This Grasse native is still moved by the powerful scent of Jasmine Grandiflorum, which made his city prosperous and his childhood delightful. “I particularly remember the smell of jasmine. I’ve known it since I was little as I walked through the jasmine fields almost every day,” reminisced François Demachy.

However, he chose Sambac Jasmine from India for the J’Adore Eau de Parfum Absolue in 2007. Remaining subtle while revealing wild, animal notes, this jasmine variety offers an opulent version of the J’Adore floral bouquet: A signature that exalts the noble character of the raw materials by drawing from timeless expertise. Due

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to the delicate nature of jasmine, its flowers must be gathered at dawn and handled before noon in order to preserve all of their scented qualities.

In 2008, the perfumer used this same jasmine stock from Indian plantations in Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the composition of the luminous Escale à Pondichery.

As universal as it is singular, Jasmine is endowed with unique qualities.

From the creation of Miss Dior in 1947, Dior fragrances knew how to exalt its sensual power and elegance.

Today, it is crucial to the chypre signature of the contemporary version of Miss Dior. A Sambac Jasmine whose bewitching floral power is decisive in this luminous composition.

THE DEMONSTRATION OF AN UNDYING PASSION FOR THIS LEGENDARY FLOWER

To describe the chypre accord of the classic Miss Dior, the couturier emphasized “the indefinable charm of jasmine” that “twirls around in the perfumed space.” A sunny jasmine that also enchants the notes of sandalwood and the highly stylized lily of the valley in the House’s iconic 1956 fragrance Diorissimo.

In 1962, Jasmine paved the way for Hedione. This fabulous molecule, barely present in jasmine, was recreated by

scientists. Hedione adds an ethereal, fresh and floral jasmine note to compositions. The House of Dior would use its lemony accents to revolutionize men’s fragrances.

In 1966, legendary perfumer Edmond Roudnitska introduced Hedione in the composition of Eau Sauvage by Dior, a great classic of Perfumery. Eau Sauvage went on to change the way men wore fragrance and set a new height for men’s scent style

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We’re loving Dyptique’s new Rosa Mundi. The romantic scent is inspired by the legend of England’s King Henry II whose paramour was poisoned by his Queen. Griefstricken, he demanded her memory be honoured by the Damask rose annually on the anniversary of their first meeting. At the heart of this Dyptique creation are the Centifolia rose (also known as the Rose de Mai) and the Damask rose. The olfactory composition of the candle is designed to celebrate the multiple aromas of the rose in its natural state, as it blossoms over time.

Notes of blackcurrant and bergamot bring a fresh, sparkling flourish, gently tempered by the fruity note of lychee. Notes of geranium and hedione accentuate the natural freshness of the flower, while the base notes contains woody white musk. This showpiece accentuates the décor of your home while whisking you away to bygone days.

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Dyptique’s successful scented waters collection is 4 years old now.

Beginning with a range of colognes which explored citrus infusions, they’ve now gone forward with their new floral waters. In keeping with their newest obsession, Eau Rose is the first in the floral range. The aromatic collection includes an eau de toilette and a roll-on fragrance for moments on the go.

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Alright maybe MUFE’s new collection is bohemian-chic inspired, but the name was just too good to pass up! With the 6 new versatile limited edition eyeshadow shades in the La Bohème Eyeshadow Palette, you’re going to want to pair the La Bohème Aqua Eyes in a new Matte Dark Brown Shade, aptly named Gypsy!

The La Boheme Rouge Artist Natural limited edition shades are Red Coral and Peach Beige. Packed with a romantic shimmer, the lipstick is also a moisturizing formula and gives lips that extra amped-up quality.

The 6 shades come in a new baked formula for a wet and dry application. Enriched with mineral powders and a high concentration of pearl, these luminous shades offer a pearly or sparkle finish with the colour intensity you desire. To get a luminous and natural result, apply your shades with a dry sponge applicator or brush. For more impactful and intense colour and a glam finish, moisten the sponge applicator or brush slightly before applying the product.

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AN OCTAVE

HIGHER

MEN TREAT YOUR SENSITIVE SKIN Sick of razor burn and blemish-type irritation? Nivea for Men’s Sensitive Skin range leaves you hydrated and soothed- all day long!

TO SERVE + PROTECT PRE-SHAVE

Guys, you’ve got 2 choices: Gel and Cream.

The gel formula is ideal for a combination to oily skin and has a bracing effect while still protecting the skin from micro-nicks and small cuts that make the skin so irritated afterward. Laden with chamomile and vitamin care, it’s your skin solution.

The cream formula is ideal for a drier skin and uses a micro-foam chock full of pure chamomile and minerals that soften course facial hair while simultaneously hydrating and allowing for a close shave.

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AFTER HOURS!

FINISHING IT OFF POST-SHAVE

The Sensitive After Shave Balm + After Shave Fluid • calm the skin • reduce redness • prevent irritations • alleviate skin dryness after shaving

SPECS

Formulated with chamomile, vitamin E and provitamin B5, you’re going to use a dime to quarter sized amount of the alcohol-free formula. The texture of both products are light and are quickly absorbed into the skin- leaving your skin revitalized and soothed.

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A SMILE + A SONG GET BRIGHT SNOW WHITES WITH B-WHITE

BY GINA GABRIEL EL-FADY

B-White, the newest teeth whitening concept in Lebanon, seemed a bit too good to be true, so we tried it out ourselves.

Known abroad as Beaming White, the procedure has been brought to Lebanon

by Laurent Farah, Operations Manager of B-White.

I for one, run a mile whenever I have to visit a dentist, so the thought of having that added unnecessary pain to have my teeth

whitened wouldn’t have occurred to me. I was guaranteed an excellent result without any discomfort or downtime. The entire procedure takes under an hour from start to finish and I had a whiter, brighter smile afterward with no discomfort whatsoever.

The price of treatment depends on the area but ranges between $60 and $100.

In return, the customer gets a 45 minute session under the treatment light, split into 20 and 25 minute intervals, B-White product to take home for personal use and maintenance, and a glowing smile. I must say that I felt the results were obvious within the first 20 minutes. Get this and more without visiting the dentist to undergo medical treatment- it is a non-invasive procedure involving the use of the latest technology in cosmetic enhancement of one’s appearance.

Tip: Be sure to have done all the eating and drinking before having your B-White session. Don’t make the mistake I did of booking my lunch date afterward, as it is suggested that you avoid food and beverages for four hours post treatment.

Only water allowed! Also, be aware that B-White does not enhance the appearance of caps, bridges or false teeth.

Verdict: I will definitely return for another session.

PEROXIDE-FREE | NON-INVASIVE | PAINLESS | BETWEEN 30 - 45 MINUTE TIMELINE | DOES NOT REQUIRE GUM PROTECTION | SAFE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN | APPROVED FOR USE IN NORTH AMERICA + EUROPE

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WHITER WHITE DO’S • Do eat before the treatment because for best results, you’ll want to stay away from eating and drinking for four hours afterward.

• Do have a follow-up treatment.

• Do expect teeth to be four shades whiter.

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GOODWILL GIFTS

BY SABINA LLEWELLYN-DAVIES

This Mother’s Day RAGMAG wants you to think about 2 things: Giving a unique gift, and giving one that has a trickledown effect of charity in the community. Whether you plan on spending a little or a lot, you’ve got tons of choices for gifts that will simultaneously stand out and

help out. This is our fifth segment of Goodwill Gifts, check out past issues online for the ones you missed!

If you know of a charitable organization that should be listed in our next Goodwill Gifts segment, let us know by emailing us at editor@ragmaglive.com

NAMLIEH

Namlieh, tucked away behind a huge leafy tree just around the corner from the Beirut National Museum, is easy to miss but well worth a visit. This shop was set up as an outlet to sell natural products made by rural women’s cooperatives from all over Lebanon. The sales will improve the livelihood of their families. Namlieh is actually the Arabic name for a traditional wooden cupboard characterized by a wire mesh screen used for preserving and storing food in pre-electricity days.

So, expect the traditional rural products such as jam, pickles, syrups, herbs, dried fruits and biscuits, as well as olive oil and soaps. Also, handicrafts such as ecofriendly pottery, traditional embroidery and linen decorated with delicate cross-stitch patterns. Namlieh can also prepare baskets with loads of healthy yummies which make wonderful gifts. By purchasing these goods you’ll support women’s cooperatives all over Lebanon. You’ll also benefit from homemade healthy traditional products free from artificial additives and preservatives. namlieh.com

CARITAS

Caritas has a long and credible track record of charitable action worldwide.

Caritas, the Latin word for charity, was founded in 1897 in Freiburg, Germany and now figures among the world’s largest humanitarian networks, working in 200 different countries. In 1972, it set up a branch in Lebanon to meet increasing social needs as a result of the civil war and to provide basic food supplies for needy families. To support their initiatives, buy items made by children with specific needs whom are cared for by Caritas, including candles, porcelain, ceramics, chocolate and more. And soon Caritas will be launching a sponsorship program online through which you can support individual children. caritas.org.lb

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TOMS

TOMS shoes, the brain child of American Blake Mycoskie, have become a musthave item for followers of fashion with a conscience. It all started when Mycoskie visited Argentina for a vacation a few years ago. He noticed how many of the children in the villages were barefoot as they could not afford shoes. As a result they were at risk from soil-transmitted diseases, cuts and infections and went without education as they were often not allowed to attend school barefoot. Mycoskie decided to make a difference and created TOMS Shoes; for every pair of shoes sold, a pair of new shoes is given to a child in need. To date TOMS has given over a 1 million pairs of shoes to children in need in 20 countries around the world. Get them online or in Beirut at Plum Concept. toms.com

SNOOZE

Snooze just a little bit longer and be cause conscious by sending someone this brilliant application as a gift to power charity donations. Snooze, is an iOS app which acts as an alarm clock app for your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. It pledges 25 cents of your money to charity every time you hit the snooze button. Users can set a desired charity and the app will calculate how many times you hit snooze. A great way to do some good and motivate your loved one to get up on time…or if you decide to have a lie in at least your snooze will go to a good cause. The only downside is that the charities listed are all based abroad, but, maybe a Lebanese cause will be added pretty soon. letgive.com

M.A.C. COSMETICS VIVA GLAM

M.A.C. Cosmetics VIVA GLAM was established in 1994 at a time when knowledge and tolerance of AIDS and HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) was still quite limited. The objective was to donate a whooping hundred percent of proceeds from the sales of limited edition cosmetic items to support men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS. The most recent limited edition shade of nude lipstick and gloss (which by the way should be in everyone’s makeup case right now), was inspired by Lady Gaga. Well, what’s good enough for a star whose videos online have been viewed by a massive 1.2 billion, and who has around 7.9 million followers on Twitter, is good enough for us! Plus buying these products is the equivalent of donating directly to charity. maccosmetics.com

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Photography by DAVE KAI PIPER BURGUNDY SKIRT H&M | SOCKS H&M | ANAT CLOG BOOT ALL SAINTS | TOPSHOP CAPE | SHORTS H&M | TIGHTS H&M | LEATHER SKIRT H&M | SOCKS H&M | ALL SAINTS SHIRT | BLACK PETREL BRODIE TROUSERS | CLEAR FRAMED GLASSES H&M | COATS PRIMARK, VINTAGE | SUNGLASSES H&M

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MIX N’ MATCH

REAL RUNWAY RALPH LAUREN FW 20112/2013

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RAGMAG SHOWS YOU HOW TO REPLICATE THAT RUNWAY TREND! SEE OUR TAKES ON HOW TO MAKE THE READY TO WEAR, ACTUALLY WEARABLE STYLED BY STEPHANIE AOUN

COSTUME NATIONAL SS 2012

Van Cleef and Arpels Le Bal du Siecle timepiece

Sun Worship

Ferragamo sunglasses

Sheer Show

Gold Hawk top available at Taten 351000 LBP MARC BY MARC JACOBS FW 2012/2013

Playful Alice McCall dress, ideal for a lunch date.

