magazine
NOVEMBER 2012
NEW
HORIZONS
YASMINE HAMDAN
KYLIE
MINOGUE IN ABU DHABI
THE MEGASTAR IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
GIVENCHY INDUSTRY INSIDER
BACKSTAGE
PASS
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE NOVEMBER 2012
THE ALTERNATE
REALM OF
PHOTOGRAPHER
ELENA
KALIS AN ENGLISHMAN IN BEIRUT
STING IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW THREE DECADES OF CHART-TOPPING HITS
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THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
MAGAZINE
Publisher Gina Gabriel El-Fady Editor in Chief Fida Z Chaaban Creative Lead Odette Kahwagi Managing Director May Ziade
Photographers Odette Kahwagi Jason Zamora Teddy Habib
Selected images Shutterstock
Webmaster Youmna Chagoury
Contributors Lara Ariss Liliane Assaf Bryan Borzykowski Jonathan Cainer Amal Chaaban Youmna Chagoury Rabih Feghali Maria Frangieh Alice Hlidkova Sarah Hourany J.E.N. Maria-Elena Kassab Imogen Kimber Chris Lambert Sabina Llewellyn-Davies Maha Majzoub Angie Nassar Nour Obaji Jacques Tchabarian Adam Volk
w w w . r a g m a g . c o
@RAGMAGLebanon RAGMAGMagazine RAGMAG
Opinions expressed are based solely on personal opinion and expericence, not reflective in any way of RAGMAG, a division of Raycon s.a.l.
Media Representative
Stylist Jony Matta Public Relations Coordinator Lea El-Alam Marketing Advisor Daniella Tayar Administrative Coordinator Teddy Younes Junior Graphic Designer Eliane Elias
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Printed by Raidy Printing Group
RAGMAG is a division of Raycon s.a.l. Copyright RAGMAG 2012 All Rights Reserved.
Distributor Lebanese Distributor Company Hamra, Axa Middle East bldg. Tel: 01 368 007
PER ISSUE 10,000 LBP 6 ISSUES 50,000 LBP 12 ISSUES 100,000 LBP NOVEMBER 2012
ON OUR COVER Sting Š Norman Jean Roy
Contact us by phone or email to arrange your subscription subscriptions@ragmaglive.com Lea El-Alam +961 9 916 222 / 9 913 777 RAGMAG Alex Gabriel Building, Rue Colomn de Sahel Sahel Alma, Keserwan, Lebanon
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102
16
48
EDITOR’S OPINION 10.19.2012
LEBANON, JUST LEBANON
EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES 104 COPYCAT REAL LIFE RUNWAY
110
ANGLE ANALOGIES
60
THE PRESIDENT WEARS TAG HEUER?
OUR FASHION SHOOT
FASHION LIKE A BOSS
108 FALL FASHION GUIDE BERSHKA DOES IT BETTER
102 INDUSTRY INSIDER
GIVENCHY RTW + BACKSTAGE
40
OUT + ABOUT KEANE IN LEBANON WE GOT BACKSTAGE!
132 FACETS OF FLAVOR VINIFEST 2012
AN ENGLISHMAN
IN BEIRUT
STING THREE DECADES OF CHART-TOPPING HITS
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36
YOU’RE A CRAZY DIAMOND
38
SLIM SHADY IS COMING
66
CULTURE CLASH ANGLES OF WOMEN’S LIB
28
A DIFFERENT DIMENSION
74
DIMENSIONS OF HOLLYWOOD MARKET VALUE
BRIT FLOYD IN LEBANON EMINEM IN ABU DHABI
HAYDA LEBNEN
ELENA KALIS TAKES YOU UNDERWATER
ZOOEY DESCHANEL ANNOYS US
48
AN ENGLISHMAN IN LEBANON
94
KYLIE MINOGUE
STING EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW MEGASTAR IN ABU DHABI
YOU + YOUR COUNTRY 138 AN ALTRUISTIC ANGLE
CUPCAKE BOX GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY
34
THE FINAL FRONTIER GAMING GETS EVEN BIGGER TECH THE THIRD SEX SCIENCE THE DIMENSIONS
ISSUE
NOVEMBER 2012
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THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
74 MON AMOUR, MON AMI 68 SEE YOUR RELATIONSHIP FROM ANOTHER ANGLE BIRD’S EYE VIEW
MIND, BODY + SOUL 70 HELP ME NOUR + RABIH ADVICE
22 MULTIFACETED CHALLENGE POLYLIBAN
MIRROR MIRROR 82 SCENTUAL SCENTS
FRAGRANCE FINDS FOR FALL
84 AUTUMN COSMETICS FOCUS ON YSL SKINCARE + COLOUR
89 M.A.C. GIMME 5
PUT YO HANDS UP, Y’ALL
78 THE TOP ESTABLISHMENTS IN LEBANON SPA REVIEW RECAP
90 LARA SCANDAR FOR RAGMAG HEALTH + BEAUTY BESTS
FML 62 A VIEW OF SOBRIETY
GETTIN’ DRY WITH RAGMAG
KEANE IN LEBANON RAGMAG’S BACKSTAGE PASS SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW!
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40
EAT, DRINK + BE MERRY 136 RESTAURANT REVIEW PANAME BISTRO BAR
134 CHEF TOMAS
3D SENSORIAL DINING
140 DIMENSIONS OF DECADENCE RECIPES TAKE ME WITH YOU 146 ALL ANGLES OF BRATISLAVA TRAVEL 148 OFF THE BEATEN PATH SRI LANKA 152 153 154 155
SEE, SPEAK + HEAR NO EVIL SOUND CHECK MUSIC READ’EM + WEEP BOOKS PLAY NICE GAMES WATCH OUT FILM THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
NOVEMBER 2012
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NOVEMBER 2012
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
Surprising our readers is literally our aim. We jump with joy whenever we are offered an interview, a backstage pass or an exclusive. The month of November brings you 3 exclusives in one amazing issue of RAGMAG. Nothing tops that! Sting, Kylie, and Keane brought straight to your doorstep. We are very grateful to our supporters for the gifts and reader rewards that on a monthly basis give our readers the chance to interact with us. This month a big thank you goes to FORD Middle East and EMI Music Arabia. We would like to also thank Poliakov Vodka Lebanon for backstage passes to one of the best concerts Lebanon has seen this year. We couldn’t continue this month without showing our support to Lebanon and to the victims of Achrafieh. Friday, October 19th will be forever embedded in our memories. On behalf of the staff of RAGMAG, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those whose lives were lost. Our love and respect go to the injured and to those who have lost their homes and their personal effects in hope that what happened in Achrafieh will unite us as one country and one people. To show your support please donate through the appropriate channels and remember that even $1 goes a long way. Please keep us updated on email at publisher@ragmaglive.com and on Twitter @GinaGabriel1. We are always waiting to hear what you have to say. TO SUPPORT ACHRAFIEH FAMILIES, TEXT THE LETTER “A” TO 1105 BY SMS TO DONATE $1 TO YOURHIBAT OR THROUGH BLC DEKWANEH ACCOUNT #100361736. AN AUDITOR WILL BE MONITORING THIS ACCOUNT TO ENSURE THE FUNDS ARE MANAGED PROPERLY.
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THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
NOVEMBER 2012
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EDITOR’S LETTER
BACKSTAGE WITH KEANE
THE
DIMENSIONS ISSUE
BECAUSE THERE’S MORE THAN ONE SIDE TO EVERY ISSUE
O
kay, I know, my headline is a bad pun all around but even I’ve got to have fun sometimes! Generally November is the month we get our 3D on literally, so this year we went the figurative route. 3D was great while it lasted but it’s been done to death and we have to continue to upgrade. Keeping this in mind, we decided to focus on a few of the world’s biggest figures in entertainment. British Platinum artists Keane welcomed us backstage for a pre-concert interview with lead vocals Tom Chaplin (who told a few amusing anecdotes) and drummer Richard Hughes (who waxed eloquent on several different subjects). It was pretty cool that Keane shared our album of pics right on their Facebook page and tweeted at the magazine’s account right before they performed! The guys were great and you can get the full story in our Culture Clash section. My sincerest thanks go out to Poliakov Vodka Lebanon for facilitating our Keane backstage pass! What else? The self-styled “Impossible Princess” Kylie Minogue is heading to Abu Dhabi this month for Yasalam’s After-Race concerts. In addition to sharing our conversation with Kylie, we wanted to keep you up to date on the pop crooner’s newest work. Check that and more out in our Culture Clash section as well. AND FINALLY THE COVER STORY THAT I HAVE BEEN DYING TO SHARE WITH YOU ALL: STING IN LEBANON! Mix FM is bringing the altruistic musical genius to Beirut as part of his ‘Back to Bass’ tour. This is probably the second time in my entire career that I can say I am really blown away- the exclusive interview is a monumental foray into the mind of one of our generation’s truly influential performers. With a career that spans over 25 years, an unmatched discography and a social conscience to boot, Sting still shapes the thoughts of fans across the globe. I hope you enjoy this pre-event feature and I extend my thanks to Mix FM for facilitating it.
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Find me on Twitter @fidachaaban and follow @RAGMAGLebanon for updates and reader rewards that are meant to thank you for being part of RAGMAG. If you think of something that deserves print space, my cyber door is always open. If you haven’t joined us on Facebook and Pinterest yet, we’re looking forward to seeing you on those mediums as well. You are welcome to email me at letterstotheeditor@ragmaglive.com
to send me your thoughts and opinions about this issue. Finally I want to encourage you to subscribe to RAGMAG and make it a part of your life every month. We are the only magazine in Lebanon that talks back. We’re here because of the support and constant encouragement of our loyal readers. It’s Your Magazine.
Fida Z Chaaban | Editor in Chief
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
AVAILABLE AT: NOVEMBER 2012
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
FOR OUR OCTOBER ISSUE WE CONTINUED TO TALK TO YOU VIA OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS- PINTEREST, TWITTER + FACEBOOK. WE THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR COMMENTS AND PARTICIPATION AND HOPE YOU CONTINUE TO INTERACT WITH US ONLINE.
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK AND SCRIBBLE ON OUR WALL TO WIN, WRITE TO US AT LETTERSTOTHEEDITOR@RAGMAGLIVE.COM OR TWEET US ON TWITTER @RAGMAGLEBANON!
IF YOU’RE BRAVE ENOUGH TO TAKE A PIC WITH YOUR FAVORITE ISSUE, SEND IT OUR WAY VIA SOCIAL MEDIA OR EMAIL! YOU’RE ALL SO PINTERESTING, SO PIN US. RAGMAG IT’S YOUR MAGAZINE! RAGMAG reserves the right to edit for clarity and content
We’re showing off some of the best images that our readers sent in via email and Twitter. Thank you to all of the readers who sent us tweets and emails of their copies of RAGMAG.
WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU SO KEEP IT UP!
Here’s a screenshot of Blog Baladi’s “10 Reasons Why I Love RAGMAG Magazine” post. How cool is this? Thanks for the shout out! #ReaderLove
This month, not only did we take you backstage, we also gave away a few signed copies of RAGMAG. The guys from Keane autographed some of our pre-concert teasers and we gave them away to some tweeps that we thought really deserved them. Congrats guys!
Here are the ladies from Red Bull Lebanon with a couple of copies of RAGMAG! #WeGotWings 14 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
READER REWARD
WIN THIS!
The socially conscious group at Ford Middle East are rewarding 2 RAGMAG readers with these cool workout clothes. Each winner will receive 3 items of the 6 pictured below. The t-shirt was designed by Jennifer Aniston with an illustration relating to the movie and details of the Warriors in Pink symbols on the back. “My T-shirt stands for a future in which we no longer have to live in fear of cancer,” Aniston said. “I’ve had an amazing journey working on ‘Five,’ and it was only fitting I was able to bring that energy into the design of this Ford Warriors in Pink t-shirt. I encourage all of you to take a stand against breast cancer and join the brave men and women who are battling the disease as we speak.”
HOW TO WIN
Email letterstotheeditor@ragmaglive.com a downloaded symbol of courage from this link. http://www.warriorsinpink.ford.com/symbols-of-courage
and tell us why that symbol reflects your spirit in 25 words or less. Here’s our Editor’s pick of the Warriors in Pink® Symbols of Courage. The Plant symbol represents “life, growth and survival.”
FORD MIDDLE EAST
WARRIORS IN PINK® BREAST CANCER AWARENESS INITIATIVE
Warriors in Pink®, powered by Ford is dedicated to promoting breast cancer awareness across the globe and Ford is proud of its 18-year support of breast cancer awareness through many global initiatives. Launched in 2006, the Ford Warriors in Pink campaign recognizes the strength and courage it takes to deal with the everyday challenges of fighting breast cancer. “We know that awareness leads to early detection and early detection saves lives,” said Sue Nigoghossian, Ford Middle East’s Brand Communications & Public Affairs manager. “Warriors in Pink, powered by Ford, has always been outspoken about the importance of early detection, as the risk of dying from breast cancer increases greatly when it is diagnosed in later stages.” One of the activities that Ford Middle East will bring to the region
NOVEMBER 2012
this year is the screening of “Five” – five short films that explore the impact of breast cancer on five very different women. Through an interconnected story, the films use humour and drama to focus on these women and their lives at different stages of their diagnoses. The stories look at the effect the disease has on relationships and the way the women perceive themselves while searching for strength, comfort, medical breakthroughs and ultimately a cure. Directors of the movie are Jennifer Aniston, Alicia Keys, Demi Moore, Patty Jenkins and Penelope Spheeris. Shop and give back to the community – 100 percent of the net proceeds goes toward the cause. www.warriorsinpink.ford.com FordMiddleEast FordMiddleEast FordMiddleEast
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THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
EDITOR’S OPINION
The staff of RAGMAG Magazine wondered whether or not this issue was appropriate considering the tragedy that befell Lebanon. After all, we are addressing a frustrated and emotionally scarred readership. Since moving to Beirut just over 30 months ago, I’ve been told time and time again that the people of Lebanon are survivors and I have personally witnessed the miraculous recovery of the collective psyche after every incident. I have been known to accuse the Lebanese of a sort of stubborn amnesia, but I am wrong. I stand corrected. The citizens of this country haven’t forgotten, and they live in mortal fear that the
NOVEMBER 2012
heinous circumstances of war will again come to pass. We grieve with our fellow citizens for the families of the victims of October 19th and we will not forget. If I have learned anything at all from the past two and a half years it is that we are a remarkably resilient population who are able and willing to overcome any hardship. We will not forget but we can move on. This is why we decided to leave the issue as is, and instead devote my opinion editorial as a gesture of strength and solidarity. We condemn all violence and reject all attempts to destabilize this nation. One Country. One People. Lebanon.
