RAGMAG The Helios Issue | July 2013 | Issue #37

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THE HELIOS ISSUE STARRING ERIN MIKAELIAN

SUNWORSHIPPER

LEBANON’S BEST BEACHES

BACKSTAGE PASS

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ILLUMINATION

JEAN-CLEAUDE KALACHE LIGHTS UP MONSTERS UNIVERSITY

LINES IN THE SAND

BESTSELLING AUTHOR JOJO MOYES

*EXCLUSIVE

MACKLEMORE IN LEBANON THE THRIFT SHOP IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 1

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MAGAZINE

Publisher Gina Gabriel El-Fady Editor in Chief Fida Z Chaaban Creative Lead Odette Kahwagi Assistant to the Editor Youmna Chagoury Junior Graphic Designer Eliane Elias Photographers BeirutNightLife.com Odette Kahwagi Dave Kai Piper Selected images Shutterstock

Stylist Jony Matta Public Relations Coordinator Lea El-Alam Marketing Lead Daniella Tayar Administrative Coordinator Teddy Younes Responsible Manager May Ziade Printed by Chemaly & Chemaly www.chemaly.com

Contributors Lara Ariss Stephanie Aoun Jonathan Cainer Amal Chaaban Consumedly Rabih Feghali Maria Frangieh Alice Hlidkova Sarah Hourany J.E.N. Maria-Elena Kassab Imogen Kimber Chris Lambert Sabina Llewellyn-Davies Nour Obaji Jacques Tchabarian Adam Volk

RAGMAGMagazine @RAGMAGMagazine RAGMAG

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

Media Representative

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

RAGMAG is a division of Raycon s.a.l. Copyright RAGMAG 2013 All Rights Reserved

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ON OUR COVER: MACKLEMORE AND RYAN LEWIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG NISSEN

Contact us by phone or email to arrange your subscription subscriptions@ragmaglive.com Lea El-Alam +961 9 916 222 / 9 913 777 RAGMAG Alex Gabriel Building, Rue Colomn de Sahel Sahel Alma, Keserwan, Lebanon

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102 EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES 84 COPYCAT REAL LIFE RUNWAY 102 IF I COULD MAKE YOU SEE OUR FASHION SHOOT

98 BACKSTAGE PASS

DONNA KARAN SS2013

OUT + ABOUT 134 BE THE MIXOLOGIST

DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS COMPETITION

52 FUN IN THE SUN

CHOOSE WHERE YOU’LL BEACH IN LEBANON

38 SUNSET BOULEVARD

BLVD44 DOES NIGHTLIFE BEST

CULTURE CLASH 56 BEACH RIGHTS, YEAH RIGHT! HAYDA LEBNEN

30 REGISTER AT MONSTERS UNIVERSITY PIXAR’S JEAN-CLAUDE KALACHE

22 DRAWING LINES IN THE SAND

IF I COULD MAKE YOU

SEE

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STARRING PINDOLL’s

ERIN

MIKAELIAN

AUTHOR JOJO MOYES DEBATES LIFE + DEATH

20 ART IMITATES LIFE

74 RECREATES STUDENT STRUGGLE

42 THRIFT SHOP OPENS FOR BUSINESS MACKLEMORE IS GONNA RUN THIS TOWN

FML 64 TIME TO SHINE

STUNT WITH LEBANESE PARKOUR!

FINAL FRONTIER 152 THE HUMANITIES GO DIGITAL TECH SEE, SPEAK + HEAR NO EVIL 124 SOUND CHECK MUSIC 125 READ’EM + WEEP BOOKS 127 WATCH OUT MOVIES

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22 63 28 EDITOR’S OPINION 14 CHAOS + COPING

OUR EDITOR DROWNS HER SORROWS IN HAMRA

MON AMOUR, MON AMI 58 WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

RAGMAG’S COMMITMENT PHOBE GETS ENGAGED!

MIND, BODY + SOUL 60 HELP ME NOUR + RABIH ADVICE

26 YOUR SEX ECLIPSES YOUR EFFICACY LEBANON’S GLASS CEILING

MIRROR MIRROR 75 SAFFRON COLOGNE INTENSE SULTRY JO MALONE

76 GET ADVANCED WITH LANCÔME

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BOBBI BROWN’S PERFECT SKIN

66 HEALTHY BEACHING COVER IT UP IN STYLE!

82 A NEW DAY

REFLEXOLOGY AT THE FOUR SEASONS BEIRUT

EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 136 SUCCESS OVER TWO DECADES P.F. CHANG’S IN DA HOUSE

140 HAVE A PICNIC ON THE BEACH RECIPES

TAKE ME WITH YOU 128 FORZA ITALIA TRAVEL

BRAINFOOD 145 QUIZZ. DINBATS. CROSSWORDS. SUDOKU.

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MACKLEMORE IMAGE COURTESY OF MACKLEMORE.COM

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GÉNIFIQUE!

70 PRO GUIDE TO FOUNDATION

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RAYAN won the ďŹ ght!

SEND AN EMPTY SMS to 1105 to donate 1$ & save another life. from July 14 till August 11 At the CCCL all children are treated for free with an average survival rate of 80%!

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

If, in the past month, you have somewhat thought to yourself that the world has gone crazy then you are not alone! We at RM have been wondering what the hell has been going on in the world, and especially in Lebanon. We would like to pay tribute to the Lebanese Army for their strength and their bravery.

We extend our deepest sympathies to the families of all the souls that were lost in the past month to making Lebanon a better place. We hope that one day we can all put our hands together to make Lebanon a better place.

On a brighter note and courtesy of NRJ Lebanon, the NRJ Music Tour is coming to Beirut and RM is pleased to announce that we are one of the very few that have had the privilege to host Macklemore on its cover. RM has done it again for the July 2013 issue!

Our emails, Facebook, Twitter were flooded with best wishes for our Third Anniversary. Thank you to everyone who thought of us this past month and especially to Mirros Communication and Joumana Rizk for making our anniversary very special. A big shout out with #RMLove.

Once again, thank you Blackberry Middle East, for allowing us the honour to award one lucky reader with a BlackBerry Q5. One of the very first in Lebanon and pre-market release! Also watch our Facebook page on July 15th as we will be announcing the winner of the Gulf Air roundtrip for two!

Keep on talking to me @GinaGabriel1 and email me to publisher@ragmaglive.com

Gina Gabriel El-Fady | Publisher

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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BECAUSE THERE’S NOTHING LIKE BASKING IN THE SUNSHINE

Before I begin, I want to explain that we formulate the themes of our issues in advance. It is truly a touch and go process in Lebanon because once a tragedy occurs like the recent events in both Saida and Tripoli, we have to sit down and decide whether or not to continue as planned. For our social media platforms, we decided (after an almost unanimous vote by our readers on Twitter), to observe a sort of dignified quietude. We are at the end of the month and Odette and I are genuinely struggling with the material- do we go forward with our celebrity features? Do we devote our cover to the fallen soldiers of the Lebanese Armed Forces? Do we have a black cover with an inside cover for the casualties of the incidents? We don’t know yet, and I suspect she and I will decide at the very last minute. That is the truth, and it was important for me to convey our sense of confusion to you, our readers.

At RAGMAG we pride ourselves on being a magazine for everyone. As a general rule, we are always in tune with our readers and we’re accessible- we talk to you on social media platforms so that we are in touch with what our readers want in matters of entertainment and culture and certainly in matters of national strife. There is nothing that RAGMAG can do to assuage your stress and grief other than continue to bring you what you want to read and see. On behalf of myself and the entire staff, we hope that we have shown you that over the past three years.

On a final note, we extend our condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers and we send our heartfelt strength and support to the people of Saida and Tripoli who are the unfortunate collateral damage in the chess board of both the regional and national power play.

We are with you, Lebanon.

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I’m always listening and at no time have I been more serious about this: talk to me on Twitter @fidachaaban and follow @RAGMAGMagazine for updates. The lighter side, that of reader rewards that are meant to thank you for being part of RAGMAG, will resume as soon as we feel that our readers are up for it. If you haven’t joined us on Facebook and Pinterest yet, we’re looking forward to seeing you on those mediums as well.

Email me at letterstotheeditor@ragmaglive.com to send me your thoughts and opinions. Finally, I want to encourage you to subscribe to RAGMAG and make it a part of your life every month. Visit us on the web at www.ragmag.co We’re here because of the support and constant encouragement of our loyal readers.

It’s Your Magazine.

Fida Z Chaaban | Editor in Chief

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR FOR OUR JUNE ISSUE WE CONTINUED TO TALK TO YOU VIA OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMSPINTEREST, TWITTER + FACEBOOK. WE THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND PARTICIPATION AND WE HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO INTERACT WITH US ONLINE

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

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

We’re showing off some of the best images that our readers sent in via email and Twitter.

Thank you to all of the readers who sent us tweets and emails of their copies of RAGMAG.

HOLLA!

We want to thank Project Revolver for their cool feature with our @RAGMAGMusic social media community manager. The post was based on the theme Top 15 Bob Dylan Cover Songs and it generated quite a bit of debate on our @RAGMAGMusic account.

We’re glad we could contribute!

Check out Project Revolver www.projectrevolver.org projectrevolver

WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU SO KEEP IT UP!

SHOUT OUT!

We were quite pleased to come across this blog post talking all about why Tala Ladki loves RAGMAG! Tala, thank you for writing about your favorite aspects of the magazine content- we’re always happy to hear what our readers think. And as for the happy anniversary wishes? Well, #ItsYourMagazine so it must also be true that #ItsYourBirthday as much as it is ours. Keep reading RAGMAG, and we’ll keep bringing you more of the content that you love.

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WE HAVE A WINNER! BLACKBERRY MIDDLE EAST’S NEW Q5 GOES TO SARY HAMADEH PRE-MARKET RELEASE

WE GAVE ONE LUCKY RAGMAG READER THE CHANCE TO WIN THE NEW BLACKBERRY Q5 BEFORE IT WAS AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN LEBANON ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS. THE COMPETITION FOR THE Q5 WAS PRETTY STIFF, BUT AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, SARY HAMADEH EMERGED VICTORIOUS! SARY, TELL YOUR BROTHER TO ENJOY HIS NEW BLACKBERRY Q5 DEVICE.

BLACKBERRY PRESENTS ALICIA KEYS LIVE IN DUBAI You want to see the girl on fiyah? You’ll get your chance November 15th! 14-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer, actor, New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and powerful force in the world of philanthropy and in the global fight against HIV and AIDS, will be live on stage at the newly expanded Dubai Media City Amphitheatre. Brought to you by Done Events, Alicia Keys and her Set the World on Fire tour will be making its way to Dubai just before her highly anticipated fifth album release: GIRL ON FIRE. See you there!

DoneEvents @DoneEvents

TRIED, TESTED+TRUE We love the physical Q5 QWERTY keyboard with discrete keys in a youthful design and its cutting-edge BlackBerry 10 functionality. The BlackBerry Q5 smartphone offers a powerful and unique mobile computing experience that continuously adapts to user needs.

Features and apps work seamlessly together, allowing every move to flow into the next.

Highlights of the BlackBerry Q5 smartphone include a classic BlackBerry Keyboard, a 3.1” touchscreen, BlackBerry Time Shift mode, BlackBerry Story Maker, share your screen, BlackBerry Hub and access to more than 100,000 apps on BlackBerry’s World storefront.

The new BlackBerry Q5 smartphone is available in selected markets in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and other markets (including Lebanon of course)! www.Blackberry.com/blackberry10 BlackBerry @ME_BlackBerry J U LY 2 0 1 3

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EDITOR’S OPINION

LEBANON’S SIMPLE (COMPLEX) TRUTHS THAT OCCUR DURING A STATE OF UNREST EIGHT LESSONS THAT I LEARNED THIS TIME AROUND

BY FIDA CHAABAN

Each and every time something goes wrong in Lebanon, a few factors present themselves. You might not agree with me, but this is the way I see it. We are living in a sort of alternate reality and here are some serious and some not-soserious lessons that I’ve learned this week.

EX-PATS CONGREGATE IN HAMRA BARS This is the case every time there has been a state of emergency.

I walk into any neighborhood bar in Hamra and I end up sitting with other ex-pats, mostly journos or NGO types. Everyone is looking for something- solace or safety in numbers or even just a stiff drink to take the edge off. Sometimes they’re looking for all three, and this is magnified when the power goes out. The Zahrani power plant outage in Saida (Sidon) is responsible for a lot of my newfound friendships. I’ve met many new people just because I’ve had to leave home when the shit hits the fan and the power goes out. It stands to reason that Mar Mikhael and Gemmayzeh experience the same influx of ex-pats, but since I’m a Hamra girl I can’t be sure. If you ever want to meet a random motley crew of foreigners (dirty and disillusioned), head to your nearest watering hole during a blackout.

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

EIGHT LESSONS THAT I LEARNED THIS TIME AROUND

NO TRAFFIC MEANS TROUBLE (SOMETIMES A LITTLE, SOMETIMES A LOT) I have noticed in my three years in Lebanon that when Hamra has no traffic, that means (without fail) that there is trouble brewing out there somewhere. It can mean anywhere from the highway to Tareek Jdeedi to Lebanon’s North. It is a really good indicator of burning tires and cut roads, and it’s also a very good indicator of bombs and shootouts. Whenever I see Hamra’s streets emptied of cars, I turn to Twitter immediately to see what the newest problem is. Usually it’s blocked roads and minor skirmishes, this time it was a city under siege (Saida), and a city under major duress bordering on siege (Tripoli).

EVERYONE IS ARMED

Your neighbors and my neighbors. The guy who sells coffee and cigarettes, and the guy who sells fine jewelry. The wealthy and the not-so-wealthy. The teens and the seniors. Everyone.

These weapons come into play only when things get really ugly or on the rare occasion that some trigger-happy idiot gets into an argument over a parking spot. Thankfully in my experience, my neighbors have yet to pull out the steel- but Hamra is sort of a hippie enclave anyway. The standard response (again, I’m thankful for this), seems to be to bolt yourself inside your home and stay glued to the TV or the internet to make sure you don’t have to leave the area. Except when you’re an ex-pat, in which case you’re drinking at one of the brave bars that stay open as mentioned previously.

FADEL SHAKER CARRIES GUNS, IS SECTARIAN, AND RUNS WITH A BAD BUNCH. FADEL SHAKER IS MORE HARDCORE THAN ANY RAPPER OUT OF COMPTON

POP STARS TURN INTO MANIAC MILITIA I never thought about the alternate reality of a popular turbofolk singer turning into an M16-toting religious zealot. Nor did I consider the possibility that the Lebanese Justin Timberlake (or Barry White?) could gloat over the death of two people, he may or may not have been referring to members of the Lebanese Armed Forces. Fadel Shaker, in my experience, was (is?) a pop singer. His songs are about love lost, love found, and love in general. It’s truly another dimension when he becomes the right hand man (or poster boy?) of a cleric who champions insurrection and civil war. Fadel Shaker was (is?) Lebanon’s Justin Timberlake. Fadel Shaker carries guns, is sectarian, and runs with a bad bunch. Fadel Shaker is more hardcore than any rapper out of Compton. Notice the liberal use of question marks- this is because he is one big question mark.

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EDITOR’S OPINION

THERE ARE TWO CAMPS OF PEOPLE (PLUS ONE) In Lebanon, I have found that they are two separate groups when it comes to attitude during times of unrest and crisis: the Life Goes On camp and the Go With the Flow camp. The Life Goes On people continue as normally as possible, trying to work, downplaying the intensity of a situation and in general try and remain oblivious to chaos (or try to motivate everyone else to stay positive). The Go With the Flow camp batten down the hatches, stay abreast of all developments, and act according to a state of war. The first group scorn the second group, and the second group scorn the first group. I don’t have a problem with either group and I’m not sure which of the two I am- a mixture maybe? I do, however, have a problem with a third group (outside of Lebanon). I consider them quite annoying and somewhat offensive- the What’s Going On group. These are the people who are concerned that their vacation plans are ruined- I don’t care which club you want to go to because at present, I’m sitting in the dark with my BlackBerry on flashlight mode and you are draining my battery asking about which pool party to attend this weekend and whether or not people will stop killing each other in time for your flight. This is rude and inappropriate, and worse than that, you don’t realize how fraught my nerves are and how much of a douche you are. Don’t ask me about the likelihood of your vacation when I am making a real effort to maintain some semblance of sanity.

SOME OF THE MEDIA IS IN A DIFFERENT STRATOSPHERE Before I explain this, I’d like to go on record and say that MTV is my favorite Lebanese channel. We all know that even in a state of crisis, companies have contracts to maintain. In Lebanon, they have gone through scares like this before, so people are generally unfazed and try to continue life as normal (more on this later).

The unprecedented backlash of anger and outrage directed at MTV (for their Murex D’Or broadcast) and LBC (for their Splash broadcast) was quick and potent. I’ve never seen such a fierce outpouring of criticism. “Boobs and botox over bombs” is what many people said about both stations on Twitter. Another tweep said something like, “While people die in Saida, MTV is showing La La Land Murex D’Or”. Whether or not both broadcasts were ill-timed is not the point, the point is both stations could have easily placed a post on their social media platforms explaining their position, something to the effect of: “We are aware that this broadcast comes at a challenging time for Lebanon, however due to our contractual obligations we are forced to continue with regularly scheduled programming”. That’s all it takes. A little sensitivity and acknowledgment goes a long way.

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DON’T ASK ME ABOUT THE LIKELIHOOD OF YOUR VACATION WHEN I AM MAKING A REAL EFFORT TO MAINTAIN SOME SEMBLANCE OF SANITY LEFT: MUREX D’OR, 23 JUN 2013, LIVE ON MTV BELOW: ZAHRANI POWER PLANT IN SAIDA

THE HELIOS ISSUE

EIGHT LESSONS THAT I LEARNED THIS TIME AROUND

PEOPLE ARE UGLY INSIDE

ABOVE: SCREENSHOT FROM WWW.ALAKHBAR.COM

IT ISN’T OVER

Today is June 25th, and as of this minute Sheikh Ahmed el Assir is missing (on the run with Fadel Shaker apparently but that’s beside the point). The point is no one knows where he is and therefore, no one can predict what this nutter will do next. Is he hiding in one of the Sunna areas in Beirut who see him as their savior? Is he in Tripoli meeting up with the other armed religious extremists? Did he cross the border to Syria? Is he regrouping and gathering fresh followers to launch another attack? Is he biding his time? No one knows. Unless he is apprehended, it is anyone’s guess. It isn’t over until he is in custody, and it stands to reason that he’s coming back for round two if he isn’t caught soon. I hope this doesn’t come to pass, but by the sounds of his rhetoric, and the sheer determination and his lack of regard for human life that he’s demonstrated thus far, I think it will. Maybe not now, but maybe tomorrow or next week or next month.

This situation is not over, it’s just on pause. One more point here needs to be addressed: Sheikh Ahmad Al Assir is a microcosm of a larger picture, not the picture itself. This is a complex situation and he is only one piece of the puzzle.

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They say when a man is drunk, his true nature comes out. In my opinion, the saying should be when a man is drunk on war his true nature comes out. I have seen so much hostility and sectarian sentiment in the past two days that it’s a wonder I haven’t jumped on a plane and said goodbye to Lebanon forever. More than that, I have seen people calling for blood. I have heard them wish death on others. I don’t wish death on anyone- not even a cold-blooded murderer. It’s statistically proven that places with capital punishment in place as part of their legal systems have higher murder rates. If you don’t believe me, Google the statistics for the US. The states that have the death penalty have more murders per year than the states that don’t. Don’t call for justice in the form of death, call for justice in the form of a court of law. The bloodshed has to stop somewhere, and it should stop with us, the people who have the liberty of thought. Think about how brutal and how animalistic it is to wish death upon others. We are nothing without our sense of compassion and the ability to gage the value of a human life, every human life.

We are with you, Lebanon.

THE POINT IS NO ONE KNOWS WHERE HE -SHEIK AHMED EL ASSIR- IS AND THEREFORE, NO ONE CAN PREDICT WHAT THIS NUTTER WILL DO NEXT

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As this issue went to print, cyclists competing at the Tour de France have departed from Porto-Vecchio, Corsica and are on their way to Paris’ Champs-Elysées. The 100th edition of the largest cycling competition will feature the first France-only itinerary in a decade, and will take place over 23 days (including two of rest). The question isn’t so much about the winner as it is about doping. For years now -some suggest the doping process goes back to the Tour’s first year in 1903 with riders using alcohol and/or ether- the Tour de France has been subject to scandal. Remember Lance Armstrong, winner of a record seven consecutive Tour de France titles between 1999 and 2005? He’s been stripped of all of his tour titles and banned from cycling for life.

Years of investigation (and media pressure) finally culminated in his confession during a televised interview with Oprah Winfrey in January of this year. When asked if it were possible to win without doping, Armstrong said he didn’t think so. “Not in that generation. I didn’t invent the culture, but I didn’t try to stop the culture,” he said referring to Tour-rider doping. Between 1961 and 2012, 14 winners of the title have either confessed or have tested positive, including Alberto Contador, one of this year’s faves. Will this year’s winner test positive?

RAGMAG’S VOTE DISILLUSIONED

HOW DO YOU HIDE FROM BIG BROTHER? George Orwell’s 1984 omnipresent surveillance program is real and its name is PRISM. In June 2013, Edward Snowden, a former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) contractor (of Booz Allen Hamilton) for the National Security Agency (NSA), leaks classified information about a mass surveillance program to the press. If everyone had been suspecting some kind of communication surveillance -remember Room 641A, the telecommunication interception facility operated by AT&T for the NSA?- the extent of the governmental reach into our daily lives and interactions is what went viral. The Washington Post and The Guardian run the PRISM leaks first, and both give examples of how the 2007 program was linked to big names like Microsoft, Yahoo!, Google, Facebook, Paltalk, YouTube, AOL, Skype, and Apple: “With a few clicks and an affirmation that the subject is believed to be engaged in terrorism, espionage or nuclear prolifera-

FIVE QUESTIONS

tion, an analyst obtains full access to Facebook’s ‘extensive search and surveillance capabilities against the variety of online social networking services’. According to a separate User’s Guide for PRISM Skype Collection, that service can be monitored for audio when one end of the call is a conventional telephone and for any combination of ‘audio, video, chat, and file transfers’ when Skype users connect by computer alone. Google’s offerings include Gmail, voice and video chat, Google Drive files, photo libraries, and live surveillance of search terms.” Whether the server access was in agreement with the NSA or not -concerned companies have more or less vehemently denied the accusations- the results are the same: what you do on your phone and/or computer is subject to prying eyes and ears (if you represent a threat).

We’re not fans of conspiracy theory and victimization, but we venture a guess that it includes everyone in the Middle East.

RAGMAG’S VOTE HORRENDOUS

THE WORLD IS ASKING

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

LANCE ARMSTRONG SOURCE: GETTY IMAGES | NATIONAL SECURITY AGENCY SOURCE: AP | ERDOGAN SOURCE: AFP PHOTOG SAUL LOEB | WORLD WIDE MARCH AGAINST MONSANTO OGRE NEWS. PHOTO MARCUS GRIFFITH

WILL THERE BE DOPING AT THE 2013 EDITION OF THE TOUR DE FRANCE?

FIVE QUESTIONS THE WORLD IS ASKING

HOW WILL ERDOGAN HANDLE HIS PEOPLE? What started on May 28, 2013 with a few dozen environmentalists camping in Gezi Park, Istanbul to prevent its demolition quickly turned into mass demonstration all over the Republic of Turkey. The initial sit-in escalated quickly after a police raid with tear gas and water cannons. The original environmental issue appeared to be just the tip of the iceberg and the demonstration began targeting Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. According to The Guardian, the protesters “complained of issues beyond the planned shopping centre from government policy on the war in neighbouring Syria to new curbs on alcohol and a recent row about kissing in public.” The protests have been compared to the Arab Spring, the Occupy movement and the May 1968 demonstrations, but Barry Rubin of the National Review explains that the difference between these protests and the ones in Turkey resides in the fact that the protesters “include a wide front of social democrats, liberals, and conservatives -usually called center-right in Turkey- and all sorts of people who are tired of a ten-year-long march toward Islamism.” Erdoğan hasn’t been handling the situation very well, making controversial statements with a conspiracy theory flavor about terrorism and the union of foreign forces, bankers and media outlets in order to harm Turkey. He’s been losing ground in the international community; will he regain the trust of the Turkish people?