Available at Label Queen 1185000 LBP

MARCHESA FW 2012/2013

Playing with Patches Pull & Bear 79000 LBP

Dotted shirt available at Zara 79000 LBP

Scoop Away Get this Anne Valerie Hash sweater at Taten 594000 LBP

The loose cut of these pants

by Anne Valerie Hash makes all the difference. Taten 690000 LBP

Money Maker

Burberry men’s wallet

Double Time

Faux crocodile leather bag available at Zara for 135000LBP

ROGER DUBUIS Pulsion Chronograph in black titanium

Seasonal DO Zara 99000 LBP

Winter Wonder

Van Cleef and Arpels Guirlande necklace Bal du Palais d’hiver

Burberry bangle

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Valentino sunglasses Emilio Pucci bag 3330000 LBP

Cut Loose

Bershka 49000LBP

Burberry scarf

MARC BY MARC JACOBS FW 2012/2013

Triptych Bershka 35000 LBP

MICHAEL KORS FW 2012/2013

Star of the Show Van Cleef and Arpels Bagues Abstraction Le Bal Black and White

Angle Angel DVF PRE-FALL

Flattering pattern on this dress. Bershka 59000 LBP

V-Talk Bershka 45000 LBP

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Best Boots Emilio Pucci at Taten 937500 LBP

BCBG MAX AZRIA FW 2012/2013

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ROBERTO CAVALLI FW 2012/2013

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Baby’s Got Blue Eyes Manish Arora dress.

Taten 2605000 LBP

Palace Power

Van Cleef and Arpels Irene earrings Le Bal du Palais d’hiver

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN PRE-FALL

Tiffany Celebration® rings in platinum

Sultry Silks

Dinner, Anyone?

Bershka 35000 LBP

Alice McCall dress available at Label Queen 1110000 LBP

Alice Mccall pants Label Queen 750000 LBP

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN PRE-FALL

Sparkle in My Eye Van Cleef and Arpels Bauta Decor ring Le Bal du Siecle

Highway to Heaven

Jimmy Choo Koko sandals 1965000 LBP

Cinch This!

Pull & Bear 75000 LBP

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emperor’s new clothes

ELISA SEDNAOUI UNLEASHING THE TIGER INSIDE We like Elisa Sednaoui as the face of Roberto Cavalli’s newest fragrance for women. In anticipation of the April 2012 launch, the signing was recently announced by Coty Prestige (a division of Coty Inc.). The agreement with Elisa Sednaoui as the face of the new fragrance campaign promises to be the strongest visual campaign by the group yet.

Born in Italy, Sednaoui spent her first 6 years in Egypt. The charismatic beauty is a rising Italian actress and model who has appeared on the covers of several prestige magazines. The model’s screen career includes the French movie “Bus Palladium” directed by Christopher Thompson and will be in David Manuli’s Italian adaptation of “The Legend of Kaspar Hauser” with Vincent Gallo and “L’amour dure trois ans”, an adaptation of Frédéric Beigbeder’s bestseller. Her artistic personality also lends itself to music (on a project with French composer Thomas Roussel) and in film (with a documentary on Egypt that she directed herself).

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ELISA SEDNAOUI BLACK + WHITE PORTRAIT BY CHINELLATOPHOTO / SHUTTERSTOCK

“Elisa is self-confident and she has an amazing personality. She has got this animal side, she is enthusiastic, really sexy with a stunning body and hypnotic eyes. She is the woman every woman would like to be, so she is the real Cavalli woman,” said Roberto Cavalli, President of Roberto Cavalli house.

Sednaoui is the niece of the famous photographer Stephane Sednaoui and the goddaughter of the French footwear

designer Christian Louboutin. “At Cavalli house, I feel like I have a tiger inside,” said Elisa Sednaoui. “I’m blessed and very grateful to have the opportunity to be the face of the Roberto Cavalli fragrance, it’s a real honour”. She has signed on to do both the print and TV ads for the Roberto Cavalli fragrance which involves a worldwide campaign with Johan Renck as the film director and Steven Klein as the ad print photographer. “Elisa is the

Cavalli woman. We couldn’t have made a better choice than her. She embodies all the values of Cavalli: Glamour, elegance and sexiness. She definitely doesn’t go unnoticed,” added said Françoise Mariez, SVP International European Marketing Licences, Coty Prestige.

Look for the newest Roberto Cavalli fragrance for women on counters April 2012

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Photography by ODETTE KAHWAGI Styled by JONY MATTA Lighting by ALEXANDRA KAHWAGI Makeup by ELIE ESTEPHAN from institute HALA AJAM Hair by ROGER GABRIEL Models OLGA K. + FREDERIKA OF LIPS AGENCY | NATASHA OF MODE MODEL AGENCY

Instruments courtesy of MOZART CHAHINE

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JOE CHALLITA

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JOE CHALLITA

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JOE CHALLITA

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GEMY BY GEMY MAALOUF

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JOE CHALLITA

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GEMY BY GEMY MAALOUF

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JOE CHALLITA

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JOE CHALLITA

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JOE CHALLITA

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JOE CHALLITA

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GEMY BY GEMY MAALOUF

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GEMY BY GEMY MAALOUF

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GEMY BY GEMY MAALOUF

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JOE CHALLITA

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JOE CHALLITA

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new + now

HAVING A BALL Van Cleef & Arpels continuous dedication to creativity and magnificence offers a strong connection with art and design, leading to support of numerous creative initiatives, the latest being the upcoming Design Days Dubai (DDD) taking place from March 18-21, 2012. As headline supporter of Dubai’s first specialized design exhibition, Van Cleef & Arpels will showcase its latest High Jewellery collection “Bals de LégendeTM” on an aweinspiring themed booth reflecting the true spirit of the collection. This is the first time the collection will be showcased in the Middle East since its launch in Paris. Bals de LégendeTM presents five sets of jewels, inspired by five extraordinary 20th century balls and reflecting the different magnificent experiences of Le Bal du Palais d’Hiver, Le Bal du Siècle, Le Bal Black & White, Le Bal Oriental and Le Bal Proust. Each tells the story of an unforgettable evening, guided by a sparkling feminine dancer who invites us to step into the magical world of these five Bals de LégendeTM. The fairy-tale themed majestic balls took place across the globe and were hosted by prominent members of society with the crème de la crème of guests in attendance, such as Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Salvador Dali. Van Cleef & Arpels interpreted the essence of the balls into bedazzling jewels: Le Bal du Palais d’Hiver

was hosted in 1903 in St Petersburg by Tsarina Alexandra and creations reflect the 17th century Russian Court theme and sumptuous costumes; Le Bal du Siècle was held in Venice in 1951, jewels refer to masquerades and baroque splendor; Truman Capote hosted 1966’s Le Bal Black & White – the collection includes black and white Art Deco inspired jewels suggestive of New York’s architecture; Le Bal Oriental in Paris in 1969 was an ode to Asian vibrancy, colours and richness perfectly mirrored in the mythical creations; lastly, Le Bal Proust of Ferrières in 1971was hosted by Baroness

Marie-Hélène de Rothschild - guests and now Van Cleef & Arpels’ imagination ran with ultimate elegance and precious detail.

Design Days Dubai aims to bring a fresh dimension to the region’s arts and design scene, becoming a flagship regional design event and global forum for attracting leading international design galleries, collectors, designers, critics and curators. The fair, along with world-renowned contemporary art fair Art Dubai will form part of Art Week, a broad programme of cultural events taking place across the UAE in March.

celebrated whiskies in the world developed by the Edrington Group explaining the time-honoured process that makes these expressions a cut above the rest: The Famous Grouse; The Black Grouse; The Macallan 12 YO; The Macallan 18 YO; Highland Park 12 YO; Highland Park 18 YO. The Malt Gallery is a brand portfolio owned by EAM that

represents the main international single Malts brands. It is a platform that activates this category in a concept of “diversity of range, selectiveness of products and interaction with its clientele”. The Malt Gallery reaches all whisky lovers and professionals, offering the most unique and exclusive single malt brands.

BECOMING A MASTER Following its November unveiling of ‘The Malt Gallery’, Ets. Antoine Massoud (EAM) captivated HORECA professionals once again with a master class led by The Macallan Malt Whiskey Brand Ambassador Miss Joy Elliot. The master class which took place on January 13th at Le Gray Hotel in Downtown Beirut, attracted a number of F&B professionals and trade partners from Beirut’s grand hotels, restaurants and bars, that appreciate the premium luxury associated with single malt whiskey. This session revealed the most

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LIVING THE DREAM An extraordinary audiovisual show was presented by T. Gargour & Fils, the exclusive and sole agent of Mercedes-Benz in Lebanon, as a sneak preview to pre-reveal the long-awaited and much anticipated allnew ‘M-Class’ 2013.

This event began with the media accessing the exclusive M-Class lounge via an electronic key card where they were welcomed by a number of T. Gargour & Fils representatives. The lounge, capturing all five senses through music, innovative design elements and a full audiovisual show, gave visitors the chance to personally live the M-class experience and feel its state-ofthe-art technology from both an interior and exterior perspective before its official launch in the market.

Guests were also able to clearly observe the dynamic sporty look, unique features and powerful engine in the third generation of this SUV specially designed by MercedesBenz. An innovative three-dimensional hologram was also available in the lounge to give a futuristic presentation of the vehicle.

Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Cesar Aoun, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz at T. Gargour & Fils, said, “We wanted to give

our media guests a chance to closely and privately experience this car from all of its angles and live its dynamic sporty style after long awaiting its arrival to Beirut through the exclusive ‘M-Class Lounge’.