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DOLLARS + SENSE
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS KNOWING YOUR INTEREST RATE UPS + DOWNS BY MARIA FRANGIEH
Y
ou’re probably used to hearing in the daily financial news that interest rates increased or decreased and that the market was affected. Do you know how interest rates work? What are interest rates like in Lebanon? In this month’s Dollars + Sense installment, we’re tackling this economic tool and its effect on the economy. First things first, the interest is the price paid for the use of money, determined by the money supply and money demand. In other words, the interest rate is the opportunity cost of investment. Since investment spending is often partly financed by borrowing, the interest rate is also a cash cost. There are many interest rates but in every day conversa-
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tion, it seems as though there is only one type. It’s important to distinguish between nominal interest rates which are laid down in contracts between involved parties, and real interest rates that somehow adjust the nominal ones to take inflation into account. Just like in other resource markets, there is an equilibrium interest rate that will cause the supply of money available to equal the demand for money. This rate can be thought of as the market-determined price that borrowers must pay for using someone else’s money over some period of time. This interest rate will change when the supply and demand ratio shifts. As the “lender of last resort,” the Federal Reserve makes short-term
loans to banks to cover unexpected and immediate needs for additional funds. The rate that the Fed charges the banks is called the discount rate. In providing the loan, the Fed increases the reserves of the borrowing bank. Since there are no required reserves against loans from the Fed, all new reserves are considered excess reserves. As such, they enhance the ability of the bank to lend. In an inverse relationship, if the Fed raises the discount rate, it discourages banks from borrowing, and if it lowers the rate, it encourages banks to borrow. Here what concerns us is the interest defined as the price paid for the use of money, determined by the money supply and money demand.
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
DIMENSIONAL ANALYSIS | KNOWING YOUR INTEREST RATE UPS + DOWN
TEAMWORK POLICY MAKING IN TANDEM Interest rates are set within institutional agreements. The impact of the central bank policy on these agreements is very powerful, through the instrument of direct determination of official discount rate or the rate for refinancing operations. An increase of money offered in the interbank market by the central bank is conducive to a fall in the interbank rate, upon which many contracts are based. The Ministry of Finance and the international tendencies also have an impact on the interest rates agreements. In Lebanon the Central Bank has the last word in determining the interest rates level. Our Central Bank, Banque du Liban, coordinates their policies objectives with the policies of the Lebanese government to ensure consistency.
NOVEMBER 2012
DOWN IN THE DUMPS? Traditionally, low interest rates are thought to have positive effects on the planned investment, causing total planned spending to change and positively affecting equilibrium income. What does a low interest rate mean for the general population and for corporations? Nowadays, during the period where interest rates are low, many pessimistic views appear. Low interest rates can lead to asset bubbles or hurt people and organizations that depend on funding from fixed-income investments (such as NGOs). In addition to discouraging people from saving money, a serious criticism of low interest rates is the limited job creation: companies sit on cash and don’t invest. Why would a company stockpile cash? Because banks benefit from this low interest rate by making riskless investments rather
than engaging in offers to improve job creation. This in turn is riskier and requires more effort- accordingly, organizations will not be encouraged to engage in new investments when there is a state of limited job creation.
A SERIOUS CRITICISM OF LOW INTEREST RATES IS THE LIMITED JOB CREATION: COMPANIES SIT ON CASH AND DON’T INVEST
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DOLLARS + SENSE
OUTBOUND We’ve already established that interest rates levels are partly determined on domestic factors. What influence do external factors and financial markets have? As stated above, there are different types of interest rates that interact and affect each other; therefore interest rates fluctuations are mostly explained by the functioning of financial markets and their international relationships. Other factors that play an important role in determining the interest rate level are economic performance, perspective and the expectations of potential loan receivers. It is important to note that domestic conditions are influenced by international tendencies- especially that current financial markets are not limited to the domestic market, but are a part of a global landscape where there is growing co-operation among central banks. WHAT’S UP, LEBANON? Compared to the major central banks rates, with the exception of Australia, Lebanon’s benchmark interest rate is high. Such an elevated interest rate indicates less confidence in the country’s economy and the risk attached to the financial transactions in the country. You’ll find a table summarizing the benchmark interest rates per countries and the date when the central bank last changed them. So now that you know your interest rates and the ins and outs of how it affects business in Lebanon, if you were a business owner, would you hang on to your cash? You can tweet your thoughts at us: @RAGMAGLebanon with the hashtag #InterestRates and vote to save or spend
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AROUND THE WORLD GLOBAL STATUS CENTRAL BANKS + EXISTING INTEREST RATES
MAJOR CENTRAL BANKS OVERVIEW
CURRENT RATE
LAST CHANGE
Central Bank Bank of Canada Bank of England Bank of Japan European Central Bank Federal Reserve Swiss National Bank The Reserve Bank of Australia
1.00% 0.50% 0.10% 0.75% 0.25% 0.00% 3.50%
9/8/10 3/5/09 12/19/08 7/5/12 12/16/08 8/3/11 6/5/12
9.25% 5.00%
11/24/11 7/19/12
3.50% 6.00% 0.50% 8.00% 5.75% 0.10% 3.00% 2.50% 5.50% 1.88%
6/5/12 7/5/12 12/17/08 4/17/12 2/9/12 12/19/08 7/12/12 3/9/11 12/18/08 7/1/11
Europe Czech Republic Denmark European Monetary Union Hungary Iceland Norway Poland Romania Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom
0.75% 1.25% 0.75% 6.75% 5.75% 1.50% 4.75% 5.25% 1.25% 0.00% 0.50%
5/6/10 7/8/11 7/5/12 8/28/12 6/13/12 3/14/12 5/9/12 3/29/12 9/6/12 8/3/11 3/5/09
Middle East Bahrain Turkey Lebanon
2.75% 5.75% 2.75%
12/18/08 8/5/11 Oct-11
North America Canda United States
1.00% 0.25%
9/8/10 12/16/08
South America Brazil Chile Colombia
7.50% 5.00% 5.00%
8/29/12 1/12/12 7/27/12
Africa Egypt South Africa Asia Pacific Australia China Hong Kong SAR India Indonesia Japan Korea, Republic of New Zealand Philippines Taiwan
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
presents
In support of the breast cancer association Faire Face
A Music, Dance, Poetry and Photography Spectacle
featuring
Alexandre Paulikevitch, Kim Baraka, Marwa Khalil, and Joe Kesrouani in collaboration with Krikor Jabotian 14th of November, 2012 Music Hall, 8:30pm For reservations: 03-815585 or 70-857221 NOVEMBER 2012
info@oderose.net | oderose.net
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Photography by Joe Kesrouani. Design by Studio Safar
Ghada Shbeir
MIND, BODY+SOUL
AIN’T NO
MOUNTAIN
HIGH ENOUGH POLYLIBAN’S MULTIFACETED CHALLENGE BY SABINA LLEWELLYN-DAVIES
“DURING THE TOUR WE DISCOVER MORE ABOUT OUR OWN COUNTRY, FOR EXAMPLE THIS YEAR WE WILL CYCLE TO MARJAYOUN, I HAVE NEVER BEEN THERE BEFORE” “I read somewhere... how important it is in life not necessarily to be strong... but to feel strong,” wrote Jon Krakauer in his book “Into the Wild,” an account of Christopher McCandless’ notorious expedition in Alaska. Were the organizers of Polyliban, a four day cycling tour across Lebanon, aware that the adventurer never made it out of the wilderness alive when they dubbed their event “Into the Wild”? George Khoury, a muscular 33 yearold participant, certainly looked strong enough to tackle an Alaska expedition and was raring to go on the eve of the event with no time to spare for such insignificant details. “Such events are important in this country to motivate other Lebanese to be more athletic. During
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the tour we discover more about our own country, for example this year we will cycle to Marjayoun, I have never been there before,” said George. “And, I love the great outdoors… [sic] am really looking forward to camping outdoors under the stars after a long day of riding.” For four days he cycled an average of 100km per day from the Cedars in north Lebanon to Marjayoun in the south passing through Tannourine, Faraya, Zahle, Ammiq, Aana and Jezzine. Before tackling this cycling feat he needed to complete the grueling Polyathlon, a marathon combination of rafting, archery, swimming, biking and trekking, starting at the seaside town of Byblos, Lebanon. He joined one hundred and
ten athletes from three countries, to raft in the sea for 3km, and then swim for 2km. After that, they cycled an arduous 84km uphill to reach the Cedars of Becharreh. They then hiked for 12 km to reach the summit of Qornet el Sawda, Lebanon’s highest summit, in just 24 hours.
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH | POLYLIBAN’S MULTIFACETED CHALLENGE
ing the word about Lebanon’s beautiful mountains and its hospitable inhabitants who welcomed the cyclists with cheers and delicious food. And, George finally got to see Marjayoun. “I love biking and I loved the challenge… after the event we all became friends and will continue to bike together.” He is already considering joining the Polygiro, a tour passing through Switzerland and France by bike, cycling around 170km a day for 10 days. He feels strong, looks strong, and, after completing the Polyliban, definitely is strong
The event kicked off with a pasta party in Byblos where Tina Comaty, a keen athlete and vice president of the ADPL (Association du Polyliban), and Carole Akl, one of the organizers, pumped the participants with carbs. “For the next few days, the polyathletes will live into the wild without phones or internet,” said Carole. Lebanese Army Commander General Jean Kahwaji was also on hand to encourage the participants, which included ten members of the Lebanese Army. Tina pointed out the noncompetitive aspect of the Polyathlon- it’s all about team spirit, so no timings are clocked. “The true success for us is to bring Lebanese from different backgrounds together, to live adventures and help each other to achieve the challenge.” After a briefing everyone hit the sack, literally, and for the next week they slept rough in sleeping bags, and braced themselves for a 3am start.
48-year-old Abdo Abdo Nader participated for the second time and this year he was joined by his 17-year-old son Johnny. “I really wanted him to join, it’s such a great experience to cycle with people from different backgrounds.” Maya Bou Nassar, a participant since 2009 and active member of the organizing committee agrees and encourages more women to take part. “It’s great to participate, to push ourselves to the limit… this is a wonderful sense of achievement.” Thankfully, all the participants made it out of the wild alive and kicking. Theo Fleurent, a 22 yearold French student, was on a high: “My friend told me how great the tour was so I came. My mum was a bit worried as she thinks that there is war going on in Lebanon right now.” Unfortunately the rest of Europe agrees with her and only 2 foreigners flew in to participate this year. Theo is back in France and spread-
“THE TRUE SUCCESS FOR US IS TO BRING LEBANESE FROM DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS TOGETHER, TO LIVE ADVENTURES AND HELP EACH OTHER TO ACHIEVE THE CHALLENGE” NOVEMBER 2012
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THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
FIVE
REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD ADD YOUR FACE TO THE #NOV22 FLAG BY ANGIE NASSAR of Beirut.com for RAGMAG
This year, celebrate Independence Day of Lebanon by adding your face to a huge Lebanese flag that’s going to be unveiled in downtown Beirut. All you have to do is log on to our website at ragmag.co and add your Twitter or Facebook profile pic, and then bam! You’re on the #Nov22 flag. Powered by Beirut.com, we decided to jump on the bandwagon to celebrate the national holiday a la 2012: by going digital! Still not convinced? Here are five reasons to pledge allegiance online with us and Beirut.com
1. Why bring your own flag when you can be on a giant Lebanese flag in the heart of downtown Beirut? 2. Leave your political rage at home, the #Nov22 flag is all about showing your love for the country, not for politicians or parties. 3. Nothing says unity like sharing an oversized poster with complete strangers. Never have we seen such a cool, easy way to express your patriotic spirit. 4. It is going to be super awkward when you find out that everyone you know - even Teta - has their face on the flag except you. 5. Picture this: your face plastered on a flag that’s half the size of a building. Come down to see the big reveal organized by the Beirut Celebrations team on November 22. Let’s get the hashtag going- we want to see some viral action here #Nov22 and tag us both @BeirutCityGuide @RAGMAGLebanon
NOVEMBER 2012
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LB.BCAC.090.10.12
* Take the Burden off your Chest
An annual mammogram is recommended starting at the age of forty, even if there are no medical signs. Until the end of the year, the campaign offers in: • Public Hospitals: - The mammogram free of charge - The breast ultrasound for 30,000 LBP (if needed) • Private Hospitals and Medical Centers: -The mammogram for 40,000 LBP -The breast ultrasound for 40,000 LBP (if needed)
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THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
NEW + NOW
Name that Tune MedNet Liban sal has officially changed its name to GlobeMed Lebanon sal, unveiling its new identity during a press conference held on Thursday, September 27, at La Magnanerie. H.E. Mr. Michel Pharaon, Chairman of Murex Holding, inaugurated the conference by welcoming the company’s key partners, clients, stakeholders and media representatives and thanking them for their presence. Roger Nasnas, Chairman of GlobeMed Lebanon, took the audience back to the creation of the company, when the founders had “a vision, 20 years ago, of a company managing the relationship between the different stakeholders of the healthcare sector” at a time when the country was suffering from serious health problems and a significant lack in health insurance services. “The company that we built together,” added Nasnas, “is the reflection of our commitment, a commitment based on three dimensions: the institutional, the social and the economical”. Mounir Kharma, CEO of GlobeMed Lebanon, reviewed the expansion of the GlobeMed group throughout the Middle Eastern and African countries, namely in Lebanon, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar,
UAE, Bahrain, Jordan, Egypt, Palestine and Nigeria, and he also stressed on the growing need to join all these affiliate operations under one unified name. “Today, GlobeMed offers international and cross border services to over 80 client insurers, and manages more than 2 million lives through a network that exceeds 500,000 healthcare providers worldwide,” he explained. Finally, Walid Hallassou, General Manager of GlobeMed Lebanon,
unveiled GlobeMed’s new logo and brand identity, highlighting the beliefs that inspired the change. “A new, dynamic and modern image of a visionary company with years of experience that represents GlobeMed’s values: care, innovation, expertise and transparency,” stated Hallassou. With this new identity, GlobeMed Lebanon asserts its global status and belonging, while preserving its values and strive for excellence.
Green Light HIV and AIDS were put to the test recently, at the first ever RED Party held at SkyBar Beirut, when Lebanese fashion designer and initiator of ColoRED Moe Khadra volunteered for an HIV test live on stage. RED party was created by ColoRED, a society whose aim is to promote HIV and AIDS awareness, while simultaneously rebelling against prejudice. All money raised at the RED party was donated to MARSA sexual health center in Beirut. ColoRED also provides support for NGOs. ColoRED first appeared six months ago when Moe Khadra created a fan page on Facebook, inviting friends and people to upload “red” images. “It was just a vague idea back then,” he says “and it would have remained just an idea had I not met the dedicated team who helped me take this idea and give it roots.” The team, and now cofounders of ColoRED, includes Moe Khadra, Paola Rebeiz, Tony Khayat, Emile Meouchy, Amine Boulos and Manal Abou Mrad Moubarak, all of whom worked tirelessly on different aspects of the event. The RED party, which drew a crowd of 650 plus and included people from abroad, as well as many Ambassadors, was an HIV/AIDS charity event with a difference. “Unlike the usual charity event, there was a distinct party vibe throughout the entire evening,” said Khadra, who also runs his own fashion design label, MOK.