RAGMAG’S VOTE DIFFICULT

WHAT’S ALL THE FUSS ABOUT FACEBOOK’S NEW PRODUCT? On June 14, 2013, Facebook sent out invitations to journalists –by snail mail! The cryptic announcement said: “A small team has been working on a big idea. Join us for coffee and learn about a new product.” The product announcement by one of the biggest social media companies in the world was shrouded in mystery and speculation. We couldn’t wait to discover what Facebook had in store for us after their launch of the Twitter-like verified accounts and hashtags in addition to the Graph Search feature. We were all expecting something big; speculations abounded in tech journals, websites and blogs about a news reader that wouldn’t be based on RSS feeds. Instead, they launched Instagram Video. That was their big announcement. The news? We’re now able to shoot 30 second

videos using Instagram (sounds like Vine to us). The app has been doing well so far- in the span of a week, twice as many brands from Interbrand’s top 100 global brands have posted an Instagram video (versus Vine) according to Mashable. According to CNET, “five million videos were uploaded in the first 24 hours of the feature’s availability.” However, tech experts have been giving Instagram Video mixed reviews; Tech Crunch’s Ryan Lawler said, “Video killed the Instagram star” and tech blogger John Gruber judged the app “slow to load, noise I don’t want. […] Thankfully there’s a setting to turn off ‘Auto-Play Videos’; otherwise I’d abandon ship.” Was it worth all the hype?

RAGMAG’S VOTE LAME

WHAT’S GOING ON WITH THE MONSANTO PROTECTION ACT? For the past while, our social media accounts have been flooded with petition posts and awareness tweets about the “Monsanto Protection Act.” Legally the Farmer Assurance Provision or Section 735 of US H.R. 933, it’s a bill that Senate passed in March and was later signed into a law to remain in effect for six months. According to the International Business Times, the bill “effectively bars federal courts from being able to halt the sale or planting of controversial genetically modified (aka GMO) or genetically engineered (GE) seeds, no matter what health issues may arise concerning GMOs in the future.” In other words, and as Anthony Gucciardi of NaturalSociety.com puts it, companies like “Monsanto would have complete immunity from federal courts when

it comes to their ability to act against any new Monsanto GMO crops that are suspected to be endangering the public or the environment (or considered to be planted illegally by the USDA).” This means that if a genetically modified product is studied and turns out to cause cancer, not only will the company suffer no legal action, it’s also legal to continue planting and producing said product. The issue raised by the signature of that bill isn’t only health-related; it also demonstrates how companies like Monsanto can lobby the US government and ensure they pass laws that benefit their interests above that of the public. Will the Farmer Assurance Provision be repealed in response to the demonstrations that began in March and are still underway?

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ART IMITATES LIFE

LEBANESE FILM REVISITS A STUDENT CALL FOR CHANGE

BY IMOGEN KIMBER

I

n 1974, with Lebanon on the brink of civil war, students from the American University of Beirut (AUB) held a sitin in the university’s offices. The catalyst to their protest was a rise in tuition fees, but their grievances were about far more than finance. This was to be their revolution; a fight for equality, education, democracy and communism all at the same time - at least these were their aspirations.

Siblings Rania and Raed Rafei recreate the 37 days that the idealistic students spent in the offices of the AUB in their film 74 (La Reconstitution d’une Lutte). Set in one room using a blend of improvization the film is as much about an emotional journey for the actors and presenting a mirror to today’s issues, as it is a reconstruction of the events of 1974.

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HOUSE ARREST

Looking for more than an enactment of the student sit-in, the Rafeis spent 10 months before the shoot working with the actors on forming their characters, helping them to tap into their own fears and struggles.

It was at the end of the 10 months that the script was born. Determined for the film to be largely improvized, the script was never shown to the actors but was for the Rafeis to assist them in developing the story arch and directing. Finally seven actors spent 12 days in one room in a house in the mountains of Lebanon.

For some of the actors the process was so intimate and personal that when it came to filming they were more than acting, they were genuinely experiencing.

In an opening scene one of the characters, Alia, who often finds herself at odds with the group’s stubborn loyalty to their pre-formed ideas and inability to conduct respectful debate, begins her descent away from the group by questioning their philosophy and politics. In this case she

drops the bombshell that she thinks perhaps there may be something they could learn from the state of Israel - “I’m just saying they are a democratic state and maybe we have something to learn from that,” - while remaining anti-Israeli on a broad level. The majority of the group found it abhorrent to even consider this.

Nearing the end of the 37 days, exacerbated and harangued by another character Rima, Alia eventually walks out.

“We could see what was happening between Rima and Alia and so we pushed Rima to take it further,” said Director Rania Rafei. In Alia’s last discussion Rima told her that she was no longer welcome amongst the group as she was not aligned with the others. The hurt that the actress Sandra Njeim who played Alia showed was genuine with her ending up in tears and feeling rejected. Rania disclosed that the group had rejected Alia’s character from the outset. They found her questioning their ideas to be a threat to their determination, and potentially tip them over into their own questioning which they

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YOU+YOUR COUNTRY

were fearful of. “Alia was genuinely offended and cried,” said Rania Rafei, “they couldn’t handle her, couldn’t handle her doubt, it was too heavy for them.”

Alia’s only supporter was Yousef who feared that the revolution would go the way of many a coup d’etat and the group would end up acting as their ‘oppressors’ did. Many members of the group had already verbalized their opinion that rather than aiming to represent the students they should aim to create change that they thought would benefit the students the most, as they knew best, rather than following what the student actually said they wanted.

LEBANESE FILM REVISITS A STUDENT CALL FOR A CHANGE

cosm for the issues facing any society: leadership; homogeny versus cultural absorption; change and progression. At the core of their battle with the university was the idea that the university was ‘Americanized’; with no sense of irony they argued that the American University of Beirut should not be pushing American culture and philosophy on the students. The general consensus was not against the merging of cultures per se but against the homogeny of one society, particularly over their own.

The end for the students was finally brought about with the pressure and exhaustion from having being holed up in the offices for more than a month, with petty squabbles they imploded amongst themselves with people finally having to walk out.

Yet, Rania says that she doesn’t perceive what happened to be a failure.

“We felt the notion of movement is very important. It doesn’t matter if it failed or didn’t fail, they don’t succeed or fail, they create individuals who believe in change, they found their revolutionary being.”

With political tensions rising yet again in Lebanon, and fears of division between the country’s sects being exacerbated by Syria’s civil war, the final scene of the movie makes a crucial statement. On the wall flashes an expression that reflects the journey of the 1974 student movement and the country which they were fighting for: united we stand, “divided we fall”

THE STRUGGLE OF THE STUDENTS IN 1974 IS A MICROCOSM FOR THE ISSUES FACING ANY SOCIETY: LEADERSHIP; HOMOGENY VERSUS CULTURAL ABSORPTION; CHANGE AND PROGRESSION

REVOLVER Raed and Rania Rafei embarked on the film in 2011 as revolution spread across the Arab world, although it was before this that the idea was conceived. “We were fascinated that students in 70s were that active and how apathetic our generation is, they have no dream of change,” said Rania, “and then the revolution started.” Prompting them to think that maybe this generation did have the same fight in them.

Almost 40 years later, the film poses the question– has debate moved on? The struggle of the students in 1974 is a micro-

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CULTURE CLASH

DRAWING

LINES

IN THE SAND BESTSELLING AUTHOR JOJO MOYES DEBATES LIFE, DEATH + THE HUMAN CONDITION

BY AMAL CHAABAN

AMAL CHAABAN INTERVIEWS BESTSELLING AUTHOR JOJO MOYES EXCLUSIVELY FOR RAGMAG Me Before You deals with one of the most contentious issues of our times. What made you decide to take it on?

I have to admit, I had this idea for the book and it came about because I was driving my kids home from school one day and I heard this story on the radio about a young man, a rugby player who had been left quadriplegic after an accident, and persuaded his parents to take him to Dignitas [assisted suicide facility located in Europe]. I just couldn’t believe the story, as a parent or frankly just as a human being; I just couldn’t believe that two parents would agree to take a young man to end his life. Because the story wouldn’t leave my head, I kept trying to find out more about it so I read everything I could read on it and the more I read, the more I kind of realized it wasn’t quite as clear cut as I thought.

It was interesting, when we first put the book out there, some friends of mine read it and they basically said “this is a brilliant story but it is such a controversial subject, who is going to buy it?” and then something happened and it just took off. I think perhaps because it is an issue and as we prolong people’s lives, we have to work out what we are going to do with those lives, what the quality of those lives should be. I don’t think we have come up with those answers yet and this book seems to have tapped into people’s imaginations.

How did you remove rhetoric and religion from the debate and just make it about people?

I made kind of a conscious decision to keep the religious side of it pretty minor in the book because I think we all know where the religions stand on this. It is really straightforward and not something you can really explore. When I was writing it, I had two relatives who required 24 hour care just to stay alive and I still have one of them surviving. For me, I am quite a pragmatic country girl; I have animals, horses and when an animal’s quality of

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life is outweighed by their suffering, we tend to put them down.

The rationale amongst people who love their animals is that you owe them a good death as much as you owe them a good life.

Now I would like to stress, I am not saying that people should be treated like animals but I couldn’t understand how I could be able to give my animals a good end and I couldn’t guarantee myself a good end if something were to happen to me. I look at my aunt for example, who is suffering from end stage MS [Multiple Sclerosis], and there is nothing redeeming about her life. There is no part of her life that is joyful or pleasant or less than undignified, painful and miserable despite the fact that she is in a wonderful facility where people are caring for her and she has a family that loves her. Her life has no quality and so these issues just go round and round in my head. I didn’t want it to be a “how to” book or say that this is the right way but I wanted to explore the issue in a way that gave lots of different perspectives.

Why do you think people have such a visceral reaction to assisted suicide and euthanasia?

It’s terrifying. The thing I feel when I come away from visiting my aunt, you know, she cannot speak anymore, she is stuck in this room 24 hours a day, I am a person who works with the imagination and I cannot let myself enter her head, I cannot let myself imagine what goes on in her head. In the same way, if you try to imagine yourself into the imagination of someone who has decided to end their life, it’s a terrifying thought. It is the worst thing you can almost think of and if you believe that life has any kind of sanctity at all, then of course it is a terrifying prospect. It is that thing of putting yourself in the most extreme position possible. I had this reaction when I heard the news story. You are brought up to believe that life is important so the idea that someone would choose to end it is terrifying.

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JOJO MOYES DEBATES LIFE, DEATH + THE HUMAN CONDITION

BELOW: DIGNITAS LOGO, ASSISTED SUICIDE FACILITY CLINIC IN ZURICH, SWITZERLAND BARBITURATE PENTOBARBITAL , AN OLD SLEEPING DRUG USED IN HIGH DOSES FOR PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED SUICIDE (PAS)

How much research did you have to do for Me Before You and how were you able to achieve the level of intimacy you did with people in similar situations?

A lot of it came just from the gut because having had so much experience with people who needed that much care, I found it easy to make the leap into their everyday lives. For example, the scene where Lou is feeding Will bits of carrot and he doesn’t want the carrot; that came from me feeding my aunt and she very politely, even though she couldn’t speak, spat out every teeny tiny bit of carrot that I had mashed up and my dad just looked at me and said, “You really think you are going to improve her quality of life by making her eat some carrot”. It made me think afterwards that we have this idea that somehow we have to make things better. That was such a kind of profound thought for me about how wrong you can get it that I put that into the book. I also went online a lot, because as you know, the internet has changed the communication abilities of many quadriplegics and there are lots of chat rooms out there for them and for their carers. I became a kind of voracious user of these sites, and asked questions.

A lot of that stuff about what you can and cannot do in wheelchairs and the relationships between quadriplegics and their carers came from things people told me.

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Will’s friends basically desert him after the accident. Why do you think that people desert those who have had catastrophic accidents?

I think two things. One of which is the men I know don’t have a great circle of friends. They have work colleagues or people they might play squash with and it’s why a lot of men suffer when they get divorced for example because they don’t have the same network that women do. In Will’s case, because he was such a workaholic, most of his friends would have been through work but also, I think a lot of people are complete ly uncomfortable around disability. I remember

when my youngest son was born deaf, there were lots of people who didn’t quite know what to say to us and there was one friend who came up to me in the playground and she burst into tears and she said, “I’ve thought of 20 things to say to you and every single one of them is wrong and so I just wanted to say I am sorry”. It was so refreshing to have someone approach us and say, “I don’t know what to say but I feel for you” sort of thing. It’s just one of those things that unless you have personal experience with disability, people are desperately uncomfortable and we just tend to avoid situations that make us uncomfortable.

YOU ARE BROUGHT UP TO BELIEVE ‘‘THAT LIFE IS IMPORTANT SO THE IDEA THAT SOMEONE WOULD CHOOSE TO END IT IS TERRIFYING

‘‘

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JOJO MOYES PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT PHYLLIS CHRISTOPHER

CULTURE CLASH

JOJO MOYES DEBATES LIFE, DEATH + THE HUMAN CONDITION

‘‘

I KIND OF DIVIDE PEOPLE QUITE CLEANLY NOW INTO THOSE WHO HAVE THE ABILITY TO SELF ANALYZE AND THOSE WHO DON’T

‘‘

Do you think it is a lack of political will that has kept assisted suicide from becoming legal?

Last Letter from Your Lover is set in the 1960s and the role of women is very tightly defined to the point that any transgression is seized upon. Do you think we have moved past that as a society?

I feel like we are starting backwards and it terrifies me. I feel like women are often our own worst enemies in how we judge and police each other. Going to university in the 80s and 90s, I felt like we were carving these new freedoms for ourselves and I certainly grew up in a household where I was taught to believe I could do anything. I look around me now at the way girls focus on their appearance as the most important thing, the fakeness of women’s aspirations.

No, because funnily enough I had lunch a few months ago with one of the law lords who have decided policy on this issue and we had quite a robust debate about it. He’s read the book, and one of the things he said was that we cannot move forward on this without figuring out how to protect the vulnerable. I can see his point. Until you have safeguards in place to stop a potential abuse of that freedom, then, we kind of cannot have the freedom.

I’m not saying I entirely agree with him but I understand him.

In your book, Ship of Brides, women are going to meet their wartime husbands. Do you think that was a truly scary prospect for some of them especially since it was a time when women had so few rights.

My grandmother was one of those women and I spoke to lots of others as well. They said that they were so young that they didn’t stop to think about the fear until they were miles across the ocean.

I remember my grandmother saying that the world was such an insane place at the time; it didn’t seem like such a big deal.

In Last Letter from Your Lover, change is everywhere yet your characters are fighting it kicking and screaming. Why do you think so many people resisted the tumultuous changes of the 1960s?

People always resist change, especially in women’s roles. The idea of sexual freedom, for some, is frankly terrifying. We see it now with people like the Taliban trying to clamp down on women even being educated. I think we will always have a conservative element in society who want the status quo to remain.

In Me Before You, Louisa seems uncomfortable in her own skin even as she professes to be fine with her job at the café and her boyfriend. Why?

The older I get, the more I realize that very few of us have the ability to look at ourselves as we really are. I kind of divide people quite cleanly now into those who have the ability to self analyze and those who don’t. I am someone who constantly questions myself as to whether I am doing the right thing or whether everyone else is doing the best they can you know. I’m kind of an exhausting monitor of everyone else’s behaviour but I think for someone like Louisa, especially having been through a traumatic experience, some people just choose to go “it’s all fine”. I think that she just chooses to do that. I have a few years of therapy, I think everyone should do it because you just can’t bury that stuff.

If you have something, it will somehow seep out in some way. I think Louisa’s tendency to seem like she is going to jump out of her skin is actually all related to that

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Jojo Moyes was born in 1969 and grew up in London. In 1992 she won a bursary financed by The Independent newspaper to attend the postgraduate newspaper journalism course at City University, and apart from 1994 when she worked in Hong Kong for the Sunday Morning Post, she worked at The Independent for 10 years, including stints as Assistant News Editor and Arts and Media Correspondent. She has been a full time novelist since 2002, when her first book Sheltering Rain was published. She lives on a farm in Essex with her husband, journalist Charles Arthur, and their three children.

Jojo Moyes @jojomoyes

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MIND, BODY+SOUL

WOMEN, ARE YOU HITTING

THE GLASS CEILING IN LEBANON ?

HOW YOUR SEX ECLIPSES YOUR SKILLSET

BY CONSUMEDLY

IT’S ONE OF THOSE DEVASTATINGLYFRUSTRATING, POISONOUSLY-ENRAGING MOMENTS WHERE I WISH I COULD STRANGLE THE PERSON TALKING TO ME

I

t’s one of those devastatingly-frustrating, poisonously-enraging moments where I wish I could strangle the person talking to me. Of course I won’t, because I’m a grown up, a professional and a lady. The Lebanese glass ceiling is about to come crashing down on my head, and yours.

I’m at work, with the CEO and the Human Resources Officer, discussing the suitability of three candidates for a new position.

One person undoubtedly stands out: she has a great profile and she nailed the interview. Yet, it took one tiny detail to dismiss her entirely: she’s getting married in two months. This makes her a liability according to the HR Officer: “A woman planning a wedding is not focusing on her job, we need someone who can hit the ground running, what if she gets pregnant in three months, what if her husband finds a job in Dubai in six months, and she leaves us to follow him?” I present her professional achievements, and highlight that she comes very highly recommended but the others don’t want to hear it.

The HR Officer is herself woman, hardly older than me, probably not even 30 yet, and I wonder what is going on in that thick head of hers. I tell her I’m disappointed by her attitude and all I get is, “You don’t understand the needs of the company at the moment”. Oh how I wish I could smash her skull with her own laptop. Instead I just take another bitter sip of coffee when I’m firmly asked by the CEO to pick another candidate. It’s not

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an isolated incident; a few months ago, an engineer did not get a team leader position because her boss feared that the young mother would not be able to provide the needed professional commitment. Yet she does her unpaid overtime on a regular basis just like everyone else. Here too, what hurt me the most was overhearing a young female intern comment that “it was normal” and that “that’s not a job for a mom”. Ladies, what’s going on! I’m almost used to men questioning a woman’s professional commitment, but do we need to be torpedoing each other’s careers as well?

It’s not difficult to understand why so few women reach the decision-making positions: I work in a cool tech startup (aren’t they all?), with a hungry young CEO ready to build an empire (aren’t they all?). Every day is crazy and intense, yet the job also feels like middle school sometimes: the employees, aged 22 to 35, armed with expensive degrees and ambition, are pampered by an HR department that goes out of their way to make the workplace fun and keep us at the office. There’s always birthday cake leftover in the fridge, music, and pizza when we work overtime (and that’s every night). The workforce is for the young, the free. It’s for those who’ll answer the boss’ BBM on a Saturday afternoon, and who can not-so-occasionally show up on Sunday. It’s exhilarating and no one complains, the young and single live for the job, fathers are expected to be consummate

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LEBANON’S GLASS CEILING

THE WORKFORCE IS FOR THE YOUNG, THE FREE. IT’S FOR THOSE WHO’LL ANSWER THE BOSS’ BBM ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON, AND WHO CAN NOT-SO-OCCASIONALLY SHOW UP ON SUNDAY professionals; but, to be honest, nobody wants a young mother around, because a young mother is “expected” to dedicate her life to another human being. Even young women don’t want to see young mothers around because in such a harsh economy, they just want to eliminate the competition and it’s easy to create a culture expecting everyone to be slaves to their jobs.

What about women who insist on keeping their career on track despite the absence of any support system for women and families? Fresh out of college, it first feels like there’s no difference between genders, then slowly, usually right after they get married, things start to happen, or rather, things stop happening: they will not be offered to take on important projects, they will not get the promotion, they will not get the raise, they will not be expected to shine. One way or another, young mothers are subtly (or not so subtly) asked to make a graceful exit.

And they do: the first ones to go are those who marry their college sweetheart. He got a job in Ghana, Montreal or Bahrain and they followed. Ending up in a random city where they have no professional network doesn’t matter, their career became secondary the moment they boarded that plane. Then, there are those who “take a break” when the first baby comes, many will never find a job again. The most resourceful will try to be their own boss, hoping for more flexibility as freelancers or consultants. Some, of course, will resist, and hang on tight to that corporate ladder, but they’ll see it getting steeper, they’ll see their male colleagues get the jobs, the promotions, the corner desk, while they will have to refuse that opportunity in Dubai because a Lebanese husband will not relocate for his wife’s job. When the machine is done using them, the glass ceiling crushes them.

In Lebanon, that ceiling can be pretty low.

Obviously, I cannot challenge the fact that it takes XX chromosomes to carry a baby, that the process takes nine months and that there’s usually more work to be done afterwards. Pregnancy and giving birth alone are enough to drastically put a person’s career on hold. By the time she can get back to the office (maternity leave is only 60 days in Lebanon), the woman is already behind, while her husband kept progressing professionally, so deciding that the woman becomes the primary caregiver can be an economically motivated decision since the initial setback means a lower salary for women. However, it doesn’t mean that motherhood (or the possibility of motherhood) makes them second rate professionals. It’s not just a question of justice, cold fact and numerous studies indicate that companies with more female decision makers perform better and getting over discrimination issues improves the pool of possible applicants for a job.

Companies should hire more women in leadership positions.

More importantly, women themselves should revolt. Instead, they act like it’s not their problem; they even enforce the system that will one day chew them up and spit them out. And when that happens, I wonder if they’ll realize it’s partly their fault Read more of Consumedly’s thoughts at www.consumedly.wordpress.com @Consumedly

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RAGGED

HELIOS FACTS REPRESENT!

As an important symbol in every religion under the sun (pun totally intended), the star at the center of our Solar System is represented by elements such as bronze, gold and diamonds, flowers such as the lotus flower, sunflower, rose and chrysanthemum, and animals such as the eagle (representing the sun rising in its glory), the tiger (representing the majestic setting sun), the phoenix (rising again and again), the rooster (announcing every sunrise) and the dragon (the fire and heat). In turn, the sun symbolizes life, power, strength, energy, force, clarity, self and the cycles of death and rebirth towards evolution.

BATTLE OF THE SEXES

3

In Greek mythology, Helios the sun was a Titan, son of Hyperion and Theia, and brother to Selene the moon and Eos the dawn. This handsome deity was crowned with the aureole of the sun as he drove his chariot across the sky. His Roman counterpart was Sol Invictus, celebrated on the winter solstice. He slowly became identified with the god of light, Apollo, but remained viewed as two distinct deities, as one was an Olympian and the other a Titan. Their nighttime counterparts were female, as the moon and night were seen as more delicate than the fiery, strong sunny days, with Selene and Artemis (Apollo’s twin) being identified as one deity as well.

The number of deities the Sun God of Egypt (AKA Ra) was divided into: Khepri, representing the rising sun, Atum, representing the setting sun and Ra, who rode across the sky to fight Apep, the demon of darkness.

Worshipped at Heliopolis, the Sun City, Ra later was associated with Amun and became Amun-Ra, the solar creator god. Farther back, the Ancient Egyptian sun deities were all goddesses (Nut, Sekhmet, Hathor, Bast‌); the Sun God in Ancient Egyptian Mythology then became male and what followed was the aforementioned division.

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2008 The year Australian music duo Empire of the Sun was formed. Their hit singles, Walking on a Dream, We Are the People, Alive, and others have been chart-toppers and they’ve nabbed various awards, nominations and accolades and their singles have gone gold and platinum. Luke Steele (of The Sleepy Jackson, an alternative rock project) and Nick Littlemore (of Pnau, the electronic dance music duo) decided to join forces and released their first album, Walking on a Dream, in October of that year, and their second album, Ice on the Dune, was released this June.

PEEKABOO A solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the sun and the earth, obscuring the former and amazing the inhabitants of the latter. We have total eclipses, annular eclipses, hybrid eclipses and partial eclipses. They usually occur once every 18 months and are divided into five stages: first contact, second contact (including the diamond ring effect), totality (where only the corona is visible), third contact (also including the diamond ring effect) and fourth contact. The Totality stage never lasts more than seven minutes and 31 seconds and is usually shorter than five minutes. Remember to wear special glasses when gazing at the next eclipse (April 29th, 2014)!

5778 K That’s the temperature of the surface of the sun in kelvin (meaning 5505°C). The center of our solar system (and 99.86 percent of its mass), is an almost perfectly spherical star that gets its heat from its core’s nuclear thermofusion. It’s classified as a yellow dwarf because its radiation is most intense in the yellow-green part of the colour spectrum; but don’t be fooled by the scattering of blue light in our atmosphere! The sun is actually white, and generates its energy via nuclear fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium, fusing 620 million metric tons of hydrogen each second. Now that’s hot.

