RAGMAG Silve Bells Issue | Dec 2010 | Issue #7

DECEMBER 2010

Silver Tongue

Silver Spoon

Silver Belle of the Ball

+

Silver Lining THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

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RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

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cultureclash 18 22 24 28 30 34 40 170

BEIRUT AT 175 POETRY WHY WOMEN MATTER ECONOMICS LIVING LARGE SAMIA HALABY THE PUPPETMASTER THE SHOW MUST GO ON CATCH ME IF YOU CAN INTERVIEW WITH CHELSEA CAIN MAX MILLIGAN IMAGES FROM THE LEBANON HAYDA LEBNEN SANTA IS MIA FACELIFT LEBANESE CINEMA

you + your country

20 DRAMA QUEEN

ZEINA DACCACHE REHABILITATES LEBANON

editor’s opinion

14 SILVER BULLET THE SOLUTION IS A BELL RINGER

the final frontier

162 BEE MINE SCIENCE 164 GOOGLE TECH

emperor’s new clothes 82 86 100 110 106 128

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RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

GOODWILL GIFTS SHOP + HELP OTHERS MIX’N MATCH RUNWAY DO IT OUR WAY INSIDE STORY FASHION DESIGNERS TAKE ON INTERIOR SILVER BELLE OF THE BALL OUR FASHION SHOOT SILVER SCREEN FASHION + FILM LARA KHOURY SPRING 2011 COLLECTION

eat, drink +be merry

150 152 156 158

SILVER SPOON HOLIDAY RESTOS RESTAURANT REVIEW EL MOLINO FOOD WELLNESS EAT RIGHT SILVER PLATTER RECIPES

take me with you

142

THE SOUND OF SALZBURG

TRAVEL

out +about 56 148

mon amour, mon ami

mind, body + soul 60 62 64 66

HELP ME NOUR ADVICE AGAINST THE ODDS MATTHEW HUSSEY HELPS YOU BEAT ‘EM LOVE THY ENEMY WHO’S SIDE ARE YOU ON? THE PERFECT CIRCLE CALM DOWN

mirrormirror 68 72 74 76

LANDSCAPE AT TWILIGHT THE ROYAL SPA REVIEW TAKE IT OFF REMOVERS WITCH DOCTOR TURN BACK THE CLOCK SPARKLE + SHINE HOLIDAY MAKEUP

FML [F*CK MY LIFE] 58

RHYTHYM OF MY HEART

TANGO GAUCHO TEACHES US A THING OR TWO GIMME GIMME VINIFEST GETS US DRUNK

DANCING WITH THE STARS

50 54

V-MEN YOU ASKED FOR IT WEDDING BELLS CELEBS SAY I DO + I DON’T

for him 42 44

HERE KITTY KITTY TOM FORD IS HERE GROOMING GET CLEAN SHAVEN

see, speak + hear no evil 136 138 139 140

SOUND CHECK MUSIC READ’EM AND WEEP BOOKS WATCH OUT FILM PLAY NICE GAMES

brainfood

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QUIZZ. DINGBATS. CROSSWORD. SUDOKU. THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

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Imagination is a powerful thing.

I m a g I n e a f o u r d o o r s e d a n t h at c a n o u t p e r f o r m m o s t t w o - d o o r s p o rt s c a r s .

I m a g I n e t h e t h r I l l I n g a c c e l e r at I o n o f a s u p e r c h a r g e d 5 1 0 h p, 5 . 0 l I t r e a j-V 8 g e n I I I r e n g I n e a n d 6 - s p e e d Z f a u t o m at I c t r a n s m I s s I o n .

I m a g I n e 0 - 1 0 0 K m / h I n 4 .9 e x h I l a r at I n g s e c o n d s .

5 years wa r r a n t y

I m a g I n e a d a pat I V e dy n a m I c s a n d a c t I V e d I f f e r e n t I a l c o n t r o l p r o V I d I n g e xc e p t I o n a l t r a c t I o n a n d h a n d l I n g . and ImagIne an InterIor of be autIful craf tsmanshIp a n d I n n o Vat I V e t e c h n o l o gy. t h e n sto p I m ag I n I n g . a n d t e s t d r I V e t h e V e ry r e a l , c r I t I c a l ly a c c l a I m e d j a g u a r x f r . Âť e x p e r I e n c e a d I f f e r e n t way o f t h I n K I n g at : jag ua r- M E .co M

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RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

Beirut: Tel: 01-613670, Tripoli: Tel: 06-410704

publisher’s letter Hi Lebanon!

Nothing compares with the magical world of Christmas. All preparations start a month in advance if not before to try and make the festive season as fun as possible.

I must admit, I had a few issues writing this letter. For the first time in my life, I had to stop and think what Christmas really means. It is no longer a child’s dream or a one sided vision.

It is now RAGMAG’s Christmas vision. To belong to a society and to help it mature and grow. To belong to a culture and to understand it. To become a part of a community and to become one with it and share. So I come to the conclusion that whatever we do it is of importance that we are happy doing it, and if we can make someone else happy in the process then why not. That is what Christmas is all about.

As we are saying goodbye to 2010 and hello to 2011, I am sure that a lot of you have already started planning for your New Year resolution. We are very interested to hear what they are. The funniest and well thought resolution will win a prize with us.

As promised we did walk the Beirut Marathon! We were able to collect amongst us $750. Proceeds will go to help stop drug abuse. The NGO chosen by RAGMAG is JAD.

Please keep your wonderful emails coming in to publisher@ragmaglive.com

I enjoy reading each and every one of them.

On behalf of RAGMAG and myself Happy Holidays, we look forward to seeing you in 2011.

Gina Gabriel El-Fady Publisher

BREAKING NEWS We regret to inform you that as this issue was going to print (and shortly after being interviewed by RAGMAG), Dr. Ibrahim AbdelMeneim, the subject for January’s you + your country section, was rearrested by the Lebanese police. Dr. AbdelMeneim is a human rights activist. See the full article in the January issue.

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Publisher

Gina Gabriel El-Fady Editor in Chief

Fida Z Chaaban Managing Director Georges Yarack Creative Lead Odette Kahwagi Photograhers Christian Harb Odette Kahwagi Jason Zamora Teddy Habib Selected images Shutterstock

Stylist Jony Matta Fashion Photography Assistant Alexandra Kahwagi Public Relations Coordinator Lea El-Alam Marketing Advisor Daniella Tayar Admnisitrative Coordinator Teddy Younes Printed by Raidy Printing Group

Contributors Maher El-Alam Stephanie Aoun Elodie Barakat Bryan Borzykowski Jonathan Cainer Amal Chaaban Youmna Chagoury Alice Hlidkova Sarah Hourany Matthew Hussey Leslie Iddison Maria-Elena Kassab Imogen Kimber Chris Lambert Laurence Leigh Sabina LLewellyn-Davies Maha Majzoub Derek Malcolm J.E.N. Nour Obaji Adam Volk

Media Representative NMS Zahar Bldg., 1st Floor Elias Sarkis Avenue, Achrafieh Tel: 01 326 005 Distributor Lebanese Distributor Company Hamra, Axa Middle East bldg.

Tel: 01 368 007 RAGMAG is a division of Raycon s.a.l.

Copyright RAGMAG 2010 All Rights Reserved.

ON OUR COVER PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTIAN HARB MODEL LIPS AGENCY HAIR SALON ROGER GABRIEL MAKEUP CHRISTIAN ABOU HAIDAR

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

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RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

Contact us by phone or email to arrange your subscription subscriptions@ragmaglive.com Lea El-Alam 09 916 222 / 09 913 777 RAGMAG Alex Gabriel Building, Rue Colomn de Sahel Sahel Alma, Keserwan

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TATEN - MARINA TOWER BUILDINGS - BEHIND THE NEW FOUR SEASONS HOTEL - Tel: 961 1 365357 - 961 1 365389 10 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

Silver the

Bells

BECAUSE RAGMAG RINGS BELLS ALL OVER THE PLACE

Lebanon, your feedback for the 3-D

issue was something else! We’re happy to hear how much you liked the November issue since we aim to please.

Everyone thought going 3-D was pretty interesting. Gina went on Future TV to talk about RAGMAG’s many dimensions.

We got some cool letters, Facebook posts and Tweets! Apparently we were the first publication to go 3-D in Lebanese magazines so Odette and Chris kind of upped the print media bar. Now we’re under a bell jar of scrutiny.

I want to thank our readers for the continued support. When I sit down to write to you I’m here with bells on.

(If you aren’t sure what I’m trying to convey, Google bell idioms. It works like a charm.)

Ring in the festivities with RAGMAG. We didn’t want to do the typical holiday thing since there is always a lot of that going around. We were saved by the bell when we came up with this issue’s focus. We went over and over the concept of the holiday season until we picked the retro and cool theme of Silver Bells. (I grew up hearing the song over the holiday season and have it memorized.) The other reason we went with Silver Bells was because RAGMAG touches on so many subjects each issue that we always seem to be reminding someone of something. The English colloquialism of ringing a bell seemed fitting and still worked with the holiday mood. So there you go, that’s what got RAGMAG’s bells a-ringin’ for December.

This issue we looked at something that should be ringing alarm bellsdisappearing bees worldwide. Our dinner bell went off in eat drink + be merry and we found the right restaurants for you; and no, we didn’t include Taco Bell. The fashion shoot is clear as a bell. We went retro glam so RAGMAG could be the belle of the ball.

(Okay, I admit that I kind of cheated on that one.)

I’d also like to introduce our newest section. In November we chose to print a blog post about Lebanon. The positive feedback was overwhelming so I would like to continue to welcome bloggers to submit their best work for possible print space in RAGMAG. Bloggers, the bell tolls for you.

Ring my bell (not as fun as Anita Ward’s

1979 hit song) by writing to me fida.chaaban@ragmaglive.com Follow me on Twitter @fidachaaban for RAGMAG news and updates.

Fida Z Chaaban PHOTOGRAPHY SAMY HARB

Editor in Chief

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letters to the editor THE FIRST READER TO EMAIL IN OR POST A YOUTUBE LINK OF THE HOLIDAY SONG SILVER BELLS ON OUR FACEBOOK WILL WIN A SPECTACULAR GIFT CERTIFICATE. RAGMAG IS HAPPIEST WHEN OUR READERS TALK BACK. WE LOVE YOUR EMAILS, YOUR FACEBOOK COMMENTS AND YOUR TWEETS ON TWITTER! SCRIBBLE ON OUR FACEBOOK WALL, EMAIL LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR@RAGMAGLIVE.COM OR TAG YOUR PICTURES TO WIN WITH RAGMAG. RAGMAG RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT FOR CLARITY AND CONTENT.

RAGMAG would like to congratulate SAMER RAWADI! Samer was the first reader to post his picture wearing the 3-D glasses and holding the November issue. Samer has won a gift certificate to The Spirit spa featured in our October issue.

GUITTA AND MIKAEL KARKAR also win with RAGMAG for posting great shots on our FB. Guitta, you’ll be visiting The Spirit spa and Mikael gets to shop at Librairie Antoine!

Great shot, TAREK NAMRO! Thank you for writing in with your pic! Enjoy the Spirit spa gift certificate!

FACEBOOK POST WE Elena Chaghoury I want to say THANK YOU Danielle Biaz for the beautiful article “40 Things I’ve Learned Since Moving to Lebanon”!

LMAO! It makes me think of all the things I’ve learned over the past 5 years!

Sooooooo funny! Keep it up, RAGMAG! You are the best!

for I would like to thank you have now we t las At .

AG RAGM is t tha h glis a magazine in En d. rea can we t tha s icle art full of it e aus bec ine I love your magaz is different.

Good luck!

Tarek Namro

THE OFFICE GIRLS GOT OUT + ABOUT FOR THE BLOM BEIRUT MARATHON EXPO 2010 AT BIEL. SEE THE BACKBONE OF RAGMAG LEA EL-ALAM, TEDDY YOUNES AND DANIELLA TAYAR.

12 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

ROBIN WRIGHT PAR PETER LINDBERGH

GERARDDAREL.COM

THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

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editor’s opinion

hroughout history, precious metals like silver and gold have been the source of money, power and blind greed. This issue we chose Silver Bells as our theme but that faux shine on a silver bell is really deceptive. We don’t hear bells ringing here, not the charitable silver bell Christmas ones, anyway. Since we’ve had a lack of altruistic behaviour for so long, we now face a conundrum. What Lebanon really needs is a Silver Bullet. The term Silver Bullet originates from the myth that a werewolf or a supernatural bad guy can only be offed properly by a Silver Bullet. It has passed into common parlance and can be interpreted as needing a “quick and effective solution”. But what are our main problems and what can we do about them? What is the Silver Bullet solution?

The allure of gold drove hundreds of thousands of people from all over North America and as far away as Latin America and Europe to California beginning in 1848. The mad hustle carried on for more than a decade leading to environmental repercussions felt until the present day, and the human death toll was astronomical – the genocide of Native American tribe members included.

Notorious San Quentin prison, one of the most infamous prisons in the world overlooking San Francisco Bay, was even built during the Gold Rush as a more permanent solution to the prison ships then in use. San Quentin has housed the likes of mass murderer Charles Manson and the late George Jackson, a member of the Black Panthers.

ABOVE: MINER PANNING FOR GOLD, GOLD RUSH ADVERT.

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IF YOU DON’T SCRATCH THE SURFACE, YOU REALLY THINK YOU’VE HIT THE JACKPOT HERE; IT IS A HEDONIST’S HEAVEN, THE ONLY THING IS THAT YOUR CONSCIENCE DOESN’T ALWAYS WANT TO PLAY ALONG. During the Gold Rush, Iron Pyrite (also known as Fool’s Gold), was often found while panning. The precious metal is not what it’s cracked up to be. Iron Pyrite’s metallic patina and yellowish shade is quite close to that of gold, leading many a hopeful miner to erroneously believe he had struck it rich. Lebanon is much like Fool’s Gold.

It shines prettily and it’s easy on the eye. If you don’t scratch the surface, you really think you’ve hit the jackpot here; it is a hedonist’s heaven, the only thing is that your conscience doesn’t always want to play along. You can hit up parties every night at any number of posh supper clubs and lunch every day until 4 p.m. and everyone thinks that is normal. This is one of the only countries, as we are told ad nauseum, where you can “ski and swim in the same month”. Never mind the fact that we’ve got basic societal issues that “developing” nations should be addressing. You can shop in Downtown Beirut and have drinks in Achrafieh.

Just avoid looking at the Roma (gypsy) children or they’ll ask you for money. Ignore the wheelchair guy in

Gemmayzeh, “he’s probably faking”, advises my most recent taxi driver.

The Gold Rush seems like an apt analogy because it held so much false promise. Looking around at Verdun district it is hard to believe that there are places in the very same country that do not have clean running water, but there are. Like the Gold Rush, we’ve got a huge dichotomy at work here: the 5 percent of Haves and the staggering 95 percent of Have-Nots. In addition to the miners often finding Fool’s Gold, like my Lebanon, the people who made the real cash were not the people panning, but the people providing services. The old term tertiary industry (thank you grade 7 social studies), that of hospitality, hotels, restaurants and the like, are those who really cashed in. Who really cashes in here? The party scene providers. When you are forever living like it is your last day on earth and indulging your hedonist side (maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain), you do not build a permanent allegiance to a place. You don’t plan for a future there, which brings me to my next point: brain drain.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: MINER, GOLD RUSH ADVERT, IRON PYRITE (FOOL’S GOLD) NUGGET.

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THIS PAGE: PERIOD LITERATURE OF THE GOLD RUSH. DULL SILVER BARS.

I’M TALKING ABOUT THE TALENTED PEOPLE THAT WERE BORN AND RAISED IN THIS COUNTRY. THE ARTISTS, THE WRITERS, THE ENGINEERS AND DOCTORS: THE INTELLECTUAL BASE OF LEBANON.

Like the drastic population shift in California, we too have had a drastic population shift. The difference is that people left, not came. I have met people like myself who were born and raised abroad and decided to follow their roots back “home”. This is an anomaly. Lebanon is suffering from a brain drain of epic proportion. Forget us, the unlikely minority of people who have moved here from North America and Europe to make a difference in our parent’s homeland. I’m talking about the talented people that were born and raised in this country. The artists, the writers, the engineers and doctors: the intellectual base of Lebanon. The number of Lebanese I encounter that ask me about immigration abroad is disheartening, to put it mildly.

Lebanese born abroad often harbour Western sentiments of work ethic and allegiance to their flags. People here are patriots, but barely. The Lebanese routinely complain of not having a government and rampant corruption.

Well, what have you done for your country lately? In the West we pay astronomical taxes as part of a healthy functioning society. We willingly pick

16 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

up other people’s garbage for a cleaner country. And finally, we would never trade off our passports having a heartfelt love for the nation that educated us and gave us the opportunity to really BE something. Lebanon has already lost droves of talent and will continue to lose more if we do not do something, anything, to help these people achieve.

Outsourcing people that can create a proper Lebanese infrastructure is a dangerous and costly game and one that we continue to play. Why don’t we instead employ and educate our own?

Shift those resources to the Masters student who cannot afford tuition and the child who is kept out of school to beg for the family. Then these people will feel a real allegiance to Lebanon because it will have helped them out of their rut. For those of you who have the resources to help, think of the brightest person you know who cannot afford to “waste” their time and undervalued talent in this economy. Directly make a difference by supporting them. This is Lebanon’s Silver Bullet: our quick and effective solution to a problem that if left unchecked will cripple the country at its very foundations.

editor’s opinion

THIS FOOL’S GOLD, THIS DULL SILVER, CAN ONCE AGAIN BE THE GREAT COUNTRY YOUR PARENTS AND MY PARENTS REMEMBER. SILVER BELLS IS ABOUT HELPING YOUR FELLOW CITIZEN. “Oh my darlin’ Clementine/ Thou art lost and gone forever/ Oh my darling Clementine”, is a famous song associated with the Gold Rush.

Routinely taught to children, it’s debated whether Clementine is his lover or daughter and the interpretation depends on the version. She dies violently, her “ruby lips above the water, blowing bubbles soft and fine” as she drowns. The miner, a “49er”, a colloquial term used to refer to the miners of 1849, either eases his loss by focusing on his other daughter, or moving on to the sister of the deceased.

He laments that, “alas, [he] was no swimmer,” and could not save her. He didn’t take responsibility and neither do we. Like Clementine, if no one stands up to try, our Lebanon will be a lost cause and our valuable people will console themselves by moving on to another country (UAE is case in point here).

That ugly film of greenish-brown guilt like the tarnish on silver is what we should be feeling. Silver and its unsightly discolouration is a metaphor for Lebanon. A good shine is always needed for silver to really glow. Gold on the other hand is brighter and not so much maintenance is needed. Lebanon is definitely more of a silver, needing some good old fashioned elbow grease and a soft cloth. It can shine and will, if we begin to address the reality of the situation. The ugly green-brown film on silver can be wiped away and dealt with and so can these basic issues that will bring Lebanon back to being really precious. This means taking responsibility. This means each citizen has to claim a piece of the pie. You must own up to doing your part. This apathy in attitude, that we cannot do anything to alter the Lebanese crisis of inequality, can be remedied if every single person resolves to help one other

person. I definitely know I can make a difference and as they say charity starts at home. I give to the person that is in my face daily and is buckling under the strain of trying to provide his children with a balanced diet: my Natour. I make certain that I know where the money goes and that those children are the investment. I’m not saying I am fixing the whole system, but I do what I can to ease my guilty conscience and change one person’s condition. Then at least I can attend those parties and allday lunches with less self-loathing.

Paraphrasing Shakespeare: all that glitters isn’t always gold, and Lebanon surely has that cheap, misleading glimmer. As a country we’re okay if we don’t look past the shiny surface. This Fool’s Gold, this dull silver, can once again be the great country your parents and my parents remember. Silver Bells is about helping your fellow citizen.

Get ringing, Lebanon.

THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

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175

beirut at

18 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

or

thank you baghdad

WORDS BY LAURENCE LEIGH

‘The annual survey on the quality of living in 215 cities around the world ranked Beirut as the 175th most desirable city for overall living standards …….’

So drones the piece in the Daily Star.

What, 175th? Haram. This can’t be right.

Which city is number one?

Vienna – Vienna?

The first city for the third man.

Rococo, ordered, smug, nazi-loving Vienna.

With its well-padded burghers in loden coats and felt hats with silly feathers on them.

Stomachs filled with schnitzel, strudel and artery-clogging schlagsahne.

OK so Vienna has mountains, but Beirut has mountains…… …..… and the sea.

Beirut has the Corniche……..even if it doesn’t have the elegance of the one in Nice.

In fact, you may miss the fresh sea air completely as your nostrils are assaulted by the bitter sweet stench of the narguile’s and a faint whiff of sewage.

But the views, the sunsets, those seductive summer nights………

Beirut may have buildings pock-marked with bullets rather than decorated with chubby putti supporting unlikely loads.

But go to Gemayzeh.

Crumbling oriental charm, the overpowering scent of jasmine.

The girls (oh my! The girls) strutting their heels, Boys pimping their wheels.

The dancers in the Aweht Azzeiz swaying to the mystical sounds of oud and tambour.

Would you swap this for the banale plucking of zithers in Harry Lime’s funfair?

So who did Beirut at number 175 manage to beat?

Lahore, San Pedro Sula (second city of Honduras in case you are interested), Almaty (in Kazakhstan, winter minimum temperature -30 C.), Tehran, Algiers, Sanaa.

And, yes, at number 215 and dead last – poor, bloody, unloved, Baghdad.

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DRAMA

QUEEN

ZEINA DACCACHE IS CENTER STAGE

BY IMOGEN KIMBER

A POWERFUL DETERMINATION COMBINED WITH AN UNSHAKABLE FAITH IN HER METHODOLOGY HAS MADE ZEINA DACCACHE A TOUR DE FORCE IN BRINGING DRAMA THERAPY INTO THE LIMELIGHT IN LEBANON. THE ONLY CERTIFIED DRAMA THERAPIST IN THE COUNTRY, DACCACHE HAS LONG ESTABLISHED HER REPUTATION AND IS SLOWLY BUILDING UP THE FIELD IN LEBANON.

With the production of the play ‘12 Angry Men’ by Reginald Rose inside Roumieh Prison and the subsequent release of her acclaimed documentary, ‘12 Angry Lebanese,’ Daccache has established drama therapy in Lebanon as a highly effective tool for tackling trauma and anti-social behavior, as well as promoting it as a desirable vocation.

from the 2nd until the 14th of September 2010 At

A film by ZeinA DAccAche

The DOcUmenTARy fROm

first prize

Dox box International Documentary Film Festival

2010

CATHARsis director of photography JoCelyne Abi GebRAyel editor MiCHèle TyAn Sound deSign and mixing RAëd younAn muSic by THe inMATes of RouMieH pRison

produced by

With the support of the italian cooperation of the embassy of italy in beirut in the framework of the ross emergency program. in collaboration with the ministry of interor and municipalities and the ministry of Justice.

20 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

On a live stage Daccache has been lauded for her strength while working in the notorious prison Roumieh, just outside Beirut.

Though, her real strengths lie in her drama therapy techniques and her confidence in their ability to reform and rejuvenate.

“Drama therapy is a combination of theatre techniques and psycho therapy techniques,” explains Daccache. The production in Roumieh of the play ‘12 Angry Men’ is one of Daccache’s more famous projects, but she is keen to clarify that drama therapy is not limited to or defined by a performance.

Drama therapy is a process. It is about each and every drama therapy session.

Role play often features heavily.

“You don’t talk you enact,” Daccache clarifies, “Don’t tell me what happened go and enact it.” Instead of sitting on the couch or in a confession circle the participants in the drama therapy actually demonstrate their experiences.

The emphasis is on expression, without having to formulate feelings or experiences into words, allowing the expression to flow more easily.

Best to be a Drama Queen Johnny Tohme is one of around 20 students currently studying drama therapy with Daccache. A major in psychology, Tohme sees drama therapy as one of the most applicable methods of therapy. “It is so interactive it is like the person [who has the issue] is doing the therapy,” he says. Thanks to the nature of the discipline the person receiving the therapy is in control of the session providing a person, who would otherwise be projected as a victim, with empowerment. Guidance is given to them but they, literally, take the lead on how the activity will proceed.

“You are playing,” Daccache muses as her and Tohme discuss why drama therapy is, a unique form of therapy.

They collude that drama therapy is significantly the better choice of therapy, the tougher the situation. The reason is that you can face the issue almost sideways on. Using role play the ‘victim’ gets to be someone else removed from the situation. “The whole process is therapeutic. […] this is the difference between drama therapy and other kinds of therapies,” said Tohme.

you + your country

In role play you “lose your censorship,” said Daccache.

It is no coincidence that the name of Daccache’s NGO through which she carries out a lot of her work is ‘Catharsis.’ Catharsis: “the purging of the emotions or relieving of emotional tensions.”

Besides the cathartic affect it is apparent when watching the documentary ’12 Angry Lebanese’ that the inmates working on the production gained something else. They gained simple pride in their work. Tohme pointed out that for some this is an opportunity to recognize skills in themselves that they otherwise never would have.

Sessions in the South After the war in 2006, Daccache took the powers of drama therapy to Southern Lebanon. Originally Daccache was invited by the NGO Masar to help children from the villages Saddiqine and Zibkine suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome. Daccache took the initiative to organize sessions

with the mothers as well.

Why? “Because if you are working with a kid who is going home to a mum who is frustrated from the war you are doing nothing,” says Daccache.

She needed the therapy to be all encompassing to be truly effective.

Daccache created a space for women only in which they could express themselves freely. In a place so ravaged by the war and with the specific social setting, drama therapy offered a highly appropriate way to allow these women to express themselves in a way they otherwise could not. This offered not only relief, but also empowerment.

A year after the sessions, Daccache returned with her camera to check on progress. The result is the film ‘Any’ which was broadcast on OTV in commemoration of the war.

The Draw The results of drama therapy reach far beyond those present in the therapy session. ‘12 Angry Lebanese’ emphasizes this point clearly thanks

to the nature of the project. “When we showed the performance inside the prison for the external audience and they came inside and watched the play there was a great Catharsis effect. […]

First the whole prejudice that people have on these persons changed. Second of all the message got through directly to these people. And who were these people… They were officials,” says Daccache.

Directly after the performance of the play, Law 163 was passed allowing for the reduction of prison sentences based on good behavior. The general interest and understanding of prisons has clearly increased, with increased media attention and a number of new organizations working in Lebanon’s prisons. Inside Roumieh, a place where the inmates once held the guards at knife point, relations between prisoners and guards have improved. And outside literally hundreds of people have contacted Catharsis interested in becoming a drama therapist.

“Drama therapy is a combination of theatre techniques and psycho therapy techniques.”

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cultureclash

why women matter

‘

ECONOMISTS, PROFESSORS AND POLICY MAKERS FROM ROUGHLY 28 NATIONS PARTICIPATED IN A DIALOGUE ON “WOMEN AND ECONOMIC GROWTH”

‘

Alice Hlidkova reports on the economic status of women from Austria exclusively for RAGMAG

BY ALICE HLIDKOVA

I

n Europe’s famed alpine city of Salzburg, Austria, female professionals from all around the world gathered to discuss the economic status of women.