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CULTURE CLASH
RIGHT: ELENA KALIS, FROM THE SERIES “OCEAN SONG”
AN ALTOGETHER
DIFFERENT DIMENSION Underwater photographer Elena Kalis takes one plunge after the next BY MAHA MAJZOUB
T
he world is not enough for Elena Kalis. Land is too flat boring for her taste. She prefers the unfathomable possibilities presented by the sea, hence delving into underwater photography some five years ago and finding success by fully giving in to the deep blue. “The underwater environment is dreamlike and lucid and just a different world overall. I feel a fusion of respect, awe, sensuality, and mystery when shooting underwater and in the ocean in particular,” says Kalis. “I like how different things and people look underwater, movements are graceful and free and it has an otherworldly quality that is difficult to achieve on land,” continues the Russian native who with her husband and two children moved to a small island in the Bahamas a dozen years ago. This is where Kalis spends most of her waking hours – and often with her camera – capturing the shifting shapes, lights, and colors down under, where the water defies the laws of gravity and where freedom knows no boundaries.
FLUID FANTASIES
With the help of her trusted companion, the Canon EOS 5D Mark II, Kalis composes photo essays and photographic series that she romantically describes as “emotional fairytales”. This is clear as day in her “Dreamland” series, where her subjects are reveling in the beauty and mystique of “the other dimension” they find themselves in. This also evident in “Ocean Song”, as her lithe young models follow ballerina silhouettes and dance – at times in trancelike fashion – to the music they 28 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co
alone seem able to hear. The fairytale-like quality is all the more vivid in “Alice in Waterland”, Kalis’ very own reading of the Lewis Carroll classic and favorite book of all time “Alice in Wonderland”. It occurred to the artist that being underwater was akin to the place Alice found herself in when she fell in the rabbit hole or when she jumped to the other side of the mirror – both instances were different perceptions of reality. From there, Kalis kept pushing the walls of her imagination, coming up with intriguing possibilities for Alice’s adventures in a parallel universe. Sometimes playful at other times unsettling, the resultant images took two long years to come to fruition. “I can’t say that the series is finished even now. I still have a lot of ideas to try,” Kalis remarks. Like all of her collections, “Alice in Waterland” is an unfinished “work in progress”. This series shares another commonality with her ongoing projects, as Kalis cast a recurring muse for the role of Alice, her daughter. “When we started playing Wonderland underwater, Sacha was 10, which is the same age as Carroll’s Alice,” says Kalis, alluding to her youngling as “a natural THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
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CULTURE CLASH
mermaid who could swim before she could walk; a perfect little underwater model.” It also doesn’t hurt that the nimble tweenie is easy to work with. “She understands very well what I want to capture in the image,” the proud mother stresses before adding, “It’s not easy to find models who are graceful and relaxed underwater. It’s a gift only few people possess.”
GOING UNDER
Kalis’ pictures charm not for their appreciation of wildlife in the sea, as the case is with her more famous counterpart David Doubilet. Her images, which have graced the covers of books and
CDs and featured as magazine spreads, are more feminine and carry softer undertones, yet they deviate from the paths of celebrated underwater fashion photographers such as Zena Holloway or Alix Malka. For the most part, Kalis narrates sweet stories with happy endings although she is not afraid to display at times the more somber side of the water. In “Dark Water”, she paints more unnerving images of such things as death and suffering. “Like everything in life, there are opposite forces at play,” Kalis argues, adding, “Water sustains all life but it can also take it away. Tragedies like Hurricane Katrina and the Japan tsunami are reminders of that.”
HEAD ABOVE WATER
Before she takes the plunge, Kalis does some basic prepping and planning of both theme as well as location. “Ideas can take a very long time or they might just pop up out of blue,” she says. The surprise element is also always present. “You never know what you will get at the end of the day. It’s unpredictable and exciting.” Kalis also prefers taking a dip in the ocean to the pool, which she generally resorts to when weather conditions don’t allow or when she has to fix the props for “an image that may not be possible in the ocean”. Shooting mostly on sunny days near surface, Kalis attempts to use natural light as much as possible, sometimes enlisting the help of underwater Sola light. Kalis and her team usually spend no more than one hour underwater for a single shoot, and she explains why: “Underwater photography is very physically demanding for both the model as well as myself, as I capture about 400 frames during each shoot.” Only few images make it to editing. The rest are thrown away. “The underwater studio is much more difficult to control than the normal studio,” concurs the artist, but this total immersion in the sea is both a source of challenge as well as an endless well of creativity to her. “The ocean is vast and multifaceted. One day, it is bright, sunny, and fun. The other, it can be the complete opposite. I can never get tired of it and it is my daily dose of inspiration,” adds Kalis, demonstrating an undyingly deep submission to the big blue. www.elenakalisphoto.com
“THE UNDERWATER STUDIO IS MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO CONTROL THAN THE NORMAL OPPOSITE PAGE: ELENA KALIS, FROM THE SERIES “DARK WATER” LEFT: ELENA KALIS, FROM THE SERIES “ALICE IN WATERLAND”
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THE FINAL FRONTIER
THIRD SEX A DISCUSSION ON GENDER DIMENSIONS BY J.E.N.
G
ender has long been a focus of debate. Are the traits we associate with masculine and feminine behavior the result of nature (genetics) or nurture (the way we’re raised)? Is gender really a performance as contemporary theorist Judith Butler claims, with us all assuming roles on the stage of life? The debate is still ongoing, but in recent years a new facet has emerged: that of sex. Sex (whether a being is biologically male or female) was thought to be clear cut and unchangeable. A simple equation of an X chromosome combining with a Y chromosome or an X combining with another X. But the deeper science has delved into the animal kingdom, the more apparent that sex can be more complex than that. Why? Because there are creatures in our world that can change sex or assume traits solely associated with the opposite sex.
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We all remember our amazement in school when we learned that male sea horses get pregnant and carry their cute little babies in a pouch. And we all know that some humans are born intersexual, neither male nor female. In these instances though male sea horses are still male (they don’t change sex), and intersexuality is not very common in humans. However in the world there are wondrous creatures that actually change their sex (sequential hermaphrodites) or the entire species are simultaneous hermaphrodites (meaning that they have both male and female reproductive parts at the same time). A familiar example of a simultaneous hermaphrodite is a creepy crawly we see practically every day: the earthworm. While simultaneous hermaphrodites are interesting, sequential hermaphrodites are even more so. There are two main types of sequential hermaphrodites.
Protandy You can even is when pull aa game creature downis toborn the male GamePad but ifthen someone later wants becomes to watch female. TV. Protogyny Wii Tvii is isa when cool feature a creature Nintendo is born is female adding but to boost then the becomes sexiness male. of the Clownconfish sole.(like Via the adorable GamePad, Nemoyou from can“Finding interact Nemo”) with yourexhibit TV to protandy. say recordIf athere program are no on females cable using in a given your DVR. community, Some counsome of tries thewill males enjoy can access changetosex Netflix, so theyAmacan reproduce. zon Instant Another Video, YouTube, kind of fish, and wrassmore. es, Theexhibit Miiverse protogyny. is anotherWrasses juicy addition. are born male or female but some of the females can become male later on in life.
IF THERE ARE NO FEMALES IN A GIVEN COMMUNITY, SOME OF THE MALES CAN CHANGE SEX SO THEY CAN REPRODUCE THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
THIRD SEX | A DISCUSSION ON GENDER DIMENSIONS
THERE IS STILL MUCH TO DISCOVER AND FURTHER STUDIES ARE NEEDED TO UNRAVEL THE MYSTERIES OF LIFE IN THE ANTARCTIC AND ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD A new study by researchers from the National Oceanography Center in Southampton suggests that lissarca miliaris (Antarctic mollusks) can switch sex to reproduce in cold climates. Instead of focusing on the female population like previous research has, the team opted to focus their attention on the males. And this was when they made this fascinating discovery. Adam Reed, lead author of the study describes the findings: “Curiously, we found huge numbers of very small eggs in functional males, which appear to be far higher in number than an individual could brood throughout the life of the animal.” In other words, eggs are present in males. Reed explains that this sex change is not super common at the moment but may be in the near future due to evolution, explaining that “at present the traits we describe are unusual for Antarctic bivalves, but in 10
NOVEMBER 2012
years perhaps this will be common too. Hermaphroditism is not necessarily uncommon in Antarctic bivalves, and with many species still to study there may be many more to describe.” Brooding (taking care of and hatching several eggs at the same time) is fairly common in Antarctic invertebrates most likely due to the harsh conditions. The intense cold slows development and this in turn makes feeding the larvae even more taxing for the parent. Brooding gets around this challenge by cutting down the need for extended feeding. Since bivalves are geared towards optimizing their reproductive effectiveness, this ability to change sexes could very well be part and parcel of this. Another interesting find was that “after males become female, the male reproductive tissue persists for a long time,” said Reed. There is still much to discover and fur-
ther studies are needed to unravel the mysteries of life in the Antarctic and elsewhere in the world. One crucial question remains: being able to change sex seems extremely advantageous and yet why are there so few species that can do so? Wouldn’t natural selection and survival of the fittest have made this trait more common in the animal kingdom by now? In the March 2009 issue of “American Naturalist”, a report by Yale researchers hypothesizes that it is highly plausible that the costs outweigh the benefits since it is a time and energy consuming process
AFTER MALES BECOME FEMALE, THE MALE REPRODUCTIVE TISSUE PERSISTS FOR A LONG TIME
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THE FINAL FRONTIER
PLAYING THE GAME FROM ALL ANGLES
NINTENDO HITS THE MARKET WITH THE Wii U BY J.E.N.
T
he gaming industry has reached an interesting juncture. With the growing popularity of casual gaming on social networking sites, mobile phones and tablets, do hardcore gaming consoles still command the market demand they used to? Well Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony are getting ready to get their game on with new consoles and a new contender is coming onto the playing field by taking a new approach to consoles.
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After the major success of the Wii, Nintendo is hitting the market with the Wii U this month. But will the new console capture the hearts of casual gamers, women and families like its predecessor did? Quite possibly since Nintendo is a master of innovation: the Wii was an entirely new system and the Wii U is one too. The Wii U goes beyond a funky GamePad that has traditional Nintendo control buttons in addition to a touch screen, motion control, a front-facing
camera, stereo speakers, a microphone, a sensor bar, rumble features (so you can feel the action) and even Near Field Communications (NFC). The result is gameplay with a twist and even a different way of viewing the game since whatever is on the TV is complemented with the visual display on the GamePad. You can even pull a game down to the GamePad if someone wants to watch TV. Wii Tvii is a cool feature Nintendo is adding to boost the sexiness of the console. Via the GamePad, you can interact with your TV to say record a program on cable using your DVR. Some countries will enjoy access to Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, YouTube, and more. The Miiverse is another juicy addition.
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
PLAYING THE GAME FROM ALL ANGLES | NINTENDO HITS THE MARKET WITH THE Wii U
THE MOST EXCITING THING IS THE NFC WHICH LETS YOU BRING IN REAL OBJECTS FROM THE PHYSICAL WORLD INTO THE GAME PLAY It’s an online gaming community you can access using a character you create (your Mii). The Miiverse is a place you can ask questions about games, challenge others to play and more. Nintendo has also added an online shop you can download games from, a video chat function, an internet browser and TV remote functions. But the most exciting thing is the NFC which lets you bring in real objects from the physical world into the game play. One of the advantages of Nintendo’s consoles is the price, always more affordable than Xboxs and PlayStations.
The Xbox 720 (expected release date Q4 2013) and PlayStation 4 (expected release date 2014) are on the horizon. Unfortunately nothing 100 percent concrete is known about these consoles. The firms are being rather hush-hush about things and most of the info available is from the rumor-mill: there’s talk of super-powerful processors, incredible graphics and even augmented reality. But is super high-tech the future of gaming? Or is affordable and accessible gaming going to take the lead? The OUYA will hit the market in early 2013 and has been made possible by
IS SUPER HIGH-TECH THE FUTURE OF GAMING? OR IS AFFORDABLE AND ACCESSIBLE GAMING GOING TO TAKE THE LEAD? NOVEMBER 2012
the power of crowd funding. In fact, it is Kickstarter’s most impressive success story yet, attracting tens of thousands of backers. The modest Android based console is open source and hence easy to hack. The OUYA only costs $99 and the games will be free or super cheap. Droves of indie developers are already in on the game and many of our favourite Android mobile phone games will be modified for it. OUYA has already attracted much attention, but will it be a true success or will it be upped by established Android market giants (like Samsung) who may decide to create a similar console or to include gaming features in their TVs? And will people want to play simple mobile phone like games on their TVs? If we want to look at things from different angles for a better perspective of the future of the gaming industry, nothing is clear yet. The game is on. Which console will are you rooting for?
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OUT+ABOUT
BRIT FLOYD THE PINK FLOYD EXPERIENCE RIGHT HERE IN LEBANON Last year’s Brit Floyd event welcomed over 6500 guests at the Forum de Beyrouth raring to go and eager to see the audiovisual extravaganza. Here’s a few snapshots from their 2011 visit to give you an idea of what you’re in for! This year’s show, brought to you by the party peeps at Poliakov Vodka Lebanon, part of their 2012 “A Foot in the Door” World Tour, will take place on Saturday, December 22nd at Biel. The Liverpool Echo gave the show rave reviews: “Brit Floyd are up there with the best… it’s as close to the original Pink Floyd as you’re going to get!” We’ll see you all there at the great gig in the sky! www.britfloyd.com
@BritFloyd
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britfloydshow
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GET YOUR PLAYLIST TOGETHER! The BRIT FLOYD “A Foot in the Door” show will include best-loved tracks! Here’s some of the catalogue you can expect to see, guaranteed to be part of the event. Our fave? “Shine On You Crazy Diamond”, of course! “I don’t know how they do it, I really don’t. If you want the loud, exciting, electrifying hairs on the back on your neck greatest-hits package, then this is the band for you.” Reviewed by CRACK MAGAZINE
HEY YOU SEE EMILY PLAY THE HAPPIEST DAYS OF OUR LIVES ANOTHER BRICK IN THE WALL HAVE A CIGAR WISH YOU WERE HERE TIME THE GREAT GIG IN THE SKY MONEY COMFORTABLY NUMB ECHOES HIGH HOPES LEARNING TO FLY THE FLETCHER MEMORIAL HOME SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMOND BRAIN DAMAGE ECLIPSE RUN LIKE HELL NOVEMBER 2012
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OUT+ABOUT
LOSE YOURSELF
IN ABU DHABI! FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, EMINEM HEADS TO THE MIDDLE EAST “I CREATED A MONSTER / ‘CAUSE NOBODY WANTS TO SEE MARSHALL NO MORE / THEY WANT SHADY / I’M CHOPPED LIVER!” -Without Me Marshall Mathers, the man credited with changing rap and hip hop genres forever, will be performing in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates on November 4th, 2012. Reputably the most expensive performer in the world, Eminem lays claim to 14 Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Some of our fave videos? “Without Me” with producer Dr. Dre (as Rap Boy, his version of Batman’s Robin), “Love the Way You Lie” with Rihanna, “You Don’t Know” with 50 Cent (where he pulls a bit of Hannibal Lecter stunt), and club staple track “No Love” with Lil Wayne. We’re playing all his beats on repeat until the big concert. See you all in AD for the F1™!