LIGHTS OUT The Sun is a yellow dwarf and as impressive as its energy might seem to us, it simply isn’t enough for the center of our system to graduate into a supernova. Instead, it’ll become a red giant in approximately 5.4 billion years and will grow to such a size that it will engulf the orbits of neighboring planets –including us! According to astronomers, our planet will be hotter than Venus is today and then the sun will proceed to eliminate it by pulling it in due to orbit deceleration, while other planets will be pushed away. Our atmosphere will escape into space and all of our water will boil away, making our planet barren.

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CULTURE CLASH

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (PICTURED) © 2013 DISNEY-PIXAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

SPOTLIGHT

JEAN-CLAUDE KALACHE

ILLUMINATES YOU IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

PIXAR’S LATEST WORK IS MONSTERS, MAYHEM + MORE THAN WHAT MEETS THE EYE

BY FIDA CHAABAN

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J

ean-Claude Kalache is a student at Monsters Uni and when I sit down with him to talk about the nuances of bringing the lifelike magic to Pixar’s animated award-winning films, he proves it to me by wearing a Monsters University t-shirt. Okay so not exactly, but as Director of Photography for Pixar’s prequel to Monsters Inc., he knows the sprawling campus inside and out, and he can even tell you where his favorite hangout is. “There’s the frat row- it’s the party place. I’d love to be there, there’s a lot of action happening there!” Action aside, Kalache, a graduate of Texas A&M University, studied architecture and visualization sciences- meaning he’s the guy who focuses on the reality of spaces in the alternate reality of Pixar. Does that make sense to you? If not, spend 20 minutes with him and you’ll understand it, and more than that you’ll be a part of it. Kalache sees the campus of Monsters University very much like he sees any real space- he can tell you about the nooks and crannies, and even the building details that make Pixar’s latest feature jump right off the screen at you. “The campus

is beautiful to look at. One thing we’ve done with the design of the campus is that we’ve monster-fied the campus. If you look at all of the buildings -having my background in architecture- the monster-fied details jump out. If you look at the campus at night, the lighting brings out all of these details. I’d love to see the campus in real life.” After completing his undergraduate degree in architecture, Kalache began a master’s degree in the discipline until a professor of his suggested visualization sciences. The program is a mish mash of skills and techniques like graphics, theatrical lighting, coding, and even sculpting- it gives a “strong technical background with an art focus”. And applying all of these things to film, you end up with power-players like Up, Monsters, Inc. and Toy Story 2. Kalache’s imagination box also lends itself to living the alternate reality with Pixar’s audience: “I’d love to be Mike. The storyline of Mike is about believing in one’s self and trying hard to become that person and having to overcome many obstacles, and in some ways that has been my story growing up so I definitely associate with Mike quite a bit.”

“I DEFINITELY ASSOCIATE WITH MIKE QUITE A BIT ”

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Born in Lebanon, Kalache currently lives in San Anselmo, California. He joined Pixar in 1996 which was then acquired by Disney seven years ago in a highly publicized deal. He started working at Pixar just as “they’d finished Toy Story. I joined them straight out of college and the first project I worked on was a small short [film] Geri’s Game which ended up winning an Oscar and soon after that they started working on A Bug’s Life and I joined the team for that.” What exactly does he do? “My specialty is the lighting. There is another Director of Photography specializing in camera work. I have a crew that varies between 25 and 50 people.” How does lighting work in animated features? “It’s exactly like live action. Imagine if you have a scene with actors and you have great special and visual effects and beautiful composition, if you don’t turn on the lights you’re going to get black, so technically lighting is just there to help you see the characters in the scene, but lighting also plays an emotional part. It helps you to feel what the characters are feeling or set the mood, so it has an artistic direction.”

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“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (PICTURED) © 2013 DISNEY-PIXAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

CULTURE CLASH

SPOTLIGHT | JEAN-CLAUDE KALACHE

“MY SPECIALTY IS THE LIGHTING. THERE IS ANOTHER DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIALIZING IN CAMERA WORK. I HAVE A CREW THAT VARIES BETWEEN 25 AND 50 PEOPLE”

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PHOTOGRAPHY OF JEAN-CLAUDE KALACHE BY

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CULTURE CLASH

SPOTLIGHT | JEAN-CLAUDE KALACHE

“WE DO QUITE A BIT OF RESEARCH, MY TYPICAL STINT ON A MOVIE IS FOUR YEARS”

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (PICTURED) © 2013 DISNEY-PIXAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

The process is a complex one and the lighting side of animated features is a many-layered procedure explains Kalache, “At Pixar, the way lighting works, we meet with the director and the first question we ask is, ‘How can lighting help the story point of a given scene?’ Then we go up and try to put lights in the scene (we never turn on the sound), and we see if we can tell a story through lighting.

If you see that, if you get a certain feeling, an emotion, then you know lighting is helping the story.” Here we begin to discuss the finer points of lighting technique and the steps Kalache and his team take to build the lighting schema of a film.

“Like many other departments, lighting is geared solely to serve the story. We do quite a bit of research, my typical stint on a movie is four years. The first two and a half years we’re doing research. We do bring people [in], we do go on research trips, and we do quite a bit of homework.

After that it’s mostly internal but we’re a pretty big crew, 200 plus on a movie.”

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“SOMETIMES 3D MIGHT FIGHT THE TRUE INTENTION OF THE ORIGINAL LIGHTING, SO IT’S A CONSTANT TWEAKING SO THAT THE TECHNOLOGY DOESN’T TAKE OVER THE STORY” At the start of a project, Kalache and his team “go in and try to figure out how we can emotionally enhance what the viewer is seeing. If you think of animation lighting (or what we call cartoon lighting), it’s very theatrical.” I think about how candlelight in real life can altogether change my perception of a space and dictate the mood, and I ask Kalache to talk more about how lighting sets vibe and tone. Not only does it tell you how to feel, lighting can also shift your point of focus and in an animated feature is often used to push the point of the scene. Kalache says they can do all this and more: “We want the audience to look at the left side of the image, so we draw their attention by putting a spotlight and it’s very subtle, but we do put a spotlight.

If we want you to feel a little bit sick, we’ll put a sickly green-coloured palette over everything just to get an emotion.

There’s a psychological aspect of colour that we play with- colour theory is a very complex domain and there’s quite a bit of research done there so we use quite a

few tricks.” Tricks like their newest coup, called Global Illumination (GI), a lighting technology used in Monsters University. It started because Kalache began examining the process of their lighting techniques “after [the film] Up. I was looking at some of our work and I realized there’s a huge complexity in our setups, even to make a simple setup, it requires quite a bit of work. What happened over the years is that we acquired a toolset that was very powerful but came with a cost and that was complexity and it grew exponentially over time. To give you an example, imagine every time you had to take a picture, you build the camera from scratch. It’s impressive but it’s time consuming, so what we decided was that we’d bypass all the building technology and we created ‘Smart Lights’, you put them in the scene and they just work. So we developed this technology, we called it GI- it’s a buzzword.” The science of light and refraction come into play here- in short GI technology works with the principles of physics in real life and automatically replicates

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CULTURE CLASH

“WE CREATED ‘SMART LIGHTS’, YOU PUT THEM IN THE SCENE AND THEY JUST WORK”

“COLOUR THEORY IS A VERY COMPLEX

DOMAIN AND THERE’S QUITE A BIT OF RESEARCH DONE THERE SO WE USE QUITE A FEW TRICKS” them in the world of cartoons: “In reality when the sunray leaves the sun and hits the floor of the earth it bounces back and it never stops (unless it hits something black), and it bounces again and again. So you can imagine light around us is millions of light rays bouncing. Those we used to put [into the film] by hand and our scenes would have thousands of lights!” This was both time-consuming and costly, and the GI creation automatically performed this effect: “the system says, ‘I know you’re a light, I know I’m a surface’ and the minute the light is going to hit that surface it will bounce again (refract). It automatically took care of hundreds of thousands of lights that we were trying to match visually. The other thing that we created is Smart Lights; you put them in the scene and they give you all the right behavior whereas the old lights you had to teach them the behavior, which is a very powerful tool because you can do a weird behavior that is not physical. We ended up with a hybrid system between the old system and the new system” for Monsters University.

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Kalache says the most salient features to a layperson would be that the characters have a “photo-real” look, and have an almost tangible aspect, explaining that with these new techniques “there are scenes that look like a live action set instead of a cartoon, there’s more depth in the image, more realism in the image. It was quite cost-effective, ground-breaking and it never jeopardized the final look of the image- what we call the ‘Pixar Look’, we never want to stay away from that.”

The aforementioned “Pixar Look” also involves mastering three dimensional film, so I ask Kalache the question I’m sure he’s been asked a thousand times: 3D versus 2D? “3D definitely enhances the experience, there are some scenes that lend themselves to 3D. In Monsters University, there’s some establishing scenes at the campus and they’re fantastic to look at because in 3D because they’re immersive and you’re there. At the same time sometimes 3D might fight the true intention of the original lighting, so it’s a constant tweaking so that the technology doesn’t take over the story. The minute

the technology steps in and you’re enamoured by the technology and you forget the storyline, you know you have a problem. It’s just tricky to have the right amount of 3D and not be distracted.” I ask Kalache what he feels is the main source of criticism of 3D, why did so many film critics such as the late Roger Ebert, have such a strong initial negative reaction to recent 3D productions? “The first 3D film was Alfred Hitchcock’s Dial M for Murder.

It’s a fantastic movie but it was made for 3D, the set design was all made for 3D. Unfortunately nowadays, the 3D process is a post-process, you make the movie for 2D and you just apply it after. Avatar was made for 3D.” His explanation correlates well with critical reviews. It seems that films made with the intention of 3D at the outset are better-received by critics -whether this is because there is a genuine difference in the viewing experience or whether it’s a preconceived bias is debateable- but Kalache’s explanation makes sense.

Kalache’s aim, to convince me with lighting and staging, to wish I could register at Monsters University, hang out at the monster-fied Frat Row (and yes maybe even be Mike), is successful. After all, seeing is believing

THE HELIOS ISSUE

SPOTLIGHT | JEAN-CLAUDE KALACHE

“MONSTERS UNIVERSITY” (PICTURED) © 2013 DISNEY-PIXAR. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

“LIGHTING ALSO PLAYS AN EMOTIONAL PART. IT HELPS YOU TO FEEL WHAT THE CHARACTERS ARE FEELING OR SET THE MOOD, SO IT HAS AN ARTISTIC DIRECTION.”

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OUT+ABOUT

SUNSET BOULEVARD

BLVD44 TAKES LEBANON’S NIGHTLIFE FOR A TRIP

W

“

e don’t have playlists, our DJs are very spontaneous. We love to interact with the crowd, like cut the music for 10 seconds, turn off the light and talk to them. It’s so different, and so weird that everyone is just shocked, and that’s what BLDV44 is all about. It’s an experience, a different concept, it’s something new and it’s very personal.” Jack Sleiman, Managing Partner of BLVD44 -Beirut’s newest rooftop club- sums it up right.

We first discovered Boulevard, as we like to call it, on their opening night and we were impressed: wheelchair access, excellent service and one hell of a party with Big Ali and his Vem Dançar Kuduro song.

And this was just the beginning of a great summer program.

BLVD44 is different, it’s “a concept we brought in from Montreal.

Unlike other clubs that start their entertainment at around one in the morning, with us it starts at around 9:30pm,” explains Jack. “We encourage people to come early because the music starts early. We’re even starting a new night called Sunset Sundays. At seven o’clock the place will be open for you to enjoy your cocktail and we’ll have live bands.” Sunset Sundays is just one of their themed nights; Too Mucking Fuch Fridays will feature one guest artist every week.

BLVD44 is all about the music, every type. Since the very beginning, they wanted to “do everything. We want to do Rock, we want to do Pop, we want to do Alternative, Hip Hop, Dance, and that’s exactly what we’re doing. We’re doing a mix of everything, everything, every single night.” Sometimes, they even play 80s songs on a Saturday night, “at two o’clock in the morning, when people are tired, and you’re playing dance, and then you play an 80s song, it revives them you know, it gives them Goosebumps.”

“IT’S A CONCEPT WE BROUGHT IN FROM MONTREAL. UNLIKE OTHER CLUBS THAT START THEIR ENTERTAINMENT AT AROUND ONE IN THE MORNING, WITH US IT STARTS AT AROUND 9:30PM” 38 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

THE HELIOS ISSUE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

OUT+ABOUT

SUNSET BOULEVARD | NIGHTLIFE AT BLVD44

THE COOLEST THING TO LOOK FORWARD TO? THE BLVD44 ROBOT SHOW, A “FULL ON LED ROBOT SHOW, IT’S A CRAZY FUCKING SHOW.” WE’RE ALSO WAITING FOR THEIR NEW CONCEPTUAL NIGHT, “WHERE PEOPLE ARE GOING TO BE ABLE TO DO THEIR OWN COCKTAILS AT THE BAR” BLVD44 is the type of club that will offer a round of shots to every single one of their clients randomly, just because they feel like it. Jack makes sure “everyone gets a shot. It’s small stuff like that that people appreciate. What’s the cost of a fucking shot you know, it’s not gonna break you. It won’t make you, but it won’t break you.

We’re very personal with them, especially through our social media.

At 12 o’clock, 1 o’clock in the morning you have people tweeting at us and we’re replying and talking to them and they’re always like ‘800 hundred people in the club and yet they’re talking to us? This is crazy!’ That’s what BLVD44 is, it’s very intimate.” The club is keen

on promoting local bands, as “there are so many in Lebanon that are so talented,” says Jack. “We want to dedicate one night a week to promote and support these artists, we want to work with them.”

That’s not their only upcoming initiative. Jack wants us –and you!- to keep our eyes open and “expect some really cool stuff for the summer season.” The coolest thing to look forward to? The BLVD44 robot show, a “full on LED robot show, it’s a crazy fucking show.” We’re also waiting for their new conceptual night, “where people are going to be able to do their own cocktails at the bar. We can’t do that at 12, so we’re doing it at 7pm, that’s really cool.” Our favorite little detail?

Mixology Blvd style specializes in “The 4” – according to Jack, “you can either make it strong, which will hurt you, or make it normal and just enjoy it. But you have to try it.”

BLVD44 has a lot in store for you this summer. Not only do they keep on introducing new artists and concepts in Lebanese nightlife, they’re also planning on expanding worldwide, opening in “Marbella, Spain, another location in the Middle East, two locations in Europe, one in the US and a second one in Canada.” So that wherever you go, you get to have a lil’ bit of BLVD44 funk. #DoThe4, we did, and we think you should too

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#DoThe4 BLVD44 Zalka Seaside Road | 70444401 www.blvd44nightlife.com www.ragmag.co | R A@BLVD44Beirut G M A G | 41 BLVD44Beirut BLVD44Beirut

IMAGE CREDIT JASON KOENIG

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

MACKLEMORE THE THRIFT SHOP OPENS IN BEIRUT THE BIGGEST BREAKTHROUGH ARTIST OF 2013 GIVES YOU EVERYTHING, OKAY ALMOST EVERYTHING

BY FIDA CHAABAN

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CULTURE CLASH

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

MACKLEMORE | THE THRIFT SHOP OPENS IN BEIRUT

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP: STILL IMAGE FROM THE AND WE DANCED VIDEO

“I STARTED DOING BALLET AT AGE SIX AND ALWAYS DRESSED UP IN CRAZY COSTUMES”

IMAGES COURTESY OF MACKLEMORE’S FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

M

acklemore. At first I didn’t know what to expect. I thought he was quirky, off the wall, strange even.

I mean, he’s an artist at the end of the day. I don’t really know how to pin him down because he’s got a bit of Prince-like androgyny sometimes, and even David Bowie-like costumery and pomp. He’s a bit camp, and then he nailed the Eminem white rapper thing. But he’s all of those things, and none of those things. The best way to find out about Macklemore was to talk to Macklemore. So this is what I did.

Just before his appearance at the NRJ Music Tour, I had a few minutes to figure out how Macklemore feels about a few subjects, not the least of which is Skittles (he’s an M&M’s kind of guy). I’m sure you follow him on Instagram and on Twitter, and if you don’t get on it because he’s as off-kilter there as he is everywhere else. Generally, I never do these sorts of interviews in question and answer format, preferring instead to splice and intersperse with text, but Macklemore needs to be heard exactly the way I heard it. So this is it, he’s got a bit more than 20 dollars in his pocket, and he’s about to stun you if you come to the concert in Beirut. He’ll flash his pearly whites, he’ll rap and he’ll dance like the ceiling can’t hold him. To be fair, the guy doesn’t deserve these taglines- he’s articulate and intelligent. He’s fun too, as Macklemore should be, and by the time you read this interview we’ll know if what he says is true about his first ever appearance in Beirut: “A wild show- we’ve never been to Lebanon and we’ve been anticipating this show since the day we booked it. Get ready!” We are, unequivocally and certainly, ready for both Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. All randomness and all puns intended. So without further ado- curtain up.

“I GREW UP IN A GAY FRIENDLY COMMUNITY CALLED CAPITOL HILL, WITH TWO UNCLES THAT WERE GAY” J U LY 2 0 1 3

Your song Same Love with Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert is a discussion on same-sex marriage and equality for the LGBTQ community.

Can you talk a bit about some of the personal attachment you have to this subject?

For me, I grew up in a gay friendly community called Capitol Hill, with two uncles that were gay.

It was very much a part of my reality. I grew up witnessing the personal struggles that face the LGBTQ community and observed how different people and communities dealt with it.

In Same Love you also talk about the stereotypes that are attached to the arts, that talent in arts is often considered a tell-tale sign of homosexuality. Did you actually experience this as a child? You were reportedly musical since the age of six, and artistically active since early childhood as well?

I started doing ballet at age six and always dressed up in crazy costumes. I stood on the couch and performed for everyone and anyone who would watch me. My parents encouraged me to do anything I wanted to do and because the community I lived in was so open, I was never shut down. I have seen other kids get bullied or maybe their parents do not support them doing activities outside of a gender comfort zone. I was allowed to thrive as myself. This made a huge difference in my lack of fear that still allows me to do and try new things. I think everyone should be allowed to experience that, everyone should be encouraged regardless of their orientation.

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CULTURE CLASH

MACKLEMORE | THE THRIFT SHOP OPENS IN BEIRUT

LEFT: MACKLEMORE AND RYAN LEWIS CREDIT JOHN KEATLEY

“I NEVER HAD MODERATION

WITH ALCOHOL AND DRUGS”

RIGHT IMAGE COURTESY OF MACKLEMORE’S FACEBOOK FAN PAGE

Also, you talk about conservative right-wing ideas: that there is a “cure” or “treatment” for being homosexual. Doesn’t it shock you that in 2013, there are still people who adhere to religious dogma and archaic (and anti-scientific) ideas?

Sometimes it shocks me and sometimes it doesn’t. I try to focus on the progress and the projects that are creating peace across the world. The hatred exists but I can’t make it the focus… the focus must be having a conversation, starting dialogue, and taking action to let others know they are loved and accepted.

In your past, you have reportedly been treated for alcoholism and drug abuse, in addition to obsessive behaviors- can you talk about your addictions and subsequent recovery?

I never had moderation with alcohol and drugs. If I used I couldn’t stop, and all the relationships in my life suffered. I knew this from a very young age, probably 15. I struggled in and out of sobriety until 2008 when things had gotten quite bad. I had no passion left, no drive to work on music, and my father with my approval had me go to an inpatient treatment facility in Canada. I needed this time to repair and rebuild my brain. I learned about the 12 steps and confronted personal demons that were paining me. One of the most difficult ones was my fear of failing with my dream of creating music. Once I acknowledged the fear and was clear enough to work on music again, I started writing songs that would later become The Vs. EP.

Tell us more about the musical relationship between you and Ryan Lewis: what is you, and what is Ryan? How did the two of your come together to first create what are arguably the most viral musical compositions of the past few years?

Ryan was a high school kid when I was 22 that was taking pictures of all performers in Seattle. He was very entrepreneurial in spirit and we developed a friendship. As he continued with photography he grew disinterested as he began producing beats. At first I didn’t take him seriously and then one day he sent me a beat and I was like, ‘Damn, this kid gets it’. We started working together and the universe kind of did the rest. We have a similar passion for all visual art and spend countless hours on music videos, photographs, merch designs, and lots of things unrelated to music… with the music we are very similar and

work on the tiniest part of each song meticulously. I sometimes wish that we could just magically make good music but for us it takes a lot of studio time, re-working, and mastering it to become a finished product.

What did it feel like when you won the 2013 Billboard award for “Rap Album of the Year”?

You also had a nomination and a win for Thrift Shop. Did you think you were going to win? In your opinion, who is the best rapper?

It was a surreal moment. But there have been other smaller moments that mean more. They are hard to predict, but sometimes it just hits you that you are working and living your passion. I couldn’t be more grateful for all the success. I have incredible people in my life that have helped me get to this point. I think Kendrick Lamar is the best rapper in the game right now.

“RYAN WAS A HIGH SCHOOL KID WHEN I WAS 22 THAT WAS TAKING PICTURES OF ALL PERFORMERS IN SEATTLE” J U LY 2 0 1 3

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CULTURE CLASH

MACKLEMORE | THE THRIFT SHOP OPENS IN BEIRUT

“I FEEL LIKE A CONDUIT FOR A TRUTH

THAT EXISTS OUTSIDE OF ME IF SOCIAL MEDIA HELPS TRANSLATE THAT TO THE FANS AND MAKE ME MORE RELATABLE THEN IT IS A WONDERFUL THING”

You reportedly became engaged in January of this year. Can you tell us a bit about the relationship and how you maintain your connection while touring?

My fiancée, Tricia Davis, is the most loving and supportive person in my life. She is our tour manager, amidst a million other jobs, and keeps our whole crew on the same page. We thrive because we know each other so well and have seen each other through the darkest places. She is also incredibly creative and keeps me on my toes.

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If you weren’t a performing artist, what would you be doing? Is it a case of go big or go home? Bruno Mars recently told us if he wasn’t performing on a large scale, he’d still be singing in a bar somewhere living off of his music. What do you think of that?

If I wasn’t doing this, I would be working with youth. My most important experience outside of music was working at Greenhill Juvenile Correctional facility. Working with disadvantaged youth and showing them the support and love that they never received is something that I still hope to do in my life

RAGMAG FIVE FOR FIVE MACKLEMORE 1. SKITTLES VS. M&M’S? M&M’S 2. PET SHOP BOYS VS. DEPECHE MODE? DEPECHE MODE 3. OSCAR WILDE VS. GEORGE ORWELL? ORWELL! 4. VANITY FAIR VS. THE ECONOMIST? VANITY FAIR 5. WIKILEAKS VS. WIKIPEDIA? WIKIPEDIA

THE HELIOS ISSUE

IMAGES COURTESY OF MACKLEMORE.COM

Your Instagram and Twitter accounts are probably the easiest way to communicate with your fanbase. Do you remember growing up how remote artists felt? Stars were completely unreachable. Do you ever read the tweets from your followers and the comments on your Instagram? What do you think of the accessibility factor in the modern entertainment industry?

I love it. I read fans emails and comments every day and it reminds me of the effect that my music has across the world. It reminds me that I must continue… that this has nothing to do with me and much more to do with a greater purpose. I feel like a conduit for a truth that exists outside of me. If social media helps translate that to the fans and make me more relatable then it is a wonderful thing.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

IT’S YOUR MAGAZINE

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@ragmagmagazine

ragmagmagazine

ragmag

THE HELIOS ISSUE

NEW + NOW

YOU’VE BEEN LABELED! The year 2013 was a success from the start for Label 5, a global leader in fine Scotch whisky. During the first half of the year, Label 5 was the recipient of five global awards for two products in the range: Label 5 Classic Black and Label 5 Extra Premium 12. Label 5 Classic Black, the distinct Scotch carefully blended from a selection of the finest malt and grain whiskies, was awarded the Gold Medal in San Francisco’s World Spirits Competition of 2013, surpassing other known whisky competitors in one of the world’s most prestigious whisky competitions staged in the US. Classic Black also won the bronze medal in China Wine and Spirits Best Value Awards 2013, the most significant competition in China and notable for being the only one in the world that evaluates the performance of spirits. Also in the Chinese competition, Label 5 Extra Premium 12 was awarded the Gold Medal and carried on with its successes with the Scotch Whisky Trophy, the highest recognition of the product that earns the highest score based on the number of medals collected by the distillery. Further noted mentions this year for Label 5 Extra Premium 12 include a double Gold Medal -the exceptional Scotch is fully matured in oak casks for over 12 years- earning Label 5 the highest medal in the San Francisco competition. This award is the ultimate expression of the world class quality of this Scotch produced in the heart of Scotland. These accolades only highlight Label 5 Whisky’s commitment to providing excellence as it promises further success in 2013 and beyond.