Economists, professors and policy makers from roughly 28 nations participated in a dialogue on “Women and Economic Growth” held in October, at the Salzburg Global Seminar—one of Europe’s leading American nonprofit organizations. Inside the national historic monument and palace of Schloss Leopoldskron, fifty participants, amongst them five men, discussed future investments in women’s social mobility. Though many topics filled the agenda, the most predominant themes were opportunities for women’s advancement in the global arena.

women’s upward mobility. One male participant gave a compelling presentation on empowering women through income transfers that evidently led to higher child nutritional standards and countries’ economic health. He referenced Brazil, a country which had seen great improvements in women’s status, and Bangladesh, where micro-credit had led to women’s empowerment and child health improvement. Another participant brought forth the design of new roads which changed certain domestic routines for girls living in rural areas.

The creation of roads in fact created safer routes for girls to complete their choirs like fetching water and even reduced prostitution. Opportunities for women were best summarized by Austria’s Foreign Minister of Affairs-

Group meeting during the session

In reference to the UN Millennium Goal on Education and Gender Inequality, participants placed gender inequality in employment a top priority. They affirmed that decreasing women’s reliance on informal employment, closing gender gaps in earnings, and reducing occupational segregation, would mitigate the struggle for 22 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

who argued that women in international relation positions helped put women on the agenda. Nonetheless, women who influenced policy helped reduce undervalued women by putting them on the agenda, and thereby reduced income gap among men and women.

At the end of the session, participants divided themselves into small working

groups to explore effective approaches towards developing a strategic action plan. This plan presented a set of recommendations for “policy, practice, and research.” The goal in the plenary discussions was to apply such recommendations across cultures and borders. In these discussions, Africa became a key priority. In reference to the African Union and the African Charter on the Rights of a Child, participants working on African Affairs pledged a campaign. Effective next year, the campaign would prohibit “recruitment of child soldiers and abuse of girl children as wives and sex slaves in violation of their Rights.”

Within two years, they planned to “initiate, launch and engage sustainable public campaigns against gender based violence, as well as the problem of trafficking in women and girls.” On a final note, the establishment of an African Trust Fund for Women, would bring special focus on the minority group in both urban and rural areas.

The groups concluded that investment made in and through women and girls was not just about economic growth but equity, justice, and stability for women. One woman repeated a phrase from English-language weekly news and international affairs publication, The Economist: “Forget China, India and the internet: economic growth is driven by women.” The other, former Austrian minister of foreign affairs stated: “WOMEN MATTER; THEY ARE THE FIFTY PLUS PERCENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES ON THE GLOBE, TALENTS AND INNOVATED CAPACITY. THEY ARE THE MOST USED AND UNDERVALUED RESOURCES, AND THE PURCHASING POWER IN EMERGING MARKETS.”

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BELOW: PAINTER SAMIA HALABY. LEFT: COLOR

livinglarge

BY MAHA MAJZOUB

Samia Halaby is the kind of artist I always dread to write about, or even work up the nerve to say hello to without coming off as a ditsy imbecile and perhaps be politely asked to leave the premises. One can never be prepared enough to talk to the likes of Samia Halaby. I don’t know why I continue down that road of self-inflicted suffering by accepting the daunting task of interviewing the veteran artists.

I enter Ayyam Gallery in Beirut Central District where Halaby was displaying her latest body of work. I gaze at the colossal, bold canvases. Twelve of them lined the six walls of the contemporary art space. They dominate the minimalist embellished venue. I come a bit closer to the artworks. Most of the acrylic paintings were executed in 2010, all bubbling over with color, and as expected Halaby’s intense abstract brushstrokes are imposing. The effortlessness with which she looks at natural shapes such as trees and leaves or her life-size interpretation of thunder brush aside any initial hesitation I had about meeting her.

When I pull up a chair next to Halaby, I quickly berate myself for assuming she would be aloof just because she was the first fulltime female associate professor at the Yale School of Art or

is one of the most established Arab artists and scholars of her time and has been painting for 50 or so years. Halaby might be a prima donna, but there is not a hint of a diva in her. She is one

24 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

of the few and far between artists who heartily appreciates you bringing along a sample copy of the publication you are interviewing them for; one of those who ask about your background and make the meeting feel like a friendly conversation instead of a structured Q&A interview.

With a voice a little less shaky than I expected, I begin by asking her how this exhibition stands apart from former

EMPRESS OF ABSTRACTION SAMIA HALABY REVEALS MAMMOTH, VIVID PAINTINGS IN CULMINATION OF AN ILLUSTRIOUS 50-YEAR CAREER

endeavors in the course of her coveted long career. It is not different, says Halaby, who has worked with oil most of her life, as well as hot wax, print, and computer. To her, the paintings present new experiments while traversing several stages of her oeuvre.

“It’s more of what I’ve done before. You take a path and you travel a direction and you don’t know where it will take you.

Ideas become thicker and more complex

cultureclash THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: DAMAS, SKY (DETAIL)

‘LARGE PAINTINGS ARE TRULY THE TEST OF THE ARTIST.’ with more dimension and depth along the way, and I feel as though it is not only a step forward but also an expression of an entire career. So I definitely consider them my mature expression,” she points out.

The one aspect in which her latest series, which she calls “Dances in the Canal”, is certainly different is that many of the canvases are 168 X 229 centimeters. “I know. They are very large,” Halaby concurs with a chuckle. “Large paintings are truly a

test of the artist,” she explains. “We as human beings have a finite size. We’re bigger than a magazine and we feel we

command it,” the Palestinian artist says, gesticulating at the recent issue of RAGMAG on the coffee table where we were seated. “But when we’re doing

a painting, we’re doing it for a wall and it commands us in its size. So it’s much more difficult and very demanding. I’ve done big paintings before but this has been consistently a year of large paintings.”

That Halaby is too modest for someone of her caliber is an opinion you will formulate briefly after sitting down with her. The seasoned artist’s work is housed in several museum collections worldwide, such as the British Museum,

the Guggenheim Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago. She has curated several exhibitions across the world including the U.S., where she has been based since migrating from Lebanon in 1951.

Far but not away

Halaby has been exhibiting the world over since 1970. Not only has she been featured in many avant-garde shows of Arab art, she has also been instrumental in generating interest in art from this part of the world. “Forces of Change: Artists of the Arab World” at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington D.C. in 1994 is one shining example. In 2003, she guided a group of curators from the ArtCar Museum in Houston Texas throughout Palestine.

That is how the exhibition “Made in Palestine”, one of the highlights of her career, came to fruition in Houston Texas at the Station Museum.

Halaby has been a political and intellectual activist long before that.

Aware of the Palestinian revolutionary movement taking place in Lebanon during the 1980’s, she was in touch with artists in Beirut whose work was

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cultureclash ‘TO BE POLITICAL IS THE RIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYBODY.’ developing into a distinguished school of “Palestinian Liberation art”. She would also start visiting her homeland beginning 1995 and launch projects with local artists, one of which was a series of drawings of the iconic Palestinian olive trees “because they

have been treated like Palestinians themselves”, she tells me. She has also

tackled the 1956 massacre at Kafr Qasem village. Jerusalem, Halaby’s birth city, is also revisited in many of her pieces. She also categorically refuses to exhibit or work with Jewish Israeli artists, arguing that even the pro-Palestinian dissidents would better help the bereaved people by working against the Israeli government. And she is not afraid to be identified as a political artist. “To be political is the right

and responsibility of everybody,” Halaby says, adding that she has made very conscious political choices in her art.

“Because I am a Palestinian I also want to do hardcore political stuff.”

The world is my canvas Away from the quagmire of politics and activism, the world is moved by Halaby’s masterful active colors.

“Where color is concerned, in abstraction we imitate nature… I really like how the city looks at night and trees in a city illuminated with artificial light and colored neon signs going on and off.

There is something in that color world.

And I keep trying to capture different color worlds,” she says. Halaby also credits her “good education in color” for

her powerful art, adding that one has

“to take a step away from what comes readymade in the tube.”

“The other thing is that as an abstract painter through my own studies, I found that famous critics of abstraction have completely befogged the issues of abstraction,” Halaby goes on to say.

“When I read what the [abstract] artists say I hear them saying that their art is based on reality not on the imagination, fantasy, dream… but the world outside which we all see. So my abstraction is based on that reality and I have carefully formulated attitudes so that for example my abstraction imitates nature and social organization and I think people recognize that.”

People would also recognize her for her extensive writing, which includes

“recent degenerate art in the New York galleries,” being treated as “a minority”, and being a Palestinian Arab painter.

She also has her hands full with three books at the moment, one of which is a reprint of her 2002 Liberation Art of Palestine, with more pictures. So she is not resting on her laurels anytime soon.

And though Ayyam has just published a monograph that chronicles her artistic development, Halaby says this is not the end of the road. “I’m glad to put

everything in there but I don’t want it to end there. So I’m telling people I will do one when I hit the 60 year [mark]. It is not over yet,” she says half jokingly.

‘WHERE COLOR IS CONCERNED, IN ABSTRACTION WE IMITATE NATURE...’

LEFT: WHITE BELOW: ISLAN

26 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

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the

puppet

BY IMOGEN KIMBER

master

B

reathing life into wood, string and paper-mâché and turning darkness into light, Mahmoud Al Hourani is like an Arab Geppetto. It is not just one puppet he is bringing to life though; it is the art of puppetry itself, and determined not to let this ancient art deteriorate, Hourani is travelling the region with his Arab Puppet Theatre Foundation. Not merely performance based, Hourani is passing on the tools of the trade to young people as a father would to his son.

Pulling your artistic strings Hourani is recently back from Amman, where he held an art residency. Over three weeks Hourani creates a world of puppetry with participants from across the region aged between 19 and 36 learning every aspect of the art, from hand crafting the magical creations to putting on a show. The short residency culminates in a performance, but the result Hourani is really looking for will come in the months to follow.

28 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

Back in June, Hourani held a residency in Beirut. One of the participants was Siraj Mohammed, already an actor working in theatres and giving workshops in Morocco. The puppetry residency widened his horizons, exposing him to a new art form that he is keen to take back to Morocco, especially to the rural areas. As an artist he could feel his own development benefitting by being surrounded by such a wealth of talent, such as Roger Assaf and Nidal Al Ashkar who were attending the workshops.

Marwa Hassan came to the Beirut residency from Egypt, as did many other applicants. Egypt has a deeply embedded culture of puppetry. Hassan said that she learnt a lot from the experience itself but the best part is that she can take her new skills back to Cairo to use as teaching tools.

In Egypt Hourani currently finds much enthusiasm towards puppetry, encouraging considering some of the

earliest puppets were found in Egypt dating back to around 40BC. Equally

though many of the children he meets have not even seen a puppet before let alone been given the space to create their own.

“They see it, they make it in their hand, they have a chance to be an artist. It makes a message for their imagination,” Hourani says as he passionately promotes puppetry. “Inspiring minds,

puppetry gives people the power to express themselves, on a basic level that they otherwise may not tap into.”

Not just for kids

“People misunderstand when they say this work is [just] for kids,” says Hourani, slightly affronted by the notion that it is an art only for children, “When

the art started it was to be performed for adults. It was used in coffee shops before cinemas and animation. In fact it is the oldest performing art. When cinemas came puppetry suffered.”

cultureclash

Hourani takes his puppets seriously and studied the art to Masters level in London’s renowned Central School of Speech and Drama. Puppetry is taught

seriously with an eye to entering the field professionally, something which had become overlooked. The depth of the message that can be portrayed with a simple silhouette, such as that used with shadow puppets is quite astounding, a form that was particularly popular in the Arab world. Considering

the Middle East previously held a rich culture of puppetry, it is sadly ironic that there is nowhere that you can formally study the art, a gap Hourani is trying to fill.

Despite this, Hourani does see a rebirth of puppetry. Initially usurped by art forms such as cinema, we can now see the silver screen aiding puppetry with an increasing number of films feature puppets, such as ‘Being John Malkovich.’

Shadows on the walls An art of many guises, puppetry has a number of forms and elements included within it. “I chose puppetry because I

came from a background of classical theatre. [...] This kind of performance art has all kinds of strands of art in it: cinema, theatre, craft, music, poetry,”

Hourani said, explaining his motivation to work with puppetry. This dynamism is an excellent aspect to puppetry as it allows creative freedom to the artist and freedom from financial burden as you can choose to work with very little material.

A passionate and well trained artist, Hourani’s inspiration for the theatre is the dissemination of art globally. “I

think more art in the world in general,”

said Hourani, “[The puppet theatre] can

offer a more fresh art compared with the art that we have become used to. We used to go to theatre, but now all this stuff is rare.” Hourani sees value in preserving this skill unto itself and a value in encouraging the historical craft and communication methods.

“As we say in colloquial Arabic, ‘They gave me a treasure by laughing and playing’,” said Lojain Ismail from Syria who attended the residency in Beirut, lending support to Hourani’s theory. A fan of puppet theatre, Ismail considers himself a warrior with a message, armed with the skills he has learned in the workshops.

Hourani’s final words on his beloved art which he is striving to resuscitate to life were, “One thousand years old; puppetry

is like the music that no one knows about.” Meaning puppetry has arisen

all over the world as a communication beyond language; an art form that can speak to all without words.

BREATHING LIFE INTO WOOD, STRING AND PAPERMÂCHÉ AND TURNING DARKNESS INTO LIGHT, MAHMOUD AL HOURANI IS LIKE AN ARAB GEPPETTO.

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cultureclash

catch me you

if can

BY AMAL CHAABAN

New York Times Best Selling Author

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER CHELSEA CAIN WAS BORN IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. SHE STARTED OUT AS A COLUMNIST FOR THE OREGONIAN AND MOVED INTO BEING A NOVELIST GRADUALLY. HER FIRST BOOK IN THE BEAUTY KILLER SERIES “HEARTSICK” WENT #1 ON THE NYT BESTSELLER LIST IN BOTH HARDCOVER AND PAPERBACK. CURRENTLY RESIDING IN PORTLAND, OREGON, SHE IS A REGULAR CONTRIBUTOR TO THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW AND IS CURRENTLY WORKING ON HER NEXT NOVEL.

“Cain is among a new breed of women writers stepping way out of the stereotypical female comfort zones of writing purple prose and chick lit, and instead serving up meatier and more gruesome stories.”

- Chicago Sun-Times

“You have to hand it to Cain, who’s made the serial-killer genre a thoroughly femalefriendly experience. It’s not just that Gretchen Lowell, the psycho killer at the center of Cain’s thrillers, is a woman” - NYTBR

AMAL CHAABAN TALKS TO CHELSEA CAIN EXCLUSIVELY FOR RAGMAG. Did you find the transition from journalist to novelist difficult?

I did yeah. It took me many years of poorly written manuscripts to figure out what I was doing wrong. I came from a background of non-fiction and it turns out writing a novel was much trickier. I had to learn all of this very basic fiction stuff, simple things like point of view.

Gretchen, Gretchen, Gretchen! She is the most fascinating serial killer to come in a novel in a long time. Where did you get her?

She is named after my elementary school in Bellingham, Washington. I grew up in the 80s in Washington and

30 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

there was this serial killer, The Green River Killer. It took them 20 years to catch him, I remember as a kid being fascinated by the story. It was my first concept of that kind of danger in the world. There was also this task force to catch him. I was really interested in that, the whole idea of the fallout of this kind of obsession. You know, to work your whole career to find someone and you finally find them and you still are tied with them.

They have this relationship with him because he had been a suspect for so long, they have known him for 15 years. So they have this footage of an interview with one of the cops in the

room with him. I was really struck by this sort of surface congeniality of the conversation. You know they seem like old friends just catching up, laughing together. Underneath that, there were all these levels of manipulation of course. I thought watching that it would be really interesting writing about that relationship but to make that killer a woman because it would complicate that relationship all the more because it adds a sexual element. That’s where it started, the whole idea of Gretchen Lowell and the kind of relationship that comes from that situation.

I note that you chose to make your serial killer a woman as opposed to a man, why is that?

It feels to me that just culturally when men kill, we just kind of say “Well, he lost it” or something like that or “Yeah, well it happens”. When women kill, there is this intense media speculation as to why? What drove her to do it? We usually look to her father or husband or boyfriend, some guy who fucked her up along the way. There is not that same inclination when men kill. I really wanted to create a female character who ‘killed like a man’; that sense of killing because she wanted to and not try to explain it.

‘

Gretchen and Archie redefine fatal attraction, can you talk about that?

My response used to be that I based that relationship on my marriage, finally after a year of saying that in interviews, my husband said to me, ‘Can you stop saying that please’. I do think that any good scene is about the exchange of power. That can be very tiny exchanges of power and it can be very large exchanges of power. I think Archie and Gretchen is this sort of metaphor about the power we trade in our relationships.

You mention the Stockholm Syndrome in your book Heartsick. Do you think that Archie and Gretchen have gone far past that and into a symbiotic and sadistic need for each other?

Definitely yeah. There is this thread of S & M, this co-dependency this masochism. It begins in a Stockholm relationship but it gets a lot more fucked up.

Gretchen gleefully kills and relishes the pain she brings; it is almost like an art form to her and she seems to take a tremendous amount of pride in it. Would you say that is correct?

Yeah, I would say definitely, she takes a great deal of pride in her work. You

asked about having a female serial killer, I am amazed at how powerful of a character she ended up being for readers. People refer to the series as the Gretchen Lowell series; it really surprised me that people would see her as the main or most powerful character because she doesn’t have a point of view. We see everything from someone else’s perspective. You know, women especially, I have had women come up to me after events and say I find Gretchen so inspiring. On one level, that is really disturbing, but I think that it is that people like to see this very strong female archetype because there aren’t very many. You know Gretchen for all of her murderous flaws is very powerful and the most charismatic person in the room at any given time.

All of the fan worship that is talked about in “Evil at Heart” including the website www.iheartgretchenlowell.com is like a commentary on our society. Do you think that we as a society worship and create celebrity?

Oh absolutely. That whole idea evolved from doing research for the book and finding all of these fan sites on the internet for serial killers. I was really amazed, people just dedicating so much time to cataloguing the kills and

I really wanted to create a female character who ‘killed like a man’; that sense of killing because she wanted to and not try to explain it.

‘

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cultureclash

‘

I think there is something scarier about the premeditation involved in most female killings as opposed to most men who kill in crimes of passion.

‘

really just fetishizing these murders. I was really interested in that particular form of celebrity.

You called the third book Evil at Heart. Do you think Gretchen epitomizes our sense of evil?

the way that we react culturally to very beautiful women.

How there is something sort of dangerous about that, something sort of scary to people about a very beautiful woman. Especially to men. I wanted to explore that.

Yeah I do. Evil is a term I like to stay away from. It’s very Biblical, very weighted. This kind of abstract notion of evil and evil being someone you can sense on someone I guess as opposed to that more biochemistry approach.

Gretchen is someone who is seen as evil and I think it is interesting to explore that notion of evil. What I think is interesting about Gretchen too is that whole notion of danger and beauty and

I found how you dealt with law enforcement interesting in these books.

On one hand you’ve got the task force including the FBI profiler who know how dangerous she is and order shoot to kill and on the other, you have these prison guards and state police who just seem to really underestimate her. Do you think that law enforcement underestimates female killers?

“She’s the most twisted — and most beautiful — serial killer on the planet, and she’s back with a vengeance in Evil at Heart, the third novel in Chelsea Cain’s fantastic series that began with Heartsick and Sweetheart. Gretchen Lowell has been wreaking bloody havoc on Portland, Ore., and its environs for years. Archie Sheridan, the cop who loves and hates her, and also was once her captive, is still trying to catch her. Cain’s wonderfully over-the-top series takes a new turn when fans of Gretchen try their hand at killing. It’s not to be missed.”

- USA Today, by Carol Memmott 32 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

I think that law enforcement is a lot less comfortable with female killers because they are unpredictable.

They are not as well profiled in the criminology literature because there are not as many of them... or at least we don’t get caught as often. I think there is a discomfort especially because so many members of law enforcement are male. There is a discomfort because they can’t really predict the behaviour of female killers. Women plan it meticulously and much more vicious in general.

I think there is something scarier about the premeditation involved in most female killings as opposed to most men who kill in crimes of passion. To me, that is a lot less scary than someone who stews about something for years and then does it.

“We’ve been down Hannibal Lecter Avenue many times, and these two books shouldn’t work...but they do.

Chalk it up to excellent writing and Cain’s ferocious sense of humor.”

- Stephen King, Entertainment Weekly | Top 10 Books of 2008 (HEARTSICK + SWEETHEART)

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cultureclash

one the and only

M

ax Milligan is assertive as he demands that I take a good look around Lebanon. “Go look at your country. It’s beautiful. Akkar is rarely visited and it’s gorgeous,” he says. He’s right. Lebanon is beautiful and Max’s new book aims to prove just that. Max doesn’t use filters, flash or manipulation so for all of you who truly appreciate the art of photography sans enhancement, his newest book The Lebanon is a must see. This is Max’s fourth book, his second book on Peru, Realm of the Incas, made the London Times list of top ten travel books of the year. His book on Ghana with Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, was sold at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. “I’m not a photojournalist. I’m an artist… I started as a frustrated painter.

I photograph the things I would paint if I could,” said Max explaining that “a lot of [his] biggest influences are painters not photographers.” Flipping through The Lebanon, startling images leap off the page. Max excels at animating the mundane. “I used to work in documentaries. I was a cameraman in the Amazon with BBC and National

34 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

FROM PAGE 17 TO 21: A SELECTION OF IMAGES FROM MAX MILLIGAN’S NEW BOOK THE LEBANON.

See Lebanon Max’s way.

The Lebanon has been made available in two editions.

Mass print edition $125 Geographic video. In the end I enjoyed going off alone with a pen and a camera. A film crew completely alters what you are trying to capture. Alone you get it and without disturbing the act of creation: between the eye and the moment.”

This is not just another book on Lebanon, this is a compilation of the most poignant moments in Lebanon that one could hope to see captured in print. “Before I press the shutter, I ask myself is this beautiful enough to frame?” All Max’s work is beautiful enough to frame if his last 3 books are any way to judge. Does he see whimsy in his work? “I’ve been accused of being lyrical.” And the absurd? “I have more affection for Lebanon than that.

There’s a charm here, there’s humour.

It’s an affectionate criticism, like when I include a picture of the traffic or the trash.”

His current projects include The Soul of Scotland and a book of Fine Art nudes.

Will he consider revisiting Lebanon?

“Yes, I’ll never escape. There are various projects in the works already bringing me back. It took a while… but now I’m addicted.”

32 x 40 cm 296 pages, 345 photographs This mass print edition is available in better bookstores or online at www.amazon.co.uk

Special limited edition $850 32 x 40 cm 296 pages, 345 photographs Printed on matte art paper with spot varnish.

Cloth effect cover with debossed title.

The hand numbered and signed edition of a worldwide print of 1000 copies in Plexiglas and Mother of Pearl presentation box by Nada Debs. The special limited edition is available online at www.nadadebs.com or at the Nada Debs Boutique. Saifi Village, Beirut 01/ 9990002

Facebook Max Milligan Photography www.maxmilligan.com

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HAYDA LEBNEN’s not so magical christmas

BY SARAH HOURANY

“HO HO HO MERRY CHRISTMAS”...THIS FAMOUS SENTENCE MAY NOT BE HEARD IN LEBANON THIS YEAR AS SANTA CLAUS IS RELUCTANT TO INCLUDE US IN HIS INTERNATIONAL TOUR, A SOURCE REVEALED TO RAGMAG. THE SAME SOURCE PROVIDED US WITH A CONFIDENTIAL LETTER SANTA WROTE, EXPLAINING THE REASONS BEHIND HIS CONTROVERSIAL DECISION.

Dear XXXX, (Name withheld) Last year, your Lebanese people really made me feel that my reindeer’s ride was old-fashioned, so I rented a brand new car. The reindeer were really happy as they didn’t have to breathe polluted air, especially above Zouk’s electricity plant.

I had to go to all the trouble myself, not because of your endless jouwar, not because of the num erous roads inundated by water. I don ’t want to complain about the huge amount of money I paid for the car and for the gas (enno ma32oul 360 00LL/tank?!).

Your people drive metel el mjenin; each time I reached another home, I felt like I was a real sur vivor!

Add to this your unbearable traffic. Ob viously, in your countr y time is not mon ey! Sad but true stor y: I couldn’t visit all the homes I planne d to, and I had a ner vous breakdown after passing Nahr-El Kalb’s bridge: the five-lane highway sud denly became two, and the hour driving trek restarted again.

Never have I looked more irritated, tire d, sad and annoyed in my Christmas pictures!

Your mobile connections are bad as wel l. I couldn’t reach my workshop or con tact the North Pole, and I had a really difficult time coordin ating with my elves who were extremely distracted by your vibrant nightlife). It took me 3 phone calls to say, “Meet me in Beirut”! As if the connection isn’t bad enough, stopping to refill my mobile ever yday cost me a bundle and slowed me down!

On a more personal note, soon after my arrival to Lebanon I began having anx iety. On the radio, TV and magaz ines, the same “weight loss products” are there 24/7. Take this extraordinary pill, lose weight, reduce inflammation and whiten your skin, 4 in 1! Chou now you have a problem with my Kerech? Plus, I am starting to really think that Zein el Atat is becoming more popular than I am, if his media appearances remain tha t frequent then Christmas will become green in 2 years with him distributing pills in nice packages on Christmas Eve, 3anjad ma 3am bem za7!

Finally, my interaction with kids was n’t as expected. These little “angels” are becoming too greedy, I gave them the nicest toys we had at the workshop and they looked at me with “en bass hay?” expressions or said stuff like “ok, bas s wen il PS 3?”. Enno haven’t they hea rd about the worldwide financial crisis? Ah I see, Lebanon is already suffering from a massive debt, so the financial crisis had no significant impact here, my bad. The y really didn’t know. Still, I was really disappointed by the fact that once they got theirs gifts, they sud denly forgot all about me: Thank you w Allah ma3ak Santa!

As for the adults, believe me, with the increasing political schism in the countr y, they are losing the Christmas spirit completely.

For all the reasons cited above, I will not be able to make it this year.

Sadly,

Santa Claus

The source assures us he’ll be here but after reading that we’re a little skeptical.

“Don’t worry”, our source added, “he sends letters every year citing Lebanon’s never-ending problems, but there is something about this country that keeps him coming back”.

At RAGMAG we haven’t lost hope. We are waiting for you this Christmas Eve, you just can’t ignore us… MA HAYDA LEBNEN, YA SANTA!

40 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

Pourquoi PAS chocolate for every occasion

Batroun, Lebanon | Tel +961 6 74 45 45 / +961 3 27 28 62 THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

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for him

TOMCAT Dressing in the best of bespoke menswear will be easy this year especially since Tom Ford is the new prowler on the Beirut fashion scene. RAGMAG is predicting that the soft launch of the first location (just up the street from the Four Seasons) is going to be the biggest menswear cat call this holiday season!

For the best suits with the best fit, RAGMAG is lauding the new Tom Ford boutique as the place to get dressed for all your VIP events.

42 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

We’re also loving his exclusive fragrance Arabian Wood, tailor made for the Middle East with notes of patchouli and cedar wood.

RAGMAG was invited to the boutique launch and lucky for us or else we wouldn’t have seen the fine fabrics and great-looking cuts firsthand. Tom Ford insiders let us know to hang in there for the launch of the women’s section next spring. RAGMAG can’t wait to take this kitty for a spin.