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RAP BATTLES GAINING STREET CRED “The best rapper is a white guy.” 50 Cent for Esquire Magazine
The street-savvy rapper faced considerable difficulties before he was taken seriously as a white guy in a predominately black genre of music. Check out the timeline of his existing discography- Eminem has collaborated with almost every major rapper in the biz. The highly anticipated eighth studio album reportedly will be released next year.
1996
INFINITE November 12, 1996 Tracks featuring Proof & DJ Head , Eye-Kyu, Mr. Porter & Three, Thyme.
1999
THE SLIM SHADY LP February 23, 1999 Tracks featuring Dr. Dre
2000
THE MARSHALL MATHERS LP May 23, 2000 Tracks featuring Dido, RBX & Sticky Fingaz, Dina Rae, Bizarre, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Xzibit & Nate Dogg, D12
2002
THE EMINEM SHOW May 28, 2002 Tracks featuring Obie Trice, Dina Rae, D12, Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg, Hailie Jade
2004
ENCORE November 12, 2004 Tracks featuring 50 Cent & Nate Dogg, Obie Trice, Stat Quo , D12, Dr. Dre
2009
RELAPSE May 15, 2009 Tracks featuring Dr. Dre, 50 Cent
2010
RECOVERY June 18, 2010 Tracks featuring Kobe, P!nk, Lil Wayne, Rihanna
SEE HISTORY GO DOWN Eminem will hit the stage after the 2012 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Yasalam After-Race Concerts are staged at the du Arena, Yas Island, exclusively for F1™ ticket holders. Race tickets include the Y1 Access package, which gives value-added benefits during the race weekend, including access to all three Yasalam After-Race Concerts, as well as exclusive live concert ticket discounts running throughout the year. Get your tickets www.thinkflash.ae Grand Prix tickets www.yasmarinacircuit.com NOVEMBER 2012
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OUT+ABOUT
KEANE IN LEBANON RAGMAG’S BACKSTAGE PASS
SOMEWHERE ONLY WE KNOW! We got out + about for Keane’s October 13 concert in Lebanon! To rev up for the big show, we had a Twitter conversation with Keane fans and asked them what they wanted to know about the band. We didn’t want to keep all the fun to ourselves so we gave away 4 tickets on social media a week before the big show courtesy of the event gurus at Poliakov Lebanon! Lead vocals Tom Chaplin and drummer Richard Hughes chilled with us for a quick interview preshow. Poliakov, we’re counting on you to bring Keane back again, we’re officially “Strangers” now! photography jason zamora
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OUT+ABOUT
TOM CHAPLIN TALKS BACK We asked Tom Chaplin a few questions from our tweeps that came to us on our account a few hours before the concert! @Jad_Aw, the self-professed “biggest and freakiest Keane fan”, wanted to know if the band would be coming back. “Definitely, this is our second show here and we love the people!” @MHijazi wanted to know where the true location is of their hit song “Somewhere Only We Know”? “Well, it’s your happy place. A place you go to you know, feel a safe haven. It doesn’t have to be a physical place, it can be anywhere that makes you feel that way.”
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@Nadin_Hachem asked Tom to marry her despite being married already. He laughingly joked, “I’m already married but well, if we could work something out, sure I don’t see why not. Some belief system that might allow it, of course.” @RicciSnows wanted to know how the @Alesso remix helped? “It really did help. Obviously we collaborate on remixes with DJs and stuff and we hear the songs before they get out there.”
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
RAGMAG’S TOP TOM QUOTE
“ONE TIME A FAN SORT OF ATTACHED HERSELF TO ME. SHE GRABBED ME AROUND THE WAIST AND I LITERALLY COULD NOT GET LOOSE!”
NOVEMBER 2012
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OUT+ABOUT
RICHARD HUGHES TALKS BACK
OPPOSITE PAGE, RIGHT TO LEFT: KEANE FACEBOOK PAGE, KEANE PERFORMING AT THE FORUM DE BEYROUTH LEFT: KEANE’S DRUMMER RICHARD HUGHES, BACKSTAGE
@RichardKeane
How did the band feel about coming to Lebanon with the current political situation? “Well, Damascus is what 60 miles away or something? Obviously we know that in the region there’s been a lot of quite chaotic [events]. There’s also been a lot of quite positive changes in the last couple of years in the countries here. Obviously we keep an eye on what’s going on, but Tim [Rice-Oxley] and I were wandering around earlier today, we hung out and had a coffee. It’s a very liberal city- it’s a lot like one of the bohemian parts of Berlin. It’s amazing. We went to a bookshop cafe called ‘Papercup’ [in Gemmayzeh], it’s fun to come [to Beirut]. It’s a wonderful place.” How does the band feel about performing in Beirut? “For us as a band it’s a good thing to be able to do. The last record, ‘Perfect Symmetry’, was quite a political record-
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there’s war and religion and the way that people kind of interact and get on with each other, and actually it was lovely coming to Beirut and seeing how the city had recovered. Seeing all these people from different belief systems and different backgrounds coming together in one place to listen to music- we felt kind of proud about it. It was quite an emotional thing, quite resonant.” What shapes the message in their music? “I think the only things that kind of govern what we do are our principals about lifewe have some of those kind of hippie-ish tendencies: believing in peace and kind of getting on with each other. That’s all it stems from, I don’t think there is any kind of greater agenda. The thing about U2 that I think kind of gets on people’s noses is that they’re quite politically active, they can seem a bit kind of moralizing at
times. We’re more about getting people together, trying to think about peace and love and all those things and music is a great way to do it.” Keeping in mind the Middle East situation, what message do they want to convey? “One of the things I’ve noticed travelling the world is that there is a remarkable similarity between kids the world over. We’ve just come back from Asia, we played in Russia this year, and now we’re here in Beirut. Do we have a message for the kids [in the Middle East]? I think kids sort of know what the difference is between right and wrong and know good and bad and I don’t think they need anyone telling them. For us getting the chance to come here and see this part of the world is a privilege. I don’t think we’re about to start telling people how to live their lives here because they know a lot more about it than we do”
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“SEEING ALL THESE PEOPLE FROM DIFFERENT BELIEF SYSTEMS AND DIFFERENTBACKGROUNDS COMING TOGETHER IN ONE PLACE TO LISTEN TO MUSIC- WE FELT KIND OF PROUD ABOUT IT” NOVEMBER 2012
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RAGGED
3DFACTS ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
When Christopher Nolan released his mastermind “Inception” in 2-D, he shied away from 3D technology despite being a big bucks generator for production studios. Nolan said that he felt he would be constricted by 3D technology when it came to shooting the movie, but he did consider post-converting it. He then justified the latest Batman movie being shot in 2D saying that the larger-than-life character isn’t really compatible with the feel of 3D. Apparently, most moviegoers were pleased with Nolan’s refusal to bow down to the 3D-obsessed studios.
14.12. 2012 Never one to shy away from enormous projects, Peter Jackson decided to tackle JRR Tolkien’s epic prequel to the “Lord of the Rings” series and make it into not 1, not 2, but 3 movies. “The Hobbit”, split into “An Unexpected Journey” (2012), “The Desolation of Smaug” (2013) and “There and Back Again” (2014) stars Martin Freeman as Bilbo, Richard Armitage as Thorin Oakenshield and Benedict Cumberbatch as Smaug as well as fan favorites Ian McKellen (Gandalf), Andy Serkis (Gollum), Hugo Weaving (Elrond), Cate Blanchett (Galadriel), Christopher Lee (Saruman) and many more. The movie will be released in 3D and is sure to be a boxoffice smash.
TURN OF EVENTS Nearly everyone was talking, writing or tweeting about the 2012 Summer Olympics, held in London between the 27th of July and the 12th of August. Since standard HD channels can also broadcast in 3D, the BBC HD channel broadcasted both the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic Games in 3D as well as the Wimbledon men and ladies single finales. People with 3D TVs were able to watch these special broadcasts without having to use glasses.
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THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
7 $16.
The amount, in millions of USD, that Academy Award-winning “Finding Nemo” generated its first weekend in theatres at the box office. Converted to 3D for less than 5 million USD, if you haven’t seen it, it’s time to crawl out of your cave and dive into the world of the clownfish who disobeys his father and gets captured by scuba divers. Marlin, Nemo’s dad, embarks on a journey to find his son and makes a few memorable friends along the way, such as the short-term memory loss-affected Dory, three sharks on a fish-free diet and a whole gang of lovable aquatic creatures.
COMING RIGHT UP Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, Disney Digital 3-D, the brand used by the studio to describe their 3D movies, haven’t been slacking off. The first Disney Digital 3-D release was 2005’s “Chicken Little”, and since then they’ve released 17 3D flicks (including original releases “Up”, “Alice in Wonderland”, “Toy Story 3”, “Tangled”, “Tron: Legacy”, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides”, “Cars 2”, “Brave”…) and re-releases such as “The Nightmare Before Christmas”, “Lion King”, “Beauty and the Beast”, and aforementioned “Finding Nemo”. 6 more releases are planned including “Frankenweenie”, “Monsters University”, and the “Little Mermaid”!
12
The percentage of people believed to be unable to properly see 3D images for various medical reasons. 30 percent of people have very weak stereoscopic vision, which prevents them from proper depth perception. So if you have ever experienced motion sickness, headaches and eyestrain after watching a 3D movie, you’re not alone. This is due to effects of 3D films that feel unnatural to human vision (crosstalk between the eyes and the mismatch between convergence and accommodation).
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CLIP ONS
If you are longsighted or shortsighted and have ever had to plunk heavy 3D glasses over your prescription glasses at the movies, you know that it sucks. Fear not bespectacled moviegoers, designer Tom Davies has developed a new type of polarized lens that can be clipped onto the outside of your existing frames, provided your glasses have polarized lenses that filter out light coming from different angles.
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CULTURE CLASH
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CULTURE CLASH
AN ENGLISHMAN
IN BEIRUT
STING THREE DECADES OF CHART-TOPPING HITS
IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW FOR RAGMAG MIX FM BRINGS THE MOST ENIGMATIC PERFORMER OF THIS GENERATION TO LEBANON BY FIDA CHAABAN
NOVEMBER 2012
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Randy Miramontez | Shutterstock.com PREVIOUS SPREAD: © KENI MAZUR ABOVE: STING PERFORMING WITH THE POLICE IN THEIR NORTH AMERICAN REUNION TOUR AT THE SLEEP TRAIN AMPHITHEATER IN MARYSVILLE, CA, JULY 2008 LEFT: BACK TO BASS TOUR POSTER
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“I STILL GET A BUZZ BEING ON STAGE.
THERE’S NO WAY TO DESCRIBE THE FEELING OF PLAYING FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WHO ARE PLEASED TO SEE YOU. THAT’S SOMETHING YOU CAN’T BE BLASÉ ABOUT”
A
s music-lovers across Lebanon prepare themselves for Sting’s arrival, RAGMAG was fortunate enough to land an exclusive interview with the man who lays claim to 3 decades of rock music history. Sting has been recognized for his contributions to both culture and society, and his consistent innovations marked by a characteristic sound and depth continue to receive rave critical reviews. The sixteen-time Grammy Award winner is one of the most influential artists in the world and on November 28th, brought to you by Mix FM, Beirut will witness the phenomena of Sting first hand. “The ‘Back to Bass’ tour is unlike anything I’ve done in a long time. I’m playing with a 5-piece band and we’re doing some songs that hadn’t been performed in a while. The music is rockier and the arrangements are much more stripped-down this time around. Most importantly, it’s a lot of fun!” The 61 year-old rocker, who will arrive to Lebanon just before his performance, seems optimistic about this landmark visit, and with good reason. At the time this article went to print, the concert is already at a seventy percent full capacity rate, unprecedented ticket sales for an
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event over a month in advance. “We’re expecting a completely sold out show,” says Roger Saad of Mix FM. “I think that given the current musical landscape that is lacking in real quality, people constantly look back to the great artists because those were times when music was genuinely good. When I was 8 years-old, my brother used to get Police LPs, and I used to listen to them all day. I kept following Sting’s career, continued playing his tracks in every event I DJed at, and it’s fascinating to think that such artists accompanied us throughout different times and various periods of our lives. Not many artists can do that and still affect us to this day,” added Saad. I tell Sting that the people of Lebanon have a great deal of affection for him and how many people here describe him on personal terms, despite never having met the performer in person. Why does he think he has this charismatic hold on people? “I’d have to say that is a testament to the loyalty of my fans. Wherever I perform, I often see people who I recognize from 15, 20 years ago. I love touring and I still get a buzz being on stage. There’s no way to describe the feeling of playing for thousands of people who are pleased to see you. That’s something you can’t be blasé about,” he says. Born Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner, Sting was made a Commander of the Order of the
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BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT: ‘STING 25’ IPAD APP GIVES ACCESS TO FOOTAGE OF HIS MUSIC, DISCOGRAPHY, AND INFLUENCES. ‘STING: 25 YEARS’ BOX SET
OPPOSITE PAGE: STING ON HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD WHERE HE WAS HONORED WITH A STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME, DEC 2000. Paul Smith, Featureflash
British Empire by Queen Elizabeth in 2003, an honour he shares with Kevin Spacey and Catherine Zeta-Jones; the highest designation given by the United Kingdom that recognizes “distinguished service to the arts and sciences” according to the official website of the British Monarchy. Having performed with other musicians of this ilk, one terrific collaboration was with Sir Paul McCartney for a rendition of Beatles classic “Hey Jude” in 1997. The father of 6 children, Sting was born on October 2, 1951 in Wallsend, Newcastle in Northern England, and he’s been married to second wife Trudie Styler since 1992. It is nowadays a rare thing indeed for artists to span a decade and remain relevant and it is certainly even rarer to do so over three decades. You are hard pressed to find a person in the developed (and developing) nations that cannot recognize Sting’s face and even belt out at least five tracks of his vast discography. Recently, the release of Sting’s iPad app has made it possible to get to know the singer like never before, enabling his global audience to have intimate access to footage of his music, discography, influences
and his philanthropy. Why did he choose to go this route? “There was a wealth of material from my solo career that simply didn’t fit in the ‘25 Years’ box set,” he says referring to the “Sting: 25 Years” blockbuster release. “We originally considered making some kind of documentary, but the idea developed into something much more compelling and dynamic. The app was a natural solution,” says Sting. “We put hours of video, including performances from my 60th birthday benefit concert, hundreds of photos, and much more into something that is easy to use.” What does he think of this new all-access technology aspect of today’s music scene? “I think it’s important to embrace new technology and to try to evolve with it. The app is very innovative, but at the same time, it reminds me of the days where you’d purchase an album and get to enjoy all of the photos and liner notes, and really get a sense of how the album was made. That’s missing in the digital age, and I look at the app as a new method of delivering music to an audience,” he continued. That’s not the only thing missing, real music with real quality songwriting skills are also missing, perhaps this is why people the world over adore Sting as much as they do.