We are confident that the M-Class, which has succeeded in already attracting a large fan base, will be the primary choice for those looking for the perfect vehicle to meet their passion for driving.”

on the go. To complement the handset, users will have access to a full line of PRADA phone accessories such as a PRADA branded cradle and Bluetooth ear set. Users can also carry their PRADA phone by LG 3.0 in a range of stylish pouches.

Specs: Operating System: Android Gingerbread | Memory: User 8GB |Size: 4.3” | Resolution: WVGA (800 x 480) | NOVA Display: 800 nit | Camera: 8MP | 1.0GHz Dual-Core/ Dual Channel Processor |Battery 1540mAh

FASHION GETS TECHNICAL With a heritage of producing handsets that combine the best in style and substance, PRADA and LG recently introduced the partnership’s latest smartphone, the PRADA phone by LG 3.0. This handset is the third phone to come from the collaboration and represents a key design venture for both companies. LG Electronics (LG) and PRADA also unveiled actor Edward Norton and model Daria Werbowy as the faces of the global advertising campaign to launch the LG PRADA 3.0. The PRADA phone by LG 3.0 combines PRADA’s style with LG’s technology, including one of the biggest and brightest screens in the world. Styled with PRADA’s clean and sharp design philosophy, the handset features a full glossy touchscreen to the front and PRADA’s signature Saffiano pattern to the back, all finished in classic black. This handset also boasts LG’s signature Floating Mass Technology, optically enhancing the thinness of its already impressive 8.5mm depth, with minimal hard keys completing the sleek simple finish. The PRADA phone by LG 3.0 boasts a 1.0GHz Dual-Core/Dual-Channel architecture for high-speed performance, and dual-band Wi-Fi for high-speed surfing

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HOMEGROWN TALENT ABC, the leading retailer in Lebanon, inaugurated its Lebanese designer corner in Dbayeh level 3 new extension, offering a free space to selected Lebanese designers to help them promote their brands. The designer corner follows the grand success of ABC’s 75 years celebration and the massive respond for the 75 limited edition gifts created by Lebanese designers and comes within the department store’s mission to support local talents. The space will promote the latest collections of 18 designers for 3 months offering them ABC’s operational expertise and marketing support. “As the leading Lebanese retailer, ABC believes that one of its missions is to support Lebanese talent. ABC has been part of the Lebanese community for 75 years and believes in giving back to the community,” said Robert Fadel, Chairman and CEO of ABC. “ABC has always been strongly involved in CSR and has been modest in communicating about it. We will not only continue our evolvement but increase it through several projects as we

strongly and sincerely believe in giving back to the community. It is a core value of ABC,” he added. The location features a variety of items, ranging from accessories, handbags, shoes, clothing and housewares by a bevy of participating designers: Atelier Nanou, Atelier

S/Z, Boho, Cocoa & Co, En Ville, Hirafouna/ A4C, Joanna Dahdah, Jojoba, Madame Rêve, Mojo, Nada Talhame, Nada Zeineh, Oumnia, Sarah’s Bag, Syma Beydoun, Smartiz & co, Sunflowers and Yasmeen Farah.

under the hood, the Grand Cherokee SRT8 is never short on power and torque, while extensive technological wizardry and Jeep’s four-wheel-drive traction and utility ensures that all-round performance is on tap - on the race track as well as on the road.” Designed and built using the proven SRT® formula that raises the performance to astonishing levels, the new 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8® runs

from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds, 0-1610 km/h in the mid-16 second range, has a top speed of 257 km/h, and brakes from 100-0 km/h in 35 metres.The Jeep® vehicle line-up in the Middle East comprises the Compass, Grand Cherokee, Cherokee, Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, with the 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 joining the range in early 2012.

SCENE new + now STEALER The most powerful, technologically advanced, high-performance Jeep® vehicle ever - the all-new 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8® - has arrived in Lebanon. Delivering outstanding driving performance in all conditions, and complemented by key SRT® attributes including functional, performance-oriented styling, world-class ride and handling, benchmark braking and race-inspired interior appointments - the 2012 Jeep® Grand Cherokee SRT8® broadens the Jeep vehicle line-up and builds upon the successful launch of the award-winning 2011 Jeep® Grand Cherokee. With a combination of Jeep’s legendary capability and utility, merged with the renowned advanced performance engineering from Chrysler Group LLC’s Street and Racing Technology (SRT) team. “The all-new 2012 Grand Cherokee SRT8 is the ultimate performance SUV, delivering a combination of Jeep capability and utility, world-class performance, luxury and refinement, and advanced innovative technology,” said Jack Rodencal, Managing Director, Chrysler Group Middle East. “Thanks to the big 6.4-litre HEMI

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DO-GOODERS

Ibtissama’s mission is to bring a much needed smile to the faces of hospitalized children in Lebanon. Ibtissama’s Clown Doctors were able to reach and make 9252 bed visits to hospitalized children, most of whom suffer from cancer and other chronic illnesses.

The four hospitals that Ibtissama project currently covers are Rafic Hariri University Hospital, the American University of Beirut Medical Center including St. Jude affiliated Children Cancer Center of Lebanon (CCCL), Hotel-Dieu de France and Makassed General Hospital.

Ibtissama hopes to widen the reach to other hospitals with the increased support of the Lebanese Society. In preparation for its third year of activity and as part of Ibtissama’songoing training program, Mr. Rodrigo Morganti - the head clown trainer of the Theodora Foundation in Switzerland - also known as Dr. Stettoscopio, visited Lebanon for two weeks.

Dr. Stettoscopio also visited the hospitals with Ibtissama’s Clown Doctors, evaluating their work and holding a workshop to further develop their skills. The formation and development of Ibtissama’s Clown Doctors is an on-going process.

For further information contact Project coordinator Ms. Sara Kabbani | Smile Foundation |01/801264 03/915806 | sara.kabbani@ibtissama.org

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CHECK

BY JACQUES TCHABARIAN

Making Mirrors GOTYE Released in Australia way before last Christmas with its smash single “Somebody I Used to Know” dominating worldwide airways, Gotye’s new album has finally been authorized for MENA (its official release for this area was February 13th). Wally De Backer, A.K.A Gotye, took another break from his resident band “The Basics” to concentrate on his first solo project in 5 years. After the experimental mood of his last album, De Backer decided to shift towards the era he felt most comfortable with while recording “Making Mirrors”, meaning the sounds of the 80s with a solid inclination towards New Wave

melodies. Nothing is more indicative of this than the aforementioned single, (in collaboration with Kimbra), where the keyboards and reggae hooks remind us of the heyday of the Police both musically and vocally.

That is not to say that there aren’t other songs in the 12 tracks that can’tcompete with it, namely “Smoke and Mirrors” with its early Peter Gabriel compositions and the ecological awareness hymn of “Eyes Wide Open”, a song that would’ve been at home on any Midnight Oil albums. Let’s just hope that the next time Gotye releases an album, the powers that be will be so kind as to grant us an early release with the rest of the world.

This Is Beirut BOB HOWARD Anybody who partied hard this summer at White Club Beirut has already been exposed to resident DJ Bob Howard’s addictive and unique blend of Progressive House, his tunes tinted with Disco, Jazz and even Reggae flavors keeping clubbers dancing till the wee hours of the morning. Since releasing his first single back in 2006 (found here as the opening track), Bob Howard has progressed along the way with his collaborations on the “Pure White 1” and “2” compilations, ultimately resulting in his first full length release under his own moniker. He is surrounded on this album by a host of many local and international

contributors; Keith Thompson lends his vocals on the blistering “Show Them Love” while Jezz and Elaya participate in “Under My Skin” and “I Wanna Be” respectively. The most stimulating collaboration however comes in the form of Ibiza sax man Ivan M, with his eerie saxophone sounds complementing Bob’s intrepid take on Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece “Swan Lake”, creating an electronic version that is both haunting and fiery at the same time. If you are looking for a dance album that incorporates the love of electronic music mixed with the incomparable nightlife of the Lebanese capital, look no further and pick up your own copy of “This Is Beirut”.

Born To Die LANA DEL REY As a general rule, whenever too much hype is brewed regarding a certain artist or work, the end result tends to be less fulfilling than anticipated. The expectation was so great that Lana Del Rey landed an appearance on Saturday Night Live, making her only the second artist in the history of SNL to perform without having released an album. A part-time model, Del Rey’s first release, although enjoyable, doesn’t really live up to the pomp and celebration the world was preparing itself for (yours truly included). All the elements of a great album are present: A smoky voice straight from the retro 60’s Pop era, orchestral arrangements with

stunning melodies and a production any artist would give it’s right arm to have, are a few essentials found all over the album to make it work, but it still somehow fails to do so. I believe one of the reasons is that a lot of the songs try to imitate the emotional power of the dazzling first single on the album “Video Games”, but don’t (that song being a phenomenon that sparked said hype in the first place). Del Rey tries to break the monotony by dressing up her singing and even trying to rap on one song, but to no avail. All this however will not stop the album from being a huge hit due to its now iconic single, but that will be for the wrong reasons. Just saying!

For the Good Times THE LITTLE WILLIES It is not often that I review a Country/Rock album, especially when there is more inclination towards Country then Rock. This cover band is fronted by none other than Ms.Norah Jones herself and has a way of getting into your psyche- smoothly upping your mood whether you like it or not. This is due to all the years of jamming together to tunes that they collectively liked, bringing each individual’s persona into the songs.

The covered and original songs coexist peacefully and harmonize each other perfectly, some having a jazzier feel (but mostly toned in a new fresh country

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atmosphere). This is where the strength of the Little Willies lies; some of the songs here have been covered extensively, “Jolene” by Dolly Parton being a prime example, but this cover stands out from the other takes as it leaves you with a sense that everything is going to be ok at the end. Other big names covered in this album include Johnny Cash’s humorous “Wide Open Road”, Kris Kristofferson’s rousing “For the Good Times” and Willie Nelson’s “If You’ve Got the Money, I’ve Got the Time”. I hope you’ve got the money and time to buy this album, if you’re looking for something sweet and relaxing.

read’em and

weep

BY AMAL CHAABAN

Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain

Oliver Sacks, M.D.

Why you should read this book Music makes the world go round

It is easy to see why this book was both a NYT bestseller and chosen as one of 2007’s best books by both the Washington Post and Amazon. In this book, Dr. Oliver Sacks brings us tales of music and the brain that will make the reader re-examine how they interact with music.

In Musicophilia, we are taken into the world of auditory (musical) hallucinations, a world of people who suddenly develop musical talent where before they had none. Using case studies and scientific methodology, Dr. Sacks maps out how much of the brain is activated when music is involved. According to Sacks, when listening to music,

several parts of our brain play a role not just one as previously thought. When speaking of musical hallucinations, the author alternates between clinical interest and deep sympathy. For as nice as it sounds to always have a tune playing in your head, the reality is very different as evidenced by one woman who said she thought she was going insane. The other interesting thing about musical hallucinations is that the vast majority of them tend to take the form of themes, popular music or sometimes hymns and patriotic music. This book plays music for a whole new ear, even for those who are tone deaf.