ROVING EYE Elegance, prestige, surprise and excitement reflected the ambiance that more than a thousand people experienced during a spectacular gala event held on June 14, 2013 at the new Beirut Waterfront, Lebanon. The one of a kind event for the MENA region was staged by MANA Automotive s.a.l., a member of Tewtel Group of Companies and the exclusive distributor of Land Rover and Aston Martin in Lebanon. The event, rich in content and packed with surprises, saw the invitees enjoy a series of live entertainment and musical performances by renowned bands. During the gala dinner the elite of Land Rover lovers witnessed the unexpected unveiling of the All-New Range Rover Sport, which embodies the qualities of power and supremacy of a sports utility car with no compromise. Welcoming his guests, Mr. Nadim Tewtel, President & Managing Director, expressed his appreciation and gratitude for all Land Rover brand customers: “It has become a tradition to share with Land Rover enthusiasts in Lebanon our latest addition to the company’s line-up. It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to the All-New Range Rover Sport, which will revolutionize the sports utility concept around the world.” Speaking about the launch, Robin Colgan, Managing Director for Jaguar Land Rover MENA said that “the

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All-New Range Rover Sport is a vehicle that has been designed and engineered without compromise, making it the ultimate premium sports SUV.” The All-New Range Rover Sport combines the powerful looks and supreme qualities which brought the best-ever onroad dynamics together with class-leading, genuine Land Rover all-terrain capability. The Range Rover Sport presents customers with a more assertive and muscular exterior, more luxurious interior and the flexibility provided by the option of expanded seating features.

Lebanese customers will have a choice of two

supercharged petrol engines: 5.0-litre 510PS V8 and the new 3.0-litre 340PS V6. A design benchmark in its segment, the All-New Range Rover Sport interior offers a unique blend of style and understated luxury with strong, elegant lines, top quality materials and an extra dash of sporting character. Engineered and weather tested at Land Rover’s development centres in the UK and the Middle East, the new model will be produced in a state-of-theart low-energy manufacturing facility at Solihull, UK. The All-New Range Rover Sport will be available in Lebanon starting September.

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LA

OUT + ABOUT

SUN WORSHIP LEBANON’S BEST BEACHES

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SUMMER AND SPEND SOME TIME FALLING IN LOVE WITH LEBANON’S BEST COASTLINES. CHILL-OUT SUN WORSHIPPING, POOLSIDE DANCING, SWIMMING, AND WE’LL SEE YOU BY THE WATER!

THREE BEACHTASTIC VENUES LIVING LARGE AT VEER

CHILLAXING AT LAZY B

As stated on their website, VEER is not your everyday resort. The Kaslik Boutique Hotel & Resort features a W-shaped pool with bed islets and a pool bar. With cool beats, a contrasting setting of metal, glass and flora, and excellent service, VEER is a tier one resort for people who do not mind spending for quality. VEER’s Pool Villas stand out: private Jacuzzi, aquarium pool, high-tech products and a private rooftop make it a great location to spend a whole weekend.

Lazy B is home to the laidback beach crowd.

Labeled an eco-friendly beach, no loud techno music here, only a serene secluded coast, rocky coves, green grass, terraces overlooking the sea, hammocks and loungers where a select group of sun worshippers come to chill out and cultivate their tan. Billed as a resort for nature lovers seeking relaxation, serenity and peace, Lazy B features two freshwater swimming pools. A relaxed restaurant and a snack bar are the answer to all hunger pangs and a small playground caters to boisterous kids.

Weekdays 37,500 LBP | Weekends 52,500 LBP Kaslik +961 9 22 26 23 www.veer.com.lb Veerlebanon @Veer_Lebanon

LAZY B

Weekdays 35,000 LBP | Weekends 40,000 LBP Jiyeh +961 70 950010 www.lazyb.me lazybbeach @LazyBme

VEER

KEEPIN’ IT INDIE AT PIERRE AND FRIENDS Pierre and Friends is a beach true to its name. Pierre, fondly called Pierrot by his clients, who all become his friends by the way, has been on this pebbled beach for decades. What was once a sailing club of sorts somehow evolved into a trendy beach bar for the young and young at heart; no people watching here, only good times and dancing. Reggae and soft rock, laidback staff, fresh fish, beach bonfires, chilled Almaza and Mojitos are on the menu. Plus you can rent Pierre’s sailing boat with skipper for the day to discover the northern coast. Windsurf and body boards can be rented out.

Daytime 30,000 LBP minimum charge Nighttime free entry Batroun, near Madfoun Bridge | +961 6 744930

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

SUN WORSHIP | LEBANON’S BEST BEACHES

ON THE WATER EXPERIENCES ORCHID

ORCHID

Under the motto of “Luxury redefined”, Orchid goes out of their way to offer adult beachgoers (over 21s only admitted) some outstanding services. The gorgeous pool is surrounded by striking loungers, Jacuzzi huts and the improved spa, offering relaxing massages and rejuvenating treatments.

Unique and deluxe services include like fresh cold towels, sunglass cleaning (yes!) and cold-water facial spray.

BAMBOO BAY

LAGUAVA

Weekdays 35,000 LBP | Weekends 40,000 LBP Jiyeh +961 3 513 888 www.bamboo-bay.com

Weekdays 33,000 LBP | Weekends 40,000 LBP Rmeileh +961 7 99 01 01 www.laguavaresort.com

The first hip beach resort of its kind in the country, Bamboo Bay launched in 2002.

Since then it has come a long way catering mostly to couples and families; this 30,000 m2 is well designed, done in white, lilacpurple and spring green shades. It features a sandy beach with sun loungers and swimming pool, Jacuzzis, and terraces overlooking the sea. The restaurant menu offers a good choice for lunch and it’s a place where the sunkissed tend to stay on for dinner.

LAGUAVA

Weekdays 45,000 LBP | Weekends 45,000 LBP Jiyeh +961 7 996303 +961 3 040420 www.orchid-resort.com OrchidLifestyle

LA SUITE – OCEANA

Set in a banana orchard, it is just huge. This 28,000 m2 resort has four pools, bars and a 350m long boardwalk, you can stroll past the sea and sun-kissed bodies lounging on sun beds. The dining options here are vast with five restaurants and cafés to choose from, like Dunkin’ Donuts and Crepaway, as well as several bars in and out of the pool. There are shops galore offering all you need for a day at the beach and more, and a nursery to keep the kiddies busy. Come sunset, Oceana pulls in the young crowd who swap the clubs of Beirut for the decks of Oceana to party the night away.

Weekdays 30,000 LBP | Weekends 35,000 LBP Damour +961 3 998080 La.Suite.Oceana.Beach.Resort

LA SUITE - OCEANA

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A short walk along a stony path and lush gardens with a ClubMed feel brings you to the long and sandy beach. There are two pools and a restaurant. When the sun goes down, the music from the beach bar goes into chillout mode so relax back on the four-poster sunbeds and watch the sunset. There are bungalows to spend the night if you can’t face the drive back to Beirut, decorated with wood and soft earthy shades, each with its own deck and Jacuzzis, perfect for nighttime stargazing.

BAMBOO BAY

BONITA BAY

It’s located about 12km north of Byblos along pristine coast. Billed as a family resort, don’t expect a fancy pool, but do expect a breathtaking deep turquoise blue sea lined by a long stretch of pebble beach dotted with straw parasols and cream loungers. The sea here is wild and challenging but clear deep water awaits the avid swimmers. And after a day at the beach, enjoy a sunset drink on the wooden decks above followed by a scrumptious seafood dinner.

Weekdays 15,000 LBP | Weekends 20,000 LBP Batroun +961 6 744 844 www.bonitabay.me BonitaBayBatroun

PALAPAS

Tucked away in the bay of Tabarja. A large curved swimming pool is the focus of this resort surrounded by a bar, sunbeds and a landscaped lawn.

Weekdays 20,000 LBP | Weekends 30,000 LBP Tabarja +961 9 856 655 Palapas.Beach

PALAPAS

PUNCHO

JAMMAL

Weekdays 10,000 LBP | Weekends 15,000 LBP Amchit +961 9 790 955 www.punchobeach.com

Kfarabida, south of Batroun +961 6 740095

A little gem of a beach to be found along the coastline of Amchit. The beach is rocky with natural water pools for cooling off in. The sea here is crystal clear and great for snorkeling and there are plenty of exotic straw parasols to escape the hot sun. A little restaurant overlooks the sea and serves fresh fish and salads at reasonable prices.

A cool spot for hot days, more of a fish restaurant right on the beach rather than a resort.

It is easy to miss, tucked away in a creek, where you can enjoy an ice-cold beer with the catch of the day while dipping your toes in the water. Popular with boat owners, the surrounding rocky enclaves of Jammal are perfect for snorkeling and the underground fresh water springs offer a chilled swim even on the hottest summer days. Free entry.

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

OUT + ABOUT

SUN WORSHIP | LEBANON’S BEST BEACHES

BEIRUT SUN SPOTS

WANT TO FEEL LIKE YOU’VE ESCAPED THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE CITY BUT CAN’T QUITE GET OUT OF TOWN? THEN HEAD TO ONE OF THESE URBAN BEACHES… SUMMER IN THE CITY DOESN’T HAVE TO MEAN MISSING OUT ON THE BEACH.

RIVIERA BEACH LOUNGE

RIVIERA BEACH LOUNGE

Located opposite Riviera Hotel this beach lounge features long piers with loungers for catching the sea breezes and with the best view of the Med. A pool bar for cocktail hour, Jacuzzis and excellent service where you are literally waited on hand and foot. The scuba diving school here is reputable and the restaurant has a great menu for all tastes, popular with the hotel tourists in the evenings.

Weekdays 36,000 LBP Weekends 48,000 LBP Corniche El Manara +961 1 373210 www.rivierahotel.com.lb RivieraHotelBeachLoungeBeirut @RivieraBeirut

RIVIERA BEACH LOUNGE

ST GEORGE YACHT CLUB

Still a symbol of the golden days of Lebanon when it played host to the stars in the swinging 70s. Despite having been destroyed by war, and now its refurbishment on hold in a real-estate battle, the beach club still draws in city dwellers with a large pool, long loungers and marina.

Weekdays 35,000 LBP Weekends 40,000 LBP Ain El Mreisseh +961 3 958379

LA PLAGE

SPORTING CLUB

Weekdays 45,000 LBP Weekends 52,000 LBP Ain El Mreisseh +961 1 366222

Weekdays 28,000 LBP Weekends 37,000 LBP Corniche El Manara +961 1 742481

No sandy beach here, despite the name, but there is a nice pool to cool off in. This is a good place to come for some lunchtime tanning or swimming if you only have a few hours to spare. Draws in the chic fashionistas, so best to break out in the latest D&G bikini or Vilebrequin trunks. After sunset, it’s all candles and cocktails and cushioned alcoves provide cover for the amorous inclined.

Diehard local sun worshippers and fisherman alike are loyal to this spot. Admittedly in dire need of renovation, its location with a wide view of the Med makes it hard to beat.

There are three pools and access to the sea via the rocks if you are brave enough. Dinner at the seafood restaurant is a firm favorite during sunset when the arak flows galore; also serves a mean curry.

MORE FUN IN THE SUN C FLOW BEACH Byblos +961 3 039 703 www.cflowbeachresort.com C-FLOW-Beach-Resort

PANGEA Jiyeh +961 7 995580 www.pangearesort.com Pangea.Beach.Resort.Lebanon

IRIS BEACH CLUB Damour +96171533318 www.irisbeach.com IrisBeachClub

PRAIA BEACH Zouk Mosbeh +9619221216 www.praialebanon.com Praiaresort @PraiaResort

BAY 183 Jbeil +9613000183 Bay183 CLUB SENSES Kaslik +961 9 213 212 www.clubsenses.com clubsenseslebanon @senseskaslik

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C FLOW BEACH

UTOPIA Damour +961 5 603222 UtopiaBeachLebanon OCAP Rmeileh +961 3 874 047 www.ocaponline.com OcapResort

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CULTURE CLASH

HAYDA LEBNEN’S

HUMAN DECLARATION OF

BEACH RIGHTS

BY SARAH HOURANY

A

RESTRICTED AREA Are you a woman of Asian or African descent? Then you might have to deal with a predictable, three-stage pattern when you show up at most beach resorts

1. They will assume that you are a female

domestic worker- even if you are not.

2enno 3ade, Lebanese people moutakhassisin bil stereotypes: Filipino, Ethiopian, Nepali and Sri Lankan women are always categorized as “maids”, just like Egyptian men are automatically classified as workers 3al trombas, Syrians as shaghile bil warshe and Russians as strippers in Maameltein.

THEY WILL EXPLAIN 2ENNO IT’S NOT BECAUSE OF YOUR SKIN COLOUR BUT “FI PRESTIGE M3AYYAN LAL RESORT”

2. They will tell you that they are really sorry but you can’t access the resort. Of course, they will not disclose the reasons behind their random decision.

3. Once you insist on knowing why, they will explain bi kel bara2a 2enno it’s not because of your skin colour but “fi prestige m3ayyan lal resort”, thus replacing their racist arguments by classist ones: smart! As such, they will not let you in even if you’re just an expat on your day off and even if you’re able to afford the admission fee.

COMICS COURTESY OF SAREEN AKHARJALIAN

lthough Lebanon is thought to be a pioneer state in the Arab world in its commitment to the respect of human rights (sit el ghina wala sit el fo2er), w ma3 2enno it played a role in the elaboration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights through a leading Lebanese figure, Dr. Charles Malek, bteje el sayfiye every year to remind us 2enno our dear balad hay2to la ketib hal declaration wala 7atta 2ariya! “Uff hal2ad?” you may ask.

Hal2ad w 2aktar, just visit one of Lebanon’s beach resorts and witness a unique act of discrimination on the basis of race, colour and social class.

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

HAYDA LEBNEN’S HUMAN DECLARATION OF BEACH RIGHTS

THEIR CLIENTS EL GHER SHEKEL CAN’T SHARE THE SWIMMING POOL WITH SOMEONE 2A2AL MEN ENGINEER, WHO KNOWS, BARKE SARLA CHI EL MAY!

FACE THE TRUTH El prestige el m3ayyan that they told you about mesh ma3rouf 3a shou it’s based.

According to them, yimkin women who marry for money byou7o bi prestige more than those who left their children and came to work in Lebanon for a paltry $100 monthly salary. Or maybe, their clients el gher shekel can’t share the swimming pool with someone 2a2al men engineer, who knows, barke sarla chi el may!

But don’t feel offended my dear, el prestige aslan is a concept commonly applied among Lebanese people too. Did you know that the privatization of the Lebanese coast prevents most Lebanese families from enjoying the beach? Enno if the entrance ticket at beach resorts amounts to $15 (hayda el minimum), a family of five would have to spend $75 just to get in- let’s not get started on what they’d have to pay for lunch. Hayde la wa7da constitutes around 20 percent of the basic salary in Lebanon, 2enno ma32oul? Halla2 of course, you can find a few places where you can get in for free, but I don’t think anyone would enjoy swimming near floating plastic bags, discarded shoes, empty beer bottles, and a dead cow.

ENNO IF THE ENTRANCE TICKET AT BEACH RESORTS AMOUNTS TO $15 (HAYDA EL MINIMUM), A FAMILY OF FIVE WOULD HAVE TO SPEND $75 JUST TO GET IN- LET’S NOT GET STARTED ON WHAT THEY’D HAVE TO PAY FOR LUNCH J U LY 2 0 1 3

EVERYONE HAS THE RIGHT TO A DAY AT THE BEACH, REGARDLESS OF THEIR RACE, NATIONALITY OR SOCIAL CLASS

SPECIAL SCENARIO

Every rule has an exception. They might grant you access to the resort if and only if you show up bisifatik a maid accompanied by her employer w 3a sharet:

• You have to remain fully clothed even if its 35ºC outside, kermel el manzar in general ya3ne. Bass don’t worry, you’re allowed to use the restrooms to wash your face wa2ta toftase (katter khayron walla) since you are forbidden from swimming in the pool.

• You have to look after your employer’s kids since their mom has a tight tanning schedule, bta3arfe ma fiya mayle totla3 bronzée aktar men mayle!

• You have to magically become a lifeguard that can save drowning kids with-

out touching the water at all. Dabbre rassik, otherwise you’ll have to deal with 10 women complaining about that little finger of yours that accidentally da2 bil pool.

Yes my dear, menchouf 7alna bil nightlife w hol khbar, bi wa2et a simple human declaration for beach rights like “Everyone has the right to a day at the beach, regardless of their race, nationality or social class” is much needed… La2ano 3anjad mesh hayda Lebnen yalli bedna yeh, ya 3ayneh!

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MON AMOUR, MON AMI

WHAT A

WONDERFUL

WORLD

RAGMAG’S COMMITMENT PHOBE (FREAK)

IS GETTING HITCHED

BY STEPHANIE AOUN

E

ver felt you were so happy that your heart was about to burst from your chest? You walk around with a stupid grin on your face and even the lamest news or events overexcite you? Well, believe me when I say I have never felt this way before... until now. The reason? Love, obviously!

EDITOR’S NOTE

Steph congratulations, we’re so happy for you!

Readers, I promise the rest of this article isn’t as poetic (and as sickeningly sweet as the intro haha). Keep reading!

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The people who really know me can see the outgoing (and unrestrained) girl in me. The crazy party girl who takes random midnight swims, spends a weekend camping, drives to Jezzine just because the view is nice from up there and just live freely in general! I was never good at committing to anything. The longest job I’ve had lasted for a year and a half and I’ve had around 10 different jobs already. I can’t bring myself to get a car just because the thought of a loan from a bank suffocates me. And the list goes on and on… That same girl who’s terrified of commitment and prioritizes her freedom before anything or anyone else is getting married! Indeed, Charbel, my boyfriend of seven months just proposed to me and I said yes. It was the most beautiful night of my life, when he surprised me walking in with all of our friends singing Grow Old With You! Yes, the tear-jerker that Adam Sandler serenades Drew Barrymore with in The Wedding Singer, and tear-jerk it

did- I couldn’t stop crying throughout the entire performance. I was the happiest woman on earth. Now ask me what happened to that free girl who never thought twice about marriage and preferred by far casual dating over long-term/serious relationships. That girl is definitely still in me; she just found her other half who happens to be exactly the same.

THE HELIOS ISSUE

WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

Looking back at all my past relationships, it just feels likes they took place centuries ago. It’s weird -I just realized this while writing this piece- but nothing from the past matters anymore. I can’t even remember their names, how it was with each of them, how it started or ended- I can’t remember anything at all. I just have some memories of how it felt: fun, harmless and a good, old fashioned waste of time. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I regret any of these past relationships (well, maybe a couple of them), I’m just happy because they shaped me into who I am today: the girl that knows what she wants in life and more importantly, that knows she finally met the love of her life.

Let me take you back in time to how we met. We actually have a close friend in common and all three of us decided to rent out a chalet last winter in Faraya.

Charbel and I hit it off immediately but it was purely on a friendship basis. That clearly didn’t last for long and we became closer day after day. Cuddling became routine; we’d to sit for hours talking,

I’M ABSOLUTELY SURE OF ONE THING THOUGH: FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY LIFE I’M COMMITTED… AND I LIKE IT !

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YES , THE TEAR - JERKER THAT ADAM SANDLER SERENADES DREW BARRYMORE WITH IN THE WEDDING SINGER , AND TEARJERK IT DID - I COULDN’T STOP CRYING THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE PERFORMANCE laughing, and even crying together. Yes, we were in denial. Everyone who saw us together thought we were keeping our relationship a secret and couldn’t believe that we were simply friends. That was a huge eye opener for me. I felt lost, confused and in the process I was confusing Charbel as well. The last thing I wanted was harm him or break his heart, so we just sat and talked about everything that was going on and we agreed to take a step back- after all, Charbel was a good friend of mine, a warm shoulder to cry on and a guardian angel, nothing more… or so I thought. A couple of weeks later came the life-changing experience. We were back at the chalet, drinking, listening

to music and hanging out when he suddenly kissed me; and what a kiss it was! It literally sent shivers down my spine and I couldn’t breathe. It felt as though my heart was going to pop out of my chest!

I immediately knew: I’d found the person that would change my life.

The past seven months have been a blessing; each day with this beautiful person is a blessing. I’m more than certain now that everything in life happens for a reason. You lose precious people only to have new ones enter your life. Who knows what tomorrow has in store for us, I’m absolutely sure of one thing though: for the first time in my life I’m committed… and I like it!

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MIND, BODY+SOUL

HELP ME

NOUR+RABIH

TO ASK A QUESTION send your problems to helpmenour@ragmaglive.com TO JOIN THE READER RESPONSE PANEL 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.

BY NOUR OBAJI + RABIH FEGHALI

The guy I’m seeing looks like he wants something serious out of our relationship, but to me it’s just a summer fling. Is there any way for me to avoid breaking his heart?

“If you feel like it is just a summer fling you should walk away now.

Neither of you should put effort into something that isn’t even there.”

Marie, 24

“Yes. Honest relationships where no one gets hurt are actually possible. You have a couple of choices: you can approach the subject and let him know where he stands. Subtly and gently if you want to let him save face or bluntly and obviously if you think it is the only way to get the message across. Often when people are hurt it is because they felt disrespected so the key here is that he is not misled and that he is not made to feel like a fool.” Imogen, 29

CASUAL DATING USUALLY DOESN’T REQUIRE THIS MUCH EFFORT. JUST TELL HIM STRAIGHT UP: I AM KILLING TIME PRETTY MUCH. YOU CAN SOFTEN THE BLOW A BIT BY PHRASING IT A LITTLE MORE GENTLY OF COURSE “Grow a spine and put an end to it. Or come clean and tell him what your intentions are. Who knows- you may just be flattering yourself and find out he wants a mere fling as well.” Ettie, 34

NOUR’S VOTE I really have difficulty understanding why you are stressed out over this? It is what it is. Casual dating usually doesn’t require this much effort. Just tell him straight up: I am killing time pretty much. You can soften the blow a bit by phrasing it a little more gently of course.

Something like, “You know I really like spending time with you. We don’t have a lot in common so I don’t see any longevity in this but it is great for now.” At least that’s what I would say.

RABIH’S VOTE It’s hard to tell since you haven’t provided enough details. But be nice.

If you just want a summer fling, be straightforward and tell him. There is nothing better than being honest and direct- especially when it comes to these things. If he ends up getting hurt anyway, then your conscience is clear.

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

JEALOUSY CAN BE CUTE IN A RELATIONSHIP, BUT TO A LIMIT. WHEN IT BECOMES POSSESSIVE, IT CAN TURN UGLY

Every time I meet a guy and we hit it off, he calls me a ‘great friend’. I’ve been told I give off a too-friendly vibe and I’ve been single for the past few years because of that... what can I do to change? Basically I’m always getting friend-zoned and I think it’s because of the way I act but I don’t know what knocks me out of the running as a date?

RABIH’S VOTE You’re probably too friendly and not flirty enough. If you make jokes like “This girl is hot you would look good together” then don’t be surprised that you’re in the friend zone. You might also be too afraid of rejection that’s why you feel safer giving out the friend vibe. Bring out the cuteness, stop talking too much - start smiling and being charming!

“You are just friendly, don’t try and change that. Giving off a friendly vibe is not a bad thing at all. On the contrary, you are just innocent which is a great thing. If you believe that’s the reason you’ve been single for the past few years then that’s how it will be forever. You need to stop focusing on your friendly vibe and just let it be. The right person will come along and love you because of your friendliness.”