“WE ORIGINALLY CONSIDERED MAKING SOME KIND OF DOCUMENTARY, BUT THE IDEA DEVELOPED INTO SOMETHING MUCH MORE COMPELLING AND DYNAMIC. THE APP WAS A NATURAL SOLUTION”
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OPPOSITE PAGE: © FABRIZIO FERRI LEFT: STING REHEARSING, © CLIVE BARDA BELOW: ‘STING: THE BEST OF 25 YEARS’ ALBUM COVER
It is maybe for that reason, combined with Sting’s philosophical voice (that of his most recent works has been pervasive throughout his career), that he’s succeeded at imparting layered meanings to a mass audience when so many others have failed. “I’ve always managed to do exactly what I like, and it’s largely coincided with popular tastes, which is a fortunate thing,” he says modestly. “I enjoy and appreciate the creative freedom that I have, and the ability to do what interests me. I think a sense of exploration has carried on over the years and has been one of my main driving forces. I think my audience has come to expect the unexpected and enjoys the element of surprise and novelty. For me, that is the essence of music.” The essence of Sting’s music draws countless mentions all over the web; whole platforms are devoted to deciphering the literary allusions (with academics from the best universities weighing in), and exploring the double entendres that may or may not be intentional in some of his best-loved tracks. One such track is present on “Sting: The Best of 25 Years”: the orchestra-like “Moon Over Bourbon Street”. The song, originally released in 1985, could very well serve as the backdrop for most of the body of work of late American dramatist Tennessee Williams. It’s
easy to picture “A Streetcar Named Desire” and other Southern literary classics like “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof” or “Glass Menagerie” with “Moon Over Bourbon Street” playing as Marlon Brando screams, “Stella” into the night. According to Sting, it’s linked to Anne Rice’s contemporary body of vampire work. In light of Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing struggle of the people of Louisiana to recover from the devastating after effects, this song is eerily poignant and captures the dark magic of New Orleans pre-natural disaster. Does he think the dark heart and romance of New Orleans as portrayed in the song and by Southern US writers (past and present), is still there post-Katrina? “That song was inspired by ‘Interview With The Vampire’ by Anne Rice, a book that someone gave to me after a gig in New Orleans, actually. It’s about a vampire who is immortal and has to kill people, but he’s been left with his conscience intact. He’s a wonderful soul who has to do evil, but wants to stop. It’s the duality that interested me. I wrote the song in the French Quarter very late one night. It was a full moon, the streets were empty, and I recalled that story. The city itself has such unique character and despite what it has endured, the spirit of New Orleans is not dead.”
“A SENSE OF EXPLORATION HAS CARRIED ON OVER THE YEARS AND HAS BEEN ONE OF MY MAIN DRIVING FORCES”
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CULTURE CLASH
LEFT: STING ON STAGE, © PATTI HINTON BELOW: STING AND HIS WIFE TRUDIE STYLER © JAIME TRAVEZAN
OPPOSITE PAGE: STING AND HIS WIFE TRUDIE STYLER AT OCEANA’S 2008 PARTNERS AWARD GALA, PRIVATE RESIDENCE, PACIFIC PALISADES
“HE WEARS A MASK THAT NEVER CHANGES, AND THAT’S GOOD FOR A POKER PLAYER, BUT TERRIBLE FOR A LOVER” And neither is Beirut. How appropriate that Sting, a man whose music has its hand on the pulse of the collective psyche, comes to Lebanon at a time when a message of recovery is most-needed. Saad reinforces this as he mentions here that “nostalgia is the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of his songs, as they evoke my childhood memories. Music during the war in the 80s was the only refuge we had. We automatically associate it with the rare moments of happiness and peace we had the luxury of. And Sting is definitely one of those key artists that I used [to listen to] and still listen to a lot. His ballads are reflective, his rock songs powerful and his voice is very unique and the whole package can stir up a range of different emotions, from sadness sometimes due to certain lyrics, to a lot of good mood and hopefulness like when ‘Message in a Bottle’ is playing.” Another of Sting’s tracks “Shape of My Heart” is applicable here; in addition to being sampled or mixed
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into many rap, hip-hop and R&B tracks (most notably by bad boy rapper Nas), it is an anthem of sorts for mysticism, determinism and also suggests a logical pacifism. Is any of the aforementioned intended or is this truly a love song? Is he a pacifist by nature? “I wanted to write about a gambler, a card player, who gambles not to win, but to figure something out; some sort of mystical logic in luck or chance. He’s a poker player, so it’s not easy for him to express his emotions. In fact, he doesn’t express any. He wears a mask that never changes, and that’s good for a poker player, but terrible for a lover. I tried to create a story about a man searching for something through his gambling, but at the same time, he’s losing love and his relationship,” explains Sting. This chameleon quality of emotionless expression is not a Sting trait, that is to say it isn’t often associated with him, but pacifism easily could be in light of his avid devotion to yoga, widely documented by the worldwide press.
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OPPOSITE PAGE: STING PERFORMING ON STAGE AT THE GORGE AMPHITHEATER IN 1991 IN GEORGE, WA.
BELOW: STING PERFORMING WITH THE POLICE ON THEIR NORTH AMERICAN REUNION TOUR IN JULY 2008
The interesting thing about Sting that sets him apart from other altruistic-minded artists is that some (such as Bono of U2), get equal measures of adoration and ire for being activists and dabbling in politics. Sting on the other hand has never received a negative backlash for this despite his lengthy involvement in philanthropy and social commentary. For some reason, his initiatives don’t draw criticism like that of other celebrities and this was proven when he finally performed “Russians” live in Moscow. Included in his latest compilation release, it’s certainly one of the more complex songs in his catalogue. Did people see him as a social commentator subsequent to the original 1985 launch of this song? “That song was inspired by something very simple and universal – a children’s program. I had a friend who was a research scientist at Columbia University in New York and he had figured out a way to steal the satellite signal from Russian TV. We were watching one Saturday night and at that hour, all that was playing were children’s shows. I thought [at the time], if this was the care and detail the Russians put into children’s programming, at least we’ve got that in common. In the midst of the Cold War, this was a very simple idea. The version included on my most recent album is a beautiful orchestral arrangement created by Vince Mendoza for the ‘Symphonicity’ tour. I think it breathes new life into the song.” The “Symphonicity” tour (promoting his tenth
studio album of the same name) kicked off in Vancouver, Canada on June 2, 2010 and ended July 31, 2011 in Brescia, Italy. The Grammy Award winning Mendoza is a composerarranger and has worked with the likes of Joni Mitchell. Another of the many literary allusions in his music, this time not such an obscure reference is the noted use of “king of the ninth world” from “Dante’s Inferno” in “The Soul Cages”, originally released in 1991. The ninth circle refers to that of treachery and the song itself mentions a sort of atonement and “accounting of guilty promises”. At this juncture, it is a more personal note for Sting: “My mother had passed and then my father died not long after. I felt emotionally and creatively paralyzed, but eventually, I talked myself into going back to work,” Sting says of his resilience. “The theme of the album, and its title song, is essentially about mourning and dealing with death,” referring to his second Number One record. “That particular song is based on a fable about souls trapped under the sea and how a sailor wagers the king of the sea to free them. What it’s trying to say is that to understand death, you probably have to die a little bit yourself.” The man heading to Beirut with an engaging lilt in his voice and the subdued English accent wants you to understand his craft- now and clear into the next decade. The very fabric of his music demands it
“TO UNDERSTAND DEATH, YOU PROBABLY HAVE TO DIE A LITTLE BIT YOURSELF”
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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES
PRESIDENTIAL
TIMEPIECE
TAG HEUER’S AMERICAN STATESMEN Whether you’re in the Obama camp or in the Mitt camp, you can be sure TAG Heuer is on the campaign trail with you. Here are shots of both presidential hopefuls wearing different TAG Heuer creations. U.S. President Barack Obama is wearing a discontinued 1000 series (now evolved into the TAG Heuer Aquaracer series) and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is wearing the TAG Heuer Link Chronograph. The brand, founded in Saint-Imier in 1860 by Edouard Heuer, is known for their Swiss hallmark of precision. For over a century, TAG Heuer has been the official timekeeper at global sporting events of note such as the Olympics, Formula 1 and the Indy 500. It makes perfect sense for both of these statesmen to rely on the brand that is synonymous with efficacy, even if one is a Democrat and the other a Republican. Will the winner of this month’s election be wearing their TAG Heuer timepiece during inauguration? We’ll have to wait and see. Go Obama Go!
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NOVEMBER 2012
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FML [F**K MY LIFE]
A VIEW OF
SOBRIETY REMOVING MY ALCOHOL GOGGLES
GOING DRY FOR RAGMAG BY IMOGEN KIMBER
F
ida tricked me. I got an email saying there is a “new concept” for RAGMAG and so could I state my favourite things. What Fida actually meant by “new concept” was: a new and devious way to cause pain. In this case establishing what Imogen loves the most and then taking it away from her – and so this is how it came to be that I ended up going 21 days without any alcohol. Editor’s Note
For last year’s Detox Missions, Odette did a “dry” photo essay giving our readers an idea of what it was like to cut out the vino. Imogen seemed like the perfect fit for this since I know her to drink almost on a daily basis. The girl can really pack it away! I was mostly curious to find out if she would still be the social butterfly that I know her to be sans the spirit boost.
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Luckily, although Fida’s email was sent on a Friday, I didn’t see it until Saturday afternoon so I managed to slip in an allnight session of drinking involving wine, whiskey, two dance parties, relative confusion, a massive bout of melancholy and some lovely Norwegians, and therefore got to start off the “fast” (or should I call it an intervention as seriously this is the impression I got) with a hangover. Just to set the scene, I really drink, almost every day, lots of wine, I can easily polish off a bottle and I am nowhere close to drunk. Partnered with this I absolutely love to go out. Again, almost every single day ends with a quick trip to a bar in Gemmayzeh, for just ‘the one drink’... in the morning I’m struggling to remember the journey home. The general reaction amongst friends when I said I’m not going to drink for 21 whole days was
one of sheer wonderment, with a look of genuine concern sweeping across people’s faces as to what would become of me, and honestly I was thinking the same. Editor’s Note
I was thinking that she would implode and I also considered taking bets from the staff how long Imogen could hold out.
JUST TO SET THE SCENE, I REALLY DRINK, ALMOST EVERY DAY, LOTS OF WINE, I CAN EASILY POLISH OFF A BOTTLE AND I AM NOWHERE CLOSE TO DRUNK THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
A VIEW OF SOBRIETY | GOING DRY FOR RAGMAG
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER As the hangover from Friday night faded I dubiously set out for a Saturday night with nothing to drink. After a good hour of discussing the topic it was decided that going to see some music would be the way to go. Luckily my abstinence was coinciding with Share Beirut so we were off to see the Wanton Bishops at DRM in Hamra. Enthusiasm was high as my friends and I discussed the vast amount of money, calories, and memory cells I would be saving, but as soon as I hit the bar, the challenge began in earnest, “Shall I just start tomorrow?” An Irishman with a glint in his eye, was looking like he was going to be my foe as that crisp cold glass of wine was calling, and certainly offering to wipe the hangover aside, but as he pointed out that I would be “half way there” (actually, I would be one day down, but no comments on his lack of logic) so I resisted and set myself on course. I soon
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discovered that the initial overwhelming impulse to order a glass of white wine (my de facto choice) begins to wane with almost as equal fervour with which it came. Sipping on a Perrier from a wine glass and I had almost forgotten that I wasn’t having a “real” drink. Encouraged by my initial success, I moved on to the next bar for surreal bass, jungle and an obscure act involving what can really only be described as a Lady Gaga-like strip artist, for real. I had little desire to drink but I was experiencing a wave of tiredness. Heading back to Gemmayzeh (I actually live there), I had in mind that I would walk my friend to the latest new dance pit, Yukunkun, and call it a day, but what happened next quite possibly managed to set the tone for the entire experiment.
AS THEY BATHED IN BLOODY MARY’S I WAS BATHING IN GLEE AS I REFRESHED THEIR MEMORIES FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE OVER BRUNCH
Editor’s Note
So far I’m shocked. Frankly, I thought (and hoped) you would struggle with some sort of withdrawal.
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FML [F**K MY LIFE]
WE ALL KNOW THAT WHEN PEOPLE GET DRUNK THEY LOSE THEIR MOTOR SKILLS AND SHED THEIR INHIBITIONS BUT PERSONALLY IT HAS BEEN A RARITY THAT I HAVE BEEN SOBER ENOUGH TO NOTICE IT
THE RISING SUN What happened was I didn’t want to go home, just like on every other night! With a wonderful friend and much to talk about, we wanted to chat for hours, and we almost did. Besides our great conversational skills, I finally got to see something I had possibly never seen before in my life – people who are totally wasted. We all know that when people get drunk they lose their motor skills and shed their inhibitions but personally it has been a rarity that I have been sober enough to notice it. I had no idea about a ducking dive that drunk people make towards your face as they approach, and the complete lack of personal space that they allocate. Swaying back and forth in no way describes the dance of the drunk person. People seem to find it completely okay to use you as a leaning stool. Asking one friend to whisper meant she lowered her voice from a shout to something that meant only the few bystanders could hear, and when I pointed out that I was hoping our chat would remain private, she informed me that it had now gone public. The night finally ended at 4am at Crew bar. Of course, the next day as they bathed in Bloody Mary’s I was bathing in glee as I refreshed their memories from the night before over brunch. As Sunday night was pulling in I found myself already two bars down
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and skipping home for a quick wardrobe change before I ran back to the popular Gemmayzeh Torino. As I did it, despite this only being day two, it dawned on me - it really is the socializing that I go out for! Despite a few moments of pressure, as I was being harangued about my lack of drinking, I felt the same delight at being surrounded by people I like. The next few days flew by, invigorated by my new found knowledge, I carried on life exactly as it was before, accepting all invitations and staying out until the early hours. The secret was just making sure that what I was doing, or who I was with, was actually fun (who knew?!). Editor’s Note
cohol’s magic that you are going out for, not necessarily great chat. In frustration I lay on the sofa and watched “Mad Men”, salivating at the whiskey sours. I guess, despite the glorious revelation that I actually like socializing you can’t take the spin off a social drug that provides instant relief and happiness. Maybe I drink too much but I knew that before, maybe I can have fun without it and sure, it’s escapism. That’s exactly why we do it Editor’s Note
Readers you should know that Imogen made it through the 3 weeks. After the ordeal was over, I can guarantee to you that she probably polished off a bottle in one sitting. #JustSaying!