GET PURRR-FECTLY OUTFITTED TOM FORD BOUTIQUE KARAGULLA BUILDING, DOWNTOWN BEIRUT 01/ 993060

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for him

put yourbest face FORWARD RING IN A PERFECT HOLIDAY SHAVE

BY LESLIE IDDISON

There’s arguably something sexy about a man who knows how to handle his razor; paying meticulous attention to his grooming and taking time to achieve silky smooth perfection. That being said, we know that most of you guys hate shaving. And while the “rugged” scruffy look also has a time and place, we think that all guys should have a basic knowledge of how to achieve the perfect shave for the holiday season. So we’ve put together a simple six-step routine to help you say goodbye to the RAGged razor blues... All of the products are available at your nearest duty free and some right here at home.

1

SQUEAKY CLEAN

A good cleansing is the first step to a silky smooth shave. Use a gel based cleanser that lathers with water. We recommend choosing a formula that contains AHA’s (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) which help prevent the accumulation of dead skin.

TRY Zirh Clean AHA Gel Cleanser

Massage a small amount of the cleanser over a damp skin. Save time and further soften your beard by doing this step in the shower.

2

TOUGH SLOUGH

The next step on your path to smoothness is a thorough exfoliation. Exfoliators are usually cream or gel-based products infused with microbeads, resembling the texture of sandpaper. The microbeads physically buff the surface of the skin, removing dead skin cells. This step not only prevents ingrown hairs, it also prevents your razor from becoming clogged, reducing friction and allows for a smoother shave.

TRY Lancôme Men’s MicroDermabrasion Exfoliating Gel

Using small circular motions, rub a peasized amount of the product all over your face, paying more attention to your shave area. Be careful not to apply too much pressure; using slower gentle movements is actually more effective and wont exacerbate inflammation.

44 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

3

If you have a dense beard and find shaving painful or irritating, this next step may change the way you shave. The irritation you may experience is caused by friction between your face and the razor blade. An easy fix to this RAGged rubbing is a few drops of shave oil, applied to the shave area before you use any shaving cream. This will help your blade glide without any glitches.

TRY Clarins Men Shave Ease Shaving Oil

Apply 2-3 small drops to the palm of your hand and press your hands together, warming the oil. Press your palms onto your shave area, dispersing a thin layer of the oil evenly. The key here is to use the product sparingly; a little goes a long way.

5

SMOOTH SHAVING

Make sure you’re using a fresh razor.

A dull blade will tug at your beard, causing redness and irritation. Another tip is to use several short, quick strokes versus long, slow swipes (as seen on so many razor commercials). Be sure to rinse your blade after every stroke. Use whatever blade you’re comfortable with, just be sure to change it often.

TRY Gillette Fusion 5 Blade Razors Note: Newer razors on the market usually have upwards of three blades. It’s not a written rule that the more blades a razor has the better it works. But the idea behind more blades is, again, about reducing friction, therefore giving you a smoother less irritating shave.

4

LATHER UP

MR. LUBE

This is the step that most men overlook: Shaving Cream. No matter what form of shaving product you prefer (foam, gel or cream) choose a high quality product. A higher quality shaving foam will be denser and will contain less air bubbles than a lower quality product. A denser shave foam will be better able to plump up your beard hairs.

TRY Biotherm Homme Sensitive Skin Shave Foam Pump out a small handful of the foam. Use less than you would assume, as a higher quality foam expands more than a lower quality foam. Apply the foam evenly to your beard. The key now is to wait for at least one minute.. This wait time allows the foam to work itself around every beard hair, helping stand it up straight allowing for optimal contact with your razor.

6

COOL DOWN

Once you’ve thoroughly rinsed any remaining residue with warm (not hot!) water and dried off, we recommend applying a soothing aftershave lotion or balm. Aftershave products also come in an array of formulas and the one you use will be a matter of preference. Choose a product that is geared to address any post-shave concerns you may have (for example, soothing a stinging sensation or preventing ingrown hairs and bumps).

TRY Biotherm Homme Razor Burn Eliminator Clarins Homme After Shave Soother

Apply a quarter sized amount of the aftershave of your choice to your freshly shaved face and throat.

Now you’re ready to face the day… Just don’t say we didn’t warn you if your velvety visage gets more attention than you bargained for!

THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

45

for him

Silver Bell SCENTS GIVE THESE GREAT FRAGRANCES TO THE MEN ON YOUR LIST FOR A GIFT HE’LL REALLY ENJOY! GUYS, TEAR THIS PAGE OUT AND HAND IT TO THE RIGHT PERSON TO MAKE SURE RAGMAG’S HIT LIST ENDS UP UNDER YOUR TREE. GENTLEMEN, START YOUR ENGINES! DUCATI GETS YOUR HEART RACING FERRARI IS LIVING IN THE FAST LANE

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46 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

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RAGged

silver bell facts Ding-a-Ling RAGMAG’s theme for the December issue comes from the song Silver Bells. Silver Bells, written by Academy Award winners Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, was composed for the film The Lemon Drop Kid circa 1951. Silver Bells was inspired by the Salvation Army ringing bells to collect donations during the holidays. Bob Hope, the King of Christmas TV specials, and Marilyn Maxwell were the first to sing the song and it continues to be rerecorded by other duos until the present day.

CHA CHING! The highest grossing Christmas movie to date has been Tim Allen’s Christmas with the Kranks (2004) $ 73.7 million USD followed by The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) $50.4 million USD

Snow Day

White Christmas is the most recorded holiday song in history with over 500 different versions in dozens of languages. No wonder we have it memorized: you never stop hearing the countless renditions.

48 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

Hit REPEAT

Pop stars like Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Beyonce have all recorded Christmas songs.

The Christmas songs are considered royalty cash cows as radio stations play them over and over and yes, over again until you can’t take it anymore.

{8

The original number of Santa’s Reindeer. The octet of reindeer were named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner and Blitzen. A slight deviation from 2 of the original names occurred, probably for lyrical reasons. The ever-famous number 9 Rudolf didn’t head up Santa’s sleigh team until later.

Memory TRICK The opening lines of

‘Twas the Night before Christmas’ are easily recited by most of the English speaking world.

The poem has influenced everything from Christmas stories to pop culture for over two centuries. Some debate lingers as to the original author but it is still the most popular opening refrain to Christmas stories all over the world.

1939 The year Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer was created. Robert May developed Rudolph for his employer the Montgomery Ward department store, and he quickly became the best known of all Santa’s reindeer.

TREE House The tradition of Christmas trees was said to have begun in Germany in the early 16th century and then popularized

by Martin Luther as a Protestant symbol of the “Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden”.

{

1961

The year that The White House Christmas tree began to have a theme chosen by the First Lady, a tradition which continues to the present day. Also known as the Blue Room Christmas tree, it is the official indoor Christmas tree at the White House.

December 19, 1892 The date of the first performance of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker. The world’s most famous Christmas ballet was first performed by the Imperial Russian Ballet in Saint Petersburg, Russia. More than a century later seeing the Nutcracker Ballet is considered a holiday tradition.

THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

49

mon amour, mon ami

enter

V

the

-men

ALL THOSE STORIES PEOPLE TELL ABOUT LEBANESE MEN BEING THE MOST MACHO, TESTOSTERONEFILLED APES ON THE PLANET ARE SLOWLY DISSOLVING. THIS MANLY LEBANESE SPECIMEN IS NOW CONSIDERED AN ENDANGERED SPECIES AND IS BEING REPLACED BY A NEW RACE:

THE THIRD GENDER. 50 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

BY MARIA ELENA KASSAB

I call them Vagina’d Men. What is going on in this country?

Young men used to be egotistical, burly, aggressive, possessive, jealous and completely detestable. Young men were players and strived to become the ultimate Jagal by going out with a slew of girls and keeping their dating options wide open. Girls were “supposed” to be trophy girlfriends, a hot little accessory to show off. Girls weren’t allowed to have needs, couldn’t date like guys did and were expected to satisfy their man –without losing their integrity and honor. And I’m not talking about a century ago, people; this was the situation until relatively recent times.

Things have changed drastically and the roles are reversed. Let’s analyze the role shift.

Exhibit A CLINGINESS Guy meets Girl. Guy likes Girl. Guy asks Girl out. Guy and Girl have a great first date. Girl doesn’t call Guy the next morning and Guy starts worrying that she hated the date and hated him. Guy calls Girl at 10:30 am and tries not to be annoying on the phone –calling Girl “hayete” with that voice that reeks of infatuation doesn’t help Guy’s case here. Guy asks Girl why she hasn’t call and Girl replies that she hasn’t woken up yet to even think about calling. Guy is relieved and asks to see Girl that very night. Girl already has plans for the evening and they don’t see each other that night, severely disappointing Guy. In normal situations, he has the right to be a bit let down but should get over it quickly –the girl he likes has a social

life, isn’t that better than being a pariah?

Guys today do not get over it. Hello?

They’ve known each other for a total of 48 hours! People don’t fall in love in a couple days. This isn’t High School Musical.

When they do start dating, he becomes Mr. Cellophane! This isn’t John C Reilly’s Mr. Cellophane from critically acclaimed Chicago I’m talking about, this is Mr. Cling Film! He wants to see his girl constantly (yes, she belongs to him already), so he joins the places she attends. He changes his routine to make sure that she’s the center of his entire existence, forgoing his own life in the process. Girl’s night out becomes his worst nightmare, since he can’t see her.

Exhibit B WHINING

“WHY DIDN’T YOU CALL ME?” “WHY DON’T YOU LOVE ME AS MUCH AS I LOVE YOU?” “WHY WON’T YOU SPEND THE WEEKEND WITH ME?” “WHEN ARE YOU GOING TO INTRODUCE ME TO YOUR PARENTS?” “WHY WON’T YOU LIST ME AS YOUR BOYFRIEND ON FACEBOOK?” Need we say more?

Exhibit C COMMITMENT Where did the Chandler Bing-like guys go? You know, the guy that’s afraid of commitment and wants to live his life to the fullest because he’s only 29 and wants to enjoy his youth while he still has it? Where are the guys that bristled at the mere thought of marriage and are incapable of thinking in the future tense? What happened to men who viewed commitment as I view Pennywise the clown: something terrifying and to be avoided at all costs?

Where are the guys that want to have fun, eat well, drink well, dance well and, well, to be honest, have good sex?

What happened to the guys that liked one-night stands and casual flings?

When were they replaced with Mr. Marriage and Colonel Commitment?

They transform from that hot guy that can kiss your socks off to a proud, father-like serious boyfriend who now kisses you goodnight on the forehead!

He takes you to a well-lit restaurant

and wants to talk about the future! He mentions weddings and growing old together and wants you to seriously think about what you’ll be naming your children. He no longer smirks sexily when you saunter towards him, but smiles fondly and ruffles your hair.

In one month, these guys go from commitment-phobics to please-marryme-Bobs.

Exhibit D THE BREAKUP BLUES I remember a time where young men who were dumped or left their girlfriends would suck it up in public and never let anyone see that they were affected by the end of their relationship, no matter how epic. Today, all I see is depressed guys who blab about their emotions online, openly weep about the breakup and their feelings.

If you thought PMS-riddled girls were dangerous, steer clear of young

THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

51

mon amour, mon ami

‘WHAT HAPPENED TO MR. HOT STUFF?’ Lebanese men who have just broken up. It’s not that girls don’t appreciate sensitive men, but seeing a guy blowing his nose and moaning about how he was crushed by the love of his life leaving him gets kinda weird.

AND GUYS WHO HAVE BEEN DUMPED DO NOT LET THINGS GO. Girls have

to break up with them several times before they get the message: IT’S OVER! Girls try everything short of renting a plane and sky writing. The Facebook relationship status the guy had clamored for is removed, the profile picture is changed, the caller ID becomes less personalized… Guys send sms-es to which girls don’t reply, and then revert to calling. When that doesn’t work, stalking commences. They start roaming the places their exes go to:

COME ON, YOU “JUST HAPPENED” TO BE WAITING OUTSIDE MY UNIVERSITY

WHEN MY CLASS ENDED, YOU WHO HAD MY SCHEDULE MEMORIZED? YOU JUST HAPPENED TO START WORKING OUT AT THE GYM I GO TO? YOU JUST HAPPENED TO FALL IN LOVE WITH THE PUB YOU REFUSED TO ACCOMPANY ME TO WHEN WE WERE DATING? But the cherry on top of that sloppy breakup cake is how they claim that they’re completely fine and want to be “just friends” with their exes. This while texting, calling and stalking said ex-girlfriends and lying about it to everyone, including their family and closest friends.

Clinginess, whining, a desire for commitment and postbreakup blues… those are the

52 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

traits that stand for the men we meet these days. What happened to the hot, cheeky guy I fell for? He started acting like my dad and then like a kicked puppy when I left him. What happened to Mr. Hot Stuff? He wanted to get married right now and I just wanted a fling. Not meaning to sound too crude, but where are their balls? I mean, they act like a mixture of Martha Stewart and a Desperate Housewife –what gives? So be careful what you wish for, ladies… you wanted more sensitive, amorous and commitment-friendly men? You’ve got ‘em. You can have those V-Men, just give back my fun-loving, motorcycle riding, leather-jacket-wearing sexy specimen of masculine perfection with a knee-weakening smirk –at least while I’m young!

THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

53

with or without mon amour, mon ami

the wedding silver bells

CELEBRITY COUPLES THAT RING TRUE RAGMAG GIVES YOU A LITTLE INSIGHT INTO HOLLYWOOD MATCHES THAT HAVE LASTED (SO FAR). THESE COUPLES HAVE MADE IT THROUGH SICKNESS, MADNESS, INFIDELITY AND EVEN REHAB. HERE ARE OUR PICKS FOR THE CELEB PAIRINGS THAT KEEP ON TRUCKIN’, DESPITE RUMOURS TO THE CONTRARY.

PICKET FENCERS

Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson

This Hollywood super duo met on the set of a defunct 80’s sitcom and it wasn’t love at first sight. It wasn’t until they met again in 1985 that sparks flew. 22 years of marriage and a couple of children later, this couple is still going strong. Together, they have built a marriage that is the envy of Hollywood insiders and fans alike.

SUPPORT SYSTEM Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffiths

They met on the set of a movie and declared it love at first sight. Rumours consistently pop up of troubles in their marriage and when the couple deigns to answer them, it is with a dismissive no. When Melanie entered rehab for an addiction in 2009, Antonio was beside her all the way expressing pride in his beautiful wife.

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MAY + DECEMBER Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas They said it would never last when this Welsh beauty married award winning actor Michael Douglas. A 25 year age difference, a stalker, a vengeful ex-wife and stage four cancer have all bombarded this couple to no avail. Through it all, they remained stoically devoted. Naysayers are now silent since 10 years later, the couple is still going strong.

THE BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith Actor, singer and funny man Will Smith met Jada Pinkett on the set of his sitcom Fresh Prince of Bel Air. She didn’t land the part but she did land Will. An accomplished actress, singer and dancer in her own right, she has said, “I will throw my career away before I let it break up our marriage...” and she means it.

This couple is rarely seen apart and seem to be as in love today as much as the day they married. See their up and coming star children all over YouTube.com

THE MUSIC MAKERS Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani Gavin Rossdale met Gwen Stefani at a No Doubt concert in 1995 and wasted no time pursuing her.

Whether it was her voice, her looks or her high energy performance that hooked him we will never know. The couple married in 2002 in England and had a second ceremony stateside not long after. When Rossdale admitted to having fathered a child in a previous relationship, Gwen stood by her man. Despite rumours of his infidelity dogging them, this couple seems destined to be together for the long haul.

LADY + THE TRAMP Annette Bening and Warren Beatty When legendary Hollywood playboy Warren Beatty married actress Annette Bening, bets were laid on a quick marriage and an even quicker divorce.

Confounding the glitterati and even their fan base, this couple has been happily married since 1992.

With four children and significant careers, this couple is stellar in every sense of the word. Beatty has said that when he met Annette, he knew within minutes that she was “the one”.

SPICING IT UP David and Victoria Beckham

Little secret: David had a crush on Victoria before the former Spice Girl knew he existed. That was soon remedied and after a series of low key dates and phone conversations, David proposed to Victoria on bended knee. This uber-glamorous couple has weathered their share of storms most notably the infidelity claims of Rebecca Loos. Through it all, Posh and Becks continue to make it happen.

THE CARRY ONS Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick It was Sarah Jessica Parker’s brother who introduced her to Matthew Broderick back in 1991 but they didn’t start dating until 1992. Despite her racy Sex in the City persona, she confesses to being a prude and despite his success, he is intensely private. Two successful careers, a son and twin daughters later, this couple seems to have it all. Carrie only wished she could have done as well.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH Helena Bonham Carter and Tim Burton After meeting in 2001 on the set of Planet of the Apes, these two have been together ever since. Bonham Carter has been known to say that it made it harder for her to get the part of Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd because Burton was director. The couple have two children but keep separate residences to keep it fresh and exciting.

FREE AS A BIRD Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis This genetically blessed couple met and didn’t get together for four years.

Rumours of their marriage constantly abound but as Vanessa was quoted as saying “I love the romance of getting married but when you have it so perfect...”. Blessed with two children, great careers and a relationship people only wish for, this couple is RAGMAG’s bell ringer.

THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

55

Tango out +about

IT TAKES 2 TO

“CHE?” NO, NOT GUEVARA. AND NO, YOU’RE NOT IN BUENOS AIRES. HEARING CHE TOSSED AROUND CASUALLY MEANS YOU ARE DEFINITELY SURROUNDED BY ARGENTINEANS, BUT THOSE ARGENTINEANS HAVE COME TO BEIRUT. THEY’RE THE ONLY SPANISH SPEAKERS THAT USE CHE IN EVERY SENTENCE (A LITTLE KNOWN FACT IN THE NON-SPANISH SPEAKING WORLD). SO WHEN GAUCHO DECIDED TO BRING ARGENTINA TO BEIRUT, THEY DID IT THE AUTHENTIC WAY, WITH AN EXPERT TEAM THAT SAID THE MAGIC WORD TO ONE ANOTHER INTERMITTENTLY. SO RAGMAG WAS TREATED TO AN ARGENTINEAN TANGO UNLIKE ANY OTHER: GAUCHO TEACHING US TO APPRECIATE FOOD AND WINE.

PHOTOGRAPHY JASON ZAMORA

RAGMAG got out + about, in grand Argentinean flavour at Gaucho. We’ve seen restaurant launches, but certainly not like this. Eschewing the typical restaurant opening, Gaucho invited RAGMAG to learn how to eat drink + be merry in every sense of the world at their Ceviche Masterclass. Upon arriving at Gaucho we were invited into the private dining room after a quick tour. Their chandeliers sparkled, their staff smiled and the bartenders were busy creating drinks from the golden era of Argentinean glamour circa 1920 to 1950. RAGMAG was sorry we weren’t in our best flapper costume with a creative feathered plume to do the 116 person capacity restaurant justice.

But getting out + about with Gaucho isn’t all fun and games. A team of specialists was soon introduced, the first of which was Marina Diaz (Gaucho’s Sommelier only the fourth in Lebanon).

“Torrontés, unique to Argentina, are made from indigenous grapes at an altitude of 1775 meters,” she said demonstrating the difference between this and a lower altitude grape. “The best Torrontés is Roja, you either love it or hate it.” RAGMAG certainly had a difficult time declining the Maurico Lorca. Gaucho’s team shared Maurico Lorca’s revolutionary high quality wines without oak, previously deemed inferior to wines with oak.

56 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

CEVICHE IS “SEAFOOD CURED IN NATURAL CITRUS JUICES” AND OFTEN SERVED WITH “CHILLI AND CORIANDER” “Along with wine, you have to have some meat,” said the Gaucho staff as we sat down to the first of at least 6 wines we were to sample. Huge slabs of fine grass-fed, Black Angus cattle were soon brought out, as the benefits of “wet ageing versus dry aging” were explained. Gaucho’s wetageing method, “vacuum packing the meat so it ages in its own juices” is optimal according to Ryan Hattingh, International Operations Manager of the Gaucho restaurants. “We buy from 27 farms that produce the meat our way,” said Ryan as portions of raw beef were passed around. How do you tell the quality of the meat? “The depth of colour… The darker the meat the better. It must not be oxidized.”

Explaining each cut of meat as he went along, he extolled the virtues of some, and downplayed the importance of others. “I think the filet is overrated but the rib-eye is one of the most exciting cuts,” he said handing out yet another tasty beef morsel. “The sirloin has a band effect. I think it has a lot more flavour.”

EXPLAINING EACH CUT OF MEAT AS HE WENT ALONG, HE EXTOLLED THE VIRTUES OF SOME, AND DOWNPLAYED THE IMPORTANCE OF OTHERS.

Ryan’s expertise and real passion for good food is apparent; his selfprofessed “love of meat comes from South Africa and visiting Argentina so many times.” Finally succulent sections of rib-eye and sirloin were served, and the combination of sea salt, “used for its low iodine” and oil brought the meat sans frills to the perfect flavour. “The grill is the heart of our kitchen,” Ryan explains and the freshly presented beef we are served reflects this.

choosing a new favourite: Ceviche!

Sipping the specially made Luigi Bosca, a delightful composition weighting 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Riesling carefully, RAGMAG has never seen a restaurant so intent on being the best out + about in the industry. Faster than we could say, “Vamos vamos Argentina”, another round of Torrontés was brought about, being the “best match for all Ceviche.” RAGMAG can’t say for sure when we will be out + about with Gaucho again, but we know that with our new found fave Ceviche paired with a glass of high-altitude Torrontés, it will have to be soon, Che?

And finally RAGMAG was introduced to Ceviche (pronounced ce-vi-che), the perfect tapas we are sure will be Beirut’s next big craze. Ceviche is “seafood cured in natural citrus juices” and often served with “chilli and coriander”. The artistically arranged samplers of Ceviche were passed around while the differing South American origins, preparation and traditions were explained. Rivalling sushi in both taste and presentation, the master class danced RAGMAG into

Vamos, Vamos Argentina!

Gaucho Phoenix Tower, Mina el Hosn, Beirut Tel 01 / 364 801

THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

57

FML [f*ck my life]

The

RHYTHM

Heart

of my

BY SARAH HOURANY

When Fida informed me that I would be “dancing” for December’s FML, four things came quickly to my mind 1. She either said something scarier that rhymes with “dancing” (Prancing?)

2. She forgot to finish her sentence: dancing…with wolves?

3. She may be staging something similar to the hidden camera shows. The real FML would be announced once I am there.

4. I am dreaming. This phone call never really happened.

Moments after the (imaginary-real) call, I begin analyzing, predicting, comparing and contrasting every word she said.

To be honest, I loved everything about RAGMAG since its launch, from the concept to the articles and the art.

EVERYTHING… except the FML section. Don’t get me wrong, the idea behind this section is great and the adventures the team went through are extraordinary and fun to read. But it just reminds me of my own cowardice; I am afraid of heights, speed, animals and the list goes on. I have spent the past 6 months hoping they would forget that I ever existed during FML assignment time.

Editor’s note I hadn’t forgotten about Sarah’s FML. I was a little hesitant at assigning her since I’ve already put her through a great deal (see her online dating experiment in our August issue). When Khanito rolled around he seemed like the answer to my FML prayers.

Three days later Lea’s call confirmed the fact that I am perhaps the luckiest person on staff. I am going to DANCE, yes, on the floor, in a room with zero percent chance of risk!

“Sarah, you will be learning how to dance tomorrow at noon….with Khanito,” she said.

Khanito? The Khanito? The master of dancing, ma ghayro?!

“Khanito?” I asked her hesitantly.

“Yes,” she confirmed.

I was going to dance. I was going to do something I always wanted to try without finding time, or even the motivation to do it… Lucky, right?

So I head to the main branch of Khanito Dance Academy in Zalka.

I meet the charming and fresh Khanito sitting in his art gallery. Besides being a

58 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

remarkable dancer, instructor, excellent choreographer, a musician and an aspiring actor, Khanito paints as well.

His paintings are on display in the academy.

Quiet and attentive, I listen to him passionately talk about his career, “Once you start dancing, once it is in your blood, you can never quit. Don’t live in your past, look at everything that happened before as an experience… focus on yourself, on dancing, on what makes you feel good and you will attract happiness,” he adds. The way he behaves and looks for his age is the inarguable proof that his advice is right on the mark.

Moving on from the theory part of the class, I stand up ready to learn the first moves in Salsa. Nervous and tense,

This is what FML is really about: Finding My Love!

I am embarrassing myself as I am not able to instantly catch the first steps.

“Kellon 2ejerten 3andik yehon, mni7 mannik 2emm 44,” he jokes, clearly amused with my inability to learn the dancing basics.

“I am a hopeless case,” I think to myself.

Nevertheless, the extremely patient Khanito magically transforms the stumbling me into a potential Latino dancing queen. Okay, well not that great. “Relax,” he whispers. Slowly, he corrects my posture and guides me through the moves and voila! I have mastered Step 1!

“Shall we dance?” I ask him with an innocent smile.

Editor’s Note Oh my Lord, what have I done? At this point Sarah is running through the mediocre lines from the dancing romantic comedy movies that manage to be simultaneously fun and nauseating.

I might remind our readers that Sarah is the softest of all my writers. Sarah, I thought sending Jason to photograph you was chaperone enough! Khanito is whispering and you’re quoting Jennifer Lopez? WTF

He pleasantly agrees and plays some music before taking me in his arms.

For a moment there, I forget all about the world. My heart was beating, my soul was free, my mind was clear… I was happy. This is what FML is really about: Finding My Love! I get it now!

The music stops and the session ends!

I reluctantly leave and as the door is closing, I notice a small sign on the door that says, “To live is to dance…to dance is to live”. Indeed!

I danced as though there was no time, people, troubles, responsibilities, duties

and most importantly, no constraints.

I just enjoyed the moment. Okay, I more than enjoyed it…

Inside, I was in touch again with ME. The ME I ignore, the ME I avoid in the busy, quick, and chaotic lifestyle we all lead. Inside…I danced and I lived.

Khanito, you made me dance with the heart, so until we meet again… Save the next dance for me!

Editor’s Note Sarah, you are grounded until you are 35.

Learn to Love and Dance Khanito Dance Academy www.khanito.com Zalka Highway, Kouyoumji Center, Block A 10th floor THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE Tel 01/878584

59

To ask a question,

send your problems to helpmenour@ragmaglive.com

To join the reader response panel and give feedback to women

across Lebanon, send your name, age, and email address to helpmenour@ragmaglive.com subject line: Interactive Panel.

We will contact you if you are chosen to participate.

help me

Nour

BY NOUR OBAJI

RAGMAG BRINGS YOUR REALITY CHECK TO YOU. SEND NOUR YOUR QUESTIONS, AND EACH ISSUE SHE DOES HER BEST TO GIVE YOU SOUND ADVICE. THE ONLY INTERACTIVE ADVICE COLUMN IN LEBANON, EACH QUESTION IS ADDRESSED BY READERS BEFORE NOUR WEIGHS IN ON THE MATTER.

“One of my best friends is always miserable.

The only time she is happy is when she is being given attention by men. She has a great life but she always feels sorry for herself and I’m tired of the complaining. What do I tell her (in a nice way) to make her stop being so negative and whiney?”