Jels, 27

“When he calls you a ‘great friend’ it’s another way of saying, he’s just not that into you! Watch the movie. But if you feel like you give off that too-friendly vibe, try a different approach the next time you meet a potential. You can try the ‘I’m tough’ approach or the ‘I’m too shy’ approach. Something’s gotta give, just test your newly formed multiple personalities! You never know, one just might work. Good luck!” Salwa, 23 “Stop being so friendly and start giving the man that you like the most more attention so he notices that you like him as a lover, not as a friend.” Graziella, 38

NOUR’S VOTE Okay full stop: the Interactive Panel is schizophrenic! We received answers that went from “be someone else” to “don’t give up on being yourself”. Some answers said both, and we aren’t sure if the Interactive Panel people even know how to help you with this one. I think being yourself is the key to any healthy relationship, friendship or dating. If you aren’t yourself, then who the hell are you? Every guy calls you a great friend? So you’re barking up the wrong tree. You are going for men that don’t respond to your personality, if this is truly the case. You also said you have been single “because” of that.

How do you know that is the reason? Look, the fact that you are buddy-buddy with every guy that comes your way isn’t a bad thing.

The best relationships are built on friendship. If you build it, he will come. Seriously. One final thing: those on the Interactive Panel that suggest you change your personality really disappointed me. As for Rabih’s answer- I dislike it from start to finish.

J U LY 2 0 1 3

I’m going out with a very nice man however, he is extremely jealous. Do I compromise on my freedom? How do I set the priorities?

What do you consider too jealous and a lot of my friends have told me that they would consider jealousy from their boyfriends or husbands a flattering thing. I don’t think it’s flattering but it seems to be something I keep hearing over and over.

“Nice and jealous man? That sure sounds like a catch, girl! You do not, and I repeat, you do not compromise your freedom! You are your own person, and he doesn’t own you. Unless he’s got good reason to be jealous (like shameless flirting or you’re too close to your exes), nothing justifies being too possessive.” Tara, 36 “No. You don’t, because if you give in now, you will spend your life giving in. Jealousy does not go away as it is rooted in insecurity and it is not cute or flattering. Run now and run fast.” Hala, 33 “Extreme jealousy shows a lack of self-confidence and very low selfesteem. He probably feels like he doesn’t deserve you or that you can do better than him. You need to reassure him that he’s the only one for you and not to choke you with his jealousy or he might push you away.

He needs to trust you unless you’ve given him reason not to, which I somewhat doubt because men like him don’t need reason to act the way they do. Jealousy can be cute in a relationship, but to a limit. When it becomes possessive, it can turn ugly.” Alexandra 28

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MIND, BODY+SOUL

Nour’s Vote This question makes me want to jump through my screen and whisk you away for a therapy session. The answer is no. The Interactive Panel is screaming for your rights! You do not compromise on your freedom for someone else’s comfort. You have your own mind and priorities. If you are willing to give a little -like checking in after a late night for safety reasons only- that is up to you. An example of a safety reason would be calling or sending a text after taking a cab home alone late at night. Text messaging every hour to soothe his ego is not a safety measure, it’s insanity, and you have a warden not a boyfriend. There are tons of jealous men out there, and the jealousy game is usually indicative of deeper issues. He has baggage, and he’s about to saddle you with it as well. If he isn’t willing to take it down a notch, get out and don’t look back. Ignore Rabih- jealousy isn’t “healthy”, in any extreme.

PEOPLE WITH FIXED OPINIONS GET NOWHERE. YOU HAVE TO BE FLEXIBLE AND ACCEPTING, IT’S PART OF LIFE. THE IDEA OF GAY MARRIAGE DISTURBS MANY LEBANESE MEN - THAT’S JUST THE WAY IT IS

Rabih’s Vote

I find that all the men I end up with irritate me, will I ever get married? This is a real question. They manage to get on my nerves with stupid small details and sometimes big things like their opinions on gay marriage or abortion. What do you think? Anyone else out there think the same way I do- that it’s hard to find a guy who matches you in opinions and that men are irritating?

“Finding a match in general is extremely hard. And yes men can be irritating especially the macho-type. But you need to set your priorities. Will a couple of different opinions make him a bad husband or father? Is it an actual deal-breaker? You will never find someone who thinks exactly like you, and if you do you might find that annoying too! Take a chill pill woman!” Nadine, 29

“Yes, of course you’ll get married! Please don’t settle for a guy who irritates you. Chances are, if he irritates you now in 10 years you will despise him. And yes, sometimes I have met men who say things that are so irritating simply because they aren’t intelligent enough for me.

They can give opinions to some other girl- don’t date these guys.”

Danielle, 29

“It depends. Do they irritate you after you’ve been together for years?

Or do they irritate you after just a few hours of meeting? If it’s the latter, then maybe you’re just not interested in men at the moment.

Maybe you need to focus on yourself and forget being married and when you get bored from that, things might just work out! If you’ve been together for a while and find that you’re always irritated, then my advice would be first to try and spice things up by doing things together you have never done before. And if that does not work out then just give yourself a break from the relationship.” Aida, 37

Nour’s Vote What’s with the pressing need to get married? Clearly you haven’t met anyone you want to share your life with. You sound like you haven’t even met anyone you want to share lunch with for that matter. Focus on meeting someone that doesn’t rub you the wrong way, then, and only then, if you don’t have that nagging feeling of annoyance, begin to date him seriously. If you decide to make that step, then after a long time together, and by long I mean over a year (read: three years), can you even begin to consider if you like or love him enough to even think of taking your relationship to the next level.

Even the way you describe your relationships, “end up with”, sounds like a death sentence; think before you leap, my friend. It’s way easier to end things with a boyfriend/live-in partner than it is to end it with a husband. On the note of Rabih’s answer, he is not PC at all, so not sure why I should take his opinion seriously.

Rabih’s Vote People with fixed opinions get nowhere. You have to be flexible and accepting, it’s part of life. The idea of gay marriage disturbs many Lebanese men - that’s jus t the way it is. Also, you may want to join a “LGBT-Straight” alliance group- I suspect you may find someone that shares your opinion there

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

BLACK AND WHITE PORTRAIT: PHOTOGRAPHY BY ODETTE KAHWAGI FOR RAGMAG’S TYING THE KNOT ISSUE, MARCH 2012

Jealousy is healthy - both ways, as long as it doesn’t overlap with doubt. If he is doubtful of you and doesn’t trust you, then it’s a whole different ballgame. Extreme jealousy can be tiresome, but if you love him, you will find a way to naturally tone it down by paying attention to him and making sure he has nothing to worry about.

J U LY 2 0 1 3

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FML [F**K MY LIFE]

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

TIME TO

SHINE STUNT WITH LEBANESE PARKOUR

BY STEPHANIE AOUN

I

hadn’t had an FML for a while and I have to say I was dreading it, knowing it would hit me any time soon! As predicted that phone call finally arrived, with Youmna asking me to head down to the Collège du Sacré-Coeur Gemmayzeh Monday at 6pm for a stunt class. After I hung up I was actually pretty excited about the assignment for once: jumping from buildings, blowing up cars, shootouts… I mean that’s what we call stunts no? Little did I know it wasn’t even close to that!

EDITOR’S NOTE

Yes, we had visualized Stephanie leaping off tall buildings, doing flips- I think Youmna and I were heavily inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow’s performance in Iron Man 3.

When I arrive at the school, I meet with head coach Joe Zgheib, the founder of Lebanese Parkour in 2010. He leads me underground to a gym packed with teens running around everywhere, jumping on walls and over barriers. Finally it hit me: I was going to take part in a parkour class! For those of you unfamiliar with this term, have you seen the Luc Besson films Yamakasi (2001) and District 13 (Banlieue 13)? Well if you haven’t, it is a training discipline using movement that developed out of military obstacle course training. It can include running, climbing, swinging and more. Did I mention that I used to do gymnastics for four years when I was a teen? I used to love it and was really good at it, believe it or not.

So I told myself: I can do this!

EDITOR’S NOTE

Steph! Four years of gymnastics? Don’t you think you should’ve mentioned this when it was assigned? Let’s see where this goes.

The coach told us to gather and start warming up. We started jogging and of course, my luck sucks so during the fifth lap or so I hurt my bad ankle (it’s afflicted with a weak ligament). I stop for a bit, take off my shoes and sit on the bench.

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I WAS ACTUALLY PRETTY EXCITED ABOUT THE ASSIGNMENT FOR ONCE: JUMPING FROM BUILDINGS, BLOWING UP CARS, SHOOTOUTS...

This just can’t be happening- I just can’t give up and let down the coach and the entire RAGMAG team! After they’re done with the jog, I decide it’s time for me to join the warm-up again and stretch a little with the rest of the students. Now comes time for the actual jumps. I have to say it’s torture, since most stunts involve running and jumping high, which I’m having a horrible time doing due to all the pain I’m in. Joe helped me with some beginner’s moves and techniques and it was show time. The first couple of my jumps are really bad! I mean an 80 year-old could have done a better job, but I’m determined to get it. Practise makes perfect, right? Or is it trial and error makes perfect?

THE HELIOS ISSUE

TIME TO SHINE | STUNT WITH LEBANESE PARKOUR

NEEDLESS TO SAY I PAID THE PRICE FOR MY ENTHUSIASM OVER THE NEXT COUPLE OF DAYS. MY ANKLE WAS ALL SWOLLEN AND EVERY MUSCLE IN MY BODY WAS ACHING FOLLOWING THAT TOUGH (YET EXCELLENT) WORKOUT! EDITOR’S NOTE

That all being said, Steph is one of our most fun staffers. She is always up for a new challenge and she’s not afraid to make a fool of herself in the process. My brave girl.

Time after time I run and jump at the high barriers and land face down on those mattresses, but I really didn’t care about the humiliation (did I mention that most of these kids were between eight and 15 and they were literally flying?) Little by little I notice some improvement; I’m finally jumping a little higher and then I even land on my feet! I feel so proud of myself that I start trying all sorts of different jumps, well nothing too fancy but for me it was already a big thing. I put my pain aside and just run and jump until I am literally exhausted. I also make sure to enjoy my time, running between barriers and jumping on the trampoline and it takes me back mentally to 15 years ago!

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I love it! I look around me and I can see the excitement in these children’s eyes!

They were fearless, running and jumping like crazy, challenging each other and even their coach. Before I knew it the class was over and I have to say I was a little sad. I had forgotten my pain and I had a great time!

EDITOR’S NOTE

Steph judging by the images (hilarious by the way), you do actually look like you’re having fun! You’re making me want to try this out now.

Needless to say I paid the price for my enthusiasm over the next couple of days. My ankle was all swollen and every muscle in my body was aching following

that tough (yet excellent) workout! Was it worth it? Hell yes! Before I end this, I must take the time to congratulate Joe on the incredible work he’s doing, turning the city into a children’s playground, pushing them to go out and experiment, discover new areas to work out, taking them to shows and events and more importantly giving them something else than their tablets and smartphones to spend their time on!

EDITOR’S NOTE

Indeed, Joe, perhaps Youmna and I will be visiting you soon as well. Steph, I hope your ankle is better and if we decide to visit the Parkour session, we’re taking you with us!

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MIRROR, MIRROR

COMES OUT THE SUN MAKE HEALTHY BEACHING THE RULE

LACOSTE BEACH BAGS

THE SUN IS SHINING, THE WATER IS CRYSTAL CLEAR AND YOU’VE GOT YOUR DAY OFF...

LET’S HIT THE BEACH! WE DON’T WANT TO BE A KILLJOY HERE, BUT THE BEACH IS ONLY FUN IF YOU RESPECT SOME BASIC RULES.

VILEBREQUIN CAP

RULE ONE SKIN SENSE You get one skin for life. There’s only a certain amount of exposure to sunlight your skin can take in a lifetime, once you’ve exceeded it, you can have skin depigmentation, burn marks, or worse, skin cancer.

So expose yourself progressively and always use sunscreen. Avoid the sun at its peak, from 10am to 2pm. Once you’re tanned, you can use a less powerful sunscreen (but still use one!) although we don’t advise dropping below SPF 30 for beaching- check out some options in rule five. The melanin that colours your skin has a light UV filter effect. Life’s unfair: all skins are not created equal. You’d love to be tanned but the more you try the redder you get. Stop trying, you’re going to put yourself in danger. Enjoy the sun, protect your skin, don a t-shirt when it gets burn-ish and try sunless tanning.

WE LIKE THE TANNING SALON, GEMMAYZEH | OPEN FROM 10AM TO 10PM DAILY 01560593 | WWW.THETANNINGSALON.ME

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RULE TWO BREASTROKE NOT HEATSTROKE We take precautions from cold but often underestimate the heat. Heat is dangerous. It can cause hyperthermia (AKA heatstroke), which means your body temperature goes above the normal level. It can be very dangerous causing definitive damage to your brain or even death.

So always wear a headcover, avoid the sun between 10am and 2pm, refresh yourself in the water regularly and drink a lot of water to prevent dehydration. Try staying in the shade if sun is really shining.

RULE THREE THINK GREEN Of course collecting cigarette butts isn’t going to radically change the level of contamination of the sea, but that isn’t a reason to make it worse. Take responsibility. Environmental protection starts with individual actions. You just have to clean up the mess you made before leaving! Collect your trash and cigarette butts; it’s your beach and the pride of our country.

THE HELIOS ISSUE

RIGHT: RIHANNA RECENTLY WALKING IN MANCHESTER, UK WEARING A PAIR OF VERSACE SIGNATURE TAN SUNGLASSES FROM SS2013 COLLECTION

RULE FOUR GET ALL SECRET SERVICE WID ‘IT UV rays can damage your retina, cornea and your crystalline lens. You need to wear sunglasses. First, make sure they filter UV rays. It’s hard to be sure of the quality of the glasses if you don’t choose a brand. Ray-Ban, Police, Gucci, Guess... branded glasses have a price but give you some written guarantees about their quality and UV protection. If you wear non-filtering sunglasses, you make your eyes more sensitive to light (since they decrease the intensity of it) but with zero protection from harmful UV rays! That’s even worse than no glasses at all

SHERIFF CHERRY

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COMES OUT THE SUN MAKE HEALTHY BEACHING THE RULE

RULE FIVE DEFEND YOURSELF We like Clinique Super City Block Sheer SPF25. Available at all Clinique counters across the Middle East, the Super City Block Sheer SPF25 is a sheer, lightweight sunscreen that gives UVA/UVB protection and helps protect skin from harsh environmental conditions including hot and humid weather. This one is great for daily wear. When you’re heading to the beach, we suggest Clinique’s Age Defense BB Cream SPF30 for face. This new product can be worn alone for a more even looking skin (partial coverage) while protecting from both UVA and UVB rays or used as a primer under full foundation for full coverage. We like the combination of mica and silica to reflect light allowing for a more concealed and corrected look. Remember, UVA rays contribute to premature akin aging, and UVB rays give you that unsightly and painful burn! Get your sunblock at pharmacies nationwide. For men, we like Clinique Skin Supplies M Protectit’s a daily hydration product with an SPF21

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MIRROR, MIRROR

FOUNDATION KNOW YOUR STUFF

Finally, a long-lasting foundation that looks like skin.”

-BOBBY BROWN

TO THE PERFECT APPLICATION

THIS SUMMER, FOCUS ON GETTING THE LUMINOUS SKIN YOU’VE SEEN IN THE MOVIES BY PERFECTING YOUR FOUNDATION TECHNIQUE. WE’RE ALL ABOUT THE BOBBI BROWN COLOUR RANGE, CHECK OUT OUR HOW-TO ROUTINE AND SOME OF OUR TOP PRODUCT PICKS!

HOW TO GET THE PERFECT CANVAS 1. Always start by preparing your skin with an appropriate skin

care regime. Remember that a perfect skin is a perfect canvas for makeup.

2. Select a foundation that has good-for-your-skin benefits too!

Most of us wear foundation throughout the entire day so that product should offer your skin more than just “makeup”.

Think about using a foundation that boosts hydration or has a built-in SPF.

3. Foundations aren’t one size fits all. Have different foundations

for different purposes, such as a long-wearing product for the work week, a lightweight product for casual days or a fullcoverage product for when you want your skin to look completely flawless.

4. Always try to get the best colour match possible. Make sure

that you test the colour on your jawline (not your wrist!) before you choose your product.

5. When it comes to applying foundation we love to use a founda-

tion brush, working in sheer layers, building coverage where it’s needed. This gives the skin a beautiful, radiant glow and a much more natural appearance.

6. Show some skin. The best foundations still let your skin show

through and are breathable, even the fuller coverage products.

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

FOUNDATION | KNOW YOUR STUFF TO THE PERFECT APPLICATION

STAR PRODUCT BOBBI BROWN’S

LONG-WEAR EVEN FINISH COMPACT FOUNDATION We like this portable (with applicator) foundation for the long haul! It holds for 12 hours with no muss- it’s an oil-free wear making it the must have summer product. Two layers of silica powders are at work for you: the first layer absorbs excess oil and feels light on the skin while the second powder creates a “soft focus effect”. The vitamin laden formula includes C and E to protect the skin and give it a boost in addition to being enriched with antioxidants.

RAGMAG DOES 1. Do prepare your skin with a primer to smooth

uneven texture and improve the wear of your foundation. Use a very small amount of product and blend into the skin to hide the look of pores or fine lines.

2. Do apply your foundation with a foundation

brush, working from the centre of the face upwards and outwards.

3. Do set your foundation with a loose powder.

This final professional touch will give your makeup excellent hold and a flawless finish. Choose a mineral loose powder and dust a light veil of the product over the entire face and neck.

RAGMAG DOESN’T 1. Don’t use a darker shade of foundation to try

and give the appearance of a tan. Choose the most appropriate shade for your skin tone and add bronzing powder to give a sun-kissed glow.

2. Don’t apply layers and layers of heavy product!

This will make it look like you’re wearing a mask.

There are many high quality foundations on the market that are lightweight yet provide great coverage.

3. Don’t go to bed with your foundation on. No

matter how tired you are. Always be sure to use a high quality cleansing product to remove all traces of foundation at the end of the day.

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すぐに来る

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MIRROR, MIRROR

FOUNDATION | KNOW YOUR STUFF TO THE PERFECT APPLICATION

SUMMER STUNNER BOBBI BROWN

NUDE BEACH COLLECTION This summer avoid looking overdone by choosing some of our summer bests by Bobbi Brown!

Her newest limited edition collection is a sure hit for those of you who don’t like looking like you’ve been hit by the makeup truck. Go soft and subtle and still manage to look bronzed and beautiful with this range that gives you choices in shade and is great for time-savers!

GET TINTED We like the Limited Edition Sheer Color Cheek available in three shades for adding some life to your skin, best of all it’s easy to work with. For cheeks, choose from: Nude Beach, Summer Pink, and Sunlit Nude. Next on our tint list is the Bobbi Brown Limited Edition Tube Tint that gives just a touch of pigment!

Four shades to choose from: Bronzed Pink, Naked, Pink Cloud, and Air Kiss.

GET TANNED! LIMITED EDITION

FACE + BODY BRONZING DUO After the success of the original Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder, this limited edition comes in a larger size with two shades that are great for a bevy of skin tones. Use them separately or together by blending well.

We suggest an even sweep of product on the face, throat, décolletage and even your arms for a healthy-looking faux glow!

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MIRROR, MIRROR

IN THE HEAT

SUN

OF THE

FINE FRAGRANCE BY JO MALONE

We like Jo Malone’s Saffron Cologne Intense. Newly arrived in the region, we’re all about the top note of incense, the core heart note of saffron, and the base note of blond wood. For the layering experience, industry experts suggest that you pair it with Jo Malone Oud & Bergamot to get all warm and sensual. For those of you who prefer more of a high energy experience, layer it with Jo Malone Blackberry & Bay for a kicked up vibrant scent with a touch of spice.

Wear it your way, this is what Jo Malone intended!

Perhaps best known for the line of luxury candles, home fragrance and linen sprays, Jo Malone of London began in 1994 and has since become the authority in bespoke fragrance for him and her.

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MIRROR, MIRROR

GET ADVANCED! EXPERIENCE REVIVAL THE NEW ADVANCED GÉNIFIQUE YOUTH ACTIVATING CONCENTRATE BY LANCÔME This revolutionary product works on the key factors that determine how we age: our genes. Basically, the way in which our skin ages is coded in certain skin genes. Over time some genes can become inactive or overactive, and the synthesis of certain proteins on the surface of the skin changes, which causes the skin to become lined and lose its radiance. This means you look fatigued and dull, in addition to fine lines and the precursor to deep wrinkles. To give the skin back its youthful profile, the function of the genes responsible for creating these youth proteins must be restored. After an extensive research program in the field of genomics, Lancôme’s research laboratories have

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come up with a unique combination of active substances. The ingredients were chosen for their ability to restore the synthesis of these youth proteins by reactivating the genes whose function has dwindled with age. The original launch of Génifique was in 2009, and the new and advanced formula has a delivery of 40 percent more active ingredients than its predecessor! Patented until 2029, the new formula addresses both types of youth (tactile and visual)- a new take on anti-aging science. Génifique gives the skin an incredible boost, illuminating it from within and helping it recover its original beauty, the beauty “programmed” in our genetic schema. Youth in a bottle? It’s genetic!

THE HELIOS ISSUE

GET ADVANCED | EXPERIENCE REVIVAL

TRIED, TESTED +TRUE

DEMONSTRATED

RESULTS

• Skin has more elasticity and is more toned • Your cell renewal is optimized meaning new, fresh skin cells faster • Your youthful radiance is regained • Your optimal hydration is balanced Apply one to three pumps of this silky-smooth liquid to your face and throat, morning and night, before applying any moisturizer. Allow the product to absorb before continuing with your routine.

INDUSTRY INSIDER TIP Skincare routines can really add up, so here’s our advice to get the results without breaking the bank. Invest in your serum since this is where the highest concentrations of the most active ingredients are. Save on your moisturizer: purchase a good, basic hydrator, preferably with an SPF (sun protection factor) and apply over your serum. For optimal results, it’s always best to pair the matching moisturizer with the serum, but the alternative works as well.

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LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION & FLUID SHEER Armani Glow

FASHION TO BEAUTY

COSMETIC TEXTILE FLUIDS The Giorgio Armani

brand has developed into the most exciting & aspiring line in today’s beauty market with professional, science smart, fashion forward products pioneered by the designer’s technological textile expertise.

TWO AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTS

Luminous silk foundation & fluid sheer come in a large spectrum of shades that layer & blend together to create a made-tomeasure, flawless, light-infused complexion.

MORE THAN JUST A MAKE-UP

This is fashion translated into a weightless, silky cosmetic high-tech textile dress code for the face. Innovative formulas mirror the properties & sensations of the most refined & sensual fabrics that Giorgio Armani skillfully textures & layers on his runway.

Revolutionary technological cosmetic textile fluids with microfine pigments that glide effortlessly onto the skin, adapted to every type of complexion, culture & beauty routine - the «must-have» daily beauty shot.

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Formulated to perfectly blend together.

LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION & FLUID SHEER

1

PERFECT THE COMPLEXION WITH LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION: inspired by the most precious charmeuse silk

MADE -TO -MEASURE BLENDER BRUSH. Luminous silk and fluid sheer

are a dream to apply with the specifically designed blender brush that gives the confidence of a professional make-up artist.

You can build-up the layers of weightless translucent fillers and add touches of light to define the features with the highest precision.

“Flawless, professional makeup begins with a luminous, natural looking complexion.

WEIGHTLESS SILK IN A BOTTLE .

RADIANT. WEIGHTLESS . ICONIC .

Luminous silk foundation has become a «couldn’t live without» product that is a worldwide bestseller. One bottle is sold every minute!

First choice for many red carpet looks & every professional makeup artist’s foundation of choice.

Luminous silk foundation was conceived by means of an exclusive Micro-Fil

TM

technique that

produces low density foundation able to fuse robust pigments & weightless texture. It glides seamlessly on the skin, leaving a charmeuse silk

By blending luminous silk and fluid sheer, any woman can find her perfect skin tone while adding radiance and correcting any imperfections. I like to start by applying luminous silk evenly across the face. Then, using the dedicated Blender Brush I can use fluid sheer to add definition. Layering the weightless products for a customized result.”

finish, just like the precious silk made especially

Linda Cantello, International

for the emperors. It gives that perfect «my skin

Make-Up Artist for Giorgio

100 times better» result.

Armani Beauty

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ER . BLEND & LAYER MIRACULOUSLY TOGETHER

2

CUSTOM - GLOW WITH FLUID SHEER : inspired by the most precious gossamer silk

COLORED LIGHTS IN A BOTTLE . VERSATILE .

PROFESSIONAL . FUN. Fluid sheer the skin tone embellisher has become the line’s hero product with a cult following. Luminous silk foundation is rich with fillers and pigments to make the skin flawless, whereas fluid sheer has ultra-fine, pearly light reflecting particles instead of fillers. A multi-tasking illuminator & perfecting product, fluid sheer has everything that’s right about a highlighter.