This really shocks me as many people I know don’t enjoy themselves at all when they’re out on the town and they are the only sober face in a crowd. Personally, I find being sober when everyone else is drunk generally offputting and the number one reason I call it a night and check out.
SPEAKING TOO SOON The craving did come. As the first week passed and Friday night came round after a week of no alcohol, so did the first craving. Sure, sure but I said... forget what I said actually. Now I’m getting tired and I want a drink. After a week’s work, on the tired side of things, it is al-
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Beirut Souks 01-990 409 - Achrafieh 01-337 337 NOVEMBER 2012
www.eden-park.com
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HAYDA LEBNEN’s
EXAMINING ANGLES OF LIBERATION BY SARAH HOURANY
I
f there is a sacred belief among people in the Middle East, it is that Lebanese women are the most, if not the only, liberated women in the region. Tannoura 2asssire, a strapless top, and 24/7 access to a vibrant nightlife are sadly listed as the main aspects of this so-called “liberation”. But we cannot exactly blame them. Given the prevailing kabt within Arab communities and the current media’s stereotype of Lebanese women, this propaganda has indeed succeeded. Now, if you too believe that Lebanese women are “liberated”, à la Myriam Klink and her ilk ya3ne, RAGMAG urges you to look at liberation from a whole different angle! Lebanese women gained the right to vote and stand for election in 1952, 19 years before their Swiss counterparts (eh walla), yet it wasn’t until 1991 that the first Lebanese woman was elected to Lebanon’s 128-member Parliament. Wait, it gets worse. Today, 60 years after the ratification of the law, we only have 4 women elected as Members of Parliament (sisters, daughters and wives of politicians) and none appointed as
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ministers, which is equivalent to representation rates of 3.1 percent and 0 percent, respectively. What could possible explain these mediocre results that rank us at 14th place among 21 Arab countries, in terms of women’s parliamentary representation, and in the last place (akid with our big ZERO) in terms of women’s ministerial representation?
RAGMAG URGES YOU TO LOOK AT LIBERATION FROM A WHOLE DIFFERENT ANGLE! THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
THE RESULTS OF OUR EXTENDED ANALYSIS REVEAL THE FOLLOWING
They cannot become MPs or ministers unless they are related to male politicians. This is a research area that could presumably be of interest to both geneticists and sociologists, if they were to test the infamous “Bteje bil 3ayle ya3ne?” hypothesis. Among the 2 million Lebanese women, wala wehde has the superpowers required to hold prominent decision-making positions. They still need to acquire the correct morphological and syntactic forms of sentences like “enta w sobbate sawa” and the more sophisticated “tahhir ni3ak”. They also have to master the art of throwing glasses of water or chairs during live TV broadcasts. Needless to say, such preparations and skill acquisition take time. Lebanese women think they have better things to do, hence their lack of interest in politics. “Better things” can include nationwide sob7iyet, a3dit arguile 3al balcon or relooking sessions to keep Lebanon amongst the top five countries for most plastic surgeries per capita. All of the above To tally up, recent figures have shown that women’s economic participation in Lebanon is low, despite high literacy rates and excellent school net enrollment ratios. In fact, their labor force participation rate, that is the proportion of the female working-age population that actively engages in the labor market by working or looking for work, does not exceed 22 percent. This poor rate places Lebanon at the bottom of the table for this category, as the global rate is more than twice its score! Bass enno 3anjad, why would anyone spend more than 15 years studying then decide to stay at home?
NOVEMBER 2012
ATTENDING COLLEGE CLASSES LOOKING LIKE THE LEBANESE VERSION OF KIM KARDASHIAN SOME POSSIBLE EXPLANATIONS MIGHT BE AS FOLLOWS
The goal has been achieved. All these years of school (read: attending college classes looking like the Lebanese version of Kim Kardashian) and struggling to get a degree (like a door access card to bet el 3aris), what was it all for if not for the reward of a wealthy husband? Mohamad Iskandar’s song has brainwashed them. The man is right, “na7na ma 3anna banat tetwwzaf bi chhadetha”. General verdict, iza bedkon.
(For more on this, check RAGMAG’s Hayda Lebnen section on our website)
“They are too pretty to work,” and apparently most of the Lebanese women agree this tired adage is correct. All of the above. Furthermore, Lebanese women married to foreigners can pass their Lebanese nationality neither to their children nor to their husbands. This is more proof on how insulting sentences such as “2anja2 2eblenin eno tkoune ente Lebneniye, hala2 bedik ta3tiya la wledik?” can easily turn into a law 3al Lebnene. By contrast, Lebanese men have the right to pass their nationality to 7ayala we7de at3a 3al tari2, if they decide to do so. This gender discrimination against women obviously infringes Article 7 of the Lebanese Constitution which clearly states that “all Lebanese are equal before the law. They equally enjoy civil and political rights and are equally bound by public obligations and duties without any distinction”, bass enno min 2ari?
In summary, several political, social, legal and cultural conditions in Lebanon continue to stifle the ability of women to attain their true “liberated” status. But if Lebanese women really want to see things change, they have to ACT, because the only thing we constantly hear is: “Chou fina na3mol, ma hayda Lebnen ya 3ayneh!”
MOHAMAD ISKANDAR’S SONG HAS BRAINWASHED THEM. THE MAN IS RIGHT, “NA7NA MA 3ANNA BANAT TETWWZAF BI CHHADETHA”
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IT’S ALL ABOUT
YOUR ANGLE GET A BIRD’S EYE VIEW OF YOUR LOVE LIFE BY MATTHEW HUSSEY
W
e only see this world through one pair of eyes. If our life was a film, we would see that film in first-person perspective. This story, this setting, these characters who come and go, they are all filtered through a constant single perspective: our own. We are saturated with this first-person perspective. Everything in life comes pre-filtered through our own web of anxieties, concerns, thoughts and problems. And unless we make a conscious effort to see life from other vantage points, we may never get a wider perspective on ourselves. It’s hard to see yourself honestly through your own everyday lens. We are too close to our subject, we need some sense of objectivity. I want to try and experiment. We’re going to do what writers do, and detach ourselves from our own perspective. Imagine yourself floating horizontally over your own town or city, just drifting through the air like a skydiver descending towards the earth. Cast your eyes directly downwards to the tiny streets below, full of traffic and people going about their day. It’s just like looking out of an airplane window. Now look closer at those streets, and zoom in until you see a familiar figure walking on the pavement. You zoom in closer and recognize the figure
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to be yourself. Now just watch yourself walking down the street. Try to see yourself as a character in a novel. Follow yourself as you go about your day, buying groceries, meeting friends, and going to work. Now that you have an author’s perspective, you also can jump in and out of this character’s head whenever you want. But stay detached for a moment, and let’s ask a few questions about this character:
WE ONLY SEE THIS WORLD THROUGH ONE PAIR OF EYES. IF OUR LIFE WAS A FILM, WE WOULD SEE THAT FILM IN FIRST-PERSON PERSPECTIVE THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
MON AMOUR, MON AMI
WHO IS THIS PERSON? This might sound strange, but try to sit down with a pen and paper and describe yourself as a character in a novel. This might feel weird or even scary at first, but be honest about everything, the good and the bad. It’s a great way to see ourselves in a more honest light. See yourself as others would describe you, and be specific. The Ancient Greeks said, “Know thyself” – but few of us ever truly try to see ourselves objectively, with all of our flaws and subtle character points. This isn’t just a critical exercise, it’s also a way of being able to forgive yourself for being a fallible human being, just as we all are. WHAT IS THIS CHARACTER’S PRIMARY MOTIVATION? In writing classes, students are taught that every character has to have a motivation. In order for there to be any story or drama at all, that character has to be driven by a purpose. What is your character driven by? Why does he do some of the things he does? What force is propelling him forward through life?
This part is about understanding what you are after. Many of us are guilty of drifting through life without ever stopping to think about what we really love, and how we can move towards those things. This a great way to be able to understand your passions better. WHO IS THIS CHARACTER IMPORTANT TO? One great reason to get out of our own perspective is to shift focus onto others. How would other characters in your life see you? What do you add to their lives? Would you be someone they look forward to seeing again? Too often we go to interactions with others only in order to take, instead of to give. With every friend or family member you meet this week, decide you are going to find a way to add value to their lives – whether just by making them feel good about themselves or being great company or even just going out of your way to do something kind for them. When we detach from ourselves and think about how others see us, it forces us into a more giving mindset.
WHERE DOES YOUR CHARACTER END UP IN THE STORY? Start a sentence with this line: “He had come a long way from where he started, he had tasted success and failure, love and loss, joy and pain, but the future was all his to play for, and if nothing more, these experiences had taught him one lesson he would always carry with him,” and continue from there. What is that lesson? Look at your entire life as a story. What transformations has your hero undergone through his or her journey? Try to understand what all of that drama and craziness has taught your character going into the future. Oscar Wilde said to live your life as a work of art. How can you make this story a great adventure, a compelling journey or a drama of endless fascination? You have the pen and paper. Some of the story has already been written. What’s going to happen in the next chapter? To hear more from Matthew visit www.matthewhussey.com
IMAGINE YOURSELF FLOATING HORIZONTALLY OVER YOUR OWN TOWN OR CITY, JUST DRIFTING THROUGH THE AIR LIKE A SKYDIVER DESCENDING TOWARDS THE EARTH. IT’S JUST LIKE LOOKING OUT OF AN AIRPLANE WINDOW
NOVEMBER 2012
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MIND, BODY+SOUL
TO ASK A QUESTION send your problems to helpmenour@ragmaglive.com
TO JOIN THE READER RESPONSE PANEL and give feedback to women across Lebanon, send your name, age, and email address to helpmenour@ragmaglive.com subject line: Interactive Panel We will contact you if you are chosen to participate.
help me
NOUR+RABIH BY NOUR OBAJI + RABIH FEGHALI
YOU DIDN’T REVEAL ALL YOUR CARDS IN ONE GO, BUT I DON’T THINK YOU WERE OBLIGATED TO SINCE YOU NEVER KNOW IF THE CURRENT MAN YOU’RE DATING WOULD’VE BEEN A ONE HIT WONDER OR A LIFE PARTNER I went to college in Canada and right after my graduation, the war in Lebanon broke out. I’m a Lebanese citizen and my permit to live in Canada was about to expire. My Lebanese-Canadian boyfriend at the time suggested we get “married on paper” in order for me not to have to leave. After much contemplation, we eventually did it. I was happy/comfortable and a couple of months later he asked me to marry him for real. I agreed and we got engaged. A year into the relationship, I realized I did not want to spend the rest of my life with him and decided to break things off and move back to Lebanon. Though it hurt him, he took it well and agreed to assist me in finalizing the transaction so I could get my Canadian citizenship, but things soon turned sour and we ended it altogether. Fast forward a few years, I’m now living happily in Lebanon and after dating a few frogs, I have met the man of my dreams. I love him and I know he loves me. He knows I was engaged in Canada but I haven’t really told him about the “marriage arrangement”. It breaks my heart every time I think about it. We’ve been seeing each other for almost four months and somehow I feel I have cheated him by having withheld this information. When should I have told him about it? The day we met? The day we both said, “I love you”? Help me Nour and Rabih!
Nour’s Vote Before I address this question, I’d like to mention that we generally edit the questions for length, but this particular one we kept the entire submission because we felt that the background was a necessary part of the equation. To begin with, I think that since you mentioned the engagement, you don’t really need to go into the legality of your “arrangement”, as you referred to it. Who cares about what happened on paper since you ended up relocating back to Lebanon anyway and it doesn’t affect your legal standing? I don’t know when particularly you should have told him about it, and I personally don’t see the big deal about the whole thing. If I look at it from another angle, it’s a sort of “lying by omission” scenario. You
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HELP ME NOUR+RABIH
didn’t reveal all your cards in one go, but I don’t think you were obligated to since you never know if the current man you’re dating would’ve been a one hit wonder or a life partner. If you decide that you need to get this off your chest, then address it thus: “Honey, something has been bothering me. I told you I was engaged but I didn’t mention that we did some paperwork to make it legitimate for my residency purposes.” I don’t think he is justified in getting upset simply because it happened during another life and it isn’t detrimental to your current life nor does it have any bearing on your current relationship. It wasn’t like you were on trial for murder, you got engaged and legally married for residency purposes so the only people you need to feel guilty toward are the government of Canada. (All this being said, I don’t agree with those sorts of circumstances, but I will try and reign in my judgemental side.) Clean your slate or don’t, I don’t think you’re obligated to rehash the nitty gritty of your past.
ALL THIS BEING SAID, I DON’T AGREE WITH THOSE SORTS OF CIRCUMSTANCES, BUT I WILL TRY AND REIGN IN MY JUDGEMENTAL SIDE. CLEAN YOUR SLATE OR DON’T, I DON’T THINK YOUR OBLIGATED TO REHASH THE NITTY GRITTY OF YOUR PAST Rabih’s Vote That’s a crappy situation to be in. I always say, however, that honesty is the best policy. It may not get you the reaction that you’re looking for, but at least your conscience will be clear and in the long run things will be fine. If your boyfriend loves you he will get mad, but will eventually get over it - life goes on. My male best-friend kissed me and it wasn’t a peck on the cheek, although he knows that I’m dating someone. We agreed we’d keep it between us and that it meant nothing, but I’ve realized that I can’t simply ignore and forget it. I love my boyfriend, but you know what they say about best friends ending up together. How do I deal with this?
NOVEMBER 2012
Nour’s Vote So I will resist the urge to let all my sarcasm loose on you for a moment and take this question seriously. Nour has had probably 10 male best friends and all of them have, at some point or another, kissed her. What did Nour do? She either reciprocated (when I wanted to) or she told them not to try that kind of monkey business again (when I didn’t want to). Now obviously he wanted to and you wanted to and it seems that neither of you were inebriated or stoned, so what’s the big deal? Talk to him about it or try it again to make sure. After that you can either dump your boyfriend or dismiss it as a lust-driven 5 minutes and move on. Easy as pie. And as for my colleague’s answer: “the biggest predicament”, who are you and what have you done with Rabih?
Rabih’s Vote Tricky! Tricky! I must say that this is one of the biggest predicaments one can ever be faced with. Then again, a kiss can be “just a kiss”, if that’s all you want it to be. Lovers come and go, but best friends are really hard to come by. I suggest you eliminate any thoughts of a romance with your BFF and focus on your boyfriend. Don’t talk about it, don’t let it get weird. It is what it is... Time heals all kisses.
MY MALE BEST-FRIEND KISSED ME AND IT WASN’T A PECK ON THE CHEEK, ALTHOUGH HE KNOWS THAT I’M DATING SOMEONE. www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 71
MIND, BODY+SOUL TO ASK A QUESTION send your problems to helpmenour@ragmaglive.com
TO JOIN THE READER RESPONSE PANEL and give feedback to women across Lebanon, send your name, age, and email address to helpmenour@ragmaglive.com subject line: Interactive Panel We will contact you if you are chosen to participate.