Hystera

Leora Skolkin-Smith

Why you should read this book

The state of your mental health is deceptive and relative

Someone once said that literature is either weighty and wise or interesting and captivating. Skolkin-Smith puts this to rest in Hystera. Lilly is a student in the 1970’s at Sarah Lawrence College who experiences her life slip away from her in short mental breaks.One night, she swallows too many pills mixed with alcohol and then checks herself in to the psychiatric ward at the state hospital. What follows there is a collage of sights, feelings and sounds as Lilly attempts to both fit in with the patients yet keep some part of herself essentially separate. Lilly’s parents are both

alive and her mother figures very heavily in her illness though it is only hinted at until Lilly is unable to avoid her at a random meeting. As Lilly journeys (sometimes very unwillingly) back to a healthy mental state, she alternates between fear of herself, fear of her body that strangely borders on paranoia regarding other’s intentions towards her and a stubborn belief that she deserves punishment for a tragic occurrence many years prior.

This book is a tragically beautiful reminder of how fragile mental health really is.

The Demi-Monde: Winter

Rod Rees

Why you should read this book

Sometimes computer simulations can take on a life of their own

Meet ABBA, the most sophisticated computer in the world designed by the British to give American soldiers virtual reality training. ABBA has created a world called The Demi-Monde that has taken on a life of its own. Originally designed to feel like a real-world hostile environment for soldiers, it has quickly developed far beyond the control of its masters. So much so that when the American President’s daughter goes missing inside the DemiMonde, a young girl is recruited to go in and find her. It is

made clear part way through the beginning why it must be this girl and no other and that reasoning is scary indeed. Inside the Demi-Monde, she will face monsters from history made flesh and have to survive them in order to collect what she has been promised. Rod Rees writes a masterful book that is part science fiction, part history and all action. He has a distinctive turn of phrase and is able to inject life into his characters without making them all sound the same. This book will make you look at virtual gaming in a whole new light.

The Twisted Thread

Charlotte Bacon Why you should read this book

Beauty and privilege can mask some very ugly truths

Welcome to Armitage, a private school where the rich and beautiful come to mix, mingle and learn with others in their class. The school itself is a thing of beauty, set in a bucolic small town that is rocked by the death of one of its star pupils. The death isn’t the worst of it to the towsfolk- it’s revealed early on that immediately prior to her death, this student gave birth to a baby boy. When she is discovered, the baby is missing. What follows is a tale that is beautifully twisted. You’ll get to know teachers who are more interested

in securing themselves in positions they’ve held for years, a cop with a chip on his shoulder about the school, an intern teacher who just wants to get the hell out and a headmaster bent on preserving the school’s image. Add to the mix a group of girls that are part of a group called Robespierre (yes, that Robespierre) and you have a psychological thriller on your hands. There are very few clichés in this book and it is so well written that the author can get away with them. Get this one, now.

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playNICE

see, speak, +hear no evil

BY ADAM VOLK

PlayStation Vita

Developer Sony Platforms Handheld Gaming Console Handheld gaming has come a long ways from the early monochromatic days of the Nintendo Game Boy. Today’s pint-sized consoles - such the PlayStation Portable and Nintendo 3DS - are slick, cutting-edge devices that double as video players, phones and communication devices that can plug in to social media and the web. Now Sony is upping the ante with the PlayStation Vita, a piece of hardware that will have both techno-geeks and gamers salivating in anticipation. The system incorporates a back touchpad (a first for these kind of devices), dual

analog sticks and a processor that literally blows away the competition in terms of graphical power.

Of course, the Vita is also about more than just gaming, offering both front and rear facing cameras and Wifi and 3G capabilities. That’s not to say that the Vita is without its flaws. There’s no internal memory or removable batteries and the £197.99 base model price tag is a little steep, but for gamers looking to get their fix on the go, the Vita marks the next evolutionary step forward in handheld consoles.

Twisted Metal

Publisher Sony Computer Entertainment | Developer Eat Sleep Play Platforms PlayStation 3 Twisted Metal - the latest reboot of the popular game series - proves something that redneck NASCAR fans have known for years: crashing cars into each other and watching them explode is awesome. Yes, vehicular mayhem just happens to be the main objective in Twisted Metal, a game which puts players behind the wheel of various weaponized cars and turns them loose on one another. It’s a simple premise, yet still incredibly addictive and entertaining, with the series also getting a much needed graphical

polish on the PlayStation 3. Long-time Twisted Metal fans will also recognize the return of various characters (and their vehicles) and while there is a ridiculously cheesy story mode to blast through, Twisted Metal really shines when it comes to multiplayer combat. The latter offers up a variety of local and online game modes, with the option for up to 16-players to determine who will be the last man driving. The end result is an action-packed racing shooter that offers enough automotive carnage to give even an insurance broker a heart attack.

SSX

Publisher EA Sports | Developer EA Canada | Platforms PS 3, Xbox 360 Okay, so Beirut isn’t exactly known for its abundant supply of snowboarding (you need to head up to the mountains for that). That doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the rush of launching yourself down a suicidally high mountain and slicing through a little snow. In SSX - the latest entry in the popular downhill racing series - players can experience the rush of a variety of real-world locales, with the game using NASA generated data to faithfully recreate 27 geographically accurate mountains. Visually the game is stunning, letting players

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning

Publisher 38 Studios/Big Huge Games | Developer Electronic Arts At first glance, Kingdoms of Amalur might seem like a diet, watered-down version of Lord of the Rings, what with its generic blend of elves, dragons and magic.

But scratch beneath Amalur’s Dungeons & Dragons veneer and you’ll find a surprisingly decent roleplaying game that might be lacking in the originality department, but more than makes up for it with some entertaining gameplay. Like most Western-style roleplaying games Amalur begins by letting players create their character from a variety of races, classes and

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cut through powder in such famous peaks such as the Himalayans and the Canadian Rockies. The controls are also rock solid, allowing you to leap out of helicopters, outrun avalanches, pull off jumps and carry out gravity defying stunts. The game also includes a variety of customizable game modes, including a robust online multiplayer component.

SSX is one snowboarding simulator that’s so realistic, you might just want to slap on your thermal underwear before playing just to be on the safe side.

| Platforms Xbox 360, PS3

abilities. From there, you’re free to explore exotic locations, take on quests, gather treasure and battle monsters. Of course, there’s also a largely forgettable storyline cobbled together using George R. R. Martin and Tolkien clichés that will soak up a good 40 to 50 hours of your time. Amalur stands out, however, because of its inspired use of combat and character development, both of which favor strategy and tactics over mindless button mashing. The end result is a game that might seem a little dull, but offers up gameplay so entertaining, even Gandalf himself would approve.

watch out

BY ADAM VOLK

Release dates based on amazon.co.uk

Hugo | DVD & Blu-ray | 128 mins Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen, Asa Butterfield Release Date: March 26 Martin Scorsese has made a name for himself by tackling the seedy underbelly of humanity, but in Hugo the legendary director proves that he’s more than the up to the task of creating an impeccably told family film that will resonate with audience members of all ages. Based on the novel by Brian Selznick, the Academy Award nominated (and very likely Oscar winning) film follows the exploits a young boy named Hugo Cabret, who lives alone in a railway station in 1930s Paris. Eking out a hand-to-mouth

existence within the walls of the station, Hugo is obsessed with repairing a strange automaton which his father (played by Jude Law) left him shortly before his death.

But when Hugo befriends a young girl, he soon discovers that life outside the railway station walls is teeming with both danger and adventure. Charming, sweet and visually stunning, Hugo is easily one of the best films of 2011 and a surprising new entry in Scorsese’s already impressive repertoire of cinematic achievements.

The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn | DVD & Blu-ray

| 107 mins

Jamie Bell, Andy Serkis, Daniel Craig Release Date: March 19

America has Charlie Brown. Britain has Andy Capp.

But in Europe, the spiky-haired Tintin - created by Belgian artist Hergé - has become the comic book de rigueur, appearing in countless graphic novels, television shows and films. Now Tintin is back in yet another outing, thanks to Director Steven Spielberg and producer Peter Jackson. The 3D animated film follows the adventures of the titular Tintin, a plucky young reporter who is always on the lookout for a good story and is accompanied everywhere by his

faithful dog Snowy. But when Tintin stumbles upon a model replica of a 17th century sailing ship, he’s soon being hunted by shadowy agents and finds himself on the trail of a missing treasure horde. With a smart script, solid voice acting and jaw dropping animation, The Adventures of Tintin: The Secret of the Unicorn is an action-packed family film that will likely appeal to audiences of all ages and seems destined to spawn a whole new generation of die-hard Tintinophiles.

Immortals | DVD & Blu-ray

| 110 mins Henry Cavill, Stephen Dorff, Luke Evans Release Date: March 5 Greek mythology and history has long been a source of inspiration for Hollywood, with everything from Clash of the Titans to 300 owing an armor-plated debt to the Gods of Mount Olympus. Greek legend also happens to be the focus of Immortals, the latest film from avant-garde director Tarsem Singh. The film follows the slow-motion sword n’ sandals exploits of Theseus (played by Henry “Look ma! I’m Superman” Cavill), a mighty warrior who finds himself a pawn of both the Gods and the army of the evil king Hyperion after his family and village are

brutally destroyed. Unfortunately, while the film’s visuals are absolutely gorgeous - think Lady Gaga music video meets Renaissance painting - the story is more than a little lacking, with a meandering plot that never really goes anywhere and characters it’s hard to relate to or really care about. As a special effects laden work of slick cinematography, Immortals is a work of epic proportions. It’s just too bad the script is harder to stomach than a plate of two-week old chicken souvlaki.

Contagion | DVD & Blu-ray | 106 mins Marion Cotillard, Matt Damon, Kate Winslet Release Date: March 5 Everyone knows that getting sick sucks. The coughing, the runny nose, the aches, pains and constant chugging of cough syrup. Director Steven Soderbergh, however, shows us just how sucky getting sick can really be in Contagion, an ultra-realistic portrayal of an out-of-control viral epidemic. Unlike other Hollywood films, however, Contagion skips the clichéd melodrama and cheesy one-liners, instead following an ensemble cast of characters who are dealing with deadly global plague that’s disturbing in its authenticity (with Soderbergh and screenwriter Scott Z. Burns

interviewing real world epidemiologists to develop the script). Contagion also offers a frighteningly realistic look at how the media and governments might respond if such an event were actually to occur. In this sense, the film isn’t so much about a devastating plague as it is about the self-destructive nature of humanity itself. The end result is a terrifying, entertaining and expertly told film. It might be a little disturbing, but like that awesome YouTube video of that auto-tuned dancing cat, Contagion is also one viral video that’s worth watching.