It makes the face glowy & provides endless possibilities for shaping, shading & highlighting the facial contours. It’s like slipping a translucent, gossamer silk veil over a charmeuse silk dress.

The range of twelve different tints makes it even more adaptable to all skin types & every occasion.

7 new colors such as Day Lily, Rich Gardenia, Peach, Red Incense, Cherry Blossom, Crimson Lacquer that have been added to the more muted range of Dawn Spice, Moonlight, Sappan Wood, Birch Brown.

Blend one of the bronzing shades with foundation for a warm glow Layer one of the blushing shades over foundation for a healthy glow Layer one of the highlighting shades over foundation for a light glow

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MIRROR, MIRROR

IT’S A

NEWDAY THE SPA INTRODUCES REFLEXOLOGY

BY YOUMNA CHAGOURY

“YOUR THERAPIST TREE KNOWS YOU LIKE STRONG PRESSURE, BUT DON’T HESITATE TO ASK HER TO REDUCE IT”

L

ooking for a new holistic treatment to try out, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that the Four Seasons was introducing reflexology to The Spa. I wasn’t altogether convinced that this sort of thing actually had any tangible benefit, so I tried to go in with an open mind to see why so many people swear by reflexology.

Upon entering the peaceful, minimalistic Spa, I can already feel the different atmosphere, like I just entered another dimension. Goodbye noise and pollution, hello tranquility. Charbel, the spa manager, greets me elegantly: “Good morning Ms. Chagoury, how are you today?” How did he know who I was? “We’re preparing your room, would you like some tea while waiting?” This is a good start for my reflexology treatment. “Your therapist Tree knows you like strong pressure, but don’t hesitate to ask her to reduce it.”

How does he know everything?

I head to my treatment room with Tree and find harmony in the room’s setting- minimalistic with only an armchair, a treatment bed and a washstand in muted

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tones of beige. I lie down on the bed after Tree rinses my feet; covering my eyes with a soft eye mask, Tree begins by stretching and shaking my feet before applying a mint-laden cream. The dimmed lighting and the soft instrumental music playing in the background soothe me as my therapist massages my right foot, warming it before the reflexology technique. Starting at the tip of my toe, Tree runs a thin, wooden stick on my skin, applying very light pressure. I expect it to be ticklish, but it’s actually very relaxing. Soon after the first phase, Tree increases pressure and then proceeds to apply the butt of the wand on several points on each toe and I start to fall asleep. I wake up and feel Tree pressuring the soles of my feet in zones. I follow a sleep pattern as she follows a reflexology pattern, only waking up when she moves to another area of my feet or my legs. The reflex points Tree pressures apparently relate to specific organs and glands in my body. By applying pressure, she stimulates said organs and helps my body restore internal balance, naturally.

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A NEW DAY | REFLEXOLOGY

I FOLLOW A SLEEP PATTERN AS SHE FOLLOWS A REFLEXOLOGY PATTERN, ONLY WAKING UP WHEN SHE MOVES TO ANOTHER AREA OF MY FEET OR MY LEGS. THE REFLEX POINTS TREE PRESSURES APPARENTLY RELATE TO SPECIFIC ORGANS AND GLANDS IN MY BODY

IMAGES COURTESY OF FOUR SEASONS HOTELS AND RESORTS

I know for a fact that my treatment worked; not only did I feel a deep relaxation in my entire body –during and after the treatment- but toxins were immediately eliminated (without getting into more detail, you get the idea), as soon as my treatment was over. Tree helps me get off the bed as I’m still sleepy, and I still feel strange– good strange! I spend a few minutes in the steam room before taking a shower, invigorated and ready for a new busy day. I can’t wait to go back again!

QUICK FIX AT THE SPA

Express Eye Treatment 15 min A quick and effective treatment to reduce puffiness and dark circles. Gentle cleansing of the eye area, specialized massage and a skin-firming gel leave the eye area looking lifted and toned.

Cleanse and De-stress Back Treatment 15 min A relaxing and cleansing treatment for the back. Warm aromatic compresses are applied, followed by a mineral sea salt massage that will deeply cleanse the back by removing impurities and toxins.

Gentle Touch Hand Therapy 30 min A nurturing treatment for the hands. Warm aromatic compresses are applied, followed with Sodashi jojoba bead exfoliation. A soothing massage will leave your hands silky and soft

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THE SPA FOUR SEASONS HOTEL 1418 Professor Wafic Sinno Avenue, Minet El Hosn, Beirut | 01761000 www.fourseasons.com/beirut FourSeasonsHotelBeirut www.ragmag.co | R A @FSBeirut G M A G | 83 fsbeirut

christian dior fw 2013/2014

COPYCAT MIX N’ MATCH REAL RUNWAY

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

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

DOWN THE LINE givenchy pendant

salvatore ferragamo gancino bracelet timepiece

VELVET SKY

valentino sunglasses mary katrantzou fw 20132014

christian dior fw 20132014

PRINT PROOF

lanvin draped printed silk-blend lamé gown

STRIPES AND STONES oscar de la renta striped silk blend gazar gown

TRIQUETRUM

christopher kane printed silk bustier

FLOWER FLOW

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON

GREEN LIGHT

versace handbag

DON’T WAIST MY TIME

stella mccartney grace embossed faux leather shoulder bag

cruciani c black scarf

dsquared2 men’s belt

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tiffany & co. diamond earrings with pear-shape, cushion cut, and round diamonds in platinum, from the 2013 blue book collection. credit © tiffany & co.

BIG BROWN EYES

valentino sunglasses

cushnie et ochs ss 2013

EN NOIR ET BLANC

BLUE RIBBON

dsquared2 men’s belt

hervé léger cutout-back bandage dress

CONNECT THE DOTS

RED SKY AT NIGHT

topshop spot cut-out crop top

hervé léger flared-hem bandage dress

TEXTURE TRIP

victoria beckham silk-trimmed stretch dress

BRIGHT TOTEM mugler ss 2013

SECOND SKIN mango slim yellow jeans

GOLDEN AGE

christian louboutin kimpa 100 specchio gold pony leopard profil

givenchy tote

topshop peekaboo cut-out bralet top

dsquared2 men’s lace-ups

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alexander wang ss 2013

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STOPPING

TRAFFIC SUN IN THE CITY Photography by DAVE KAI PIPER

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DRESSED BY LESLEY DEFREITAS HAIR + MAKEUP BY NIC J MODEL IVY TIMLIN WITH MANY THANKS TO SAM KRISCH

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

BACKSTAGE PASS THE SUN RISES + SETS ON DONNA KARAN’S SPRING-SUMMER 2013 COLLECTION

Donna Karan’s newest collection for SS13 is out there to help you reflect on your picturesque moments at sunrise and sunset- especially if you’re a city dweller. The designer’s urban mindset this season (she’s a New Yorker after all), is an ode to the fact that even in a cityscape fraught with skyscrapers, the sun still reigns supreme.

Artful folds and draped skirts are meant to evoke the Hudson River and yes, the isle of Manhattan. Shades of blue-grey made our favorite list for our Helios issue, with a slew of heavier pigments that we can see ourselves wearing. Classic Empire waistlines and cuts are liberally employed in this collection, with the design architecture of the pieces probably standing out as the most salient factor. City girls, this one is for you.

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ANOTHER REALM

FAIRY TALES, SOCRATES+

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

Newly opened at the Museo Salvatore Ferragamo in Florence, Italy is the museum’s latest exhibit entitled The Amazing Shoemaker: Fairy Tales and Legends about Shoes and Shoemakers. Staged in collaboration with Fondazione Ferragamo, the exhibit comes after a triumphant run with the museum’s previous Marilyn Monroe themed display. Created and curated by Stefania Ricci, Sergio Risaliti and Luca Scarlini, the exhibit even has a story about Ferragamo himself.

“Once upon a time there was a boy named Salvatore. The eleventh of fourteen children, he was born in 1898 in Bonito, a small village near Naples, with a handful of

houses, one main road and lots of countryside. His parents were farmers and their life consisted of waiting and praying for a good harvest…”

According to the museum, rare works from “the National Libraries of Rome and Florence, the Marciana in Venice and the Little Nemo Archive in Turin” are presented, in addition to a manuscript by Federico García Lorca circa 1926 to 1930, La zapatera prodigiosa, which inspired the title of the exhibition in Italian. The manuscript is considered priceless, and is only one of the gems in store for the museum’s visitors. For those of you desperate to see more of Ferragamo’s creations, there are 93 historic shoes designed by him presented for the duration of this show. Pay special attention to the essay, Socrates and the Shoemaker, by Sergio Givone, included in the exhibition catalogue.

THE AMAZING SHOEMAKER EXHIBIT, SPONSORED BY THE CITY OF FLORENCE, OPENED TO THE PUBLIC ON APRIL 19TH, 2013 AND WILL RUN UNTIL MARCH 31ST, 2014 AT THE MUSEO SALVATORE FERRAGAMO, PALAZZO SPINI FERONI, FLORENCE.

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MIMMO PALADINO

LIU JIANHUA

ANNETTE LEMIEUX

JAN +ÁVANKMAJER

JAN +ÁVANKMAJER

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IF I COULD MAKE YOU

SEE Photography by ODETTE KAHWAGI

STARRING PINDOLL’s

ERIN

MIKAELIAN STYLED BY JONY MATTA MAKEUP BY ELIE ESTEPHAN HAIR BY ROGER GABRIEL

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top hass idriss | ring joanna laura constantine opposite page: top + skirt ronald abdala | stilettos maria pino | cuff joanna laura constantine

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corset + skirt hass idriss | necklace madame rĂŞve opposite page: dress hass idriss | sandals maria pino | accessories joanna laura constantine

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dress hass idriss | earrings joanna laura constantine opposite page: necklace madame rĂŞve | dress missak hajiavedikian

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corset + skirt ronald abdala | necklace joanna laura constantine opposite page: dress ronald abdala | stilettos maria pino | necklace joanna laura constantine

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gown hass idriss | stiletto booties erin’s own opposite page: top + skirt ronald abdala | ring joanna laura constantine

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top hass idriss opposite page: ronald abdala dress | accessories madame rêve | stiletto booties erin’s own

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

RAGMAG RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN

COSTUME NATIONAL SS 2013

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RAGMAG RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR WOMEN

VICTORIA BECKHAM SS 2013

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RAGMAG RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN

JOHN RICHMOND SS 2013

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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES

RAGMAG RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR WOMEN

BASHAR ASSAF SS 2013

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NEW + NOW

TOP OF THE CLASS

The E-Class appears in a revamped design and a series of technological features for unprecedented “intelligent driving”. Commenting on the occasion, General Manager of Mercedes-Benz and smart at T. Gargour & Fils, Mr. Cesar Aoun, said, “The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class brings a new front-end design, with a superior and refined, sporty appearance. The E-Class offers a comfortable interior and a range of modern technological innovations to the road, as well as optimum safety.” Available in sedan, convertible and coupé, the EClass is distinguished by its intelligent design, comfortable interior, attractive exterior, high performance and efficiency. The E-Class cabriolet offers a unique experience for fans of the outdoors, thanks to the “AIRCAP” technology that protects the driver from the wind and the cold. The coupé is characterized by its dynamism, combining aerodynamic lines with its bold look. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class models are characterized by a complete range of innovations of four-cylinder or six-cylinder powerful petrol engines featuring so-

phisticated direct injection technology. With new efficient engines, new assistance systems and a new design idiom, Mercedes-Benz has comprehensively modernized the E-Class to extend its leading position in the luxury segment even further. The E-Class is full of assistance systems that combine luxury with high safety standards to preserve the safety of the driver, passengers and bystanders, reflecting an innovative concept for “intelligent driving.” There are systems to prevent accidents and collisions, such as the “PRE-SAFE® PLUS” and “Intelligent Light System” that protects the driver from strong lighting, as well as “Active Parking Assist” which enables automated parking. Newly redesigned, the front adds style to its overall sporty appearance. LED lights and hood are now more aerodynamic and in harmony with the new language of Mercedes-Benz’s design idiom. The bumper is free of all light functions and has a more modern and dynamic appearance that reinforces the sporty credentials of the E-Class.

SUMMER STYLING Max Mara recently staged a trunk show to unveil their latest SS13 collection in Lebanon. Held at the Italian brand’s boutique in Beirut, the show coupled a relaxed yet highly fashionable ambiance with an extra touch of fun with host Hadia Sinno, noted Lebanese fashion consultant. Replete with creativity in design and constantly building on the strongest fashion trends of the moment, the latest collection follows the sophisticated and elegant style of its predecessors but adds its own special touch across all product categories. Max Mara continues to focus on youthful and trendy silhouettes for the fresh summery look that’s currently much desired by young, dynamic women. Blending radiant tints like red, white, blue, turquoise and pastels with fluid designs, Max Mara’s latest collection is set to become a favorite for today’s discerning woman. Initially Max Mara was known for signature coats and suits, but now their collections extend to all wardrobe categories including accessories and complementary fashion items. Founded in 1951, the noted brand is now located in 105 countries globally. Since its establishment, Max Mara has been known to continuously diversify and create seasonal collections that cater to women of differing ages, body shapes and lifestyles. With their latest SS13 collection full of design diversity, the eminent Max Mara reiterates the passion and ingenuity hallmark of the brand.

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SPEAK, SEE, HEAR NO EVIL

90s

REVIVING YOUR FEEL GOOD MAINSTREAM

MOMENTS RAGMAG MIXTAPE

BY MARIA-ELENA KASSAB

WHETHER YOU’RE TAKING A ROAD TRIP OR YOU’RE STUCK IN TRAFFIC, RAGMAG TAKES YOU BACK A COUPLE OF DECADES WITH SONGS SURE TO BRIGHTEN YOUR SUMMER. REVISIT YOUR 90S WARDROBE AND GROOVE TO OUR SUMMER 90S HIT LIST. THROWBACK!

I’M GONNA BE (500 MILES)

Album Sunshine on Leith 1988 Artist The Proclaimers

WHAT’S UP While the twin Scottish singers released this album in 1988, I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) was released as a single five years later; its catchy beat was used in everything from TV ads to shows and movies. These days, it’s still getting playtime on TV (How I Met Your Mother) and movies (Pitch Perfect, Bachelorette, Identity Thief…).

IF I GET DRUNK, YEAH I KNOW I’M GONNA BE I’M GONNA BE THE MAN WHO GETS DRUNK NEXT TO YOU […] BUT I WOULD WALK 500 MILES, AND I WOULD WALK 500 MORE JUST TO BE THE MAN WHO WALKED A THOUSAND MILES TO FALL DOWN AT YOUR DOOR.

BOOMBASTIC

Album Boombastic 1995 | Artist Shaggy

WHAT’S UP

You know you’re in for a treat when the DJ decides to spin this track. A sensual beat, raunchy lyrics and Shaggy’s unmistakable purr made this song a Billboard number one single and helped solidify the Jamaican-American singer’s career, especially after it was used in a Levi’s commercial. Mr. Lover Lover sounds like he knows how to rock our summer nights.

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SHE CALL ME MR. BOOMBASTIC SAY ME FANTASTIC TOUCH ME ON THE BACK SHE SAYS I’M MR. ROMANTIC, SAY ME FANTASTIC […]

I’M A LYRICAL LOVER NO TAKE ME FOR NO FILTH WITH MY SEXUAL PHYSIQUE, JAH KNOW ME WELL-BUILT

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REVIVING YOUR 90S | FEEL GOOD MAINSTREAM MOMENTS

MACARENA

Album A Mí Me Gusta 1994 | Artist Los Del Rio

WHAT’S UP

There is practically no one in this world who hasn’t heard the Macarena at least once. The song about a woman of the same name was an international hit and spawned many remixes, including a Christmas one. The Macarena dance craze became a worldwide phenomenon and the song is Billboard’s number one dance single and broke a ridiculous number of records. Heeeeeeey Macarena!

DALE A TU CUERPO ALEGRIA MACARENA QUE TU CUERPO ES PA’ DARLE ALEGRIA Y COSA BUENA DALE A TU CUERPO ALEGRIA, MACARENA HEEEEEY MACARENA AAAHAA!

LIVIN’ LA VIDA LOCA

Album Ricky Martin 1999 | Artist Ricky Martin

WHAT’S UP

Ricky was living the crazy life (literally, la vida loca) back in the late 90s! The Puerto Rican performer, who CNN reports gave a show-stopping performance of his hit, La Copa de la Vida at the 41st Grammys, released this song as his first English single, and it quickly became his signature song.

This still is one of the bestselling singles of all times with nearly 8 million copies sold. Now that’s crazy!

SHE’LL MAKE YOU TAKE YOUR CLOTHES OFF AND GO DANCING IN THE RAIN. SHE’LL MAKE YOU LIVE HER CRAZY LIFE BUT SHE’LL TAKE AWAY YOUR PAIN […] UPSIDE, INSIDE OUT SHE’S LIVIN LA VIDA LOCA SHE’LL PUSH AND PULL YOU DOWN, LIVIN LA VIDA LOCA HER LIPS ARE DEVIL RED AND HER SKIN’S THE COLOR MOCHA SHE WILL WEAR YOU OUT LIVIN LA VIDA LOCA, COME ON!

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RETURN OF THE MACK

Album Return of the Mack 1996 | Artist Mark Morrison

WHAT’S UP

Sampling both Genius of Love (Tom Tom Club) and Games (Chuckii Booker), this R ‘n B hit went platinum in Mark Morrison’s home country, the UK, in 1996, before being released in the US in 1997 (also platinum). Morrison went on hiatus for a while, returning to music in 1999, and then again in 2013. This summer song will show your ex that you’re the one running this town.

SO I’M BACK UP IN THE GAME RUNNING THINGS TO KEEP MY SWING LETTING ALL THE PEOPLE KNOW THAT I’M BACK TO RUN THE SHOW ‘COS WHAT YOU DID, YOU KNOW, WAS WRONG AND ALL THE NASTY THINGS YOU’VE DONE SO, BABY, LISTEN CAREFULLY WHILE I SING MY COME-BACK SONG

RAGMAG’S SPECIAL MENTIONS These songs didn’t make it into our Top Five, but no summer would be complete without hearing these 90s hits at least once.

HANSON MMMBOP | EMF UNBELIEVABLE | AQUA BARBIE GIRL | TOM COCHRANE LIFE IS A HIGHWAY | BACKSTREET BOYS BACKSTREET’S BACK | CHRISTINA AGUILERA GENIE IN A BOTTLE | JENNIFER LOPEZ IF YOU HAD MY LOVE | SMASH MOUTH ALL STAR | WILL SMITH WILD WILD WEST | ENRIQUE IGLESIAS BAILAMOS

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CHECK

BY JACQUES TCHABARIAN

Queens of the Stone Age …LIKE CLOCKWORK To our delight, Josh Homme has steered away from his many side projects long enough to focus on a new Queens of the Stone Age album, the band he created and navigated through sometimes murky and sometimes holy waters ever since he released his unique blend of Stoner Rock towards in the late 90s. He brought in longtime buddy Dave Grohl on drums, surrounded himself with enough collaborators to put any rap album to shame, and reconciled with his original bassist Nick Oliveri. The result? A big volume frenzy and crunchy riffs that border the danger zone of aural bliss. Trent Reznor,

Arctic Monkey’s Alex Turner, Mark Lannegan and, hold on to your pants, Sir Elton John, appear on the album supplying a healthy dose of insanity or leveled softness where needed, making …Like Clockwork a strong contender for album of the year in its category, matching their 2002 masterpiece and trend setting album Songs for the Deaf. Opener Keep Your Eyes Peeled is true to its title- everything that follows will keep your adrenaline up, especially the bass attack of My God is the Sun or the gentle guitar strokes in I Sat by the Ocean. Stoner Rock has never been so alive and kicking.

Kelly Rowland TALK A GOOD GAME It’s a general rule in the music industry that once an artist makes it big as a solo artist after leaving a band, the other members of said band won’t benefit from the same attention and exposure as the first defector. Case in point: Beyoncé and the rest of Destiny’s Child which includes Kelly Rowland.

Rowland has enjoyed some success over the years as a solo artist but the odds have never seemed to be in her favor for greater success, resulting in changing labels on many occasions, hiring different managers and even writing partners, while her contemporary

saw her star rise higher with no limit in sight. It’s a bit sad for Kelly as her albums are filled with modern R ‘n B songs with the right ingredients and a powerful voice (less powerful then Beyonce’s) to carry the music that is found on Talk a Good Game. She has even taken things to a new level by incorporating Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi into track number three Gone featuring Wiz Khalifa, and her buddy Beyoncé lends her presence on You Changed along with Michelle Williams. Give the poor girl a try, you might like what you hear.

Jamie Cullum MOMENTUM It’s very clear from the first notes of his new album Momentum that Jamie Cullum had a great vision in mind, one that consisted of expanding his musical horizons, giving his Crossover Jazz signature a new playground. Working with a range of instruments spanning from vintage 70s keyboards, a wide variety of exotic percussions all the way to electronic samples (something rarely found in the Jazz universe), Cullum surrounds himself with enough sonic framework to create compositions that are rich in substance and melody. Original songs and re-works come together gracefully in these 12 instrumentals to form this unique collage of listening

pleasure. His trademark vocals and piano songs haven’t disappeared altogether, but new ideas and styles flourish, as in the 60s Soul-tainted When I Get Famous, the rework of Cole Porter’s Love For Sale which sees a vocal arrangement from rapper Roots Manuva, or the Cullum original composition Get a Hold of Yourself, a little gem of Folk/Jazz.

Cullum must be credited, in addition to being a good composer and player, as the person responsible in the modern era for taking a genre of music more or less targeted at an adult audience, and making it accessible to young listeners. If you still haven’t given this one a shot, do so.

Adonis MEN SHOU BTESHKI BEIRUT The Lebanese scene has witnessed the emergence of many young bands over the past few years with pretty decent recordings both in composition and sound quality, giving us hope that even with the unstable situation, things are being stirred and there is no shortage of local music. Adonis are easily one of the most interesting of the bunch, releasing their first album back in 2011 and following it up today with the brand new Men Shou Bteshki Beirut, an album with enough vigor and clever compositions to keep your attention span intact from beginning to end, a rare feature these days. Things start off with Kermalik (watch the clip on 124 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co

YouTube), and you’re immediately drawn musically in a world not too dissimilar to Louise Attaque/Tarmac with a harmonica tune that sticks in your mind. An acoustic version of Fi Zini Ktir, which was released in another version back in December for the benefit of NGO Home of Hope can be heard, keyboards and trumpets take over a dirbakkeh segment on Malak Malak, while Eza Shi Nhar could fit nicely on any major Alternative album. From the matters of the heart to the ordeals of leaving Lebanon, the band takes you through everyday life issues with enough wit and musical sense to identify yourself in the output. Not bad at all.

THE HELIOS ISSUE

read’em + Dead Ever After Charlaine Harris Why you should read this book

weep

BY AMAL CHAABAN

All good things come to an end

When a series of books has been running as long as the Sookie Stackhouse series has, the ending of it causes anguish, tears and sometimes, as in the case of this specific book, anger since the author dares to do what she wants instead of what her readers hope for. Sookie has about reached the end of her rope with all of the supernatural goings on around the area and sets about trying to live a decidedly normal life, the way she did before she knew what was what in her hometown. In some ways, she succeeds and in others, she simply can’t escape the supernatural craziness before it is fated for her to do

so. Before that time however, she has to face some very unpleasant people from her past along with their trusty (and even more unpleasant) sidekicks.

The part of this book that set people howling and had Ms. Harris receiving abusive email would be a spoiler unforgiveable to print but again, readers of the books should have seen it coming! This last book contains very few surprises (in this writer’s opinion) and ties up all of the loose ends floating around Bon Temps, Louisiana nicely; Sookie Stackhouse and her coterie of friends will be missed but it was time for them to retire.

He’s Gone Deb Caletti

Why you should read this book

You shouldn’t, unless you haven’t read many mysteries

When Dani Keller wakes up Sunday morning and finds her husband gone, she thinks he’s just stepped out for a coffee run and will be right back. When he doesn’t come back, an investigation ensues. This book had tremendous potential to be a nail biter of a mystery, unfortunately plot failings tame that potential down to a whimper. The heroine and hero of our story don’t need to be likeable, but they do need to be interesting and Dani and her husband are anything but. Even the

construct of how their relationship started (adultery) is a bit of a literary cliché, and the plot goes downhill from there. Cue the bitter ex and children along with their accusations and the detective who is suspicious of the current wife. Even Dani’s tortured self and relationship examination is not quite right in that it’s almost too hysterical, and too self-suspicious. With a plot that is riddled with tired storylines that mystery readers will find trite and boring, this is not the book to read.