THIS MEANS YOU SHOULD GET OUT BECAUSE YOU HAVE NOTHING TO GAIN BY MAINTAINING THIS RELATIONSHIP. I’m in a relationship with a guy who’s from a very narrow-minded, religious family. Although he isn’t like his family in that aspect, nonetheless he is influenced by them in some matters. It’s specifically hard for me to see him as he lives in a different city and because of his religious background isn’t allowed to come to Beirut a lot. How can we keep such a hard relationship (similar to a long distance relationship), going when we barely hang out and he’s sometimes too busy to reply to texts?
I have been chatting with a few guys on a social network and some of them have asked me out. Not necessarily on a date, more to hang out and talk about common interests. I’ve had two experiences out of this. The first guy turned out to be the most annoying, uninteresting and most obnoxious person I’ve ever met. As for the second one, he scared the hell out of me. He stood too close, couldn’t look at me straight in the eyes and he was just creepy. The girls I’ve met were fine and I’ve made friends via social networks. That’s what I’m looking for and I don’t want the male online friends to think I am looking for a relationship, and that’s the reason I’m meeting with them. How can I hint at them?
Nour’s Vote The same way you deal with unwanted overtures in real life: show that you are not in it for the hook-ups. As an adult, I assume you’ve been approached more than a few times. I realize there is a bit of an odd set of circumstances at work since you’re evolving over from a cyber context to a real world meeting, but you should be able to navigate this easily. One way of conveying a neutral vibe is by always inviting a third person along. This is a clear hint that you are not looking to take things past the friend zone. I know that I would get the hint. The
other option is as Rabih suggests: lie and mislead until you decide whether you want to date this person on not. I don’t think it’s a great idea, but it is more strategic.
Rabih’s Vote Pretend that you have a boyfriend who you are deeply in love with. This trick works like a charm and detracts ill-willed guys from approaching you. One of them may turn out to be a gentleman- and if you end up being interested in him, the ball will be in your court and you can gently reveal your white lie
I REALIZE THERE IS A BIT OF AN ODD SET OF CIRCUMSTANCES AT WORK SINCE YOU’RE EVOLVING OVER FROM A CYBER CONTEXT TO A REAL WORLD MEETING, BUT YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO NAVIGATE THIS EASILY
Nour’s Vote Rabih and I agree here: break it off now and don’t look back. You seem young and kind of fragile. If I were you, I’d protect that youthful innocence while you still can. Once you’re jaded it becomes a very different ballgame. It is not worth dealing with such a complicated situation: the costs outweigh the benefits. This means you should get out because you have nothing to gain by maintaining this relationship.
Rabih’s Vote Ditch the kid. Such families almost always succeed at hijacking and eventually separating young lovers like yourselves. It’s easier said than done, but try focusing on all the negatives and all the issues you’re going to face in the long run- appalling isn’t it? Find someone who has a background similar to yours- you’ll be happier and things will work out better, I’m sure.
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CULTURE CLASH
DIMENSIONS OF HOLLYWOOD’S NEWEST MARKETABLE COMMODITY
ZOOEY DESCHANEL
FAKING IT
+MAKING IT BY MARIA-ELENA KASSAB
I
magine that, for some reason, you were asked to make a list of the most adorkable (that would be a portemanteau of adorable + dork) people on the planet. No matter how much you try to escape her, Zooey Deschanel is going to top that list. It doesn’t matter if you think she’s God’s gift to this world, a tamer version of Katy Perry or nails-on-a-chalkboard annoying, there is no escaping Zooey or the concept she helped mainstream: adorkableness. Here’s a brief history of that word: A few years back, jocks and action stars became merely good looking fellows who could shoot the world into oblivion. It was the rise of the geeks and the world embraced the bespectacled, socially awkward and adorably oblivious guys who could quote obscure science-fiction movies while saving the world and getting the girl. However, female geeks were still largely ignored and demanded recognition. Enter Zooey Deschanel, a kooky, quirky, dorky, accessible and impossibly attractive geekette who was supposed to be the poster child of these women. Now she’s not the first adorkable star in the world and Jessica Day (her character in “New Girl”) is not the first character with a seamless blend of quirkiness and inadvertent sexiness (depending on what you consider sexy). From the moment she performed “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” in the movie “Elf”,
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she became a worldwide sweetheartslash-sex symbol. And while she claims she doesn’t want to be typecasted, she keeps choosing the same quirky roles and following in the footsteps of her male equivalents, namely Michael Cera, Jesse Eisenberg and Zach Braff. I believe that Zooey is ambitious and that she has a fair amount of business savvy, but I just wish Hollywood would stop trying to convince us that
WHILE SHE CLAIMS SHE DOESN’T WANT TO BE TYPECASTED, SHE KEEPS CHOOSING THE SAME QUIRKY ROLES AND FOLLOWING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF HER MALE EQUIVALENTS, NAMELY MICHAEL CERA AND ZACH BRAFF THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
ZOOEY DESCHANEL | FAKING IT + MAKING IT
RIGHT: ZOOEY DESCHANEL AT THE FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARDS ON THE BEACH AT SANTA MONICA, LOS ANGELES, FEBRUARY 2009
she is one of us. By us I mean one of the awkward, socially inept girls who’d rather have a marathon “Star Wars” session than tan all day by the pool. Let’s start with the way she looks: she has a team of stylists, makeup artists and hairdressers work hard to sell us the image of the fragile, awkward young woman who can’t even shop properly because she can’t act her age around people so she raids her mother’s closet and finds conveniently flattering vintage clothes. Her hair always falls in perfect waves and her ever-straight bangs highlight her impossibly round, blue eyes (there are Facebook pages dedicated solely to her baby blues). Moving on to the “social awkwardness”, a staple of any geek’s personality: Zooey Deschanel is not socially awkward, unless that term is now defined as gracefully doing something a tad bit offbeat while looking perfect and reaching world peace with a bat of her lush lashes. Awkward isn’t dancing like a ballerina in the middle of a bank, it’s tripping over your own feet when you hand a report to your boss’ boss. Awk-
ward isn’t pouting a bit at the end of a sentence, it’s saying “boobs” instead of “books” when people ask you what you want for Christmas. And finally, awkward certainly isn’t bursting into song in a restaurant with a flawless rendition of whatever she happens to be singing. And do not, for a second, think Zooey Deschanel is accessible. This girl is out of everyone’s league no matter how hard Hollywood tries to convince us she’s one of us. For crying out loud, she has an entire movie dedicated to how perfectly unattainable she is. Joseph Gordon-Levitt spends the full running time of “500 Days of Summer” pining for a girl so perfect she makes the earth turn and the stars shine. Now don’t get me wrong, I love Zooey. I love her movies and her characters and her music, but she is simply a smart actress, a smart woman who knows what works for her and uses that to her advantage. I don’t delude myself into thinking I’m ever going to be her or that people will just fall over at my feet at the first sign of geekiness. My problem is that her roles LEFT: ‘NEW GIRL’ MOVIE POSTER STARRING ZOOEY DESCHANEL
DO NOT, FOR A SECOND, THINK ZOOEY DESCHANEL IS ACCESSIBLE. THIS GIRL IS OUT OF EVERYONE’S LEAGUE NO MATTER HOW HARD HOLLYWOOD TRIES TO CONVINCE US SHE’S ONE OF US NOVEMBER 2012
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CULTURE CLASH
RIGHT: ZOOEY DESCHANEL AT THE LOS ANGELES PREMIERE OF ‘YES MAN’. MANN VILLAGE THEATER, WESTWOOD, CA DECEMBER 2008
make people think that not being able to function properly, use a TV or function amongst people is cute! When you reach a certain age, you need to have certain qualifications to get through the day because, unless you’re Zooey Effing Deschanel, nobody’s going to fall in love with you for your oddball demeanor or huge glasses (which look negligible on everyone else). No one will beam at you indulgently when you show up for work in overalls or when you put your foot in your mouth every time you open it. People won’t regard you warmly when you sing in their faces as they’re reprimanding your poor workplace behavior and they will not high-five you when you start babbling really loud about animal rights at a steak
house. Real people will just walk (or run) away from you and leave you to your own devices. It’s worth mentioning here that “Saturday Night Live” mocked Zooey (played by Abby Elliott) and her much older counterpart, the affectedly-awkward megastar Drew Barrymore (played by Kirsten Wiig). The aforementioned male version of Zooey, Michael Cera, was portrayed by Taran Killam on the now continuous aptly-named skit: “Bein’ Quirky With Zooey Deschanel”. Back to Drew, she has made a whole career out of emphasizing what seems to be a nonexistent speech impediment (lip extension and over-enunciating every second syllable) and annoying her global audience with her
uncomfortable-looking body language (also affected). Of course it helps that Drew’s late grandfather, John Barrymore, is part of Hollywood history and also that no one can quite forget her starring role in Steven Spielberg’s classic about the M&M-eating extraterrestrial. (It might interest you to know that Drew is Spielberg’s god-daughter.) Drew was the predecessor to the adorkable phenom that is Zooey and SNL nailed it on the head by portraying them in a spoof together: studios could capitalize on Drew and Zooey is the evolutionary product of that, a cash cow waiting to happen. I want to show the world what geeks of the female persuasion are truly like, because it isn’t Zooey and her chosen companions
THE AFOREMENTIONED MALE VERSION OF ZOOEY, MICHAEL CERA, WAS PORTRAYED BY TARAN KILLAM ON THE NOW CONTINUOUS APTLY-NAMED SKIT: “BEIN’ QUIRKY WITH ZOOEY DESCHANEL” NOVEMBER 2012
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MIRROR, MIRROR
THE ALL DIMENSIONS OF
BEAUTY IN LEBANON RAGMAG’S SPA RETROSPECTIVE
This issue we’re giving you an overview of our favourite spas in Lebanon and a ranking of the top treatments we’ve experienced. We’ve been reviewing spas for our readers for over 2 years now and we’ve set our hearts on 5 of the most unique overall spa experiences and 5 of the most luxurious treatments in the country. If you’d like to see all of our past spa reviews, you can read them online at www.ragmag.co/cat/spa-review The monthly Spa Review column will resume in December’s issue.
HIGH 5
UNIQUE SPA EXPERIENCES IN LEBANON
We compiled a list of our top 5 most interesting spas to try in Lebanon. Take your pick and try it yourself!
PureGray Health Club and Spa WHY THEY MADE THE CUT The therapists at PureGray Spa customize their treatments depending on your body and needs. They also offer several special treatments for a day or a week relaxation experience. Le Gray Hotel Marty’s Square Beirut Central District +961 1 962 885 www.legray.com puregray@legray.com
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ALL THE DIMENSIONS OS BEAUTY IN LEBANON | RAGMAG’S SPA RETROSPECTIVE
The Spirit WHY THEY MADE THE CUT Offering only two types of treatments (Traditional Thai Massage and Aromatherapy Massage), they’re the Thai massage experts and can give you an authentic experience. Zalka Highway +961 4 725 257 Verdun +961 1 342 341 Kaslik +961 9 919 419 www.thespirit.m thespiritlebanon @Spirit_Lebanon
The Spa at the Four Seasons WHY THEY MADE THE CUT Even the little things like a manicure become a wellness experience at the Spa at the Four Seasons. The hotel staff pampers you, from the therapist to the spa attendants. Four Seasons Hotel Minet el Hosn, Beirut +961 1 761 000 www.fourseasons.com/beirut FourSeasonsHotelBeirut @FSBeirut FSBeirut
NOVEMBER 2012
Tao Spa WHY THEY MADE THE CUT This is the spa with the best pricequality ratio. The expertise of the practioners and the custom-made organic products make it worth your investment. Le Mirage Plaza Bldg René Mouawad Street Verdun, Beirut +961 1 744 905/6/7 TaoSpaHealthClub
ZaZen Wellness Center WHY THEY MADE THE CUT They have a whole section dedicated to authentic Chinese treatments, the Feet First zone. They can treat all your aches and stiffness just by massaging your feet. Genesis Health Club Verdun Street +961 1 812 213 zazenwellnesscenter@hotmail.com
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TRIED, TESTED + TRUE
THE ABSOLUTE TOP TREATMENTS IN LEBANON ILA Manipura Treatment Manipura (“City of Jewels”) in Sanskrit defines your Solar Plexus. This treatment releases your body’s blood flow and energy but focuses on your digestive system. It includes a scrub with Himalayan salts and uses one of the rarest essences in the world, Damascene Rose Otto oil.
Balinese Massage A combination of aromatherapy and hot stone massage, this treatment lets your body speak for you. The therapist makes you smell different scents and you pick the one you respond best to. She then follows the signs your body is giving and massages what she feels are the most tense parts.
SPA Phoenicia
SPA Mövenpick Essential Spa
Balneotherapy This hydro-massage focuses on treating your body with water and colour. Colours corresponding to your seven chakras light up the bathtub while water jets apply pressure on specific points of your body. The 20-minute water massage is followed by a 60-minute Lumi Lumi massage during which your therapist releases your blocked chakras.
When was RAGMAG there? AUGUST 2011
When was RAGMAG there? NOVEMBER 2010
SPA Grand Hills
Try It Yourself Phoenicia Hotel Mezzanine Level Minet El Hosn, Beirut +961 1 357 030 PhoeniciaHotelBeirut @PhoeniciaBeirut PhoeniciaHotelBeirut
Try It Yourself Mövenpick Hotel & Resort Beirut General de Gaulle Avenue Raoucheh, Beirut +961 1 869 666
When was RAGMAG there? JULY 2012
Umo Gold Facial This treatment uses 24 karat gold. The gold leaves are applied on your skin as a mask and then rubbed in gently for the particles to penetrate your pores. The result is a glowing skin and a golden shine. SPA Feather Rosa Spa When was RAGMAG there? DECEMBER 2011
Try It Yourself Feather Rosa Spa Sahel Alma Highway, Jounieh +961 9 91 24 33
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Try It Yourself Grand Hills Hotel & Spa Main Road, Broummana +961 4 868 888
Rasul Mud Bath Meant to detoxify and stimulate your body, this treatment consists of coating your whole body with mud (childhood memories much?) and baking in a steam room for 30 minutes. After rinsing off the mud, your body is completely relaxed and your skin silky smooth. SPA Le Royal Spa
DIY Spa Treatment We took the Spa experience home with Do-It-Yourself (DIY) products and hosted a Spa Party! Find the review and the recipes on our website for an affordable, chemical-free spa experience at home. www.ragmag.co/cat/mirror-mirror/ mr--ms-clean-diy by searching “do it yourself home spa” on our website.
When was RAGMAG there? DECEMBER 2011
Try It Yourself Le Royal Hotels & Resorts Leisure Hills Complex, Dbayeh +961 4 555 555 www.leroyalbeirut.com
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SECTION
Tuba’s
EVOLUTION
Tuba Buyukustun, the celebrated Turkish actress and Pantene brand ambassador, speaks up about family, acting career and keeping a healthy routine
Tell us about your background; where you come from, what led you to become who you are today? I was born in Istanbul, in Turkey. Surprisingly I didn’t want to become an actress – I studied costume design and set decoration. If I hadn’t been an actress, I’m not sure what I would be doing now. I’m very content with my role in life at the moment though – being a mother, a wife and an actress suits me well.