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WORLDVISION This issue, we are replacing World Vision, the blogger review column by Lebanon’s Blog Aggregator Liliane Assaf, by a recap and some images from the first annual #GetTogether001 which celebrated Lebanese bloggers and tweeps. The party was attended by over 150 of the online community here in Lebanon. Held at AltCity in Hamra, the event was catered by Zaatar w Zeit. The first speaker of the event was a representative of Communicate Levant, Vanessa Khalil, who spoke about Communicate’s view of blogging. RAGMAG’s Editor Fida Chaaban

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spoke about the relevance of blogging in Lebanon to keep things transparent and highlight media inconsistencies. They were followed by Greg Ohanessian of LBC Blogs who added that news has evolved from a one way stream to a more interactive give and take format. Thank you Liliane for contributing to RAGMAG every issue and singling out bloggers of note. We’re proud to have you as part of RAGMAG’s team. Bloggers, keep reading RAGMAG and talk to us via social media- we’re honoured to take part in your conversations!

PHOTOGRAPHY JASON ZAMORA

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WIN THIS FLYDUBAI GETS YOU AIRBORNE! ME+MOM+RAGMAG

RAGMAG AND FLYDUBAI ARE TEAMING UP. NOT ONLY ARE WE CELEBRATING THEIR 50TH DESTINATION, WE’RE GOING FULL OUT SINCE IT’S MOTHER’S DAY! The affordable Dubai-based carrier recently announced that they’ve added their 50th hotspot to their already lengthy list of locations. Expanding its operational route network to 28 countries across the GCC, Middle East, North Africa, Indian subcontinent, Asia and Central and Eastern Europe, the airline is the first to offer direct flights to Central Asia’s Kyrgyzstan, strengthening ties between the UAE and Kyrgyzstan. flydubai set the pace for its network expansion from the outset. It began operations on 1 June 2009 with a full flight of 189 passengers bound for Beirut and a commitment to make a flying little less complex, a little less stressful and a little less expensive. Announced by the Government of Dubai in March 2008, 132 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

the vision for the airline was to provide a low cost alternative on already popular routes from Dubai, such as Beirut, as well as to open up destinations that were underserved by direct air links to the UAE, such as Tbilisi, Georgia. flydubai has since established one of the industry’s strongest Middle East networks, forged new trends by targeting destinations that did not previously have international flights such as Abha, Gassim and Yanbu in KSA and become the first to offer direct flights to destinations such as Samara in Russia and now Bishkek in the Kyrgyz Republic. flydubai was also the first low cost carrier to start operations to airports

such as Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, Yerevan in Armenia and Baku in Azerbaijan. flydubai’s dynamic growth and pioneering attitude in the aviation industry has not gone unnoticed, with the airline winning a number of plaudits including being named Low Cost Airline of the Year at both the Business Traveller Middle East Awards and Aviation Business Awards 2011. “We have come a long way from our first flight to Beirut in 2009 but we are not resting on our laurels. We will continue to expand our route network, fleet and services and incorporate ground-breaking systems; maintaining our growth trajectory while setting the bar amongst the region’s airlines,” added Ghaith Al Ghaith, flydubai’s CEO

LEAVING ON A JET PLANE 50 WAYS TO MAKE YOU SMILE!

take me with you

Want to know where you can go with flydubai? Check out the list right here.

For more info, you’re going to visit www.flydubai.com

FLY ME TO THE MOON… OKAY, MAYBE NOT THAT FAR! WHAT YOU COULD WIN

One very lucky RAGMAG reader is going to be awarded a round trip for 2 (taxes included) to any of their 50 destinations! flydubai is even going to let us pick the winner! You and one guest can choose your destination within a period of 6 months and RAGMAG is going to help you get there. Moms out there- don’t forget we suggested that you be the number 1 guest choice!

HOW YOU CAN WIN

We want to hear why you deserve this trip for two. We want you to really, really mean it! You could write about you + your mom. You could write about you + RAGMAG. Or better yet, you could write about ME + MOM + RAGMAG. Get creative, if you know RAGMAG you know we love being different than everyone else out there!

In 150 words or less, you’re going to email your very best reasons to letterstotheeditor@ragmaglive.com

In your 150 words, you must include • Your destination • The reasons you deserve this free trip • Who you intend to take with you. (One of your favorite RAGMAG staffers perhaps? Just kidding!) Take your mom!

RULES + RESTRICTIONS

Since this is the first time we’ve held strictly a writing contest, you are all free to enter! The flights must be redeemed in the 6 month period from the date of winner announcement. The tickets are non-transferable. You CAN use your guest ticket for anyone at all, but we prefer that you spoil your mom- just saying! (But that won’t alter the way we judge your entry.)

Now get your game on! Happy Mother’s Day from flydubai + RAGMAG!

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take me with you

ORCHESTRATING DRAMA

BY ALICE HLIDKOVA

Tufts of paper erode under rows of champagne glasses, yellowing the cloth that has been pinned under wooden table edges with Victorian sterling silver clasps. The glasses tremble slightly as engines throttle on cresting tides.

The bay is choked with yachts, each displaying a nimbus of celebrity. From the decks comes a racket of Italian and French muttering, their orchestration contributing to the drama of the French Riviera.

Covering seventy-five miles between Saint-Tropez and the Italian border, the Riviera is the velvet rope that ties together glamorous titles, pulling them to a lasting up-beatitude. The sea retreat has spoiled the poster children of Hollywood and olive-skinned models of Eastern Europe, hyperactive financiers of status and photographers of ambition, becoming nothing more than an elitist playground to while away their days.

Many notables share a common mannerism inside glazed restaurants and identical strides within marbled palaces. But soon they take refuge along ribbons of golden sand, running down the Mediterranean shoreline like runway strips, pebbled with stones, some as tiny as pearls, others as large as their de rigeur Ferrari’s stick shift.

COVERING SEVENTYFIVE MILES BETWEEN SAINT-TROPEZ AND THE ITALIAN BORDER, THE RIVIERA IS THE VELVET ROPE THAT TIES TOGETHER GLAMOROUS TITLES, PULLING THEM TO A LASTING UP-BEATITUDE THE ORCHESTRA ISSUE

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: BRIGITTE BARDOT IN SAINT-TROPEZ, PICASSO’S HOUSE IN VALLAURIS, PICASSO IN VALLAURIS

For as long as anyone can remember, it was starlet Bridgette Bardot that transformed the image of Saint-Tropez with her arrival in 1956 for the shoot, And God Created Women. Truthfully, it was French neo-impressionist Paul Signac who surfaced, breathing easily, in Saint-Tropez. Signac stretched his arms out to his friends, among them fellow French painter Henri Matisse.

Provoked by pleasant light falling on serene landscapes, they painted and paved way for new works illuminated with dissonant colors unfamiliar to their subjects.

In recent years Saint-Tropez adopted a less colourful identity: “St. Trop”, in French meaning “too much”—an unfavourable contrast between ripened beauties drowned in self-destruction to aging starlets stitched with plastic. In the summer months, the population triples, and as an escape from the hubbub, nearby vineyards act as a safe refuge.

The atmosphere is duplicated in Cannes during the International Film Festival.

The apex of resort towns, Cannes, breeds wealthy clouts, yuppies and wasps, relying on “wasta”- the Lebanese term for connections. They bring their demands, their hissing, to the Promenade de la Croisette, dressed with palm trees and elegant flowers.

At the end of the boulevard, near moored pleasure boats and gliding water skiers, emerges a new chapter in glamour: Casinos filled with loyal

customers, promising instant gains.

Thousands of roses nod toward the sun; their beds spread across Parc de la Roseraie nearby. Tiny squares also bathe in the sun, shadowing 18th century homes overlooking the old port awaiting self-conscious crowds.

Pablo Picasso periodically escaped to a nearby town of Vallauris, spurring a resurgence of activity when he settled there in 1947. His whimsical ceramic pieces parallel the beauty of the tunnel-like medieval chapel of the former priory he decorated, titling the fresco, War and Peace. He traveled east to the crumbling old Greek port of Antibes, banqueted with fishing and rose trading, before burying himself in The Château Grimaldi. Inside the 12th century old villa, many of his paintings, pottery, and lithographs inspired by sea and Greek mythology are safeguarded.

PABLO PICASSO PERIODICALLY ESCAPED TO A NEARBY TOWN OF VALLAURIS, SPURRING A RESURGENCE OF ACTIVITY WHEN HE SETTLED THERE IN 1947

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BELOW: VIEW OF ST. TROPEZ

take me with you

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take me with you

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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: THE TOWN OF EZE, OLD BUILDING IN EZE, CACTUS BOTANICAL PARK IN MONTE CARLO

BELOW: MONTE CARLO MARINA

The Cap d’Antibes peninsula is kissed with rich deposits of vegetation spread two miles wide. From most of the available surface at Pointe Bacon, a striking view of Baie de Angeles (Bay of Angels) advances toward the city of Nice. Cushioned atop Plateau de la Garoupe, among frescoed vistas, fortified medieval towns perch on mountaintops similar to those discovered in the Italian province of Tuscany.

One such town is Grasse, populated with rose and lavender fields, which supplies a local fragrance factory that fills most of the nation’s high-retailed perfume bottles. Painters Matisse and Pierre-Auguste Renoir captured endless hours of sunrays burning over the pregnant fields, translating its shading on canvas. Grasse had

been a leather-producing town but as soon as people demanded scented leather products, the city began cultivating flowers and distilling essences. Miraculously the small town supplies three-fourths of the world’s essences, from wild lavender and jasmine, violets and daffodils, found in perfumeries as near as Paris and as far as Damascus.

Another medieval hill town roasting on a rocky spur, past a few deep gorges, is a town called Eze. Beyond the 14th century gate, craftsmen stubbornly direct its cobbled streets decorated with vaulted passageways and stairs, spreading their scented soap and intricate crafts for sale. A short escape from the throbbing headache of the art scene, is the exciting Principality of Monaco covering as many acres as New

MONACO HOVERS ITS ADMINISTRATION AND FAME UPON MONTE CARLO, SWIMMING LIGHTLY IN GOLDLEAF SPLENDOR TO IMPRESS THE GAMBLE HIDDEN INSIDE GILT-EDGED ROCOCO BUILDINGS

York City’s Central Park. It was here that Sovereign Prince of Monaco, Albert II, claimed the thrown after his father’s death a few years ago. Monaco is also the golden seat of annual Grand Prix, a Formula One Race held to its highest prestige among automobile races across the world.

Monaco hovers its administration and fame upon Monte Carlo, swimming lightly in gold-leaf splendor to impress the gamble hidden inside gilt-edged rococo buildings. Gambling is king in this city, with Reno, Macau, and Atlantic City serving as palace maids. The main gambling hall of Le Grand Casino, formerly known as the European Room has been renamed the American Room, is dusted with public figures worth more than most developing economies.