Amanda, 26

“I think we are all guilty of this, it seems as though we are never happy with what we have. At the same time maybe your friend lacks confidence and needs a boost. Talk to your friend let her know it’s really not that bad and maybe she needs to find a hobby of some sort instead investing so much time analyzing her ‘situation’ if that’s what she thinks it is.”

Rana, 36

“Emotional vampires drain everyone and everything around them. The best you can do if you are tired of listening to her whine is either change the subject or point out the great things she has going for her.

If that doesn’t work, a small discussion may be in order.”

Guy’s Vote “If she’s attractive, send me her number (offline), I’ll be happy to come give her some attention.”

Rabih, 33

Nour’s Vote Your friend sounds like she is one of those people that has the “Poor Me” disease. It is unhealthy and annoying. It is clearly causing you angst, although I am not sure why. Telling her to suck it up is probably the best solution. If she doesn’t, then make like a banana and split since I’m sure you have better things to do than listen to that nonsense day in, day out. People have real problems and the fact that she is not being flattered by some man does not qualify as a real problem.

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“I have this crazy fear that I can’t have kids. I don’t have a reason for it, I just think I should have gotten pregnant at least once since I had unprotected sex and no birth control with 2 of my exes for years. I don’t know if that is normal or I really have something wrong with me?”

“Every time I talk to this one guy who is highly interested in me he’s constantly letting me go when his mom calls on the second line. His mom is suffering from a chronic disease and has been for the last 10 years so I always feel bad, but really it’s starting to annoy me. I just asked him, ‘Why do you always panic to get me off the phone when your mom calls?’, is that so mean?”

Layal, 29

Houta, 27

“Playing Russian roulette with your sexual health by having unprotected sex is insane. Now as for being pregnant, you should be thanking your lucky stars since they are now both exes. Just because you might have gotten pregnant, doesn’t necessarily mean you should have gotten pregnant.

Pregnancy can be a tricky thing and you have been really lucky in both the sexual health and pregnancy department.”

“I have one thing to tell you: Once a mamma’s boy, always a mamma’s boy. Especially boys from this part of the world. If his mother has control over him, and it appears she does, chances are she always will. This breed consciously or unconsciously wants to show the matriarch she is still boss and that no girl, no matter how important she is to him, will take her place, and that she will always come first. Sounds to me that this woman is chronically sick for attention.”

Stephanie, 26

Joelle, 31

“I don’t suggest trying to have more unprotected sex to find out, if it’s meant to be it’s meant to be. There are plenty of medical solutions for this problem but wait until the time is right and when you plan to have kids with a man you’d like to consider their father.”

“I think he must be seriously attached to his mum, especially with a chronic disease he must feel worried every time she calls that something has happened to her. I think that the way you asked him is wrong because you asked in a negative and defensive manner, whereas you could have asked him through a different approach. You can bring it up by talking about how close he seems to be with his mum and how you feel he is always worried about her and that you are worried about his feelings. Let him open up to you about his relationship with his mum and how he is feeling, you will get the answer out of him without him even knowing you are upset or annoyed at the situation. This way no feelings are hurt!”

Ana, 25

“You’ll be shocked how many women have the same fear; I am one of them too! This is a normal feeling but since you seem to really be worrying about it the best thing to do is to go visit your gynecologist and get a full check up so you can relax your mind. And since you’ve had unprotected sex for years and no baby it’s just better to double check.”

Guy’s Vote “Every girl I know that has had unprotected sex (within a relationship) for an extended period of time, has gotten pregnant. Do worry – and do get yourself checked” Rabih, 33 Nour’s Vote The only reason we went ahead and printed this question is because of the unprotected sex element. Why on earth would you do that to yourself? RAGMAG devotes a lot of space to contraception and safe sex. I am not addressing the baby issue because it will not matter if you can get pregnant or not after you contract something that could be potentially life threatening.

It is either safe sex or no sex. Get it?

Guy’s Vote “Se è nota la bambina, si deve baciare la madre (if you need the baby, you have to kiss the mother).” Rabih, 33 Nour’s Vote The Interactive Panel was split on this one. Some said you were insensitive and others said the mother is basically an emotional leech and he’s helping to feed her. I think it is the latter not the former. Our guy suggested the only way is to appease the mum but are you really willing to do this forever? Put a different spin on this: One wrong look from Mommy and you are out the door faster than you can say Salamteek.

She has a choke-hold on him and his sense of obligation and duty will suffocate you both. You were not wrong to comment about the situation but evaluate the longevity of this relationship before you spend any more time playing second fiddle. In this case, you are probably going to lose him to her at the slightest provocation. Nour thinks it is time to pack it in.

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ODDS

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MAKING THE MOST OF DIFFICULT OR DAUNTING OPPORTUNITIES

BY MATTHEW HUSSEY

When we are daunted by the opportunities life presents to us it is usually because we lack the inner confidence required to really make the best of them.

The good news is that life won’t stop throwing opportunities your way. If you work towards your passions, you will always be presented with chances to prove yourself, chances to really show that you’re worthy of seizing what you want. But if we don’t know how to maximize on the opportunities available to us, life can become a seemingly endless struggle.

So to help you break through that barrier, there are a few lessons I want to share so you can make the most of opportunities when they come along.

1. DITCH THE SAFETY NET

Be prepared to fail

When an opportunity presents itself to us, we have to be completely prepared to fail. What I mean by this is, become comfortable in your own mind with the fact that the road to success is paved with many failures.

This is absolutely crucial. Anyone who has ever achieved their dreams has had to fall over and over again to get there.

Michael Jordan, said to be the greatest basketball player of all time, had this to say about his success: “I’ve missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

If you want to succeed, welcome failure with open arms. Fear of failure stops so many people from ever taking the chances they really want to, but when

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SPEND EVERY DAY PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THAT OPPORTUNITY. THEN WHEN IT COMES ALONG, IT WILL BE SO MUCH EASIER FOR YOU TO JUST GRAB IT! you start to see failure as something that serves you and helps you grow, you need never fear an opportunity again.

2. READY, SET, GO!

Always be ready for when the opportunity comes along Some of us dream and dream about the thing we really want to achieve, and then suddenly our golden opportunity comes along, but we don’t feel ready!

We’ll have spent so much time waiting around for something to present itself, that when it finally does, we panic and scramble around because we don’t feel in a position to make the best of it. It’s like being in the reserve team for the Olympic games, and then not being ready for the big race when the main guy drops out!

Will Smith once said in an interview: “If you stay ready, you ain’t gotta get ready!”

In other words, spend every day preparing yourself for that opportunity.

Then when it comes along, it will be so much easier for you to just grab it!

3. ONE STEP AT A TIME

Break it down into manageable tasks When we are daunted by opportunities it is usually because we are so far away from our goal, and have to scale a mountain to reach our destination.

This is why it’s so important to break things down into manageable chunks.

Just think about what you need to accomplish this week, or today. Every

great thing we accomplish in our lives is only a result of doing lots of small actions. Whether you want to win a race or write a book, it helps to focus on the little things you can do today to get you closer to that goal, instead of fretting over how you are ever going to get to the end.

4. BUILD BRIDGES

Build as many opportunities as possible Most of our biggest opportunities in life come through other people.

People within our social network set us up with careers, relationships, and projects all the time, and if you don’t nurture and expand this network your opportunities are going to be limited.

The most successful people I know never run out of opportunities. No matter what they are doing now, they are always keen to seek out new projects, to meet new people and find out if they can expand themselves in some way.

Always remember that an opportunity is there to open doors, not to close them! Yet so many people find one good opportunity, put all their hopes and dreams into this one chance paying off, and then if it doesn’t pay off they get depressed, because they fear that they’ve just blown their only chance.

This is why you never want to take one opportunity for granted. Always be ready to plant new seeds that will eventually pay off; you never know when you might need them. The more opportunities you create, the less you’ll be worried about whether or not one of them pays off.

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

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WHO’S SIDE ARE YOU ON? LOVE THY ENEMY

BY SARAH HOURANY ABOVE: THE STOCKHOLM BANK ROBBERY IN 1973

On August 23, 1973, four hostages were taken during a bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden. 131 hours later, the four were released. Happy Ending?

The four reported that they had no negative feelings whatsoever towards their captors, raised money for their legal defense and even felt it was safer to stay with them then to be saved by the police that they truly feared. Furthermore, some reports mentioned that one of the hostages became engaged to one of the criminals. Shocking ending!

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Why would a hostage defend their abductor and even harbor residuals of positive feelings?

If logically, this ending doesn’t make sense, psychologically speaking, it does.

In fact, in such situations, a coping mechanism sometimes referred to as the Survival Identification Syndrome, Common Sense Syndrome or most commonly “Stockholm Syndrome” develops as an unconscious act of self-preservation: the hostages begin to identify and bond emotionally with their captors.

Psychological theory states that Stockholm Syndrome is comprised of three components that may occur independently or together:

positive feelings on the part of the hostage toward the captor negative feelings on the part of the hostage toward authorities and even friends or family trying to rescue him/her positive feelings on the part of the captor toward the hostage Stockholm Syndrome is somehow appreciated as it is said to increase the chances of hostage survival.

Nevertheless, the interaction of the three factors leading to Stockholm Syndrome is considered rare. An FBI report published in 1998 based on collected data from over 1200 reported hostage cases reported 92% of the victims did not develop any aspect of the condition.

mind, body + soul

BELOW: PRISON ESCAPEE JAN-ERIK OLSSON AND THE HOSTAGES DURING THE STOCKHOLM BANK ROBBERY IN 1973

It seems that certain some conditions are necessary in order for the syndrome to develop such as the perceived inability to escape a dangerous situation, the duration of the stressful situation must exceed several days, the contact between the hostage and the

captor while being isolated, and finally the presence of small acts of kindness from the captor towards the hostage which may be simply be to keep the victim alive.

Actually, in such life-threatening situations, the victim feels that there is no escape. Obedience is the key of survival. Thus, the captor becomes the sole and most powerful actor in the hostage’s life, using fear and the threat of death to further destroy the victim’s sense of relation to others and encourage attachment. As the isolation period is extended, the hostage becomes increasingly dependent upon the captor, not for survival needs but worse, for emotional sustenance.

Identification with the captor thus takes

place in a form of “traumatic bonding”; in an act of self-illusion, the hostage tries unconsciously to minimize the stress of the situation. The victim begins to view the captor as a friend and a savior, fearing on the other hand the help of the real rescuers. Any minor “kind” act during this traumatic event comes to endorse the positive image of the captor that the hostage starts to draw in his mind. These kind acts may be small, such as the giving of food, just to keep the captive alive. This bond seems to provide an explanation as to why the hostages do not attempt escape even when afforded the chance to do so, and sometimes will not testify against their captors remaining loyal to them even after their release!

IF YOU STILL THINK THAT STOCKHOLM SYNDROME IS JUST A HOLLYWOOD INVENTION, CHECK OUT THESE THREE CASES

PATRICIA HEARST Patricia Hearst, the granddaughter of the iconic William Randolph Hearst, was only 19 when she was abducted by the Symbionese Liberation Army. Accounts tell of Hearst being locked in a closet, abused and brainwashed for nearly 2 months. Patty Hearst shocked the world when a photo of her was published, machine gun in hand, participating in a bank robbery in San Francisco. When captured by the police, her legal defense claimed she was suffering from Stockholm Syndrome but nevertheless received a seven year sentence (serving two years) and was later afforded a presidential pardon signed by President Clinton.

NATASCHA KAMPUSCH

ELIZABETH SMART

Austrian Natascha Kampusch kidnapped at age 10 and held before making her escape a long eight years later. According to official accounts, Kampusch was beaten, starved and sexually abused. Kampusch’s reaction after the suicide of her captor hours after her escape was puzzling: she cried. One year later, she revealed in a documentary that she felt sorry for him, describing him as a “poor soul, lost and misguided”. Refusing to describe her behavior as a symptom of the Stockholm Syndrome, she said in an interview with the Guardian, “I find it very natural that you would adapt yourself to identify with your kidnapper especially if you spend a great deal of time with that person. It’s about empathy, communication.

Looking for normality within the framework of a crime is not a syndrome. It is a survival strategy.”

14 year old Elizabeth Smart was reported abducted from her bedroom in 2002 and was held captive for 9 months. This year, Smart testified against her captors Brian David Mitchell and his wife Wanda Eileen Barzee. Speculation abounds whether Smart developed Stockholm Syndrome during and shortly after her release. An employee at one restaurant that the captors frequented with the veiled Smart reported that he had seen Elizabeth refill her plate and return to the table as though she belonged to the family. Terrified, brainwashed or simply attached to her abductors, Smart showed no signs that she was being held against her will. Others questioned why she did not attempt escape when she had the opportunity to do so especially that she lived close to her home during her time as a captive.

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perfect Wellness guru advises on how to achieve a balanced and happy life

BY SABINA LLEWELLYN-DAVIES ABOVE: MEDITATION GURU MANUEL KOLKER

Most of us encounter feelings of restlessness and a sense of living mechanically adhering to the routine rituals of daily life. There’s always room to improve our lives. It’s all about restoring a balanced sense of health and wellbeing. This however requires increased awareness of all aspects of self, including body and mind.

Now, Manuel Kolker is challenging the Lebanese to take their lives to the next level, in their relationships, careers, health, everything. An ordained Zen practitioner and teacher in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and in MindBody Stress Therapy (MBST) visited Lebanon in October to conduct workshops.

After a career as a medical nurse in different institutions, Kolker enrolled in the first German MBSR teacher’s education class in 2003, followed by an intensified Zen Buddhist training as a monastic in Zen River Temple, Netherlands, for seven years. He lives and teaches in Lima, Peru, and he travels to Germany and Lebanon to conduct workshops for individuals, groups and companies.

The stresses and strains of modern life can lead to a slack in our energy and concentration levels. Mindfulness is a way of learning to relate directly to whatever is happening in our life, a way of taking charge of our life. We may want to improve productivity and vitality, feel fitter and healthier; whatever our objective, mindfulness is about being fully open to the present reality without judgments and preconceived ideas. It’s about discovering our true nature and how to express that in daily life.

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Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction is intended to ignite your

inner inherent wisdom and infuse your life with awareness.

Nobody teaches us in school what life is all about, we have to discover this for ourselves, says Kolker. Mindfulness teachings go to the core of that issue and address it in many different ways. Closely related to Buddhist teachings Kolker’s workshops integrate meditation, yoga, and psychology, as well as group discussions aimed at enhancing awareness.

“Coming to Lebanon had been a wonderful experience for me, I have been meeting so many nice people with open minds and hearts. I also found a wonderful willingness to learn about meditation and mindfulness,” says Kolker. “I believe MBSR can really help the Lebanese people to make a deep shift in coping with stress, emotions, health, communication deficits, and much more.”

Jean Abu Joudeh signed up for a whole week of daily workshops during the October Wellness Week at Edde Sands resort, Byblos, Lebanon. “I really want to take a step back and

rejuvenate. I find that Manuel’s workshops help me to reassess my life,” says Abu Joudeh.

Kolker collaborates with Peruvian chef Brisa Deneumostier who offers instruction on innovative cooking techniques and nutrition. “This is my main purpose in life, to bring these

teachings, which I was so fortunate to receive over the years, to as many interested people as I can,” says Kolker. “It is my contribution to make the world a happier place, which in doing so, fulfills myself with happiness, so it is a perfect circle.”

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The Royal Spa Animates the Art Within

BY FIDA CHAABAN

For our Silver Bells issue, we decided to run the silver medalist spa of the year: Le Royal Hotel’s Royal Spa.

The spa review section has been a stiff competition. For our Silver Bells issue, we decided to run the silver medalist spa of the year: Le Royale Hotel’s Royal Spa. Our fifth spa review turned out to be our favourite.

I begin at the Le Royale’s Swiss Shop with a familiarizing tour by the trainer of Dr. Burgener products in Lebanon.

As this is my introduction to the line, I am encouraged to try the products noting the scent of this, and the texture of that. I am lucky enough to be paired with Liliane Nazha, Lebanon’s Dr Burgener Senior Expert & Consultant, who seems not only know the active ingredients in each formulation, but also the benefits of each ingredient.

She explains each product patiently and suggests great pairings as well as treatments. Her favourite spa service PHOTOGRAPHY JASON ZAMORA

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choices? “Cleopatra beauty care since it’s a mixture of body wrap, scrub and massage. It regenerates and hydrates the skin for a total wellbeing. The Back Treatment is amazing. A mixture of back scrub and massage for 30 minutes as well as a back mask with Dead Sea mud to relieve tension while you get a rejuvenating foot massage.”

What will I be having? “The Rasul Mud Bath. It is a multi-benefit treatment that uses steam and mud to detoxify and stimulate,” says Liliane as she walks me to the spa after our tour of the Swiss Shop. She escorts me downstairs encouraging me to savour the experience. Just the way she discusses it makes me want to get started. Wearing the plush robe and slippers provided by the Royal Spa, I head my way back to the treatment area and then I am

The Royal Spa’s treatment room ceilings twinkle cleverly on a midnight blue canvas, supporting the illusion. ushered into what we will be my room for the next hour. I looked around in confusion. I see 2 seats that don’t look altogether comfortable and a steam room sort of setup all under a starry night sky. The Royal Spa’s treatment room ceilings twinkle cleverly on a midnight blue canvas, supporting the illusion. But now what?

“Take this mud here. You spread it all over your body. The room is made for 2 people, as you can see. But if you need help, I’m here. You’ll be in here for 30 minutes.” I look down at the aromatic greenish-black mud in a clay pot with trepidation. Should I really?

I touch it lightly, noting the smooth texture and then bring the pot up to my face to better inhale the scent. This mud smells earthy, and like natural plant extracts and well, who am I to judge? I firmly remind myself of the adage: don’t knock it until you try it. Bracing myself, I dig right in. I begin to slather the mud all over myself, and really begin to love getting dirty! When was the last time

you played with mud? I know I haven’t, at least not for the past 25 years. This is the most refreshing feeling! I grab it by the handful trying not to waste any, applying in an even layer as common

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sense dictates. But it’s so much fun that I feel liberated! I wish I brought one of the RAGMAG staff in here to chuck it at! GINA, MUD FIGHT! Okay Fida, get a hold of yourself I think sternly. Back to doing my job, I finish applying the mud and sit in the weird recliner nook.

Okay, now what? My photographer traipses in to get the images we need, laughing at the cat-who-got- the-cream look on my face. (I really can’t blame him, I have the biggest smile plastered on my face… I am covered in mud and so damn happy about it!) He leaves and the lights go dim.

Suddenly, the room really becomes mesmerizing. The multi-sensorial room is twilight tones and twinkling lights and rolling steam all at once. It is Starry Night a la Vincent Van Gogh with the clouds rolling in on the horizon. It is such a strange feeling! I begin to visualize all sorts of things while I sit ensconced in mud and the steam room becomes hazier. It is getting pleasantly warmer, wait a minute the seat is heating up too! I cannot help but close my eyes and feel cozy as the mud begins to dry down. Ahh steam and mud and stars and mist.

I am mentally transported to the painting again and the brick-ish layout of the room allows me to see Van Gogh’s setting high on a hill top.

It is blissfully quiet, I am relaxed and my mind travels far and away. The Royal Spa’s setting brings to life a piece of art. This may sound weird to my

readers but it is true. The combination of freeing my rigid self-constraints by playing with mud (although I do truly appreciate the serious benefits of the treatment), and then steaming in the dark surrounded by stars is the path to rapture.

The strange room eventually begins to shower water down and I am jolted out of my 19th century reverie. The cool water rushes all over me and the beautiful mud washes away.

After a good rinse and getting dressed, the effects do not wear off. My entire body is relaxed, silky smooth and glowing but my mind remains oddly alight.

Le Royale Hotel’s Royal Spa begins as one Van Gogh painting and finishes as another. The only thing that was missing during my session was the crescent moon.

The multi-sensorial room is twilight tones and twinkling lights and rolling steam all at once.

It is Starry Night a la Vincent Van Gogh with the clouds rolling in on the horizon.

Bring it to Life at the Royal Spa

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Le Royale Hotel, Dbayeh 04/ 555555 www.leroyale.com info@leroyalebeirut.com

THE OUTER LAYER interior design practice & innovative inn architectural material

SILVER BELLS ISSUE 71 6th oor Antelias Commercial Centre Beirut Lebanon t: +9614 521442 m: +96170 339555 www.theouterlayer.netTHEinfo@theouterlayer.net

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take it

OFF!

BY LESLIE IDDISON

WE KNOW YOU LOVE YOUR EYE MAKE-UP. YOU CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF LAYERING ON YOUR LINERS, COATING YOUR LASHES IN THE BLACKEST MASCARA, AND BRUSHING AND BLENDING YOUR SHADOWS ALL SMOKY AND SHIMMERING. YOUR “NIGHT ON THE TOWN” LOOK IS NOW SLOWLY MAKING ITS WAY DOWN YOUR CHEEKBONES AFTER THE PARTY. CHECK OUT OUR TOP RECOMMENDATIONS OF PRODUCTS THAT WILL REMOVE YOUR MAKE-UP AND PAINLESSLY PREP YOUR PEEPERS FOR BED.

RAGMAG How-To Routine

1. Soak a cotton pad with the remover.

Applying gentle pressure, hold the cotton onto your lid and lashline and count to five.

2. Gently swipe the pad down your eyelid, across your lashes and onto your cheekbone. Open your eye, look upward and swipe the pad away from your undereye, removing any remaining traces of the product.

3. Repeat as necessary, until all traces of make-up and mascara are gone.

Waterproof Woes

While waterproof mascaras and eyeliners do the trick to stop smudges, at some point you’re going to want to get them off. Your best option at this point is a Bi-Phase makeup remover. This is a product that looks like two fluids, an oil and a water, contained in one bottle (think salad dressing). When the two fluids are combined, you’re left with an emulsion which has the ability to breakdown (or emulsify) waterproof products. This will save you precious time and reduce the amount of rubbing and pulling on your lids and eyelashes which can often lead to irritation and the loss of lashes.

RAGMAG Top Picks Christian Dior Magique Duo-Phase Eye Makeup Remover Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

Sensitive Situations

Oil-based or Bi-Phase products can melt off make-up in a snap, but if you’ve got sensitive eyes (eyes that react easily to different products) or are a contact lens wearer or if you simply don’t like the texture of these types of products, then try Micellar solution. Micellar solution or micellar water is a single-phase, clear solution. To the naked eye it appears to be just that; water. These products contain micelles (microscopic spheres, suspended in a fluid).

When applied, the tiny spheres encapsulate particles of make-up, oil and dirt and gently lift them off the skin. This encapsulating action reduces the rubbing, which is key to reducing sensitivity. Also, because these products feel like water, they leave behind no residue, which for some can lead to stinging or burning sensations.

RAGMAG Top Picks Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution

Industry Insider Tips Bi-Phase and oil-based make-up removers are great for taking off long-wearing lip products too!

Making sure the lid on the container is secure, vigorously shake the bottle until there is no separation between the two different layers. You should now see one slightly cloudy liquid.

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BY LESLIE IDDISON

The word serum conjures up images of apothecary potions. Forbidden secrets stored in special bottles. Exotic ingredients, all promising magical results. Sounds too much like a fairytale? Think again. When it comes to skincare your serum may very well be your own magic potion. Chock full of active ingredients, a good serum may have the biggest impact on your skincare routine. Serums contain the highest concentrations of the active ingredients. Your daily moisturizer may also give you some of the same benefits, but it won’t pack the same punch as your daily dose of a well formulated serum. That being said, serums are not meant to provide your skin with nourishment or hydration. That’s what your moisturizer is for. Now that you understand why a serum is such a vital part of your skincare routine, check out RAGMAG’s favourites!

RAGMAG Star product!

Génifique Youth Activator by LANCÔME This revolutionary product works on the key factors that determine how we age: our genes. 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, causing the skin to become lined and lose its radiance. To give the skin back its youthful profile, the function of the genes responsible for creating these youth proteins must be restored. After a ten year research program in the field of genomics,

Lancôme’s research laboratories have 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. Génifique gives the skin an incredible boost, illuminating it from within and helping it recover its original beauty, the beauty “programmed” in our genetic make up. Youth in a bottle?

It’s genetic!

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 We know skincare routines get expensive. 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 active ingredients are. Save on your moisturizer: purchase a good, basic hydrator, preferably with an SPF (sun protection factor).

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Generation 6 Double Serum by CLARINS Loaded full of pure plant extracts and concentrated essential oils, this age-control, anti-wrinkle, extrafirming serum is the ultimate skincare treatment, providing beauty through plants. The sixth generation of this formula supports the skins 5 vital functions; hydration, nutrition, oxygenation, protection and revitalization. This dual-phase formula is actually two serums in one, and it’s packaged in a special pumpbottle that allows the two different serums to be housed separately until the moment you dispense it into the palm of your hand. This type of housing is the key to the serum’s success, as the different ingredients of the two potent serums are too active to be stored together.

Demonstrated Results Your skin becomes firmer.

Your complexion appears more radiant.

Your skin is replenished and more youthful looking.

Pump the dispenser three or four times in the palm of your hand.

You’ll see the different serums in your hand, gently mix them together by pressing your palms together, warming the product to body temperature as you do it. Then, firmly press your palms across the plains of the face, applying the product with a gentle sweeping and pressing motion. Also apply to your throat and décolleté.

Abeille Royale by GUERLAIN This innovative concoction blends scientific research with the height of luxury. This royal serum focuses on the presence of micro-tears: tiny fissures that can be identified on the skin’s elastin fibers. These little rips weaken the elastin, causing the dermis to “sink in” resulting in localized reduction of substance or density. This leaves your skin creased and weakened. These micro-tears are the result of tissue damage produced by internal tension and stress, to which the skin is subjected every day. With the passage of time, the skin can no longer repair itself as effectively on its own. It is less able to “heal” its internal micro-damage: wrinkles and loss of firmness settle in.

This pure royal concentrate by Guerlain Research is a blend of exclusive elements that stimulate the skin’s natural self-repairing mechanisms. And if you didn’t guess from the name, you can thank a bee for this decadent mixture; the serum uses three exclusive honey extracts and pure royal jelly.

Demonstrated Results The skin regains its substance, feeling firmer and more dense.

Wrinkles and deep creases are smoothed.

The skin is given a visible lift, restoring the smooth contours of the face.§ Dispense two pumps from the dropper into the palm of your hand.

Apply to your face and throat in smooth sweeping motions, morning and night.

INDUSTRY INSIDER TIP If you can’t decide between activating your genetic youthfulness or stimulating your skins repair mechanism, we say why not do both? One of the best things about Génifique is that it can be layered with other serums, so long as it’s your first layer.

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mirrormirror

SPARKLE

& shine

for the holidays

BY LESLIE IDDISON

IT’S TIME TO SPARKLE AND SHINE WITH THIS YEAR’S BEAUTIFUL HOLIDAY COLLECTIONS FROM YOUR FAVOURITE BRANDS. THIS SEASON IS ALL ABOUT LUXURIOUS TEXTURES AND OPULENT COLOUR. DEEP, RICH SHADOWS, GLOWING COMPLEXIONS, THE GLOSSIEST LIPS AND THE SPARKLE WITH A SOPHISTICATED SHIMMER. THIS SEASON’S KEY COLOUR? GOLD.