The Demonologist Andrew Pyper Why you should read this book

Fear takes on a whole new level

David Ullman is a professor of literature, specifically demonic literature like Milton’s Paradise Lost, and considered an authority in his field. With his personal life falling apart, he accepts a mysterious offer to go to Venice simply to observe and opine. What follows is a journey ripped from the imagination of a master author. Pyper has written a novel that should for all intents and purposes be considered just another supernatural fiction book but it is so much more than that. He conveys the fundamental battle between good and evil with

characters directly from the bowels of hell. A couple of special demon friends make an appearance and are so well constructed, you may want to read this book in the daylight (with the lights on). The way quotes from Milton are woven throughout the novel will make you want to find your copy of Paradise Lost and follow along on Ullman’s journey as he looks to find the thing most precious to him. A caveat: if you’re a person who is frightened by truly well written works involving scary things, do not read this before bed.

The Accursed Joyce Carol Oates

Why you should read this book

Sometimes you’re cursed by your own hand

When a novel opens with news of a lynching, you know it is not going to be an easy ride. Welcome to New Jersey in the early 1900s: a place of racial tensions, university politics, patrician families with stifled daughters and a curse. The Accursed is set in the idyllic small town of Princeton, New Jersey before the school hit the big time Ivy Leagues but right when it was well on its way. This author is known for writing stories within her stories and this proves true here for even as we’re becoming involved in the lives of our main families, we are also J U LY 2 0 1 3

involved in the back story rivalry between the Dean and the President of the university. One wonders just how much research Oates had to do in order to make sure the mannerisms and language fit the era since there is nary a misstep in the entire length of the novel. It’s a mark of her work that even if there was not some fantastical curse supposedly hanging over the heads of these families, you would want to read all about their lives and how they lived them. This is a long and involved read so go for it when you are in the mood for depth. www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 125

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watch out

BY JACQUES TCHABARIAN

The Internship

| 119 mins Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson Some would say that the type of comedy performed by Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson -either separately or as a team in Wedding Crashers- has reached a stale point where the same jokes and humorous segments are seen coming a mile away, while on the other hand a great deal of dedicated fans can’t wait to eat up whatever this duo has to offer. I stand somewhere in the middle between these two camps and so is The Internship. After the company they’re working for goes under, Nick (Wilson) and Billy (Vaughn) come up with the bright idea to find work in a young and trendy

environment, resulting in Billy signing up the pair for an internship at Google. Things don’t start out too wellthe majority of their colleagues being half their age, the two have a hard time fitting in with their younger peers, especially when one of them in particular makes it his personal mission to humiliate the middle-agers at every turn. A better job could have been done, but Shawn Levy seems keen to follow up the rule book of safe directing, giving the aforementioned dedicated fans exactly what they want: rehashed and recycled humor.

Good for a fun night at home with your better half.

The Purge

| 85 mins Ethan Hawke, Lena Heady It’s Hollywood’s legitimate right to make a fast buck by releasing movies that have a minimum cinematic merit, but just enough for the audience to still go to theaters and enjoy what they’re offered. When a movie falls below that minimum level of tolerance, you get The Purge. The storyline in itself could have been interesting if it weren’t for dreadful cinematography and even worse editing, backed by one-dimensional characters that drag the movie down even further.

In the year 2022, crime is almost non-existent in the United States, mostly due to a new leadership called

“The New Founding Fathers”. However, once a year, a 12-hour period legally allows all crimes with the police and hospitals not responding to any distress calls.

Ethan Hawke, who gives a surprising bad performance, is a security salesman who barricades himself with his family inside his house during those 12 hours. His son ends up letting a wounded man inside, subsequently unleashing the wrath of a group of masked individuals who are after the victim. Brutal scenes and scare tactics follow up as expected, mostly void and without any value. For amateurs of meaningless violence.

This is The End

| 119 mins Seth Rogen, James Franco, Jonah Hill, Danny McBride For those of you who don’t know who Judd Apatow is, this director/screenwriter/producer is singlehandedly responsible for introducing new comedy luminaries such as Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill and Danny McBride, creating a type of comedy movies that warm cinemagoers. In addition to this impressive bunch where everybody play their own real character, James Franco, Emma Watson and other big names were gathered for this film (directed by Rogen) that depicts a version of the end of the world. During a gathering at Franco’s house, alcohol and drug consumption is the order of

the day until the ground shakes, the skies open up in bright blue lights and all hell literally breaks loose. The bunch decide to barricade themselves inside the house but food scarcity and the emergence of wild creatures force them to go out in the open where they realize that things are worse than they thought. The plot seems more fit for a horror movie than a comedy, but the clever lines between the actors and the comic situations are simply hilarious and entertaining. Good, clean fun with actors not taking themselves too seriously and a grand finale that I will let you discover on your own.

The Bling Ring |

90 mins Emma Watson, Katie Chang Hollywood spends a lot of cash trying to master teen alienation movies where young people are in the process of self-discovery, hoping to attract the younger crowd with something they identify withnot always getting good results. Sophia Coppola proves herself worthy of handling this difficult subject, exploring teen thoughts and feelings in great movies like The Virgin Suicides, Marie Antoinette and even Lost in Translation. On his first day at a new high school, Marc has a rough time until he meets Rebecca who shares a great deal with him, both emotional and behavioral, stealing bags and

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wallets occasionally. The pair take things to the next level by breaking and entering into celebrity homes -they keep coming back to Paris Hilton’s placeborrowing, for a lack of better word, jewelry and designer labels. Things get out of control when Nicki, a fame-hungry poser, joins them on the ride along with other youngsters and the police start closing in on the gang. The storyline is carried by great performances, big laughs and poignant segments of grand cinematography, courtesy of the late Harris Savides who died towards the end of the filming process. Not to be missed.

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TAKE ME WITH YOU

LA VITA

E BELLA BASK IN THE ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF ITALY

LEFT: THE COLOSSEUM, ROME BELOW: LIFE-SIZE MARBLE SCULPTURE BY BERNINI

BY ALICE HLIDKOVA

T

he Romans speak of their full bellies, adore their statues, and persuade others why the French kiss should have been named for them. They boast about their ancient empire, and express a slight sneer at those who think of leaving Italy.

In Rome the introduction of several forms of Italian indulgence begins in Trastevere, a neighborhood in which conversation shifts from the size of a meal to the antiquity of well known sites. To engage in such conversation, visit the ninth century church and excavation site of Saint Cecilia. Inside, beneath the high alter, a recumbent 17th century marble sculpture of Santa Cecilia awaits you. If your luck holds, you can attend one of many private feasts held in the courtyard. To escape the chatter of the usual guests, cross the Tiber river, and walk to Campo de’ Fiori. At its steps, a coterie of locals celebrate their long history of music and theater. Artists and language students recite poetry in front of a statue of Bruno, a famed martyr.

Don’t follow the crowd to the fortressed walls of pub Freni e Frezione, instead rent a Vespa and ride to Villa Borghese. Inside the gallery you’ll walk hair-close to Bernini’s expressive statues. Reservations are needed and long afternoon walks in the park are encouraged.

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THE FLAVOR OF ITALY -ITS ADVENTURE, APPETITE, AND PENETRATING ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY- IS NOT LIMITED TO ROME. THE IMPRESSION OF THE COUNTRY IS FINELY SHARPENED IN SMALL VILLAGES OF TUSCANY The flavor of Italy -its adventure, appetite, and penetrating architectural quality- is not limited to Rome. The impression of the country is finely sharpened in small villages of Tuscany. Most of the city-dwellers don’t limit themselves to hotels. Instead they camp at Lake Bracciano, or sleep at the castle in Ripa D’orcia. Some are en route to Montalcino, a village in which the loudest of the Italian breed drink Brunello red wine at roadside wineries, and forgo the grand-scale amore nonsense of Rome.

If you want to further discover the small pleasures of Tuscany, go to Via Mazzini which spills into Piazza Del Popolo. While admiring the narrow slices of view between well-preserved stone walls, one becomes entranced by the view of the old Convent of Dan Francesco. Watch for the old man who plays the harmonica and his daughter who sells bottles of home processed wine, extracted from the Sangiovese grosso grapes behind the convent. The small details of Tuscan destina-

BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT: DEVIL’S BRIDGE IN BORGO A MOZZANO, LUCCA, TUSCANY NIKI DE SAINT PHALLE’S TAROT GARDEN OPPOSITE PAGE: TUSCANY LANDSCAPES

tions are hard to find, as few take the time to understand “the one and only great” intention of each place: to find out what it is trying to be, not what might one expect. Most visitors in the summer are the dull crowd of Pisa, haute-couture seeking stiff necks of Milan, and slug observers of Florence’s famed David statue.

They travel to Grosseto’s Monte Argentario, Tuscany’s most recognizable promontory. Originally an island, its characterized by a high, rocky coastline covered by a thick Mediterranean thatch, interrupted by olive groves. Few know of the city’s Tarot Garden, a sanctuary of imagination and dreams to Niki de Saint Phalle. She became famous after placing bags full of paint above canvases and shooting at them. The paint would run over the surface and create strange abstract images.

She would do the same to her sculptures which are placed throughout the garden.

FEW KNOW OF THE CITY’S TAROT GARDEN, A SANCTUARY OF IMAGINATION AND DREAMS TO NIKI DE SAINT PHALLE. SHE BECAME FAMOUS AFTER PLACING BAGS FULL OF PAINT ABOVE CANVASES AND SHOOTING AT THEM.

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LA VITA È BELLA | BASK IN THE ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF ITALY

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TAKE ME WITH YOU

LA VITA È BELLA | BASK IN THE ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF ITALY

IT IS ON THE ISLAND OF CAPRI, THE “GEM OF ITALY,” WHERE PEOPLE SPEAK SOFTLY AND BOAST ONLY OF THEIR SLOW PACE OF LIFE.

OPPOSITE PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: MANAROLA, ONE OF THE OLDEST TOWNS IN CINQUE TERRE, TUSCANY NAPLES LANDSCAPE

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: CAPRI ISLAND, THE “GEM OF ITALY” VILLA BORGHESE, ROME GARDEN IN CAPRI ISLAND

RETURNING SOUTH AND OUT OF TUSCANY, PATRIOTISM BECAME THE CENTER OF BLAME FOR BREEDING ROUGHER ITALIANS, WHO EAT ON THEIR TERRACES IN PEACE AND SHADE Meanwhile, the highlight is Siena, the city which holds memorable street gatherings for the annual horse race Palio di Siena. In honour of the Assumption of Mary, 10 riders in traditional costume represent the city wards. The race draws the best of locals who find it difficult to maneuver the city, which already has few streetlights.

Returning south and out of Tuscany, patriotism became the center of blame for breeding rougher Italians, who eat on their terraces in peace and shade.

In Napoli, nationalist groups coexist peacefully with criminals. They are sons of the best of Mafia families; the teenage packs of bandits operating within the local black market. Responsible for petty crime, they carry all their weight in their pockets, and at the end of day, their stomachs.

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Some of these bandits offer walking city tours through the city’s 80-kilometer-long labyrinth of hidden caves. The 40 meter underground cistern system is entwined by mysterious legends, which originated during the Greek colonization.

The caves were used for different purposes– to carry water in its aqueducts, serve as place of refuge, and even as a practice point for bizarre cults. At one time they were transformed into city dumps. Look for drawings on the walls left behind from World War II. But it is on the island of Capri, the “gem of Italy,” where people speak softly and boast only of their slow pace of life.

Take a boat ride around the island, pass the two rock formations rising from the sea, and look up at Mussolini’s castle.

This is Italy, and this is how it will always be. Viva Italia indeed

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OUT + ABOUT

MIXOLOGY LEBANON’S FINEST IN

BARTENDING COMPETE DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS COMPETITION IN BEIRUT

‘‘I

have been preparing my final round presentation for a year, not since my first burst of this year, but since I came runner-up last year. I wasn’t working on the cocktail per se, but I was working on my technique, I was practicing. I tried to stay up to date with new techniques, new trends, even new equipments, and used them. I went to Paris and Amsterdam, did a little tour of the best cocktail bars, I worked on myself.” All the effort Jad Ballout put into improving his work paid off this year: he won, unanimously at the 2013 Diageo WORLD CLASS competition for Lebanon and ultimately, his ticket to the global competition.

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SPEED CHALLENGES, MYSTERY INGREDIENTS, AND OTHER ELIMINATION ROUNDS TOOK PLACE IN ORDER TO KEEP THE CRÈME DE LA CRÈME OF LEBANESE MIXOLOGISTS, BEFORE THE TOP THREE PRESENTED THEIR SIGNATURE COCKTAIL Taking place at Iris Beach Club in Damour, the final saw six contestants compete in several rounds. Speed challenges, mystery ingredients, and other elimination rounds took place in order to keep the crème de la crème of Lebanese mixologists, before the top three presented their signature cocktail. The result of months of practice, the “signature cocktail is their masterpiece,” says Diageo International Judge Pierre Naal. “That final cocktail must represent their work, their creativity and knowledge. That’s what we’re going to judge- not just the cocktail.”

Jad’s signature cocktail was more of a performance. Handing out pirate hats to the judges, he had them take part in his performance. He’s a Robinson Crusoe who finds a treasure box on an island and offers the judges/pirates a one-of-a-kind “BBQ Experience” in exchange for a place on their boat. Using dry ice to simulate a smoking barbecue, presenting his cocktail in a vintage silver cup, and sharing his knowledge of the cocktail elements are what set him apart. Abdou El Asfar, World Class 2012 Moroccan champ, says Jad won them over with “his very complete

THE HELIOS ISSUE

DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS COMPETITION

“NO BARTENDER SHOULD TAKE BEING PART OF THE COMPETITION FOR GRANTED. IT’S A REALLY GREAT EXPERIENCE” Jad considers that “going to the boat for the global final is not scary, nor stressful. It’s exciting, I’m looking forward to it! I was stressed up until the day of the final as I didn’t want to come in second or third this year as well. This was my goal: winning the Lebanese final.” Win he did, and RAGMAG is looking forward to his presentation at the Diageo Reserve WORLD CLASS Global Final. Jad, we’ll be rooting for you!

Enjoy responsibly | www.drinkiq.com

THE TANQUERAY NO. TEN WORDS AND ASSOCIATED LOGOS ARE TRADE MARKS. © CHARLES TANQUERAY & CO 2013

presentation and his sense of originality.

The top three presentations were good, and they all had great technique, otherwise they wouldn’t get to the final round.

But Jad’s was something else.” Pierre Naal explains how many different factors are taken into consideration when choosing a winner, not the least of which is their

attitude behind the bar. “Jad was focused and smiling all the time, even six hours into the competition.” Abdou El Asfar says he appreciated how Jad genuinely cared about succeeding “and realized the value of a Diageo Final. No bartender should take being part of the competition for granted. It’s a really great experience.”

USING DRY ICE TO SIMULATE A SMOKING BARBECUE, PRESENTING HIS COCKTAIL IN A VINTAGE SILVER CUP, AND SHARING HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE COCKTAIL ELEMENTS ARE WHAT SET HIM APART

BE THE MIXOLOGIST TRY YOUR HAND AT SETTING THE BAR WITH THE WINNING COCKTAILS

BBQ EXPERIENCE Approximately 22.36% alcohol per (cocktail) unit

Recipe developed by Jad Ballout of Garcia’s exclusively for DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS COMPETITION

INGREDIENTS • 50 ml TANQUERAY NO. TEN® Gin • 10 ml elderflower liqueur • 20 ml fresh limejuice • 20 ml agave nectar • 2 drops barbecue bitters • 1 shiso leaf • 2 wedges grilled orange • 2 wedges grilled grapefruit • 1 piece grilled pineapple

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EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

A PLACE

IN THE SUN P.F. CHANG’S CELEBRATES TWO DECADES

BY YOUMNA CHAGOURY

“Some family recipes are passed down from generation to generation.

Ours are from dynasty to dynasty.” Philip Chiang, co-founder P.F. Chang’s

I

’m pretty confident P.F. Chang’s China Bistro will still be around in the coming century as the math is pretty simple: 20 years = 240 restaurants worldwide. In celebration of the brand’s 20 year anniversary, I had the chance to interview Philip Chiang, cofounder of P.F. Chang’s. Now a successful entrepreneur with a Fine Arts degree, Philip’s journey in the restaurant industry started out as just a way to pay the bills of “a struggling artist. It was easy for me to jump into the restaurant business

SEARED AHI TUNA

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because my mother had already established restaurants in Los Angeles and San Francisco, so she had asked me to keep an eye on her restaurant in Los Angeles when she was travelling to China for the first time since she had left. I took the opportunity to pay some bills and I figured that I could jump back into the art world after a few months. A few months turned into 25 years.” Even after opening the first P.F. Chang’s with Paul Fleming (that’s what the P and the F stands for), Philip never predicted that they’d grow

this big. Looking back on the evolution of his restaurant chain, Chiang explains that “there was never really the intention of expanding but success happened. Basically, from the very first restaurant, we are now 240 restaurants globally, so that is a big difference.” The growth of his business didn’t affect the core identity of the restaurant, on the contrary, “the restaurant really hasn’t changed that much. To this day, 70 percent of our menu is from the very first menu. I think it speaks for the consistency of our food and the quality of our food, and obviously our customers dictate a lot of that and they seem to love the same dishes globally.”

The success of the initial menu is owed to Philip himself, most of it coming “from recipes from my own restaurant in Los Angeles. I’m not a professionally trained chef, I started with P.F. Chang’s as a culinary consultant. I know how to do all the dishes and I give the chefs directions.” I’m talking to the man who created the best appetizer in the world so I jump on the occasion. Will he give me the recipe of the Dynamite Shrimps?

“THERE WAS NEVER REALLY THE INTENTION OF EXPANDING BUT SUCCESS HAPPENED” THE HELIOS ISSUE

P.F. CHANG’S CELEBRATES TWO DECADES

MONGOLIAN BEEF

DYNAMITE SHRIMPS

CRISPY HONEY SHRIMPS CRAB WONTONS

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EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

Philip and Genaro Perez, Vice President of Global Marketing at P.F. Chang’s laugh but aren’t willing to share the secret of one of their bestselling dishes. “It’s not a complicated recipe, you’ll figure it out,” says Chiang. Perez doesn’t seem so sure, as they cook all their dishes “with a traditional method. It means we cook only in woks, at very high temperatures, we don’t have any knives, we only have cleavers. All our food is fresh meaning nothing is done until you order it- that’s also why it’s so tasty. So even if you try to do it at home, it may not taste exactly the same. You might be disappointed but

SHRIMP WITH CANDIED WALNUTS

I mean, you can always come back to P.F. Chang’s, right?” Right. Philip does give me some tips on how to cook good Chinese food as compensation: “Most Asian cuisine is vegetarian, obviously we have a lot of meat, mostly pork and chicken, not so much beef. Don’t overcook the vegetables. You also do have to cut the meat so that it can be eaten with a chopstick, you know. In terms of ingredients you can use anything. Chinese food is so varied and so vast, we have breads and pastas, rice dishes, meat dishes and a lot of vegetables. Also, shop everyday so it’s always fresh and seasonal.” I think I got it.

P.F. CHANG’S CELEBRATES TWO DECADES

Every new restaurant is a gamble, but the risk is minimized by simple statistics.

According to Perez, “the top five bestselling items are the same worldwide, so that tells you that even though consumers are different, at least the preference for the Chinese cuisine is similar.” As for Lebanon, “we assumed that Lebanese consumers would enjoy the concept and yes they do. Lebanese and other people in the region like sharing food and that’s very important because the best way for you to experience P.F. Chang’s is ordering different things, and everyone has a bite of everything. That match between our food and the Lebanese culture was a pleasant surprise.” P.F. Chang’s is actually doing so well that they’re opening a new location in Lebanon, at Beirut City Centre.

INDUSTRY INSIDER

TIPS FROM PHILIP CHIANG SALT AND PEPPER CALAMARI

HOT & SOUR SOUP Enhance the heat of this delicious soup with chili oil or enjoy a slightly enhanced sour flavor by adding a few drops of vinegar.

DUMPLINGS Add a few drops of vinegar or a bit of mustard to any of the three types of dumplings on the menu- it’s an unexpected treat!

CHANG’S SPICY CHICKEN For those of you who really enjoy the spice factor, heat up this dish by adding some of the special sauce the waiter mixes at your table.

MONGOLIAN BEEF Sounds simple, but it really does enhance the flavor and make a difference in the enjoyment of the dish: eat the scallions and the beef together in one bite

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

HERE COMES

THE SUN

P.F. CHANG’S REIGNS OVER BEIRUT

BY YOUMNA CHAGOURY

W

hen I first tried P.F. Chang’s, I must admit I was surprised. I’m not a fan of restaurant chains as I always get an impersonal vibe and often the food quality is quite poor. But there is something about this specific restaurant that keeps me coming back. Top-notch fresh ingredients and friendly service?

That’s not typical of a chain.

An L-shaped restaurant with an open kitchen and a patio (scoring double points), P.F. Chang’s aims at serving authentic Chinese food. The authenticity of any “ethnic” dish is hard to define as for the past decades chefs have been serving fusion cuisine, basically everywhere in the world. The authenticity of P.F. Chang’s cooking method, though, is undeniable.

Cooked-to-order dishes, high temperatures, woks and Chinese cleavers (no knives!)- that’s how they do it.

Once you’re seated- we vote for the patio this summer- a waiter explains the different sauces already available and mixes a special P.F. Chang’s sauce with mustard, chili oil and vinegar. I can bet you haven’t heard of most of the dishes

J U LY 2 0 1 3

on the menu as they’re different from any other Asian cuisine restaurant in Lebanon.

Don’t shy away from asking your waiter for more details, he’ll make the right suggestions.

Beginning with a selection of appetizers, we actually have to restrain ourselves from eating everything so we could at least try the main courses. Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps, a combination of tasty chicken and crispy rice noodles wrapped in a fresh iceberg lettuce leaf and Dynamite Shrimps, crispy breaded shrimp in a spicy sauce served funky-style in a cocktail glass are not-to-be-missed starters. For the vegans out there, choose the tofu version of the Lettuce Wraps and the Vegetarian Dumplings- steamed or pan-fried, it’s your call. When it comes to main dishes, try the following depending on the type of protein you feel like having: Mongolian Beef, Chengdu Spiced Lamb, Kung Pao Shrimp or Chang’s Spicy Chicken. Again, the vegetarians also have a delicious option- Coconut Curry Vegetables. The veggies are crunchy, the tofu is tender, and the combination of coconut milk and cur-

ry is just perfect. Chinese food, just like the Lebanese mezze, is meant to share with your guests. Order several items and enjoy a bit of everything. If you still have room for dessert, order the Banana Spring Roll with vanilla ice cream.

Next time you’re craving Asian cuisine, there’s only one way to go- the P.F. Chang’s way.

THE +

Freshness All the dishes are cooked to order.

No reheated food, and you can even ask for a personalized dish. You like Mongolian Beef but feel like chicken? Just ask for it, they’ll whip it up for you.

Prices P.F. Chang’s price/quality ratio is excellent. You won’t regret a cent you spend there.

THE –

Location They made the best out of their venue in ABC Achrafieh, but you’re still having dinner in a mall.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro ABC Ashrafieh, Beirut 01332132 www.pfchangslebanon.com www.ragmag.co | pfchangslb

RAGMAG

| 139

LET’S HAVE

A PICNIC

AT THE BEACH TASTY MORSELS UNDER THE SUN

BY LARA ARISS

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

For this issue of RAGMAG, Lara has given a selection of easy-to-pack recipes for a picnic at the beach.

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

bylara

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laraariss

THE HELIOS ISSUE

EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

FRESH TOMATO

SALSA PREPARATION TIME 15 MINUTES SERVES 4 - 6 LEVEL EASY

INGREDIENTS • 3 medium-sized fresh tomatoes, stems removed, finely diced • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped • 1 red chili pepper (stems, ribs, seeds removed), finely diced • 1 green chili pepper (stems, ribs, seeds removed), finely diced • Juice of one lime • 50 grams chopped cilantro • Salt and pepper to taste

METHOD

• Combine all of the ingredients in a medium bowl and toss.