They flood the coastline with their creamed yachts, stomping their way into the city, like the fleet of Emperor Julius Caesar.

The Riviera strangely draws you in, hinting at of all sorts of hedonistic pastimes. Although the popular tourist destination offers marvelous terms, visiting is a gamble

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eat, drink + be merry

A LITTLE MUSIC

WITH YOUR DINNER! BeirutRestaurants.com for more great suggestions

@b_restaurants

RAGMAG teams up with BeirutRestaurants.com to bring you the restos with some live beats. We’ve included the best options to help you eat drink + be merry for your night on the town or any night you feel like tuning into a live band. We suggest you call ahead to make reservations and avoid disappointment. Planning is everything! BeirutRestaurants.com already did the research, so what are you waiting for? Get whisked away in a sea of sound without leaving Lebanon!

LA BODEGUITA DEL MEDIO

É CAFÉ

Zouk, Souk Ateek - Jbeil +961 9 542224 +961 9 542227 www.eddeyard.com Écafé Sursock

Restaurant Bar Kaslik, Lebanon +961 9 917661 +961 71 444455 www.sennia-lb.com

TITANIC

FIONA’S

EM SHERIF

MYBAR

LA TABLE D’ALFRED RESTAURANT & LOUNGE

Sodeco Street, Beirut +961 70 240140 +961 1 211332 www.labodeguitaliabno.com

International Le Royal Hotel North Maten, Dbayeah Highway +9614555000 www.leroyalbeirut.com

International Berytus Parks, 1344 Park Avenue Beirut Central District +961 1 999608 | +961 70 608999 www.mybar.me @Mybarbeirut MyBarBeirut

140 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

Italian Saifi village Downtown +961 1 985825 +961 3 034200

French 360 Sursock Street Achrafieh, Beirut +961 1 203036 +961 1 203038 www.latabledalfred.com

SENNIA PIANO BAR

Lebanese Victor Hugo Street, Monot, Achrafieh, Beirut +96170919119 +9611207207

THE ANGRY MONKEY

International The Alleyway, Gemmayzeh Beirut +961 1 566376 @The_Alleyway TheAngryMonkey

DOWNTOWN ABC |DBAYEH| ABC |ASHRAFIEH| HAMRA KASLIK MZAAR |KFARDEBIAN| VERDUN CITY MALL LE MALL |SIN EL FIL|

SPINNEYS |HAZMIEH| JBEIL ZAITUNAY BAY

THE ORCHESTRA ISSUE

eyedigits.com

JAL EL DIB

141

eat, drink + be merry

BY YOUMNA CHAGOURY

L

ocated in Le Royal Hotel in Dbayeh, the Titanic is the best example of a piano bar in Lebanon. There’s a bar, there’s a piano, and a few tables around for people who want to dine in. Using an elevator large enough to have room for wheelchairs –finally!- you get to what looks like a round waiting area, and a small passageway that takes you to the dining room.

The Titanic predictably is set in a nautical theme: White paneling, rectangular and circular windows as seen inside ships portside, small round aquariums coming out of one of the walls… and that’s it. Unfortunately, the setting is not kitsch enough. When a restaurant relies on a specific theme for their decoration, they should take it to the extreme. I expected boats and masts and helms, and all I got was a few tiny fish in a bowl.

The romantic atmosphere does however make up for the lack of

142 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

decoration. The tables are simply adorned, with just a candle between the wine glasses and the silver cutlery.

There are enough waiters for the numerous dining tables, which means everyone gets all the attention they need. Once seated, you are brought snacks to nibble on with your drink while ordering and waiting for your food.

Divided into a few sections like salads and entrées, meat, poultry and fish, the menu is as simple as can be. They don’t have a long list to choose from, which is really good for so many reasons: You don’t get lost, you quickly make up your mind, the chef can focus on each and every dish he creates…

What immediately drew my attention was the novelty of their dishes. Grilled shrimp with black risotto, goat cheese and salmon méli-mélo, chicken with an Asian spices twist… These are all dishes you rarely find, especially in such high-end restaurants. I tasted a

bit of the shrimp ceviche, the sushi, the Australian grain-fed beef steak, the cheese and salmon entrée, and I have to say, it was all delicious. The portions are regular, so if you’re in for the full treat, go for either a shared entrée or a shared main dish, so you can save room for dessert The +

+ The party atmosphere. On weekends, their live entertainment with a one-man show singing French, English, Spanish and Italian songs followed by Hiba Mounzer (www.hibamounzer. com) will get you off your feet and onto the dance floor. + The creativity in the dishes. I expected something much more classic, and I was pleasantly surprised. Their chef masters the art of mixing different flavors in the same dish. + The dessert cart. As simple as the menu plus you get to see the desserts before you pick one.

The –

- When I order food, I know when enough is enough. The waiter, though just wanting to be helpful, should under no circumstance tell a costumer his order is too big.

Listen To Your Palate Titanic Piano Bar Le Royal Hotel, Dbayeh 04/555000 www.leroyalbeirut.com

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143

PHOTOGRAPHY LEILA ROUMANI

ENTER THE WORLD OF A YOUNG WOMAN, WHO DESPITE HER AGE, KNOWS A THING OR TWO ABOUT FINE DINING

WELCOME TO SOPHIE’S WORLD

BY SABINA LLEWELLYN-DAVIES

A

large metal handle on Chez Sophie’s massive wood door makes a statement. It takes the shape of a giant S, which, of course, apart from serving it’s useful purpose, represents the initial of Sophie Tabet, a 29 year-old chef and co-owner of Chez Sophie restaurant in Mar Mikhael, Beirut. Push open the entrance and enter the world of a young woman, who despite her age, knows a thing or two about fine dining.

“I never dreamt of becoming a chef.

But, after I graduated from college I decided that this is what I wanted to do,” says Chef Sophie. She was born in Lebanon, but grew up in Montreal, Canada, where she studied

144 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

communication, art and visuals. After graduation she moved to Lyon, France, to study at L’Institut Paul Bocuse, a renowned culinary institute. She went on to work in several kitchens in France gaining experience along the way. But, it was in Italy where she fell in love with pasta making while working in the kitchen of a top chef.

And, she also fell in love with Marco who is the wine sommelier at Chez Sophie. “While I was still working abroad, my brother asked me to come back to Lebanon and open a restaurant with him and my fiancé. I said yes. I always wanted to come back to open my own restaurant. I was just waiting for the right time. In the end, we all need to come back home,” she says.

Chez Sophie is housed in a magnificent traditional stone house, the type of building that is fast becoming extinct in Beirut as property developers tear them down to make way for drab concrete high rises. It was a neglected property, in ruins until Samir, Sophie’s brother, spotted it and renovated it into the superb venue that stands today.

“I ALWAYS WANTED TO COME BACK TO OPEN MY OWN RESTAURANT. I WAS JUST WAITING FOR THE RIGHT TIME. IN THE END, WE ALL NEED TO COME BACK HOME”

eat, drink + be merry The restaurant opened in August 2010 to rave reviews. Since then maybe one hundred new establishments have opened in the country, but, Chef Sophie is unfazed by competition. “I can only think of only one other restaurant where the chef is also the owner. This is what makes us different from the norm,” she says. “The concept of Chez Sophie is very simple. It’s a family restaurant. I am in the kitchen and Marco, my fiancée, and Samir, my brother, deal with the sales. And we love our job.”

Out of the kitchen, Sophie seems shy and reserved, slightly out of sorts.

But, once she enters the kitchen she livens up. “It’s all about discovering something new,” she admits, while kneading the pasta dough for Cheese Ravioli with Cream of Parmesan. Her small team works quietly around her, everyone focused on their duties of the day. “What I love about cooking is to create new dishes with different flavors and to fuse ingredients,” she says. To prove her point she starts to prepare her version of a classic dish, Vitello Tomatoe with Beetroot Ravioli.

It’s obvious that Chef Sophie loves her work. Well, you would have to in order to survive the grueling schedule she puts in. She works around fourteen hours a day, arriving at the restaurant at 10 am and usually stays until 1 am. In between, she also gives culinary courses and consults.

Her other passion is art, maybe inspired by her artist grandfather whose paintings hang proudly on the wall of the dining area. “My favorite artist is Picasso. He always managed to transform an object and turn it into something so different.”

She tries to be as creative as possible in the kitchen and changes the menu every month for variety and in order to incorporate seasonal produce.

The number of female chefs at fine dining establishments is still quite rare in the culinary world, especially in the Middle East. “I think we are capable of doing more things than men. We are able to do lots of things at the same time which a man cannot do.” But, she admits her reservations to raise a family while working as a chef. “Raising children and working 15 hours a day.

It’s a big issue for me and it’s scares me.”

Like every top chef, she has her favorite comfort food; she loves pizzas and burgers. Her favorite street food in Canada is hotdogs and in Lebanon shawarma. And, in her spare time she loves to travel and to dine. “I enjoy eating everywhere, it just depends on my mood. I always go to restaurants on Mondays, my day off.” But, right now she is focused on conjuring up a delectable dessert, Meringue with Raspberries and White Chocolate Cream decorated with gold leaf. And, does she get it right? Yes, she does… it’s delicious

“IT’S ALL ABOUT DISCOVERING SOMETHING NEW [...]

WHAT I LOVE ABOUT COOKING IS TO CREATE NEW DISHES WITH DIFFERENT FLAVORS AND TO FUSE INGREDIENTS”

PHOTOGRAPHY JASON ZAMORA

Chez Sophie Mar Mikhael, Beirut, Lebanon 01/566 991

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145

Mother’s Day Special

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. This issue Lara’s recipe selection is dedicated to Mother’s Day as she recommends you take over the kitchen and spoil your mother.

For more great ideas, check her out on the web http://www.mylara.me @laraariss bylara

146 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

eat, drink + be merry

CINNAMON BERRY

JAM DROPS PREPARATION TIME 8 - 10 MINUTES BAKING TIME 8 - 10 MINUTES MAKES 36 LEVEL EASY

Start spoiling your mother for afternoon tea on her special day with these traditional jam drops, they are suitable for every age - absolutely decedent. You can use whatever flavor jam you fancy. I personally love these with a cup of chamomile tea.

INGREDIENTS

•90 grams self-rising flour •1 teaspoon ground cinnamon •3 tablespoons rice flour •70 grams unsalted butter, softened at room temperature •4 tablespoons sugar •1 egg, lightly beaten •Berry jam

METHOD • Preheat the oven at 180°C. • In a bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon and rice flour.

• In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and

fluffy, then gradually add the egg, beating well.

• Fold into the sifted ingredients until just combined.

• Roll 1 teaspoon on the dough into a ball and put on the

baking tray.

• Repeat with the remaining mixture.

• Make a deep indentation into the center of each ball

by pressing and fill with a little berry jam.