GET READY FOR THOSE HOLIDAY SOIREES WITH THE HOTTEST MAKE-UP TRENDS FOR THE SEASON AND THE MUSTHAVE LIMITED EDITION ITEMS. WHEN WE SAW THESE COLLECTIONS IT WAS LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT. FOLLOW RAGMAG’S TIPS FOR PERFECT HOLIDAY MAKE-UP.

Glowing and Gorgeous As always, your skin should steal the spotlight at any event. No matter what your plans are this holiday season, make sure you prepare your skin to be a perfect glowing and gorgeous canvas. For those special nights out every girl needs her magic wand now and again.

WE LIKE Guerlain Midnight Star Collection d’Ors Extraordinary Radiance Treatment

Easy on the Eyes

Eye make-up this season is rich and decadent, shimmering shadows in deep smoky shades are swept from lash line to brow bone. Give an old trend a twist by wearing a beautiful smoky eye in a deep plum or bronze shade instead of basic black. Sweep a gold toned highlighter across your brow bone and into the corners of your eyes. Snap up one of our favourite limited edition eyeshadow palettes so you’ll never have to second guess which shades to pair together.

Potent serum capsules in a magic wand tube.

Crack one of these precious capsules when you need your skin to really glow. The serum has an immediate radiance-effect as well as instant firming benefits.

WE LOVE Les 4 Ombres in Tentation de Cuivree Les Tentations de Chanel Holiday Collection 5 Coleurs in L’Ors Christian Dior Holiday Collection 76 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

Rosy Glow

Keira Knightley, who is starring in the upcoming COCO MADEMOISELLE advertisement sequel directed by Joe Wright, was wearing CHANEL makeup at the last Spring-Summer 2011 Show: VITALUMIERE AQUA Beige Rosé Tendre JOUES CONTRASTES Pink Explosion LES 4 OMBRES Tentation Cuivrée MASCARA INIMITABLE WATERPROOF Noir ROUGE COCO Chintz

Give your cheeks that healthy and romantic winter flush with a bright pop of colour. Choose a warm fuchsia and apply it to the apples of your cheeks.

The apples of your cheeks are the highest part of your cheek when you smile. This is also a really easy way to fake a wake-up for those mornings when your coffee just won’t cut it.

WE LOVE Les Tissages de Chanel in Tweed Fuchsia This limited edition blush in the timeless Chanel compact is stamped to look like the texture of tweed fabric. Two shades of fuchsia, one warm and one cool, are woven together, with a delicate thread of gold shimmer running through it.

Precious Pucker

We’ve seen shimmering selections for the eyes and cheeks and we won’t stop there. Keep on shining with a sparkling smile. Collections this season feature gorgeous glosses in both sheer nudes and vampy berry tones. These are all light-weight gloss with high impact shine and shimmer. Wear them alone or layer them over your favourite lipsticks.

INDUSTRY INSIDER TIP

As a rule of thumb, if you go darker on your eyes choose a lighter lip shade and vice versa. If you are dying to try a deeper shade on your pout but are concerned with the maintenance of wearing a dark colour, go for a sheer dark shade, which will give you the same effect without the fuss.

WE LOVE Dior Addict Ultra Gloss in Black Tie Plum Chanel LÈVRES SCINTILLANTES in Charming and Pink Pulsion

HOLIDAY STAR PRODUCT Our holiday must have is an item that can take any look from drab to dazzling. Or Imperiale by Guerlain is a smooth as silk, loose powdered shimmer, packaged in a gorgeous vintage-inspired glass bottle with an atomizer. As a finishing touch to any of your evening looks, give your face a spritz of this ultra-fine fairy dust. For a sexier sheen, spritz the shimmer on your décolleté and tops of your shoulders.

Tip Tops

Don’t hesitate to extend the trend of holiday shimmer to your nails too!

Boom Boom Pow by Deborah Lippmann This sheer gold shade has two sizes of golden glitter and pure gold dust! Apply two coats for a sheer golden sheen or layer over your favourite deep shade of nail lacquer. It looks particularly festive brushed over a rich red.

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mirrormirror

YOU OUGHT BE

IN PICTURES!

RAGMAG THOUGHT MAKE UP FOR EVER PUT ON A PRETTY GOOD SHOW AT THE CAIRO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. MAKE UP FOR EVER’S PROFESSIONAL MAKEUP ARTISTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD FLEW TO DUBAI TO CREATE CUSTOM LOOKS FOR THE PROMO AND VISUALS. THEIR THEME, “EGYPT IN THE EYES OF THE WORLD”, ALLOWED MAKE UP FOR EVER ENOUGH ARTISTIC LICENSE TO CREATE THE STUFF DREAMS ARE MADE OF. CIFF IS BEING HELD FROM NOVEMBER 30TH TO DECEMBER 9TH 2010, AND IS THE MIDDLE EAST’S BIGGEST FILM FESTIVAL. RAGMAG EXPECTS TO SEE MAKE UP FOR EVER’S LOOK ALL OVER FOR THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

78 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

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new + now

PEOPLE CHANGES IT UP Aïshti’s rooftop restaurant People in Downtown Beirut reopened with a new menu and completely refurbished interiors. A new addition to People is the Martini Bar that directly fronts the restaurant and serves martinis in virtually any flavor imaginable, including lime, peach, chocolate and much more. Other exciting additions include the Assouline book corner, where high-end, glossy coffee table books are on display, and a designer home accessories section with items by the likes of Skitch. People and the Martini Bar are open from noon to midnight for lunch, afternoon nibbles, drinks and dinner.

Tel 01/994994 70/120128

THINK

PINK

Among the events held to raise awareness about breast cancer in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Zahra Breast Cancer Association organized a national campaign, launched concurrently with the global campaign for raising awareness. The Saks Fifth Avenue store chain in the Kingdom, in cooperation with Swarovski Middle East, donated 20,000 pink ribbons decorated with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. Half of these ribbons were distributed to the Saudi Airlines crew, and a large amount of them was donated to Zahra Breast Cancer Association, which will sell each ribbon for $10.

GET CROC-ING Known for bringing innovative footwear to the market, Crocs announces its newest iconic style - the Crocband Lined. This season-specific range of shoes combines the very best features of the Crocs original designs, including world renowned comfort, with the warmth of a shoe designed especially for winter. A unique clog style with a sporty midsole, the Crocband Lined shoes feature a distinctive stripe along the outsole and a special cotton liner for extra styling and the kind of comfort you get from your favourite sweatshirt. The Crocband Lined collection’s distinct clog style is now widely available in stores across the UAE and the GCC.

80 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

SUKAR.COM LOVES LEBANON

Following its wild success in the Gulf region, Sukar.com, the luxury online shopping club, is now available for Lebanese shoppers to buy high-end lifestyle goods at up to 90 per cent discount. Already, more than 200,000 high-end shoppers have joined Sukar.com, which provides a member-only environment for fashion and lifestyle shopping online. Launched earlier this year by Jabbar Internet Group, Sukar.com is part of a global online shopping alliance with around 10 million members worldwide. New top brands are coming available every day for a limited time period of 48 hours only. An alert is sent out before a new sale event begins and members have only a few hours to secure highly coveted designer pieces. The sense of urgency this timeframe generates contributes to the excitement of the Sukar.com experience.

ICE-WATCH® TURNS 1 The Belgian designed watch brand is now available in more than 25 outlets across Lebanon, including the Ice-Watch® principal owned stores in Le Mall Sin El Fil, InterContinental Mzaar Hotel, Kaslik and Le Mall Saida. To date, more than 16 000 watches have been sold to Lebanese Ice-Watch Fans.

Showcased at the lunch hosted in honour of the Lebanese media at Soho Restaurant in Down Town Beirut, was Ice-Watch®’s latest collections: the Winter Collection, the IceWhite and Ice-Chocolate. Ice-Watch®’s new collections and colours are introduced three times a year, ensuring Ice-Watch® is always on top of the latest trends.

CAUDALIE PARIS

TAKES IT TO THE VINE

Raymond Georges Abou Adal & Cie and Caudalie Paris hosted pharmacists and journalists in Holdal headquarters for the launch of Caudalie new moisturizing cream Sorbet Vinosource, made for sensitive and dehydrated skin. This special cream is composed of 3 main ingredients extracted from vine: bio grape water, polyphenols from grape seeds and grape yeast.

The formula offered by the moisturizing cream Sorbet Vinosource will help you enjoy a hydrated, smooth and fortified skin. Enjoy this ultra-light and fresh innovative texture with moisturizing scents: mint/cucumber, mandarin/orange blossom essence, and fresh grapes.

The special Sorbet Vinosource Cream is now available in pharmacies nationwide.

VIP BEAUTY CONCEPT GETS A NEW DUO

Est. VIP Beauty Concept, the exclusive distributor of equipment for aesthetics and aesthetic medicine, has supplied health and beauty centers all over the Arab world and focuses on offering treatments that give immediate, visible and long-lasting results. Est. VIP Beauty Concept introduces and launches VIP Lipo Line Duo with 2 new options: Contact Cavitation Plates & KIT CAREZZA (Mesotherapy without needles for face and body), the new 1 MHz Cavitation, and exceptional ultrasonic liposuction equipment without surgery or pain, produced by VIP Italia. This unique Italian-made machine offers a non-invasive treatment without anesthesia or scars, easily applied on all tough hard fat tissue.

No downtime, no side effects, no rebound, only 40 minutes are able to remove 6 to 8 cm of localized fat excess.

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emperor’s new clothes

make a

SARAH’S BAG PASSPORT HOLDER AND LUGGAGE TAG

difference CHOOSING GOODWILL GIFTS TO HELP THOSE WHO NEED IT

BY SABINA LLEWELLYN-DAVIES

With the holiday season fast approaching, shopping mania is already in full swing. What gifts are you going for this year? According to a World Vision survey, reported by BBC, out of 1435 adults surveyed 75% of respondents said that they wasted up to $80 on unwanted presents. Some 39% of rejected presents gather dust in cupboards. The charity, which sells alternative gifts, says that this could translate to a national figure of approximately 3.7 billion USD. So, why not go for a socially minded gift this year? Even high profile celebs, such as the likes of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, have made it fashionable to have a social conscience; the couple has designed a new line of jewelry for luxury jeweler Asprey with profits benefiting a children’s charity.

You may not be able to change the world but it’s possible to make a difference by supporting those in need in your own country.

Mix the buzz of retail therapy with the feel good factor of giving to a charitable cause.

82 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

Anta Akhi

A non-profit organization founded in 1992 by Yvonne Chami. The association provides assistance for severely disabled and provides support to their families. To raise funds the association sells cards with designs drawn by the disabled.

Price per card is 1.000 LBP each.

Delivery available.

Tel +961 4 408890 Email antaakhi@inco.com.lb

Beit Chabab College

They’ve set up workshops for the disabled to teach residents how to make handicrafts, such as festive tablecloths and exquisite candles in all shapes and sizes.

Tel +961 04 982630

Irap

A social health care center in Ain Aar provides a year round network to help those in need. To raise funds they sell cookies at the center and in major supermarkets. Not only are they delicious (try the chocolate ones), but they are reasonably priced too. The center also makes little pizzas and kibbe which are perfect for serving up during holiday cocktail parties.

Tel +961 4 910867

Fashion For A Cause

A non-profit association that resells used items to support the Lebanese Red Cross, Antelias. Sale dates are December 3 – 5. Be prepared for some great vintage bags, dresses and costume jewelry plus a great collection of contemporary brands like Miu Miu, Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Chanel and D&G. Email ffac.fashion.for.a.cause@gmail.com

Ibsar

The American University of Beirut’s Nature Conservation Center for Sustainable Futures, has an ongoing ‘Seeds of Hope, Trees for Tomorrow’ campaign, a community-based tree planting program with a goal of planting up to a million native trees by 2020. To support the program you can buy tree gift cards, a wonderful gift idea for anyone who wants to have trees planted.

Tel +961 1 350 000 ext. 4509 www.ibsar.org

Sesobel

BASKETS BY SESOBEL

A social service for the welfare of Lebanese children, workshops produce some of the best tasting, and looking, chocolates and marron glace in the country. They are packed in elegant boxes or in decorated gift baskets filled to the brim with goodies. Sesobel also sells household items like bath towels, tablecloths and napkins and excellent mouneh, pickles and jams, all preservative free. They make great gifts and your purchase will be supporting a good cause. Sesobel exhibitions will take place from 4-7 December at Le Royal Hotel, Dbayeh, and 10 - 11 December at Dunes Center, Verdun.

Tel +961 9 235435

RAGMAG’s Silver Bell Pick!

Sarah’s Bag

These gorgeous bags have become the must have item for women with a fashion and social conscience. The funky bags are made by female ex-prisoners in Lebanon providing them with economic benefit as well as a new lease on life.

Tel +961 1 575586 Email nada@sarahsbag.com

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silverwear 60 SECONDS OF FASHION

WEDDING BELLS L NAOMI CAMPBEL

that Al Arabiya reports el od rm pe su English and Naomi Campbell, thrower, mtru tan es tim me so rry her is expected to ma boyfriend ire na Russian billio the at nin ro Do av isl Vlad ypt.

Eg in r xo Lu Temple of

POKER FRAG? Coty, known for its celeb fragrance lineup, has just bagged a guaranteed hit.

Lady Gaga, the self-dubbed “Mother Monster”, has just signed with Coty to create her own scent. We’re sure all Lady Gaga’s fans will be snatching it up, no matter what it smells like.

THE OTHER MARC JACOBS FOREVER JACKSON

Marc Jacobs channels his alter ego on the latest cover of Industrie Magazine. The international designer sports a long dark wig, floppy hat, black minidress under wool coat, thigh-highs paired with animal-print heels, says Styleite. This follows a string of drag poses by other celebrities and design divas.

The Jackson 5 are reportedly launching a new fashion collection called J5.

Former Jackson 5 members and siblings Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Randy, have created a brand featuring what promises to be music fashion at its best: T-shirts and jackets for men and women.

ALBERTA FERRETTI GETS GREEN Star of blockbuster movie series Harry Potter, Emma Watson, is reportedly in the works with designer Alberta Ferretti on a new organic clothing line according to Us Magazine. The Brit It girl has also been showcased in Burberry of London print ads of late. Expect Emma Watson’s star to continue rising, even after the last film is out.

84 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

FORTUNE TELLER

Stacy Engman is curating Contemporary Magic: A Tarot Deck Art Project at New York City’s privé National Arts Club. 78 artists, photographers, and fashion designers “including Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld, Vivienne Westwood, and Christian Louboutin” were commissioned to design a tarot card of reinterpreted with their own iconography. This is one deck of cards we want.

CHOOSE CHARLIZE

TAKE TOM FORD TO THE MOVIES

South African actor and Oscar winner CHARLIZE THERON is the new face of UNIQLO HEATTECH. The award-winning star portrays a ‘snow queen’ in her latest campaign as a global fashion ambassador for Uniqlo.

Theron is the spokesperson for Uniqlo’s ‘Heattech’ range, a collection of lightweight winter clothing which turns moisture evaporating from your body into heat.

He is everywhere! Moviefone reports that designer turned newly recognized director Tom Ford is getting ready to hit the celluloid again. We aren’t sure if his new film will get the accolades last year’s A Single Man (directed by Ford) will. A Single Man was nominated for an Oscar and three Golden Globes.

THE MET REVIVES ALEXANDER MCQUEEN The Metropolitan Museum of Art announces their future exhibition entitled Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty, in honour of the late design. The Costume Institute of the Met will run the exhibit from May 4 to July 31 and revisits the designer career of McQueen for the past 20 years.

It is expected to be one of the most highly visited exhibits in The Costume Institute’s history.

H&M DOES IT AGAIN After a slew of leaked ads, promo videos and sheer excitement, shoppers everywhere gear up for H&M’s Lanvin collection. The house’s designs for H&M are the newest addition in what has proven to cause purchasing pandemonium and mass press for the retailer. Previously Stella McCartney and Roberto Cavalli have created special limited edition H&M releases.

H&M’s Lanvin lookbook features Irina Lazareanu and Vincent Olivieri.

GIRL ABOUT TOWN

Soon to be Her Royal Highness Princess Kate Middleton’s blue Issa London dress is sold out all over London.

Middleton was wearing the blue dress when her engagement to UK bachelor Prince William was revealed. The royal couple’s wedding is slotted for April 29, 2011.

We wonder who the lucky designer will be?

TAKING OVER Brooklyn Law School library was overrun with models for jeans maverick Diesel’s lingerie line. School officials reportedly expected the rented space to be used for a jeans advert. Not so.

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Calvin Klein Collection SS 2011

NC CLUTCH, KULTE, 412.000 LBP. BIRDCAGE DRESS, 264.000 LBP.

PHOTOGRAPHY ODETTE KAHWAGI STYLED BY JONY MATTA 86 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

COPYCAT Real Runway

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

emperor’s new clothes

Ruffle My Feathers Ruffles are a fun way to inject a dose of pretty into your wardrobe. Luckily this season has tons of options like Emilio Pucci SS 2011.

Erdem Resort 2011

Bags Away

Stella McCartney has your tote needs covered this season. Add the neutral tones to any outfit with this simple bag.

OUT of

theCLOSET Lanvin Resort 2011

Alaia lace-up calf hair ankle stiletto boots

Positively Charm-ing

Go bold with accessories like this Lanvin brass and Swarovski crystal charm necklace. It’s a head turner that doesn’t take over.

Racy Lacey Boots The higher the better this season.

Laces in thigh-highs are big on runways.

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emperor’s new clothes BELOW: CREAM LACE SKIRT, 165.000 LBP BIRDCAGE SWEATER, 165.000 LBP

Dolce & Gabbana SS 2011

Julien Macdonald Lace and chiffon mini-dress FW 2010

Stella McCartney Falabella chain trimmed clutch

Pretty

Lace-y Invest in the Best

Valentino’s lace trimmed wool top is a mutli-season wear.

Fusion

Phillip Lim does it again with his leather and lace mini dress.

Chunk it Up This Versace chunky chain link metal belt will add another focus point without adding heft.

Heavy Metal Diane von Furstenberg Dublette Crochet Lace Skirt

88 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

Calvin Klein Noele Metallic sandals are a fashion DO. Grab a contrasting clutch for fun.

INES SHIRT, KULTE, 231.000 LBP CREAM LACE SHIRT, 198.000 LBP WACOAL BRA, K-LYNN, 145.000 LBP

Royal Jewels Erickson Beamon Duchess of Fabulous Swarovski crystal ring

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CREAM LACE BODYSUIT, 175.000 LBP WACOAL PANTIES, K-LYNN, 145.000 LBP VINTAGE STORY CARDIGAN, 210.000 LBP

90 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

Miu Miu Resort 2011

NO GREY AREA GO black

Emporio Armani Resort 2011

+WHITE

Diane von Furstenberg Zebrettes burnout mesh top

Crayola Color!

Coloured bangles by Rosato add a splash of hue to a monotone outfit.

Halston Leather + silver metallic belt

Marc Jacobs Resort 2011

White Flag

Roberto Cavalli Midrise-bootcut jeans can be paired with a simple or flashy top. Keep it simple for maximum effect.

High + Mighty Valentino’s varnished platform sandals are perfect for the 2 tone look.

Hold Me Tight Phillip Lim’s Cameron leather and silk-flower clutch is good to go for both day + night.

Dress it Up!

Diane von Furstenberg Alric floral print silk blend dress

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emperor’s new clothes

Harry Winston new advert

Irit Design Oxidized sterling silver + diamond drop earrings

ABOVE: ÉCLAT DE MODE BANGLE, 42.000 LBP

Lanvin Pompom Perle Swarovski ring 92 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

Weave, Girl!

The Bottega Veneta sterling silver intrecciato bracelet is the best metallic weave RAGMAG has seen this year.

The Chain Effect

Wear Givenchy’s chain diamante bracelet with nearly every outfit.

This piece is well matched with both evening wear and your favorite skinny jeans.

Silver Bells JEWELRY

John Hardy Bamboo sterling silver bangles

Only the Brave Alexander McQueen’s antique brass skull embellished bangle in silver is both attractive and a conversation piece.

Wear this alone for max effect.

Kenneth Jay Lane Swarovski crystal embellished bangle

Add the O2 STELLA MCCARTNEY

Bottega Veneta oxidized sterling silver intrecciato coil ring

THIS PAGE: ÉCLAT DE MODE BANGLES, 30.000 LBP, 42.000 LBP BIRDCAGE LACE SHORTS, 38.000 LBP THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

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RAGMAG’s pick

Aye, Aye, Captain!

Ksubi, Australian eyewear brand, named their upcoming Spring 2011 Collection “eye eye”. Done in classic styles with seven optical and eleven sunglass frames available.

Fendi SS 2011

SEE THE GLASS

HALF FULL Diane von Furstenburg

Fendi

Emporio Armani

Gucci

Burberry

94 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

VINTAGE STORY GLASSES, 185.000 LBP VANINA VEST, KULTE, 195.000 LBP KULTE BLACK DRESS, 412.000 LBP ÉCLAT DE MODE RINGS, 147.000 LBP, 102.000 LBP

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emperor’s new clothes

glitterati SWAROVSKI

MEDLEY SNOWFLAKE PENDANT MERINGUE NECKLACE

TAKES THIS SEASON’S JEWELLERY CAKE. RAGMAG IS THINKING ANY ONE OF THESE GORGEOUS PIECES WILL SET OFF YOUR NEW YEAR’S GOWN JUST RIGHT. ADD A TOUCH OF SWAROVSKI SPARKLE TO ANY OUTFIT THIS SEASON TO GIVE YOU THAT EXTRA SOMETHING WITHOUT LOOKING OVERDONE. THE NEW FASHION COLLECTION IS JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF GLAM TO SET OFF THE HOLIDAY TWINKLE IN YOUR EYE.

MERRY NECKLACE

MERRY EARRINGS

MILKY NECKLACE

GISELE NECKLACE

96 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

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THE GOLDEN

RULE

BY YOUMNA CHAGOURY

SHOP LEBANESE THIS CHRISTMAS DURING THE HOLIDAYS ONE HAS TWO THINGS IN MIND: WHAT TO WEAR ON THE SPECIAL DAY AND WHAT TO PUT UNDER THE TREE. RAGMAG PUT OUR SHOPPING SHOES ON AND WENT TO SEE WHAT WE COULD FIND THAT WOULD BOTH SUPPORT THE LOCAL FASHION INDUSTRY AND SATISFY YOUR SHOPPING NEEDS. SO, WHETHER YOU WANT TO TREAT YOURSELF WITH A LITTLE SOMETHING TO TROT OUT ON NEW YEAR’S EVE OR BAG YOUR LOVED ONES MADE IN LEBANON CHRISTMAS GIFTS, HIT UP OUR TOP 3 LEBANESE DESIGNERS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON!

Cynthia Raffoul

“Jewelry is love, fun, and pleasure. It’s shiny, delicious and precious. Just like the women I’d want to see wearing my creations.” This is how Cynthia Raffoul defines her work, and that is why RAGMAG definitely puts her on our list of Lebanese designers to hit up for the festive season. Cynthia Raffoul uses precious stones, gold and silver to create modern yet elegant earrings, rings and necklaces. To Cynthia, Christmas is a celebration of love. We’re loving her newest collection, Escargot. www.cynthiaraffoul.com

98 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

emperor’s new clothes

Sunflowers

The Skaff sisters, founders of Sunflowers Design Accessories, create hip and colorful accessories, casual clothes and bags, and are 100% loubnani. Their creations are sometimes retro and always funky, with bright colors and eccentric designs. What we love most about the brand is that, in addition to their great winter collection, Sunflowers offers affordable presents for Christmas. “It’s Christmas, it’s time for presents, and whatever one gives, it’s always full of meaning and love,” says Paola Skaff, one of the three Sunflowers designers.

This Saifi store is actually one of the very few that everyone can shop at. So whether you’re looking for the perfect accessory or a present for a special someone, their newest lineup is sure to fit the bill. www.sunflowersboutique.com

Rami Kadi Rami Kadi is the new Beiruti sensation.

Aged 24, he’s an ESMOD graduate and has already won the 2008 Maxwell House Fashion first prize. All of his collections are different: he goes from vintage inspired to glamorous to hippy chic, and his evening gowns are all but déjà-vu. If you’re looking for that perfect Christmas cocktail gown, definitely ask to see the Autumn Winter 2010-2011 short red dress, made of froufrou and drape. Check him out for an elegant dress to wear for that New Year’s Eve bash. We’re liking the short black and beige dress, or the navy blue evening gown, depending on the kind of event you’ve got planned. Rami Kadi continuously updates his website with his latest and greatest designs and news. www.ramikadi.com

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emperor’s new clothes

INSIDE STORY

BY STEPHANIE AOUN

FASHION DESIGNERS TAKE ON INTERIOR NOT CONTENT WITH SUPERMODELS, CATWALKS AND A ROLL CALL OF RICH AND FAMOUS CLIENTS, FASHION DESIGNERS ARE INCREASINGLY SPREADING THEIR CREATIVE WINGS TO INCLUDE INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECTS FOR HOTELS, OR EVEN LAUNCHING THEIR OWN INTERIOR COLLECTIONS. LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE MOST LUXURIOUS FEATS OF INTERIOR DESIGN BROUGHT TO US BY SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY.

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

COUNTER-CLOCKWISE FROM RIGHT: DIANE VON FURSTENBERG AT CLARIDGE’S HOTEL IN LONDON, A ROOM IN THE CLARIDGE HOTEL, DRESSING GOWNS WITH THE DVF PRINTS, DVF SS 2011 RUNWAY

100 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

Legendary designer Diane Von Furstenberg, known for her Bohemian chic style, eccentric patterns and bold colors, also expanded her palette to interior design, remodeling 20 rooms for Claridge’s Hotel in London. And holding true to form with her own iconic fashion designs, she had her hand in everything – from the paint, to the furniture, to the art – in all the new hotel rooms. Some rooms even have the designer’s own signed personal photos from her travels. With gorgeous details depicting styles of Italy and the Middle East, as well as colorful Chinese floral patterns and animal prints, the rooms are breathtakingly glamorous and chic, and we would expect no less from the fashion icon.

MAISON MOSCHINO Maison Moschino, the latest project from Stefano Ugolini of Hotelphilosophy, is a fashion fairytale. The hotel was converted from a 1840s railway station in the heart of Milan. The exterior facades were restructured to be faithful to the original structure, while the interior was completely interpreted in the Moschino style. Divided into four floors, the 65 rooms and junior suites are all different.

On the ground floor, the hall and the bar welcome guests into the hotel. The common thread connecting the rooms is a fairytale theme. Whimsical and magical elements reminiscent of Enchanted Forests and children’s favorites like Alice In Wonderland, Little Red Riding Hood and Candyland are the themes of some of the rooms.

HOTEL MISSONI The Italian fashion house, Missoni, famed for its signature zigzag-striped knitwear, also launched the first of a proposed international chain: Hotel Missoni, Edinburgh. This hotel is a visual onslaught of color, vibrancy and retro chic that challenges the concept of tastefulness yet always manages to stay just on the right side of extravagant. Positioned between the city’s famous Old and New Towns, Hotel Missoni Edinburgh offers 136 rooms and suites, some of which will enjoy views over the city landmarks and the Royal Mile. The rooms continue the palette of black and white seen throughout the property and are animated with bursts of color. Each guest room has an in-suite bathroom that showcases Italian design. Toiletries have been specially created for Hotel Missoni and the products are scented using Missoni fragrance.