Taste -if the chili makes the salsa too hot, add some more chopped tomato. If not hot enough, carefully add a few of the seeds from the chili, or add some ground cumin.

• Let sit for one hour for the flavors to combine. Serve with tortillas or chips.

BRIE + CRANBERRY SANDWICH PREPARATION TIME 10 MINUTES SERVES 4 LEVEL EASY

INGREDIENTS • 230 grams Brie cheese, diced • 8 tablespoons whole berry cranberry sauce • 8 slices sourdough bread • 55 grams butter, softened

METHOD

• To easily dice the Brie, place it in the freezer

for 10-15 minutes until firm, then dice.

• Combine in medium bowl with cranberry sauce and toss gently. • Make sandwiches with the Brie mixture and the bread. • Spread butter on outsides of sandwiches, then cook on a griddle or Panini-maker until the bread is toasted and golden brown and the cheese melts.

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY

ROCKY ROAD

BARS

INGREDIENTS • 120 grams unsalted butter, softened • 285 grams semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces • 3 tablespoons golden syrup • 230 grams plain hard and crunchy cookies • 450 grams mini marshmallows • 2 teaspoons powdered sugar

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PREPARATION TIME 10 MINUTES COOKING TIME 15 MINUTES MAKES 24 BARS LEVEL EASY

METHOD

• Melt the butter, chocolate and syrup over a bain-marie. Scoop out about 100 ml of this melted mixture and put aside. • Put the biscuits/cookies into a freezer bag. Bash

them with a rolling pin so you end up with both crumbs and pieces of cookies.

• Fold the cookie pieces and crumbs into the melted chocolate mixture. Add the marshmallows. • Pour into a 20 x 20 cm square foil tray. Flatten as best as you can with a spatula. • Pour over the reserved melted chocolate mixture and smooth the top. Refrigerate for about 2 hours or overnight. • Cut into 24 fingers and dust with powdered sugar by pushing it gently through a tea strainer or small sieve.

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

BRAINFOOD ROUND #1

ROUND #2

Sport

ROUND #3

Lyrics from Songs

ROUND #4

Trivia

Science + Nature

1. What type of vehicle is used

1. We don’t need no education, we

1. What is the correct way to address

1. What is the world largest plant

2. How many balls are used in a

2. You’re a song written by the

2. In a standard pack of cards, what is

2. What is the more common

3. In which sport would you find

3. Clue number one was when you

3. What item of food gets its name from

3. What is the largest muscle in a

4. In the UK it is called a motorway,

4. We have all heard of AM and

on the Cresta Run?

don’t need no thought control...

game of Snooker?

the Pope?

hands of God...

a ring called a “basho”?

the only king that has just one eye showing?

knocked on my door...

4. What name is given a serve

remember how that music used to make me smile.

5. What country hosted the

5. I’m sitting here in the boring room,

2006 football World Cup?

It’s just another rainy Sunday afternoon...

6. What are the two longest track events in which competitors use starting blocks?

penalized for “travelling”?

5. What is a baby rabbit called?

7. And it’s been the ruin of many a

7. When walking to the altar, what is

7. From which plant do we get the

score that can be obtained with three darts without hitting the treble 20?

9. And our friends are all aboard,

10. What game gets its name from

10. Young man, there’s no need to

French for “little wheel”?

goddess of victory whose name is used as a famous brand name?

6. If a device is said to be

250Watts and uses 250VDC how much current does it take?

the name of the area that the bride actually walks down?

spice saffron?

8. What is the “W”, found on

8. What was the name of the blind

we’ve gone through...

9. In darts, what is the highest

5. What is the name of the Greek

performed the “Dance of the Seven Veils” for King Herod?

8. I don’t want to talk, about things

the Abu Dhabi Air Race?

FM in radio terms, but what does PM or sometimes PHM mean?

6. According to the Bible, who

poor boy and God I know I’m one...

8. Who is the main sponsor of

what is it called in Germany?

man’s body?

6. Sally called, when she got

the word, she said “I suppose you’ve heard about ...”

7. In which sport can you be

name for modulator/ demodulator?

French for “twice baked” ?

4. A long, long time ago... I can still

in tennis that is unreturnable?

seed?

computers, that is designed to give a step by step guide for using some programs?

Benedictine monk who invented champagne?

many more of them live next door...

9. If you were being served “miel”, what would you be eating?

10. Who ran through the streets naked

feel down, I said young man, pick yourself off the ground...

9. In the human body the patella is also known as what?

10. Which direction does a

shouting “Eureka”?

CD rotate?

EASY

2

1 6

1 8

6

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

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

7

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

ROUND#1 1. Bobsleigh 2. 22 3. Sumo wrestling 4. Ace 5. Germany 6. 400 meters/400 meters hurdles 7. Basketball 8. Red Bull 9.171 10. Roulette ROUND#2 1. Another Brick in the Wall - Pink Floyd 2. Underneath Your Clothes - Shakira 3. Cloud Number 9 - Bryan Adams 4. American Pie - Don Mclean 5. Lemon Tree - Fool’s Garden 6. Alice - Smokie 7. House of the Rising Sun - Animals 8. The Winner Takes It All - ABBA 9. Yellow Submarine - Beatles 10. YMCA - The Village People ROUND#3 1. Your Holiness 2. Diamonds 3. Biscuit 4. Autobahn 5. Nike 6. Salome 7. The nave 8. Dom Pérignon 9. Honey 10. Archimedes ROUND#4 1. Coconut 2. Modem 3. Gluterous Maximus (buttocks) 4. Phase Modulation 5. Kit 6. One Amp (I x V = W) 7. Crocus 8. Wizard 9. Kneecap 10. Counter-clockwise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

1 4 8 3 7 1 6 9 2

1 6 3 9 2 4 7 8 5

7 9 2 8 5 6 3 1 1

3 8 7 2 6 5 4 1 9

2 1 9 7 4 3 5 6 8

4 5 6 1 9 8 2 7 3

8 7 1 4 3 2 9 5 6

9 3 5 6 1 7 8 2 4

6 2 4 5 8 9 1 3 7

1 2 6 7 4 5 8 9 3

8 9 4 3 6 1 7 2 5

7 3 5 8 9 2 4 1 6

9 6 2 1 8 4 5 3 7

4 5 8 2 7 3 9 6 1

3 7 1 9 5 6 2 4 8

2 8 9 6 1 7 3 5 4

5 1 7 4 3 9 6 8 2

6 4 3 5 2 8 1 7 9

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THE HELIOS ISSUE

ACROSS 3. Hard work?

5. Where roads join.

8. Not from the East.

10. Used in steel production.

12. It’s the smallest piece.

14. A dog or a planet?

15. An old writing implement?

17. Dead body.

18. Related to horses?

20. One type of clue?

22. Cannot do it.

23. Feel sad for.

26. Act without talking.

27. Only one.

29. A flock of Geese.

34. It’s rubbish.

35. Not in heaven or in hell?

36. For your arrows.

38. The art of paper folding.

40. Make better.

41. Not many.

42. Helps.

43. The study of the cold?

45. Heavy rainfall.

46. Took a chance.

48. A French flower?

49. An English "chat"?

53. Almost.

55. Gain from.

56. A feeling.

58. Hawa in English.

59. A fashion brand?

60. Something for safety or found

DOWN

1. Often used when horse riding.

2. Very withdrawn.

3. We usually have four of these?

4. Very grand!

6. Not to be worshipped?

7. The arm of a crane.

9. Black beer or a fattish person?

11. “Table” is one of these.

13. Peaceful.

16. A room for experiments?

19. Shake violently.

21. A rich man’s toy?

24. She tries to lead you astray.

25. Hold tightly.

28. Take no notice of.

30. Think again.

31. Lack of.

32. He’s the boss?

33. Without thought or reason.

37. Very strict!

38. Rich chat show hostess?

39. Part of the skull.

44. An old Roman form of transport.

47. A lack of hearing.

50. American bumper?

51. Good for your teeth?

52. They say a mule is this.

54. Tempted.

57. The strangest taste in sex.

62. Trying to breathe.

64. One of FTV’s sequences.

66. Tasty crustacean.

69. Don’t be naughty!

71. Became friends again.

72. Take down.

74. It circles the world.

76. A small container.

80. Following the latest fashion.

83. It’s not yours!

85. Another name for Christmas?

on a big man?

61. The initial stage.

63. Anger.

65. Well known film manufacturer.

67. Not straight.

68. A great honey maker?

70. Very boring?

73. Tear apart.

75. Too early.

77. The lowest zero temperature?

78. It can be dangerous.

79. A man’s magazine?

81. Full of your own self praise.

82. Watered.

84. Found in the courtroom?

86. A guard?

87. Listen to.

88. Told someone.

89. Ran away.

90. A place to keep your women?

DOWN 1. WHIP - 2. INTROVERT - 3. LIMBS - 4. OPULENT 6. IDOL - 7. JIB - 9. STOUT - 11. NOUN - 13. SERENE 16. LABORATORY - 19. QUAKE - 21. YACHT 24. TEMPTRESS. - 25. GRASP - 28. IGNORE 30. RECONSIDER - 31. DEFICIT - 32. MANAGER 33. MINDLESS - 37. UNFORGIVING - 38. OPRAH 39. FOREHEAD - 44. CHARIOT - 47. DEAFNESS 50. FENDER - 51. FLUORIDE - 52. STUBBORN 54. ENTICED - 57. KINKIEST - 62. GASPING 64. TENDANCE - 66. CRAB - 69. BEHAVE 71. RECONCILED - 72. DEMOLISH - 74. EQUATOR 76. JUG - 80. TRENDY - 83. MINE - 85. YULE ACROSS 3. LABORIOUS - 5. JUNCTION - 8. WESTERN 10. KILN - 12. MINISCULE - 14. PLUTO - 15. QUILL 17. CORPSE - 18. EQUINE - 20. CRYPTIC - 22. UNABLE 23. LAMENT - 26. MIME - 27. SOLITARY - 29. GAGGLE 34.NONSENSICAL - 35. LIMBO - 36. QUIVER 38. ORIGAMI - 40. HEAL - 41. FEW - 42. ASSISTS 43. CRYOGENICS - 45. TORRENTIAL - 46. RISKED 48. FLEUR - 49. CAT - 53. NEARLY - 55. BENEFIT 56. SENSATION - 58. WIND - 59. GAP - 60. ABS 61. PRELIMINARY - 63. IRE - 65. KODAK - 67. BENT 68. BEE - 70. DREARY - 73. RENT - 75. PREMATURE 77. ABSOLUTE - 78. HARMFUL - 79. PLAYBOY 81. EGOTISTICAL - 82. IRRIGATED - 84. JURY 86. SENTINEL - 87. HARKEN - 88. INFORMED 89. ABSCONDED - 90. HAREM

BA BA BLACK SHEEP - GHOST BUSTERS - YESTERDAY - THE COLOUR OF MONEY - CALIFORNICATION - CATCH 22 WORKING NINE TO FIVE - GOLDEN EYE - THE WIZARD OF OZ J U LY 2 0 1 3

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Your Day, Your Way! Have the wedding of your dreams & remember it for all the wonderful moments!

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STAY YOU.® THE HELIOS ISSUE

Zodiac FROM JONATHAN CAINER

July.2013 SOME PEOPLE ARE A LITTLE APPREHENSIVE ABOUT JULY, NOT LEAST BECAUSE MERCURY WILL BE RETROGRADE FOR MOST OF THE MONTH. BUT MERCURY IS OFTEN RETROGRADE AND IT HAS AN EXAGGERATED REPUTATION FOR CAUSING TRANSPORT TROUBLE AND COMMUNICATION CONFUSION. THERE MAY BE SOME PROBLEMS. BUT THEN, THERE ARE ALWAYS PROBLEMS. AND THERE ARE ALWAYS SOLUTIONS TOO! SPEAKING OF SOLUTIONS, THE MONTH’S MOST EXCITING NEWS INVOLVES THE CONJUNCTION OF MARS AND JUPITER AROUND JULY 20! ALIGNMENTS LIKE THIS HAPPEN ONLY ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS. THEY PROMISE BREAKTHROUGHS AND VICTORIES, ESPECIALLY FOR ALL WHO FLY THE FLAG OF A NOBLE, SINCERE HOPE!

ED WESTWICK PHOTO CREDIT: S_BUKLEY | SELENA GOMEZ WEARING ATELIER VERSACE

SELENA GOMEZ

ED WESTWICK

LEO

July 24 - August 23 You don’t have time to sit around reading a zodiac forecast. You need to get a move on.

Run a little faster. Try harder. Worry more.

Relax a little less. Or rather, don’t. Don’t succumb to the pressure. Don’t let yourself be wound up into a frenzy. Don’t panic, don’t overreact, don’t try to control a chaotic situation. And don’t fall for that old trick of telling yourself you have no time left. Your ‘deadline’ is more flexible than you think. Take all the time you want, and more. The slower you go, the more you’ll get right in July.

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

CANCER June 23 - July 23 When we get to Heaven, we will know we have arrived in the right place because it will look like an advert off the telly. There will be bright beautiful lights. Colours will be rich and full. People will be smiling. They will have sparkling eyes and perfect teeth. All our favourite products will be available at affordable prices. And we’ll know it isn’t Hell because? It won’t be hot and smelly! Be wary, in July, of superficial distinctions based on artificial assumptions. Uphold only the highest values and you’ll get only the best results.

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

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VIRGO

August 24 - September 23 They say that ‘power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ How do they know? Absolute power? Who the heck has ever had that? From a theological point of view, only one entity has absolute power, so if it really does corrupt absolutely, what does that say about the Supreme Creator? In July it is clear that you are far from omnipotent in one key area of life. Actually... that’s just as well! You’ve got just enough power to ensure a positive outcome to this month’s most difficult drama. What else do you need?

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LIBRA

September 24 - October 23

October 24 - November 22

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

Radio phone-in hosts keep a list of hot topics by their microphones. When the lines go quiet, they simply read out a contentious statement.

They know that people are easily wound-up and enjoy being aggravated! Everyone likes to have an opinion. Everyone enjoys feeling outraged.

Likewise, we all enjoy leaping to the defence of our favourite causes. Where you are enjoying an expression of passion in July, go with it. But don’t become the victim of an emotion that it is actually wiser to suppress than to express.

When it comes to other people, we never can tell quite what to expect. More often than not, the surprises that we have come to expect from friends, companions and loved ones, no matter how well we think we know them, are awkward ones. This is why some of us tend to be a little cagey about relying on anyone. Sometimes, though people can be as generous or considerate as at other times, they are just plain daft.

Prepare, in July, to have your flagging faith in human nature at least partially restored.

How much authority do you have? Who jumps when you snap your fingers? You may now be starting to feel as if you carry very little weight.

You fear that forthcoming developments will leave you with even less power and influence.

Yet all you are losing now is the ability to kid yourself about a particular situation. As July goes by, this new climate of clarity will lead to a deeper understanding of what’s truly going on. That, in turn, will vastly increase your ability to succeed both emotionally... and at a material level.

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CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

Relaxed, creative thought can often accomplish what no amount of tense determination can do.

If, to pick a simplistic example, you’re sitting in a traffic jam, you can honk, rev the engine and curse the car in front all you like. But your energy is surely better spent pulling your car off the road, consulting a map and finding an alternative route. If, in July, you’re prepared to try your luck and use your wits you’ll come up with an approach that makes a very big difference. But try not to be too hasty... nor too obvious.

Some people’s homes are immaculate. Gleaming floors, spotless sofas, not a hair out of place anywhere. Mind you, the residents all hate each other - or they are depressed and dysfunctional. But who cares as long as the vacuum cleaner roars and the dishwasher hums? Cleanliness may be next to godliness but in this world, many slums adjoin many a palatial mansion.

You can’t judge a house by its neighbouring properties. Never mind how things look, how do they feel? That’s what really matters in July.

We are surrounded by people who tell us that all we have to do is keep everything simple. Unfortunately, they then go on to describe a hundred extremely convoluted methods by which to do things. And then, of course, there are the universities, where impressionable teenagers are taught to take basic, obvious notions and express them in the longest possible sentences containing the greatest number of long words. What’s needed in your life this July? Exactly what you think. Will it work? You bet it will!

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ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

Think about your favourite work of art. Consider the best movie you ever saw. Someone, somewhere, truly hated it. If they had expressed an opinion at an early stage of the work’s development and if that point of view had been taken seriously, the piece might never have seen the light of day. We have to be so careful with criticism. We also have to be careful about whose opinions we listen to. Don’t be deterred by a conflict of interest or a clash of ideas in July.

What seems right to you is right. Trust that and persevere.

Explanations are all well and good, but they don’t necessarily answer all our questions. We all know, for example, that the Earth travels round the Sun and not, as we once thought, vice versa. That gives us a better, bigger picture but it still doesn’t tell us why the Sun and the Earth exist. You’re dealing now, with a scenario that you do not fully understand. You will find out more about it soon enough, but beware: a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Keep asking more questions in July, till you get answers that make sense.

You’re fired up with expectation, energy and excitement. You’re not exactly ecstatic about a situation, but you are at least willing to rise to what seems like a vast challenge. You are ready for anything other, perhaps, than what now seems to be taking place. The drama, adventure, risk or point of conflict is fading faster than a mirage in the desert. You can’t understand it and you feel let down. Now what?

Nothing. That’s what. All you have to do in July is relax, readjust and accept that life is moving on, in the best way.

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

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December 22 - January 20

March 21 - April 20

J U LY 2 0 1 3

January 21 - February 19

April 21 - May 21

November 23 - December 21

PISCES

February 20 - March 20

May 22 - June 22

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THE HUMANITIES

GO DIGITAL AUB SHEDS LIGHT ON ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR DISCIPLINES IN ACADEMICS

BY JASMINA NAJJAR

A

pril 2013 saw a groundbreaking event take place at AUB: a full-blown three day Digital Humanities (DH) event. The first of its kind in Lebanon and the region, it showed that AUB is a higher education institution committed to evolving with salient trends in the West. The event showcased work being done by academics specialized in the humanities at AUB using technology (from using GIS in research to creating digital archives of old books and tapping into the potential of augmented reality and online mindmapping software). It explored the use of technology to power research and promote education in class. The event boast-

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ed three guest speakers who are wellknown names on the international DH scene: Sebastian Günther (Göttingen), Lynne Siemens (Victoria) and Raymond Siemens (Victoria). And most importantly, it launched an open discussion into the role DH can play in Lebanon and the Arab world at large.

What is DH? According to the poster for the event at AUB, it’s “an evolving set of practices that both adapt traditional questions of humanistic scholarship to new digital environments, and open up new modes of inquiry and analysis altogether. Technologies such as data mining, visualization and mapping, and multimodal archival environments, combined with an increasing numbers of open-access, socially-networked platforms, are not only changing the ways humanists investigate and teach their source material, but are also forging new means of interdisciplinary scholarly communication and research dissemination.” (The Arts and Humanities Initiative AUB).

Raymond Siemens explained the significance of DH on an international level. It’s becoming a strategic priority for many reasons and on many levels: academically and administratively, driven by students and faculty as a continuation of what the humanities have always done. The humanities have always served people and the public at large is responding favorably to DH projects because of the public nature of many. The humanities are essentially about the human experience over time and technology basically serves humanity and hence is an extension of this experience.

There’s a natural connection. While technology can serve the humanities, it’s especially interesting to consider the role the humanities can play in developing technology. The user experience shapes technology (deciding what will be a winner and what will be a flop) and the humanities are all about the users after all.

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The DH trend is so fast paced that many are involved in DH without realizing it added Lynne Siemens. The problem lies in labeling it and in the vast misconceptions. Why? Because DH is wide ranging. There are endless possibilities when you apply digital technology to research and teaching. It can encompass many things including crowdsourcing. While where to draw the line can be tricky, one thing is for certain: the interest is real. Today there are many official funding bodies for DH projects and international DH organizations. Every summer several “DH camps” are held around the globe to give humanities professors and researchers the chance to learn data-mining, GIS, video game development. coding and more from tech gurus. Another certainty is the edge DH can provide. Sebastian Günther made it clear that DH truly facilitated his research on classical Arabic literature. It empowered him with a wealth of options and facilities and gave him more opportunities to make new links that can open the door to novel questions and findings that wouldn’t have arisen otherwise.

But what about the Middle East?

While the region is not devoid of DH projects and initiatives (AUB is living proof of this), things are relatively still in their infancy. Raymond Siemens sees true potential since the Middle East is a unique locus because of its language, culture and viewpoints. It’s different from other parts of the world which are more monocultural and monolingual.

It’s a place that has witnessed the convergence of many things and rich histories. As Rita Bassil from AUB’s Office of the Provost pointed out, Lebanon and the Middle East have a lot to contribute

THE HUMANITIES GO DIGITAL | AUB

since there’s an abundance of information that is readily available in English but not in Arabic. What does this imply?

This ultimately paves the way for original research and the creation and proliferation of knowledge in Arabic (or about Arab literature, history, art, culture and the like). Many are keen to build on this potential. David Wrisley, Chairperson of AUB’s English Department and organizer of the DH event, is eager to promote DH on campus and to see the DH movement at AUB gain momentum. The three day event marks the start of many interesting things to come

THERE ARE ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES WHEN YOU APPLY DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY TO RESEARCH AND TEACHING. IT CAN ENCOMPASS MANY THINGS INCLUDING CROWDSOURCING

WHILE WHERE TO DRAW THE LINE CAN BE TRICKY, ONE THING IS FOR CERTAIN: THE INTEREST IS REAL. TODAY THERE ARE MANY OFFICIAL FUNDING BODIES FOR DH PROJECTS AND INTERNATIONAL DH ORGANIZATIONS J U LY 2 0 1 3

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NEW + NOW

GET DOWN TO BUSINESS Dubai-based flydubai announced the launch of business class services across its network of 60 destinations. Commenting on the launch of the airline’s Business Class services, Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, stated, “We are very pleased to announce the evolution of our passenger offering as we continue to meet the travel needs of our customers.

The introduction of Business Class will provide greater choice for our passengers, who will have access to faster check-in services, comfortable and spacious seating and can enjoy a variety of internationally -inspired menus during their journey.” flydubai’s Business Class cabin is configured with 12 seats finished in soft Italian leather with lumbar support and a seat pitch of 42 inches. The in-flight entertainment system will offer a high definition touchscreen of 12.1 inches with over 900 hours of movies, music and games. In addition, Business Class passengers will benefit from having their own dedicated cabin crew. Travelers will be offered a selection of cold, light food and accompaniments on short flights and the choice of a three-course meal from a specially designed Halal menu on flights of 90 minutes and above. Business Class passengers will be able to take advantage of flydubai’s priority check-in, conveniently located just 120 paces from the car park, as well as the new facilities at the recently upgraded and expanded Terminal 2 at Dubai International Airport. The airline will receive delivery of the first aircraft with a business class cabin in August 2013. All new aircraft subsequently delivered will include business and economy classes.

Business class tickets will be available for purchase on selected flights from August 2013, and the inaugural flight is scheduled to take off in October 2013. www.flydubai.com/en/business | www.flydubai.com/ar/business

THAT SPECIAL TOUCH In one of the first deployments in the region, touch users can now benefit from in-app operator billing. Mobile application fees will be added to the monthly bill for touch postpaid lines or will be deducted from the available balance for prepaid touch customers. touch, the leading mobile operator managed by Zain, debuted this service with Anghami’s music mobile application during a press conference held on the 19th of June in the presence of the Minister of Telecommunications Nicolas Sehnaoui. In his speech, touch Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Mr. Nadim Khater, explained that a four-fold mobile apps strategy had been devised to build a fully functional ecosystem: the touch mobile app, the app store, the in-app payment system and the touch cloud, adding that, “Telecos have matured methods to bill for minutes, SMS and megabytes. In-app payments present a new front for telecos to innovate and tap into new revenue streams. In-app payments are also very attractive for mobile app developers and startups to monetize their ideas by gaining access to a huge customer base that could be unbanked and doesn’t need a card to transact – they could pay through touch! We couldn’t find a more perfect partner than Anghami to debut this functionality with. They have a great team, a solid business model, and they target a large segment of music lovers.” Mr. Sehnaoui commented on the breakthrough, stating that the “Lebanese youth have the potential and the talent to succeed in

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any domain. These successes have begun to rise in Lebanon and all around the world. touch in collaboration with the local app stores and the Lebanese innovators are encouraging the university graduates to delve into the challenges of this sector which reflects the efforts and the seriousness that the company is investing to move into a world of modern telecommunications.”

TouchLebanon

@TouchLebanon

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