• Bake for 8 - 10 minutes or until golden.

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eat, drink + be merry

ASPARAGUS +

HOLLANDAISE SAUCE

PREPARATION TIME 20 MINUTES COOKING TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4 LEVEL MEDIUM

By far fresh asparagus with hollandaise sauce will definitely wow everyone at the dinner table, so fresh and yet so filling. Should your Hollandaise sauce split, whisk two egg yolks in a clean bowl with a tablespoon of hot water and place it over a bain-marie. Slowly add the split sauce while whisking.

INGREDIENTS •2kg fresh asparagus •2 egg yolks •50 ml boiled white wine •250 grams butter •Lemon juice, to taste •Salt, to taste •Cayenne pepper, to taste

METHOD • Chop off the spears of the asparagus near the end to remove the tough part.

• Use a vegetable peeler to peel off the very thin layer of the outer skin.

• Prepare a large, shallow pan pour in water about 1/4 up and place a steamer

rack inside. Allow the water to simmer.

• In the meantime, prepare the Hollandaise sauce. Melt the butter over a bainmarie.

• Place the egg yolks over a bain-marie and slowly introduce the boiled white wine. Once well incorporated, slowly add in the melted butter while whisking.

• Add in the salt, lemon juice and cayenne pepper to taste. Keep warm while steaming the asparagus.

• Bring the water in your steaming pan to a boil. Place the asparagus on the steaming rack. Cover. Steam for 3 to 5 minutes, until tender, but still a little crisp.

• Plate the asparagus equally among 4 plates and pour Hollandaise sauce over the assembled dish.

148 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

+ STEAK BLACK PEPPER SAUCE

PREPARATION TIME 15 MINUTES COOKING TIME 20 MINUTES SERVES 4 LEVEL EASY

A nice steak with black pepper sauce is always a winner and pairs perfectly with a dark flavourful red wine if you choose not to have a salad on the side. I personally prefer my steak medium-rare but by all means cook yours to your preferred degree.

INGREDIENTS •227 ml double cream •2 tablespoons black or green peppercorns •1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce •1 tablespoon brandy •4 x 175 grams fillet steaks

METHOD

• Preheat the oven at 180C. • In a small saucepan, heat cream over medium

low heat, being careful not to boil. Stir in peppercorns, Worcestershire sauce and brandy and simmer for 2 to 5 minutes. Keep warm while making the steak.

• Place the steaks on a lightly oiled tray and put the tray in the oven. Allow to sear for 10 minutes, turn over and cook for another 10 minutes.

Remove from the oven and serve with the black pepper sauce.

PREPARATION TIME 30 MINUTES BAKING TIME 60 MINUTES SERVES 10 LEVEL EASY

INGREDIENTS

•250 grams unsalted butter, softened at room temperature •200 grams dark cooking chocolate •375 ml strong coffee •450 grams sugar •175 grams allpurpose flour •1 teaspoon baking powder •3 tablespoons cocoa powder •2 eggs •2 teaspoons vanilla extract

DEATH BY CHOCOLATE CAKE

There are hundreds of versions for chocolate cake, so I can’t confidently say I have tried them all but I have tried quite a few. It’s definitely a classic and you can’t go wrong, so if you are new at baking this recipe is a great start and will definitely leave an impression.

CHOCOLATE GANACHE

•200 grams dark cooking chocolate •150 ml double cream

METHOD • Preheat oven to 180C. • Grease and line a 25 cm springform tin.

• In a saucepan, place the butter, chocolate and coffee over low

heat and cook until the chocolate has melted.

• Add the sugar and stir to dissolve.

• Remove from the heat and pour into a bowl, whisk in the dry ingredients, then stir in the vanilla and eggs.

• Pour the batter into the prepared tin.

• Bake for 60 minutes. Allow the cake to cool completely before removing it from the tin and covering it with chocolate icing.

• For the chocolate ganache: in a saucepan melt 200 grams of cooking chocolate with the cream over low heat. When the chocolate and cream have combined to form a smooth sauce, remove from the heat and allow to cool. When the icing is just warm enough, drizzle over the chocolate cake.

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149

quizz ROUND #1

ROUND #2

Trivia

ROUND #3

History

1. Usually there are how many dimples on a golf ball? 326,336,346. Can be between 300-450 2. Do Eskimos have fridges?

What toy was voted toy of the 3. century by Forbes magazine?

4. What is Barbie’s middle name?

5. How old was the youngest girl to give birth? 5, 7 or 11 6. Where in the bible do the words “Cleanliness is next to Godliness” appear?

7. What is the last letter of the Greek Alphabet?

8. If you were born on New Year’s day what birth sign are you?

9. What is the plural of Moose?

10. What dog bites the most people? Alsatian, Pit Bull or Poodle?

ROUND #4

Entertainment

1. Where did Titanic sail from on her fatal voyage?

Geography

1. Which is the longest of Shakespeare’s plays?

2. What colour were the original 2. Who played the character of Model Ts made by Henry Crocodile Dundee?

Ford?

3.

3. What is the name of the Julius Caesar was killed on convenience store in the the 15th March. What is that Simpsons? day known as in the Roman Calendar?

4. Which film, directed by Steven 4.

Spielberg, was nominated for 11 The Great Pyramid of academy awards but didn’t win Geyser is made from what one? type of stone?

5.

5. Who played Private Ryan in the In what year was John F. film “Saving Private Ryan”?

Kennedy killed?

6.

6. Hans Gruber was the villain in In WWII, which country what film? suffered the largest losses of its soldiers?

7. What sort of a Doctor was Doc 7.

Holiday?

If you are facing Mount Rushmore which president’s 8. Who wrote “Sense and head is on the left?

Sensibility”?

8.

Steve Irwin who died in 2006 9. What was the name of M’s was better known as who? secretary in the James Bond 9. films?

Who was the second President of the United 10. The Dirty Harry films are set in 10. States? which city?

1. What is the only country/ state that is 100% Christian?

2. Where are the head quarters of INTERPOL? 3. What is the capital of Lithuania?

4. What is the largest ocean in the world?

5. The Gobi desert is located on which continent?

6. What river formed the Grand Canyon?

7. What is the capital of Alaska?

8. How many state capitals are named after US Presidents?

9. Mount Fuji can be found on what island?

10. What is the name of the world’s highest waterfalls?

How many spikes are there on the staue of liberty?

dingbats Lang

4 uage

NOT NATIVE

Pot -

OOOO OOOO

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

crimL

A

XQQ me SORRY

WANTED

ro

ad

Pol MOM ice BRANCHES INTO TWO

LOVES ME? LOVE ME NOT?

GROWN IN SOIL

WHERE THE NOSE IS

MAIL MALE

CARRIER

THYME PLAICE

NOT OF THIS WORLD

1. 336 2. Yes, to stop their food freezing 3. Lego 4. MILLICENT 5. 5 - Lina Medina 6. No where, Hebrew belief 7. Omega 8. Capricorn 9.Moose 10. Alsatian 1. Southampton 2. Black 3. Ides of March 4. Limestone 5. 1963 6. Russia 7. Washington 8. The Crocodile Hunter 9. John Adams 10. Seven 1. Hamlet 2. Paul Hogan 3. KWIK-E-MART 4. The Colour Purple 5. Matt Damon 6. Die Hard 7. Dentist 8. Jane Austen 9. Miss Moneypenny 10. Los Angeles 1. The Vatican 2. Paris 3. Vilnius 4. Pacific 5. Asia 6. Colorado 7. Jouneau 8. 4 - Jackson, Jefferson, Lincoln and Madison 9. Honshu 10. Angel Falls

FOREIGN LANGUAGE - CRIMINAL - EXCUSE ME POTATOES - FORK IN THE ROAD - MOTHER IN LAW RIGHT BETWEEN THE EYES - POSTMAN - ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER PLACE