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emperor’s new clothes

ARMANI HOTEL Italian fashion designer Giorgio Armani presented his first hotel in Dubai on April 27, 2010. Located on several floors of the tallest building in the world, the hotel incorporates Armani’s choices in everything from floral arrangements to cuisine. The interior of the hotel meets the trendy concept of Armani and combines minimalism and brevity in the choice of design color. Opulence is a noted feature of the Armani Hotel, reflected in the price.

The most inexpensive room in Armani Hotel Dubai will cost more than a thousand dollars for one night, the most expensive over $10000. In total, the hotel by Armani presents 160 rooms, which were placed on six of the 162 floors of Burj Khalifa.

HOTEL NOTRE DAME

BY CHRISTIAN LACROIX Renowned French fashion designer, Christian Lacroix, has clearly also had his share of the fashion industry spotlight.

The designer, who loves to mix and match all different styles and fabrics, has his signature on already three interiors of three different Parisian hotels. One of the Christian Lacroixdesigned hotels, Hotel Notre Dame, has jaw-dropping views both inside and out thanks to the Parisian couturier’s fantastical mash-up of “new baroque” design elements.

Heavy curtains come in swirling trompe l’oeil patterns and the ceilings feature raw exposed beams. The signature wildly printed wallpaper is layered on the walls and even Biblical frescoes are thrown on top of it all for a beyond magnificent visual experience.

LEFT TO RIGHT: HOTEL NOTRE DAME, CHRISTIAN LACROIX, LACROIX’S LAST RUNWAY SHOW FOR FALL 2009. THE FRENCH FASHION HOUSE CHRISTIAN LACROIX WENT BANKRUPT IN MAY 2009.

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ABSOLUTELY

SHOCKING! AFTERSHOCK LONDON HAS LAUNCHED THEIR NEWEST BOUTIQUE IN KASLIK. RAGMAG SENSES THAT AFTERSHOCK LONDON WILL BE A BIG HIT FOR THE HOLIDAYS. SHOPPING THERE MIGHT BE A LITTLE TOUGH SINCE GRABBING ONE OF THEIR GREAT PIECES FOR YOUR BESTIE MIGHT MEAN FINDING THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOURSELF TOO! THE NEW BOUTIQUE IS OFFERING EVERYTHING FROM CASUAL WEAR TO THE INTRICATE HANDCRAFTED SILK AND BEADING AFTERSHOCK LONDON IS KNOWN FOR. GET THERE BEFORE ANYONE ELSE DOES!

Aftershock London Kaslik -Kaslik Roundabout tel 09/225 335 www.aftershockplc.com

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THAT RINGS A BELL

FILM BRINGING FASHION FORWARD

BY STEPHANIE AOUN

MOVIES ARE A GREAT ESCAPE FROM REALITY, BUT THEY’RE ALSO KNOWN FOR MAKING FASHION BELLS RING. YOU SEE JOHNNY DEPP AND KEIRA KNIGHTLEY WEARING IT IN A MOVIE AND NEXT THING YOU KNOW PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN FLOWING SLEEVES ARE IN EVERY SHOP. FILMS CAN BOTH CAPTURE THE PERIOD LOOK OF AN ERA OR ENGINEER A STYLE ALL ITS OWN THAT BEGS TO BE TAKEN OFF SCREEN AND TO THE STREETS. RAGMAG LOOKS AT SOME RECENT MOVIES THAT HAVE SUCCEEDED IN MAKING RUNWAY IMPACT AND EVEN STREET SENSE.

SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER 1977 The ultimate fashion icon of the ‘70s was not a charismatic actress or famous model. It was John Travolta in his white disco suit, pointing to the heavens in the poster for Saturday Night Fever.

The film inspired a flock of polyestered peacocks in form-fitting clothes with electric colors, open collars and the signature medallion dangling from the neck. With a pair of platform shoes and a generous application of styling mousse, it was the birth of a new type of Saturday night style appealing to working class kids who blew off steam at the local dance club.

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CLUELESS 1995 As if! Cher (Alicia Silverstone), a celltoting teen who loves to dress up, turned us on to knee socks, brightly colored mini suits and tank dresses.

The fashion in this movie perfectly captures the look of the mid 90s. Cher Horowitz became a hero to school girls everywhere when she made plaid skirts and knee socks fashion-friendly. She showed us that the same flannel and checkered material used to keep you in line could actually make you stand out — but in a good way. Lots of trendy 90s accessories are also featured in the movie, including faux-fur handbags, feather-trimmed coats and unique hats.

IMAGES COURTESY OF VOGUE. PHOTOGRAPHED BY ANNIE LEIBOVITZ.

MOULIN ROUGE 2001

With Bollywood inspirations and accents from the turn of the 20th century France, the costumes in Moulin Rouge come from a variety of sources, but the end result is exquisite to look at. Red satin dresses, a bevy of Swarovski crystalstudded bustier, and corsets galore grace the screen in rich and vibrant tones, accompanied by exuberant musical numbers. The film also influenced designers to go in a more structured direction, bringing the cinched waist influenced by the whale-bone corsets, jewel-like colors and fabrics, and obvious sexuality to their collections. The costumes won the musical the Oscar for best costume design, and Nicole Kidman the cover of Vogue magazine in a star character Satine inspired photo spread.

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CLOCKWORK FROM RIGHT: NATASHA POLY FROM MUSE MAGAZINE, KATE MOSS FOR TOPSHOP (XMAS 2009), FREJA BEHA ERICHSEN IN VOGUE FRANCE, NOVEMBER 2010.

Cour tesy of Muse Maga zine

emperor’s new clothes

MEMOIRS OF A GEISHA 2005

With the opening of this film came the birth of the Japanese inspired trends. The scenes were set with lavish silk Kimonos revered in the film for their artistry and value. The Kimonos were fresh, elegant, and very rare, which made them all the more intriguing. Elements from the film showed up in designers’ collections throughout 2006, including the complex obi-belts, butterfly sleeves, and floral prints. e Cour tesy of Vogue Franc

Marie Antoinette 2006

Pastel colors, abundant layers of ruffles reminiscent of cakes, and elaborate towering wigs made up the costumes in Marie Antoinette. Not only did the historic figure Marie Antoinette influence the French people with her extravagant fashion choices, but Kirsten Dunst as Marie Antoinette influenced the fashion world with her costumes.

The fall 2006 collections of Christian Dior, Vivienne Westwood, Valentino, and Christian Louboutin, to name a few, all displayed the Marie Antoinette flare with telltale signs that they took inspiration from the film. The hats, towering wigs and shoes and the playhouse type spirit of Sophia Coppola also made headlines, more so than the script itself.

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LEFT: FALL 2006 COLLECTIONS. LEFT TO RIGHT: VIVENNE WESTWOOD, CHRISTIAN DIOR, VALENTINO.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY ODETTE KAHWAGI + CHRISTIAN HARB STYLIST JONY MATTA ASSISTANT PHOTOGRAPHER ALEXANDRA KAHWAGI MAKEUP ARTIST CHRISTIAN ABOU HAYDAR HAIR BY SALON ROGER GABRIEL

SILVER BELLE OF THE BALL SILVER BELLE OF THE BALL DRESSED BY MISSAK HAJIAVEDIKIAN GENTLEMAN DRESSED BY GS ACCESSORIES BY ÉCLAT DE MODE

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RAGMAG presents

Lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans CITY SIDEWALKS, BUSY SIDEWALKS DRESSED IN HOLIDAY STYLE IN THE AIR THERE’S A FEELING OF CHRISTMAS CHILDREN LAUGHING, PEOPLE PASSING MEETING SMILE AFTER SMILE AND ON EVERY STREET CORNER YOU’LL HEAR SILVER BELLS, SILVER BELLS IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME IN THE CITY RING-A-LING, HEAR THEM RING SOON IT WILL BE CHRISTMAS DAY STRINGS OF STREETLIGHTS EVEN STOP LIGHTS BLINK A BRIGHT RED AND GREEN AS THE SHOPPERS RUSH HOME WITH THEIR TREASURES HEAR THE SNOW CRUNCH SEE THE KIDS BUNCH THIS IS SANTA’S BIG SCENE AND ABOVE ALL THIS BUSTLE YOU’LL HEAR SILVER BELLS, SILVER BELLS IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME IN THE CITY RING-A-LING, HEAR THEM RING SOON IT WILL BE CHRISTMAS DAY SILVER BELLS, SILVER BELLS SOON IT WILL BE CHRISTMAS DAY

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emperor’s new clothes

LARA KHOURY

GROWSON US Last week, Beirut’s fashionistas descended on Gemayze for the showcasing of young Lebanese designer Lara Khoury’s LK spring summer collection 2011. Her tiny boutique, up a few flights of stairs in an old building on Rue Gouraud opposite Beirut’s iconic Le Chef, is easily missed.

But, for the night, the entrance and staircase were lit up with candles and fairy lights to guide the way. Or, maybe she just wanted to save on electricity consumption, as the environment is very much on this young designer’s mind. She questions the global rise of water, and the resulting deformation and formation of new spaces. “For this

Each season, Khoury collaborates with a different up and coming jewelry designer. An eye catching selection of silver jewelry was also showcased

by Malaika Najem. This 21-year old French-Lebanese jewelry designer has just moved to Beirut from West Africa.

The LK collection features exceptional designs. Khoury is well on her way and it seems that nothing, not even climate change, will prevent her creations from growing on us.

collection I was inspired by the rise of the ocean’s water level which is increasing due to global warming,” says Khoury.

Visitors were invited to walk around her boutique to take in the eclectic dresses and tops on metal wire clothes hangers, hooked up to industrial chains dangling down from the ceiling. From petrol blue to shades of green, whites and yellows, under the header of Grow on You, Khoury’s 2011 collection showed a mix of light fabrics. The clothes on display range from a stunning dress in vivid aqua blue draped material to a spectacular white top featuring silver baubles. “I like to use smooth

manageable fabrics in muslin and organza,” says Khoury.

The crowd that gathered for the show was eclectic, from the more mature to the young and the beautiful. Khoury admits that her audience is mainly aged between 35-55, “women who appreciate

art and who have the courage to be unique and experimental.”

PHOTOGRAPHY JASON ZAMORA

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RIAD TAHAN ET FILS Joailliers

Kaslik, Rue Principale - Tel: 09 639034 | Tripoli, Rue El Mina - Tel: 06 440379 | Tripoli, Rue El Tell - Tel: 06 629040

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emperor’s new clothes

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DOLLFACE Agatha ’s whimsical astrological necklaces EDITOR’S PICK AGATHA’S ASTRO DOLLS HAVE RAGMAG ALL GOO GOO EYED. WE WANT TO WEAR AGATHA’S WHIMSICAL ASTROLOGICAL NECKLACES ALL THROUGH THE HOLIDAY SEASON. RAGMAG’S EDITOR IS AN ARIES, BUT HER FAVE ORNAMENT IS AGATHA’S PISCES. WHAT’S A GIRL TO DO? SINCE THEY’RE ONLY 80500 LBP, BUY A COUPLE AND WEAR THEM INTERCHANGEABLY.

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LIBRA

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see, speak, +hear no evil

The

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS REVIEW

SCREEN

THE GOLDEN OLDIE HOLIDAY MOVIES WERE ALL GREAT AT GETTING US IN THE SPIRIT. RAGMAG PICKED OUR TOP 3 CHRISTMAS SILVER SCREEN VETERANS. THE HOLIDAY SEASON IS JUST NOT THE SAME WITHOUT WATCHING ONE OR ALL OF OUR CHRISTMAS MOVIE FAVES, SO WE THOUGHT WE’D PASS ON THE LIST.

It’s a Wonderful Life

Director Frank Capra Stars James Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore.

George Bailey, a kind man who has always given of himself to the people around him, loses his business and might go to jail. Desperate, he considers suicide on Christmas Eve, and an angel comes to the rescue. He shows him how important his life is, and how miserable life in his beloved hometown would have been if he had never existed.

Why we love it

It’s a Christmas movie. There are Christmas carols, snow and light. But It’s a Wonderful Life is also a movie of hope. It’s a film that clearly says: whenever you hit the bottom, get back up.

Home Alone 1

Director Chris Columbus Starring Macaulay Culkin

Joyeux Noël

1914 Christmas Eve. During the war, German, Scottish and French troops call a truce for Christmas Eve. No more fighting.

Christmas Eve and day are all about decorated trees, Christmas carols, liquor and a soccer game.

Eight year old Kevin is left behind when his whole family takes off for their Christmas vacation. The boy has the big house all to himself, which involves eating his heart out, turning the place upside down, and watching forbidden movies. That’s until he finds out about two burglars planning on robbing his house.

Why we love it

Why we love it

It’s a true story that shows how one can find the strength to refuse violence and ideological battles, if only for a few hours.

It gives you a little faith in humanity.

The kids watch it because of the adventures, and let’s face it, because they wish they were Kevin. We watch it because we also wish we were Kevin.

Director Christian Carion Stars Diane Kruger and Guillaume Canet

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CHECK

BY BRYAN BORZYKOWSKI

RIHANNA Loud

It’s hard to believe that Barbadian beauty Rihanna is just 22-years old. She’s already had a lifetime of experiences her abuse at the hands of Chris Brown to name just one - and she’s released more albums, five in as many years, as many musicians twice her age.

In that time she’s gone from sweet songstress to bad-ass vixen and everything in between. Rated R, her last album and first post-Brown, was an angry, sexed up record that took a few not so subtle shots at her former ex. She took a lot of heat for her venom, but I’m one critic that liked her aggressiveness — Brown deserved whatever she dished out and it was refreshing to hear the singer sing so passionately.

Her latest dials the anger back, which, ultimately, is a good thing. It wouldn’t have made sense to keep the hostility going. But, maybe because of that, some of the music on her new disc Loud falls flat. The worst of the bunch are the straightforward pop tunes like California King Bed. It’s Kelly Clarkson-meets-Carrie Underwood kind of song - it doesn’t even sound like Rihanna’s singing it.

Fading is another miss. The radio-friendly sheen and overwrought pop is nauseating and, frankly, below Rihanna.

But there’s good news! Her reggae dance tracks, What’s My

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Name and Man Down are worthy of a few spins, it’s just too bad she doesn’t have more of them. The former track is almost as good as her other big hits, though nothing will beat Umbrella. Still, reggae is what she does best and she should have stuck with it.

Overall, the record is an uneven mix of epic electro rock and R&B reggae and a lot of it makes no sense. Why,

see, speak, + hear no evil

on Only Girl (In The World) is Rihanna channeling Lady Gaga? Skin might be the slowest song ever made, which would have been interesting if it was any good. Love the Way You Live is bland piano pop — it’s something a Disney-approved actress might sing on a misguided debut record.

It’s anyone’s guess as to where the

singer we heard on Good Girl Gone Bad, or even Rated R, went. Rihanna’s always been different (ie. much better) than the other massive female stars in her universe so it’s a shame that she’s taken a step in the wrong direction here. Hopefully it’s just an aberration and she’ll be back to her old reggae pop self sooner than later.

HOPEFULLY IT’S JUST AN ABERRATION AND SHE’LL BE BACK TO HER OLD REGGAE POP SELF SOONER THAN LATER.

JAMES BLUNT

NELLY

Former British military man James Blunt is one of the only artists still selling millions upon millions of records. His third disc will continue helping his label’s bottom line - he again delivers light infectious pop. There are some electro moments, and Dangerous sounds like ‘80s-era Phil Collins, but it’s all easy-on-the-ears tunes.

In case you forget, Nelly’s here to remind you that he’s number one. The rapper repeats that claim over and over again on his new album’s opening track and then follows it up with epic, overthe-top hip hop. It’s all infectious and club-friendly, but Long Gone’s smooth soul is the best track here.

Some Kind of Trouble

5.0

NELLY FURTADO

KID ROCK

It’s hard to believe it has been a decade since Nelly Furtado released the pleasant pop tune I’m Like A Bird, but it really has been that long.

To mark 10 years of hits she’s released a solid Best Of disc chronicling her hits from day one. It’s amazing to hear her evolution from a young naïve singer on I’m Like a Bird to confident international star on Promiscuous.

Kid Rock’s best work has always been his lighter acoustic country-folk, so it’s great that his new disc is comprised of mostly campfire-ready tunes. Care, with Martina McBride, is one of his better duets, while opener Born Free is a passionate paean.

He does up the distortion, but fortunately his obnoxious aggression is kept in check.

Best Of

Born Free

JAMIROQUAI Rock Dust Light Star

It’s been five years since Jamiroquai last released an album, but their soulful funk pop is still as polished as ever. While it’s all designed to get you on the dance floor, they do it by pumping out a ‘70s disco beat on White Knuckle Ride, jazzy ‘60s funk on Smoke and Mirrors and Wah-Wah pedal heavy rock on Hurtin’.

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Gomorrah

and

Roberto Saviano

weep read’em

BY AMAL CHAABAN

Why you should read this book

The Sopranos isn’t Mafia reality. This book is

Roberto Saviano is by turns the bravest, least sane and most wanted man in Europe for his novel Gomorrah.

Mr. Saviano infiltrated the Camorra at its lowest levels in Naples, Italy and brought us the true story of the mafia as it stands today.

The typical Hollywood and fiction depictions of thugs with their hands in drugs and prostitution are not reality; Gomorrah takes us into the Mafia of this century with its hands in every pie. What Hollywood misses is how intrinsically involved the Camorra is with big

business. Taking us with him on a journey starting on a dock in Naples and moving around the world, Saviano uncovers layer upon layer of business dealings, murder, government ineptness and collusion and money.

Check this book for your own favourite designer labelthey may even be made in a factory in Naples funded

by Camorra money.

Those knock-offs you thought originated in China? They don’t. Gomorrah is a must read for anyone interested in the inner workings of the underworld.

Furious Love

Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger Why you should read this book

True stars and love and the good old days

The life and love story of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor is immortalized in this fascinating biography. Alternating between the childhoods of these two Hollywood stars, Furious Love goes to show the depths of their love.

We are taken behind the scenes of their many productions together and into some of their most intimate moments as a couple. Compiled from various diaries,

letters and memoirs, this book brings the reality of the people behind the celluloid to life. Venture into the Hollywood of old when stars were truly talented and graceful; a breath of fresh air in today’s era of false celebrity.

After reading about Elizabeth Taylor preferring to be called Elizabeth Burton and Richard Burton’s letters wrought with a heart breaking voice of longing after their third separation, you’ll ask, “Brangelina who?”

The Postcard Killers

James Patterson and Liza Marklund Why you should read this book

Honeymoon tourism isn’t what it’s cracked up to be

Teaming up with Liza Marklund, worldwide bestselling author James Patterson brings us his latest fast paced thriller this time set primarily in Europe.

Mac and Sylvia Rudolph are a happy couple touring the museums of Europe and committing a little murder along the way. From a police officer with a murdered child, a Swedish journalist who is really not a journalist and various members of the press, and you’ve got a classic Patterson novel on your hands. This novel is not for the faint of heart, blood and gore abound but it is

well worth the read. Patterson and Marklund’s brilliance as authors shine through not in the complexity of the murderers but in their utter banality.

Instead of exposing them as complex and feral creatures, they turn them into two utterly hedonistic and selfish twits who think they are smarter than the police.

Their downfall comes in their egos and the reader can’t wait to see it. Our suggestion for this book: settle down for a long night because you aren’t going to want to put it down.

Me, Myself and Why?

MaryJanice Davidson Why you should read this book

The government really does employ crazy people

When Undead series creator MaryJanice Davidson decided to take a break from the paranormal world, chaos ensued. Her new book Me, Myself and Why? is a fresh take on what people have considered a possibility for a long time.

In this first of three books, we are introduced to Cadence Jones who works for a branch of the FBI called BOFFO. This branch of the FBI is so secret that total denial of their

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existence is the norm, and this might be because they only employ people suffering from real psychological disorders. A serial killer is on the loose and BOFFO agents are let loose on the hunt. A BOFFO sociopathic agent and his partner who has multiple personality disorders are on the trail of the killer only to find what they least expect to happen happening. This book is light, fun and a frolicking wild ride.

see, speak, +hear no evil

watchout

BY DEREK MALCOLM

Release dates based on amazon.co.uk

The Expendables | DVD & Blu-ray | 103 mins Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li, Dolf Lundgren Release Date: December 13 Talk about a missed opportunity. When the television commercials and trailers for director/screenwriter/star Sylvester Stallone’s Expendables started appearing in advance of its August release, action fans were led to believe they were going to see some of the genre’s legends finally take a nice, long satirical stab at themselves. With the exception of a punny cameo by Governor Commando himself (Arnold Schwarzenegger) at the film’s beginning and an awkward, but kind of funny, monologue by Mickey Rourke, The Expendables is nothing more than another Rambo flick with a plot ripped from the headlines of the day and padded with

a cast of burnouts – save for Jason Statham, the only one to bring any charisma to the film. If you’re going to put Rambo, The Transporter (Statham), John MacLean (Bruce Willis), Wong Fei-Hung (Jet Li), The Universal Soldier (Dolf Lundgren), Stone Cold Steve Austin and UFC legend Randy Couture in a film together with a plot as thin as, “A team of mercenaries head to South America on a mission to overthrow a dictator,” then it better be the bloodiest, most explosive film with the highest death count EVER, or the funniest piss-take on cheesy 80s and 90s action films we’ve ever seen.

The Expendables is neither.

Knight and Day

| DVD & Blu-ray | 109 mins Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard Release Date: December 13 After turning down the role of Salt (later rewritten for Angelina Jolie) because he felt the character was too close to Mission Impossible’s Ethan Hunt, Tom Cruise obviously still needed a spy warm-up before getting to work on MI: IV, which is currently filming in Dubai.

Enter Knight & Day, a film reuniting Cruise and costar Cameron Diaz who last starred in Vanilla Sky together in 2001. Bumping into each other at a Wichita airport, Roy (Cruise) and June (Diaz) end up sharing the same flight home. It turns out Roy is a deadly secret agent wrongly accused of going rogue, who takes June along for the ride as he fights to clear his name

The Girl Who Played with Fire

while trying to protect a high-tech battery created by a young genius (There Will Be Blood’s Paul Dano).

June, however, is in denial and attempts to return to her normal life. But it’s too late, June finds herself pursued by assassins and government agents leaving her no choice but trust Roy. Of course their romance grows beneath the whizzing bullets, explosions and chase scenes of this fun espionage comedy. Blu-ray + DVD + Digital Copy version available featuring several making of featurettes including Knight and “Someday”: Featuring the Black Eyed Peas and Tom Cruise.

| DVD & Blu-ray | 129 mins

Noomi Rapace, Michael Nyqvist Release Date: January 10

Picking up where The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo left off, we’re sucked right back into the late Swedish writer Stieg Larsson’s dark world of the Millennium trilogy. In part two, we reunite with goth hacker Lisbeth Salander (Noomi Rapace), who’s on the run after being framed for the murder of one of Millennium magazine editor Mikael Blomkvist’s (Michael Nyqvist) colleagues. The plot’s pretty dry and convoluted, but it’s all tied into the investigation of a human trafficking

case, and as Lisbeth and Mikael get closer to uncovering the politicians, police and big shots behind it, the more people turn up dead. Of course, along the way Lisbeth continues to uncover the secrets of her sordid past, that somehow includes the presence of an Andre the Giant-sized blonde killer who feels no pain and wants Lisbeth dead for some reason. It’s not the best of the trilogy so far, but consider Played with Fire a necessary piece of Larsson’s Salander puzzle.

Scott Pilgrim Versus the World | DVD & Blu-ray

| 112 mins

Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Anna Kednrick Release Date: December 27 First off, let me start by saying that I really, really like Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Based on the graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O’Malley, I like this film because it brilliantly captures the series’ sensory-ultraoverloaded, videogame violent, indie/punk world with characters quirky and cute enough not to be gobbled up by it. I also like the story – it’s about the titular Scott, a slacker hipster bass player in a band called Sex BobOmb who falls in love with Ramana, a fuchsia-haired cutie whose seven evil exes all want to destroy Scott in Street Fighter-style combat. Scott must take them all

out, including douchebag boss Gideon Graves (Jason Schwartzman), to win Ramona’s love. I like everything about Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (it’s even filmed and takes place in my home town of Toronto), except one thing: Michael Cera. The Canadian star has made a career of playing meek, awkward post-teen man boys in awesome films such as Superbad and Juno, but this film could have been called Superbad’s Evan vs.

The World, because Cera has been playing the same character since then. There, I said it. It’s still a great film you should see.

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playNICE

BY ADAM VOLK

Fable III

Publisher Microsoft Game Studios | Developer Lionhead Studios | Platforms Xbox 360 The Fable franchise has earned a devoted fan base over the years thanks to its quirky humour, immersive storylines and deep character customization. The latest chapter in the action RPG series picks up 50 years later and all is not well in the land of Albion. It turns out that the player’s tyrannical brother is now ruling over the kingdom with an iron fist and it’s up to our hero to embark on an epic quest to sow the seeds of revolution. Along the way players can get married, buy a house, pop out a couple of kids, battle monsters

and of course... fart (the game once again replaces player dialogue with a wide range of gestures, actions and yes, flatulence). Morality is also once again a factor, with the player able to choose between being a lovable goodie two shoes or a total bad ass. Perhaps the only mar on Fable III’s otherwise respectable mug is some slightly repetitive gameplay and a lacklustre ending, but as a whole Fable III is an entertaining sequel so damned charming, it’s likely to win over even the most jaded button mashers.

Star Wars: The Force Unleashed 2

Publisher Lucas Arts | Developer Lucas Arts, Aspyr Media, Red Fly Studio Platforms PS 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii A long time ago, in the mythical year 1977, George Lucas unleashed Star Wars upon the unsuspecting masses of geekdom. Now, nearly 35 years later, the franchise has found a happy home in countless video game incarnations. Enter The Force Unleashed: 2, a game which puts players in the role of Starkiller, Darth Vader’s “secret apprentice” and a tragic antihero torn between the light and dark side of the Force. As a sequel, the game makes a few noticeable improvements, including new Force powers and

dual-wielding light sabres which allow the player to dismember and decapitate enemies (where’s Jar Jar Binks when you need him?). Sadly, despite the jaw dropping visuals, the game’s story and level design are about as appealing as a pile of stale Ewok droppings.

Still, the game has its moments and Jedi wannabes will likely dig the nod to Star Wars lore. For players looking for a deeper gameplay experience, however, the Force Unleashed 2 is one title that definitely seems to be hovering near the lamer side of the Force.

Rock Band 3

Publisher MTV Games, Electronic Arts | Developer Harmonix | Platforms PS 3, Xbox 360, Wii Those of us who can’t sing or play a musical instrument to save our lives, fear not: Rock Band 3 is here to bring out your inner Cobain. The game, however, is more than just a rushed sequel. Instead, Rock Band 3 is an evolutionary leap for the franchise, shaking, rattling and rolling things up by offering a new keyboard controller in addition to the familiar guitar, microphone and drum kit. Rock Band 3 is also still simple enough that even band class dropouts can easily pick up and play along, yet more skilled players

Kirby’s Epic Yarn

Publisher Nintendo | Developer Good-Feel, HAL Laboratory Those of us who grew up spoon-fed on Super Nintendo are probably well acquainted with Kirby; the lovable pink blob with the appetite of a bulimic sumo wrestler. In his latest adventure - and his first lone foray on the Wii - Kirby is transported by an evil wizard to “Patch Land,” a world made entirely out of, you guessed it, yarn.

Unfortunately, Kirby has lost his impressive digestive powers, instead relying on whip-like attacks and the ability to turn enemies into balls of yarn. He can also change into a variety

140 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

can also crank up the difficulty to 11 by selecting the “Pro Mode,” which more accurately simulates playing a real instrument (actual working guitar and keyboard peripherals are coming soon). Even more impressive, Rock Band 3 has a staggering 83 songs to choose from, covering the gamut of pop, rock, country and hip hop. Of course, you’ll still look a complete dork waving around a bunch of fake plastic instruments and belting out White Snake’s “Here I Go Again”, but it’s also pretty much a guarantee that you’ll have a blast.

| Platforms Nintendo Wii

of forms: from a penguin and giant robot, to a UFO and a submarine. The gameplay is immersive, fun and probably one of the sharpest looking games the Wii has ever produced.

The unique yarn-based world is also put to good effect with Kirby able to pull on buttons, snag loose threads and unravel whole areas.

The end result is a game that’s cute, quirky, fun and it goes without saying, unbelievably weird.

unwindinstyle

Experience leisure & relaxation in the tranquility of Lebanon, at the newly opened One to One Hotel – Dhour Choueir.

Situated between the mountain valleys, designed stylishly offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Treat yourself at the 4star boutique hotel this season, rates starting from $100 including bed & breakfast! * Rates are subject to 10% VAT. * Monthly & Weekly rates are available.

6 • • • • • •

easy ways to book: t: +961 4 391270 f: +961 4 391269 res.dhourchoueir@onetoonehotels.com onetoonehotels.com via your preferred travel agent gds codes: Galileo: WV97619 - Sabre: WV100304 - Worldspan: WV74447 - Amadeus: WVBEYONE

dhour choueir

hotel

Dhour Choueir Square, p.o.box 28690 Lebanon t. +961 4 391270 f. +961 4 391269 THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE res.dhourchoueir@onetoonehotels.com onetoonehotels.com

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142 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

take me with you

Salzburg THE SOUND OF

BY ALICE HLIDKOVA

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ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST RENOWNED COMPOSERS, WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART, WAS BORN IN THE HEART OF SALZBURG, AUSTRIA. Much of the small city dedicates itself to his classical compositions by lending its space to his music. Each year in July until the end of August, the Salzburg Festival, third oldest in Europe, honors “Wolferl” with performances of his work by top-tier musicians. His symphonies are heard beyond the “House of Mozart” hall, reaching outdoors to opulent Baroque volutes and pilasters of the city’s architecture.

If Mozart’s music is not enough to serve as the heartbeat of Salzburg, indulge in chocolate Mozart balls. The delicious sweets are sold as souvenirs throughout the city bringing delight to the musical element that shapes Salzburg. To add to the rich tastes are the many sharp Alpine peaks. Sitting on both banks of the Salzach River, Salzburg is pinched between Kapuzinerberg and Mönchsberg mountains. A tunnel inside Mönchsberg leads visitors to The Alstadt (Old City).

Interconnected squares form what used to be the religious center, around which the major Baroque churches and archbishop residencies are arranged. The Dom (Salzburg Cathedral) is among the finest Italian-style Baroque structure in Austria.

Its facade is of white marble with towers reaching 250 feet into the air, and it holds an audience of 10,000. Its simple sepia and white interior, a peaceful counterpart to the usual Barogue splendor creates a cozy atmosphere. Be sure to visit the intimate crystal shop round the narrow street bend.

With its slanted roof decorated with a medieval gargoyle, the shop is inside the smallest house in Salzburg.

Cross into the plaza of Residenzplatz to visit Residenz, a Baroque palace of Mozart’s patrons. Notice the 40-foot-high Court Fountain often visited by violinists who play a Mozart sonata. Next to Residenzplatz is another square of equal importance. Named after Mozart, the Mozartplatz beholds a statue of Mozart who is lifting the folds of his dress as he raises his knee.

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take me with you

OPPOSITE PAGE: DOM CATHEDRAL CURRENT PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: ORGAN INSIDE DOM CATHEDRAL WHERE MOZART USED TO PLAY, MOZARTPLATZ STATUE. ANTIQUE VIOLIN. SALZBURG FESTIVAL, MOZART’S DON GIOVANNI

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TOP TO BOTTOM: HOHENSALZBURG FORTRESS. CHINA ROOM INSIDE SCHLOSS LEOPOLDSKRON, SCHLOSS LEOPOLDSKRON.

EVEN MCDONALD’S HAS ADAPTED ITS YELLOW “M” ARCH IN ELABORATE IRON DESIGN AFTER THE MUNICIPALITY FORCED THE FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT TO DO SO. Nearby in the two cemeteries of St. Peter and St. Sebastian, among the mosscovered graves and wrought iron catholic crosses, members of the Mozart family are buried inside simple, lightly marked graves. The catacombs, or subterranean burial chamber of St. Peter’s, are one of the tourist attractions. Wrought iron decoration, seen at every storefront sign along the busy street of Getreidegasse, are another. Even McDonald’s has adapted its yellow “M” arch in elaborate iron design after the municipality forced the fast-food restaurant to do so. Further down the street the highly-esteemed Mozart Geburtshaus, is the modest childhood home of Mozart. If not for the flocks of tourists, the yellow house is easily missed.

Before crossing one of Salzburg’s many bridges, away from the Old City, take notice of the medieval 19th-century landmark of Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Nestled on a hill, above the city’s rooftops, it serves as a valuable reference point in case one is lost. A ride up and down the castle lift, a small train, will grant visitors a spectacular view of the city and its mountain range. Equally pleasant is the view from the Museum of Modern Art, a standalone contemporary structure raised on the Mönchsberg cliffs. Round the horse fountain an elevator provides a lift up to the top, through solid rock!

Across the river inside the city’s garden trimmed with rose bushes and gray sculpted Baroque water fountains, Austrian women in hand-sewn white gowns enjoy campaign. Mirabell Park and Garden is a hotbed for Austrian weddings. Ugly moss-covered statues in the shape of miniature dwarfs, are ignored by the many brides and adored by smaller children.

Free classical music performances are appreciated by many in the nearby music halls.

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take me with you

Rent a bike at Mirabell and take the 14-kilometer bike path along the river. Notice the painted cottages and manicured grass. The city of Salzburg is friendly not just to its bikers but to its animals. Pink flamingos, Salzburg’s rare residents, can be found walking unsupervised in the outskirts of the city parking lots.

The best bike path is around the man-made lake behind Schloss Leopoldskron, the city’s most beautiful palace. A ten-minute bike ride from Old City, the palace should not be

missed. On the main floor, below the library, local musicians perform a Mozart sonata or two on the grand piano. Behind the piano, through the wrought iron gated door, the famed Untersberg mountain steals the view.

At its footsteps a curtain of oak trees open to the man-made lake protected by reclining horse statues, marked by decaying rock and soft moss. Graceful white swans and playful brown ducks swim in neat lines near the lake’s center listening politely to Mozart, like everyone else in Salzburg.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: SALZBURG CITYSCAPE. XMAS AT REZIDENZPLATZ.THE UNTERSBERG MOUNTAIN. MCDONALD’S “M” ARCH. THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

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gimme

gimme MORE VINIFEST!

V

inifest 2010 drew the biggest names around Lebanon. RAGMAG got out + about with everyone from HSBC to LBC for the 3 day event. We were pleased to see Michael Karam’s book on the 33 brands of Lebanese wine with its own pavilion. Karam’s book, Your Wine Style Lebanon, was the perfect accompaniment to tote along as we went from vendor to vendor sampling our home grown finest- the book even discusses alcohol content, price and grape quality! Available at Virgin and Librarie Antoine, we’re happy we had our copy right when we needed it.

For a little twist, Il Gustino set up a Euro style cafe serving a sobering dose of great espresso for those needing the quick caffeine fix after one too many cocktails.

RAGMAG spent a little more time than we should have at the Chateau Musar

pavilion sampling their 2009 Cuvée Musar Rosé. “The long maceration helps to achieve a darker shade which means more aroma and taste,” said Fadi Kaalani, brand representative. Does it ever!

The star hangout for chefs seemed to be the Chateau Belle-Vue Bhamdoun pavilion. No less than 5 chefs were sampling their fares as we waited for our turn, listening to Naji and Jill Boutrous extol the virtues of red and white wines.

BRGR Co. of Abdel Wahab street fame, Oslo and beirutrestaurants.com tagteamed Vinifest guests with everything RAGMAG could ask for to eat drink + be merry! BRGR Co.’s taste sensation mini burgers, Oslo cookies and bubbling

LEFT: MOSCATO ROSÉ AND BEIRUTRESTAURANTS.COM PAVILION ABOVE: MICHAEL KARAM’S NEW BOOK

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out +about

THE STAR HANGOUT FOR CHEFS SEEMED TO BE THE CHATEAU BELLE-VUE BHAMDOUN PAVILION. flutes of Laurent-Perrier Champagne were all given to the pavilion visitors.

Joey Ghazal and Nadeem Hammoud of BRGR Co. emphatically assured RAGMAG that “burgers are the new bagels,” and after tasting one of theirs, we can see why. Open since June, they’ve sold an astounding “30000 burgers in 4 months with no delivery. That’s just in-house,” the duo explained. After Vinifest is over, RAGMAG is definitely getting out + about with them.

Right next door RAGMAG spotted Moscato Rosé by Villa Jolanda’s lounge-style pavilion. This year’s big

hit in the sparkling wine category, it’s no wonder the top 40 under 40 in Lebanon could all be found sipping the fruity Rosé in their cool set-up.

“It’s a wonderful event. Really great exposure for a brand new product especially in a competitive market,” said Michel Khoury of MK Holding, parent company of the brand. That’s where RAGMAG ran into Bassam Bou Sleiman of waterfront Riviera Hotel picking up his favourites, “I bought Moscato Rosé and Fakra”.

Bubbly favourite Champagne Lanson sampled their well-known wares. “Our top 3 venues in Beirut are Yasmina in

Achrafieh, La Table d’Alfred in Sursock and Le Gray Hotel. Our brand is quite good, it definitely gets its space in the market,” said Nicola Harris sales representative for the brand.

As for mood music, Vinifest knocked the ball out of the park with tunes ranging from old time renditions of Charles Aznavour to top 40 club hits.

The crowd was enjoying the mood, enjoying the shows and creatively styled booths so much they stuck around long after closing. The successful event was RAGMAG’s best out + about this year.

We don’t want to be called greedy but we want more Vinifest!

RAGMAG wants to be out + about with you.

Tell RAGMAG what’s up in Lebanon.

We want to hear new sounds and see new places. You know of a cool place for us to try or a show we should see?

Your band, bar or event could be covered next. We just might drop in. Send us an email with the event description, location, and contact information to outandabout@ragmaglive.com

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eat, drink + be merry

SILVER

SPOON

RAGMAG and BeirutRestaurants.com have teamed up to bring you the absolute best in holiday dining. To really help you eat drink + be merry we’ve compiled a list of places in Lebanon for you + yours to enjoy this festive season. We love a good meal and we love having the inside info from BeirutRestaurants.com They’re RAGMAG’s goto site for a

great night out. (We suggest you make reservations and avoid disappointment. Planning is everything!) From Christmas dinners to New Year’s Day brunches, try our top picks – they’re tried and true.

CASABLANCA

LA PARRILLA

BEIRUT CELLAR

DOWNTOWN, AVE. DES FRANÇAIS, GHANDOUR BLDG. BEIRUT TEL 01/371077

FACING PALAIS BUSTROS IN ACHRAFIEH NEXT TO RED SHOE, AND SGBL TABARIS TEL 01/442678

ACCAUI STREET, BESIDE CYPRUS EMBASSY, ACHRAFIEH, BEIRUT TEL 01/206406

GAUCHO

CHEZ SOFI

INDIGO ON THE ROOF

AIN EL MREISSEH STREET, BEIRUT TEL 01/369334

BALTHUS

PHEONIX TOWER, MINET EL HOSN, BEIRUT TEL 01/364807 WWW.GAUCHORESTAURANTS.CO.UK

66 SAINT MARON STREET, GEMMAYZE, BEIRUT TEL 01/585885

MAR MIKHAEL, BEIRUT TEL 01/566991

CHACCOUR TRAD STREET TABARIS, ACHRAFIEH, BEIRUT TEL 01/216990

LE GRAY HOTEL, DOWNTOWN BEIRUT TEL 01/972000 WWW.LEGRAY.COM

THE ALLEYWAY GEMMAYZE, BEIRUT TEL 01/201190 WWW.COUQLEY.COM

Silver Star Mention Gaucho educated RAGMAG and we’re now steak and wine connoisseurs! See their out + about article entitled It Takes Two to Tango page XX

150 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

Silver Star Mention RAGMAG was dazzled when the team went for dinner at Couqley. We saw the impeccable service of manager Nassim Assaf and indulged in the expert cuisine of Executive Chef Alexis Couquelet.

Silver Star Mention Indigo on the Roof Le Gray Hotel is one of the only places in Lebanon to have a sommelier. RAGMAG enjoys Le Gray so much that we often give away Le Gray gift certificates to our RAGing letter winners!

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eat, drink + be merry

EL MOLINO Bienvenido a México

BY YOUMNA CHAGOURY

El Molino Mexican restaurant is a nice little place on the Byblos port.

Known to be one of the first Latino restaurants in Lebanon, El Molino provides a particularly nice setting to those looking for something a different in their everyday life. What makes it worth the drive from Beirut is its all-Mexican menu. No Tex-Mex, no “Cuban burgers”, El Molino is all about sizzling fajitas, well-garnished burritos, and authentic Mexican tastes. A waiter welcomes you at the door, takes you to your table, and brings over the best (and cheapest) chips and salsa around.

With background Mexican music, believed to be brought back from Mexico by the restaurant owner from his travels, the setting evokes memories of the famous Warner Brothers Looney Tunes’ animated cartoon, Speedy Gonzales – the yellowish sand, the green cactuses, the red hats. The wood and colorful mosaic tables, along with the straw chairs give a unique atmosphere.

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El Molino is a great stop in your winter quest for warmth. If in summer, the place is equipped with air conditioning and ventilators hanging from the roof, making the Lebanese heat more bearable. During wintertime, when one is sick of the hard cold wind, the place is perfect for a friendly dinner.

The restaurant is surrounded with open wood shutters that air the space out, creating in the lime painted walls views on either the Byblos port and the far away Beirut lights or the street that leads to the old souk, a view surrounded with green plants and huge cactuses.

From time to time, the kitchen door opens for a waiter and you can hear a woman speaking Spanish – and loud!

Just like a Latina Mama that reigns over her kitchen and cooks big plates of chili con carne for her extended family. The walls are covered with paintings of all sizes representing landscapes of small alleys and dark-skinned women, and colorful Mexican Punchinellos fill the

racks separating the two dining rooms.

The bar is mainly composed of a few bottles of tequila and some major alcohols, and colored margarita glasses – an El Molino specialty. In the evening, the “restaurant” atmosphere lingers, unlike other Latin resto-pubs that transform into salsa dance floors.

Indeed, the music and the chatter get louder, but the place stays pleasantly quiet and one can enjoy a tranquil late dinner.

The + Chihuahua Menu. An assortment of appetizers and a generous portion of chicken or beef fajitas – perfect for sharing. + The frozen margarita spices up your evening! + Fajita bread thinner than tissue, a cup of black beans, and a plate topped with fresh coriander.

Now that’s México. + The

The – service is quick, but not very DELICATE. When I’m done eating, I’ll let the waiter know.

- No need to harass me to take my plate back!

- The filtered light is sometimes oppressive some of their small clay lamps would not hurt.

- The

El Molino restaurant Byblos – Old Port 09 / 541 555 03 / 372 526

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mind, body + soul

got garlic?

BY ELODIE BARAKAT

RAGMAG WANTS YOU TO GET HEALTHY. WE’VE GOT A BASIC SOLUTION FOR EVERYONE: INCORPORATE SOME GARLIC INTO YOUR DIET. THE POWER OF THIS COOKING STAPLE IS WIDELY DOCUMENTED. INDEED, IT’S BEEN PROVEN TO BE A STRONG ALLY TO OUR HEALTH!

WHAT CAN GARLIC DO? GARLIC AND THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM CAN WORK TOGETHER!

GARLIC AND BLOOD, THERE’S A LINK!

HOW TO GET RID OF THE SMELL?

We tend to think that garlic is not very easy to digest. Truth is, removing its sprout can improve digestion. Once cleared of it, garlic is easy to digest and becomes a natural support for our digestive system. Garlic is very rich in vitamin B1 helping to produce the enzymes involved in digestion. It also comes with chlorine, which helps the stomach break down food. As a bonus, garlic appears to be a powerful natural antiseptic and can help our digestive system get rid of bacteria!

You’ve probably heard about how having raw garlic for breakfast keeps your heart strong enough to live for a hundred years. This isn’t 100% false.

Studies indicate that garlic can take blood pressure down by 10%!

Though the exact reason isn’t known yet, scientists put chalk it up to the magnesium, fructosans and adenosine contained in garlic. According to specialists, those components can ease blood flow and water evacuation, increase arterial resiliency, reduce cholesterol and improve condition of the heart after 50!

GARLIC REPELS VIRUSES!

GARLIC CAN KEEP US YOUNG!

HOW TO USE GARLIC?

Studies have proven that garlic components can destroy more than 20 different types of bacteria and more that 60 fungus species! This antibiotic superpower belongs to allicin, one of its components, a very strong antibacterial substance. Garlic also contains vitamin C, iodine, magnesium and sulphur, which are also good antiinfectious agents.

Garlic can also help in case of colds!

When we eat garlic, allicin passes into our blood and gets rid of the viruses it meets. Part of this allicin is rejected through our breath, eliminating viruses and bacteria on its way. And yes, you guessed right, allicin is also the garlic component responsible for the smell!

The key word is antioxidant. It’s a molecule preventing other substances from oxidation, meaning: deterioration of the cells in the organism. In other words: ageing! Oxidation of our cells is natural, otherwise we wouldn’t age at all. But our environment, our diet, pollution or stress are external factors pressuring our bodies and accelerating the process. Flavonoids, tocopherol, cysteine, selenium, manganese and copper are some of these antioxidant molecules, and all of them are found in garlic!

No need to eat a ton of garlic each day. The key is to be regular. Garlic helps your heart to run better if you have it every day, of every year, all your life. Just make sure you have around 2 raw cloves (or 4 cooked) each day. It isn’t that much, knowing that there aren’t many Lebanese dishes containing zero garlic. If you are under an anticoagulant treatment refer to your doctor before trying the garlic method.

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The good news: our body gets used to garlic. The more we eat, the more it produces an enzyme toning the smell down. But toning down isn’t turning off. Forget brushing your teeth, it is not going to work. Garlic breath is deep stuff. After eating garlic, have some fresh parsley or mint leaves, chlorophyll counters the scent of garlic!

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eat, drink + be merry

BRISADENEUMOSTIER

fusesWELLNESS in the KITCHEN

BY SABINA LLEWELLYN-DAVIES

Imagine spending a week at a beachside resort while you practice yoga and participate in workshops, wellness treatments and learn how to prepare healthy nutritious meals. Leave it to the Edde Sands Resort in Lebanon to turn the concept of healthy living on its head with its Wellness Week experience. Throughout the week guests can learn how to nourish body and spirit and boost healthy eating habits with cooking sessions led by Peruvian chef Brisa Deneumostier.

This inventive chef has travelled all her life, guided by her search for innovative and new cuisine. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America, New York, she journeyed through America, Europe, South East Asia, Middle East, North Africa and Japan experimenting with local cuisine. As former chef for some of the world’s top restaurants, including Noma in Denmark rated Number 1 restaurant in the world and the reputable Nobu in New York, Deneumostier’s contribution to health and wellness comes through her finesse in the kitchen, always stocked with quality and fresh ingredients.

Stepping up to the plate, she is as much a teacher and explorer as she is a creator of the dishes that come out of her kitchen.

“I ALWAYS KNEW THAT I WANTED TO NURTURE WITH FOOD. SO THE

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FOOD THAT I COOK IS PREPARED IN A CONSCIOUS WAY IN ORDER TO REALLY NURTURE IN A HEALTHY AND TASTY WAY, COMBINING LOCAL PRODUCTS WITH LOCAL AND FOREIGN FLAVORS,” says Deneumostier. “FOOD IS OUR MAIN MEDICINE OR OUR MAIN POISON. IT IS ULTIMATELY OUR DECISION.” Her interest in yoga and meditation inspired her to take a course in Ayurveda, the ancient Indian healing system. One of its components of Ayurveda is the application of the six tastes within the food we eat to create balance in our physiology. So, in various foods, you can actually consume the six tastes within each meal, and feel the effects of that balance in your whole physiology. The six tastes themselves are sweet, salty, sour, pungent, bitter, and astringent. And all of our food falls into one of those six categories. For example, ripe fruits are sweet, citrus is sour, anything that is of a green or yellow nature is usually bitter, all the hot spices are pungent, and beans are astringent.

During the cooking sessions Deneumostier instructs on the proper breathing techniques to employ while chopping and slicing. “EATING CAN BE A MOMENT OF CONNECTION, WITH OTHERS AND ONESELF. IT CAN BE PRACTICED AS A MINDFUL MOMENT OF

SHARING AND GRATITUDE TOWARDS ALL PEOPLE AND ENERGY INVOLVED IN THE CHAIN PROCESS - INCLUDING ONESELF.” When we pay attention to our food we become aware of what and how much we are putting into our bodies. It is possible to balance eating for nourishment with eating for enjoyment. If we learn how to make healthier choices, we can have a better relationship with food. There will be no more so called good or bad foods to worry about. No more counting calories or fat grams. There is no need to eliminate favorite foods and tolerate tasteless food substitutes. Eating should be pleasurable and guilt free. “I AM ALWAYS CURIOUS TO LEARN AND I HOPE THAT TAKING PART IN THESE SESSIONS WILL MOTIVATE ME TO TAKE BETTER CARE OF MYSELF,” says Myrna Merhej, one of the participants in the autumn cooking session.

“BUILDING A HEALTHY METABOLIC SYSTEM, ATTAINING GOOD DIGESTION, AND PROPER EXCRETION LEADS TO VITALITY,” says Deneumostier. “ON TAKING THE DECISION TO TAKE CARE OF ONE SELF CAN BRING MORE LONG TERM SATISFACTION, MORE CONSCIOUS MOMENTS OF AWARENESS, APPRECIATION OF WHAT WE ALREADY HAVE, AND MORE MOMENTS OF JOY, PEACE, HARMONY AND LOVE.”

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eat, drink + be merry

on a SilverPlatter WITH CHEF MAHER EL-ALAM

FOR ALL YOUR FESTIVITIES YOU’RE GOING TO WANT THAT SPECIAL TOUCH AT THE TABLE. RAGMAG AND CHEF MAHER EL-ALAM WANT TO GET YOUR SILVER BELLS RINGING FOR THE HOLIDAYS. A SELECTION OF STARTER, ENTRÉE AND DESSERT FOR AN UNTRADITIONAL AND TASTY MEAL WILL GET YOUR GUESTS INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT! CHEF MAHER SUGGESTS A RED WINE FOR ACCOMPANIMENT TO THIS WARM MEAL.

Table Setting and Decoration A festive arrangement is always a great way to start things off. A centerpiece of blooming poinsettia set with real silver bells and long tapered candles in gold or beige should be elegant and understated. We suggest silver charger plates and fine china in matching subtle tones. Don’t overdo the kitschy Christmas red and green.

Instead opt for a delicate evening setting, allowing the centerpiece to provide the decoration. Silver napkin rings should match your charger plates, and may be jeweled in a rich tone such as red to compliment your poinsettia.

• Charger Plates • Napkins and Napkin Rings • Large serving spoon • Large serving fork • Carving knife • Saucier or gravy boat • Dinner plates • Knifes • Dinner Forks • Dessert Forks • Large serving dish • Platter • Wine glasses • Large dessert dishes

158 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

Foie Gras &

GRAPE STIR FRY

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR 4 SERVINGS

•600gr Duck foie gras •70gr onion •30gr white grapes •30gr black grapes •30gr raisins •60gr butter •20cl Porto wine •10gr sugar •40gr green shallots

PREPARATION

SERVING THE PLATE

Sauté the diced onion and add the sugar to the butter. Pay special attention not to burn the mixture.

Add the Porto wine and sauté the foie gras for an additional 10 minutes. Add the grapes and raisins.

The onion should be placed first in the middle, followed by the foie gras. Garnish in the center with chopped green shallots and around the grape-raisin mix for an excellent colour combination.

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American

TURKEY

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR 4 SERVINGS

•1 small turkey approximately 2.5kg •500gr butter •200gr white flour •1kg carrots •400gr celery •500gr onion •1 clove garlic •Bay Laurel Leaves •Cinnamon •1kg sweet potato •500gr potato •1kg broccoli •1 bottle chestnut ready conserved •50gr raisin •2 cups cognac •2 cups red wine •1 cup white wine •White pepper •Salt THE MAIN COURSE REQUIRES A 3 STEP PREPARATION METHOD

PREPARATION OF TURKEY

PREPARATION OF VEGETABLES

PREPARATION OF GRAVY

Wash the turkey and dry well. Dress the skin completely with 100gr butter, salt and pepper.

Stuff the turkey with 1 onion, 2 carrots, 2 sticks of celery, cinnamon and bay laurel leaves.

Place in a preheated oven at 180 degrees for 45 minutes. Once that is completed, to achieve a lovely golden color upgrade the temperature to 250 for 35 minutes At this time add 1 cup cognac, 1 cup red wine and add water. Once done, keep the stock water to use in the gravy.

Boil the broccoli and the carrots.

Cool the boiled vegetables.

Place in a pan with 1 tablespoon butter. Sauté lightly with salt and pepper. Repeat this method for the chestnut.

Wash the potatoes well and dice into big cubes. Chop the celery and onions in the same manner and combine. Add 150gr butter and bake the mixture for 25 minutes at 180 degrees. Add cognac and white wine as well as salt and pepper to taste and remove from oven.

Begin by putting 200gr butter on a low heat. Add 200gr white flour and gently add the turkey water stock while stirring. Dashes of salt and pepper to taste should be added while continuing to stir. Boil the sauce and keep for aside to serve.

Present your turkey in a decorative platter or on large dinner plates. Add the baked sweet and normal potato around the turkey. Add the chestnut and raisin then garnish the plate with the broccoli and carrots, giving bright colour. Lastly drizzle the gravy and keep some aside for extra servings.

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Chocolate

TRUFFLES

INGREDIENTS NEEDED FOR 4 SERVINGS

•500gr dark chocolate •250gr fresh cream •100gr honey •100gr cacao powder

PREPARATION Begin by warming the chocolate until the temperature reaches 42 degrees.

Add cream, honey and stir well. Drizzle onto wax paper in shapes. Let set on wax paper in any design round or square. Before serving, drape the confections in cacao powder.

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TO BEE OR NOT TO BEE

BY J.E.N.

AN EXTREMELY WORRYING PHENOMENON IS HAPPENING RIGHT UNDER OUR VERY NOSES: BEES ARE DISAPPEARING AND DISAPPEARING FAST.