150 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

brainfood

crosswords 1 3

4

5

7 9

10

11

14 16

6

8 12

13

15

DOWN

17

1. Not a town dweller.

3. From where?

4. Car safety device!

6. They have the same meaning.

7. A lot of noise.

8. Coherent.

11. Take over illegally.

13. Tip out a liquid.

14. Make believe.

15. Average!

17. Not a genuine signal.

20. Result.

22. Satisfy.

24. Plenty of!

27. A minor offence.

30. Capital of Sudan.

34. Needs hard work.

35. Made better.

36. Had food.

37. Careful with money.

38. Interpretation of a musical score?

39. Long, waterproof boots.

41. Typically shows a quality.

42. Faster than a canter.

43. Where the bride walks down.

47. Sneaky!

50. Houdini was this.

52. Spooned out.

53. Organized.

56. Formerly.

58. Listen.

62. Capacity.

64. Obligatory.

65. Moved like a wave.

66. Gull winged car?

68. A low frequency speaker?

69. An uplifting device?

71. Timid.

74. Rude.

76. Type of chair.

77. Situated on the side.

78. A ship’s home?

80. Charming in a naive way.

85. Put down a riot.

18 19

20

21

22

23 24

25

26

27

28 29

30

31

32

33

34 36

37

38

39

35

40

41

42

43

44 45

46

47 48

49 51

52

50

53

54 55

57

58 60

63

56

59 61

64

62

65

66

67

68

69

70

71

72 73 77

74

75

76

78

79

80

81 82

83

84

85 86

87 88

89

90 91

2. Appears in a Lewis Carroll poem.

5. More than is needed.

9. Lowered in value.

10. One’s goal?

12. Where organisms live.

15. Assuming too much.

16. Put in.

18. The Addams family uncle.

19. A book of words.

21. A funeral hymn.

23. Spacious.

25. Disgusting!

26. Large doorway.

28. Insane?

29. Peculiar type of behavior. (add a C) 31. A short drug cure?

32. The surgical care of pregnant women.

33. Don’t subtract.

40. For tying your shoes.

44. Entry control gate.

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

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

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

1 3 2 7 6

45. A total failure.

46. Wandering tribesman.

48. A list of names and/or terms.

49. Make do with (UK spelling) 51. Semi-solid food?

54. A Maori war club.

55. Move the sail.

57. Complained.

59. Small a ccident?

60. Swerved while moving.

EASY

9

3 4

9

4 8 6 3

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

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

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

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

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

1

5 4 9 2 1 8

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

7 1 8 6 3 2 5 9 4

4 2 6 5 9 1 7 3 8

8 7 3 1 2 9 4 6 5

5 4 2 8 6 3 1 7 9

9 6 1 4 7 5 3 8 2

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

8

4

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

61. Not himself.

63. The gold rush area of the Yukon.

67. The affirmative.

70. Unaware.

72. A grave robber?

73. One kind of vinegar.

75. Make a mistake.

79. Held in high esteem.

81. Devastating!

82. A male bee?

6 8 7 3 5 4 9 2 1

2 3 4 9 1 6 8 5 7

1 5 9 2 8 7 6 4 3

4 6 8 5 7 1 9 3 2

3 5 9 4 8 2 6 1 7

1 2 7 6 3 9 4 8 5

7 3 6 1 9 5 8 2 4

9 4 5 8 2 6 1 7 3

8 1 2 3 4 7 5 6 9

5 8 3 2 6 4 7 9 1

2 7 4 9 1 8 3 5 6

6 9 1 7 5 3 2 4 8

83. A fastener from two French words.

84. Someone who is not at home.

86. Rough.

87. Having a similar nature.

88. Suffered a loss.

89. Looking to fight.

90. The past.

91. A year book?

DOWN 1. YOKEL - 3. WHENCE - 4. ABS - 6. SYNONYMS - 7. DIN 8. UNDERSTANDABLE - 11. USURP - 13. POUR 14. PRETENCE - 15. PAR - 17. SPURIOUS - 20. OUTCOME 22. GRATIFIED - 24. ABUNDANCE - 27. MISDEMEANOUR 30. KHARTOUM - 34. LABORIOUS - 35. ENHANCED 36. ATE - 37. FRUGAL - 38. RENDITION - 39. WADERS 41. QUINTESSENTIAL - 42. GALLOP - 43. NAVE 47. FURTIVE - 50. ESCAPOLOGIST - 52. LADLED 53. ORDERLY - 56. ERSTWHILE - 58. HARKEN 62. VOLUME - 64. INCUMBENT - 65. UNDULATED 66. DELOREAN - 68. SUBWOOFER - 69. BRA - 71. SHY 74. INSOLENT - 76. RECLINER - 77. LATERAL - 78. BERTH 80. WINSOME - 85. QUELL

ACROSS

ACROSS 2. JABBERWOCKY - 5. SUPERFLUOUS - 9. DEBASED 10. MISSION - 12. BIOSPHERE - 15. PRESUMPTUOUS 16. INSERT - 18. FESTER - 19. THESAURUS - 21. DIRGE 23. CAPACIOUS - 25. ABHORRENT - 26. PORTAL 28. MAD - 29. QUIRCKY - 31. REHAB - 32. OBSTETRICS 33. ADD - 40. LACES - 44. TURNSTYLE - 45. DEBACLE 46. NOMAD - 48. NOMENCLATURE - 49. IMPROVISE 51. JELLY - 54. MERE - 55. JIBE. - 57. GRUMBLED 59. MISHAP - 60. CAREENED - 61. HERSELF 63. KLONDIKE - 67. YES - 70. OBLIVIOUS - 72. GHOUL 73. BALSAMIC - 75. ERR - 79. VENERATED 81. CATACLYSMIC - 82. DRONE - 83. VELCRO 84. ABSENTEE - 86. HARSH - 87. HOMOGENOUS 88. BEREAVED - 89. TRUCULENT - 90. YESTERYEAR 91. ANNUAL

2

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151

RAGMAG astro

Zodiac forecasts FROM JONATHAN CAINER

March.2012

SOMETIMES, LIFE SEEMS LIKE A DANCE WHERE WE ALL HAVE TO FOLLOW THE RHYTHM OF A BAND AND A CALLER WHO SHOUTS OUT THE STEPS. WHEREVER WE ARE, WE CAN’T IGNORE OUR CUES. THE PLANETS REQUIRE US TO GO FORWARD, SIDEWAYS OR BACK. MARCH BRINGS ANOTHER PHASE OF RETROGRADE MOTION FOR MERCURY. WE’LL ALL HAVE TO DEAL WITH DELAYS OR DIFFICULTIES OF SOME KIND IN COMMERCE OR COMMUNICATION. THE SENSE OF FRUSTRATION OR IMPEDIMENT MAY BE INCREASED BY THE FACT THAT MARS IS RETROGRADE TOO. BUT PROBLEMS WON’T LAST FOREVER AND THE DANCE CAN STILL BE DELIGHTFUL!

CHRISTOPHER WALKEN SHARON STONE

ARIES

March 21 - April 20

Don’t you have something else to do? Don’t you have tasks to carry out? Obligations to honour?

Promises to fulfil? Aren’t there people waiting for you, relying on you, expecting things from you? Of course there are. And their numbers will only multiply over the next few weeks unless you make a very bold resolution. You are carrying more than your fair share and it is time to stop. There are one or two commitments you absolutely cannot drop. There are many more that you can. And for the sake of your sanity, in March, you must!

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PISCES

February 20 - March 20

You like to think of yourself as a passive person who can forgive most people for most things. Even if your temper flares, it soon cools down again. Every so often, though, something either really riles you or else it totally inspires you. Rarely have you felt as determined as you will start to feel in March. Don’t doubt yourself. And don’t try to water down your feelings. Just trust them and follow them. Growing a year older means learning, at last, to channel your passions constructively and balance motivation with patience in order to get what you want.

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152 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

TAURUS

April 21 - May 21 Are you happy with what you can see? If so, keep looking, you will only find more to appreciate. If not, look even more closely. There is something you have so far failed to spot. Understandably enough, you are starting to have profound reactions to intense developments. You are beginning to feel uncomfortable about parts of the past. Yet this is all immensely positive - part of a process that can only lead to greater power, strength and success. You have not made a mistake that you need to atone for. You have made the right choice, as you will soon see.

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May 22 - June 22

June 23 - July 23

CANCER

LEO

If you set out to climb a mountain, once you reach the top, you will have to go back down again. Where is the mountain that grows as fast as you ascend it? Where is the challenge that rises before us as fast as we rise to it? For that kind of an adventure, we must embark on the struggle for integrity. If we aspire to be aware, enlightened and wise, we will never stop striving. Every time we think we have made progress, we’ll be back at the start! Yet if you make this your sincere priority in March, the ups will count for far more than any downs.

In March, you will want to influence a sensitive situation. You will not feel able to just sit back and see what happens. Yet this is the only course of action that can possibly be sensible.

Someone needs to learn a lesson.

You cannot learn it for them, much though you may wish you could.

Have faith. When the time is right for intervention, you will know it and you will be unable to prevent yourself from acting. For as long as possible, though, remain an observer. You can help others (and yourself) far more by standing back than you can by diving in.

In the North of England, they say, ‘Where there’s muck, there’s brass.’

Roughly translated, this means that there’s often money to be made in tackling the jobs that others find too dirty or distasteful. Other treasures too, can be attained by those with enough courage to face whatever most folk would prefer to hide from. It seems to you now as if the only way to attain something deeply desirable, is to do something undesirable. You are partially correct. But the universe is not looking for a sacrifice from you in March. It merely wants a compromise.

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

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

GEMINI

VIRGO

LIBRA

July 24 - August 23

SCORPIO

August 24 - September 23

September 24 - October 23

October 24 - November 22

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SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

December 22 - January 20

January 21 - February 19

When we want something that we feel we ought not to have, we end up complicating our lives. We make long speeches that contradict our true feelings. We formulate plans and express intentions, then set off to do the very opposite! We create much the same confusion when we try to achieve contradictory aims or objectives. Even if we are not kidding ourselves, we still find it hard to know what to do for the best. But in March a dual agenda becomes a single objective.

Somehow, something that has been hard is going to get easy.

What’s good for us? Different people give different answers. Often, these tend to involve treatments that might be stressful, regimes that might be hard work or diets that might require sacrifice. No wonder we shudder when astrologers suggest potential benefit from a process or an imminent event. I mention this because, in March, you’ll have an experience that helps to improve the quality of your life for a long time ahead. It may well not be entirely of your choice or to your liking but it won’t be as bad as you fear and the results will be well worthwhile.

Sign language is very effective.

Semaphore has a long, proud tradition. In some places, people still use smoke signals. And just look at how modern youngsters use emoticons! The age of non-verbal communication is far from over.

There are some who say it has only just begun and that words are just a shallow, primitive mechanism for expressing a narrow range of ideas and emotions. Even so, they have their place. All through March, you’ve got communication issues to resolve.

There’ll be no substitute for in-depth, meaningful conversation.

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Where are the grown-ups? When will the adults come home? How are the likes of you and me supposed to run the show? We are but children! Our politicians, our leaders, our figures of authority are clearly in infanthood too. In March, you seem to face a choice that is not easy to make.

Whose advice can you take? What expert can you ask? Deep within you dwells a surprisingly wise sage. Find that part of yourself. Consult it. Heed it. Trust it. Your judgement is as good as anyone else’s, and better than most folks’. It will lead you to the right choice.

November 23 - December 21

Familiarity may breed contempt, but it also fosters friendship. We like what we know. We feel well disposed towards people and things we recognise. So much so that we can become unable to see the shortcomings in our companions. We find fault with strangers - yet when the same fault emerges in a loved one, we overlook it. We dislike factors in a new environment but if these are also present in an old one we ignore them! Consider the obvious in March.

Something you take for granted means more than something you want to help yourself to.

Mystics inform us it is easier to become a rocket scientist than to learn how to focus on the heartbeat that pulsates at the essence of creation. Years of dedication are required, just to develop the subtle sensitivity. But what do they know?

How many spiritual seekers have ever tried to become rocket scientists?

Now, about your month. Though you face a challenge, to solve it you neither need advanced logic nor amazing powers of inner vision. You just need to be fair and forgiving, to yourself and to someone who has lately been unreasonable.

AQUARIUS

THE ORCHESTRA ISSUE

153

out + about PHOTOGRAPHY JASON ZAMORA

METRONOME TIME OUT BEIRUT SETS THE RHYTHM

We got out + about and more than a little bit hyped-up at Time Out Beirut’s big bash. Over a 1500 party peeps were welcomed by the Lebanese branch of the globally recognized publication at their event on Thursday February 9th, 2012! RAGMAG was happy to get our groove on with our fellow English media at LIFE, one the season’s most happening clubs. For those of you who missed out, Poly’s live performance rocked the house followed by Electro-pop sensation Slutterhouse performing three songs from their newest album: Watching the Screen, Bitter Green and Stop Me. We’ll dance to your beat every year, Time Out!

PERFORMERS’ PHOTOS COURTESY OF TIME OUT BEIRUT

154 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012

SET YOUR SIGHTS ON A GROWING MARKET FOR OUTDOOR SPORTS

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20 - 24 JUNE 2012 BIEL - BEIRUT, LEBANON

DEMONSTRATE YOUR PRODUCTS IN A LIVE ENVIRONMENT TARGET A QUALITY CONSUMER BASE OF ENTHUSIASTIC HUNTING SPORTSMEN AND OUTDOOR LEISURE SEEKERS

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ORGANIZED BY: IFP Group, P.O.Box: 55576 / Beirut - Lebanon Tel: + 961 5 959111 / Fax: + 961 5 959888 E-mail: info@ifpexpo.com THE ORCHESTRA ISSUE

155

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156 RAGMAG | MARCH 2012