You’re chillaxing with friends and family while indulging in a picnic in the great outdoors when a bee buzzes by. You shoo it without thinking twice, hoping the irritating insect won’t sting you. A rather common scenario today, but this quite likely won’t be a common scene in the future. In fact you might be very lucky to see a bee, or a flower for that matter. THE WORLD’S

DELICATE BALANCE IS UNDER THREAT AND IT IS ALL TIED TO BEES.

An extremely worrying phenomenon is happening right under our very noses: bees are disappearing and disappearing fast. You might be thinking: so what, I can live without honey. But this has far greater implications than just honey.

Given bees major role in pollination, if there are no bees then there are less

162 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

flowers and plants. This means that crops will dwindle (making food super expensive and scarce hence leading to poor nutrition) and cattle numbers will drop (since cows and sheep eat grass etc. which need pollination). It also means that medication won’t be as widely available since many are derived from plant ingredients. To make matters worse, this crisis isn’t confined to one country but is a global issue.

According to ABC news, “In 2009 almost 29 percent of the bee colonies in the United States collapsed, say scientists who surveyed commercial beekeepers and brokers. That’s slightly less than the 36 percent loss in 2008 and the 32 percent counted in 2007, but an informal survey just finishes suggests that the die-off continues.” And similar occurrences are popping up in many other places around the world, like

the final frontier Europe. This phenomenon is becoming so wide-spread that it has a name: Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD).

The symptoms of CCD are easy to identify. Under normal circumstances, bees would never abandon their eggs and larvae, or leave the beehive without the queen or unless the queen dies. And usually, other bees and insects rush to grab the food stores left in abandoned beehives. But with CCD eggs and larvae are found abandoned in the colony (i.e. the beehive), food stores are present and yet other bees and insects hesitate before robbing this stock, and the queen bee is still in the beehive. Before these full blown symptoms kick in, some tell tale signs appear such as an unusual shortage of ‘workers’ to take care of the eggs and larvae, the bees being unwilling to eat the feed provided by the beekeeper, and the workforce consisting of just young adult bees.

The exact causes are still open to debate with numerous studies coming up with different findings and inconclusive evidence. But the

main causes have been narrowed down to the Israel acute paralysis virus, causative agents, malnutrition, pesticides, immunodeficiency, Varroa mites and other pests, Nosema fungus, modern beekeeping practices, electromagnetic radiation and even mobile phones.

One of these causes is worth examining further given its major impact: VARROA MITES. Varroa mites are little microscopic vampires.

They are external parasites that suck blood from adult bees and the ‘baby’ bees, significantly weakening them, shortening their life and even causing deformities in the youngsters.

Obviously if left unchecked, Varroa mites can wipe out honeybee colonies, especially since the chemicals that were once effective on them no longer work.

The good news is that a 79 year old British beekeeper, Ron Hoskins, has succeeded in created a new strain of “grooming” honeybee that is resistant to the mite. His Swindon Honeybee drones will buzz around to mate with female queens, hence spreading their

genes and their grooming habits. While a major breakthrough that could lessen CCD, this process will take time and generations. But eventually the bees themselves should be able to protect themselves from these life-threatening mites. This is a huge step forward but will this be enough to stop CCD and help bees flourish once more? Only time will tell, especially when all the other factors that might be causing CCD are considered.

A new study revealed that bees can rapidly solve a complex issue that supercomputers spend days processing.

Bees can solve the “travelling salesman” problem by quickly identifying the shortest route between points while only visiting each point once.

This proves that bees have great memory and intelligence. Researchers are now extremely interested in studying bees further since they could be the key to solving problems: epidemiology, traffic flows and supply chains. This is even more reason to save the bees!

A NEW STUDY REVEALED THAT BEES CAN RAPIDLY SOLVE A COMPLEX ISSUE THAT SUPERCOMPUTERS SPEND DAYS PROCESSING.

THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

163

the final frontier

Googling

a Chrome Android

BY J.E.N.

The phrase, “I’ll google it” is something we hear every day. It reveals the prominent role Google’s search engine plays in our modern world despite the rising competition from social networking sites like Facebook.

Google’s offices are legendary for their facilities and work culture. And Google is renowned for innovation, being the mastermind behind Gmail (which started the ‘large inbox’ tread), Buzz, Google Docs, Scholar, Google Instant, Google Earth and much more. But Google has no intention of stopping here. In fact Google is emerging as a new player on the Operating System scene.

Watch out Apple and Microsoft, because Google is hard on your tails with Android OS and Chrome OS. Android is Google’s mobile phone operating system which uses Linux with a twist as its foundation. Android

powers many smartphones and boasts over 100,000 applications developed in Java language, which are downloadable from Google’s online apps shop. Since its release in November 2007, Android has seen a growing market share and

164 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

has been picked up by leading mobile phone makers like Samsung, LG, Motorola and HTC. With Android 3.0, the latest update, becoming available in January 2011, this boom is likely to continue. Google actually purchased Android Inc., a small American firm, in 2005 and then spent the next two years developing Android OS (under a free

software or open source license for the most part), a rather sweet deal for mobile phone manufacturers. So sweet that the updates have mouthwatering names like Cupcake, Donut, Éclair and Gingerbread.

Google Chrome OS, not to be mistaken for Google Chrome - the internet browser, is Google’s computer operating system. A free, open source Linux based system, Chrome OS uses web applications and a minimalist design approach (much like Google’s

internet browser). The system is geared towards individuals who spend time on the internet (since you need to be online to use it properly). Google started developing Chrome in 2009 as a reaction to the rise in popularity of netbooks, which don’t have as much

oomph as regular computers or laptops.

At around the same time, Google released Chrome’s source code in the Chromium OS project that developers could contribute to create their own versions and modifications (but the official version is only Google Chrome OS).

Given its minimalist nature, Chrome OS boots up in only 4 seconds and the ‘desktop’ links to web applications like Gmail, YouTube etc. Chrome OS

has the basic features you’d expect such as battery power indicator, clock and calculator but mostly relies on the internet for everything else. At the moment Chrome OS is designed mainly for netbooks rather than primary PCs and hence only takes up around

6.25% the disk space of Windows 7. To enable users to get the most out of their netbooks, Chrome OS is integrated with a media player, can print files without printer drivers via Google Cloud Print and has security features. Since the release date is pegged for Q4 of 2010, it’s still too early to know whether this new OS will take the world by storm or flop.

NOUVELLE EBEL CLASSIC SPORT THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

165

quizz ROUND #1

ROUND #2

History

ROUND #3

Science

1. Which famous explorer sailed in ships named the “Nina-Pinta” and the “Santa Maria”?

2. The STASI were the secret police of which country?

3. What was the real name of the WWII Leader who was known as “The Desert Fox”?

4. In what year did the Berlin wall come down?

5. Archbishop Mkarious was exiled to the Seychelles in 1956. From which country was he exiled?

6. Which famous Emperor died on the island of St. Helena in 1821?

7. What mathematical calculating aid did John Napier invent in 1614?

8. Who was the first man to fly across the English channel?

9. In which country was Nostradamus born?

10. What was the name of the first American to go into space?

ROUND #4

Trivia

Tv + Films

1. In food marking, what do the letters GM meam?

1. In weaponry, what do the letters SLR mean?

2. What can be in line, V or flat?

2. What gift is supposedly given to those who pilgrim to Mecca, on behalf of the King Of Saudi?

3. What material is supposedly the easiest to recycle? Paper, Aluminium or Glass?

4. On the Mohs scale of hardness diamond is rated the hardest, what is rated as the softest?

3. You see on an E-mail the letters BCC. What do they mean?

4. In music what does the term “Pianissimo” mean?

5. On your computer pictures can 5. From which country does Retsina be saved in JPEG format. JPEG wine come from? means Joint Photographic what?

6. How many feet are there in a 6. What was the name of the first fathom? comercial passenger jet airliner?

7. In the phoenetic alphabet what 7. CMOS is the name of certain is the letter “Q”? types of integrated circuits. C stands for Complimentary and S 8. French recipe book called stands for semi- conductor. What “Laurousse Gastronomique” has does MO stand for? nine different recipes for cooking what type of meat?

8. Robert Whitehead invented what type of weapon that is typically 9. What was Coco Channel’s real used by submarines? first name?

9. What precious commodity is extracted from kimberlite?

10. In the brewing of alcohol what do the letters O. G. mean?

10. Roman numerals. What is the result of MMM-MD in roman numbers?

1. Which well known, female, sports personality advertises “Clear” shampoo on TV? 2. Which 1991 film on the Oscars for best film, best actor, best actress and best director?

3. What is the name of the TV program that says it shows its pictures at up to 20,000 frames per second?

4. In the film “Scream” which actress played the part of the first girl to be killed at the beginning of the film?

5. Name the two presenters of Mythbusters?

6. In the TV program “Animal Cops Huston” What does E.A.M.T. stand for?

7. In the James Bond film “ Goldfinger “ what nationality was Odd Job? 8. Which bank does actor Sean Connery advertise on TV with the phrase “It’s time for green banking”?

9. Which female personality, who has her own show, has just joined the judges on American Idol?

10. Who was the male star of the film “The Sixth Sense”?

dingbats LEAD 1rst

SILVER

4th

GOLD

2nd

HYDROGEN 3rd

XENON

STUART STUART

DAY DAY DAY DAY

ROUND#1 1. Christopher Columbus 2. East Germany (GDR) 3. Field Marshall Erwin Rommel 4. 1989 (9th Nov) 5. Cyprus 6. Napoleon Bonaparte 7. Logarithms 8. Louis Bleriot 9.

France 10. Gus Grissom ROUND#2 1. Genetically Modified 2. Engine Cylinders 3. Aluminium 4. Talcum Powder 5. Experts Group 6. Comet 7. Metal Oxide 8. Torpedo 9. Diamond 10. Original Gravity ROUND#3 1. Self Loading Rifle 2. Small bottle of virgin Olive Oil 3. Blind Carbon Copy 4. Very softly 5. Greece 6. Six 7. Quebec 8. Camel 9. Gabrielle 10. MD (3000-1500=1500) ROUND#4 1. Maria Sharipova 2. Silence of the lambs 3. Time Warp 4. Drew Barrymore 5. Jamie Hinerman and Adam Savage 6. Emergency Animal Medical Technician 7. Korean 8.

Credit Agricole 9. Ellen de Generes 10. Bruce Willis

MOONRAKER - THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY - THE SOUND OF MUSIC THE 5th ELEMENT - AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS - DANCES WITH WOLVES STUART LITTLE - THE HILLS HAVE EYES - THE LONGEST DAY

166 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

brainfood

crosswords

DOWN 1. These words are sometimes seen on Xmas

cards. See 9 Across.

2. Appears above an Angel’s head.

3. A kind of chocolate log for eating.

5. Does he have a red nose?

7. French wish for January? See 50 Across.

10. Santa’s favourite colour?

11. A late night Christian service? See 55

Down.

12. French Father Christmas? See 14 Across.

13. Jesus’ birth place.

16. Really tasty type of pork.

18. Jesus was born in this.

19. We don’t want these at Xmas?

21. How many ghosts did Scrooge see?

23. How many pull Santa’s transport?

24. Santa’s transport.

27. A mix of several types of drink.

29. We like to decorate this type of tree.

31. They pull Santa’s transport?

32. Jesus can perform these.

33. Send these to our friends and family.

35. Letters at the top of the cross.

36. Was he Mary’s husband?

38. What does the little star do?

39. Not a comfortable cot!

40. Does Santa have a big one?

43. Scrooge’s partner. See 63 Down.

44. Shiny paper used for decoration.

46. Bill Murray starred in this 1988 film.

49. Will you make one this New Year?

51. Is this a time for fighting? See 22 Across 52. French gifts?

54. This Pacific Ocean Island is first to see the

New Year.

55. A late night Christian service? See 11 Down.

56. He was one of the three Wise men.

58. A bird for Christmas dinner?

59. It takes how many to Tango?

60. A tasty sauce served with a Christmas

pudding.

63. Scrooge’s partner. See 43 Down.

64. In the Northern hemisphere Xmas is in this

season.

65. This was Mary’s transport.

68. Nice to see this at Xmas.

Xmas cards. See 1 down.

14. French Father Christmas? See 12

Down

15. Jesus was said to be from here?

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

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

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

51 Down.

See 62 Across.

2 1 9 5 4 8

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

6 1

8

4 8 2 4 5

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

9 1 9

7 Down.

53. It’s the season to be this.

57. According to the song, the three Kings came from here.

61. Was it in a pear tree?

2 6 1 8

9

2 4 7 8 6 3 9 1 5

1 9 3 2 4 5 6 8 7

8 3 2 9 5 6 4 7 1

6 7 9 4 3 1 8 5 2

6 2

7 3 6 8 9 3 4 9

7 1 8 3 2 4 5 6 9

9 2 3 5 4 8 1 6 7

9 7 9 6

5 8 6 1 9 7 2 3 4

7 8 1 3 6 8

6 9 8

7

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

4

4

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

[Family Name].

39. Another name for the Three Wise Men. 41. The writer of “A Christmas Carol”.

42. One of Santa’s transport pullers name sounds like a female fox.

43. Somewhere to kiss under?

8 3

4 9 1

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

45. A short word for Christmas.

47. Nice on the top of the tree.

48. The snowman’s name?

50. French wish for January? See

62. The next big party after Xmas?

See 30 Across.

66. He is said to be the first Father

Christmas.

67. Do they jingle?

69. Santa’s home? See 25 Across 70. A special type of play for

Christmas.

71. Santa’s little helpers?

EASY

1 5 3 8 2

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

34. This bird has a red breast.

37. He was employed by Scrooge.

25. Santa’s home? See 69 Across.

26. Something cold hanging down?

28. Was he the dancing one?

30. The next big party after Xmas?

9

2

4 6 9 6 2 7

17. A gift given on the 12th day.

20. One of the three gifts.

22. Is this a time for fighting? See

4 5 1 7 8 2 3 9 6

3 2 5 6 1 9 7 4 8

8

9 6 4 5 7 8 1 2 3

5 4 6 1 7 9 3 8 2

7 1 8 6 3 2 5 4 9

8 5 7 2 1 6 4 9 3

4 9 3

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

4 6 9 8 5 3 2 7 1

3 8 5 7 6 1 9 2 4

1 7 4 9 2 5 6 3 8

6 9 2 3 8 4 7 1 5

ACCROSS 2. HAPPY - 4. EBENEZER - 6. CRACKERS - 8. CAROLS - 9. GREETINGS - 14. NOEL - 15. NAZARETH - 17.

DRUMMERS - 20. MYRRH - 22. DAY - 25. POLE - 26.

ICICLES - 28. PRANCER - 30. YEAR - 34. ROBIN - 37.

CRATCHIT - 39. MAGI - 41. DICKENS - 42. VIXEN - 43.

MISTLETOE - 45. XMAS - 47. FAIRY - 48. FROSTY - 50.

BONNE - 53. JOLLY - 57. ORIENT - 61. PARTRIDGE - 62.

NEW - 66. NICHOLAS - 67. BELLS - 69. NORTH - 70.

NATIVITY - 71. DWARFS

2. We want everybody to be like this.

4. Scrooge’s first name.

6. We pull them!!

8. Songs for Christmas.

9. These words are sometimes seen on

DOWN 1. SEASONS - 2. HALO - 3. YULE - 5. RUDOLPH 7. ANNEE - 10. RED - 11. MASS - 12. PAPA - 13.

BETHLEHEM - 16. HAM - 18. STABLE - 19. ARGUMENTS - 21. FOUR - 23. NINE - 24. SLEIGH - 27. PUNCH - 29.

CHRISTMAS - 31. REINDEER - 32. MIRACLES - 33.

CARDS - 35. INRI - 36. JOSEPH - 38. TWINKLE - 39.

MANGER - 40. BELLY - 43. MARLEY - 44. TINSEL - 46.

SCROOGED - 49. RESOLUTION - 51. BOXING - 52.

CADEAUX - 54. KIRITIMATI - 55. MIDNIGHT - 56. GASPAR - 58. TURKEY - 59. TWO - 60. BRANDY - 63. JACOB - 64.

WINTER - 65. DONKEY - 68. SNOW

ACROSS

THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

167

RAGMAG

astro

Zodiac forecasts FROM JONATHAN CAINER

December.2010

A TOTAL SOLSTICE ECLIPSE OF THE MOON WILL BE VISIBLE OVER AMERICA ON THE NIGHT OF DECEMBER 21. THE BEGINNING OF THIS RARE AND POTENT EVENT WILL BE VISIBLE FROM NORTHERN EUROPE, INCLUDING THE UK, WHEN THE MOON STARTS TO SET, JUST BEFORE SUNRISE. THE END OF THE ECLIPSE WILL BE VISIBLE AT SUNSET FOR JAPAN AND NORTH-EASTERN ASIA. IF YOU’RE HOPING THAT SOMEHOW, THIS YEAR, DECEMBER WILL MEAN MORE THAN TINSEL AND TRIVIA, IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR TRUE MEANING, DEEP CHANGE AND THE POTENTIAL FOR JOYOUS REVELATION, THIS IMPORTANT, UNUSUAL PHENOMENON IS THE PERFECT OMEN OF HOPE.

JIMI HENDRIX

JANE FONDA

CAPRICORN

December 22 - January 20

What is this we see before us? It looks, distinctly, like a crisis of conscience.

But surely, it cannot be. What great moral issue do you need to stop and examine? Why should your life require a sudden change of attitude and direction?

You know the answer better than I or at least, you will do by the end of December. Mars is passing through your sign. A symbolic, emotive choice must be made. You may well find that ‘events’ precipitate all this. A key factor may start to stand in your way and prevent progress until you have reached a decision. You will, though, be glad of the outcome of your inner wrestling match.

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

SAGITTARIUS November 23 - December 21

The power of mind over matter is not to be underestimated. If you really believe - and try - and summon your willpower and concentrate furiously, it’s amazing what you can achieve.

I mention this because a lunar eclipse in your opposite sign, later this month, should amplify your psychic strength. If you want something badly enough, you can move a long way towards getting it. Be warned, though. You may end up achieving the ‘wrong result’. Before you fight too hard for control over a situation, try letting go. This is the opposite of mind over matter, this is deciding that you don’t mind and it doesn’t really matter!

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

AQUARIUS

January 21 - February 19 Who writes the rulebook? Who decides what is or what is not allowed? What authority do they have to act in this way?

Who gives them the right? Ultimately, you do. As the Manic Street Preachers so memorably put it, ‘If you tolerate this, then your children will be next...’ Even if you are your own hardest taskmaster, you are not obliged to put up with your own tyranny, let alone anyone else’s. Intense influences in December urge you to make a break for freedom. Don’t be afraid of transgressing some law that is actually irrelevant and unenforceable. Do what you feel is right, not what you feel you must do.

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

168 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

February 20 - March 20

March 21 - April 20

ARIES

TAURUS

We live in a topsy-turvy world. When we want to make our hearts race and our bodies surge with adrenaline, we just sit back in front of a scary video. Yet, every day we glibly cross the streets or handle potentially dangerous equipment whilst remaining perfectly calm. We are similarly strange when responding to emotional challenges. We get excited about matters that are ultimately irrelevant whilst we let genuinely important issues pass us by. December’s eclipse speaks, to you, of revelation, realisation and recognition. As you awaken to a fresh perspective you should experience much inspiration.

December’s near-conjunction of Mars and Mercury takes place in the part of your chart that governs status, power and authority. You don’t have a cast-iron guarantee of success but you’ve got a good shot at it. The holiday season isn’t, of course, a time when most peoples’ thoughts turn to climbing corporate ladders or starting some kind of enterprise. But, then, maybe that’s not what you need this heavenly helping hand for. Perhaps you would just like to be properly ‘heard’ in an area where you’re currently being ignored.

You’ll certainly be listened to soon. And looked at admiringly. And respected. And supported. And understood.

You don’t like to dwell too long on the past. You are more interested in where you are going than where you have been.

Recent events, though, have obliged you to revisit an old memory. You are starting to see a story from a different perspective. You now understand something that you never really ‘got’ before. In one way, this makes very little difference. In another, it alters everything.

This month, as you digest the discovery, you will start to see how your idea about the future is also based upon an incomplete assumption. You are entitled to expect a better, brighter, easier road ahead than you have so far seen.

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

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

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

PISCES

GEMINI

CANCER

April 21 - May 21

LEO

May 22 - June 22

June 23 - July 23

July 24 - August 23

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

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

WWW.CAINER.COM

VIRGO

LIBRA

September 24 - October 23

October 24 - November 22

Despite our superficial fascination with image and appearance, we value maturity more than inexperience. We believe that longevity has the potential to bestow on us a kind of deeply-desirable wisdom, to which there is no short-cut.

Or at least, some of us do. As another year edges slowly to a close, as another festive season preoccupies the minds of millions, as so many things you have known before come right back round again, are you not a lot wiser than you once were? Actually, you are! And you are becoming smarter still as we speak.

You are going to make some excellent and clever choices this month.

Powerful emotions are now making it hard for you to think straight. Whenever feelings run high, logic tends to lie low.

It can’t compete with the intensity of an unreasonable mood - so it doesn’t even try. But maybe, right now, this is a fine thing. For what you now feel, needs to be felt. It may make no sense, but - until it has been experienced, aired, and expressed - it will not ebb away. Don’t go too far, this month, on the strength of a feeling that you know you can’t properly explain or support - but don’t entirely suppress it either. Soon, the most powerful and predominant emotion of all in your life... will be joy!

Take one small Christmas party balloon.

Blow into it. At first, nothing will happen.

You will need to stretch the material and exhale with all your might before you see a change. But once it starts to expand, it will continue rapidly. Eventually, you will reach a point where you can choose to stop and tie off the neck or keep on puffing till the whole thing explodes in your face. You are breathing life into a hope or plan now. Venus passes through your sign in December. That’s auspicious.

It suggests your effort is starting to pay off.

Just don’t take things too far, too fast... and don’t try too hard when all you need to do is relax.

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

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

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

I can see how close you are now, to reaching a judgement. Your world looks to me, a little like one of those courtrooms in the movies, just after the prosecution has done an excellent job of summing up.

The defence is in tatters. Then suddenly, in through the doors at the back, walks a key witness shouting, ‘Stop! You have to hear the truth now.’ Suddenly, they take all the key facts and put them in a different order to reveal a dramatic new perspective on the matter in question.

A lunar eclipse, just before Christmas, is your chance to learn - and benefit from new discoveries enormously both materially and psychologically.

August 24 - September 23

Are you kidding yourself? Are you believing what you want to believe? If you feel certain that you can’t be, it is likely you can be. Certainty, like gin, is a dangerous intoxicant. In small doses, it lifts the spirit.

In large ones, it destroys discrimination. It is also addictive. The more you have, the more you want. Refrain from indulging this month. Instead, give yourself the benefit of the doubt. Allow yourself to be not so sure of anything that once seemed beyond question and allow your most inspiring fantasies a chance to persuade you that they may be viable. The eclipse implies you’ll enjoy December more than you expect.

Peace, at last. Peace, reassurance and relief. The pressure is off. The tension is easing up. If you don’t feel that by now, you will do soon enough - for some highly encouraging changes are taking place in the sky. The Christmas eclipse is a strong suggestion of comfort and prosperity.

Renewal and reconciliation, attraction and invitation. Will your life be trouble free? Of course not. Never, in all your time on this planet, has it been that way. Still, though, you will see a difference. You are about to get closer to someone from whom you have been feeling uncomfortably estranged and embark on an adventure you truly enjoy.

SCORPIO

THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

169

cultureclash ‘YANOOSAK IS A COMEDY, BUT IT’S ALSO AN ART HOUSE FILM, ONE OF THOSE MOVIES THAT WE USUALLY GET TO SEE IN FESTIVALS.’

facelift

BY YOUMNA CHAGOURY

YANOOSAK gives Lebanese cinema a new image Yanoosak, a Lebanese movie directed

by Beirut Film Festival Award winner Elie Khalife showcased last month in Lebanon. Starring Siegfried Terpoorten and Lebanese actor-director Zeina Daccache (12 Angry Lebanese), the movie unfortunately experienced an early exit from theatres. Yanoosak tells the story of Rudi, a Swiss who relocates to Beirut. He opens a pizzeria in a small alley in Achrafieh, and commences with romances and one-night stands. This tragicomedy, as defined by the director, was worth the watch… and is definitely worth waiting for the DVD, for many reasons.

Yanoosak is fundamentally different. Not only because of its 65 minute format, positioned halfway between the short and the feature film, but also because of its story. “We are used to seeing films about Arabs in Europe, or pictures of a world where people are oppressed and women abused, where men are violent and like blood and bombs,” says Elie Khalife, codirector of the movie. Yanoosak tells the story of a guy who’s looking for a nice Lebanese girlfriend and ends up in prison for helping a friend. He befriends the superintendent and the man his previous girlfriend left him for. In other words, it’s comic fiction. “I wanted to show a Beirut that looks like Stockholm or Amsterdam, not the typical Beirut in ruins. This Beirut exists, even if it’s representative of the Lebanese society.”

Yanoosak is a comedy, but it’s also an art house film, one of those movies that we usually get to see in festivals. The fact that its directors made it available to the general public is a big step for Lebanese cinema. “Those films should

170 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010

ABOVE: DIRECTOR ELIE KHALIFE

be within reach of everyone,” says Elie Khalife, who does not claim to carry the banner of Lebanese cinema. “My movie is not a documentary about the Lebanese society. It’s just a film, and I happen to be Lebanese. Does it have to make my movie a typical Lebanese movie?”

Yanoosak is typical of the financial struggle that plagues Lebanese filmmakers throughout their careers. “Lightly” shot, with very few resources and a small team of 12 people, the movie lagged for 4 years in abeyance due to a lack of means.

Some elements of the film had to be adapted during shooting due to financial constraints. As controversial it may seem, Elie Khalife defends his work, saying there are moments in one’s career where “choices, changes and adaptations must be done. We cannot stay focused on a single idea, knowing it will not succeed.”

However, Khalife wanted to offer film goers the best he could come up with.

The only reason the movie had a short run in theatres was because the directors wanted Yanoosak played with the best technical conditions. The theatres needed their few HD auditoriums to show 3-D movies, and the Yanoosak team didn’t want to show the film in a lesser quality format.

Yanoosak gives a new twist to Lebanese cinema, showing all facets of Beirut, without stagnating on post-war imagery. Being very hard for Lebanese filmmakers to compete with big American productions, one can only hope we support our homegrown talent. Do your part by rushing to theatres for the next Lebanese movie and contribute to an industry losing steam.

Fill up your holiday spirit Heaven for connoisseurs, a unique experience for amateurs, Vintage Wine Cellar welcomes you to celebrate the festive season the finest way. Come discover the widest variety of wines and spirits from across the world… Taste. Learn. Enjoy.

• Glenfiddich • Elit • Grand Cru • Balvenie • Hendricks • Laurent Perrier Rose • etc...

December opening hours: from 10 a.m to 9 p.m including Sundays Saifi Village, Solidere, Lebanon • Tel/Fax: 01-970222 / 01-999797 • P.O. Box: 11-5026 Beirut, Lebanon.

THE SILVER BELLS ISSUE

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172 RAGMAG | DECEMBER 2010