What makes you just like every other woman in the Middle East? Every woman everywhere in the world is the same. I’m no different; I want to be a good mother, a good wife, a good daughter, a good sister, a good friend.
How has motherhood changed you, if at all? I feel I am giving back even more to the world than ever before. My babies are beautiful. Of course, having twins means that my world has been turned upside down and there is little time for anything, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
NOVEMBER 2012 F_PANTENE november.indd 2
Which character has been your favourite to play, to date?
How do you incorporate Pantene into your hair health ritual?
Every character I’ve played has been unique, and they’re all equally my favourite because they are special to me in their own way. I’ve been lucky in that I’ve been presented with exciting characters created by incredibly talented writers.
Very simply, I exchanged my old hair products for the Pantene regimen. I use Pantene shampoo and conditioner when I shower, and Oil Replacement to boost my hair’s health regularly.
What’s your favourite part about being a celebrity? Being able to make a difference. Having a voice that has the ability to be heard gives me a unique advantage; I am able to help in places that I might not have been able to reach, otherwise.
How long have you been the Pantene brand ambassador? I made my commitment to healthy hair when I became Pantene brand ambassador for the Middle East in July 2010.
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10/16/12 10:18 AM
MIRROR, MIRROR
INTOXICATING
INTIMATES RAGMAG’S SCENTUAL FALL SELECTION FOR HIM + HER A FULL MOON
ARMANI CODE LUNA
FOR WOMEN EAU DE TOILETTE This new interpretation of the Code selection for women is fresh and floral. Master perfumer Dominique Ropion incorporated bergamot notes, green accents of bitter orange essence, and a crisp pear chord. The olfactory signature of CODE LUNA is orange blossom absolute combined with “moonflower” (the botanical name is Epiphyllum oxypetalum), also known as the “Night Queen” flower. This rare blossom only blooms fully in the moonlight. The romantics will appreciate the feminine majesty of this scent infused with vanilla absolute, tonka bean and precious cedar.
ULTIMATE INDULGENCE ARMANI CODE ULTIMATE
FOR MEN EAU DE TOILETTE INTENSE The newest addition to the Giorgio Armani CODE selection of fragrances is a surefire success. It’s worth noting that the CODE bottle was inspired by the tuxedo- a style not any man can adopt. The combination of cedar and cypress woods is complimented by a modern leather note. The amber-woody accord and vanilla-tonka bean duo make this scent extremely unique. Men looking for a statement scent that is both elegant and powerful will appreciate CODE ULTIMATE.
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INTOXICATING INTIMATES | RAGMAG’S SCENTUAL FALL SELECTION FOR HIM + HER
POWER PLAYER
VIKTOR&ROLF SPICEBOMB FOR MEN EAU DE TOILETTE
This men’s take on the cult women’s fragrance Flowerbomb by VIKTOR&ROLF is astonishing! Out of the box thinkers, renowned designers VIKTOR&ROLF are preceded by a reputation of creativity and surprise. The notes of chilli and saffron with the masculine depth of leather and tobacco, paired with the strength of vetiver is one combination you don’t want to miss. Fresh notes of bergamot, grapefruit and cold spices (elemi and pink pepper), have an icy touch to them. A burst of spices tamed by an enveloping freshness, SPICEBOMB is the choice this season for men who want to keep people on their toes.
PRETTY YOUNG THING
L.I.L.Y BY STELLA MCCARTNEY FOR WOMEN EAU DE PARFUM
The story behind this fragrance is as engaging as the scent! L.I.L.Y. stands for “Linda, I love you,” recalling Stella’s happy childhood with rockstar father Paul McCartney and mother Linda. The name also evokes the English Lily of the Valley bloom, conjuring up her memories of traipsing through the English countryside. Having found success with master perfumer Jacques Cavallier, who collaborated with her to create the STELLA Eau de Parfum, he was naturally her first choice to bring L.I.L.Y to life. Other notes in the fragrance include truffle from the Perigord region of France and the warmth of earthy oak moss.
STAR PRODUCT
GET ADDICTED DEISEL LOVE DOSE FOR WOMEN This alluring scent just turned 1 year old! We’re wearing it out in the evenings and people are still leaning in to catch a waft of the musk, vanilla, orange blossom and jasmine combination in the Edt version. Those of you preferring an eau de parfum concentration, not to worry, Loverdose is available in that version as well. This winter, you’ll need the sunkissed scent of skin to keep you warm!
NOVEMBER 2012
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YSL’s CONSTANT COLOUR
FLAWLESS SKIN IN A CINCH WITH LE TEINT TOUCHE ÉCLAT At any given moment, someone is applying the famous Touche Éclat by YSL –one is sold somewhere in the world every 10 seconds! 20 years after the initial release of this staple product comes the launch of Le Teint Touche Éclat, a foundation that targets shadowy areas and defines contours using the newest in lightrefracting technology. The weightless formula heightens radiance while providing custom coverage even concealing imperfections, suitable for those looking for an even complexion without a “made up face”, eschewing the artificial look. “It is truly the ‘easy chic’ foundation par excellence. Natural, feather-light, but with a touch of very Parisian, very Saint Laurent sophistication that beautifies the skin and makes the complexion expressive. I like to call it a dewy luminosity, as fresh as dew on the complexion – and definitely not shiny,” explained Lloyd Simmonds, Creative Director Make-up, Yves Saint Laurent. You already love the YSL Touche Éclat, just wait until you try their newest innovation!
YOUR PERFECT FIT
•22 Shades of Yves Saint Laurent LE TEINT TOUCHE ÉCLAT are available for a customized finish for all skin tones, including black and Asian complexions. •The shade range was developed directly by Lloyd Simmonds. •Arranged in “families”, the shades range from beiges to golden and rosy beiges, from the lightest to the darkest tones, corresponding to the 7000 skin tones identified in the world. •The 4 aims of Yves Saint Laurent cosmetics (known as “universal make-up strategies”) are to achieve a golden complexion, a healthy glow, synergy between complexion and skin by having foundation with a tone-on-tone result, and finally a brightened effect to unify the complexion by reducing the appearance of pigmentation.
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MIRROR, MIRROR
FOREVER
YOUNG THE FANTASY OF A RESILIENT SKIN IS ACHIEVABLE THE NEWEST SKINCARE RANGE FROM YSL, FOREVER YOUTH LIBERATOR, IS MADE FOR WOMEN 30 AND ABOVE. THE 5 ITEM LINE-UP INCLUDES A SPECIFIC EYE CREAM FOR THE FRAGILE EYE AREA, A CLEANSER AND LOTION (MORE WIDELY KNOWN AS A TONER) AND A SERUM AND CREAM.
GET LIBERATED
Industry Insider Tip
“For flawless results around the eyes, I like to start with the FOREVER YOUTH LIBERATOR Eye Cream. It has a mattifying and soft-focus effect that reduces puffiness and gives the illuminating effects of LE TEINT TOUCHE ÉCLAT and TOUCHE ÉCLAT their full dimension. It’s very important to treat this area to give the face maximum radiance.” - Lloyd Simmonds, Creative Director Make-up, Yves Saint Laurent
THE 5-STEP Forever Youth Liberator program
1. On a wet face, gently apply a dime-sized amount of the Forever Youth Liberator Cleansing Foam. Rub the product in smooth circles for approximately 30 seconds. Rinse well with lukewarm water and pat dry. 2. The Forever Youth Liberator Lotion can be applied using a cotton pad or with the “splash” method, that is straight from the fingers pressed all over the skin avoiding the eye contour. The function of the lotion (or toner) is to prepare the skin for the serum and moisturizer in addition to restoring the natural pH of the skin after cleansing. Give the product a few seconds to dry and continue to step 3. 3. The Forever Youth Liberator Serum is the star product of this range. Using the dropper, extract a vial-full onto the hand. Using your fingers, apply a thin and even layer of serum all over the skin, avoiding the eye contour area. Allow absorption time of approximately 10 seconds then proceed to step 4. 4. Apply a dime-sized amount of Forever Youth Liberator Crème all over the face avoiding the eye contour. 5. Apply the Forever Youth Liberator Eye Cream around the orbital bone in a tapping motion.
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MIRROR, MIRROR
AUTUMN
BEAUTY YSL’S CHARISMATIC COLOUR RANGE
The season is here and the fall launches have all hit the best retailers nationwide. We’re all in a tizzy about YSL’s newest collection, are you ready for this? The “Contemporary Amazon” range has everything you need for fall and to bring out your best holiday look. The limited edition “Dare to Glow”, available in 3 shades (N°1 Tempting Gold, N°2 Fatal Red, and N°3 Naughty Pink), is a great way to illuminate the complexion and radiate health. The easy to use gel texture blends easily and is enriched with mother of pearl to reflect light and brighten the overall appearance.
STOP SIGN!
YSL RIVE GAUCHE GET THE LOOK All lights will be green when you’re wearing a stunning red by YSL red paired with a matte and luminous complexion, smoky gold and khaki eyes, and garnet-lacquered nails. “Khaki, gold and deep green eyes create tension with voluptuous matte red lips. Signature YSL.” Lloyd Simmonds, Creative Director Make-Up Yves Saint Laurent. Choose from 6 shades: N° 201 Orange Imagine, N° 202 Rose Crazy, N° 203 Rouge Rock, N° 204 Rouge Scandal, N° 205 Prune Virgin and N° 206 Grenat Satisfaction.
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AUTUMN BEAUTY | YSL’S CHARISMATIC COLOUR RANGE
STAR PRODUCT YSL PALETTE COUTURE
This autumn staple item is a jewel-bedecked compact with a crocodile motif, the emblem of the YSL accessories and leather goods collection. The engraved compact plays on the contrasting matte and glossy theme to reveal a delicate powder stamped with a “scale” pattern. Get the “Flush” blush for a healthy glow during the gloomier months: a harmony of 3 shades that adapt to all skin tones in fleshy pink, golden beige, rosy black-brown. Blend them to sculpt the cheeks and create a radiant, custom-tailored blush. “An alternative to blush, another way to sculpt the cheekbones. Try a darker shade to shape, a lighter one to add light on the temples, hairline and cheekbones,” advises Lloyd Simmonds.
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MIRROR, MIRROR
HAND IT
OVER
M.A.C.’S HIGH-PIGMENT
LAQUER PACKS A PUNCH
Getting your nails done just got a whole lot more exciting- you might even find excuses to talk with your hands! The new Nail Lacquer range by M.A.C. is available in 30 colours and 3 finishes. While we’re loving the entire line, our top choices are the mauve-toned “Anti-Fashion” for daytime office wear, the elegant “Soiree” for your evening events, and the true blue “Spirit of Truth” for the days when you want to be noticed. Whip out “Flaming Rose” on special occasions and make sure you pair it with an impactful lip colour. Check these shades and more out at M.A.C. counters across the Middle East!
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MIRROR, MIRROR
GET ON
STAGE
LUSH + LUXE
LARA SCANDAR’S BEAUTY BESTS
We’ve been watching Lara Scandar for quite some time. We are all about the young performer’s natural look and sunny presence. The Egyptian-Lebanese popstar is known for her glossy mane and knockout smile but best of all, the showstopper is purely au natural which is just the way we like it. One of the reasons we chose Lara is her high level of interaction on social media. We see her chat it up with her fans on Twitter, and we like her personal touch and accessibility. We sat down with Lara to find out more about her beauty routine and how her confidence level really does make her a radiant beauty- from the inside out. Pick up her album available nationwide. @LaraCScandar
LaraCScandar
HerbalArabia
SHOWTIME Who is your preferred makeup artist for your stage appearances? Is it the same for all of your public appearances? Elie Estephan whom I have worked with for a year now. We’ve worked together for the album shoot, concerts and appearances. When on stage, how do you prefer your hair? What sort of preparations do you do to make sure that your makeup is sweat-proof and humidity-proof when gearing up for a show? I like my hair to be loose and wavy. I love to incorporate “hairography” in my performances so I rarely tie it up. Thankfully, I have an amazing makeup artist that preps and primes my skin to the max but I always make sure I’m in a cool location to avoid the heat right before going up on stage. I use Herbal Essences! How do you ensure that your hair holds under hotlights and during your stage events? Fortunately, my hair holds pretty well under most circumstances. I always have my emergency products for backup just in case.
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A PERSON WHO’S ‘FOR OBSESSED WITH
MAKEUP I BARELY USE IT ON A DAILY BASIS
‘
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JUST ANOTHER DAY
Can you tell us 5 steps of your beauty routine? I always start my day by untying my braids. I braid my hair before going to sleep to avoid tangles and keep it naturally wavy. I then wash and cleanse my face with a purifying lotion prescribed to me by my dermatologist, then I apply my day cream. I use a facial scrub twice a week and once a week I’ll apply a facial mask: I prefer the natural, homemade ones. I love creating my own. I can’t go to sleep without having cleansed and moisturized.
How do you maintain your skin on a day to day basis? I’m pretty consistent and efficient when it comes to my skin and I take all the precautions I need to when shooting, seeing as my skin is insanely sensitive! I’ve learned that you can’t always control how your skin is going to react so it’s best to be consistent and safe especially if your daily life requires you to stress out or add an excessive amount of makeup! How do you do your hair and makeup for school seeing as how you are still in university? What kind of treatments do you use to maintain your colour? I’m the complete opposite at school. No makeup whatsoever and I barely style my hair. It’s either naturally let down or tied up. For a person who’s obsessed with makeup I barely use it on a daily basis. I [have] never coloured my hair nor do I ever intend on doing so. People who have worked with me know that I’m a pretty flexible person when it comes to my look but colouring my hair is one thing I don’t do.
I’M A PRETTY FLEXIBLE ‘PERSON WHEN IT
COMES TO MY LOOK BUT COLOURING MY HAIR IS ONE THING I DON’T DO‘
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HEALTH + WELLNESS IS THE NEW SEXY How many hours do you sleep a night to ensure fresh skin? I usually don’t sleep as well and as long as I should, but when my work schedule kicks in I always make it a point to have a minimum of 8 hours sleep- ideally 10 because I love my sleep-time. What’s your unhealthy habit that affects your skin negatively? Spicy food and the sun. I love staying in the sun throughout the summer. I love to lay by the pool or beach and on top of that I love to tan meaning I don’t put much protection on my skin. I know it’s going to catch up to me when I’m older. What’s your workout routine? I work out 3-5 times a week. I do everything from boxing to regular power and toning workouts. I tend to avoid machines unless the workout requires it. Do you have diet restrictions? Not at all. I don’t follow diets nor do I want to. Thankfully, I like to eat healthy. For a girl with a small appetite, I never say no to food! What are some positive health tips you can share that impact your beauty routine? I drink an insane amount of water! I never leave the house without a bottle and I never go from room to room in the house without a bottle in my hand. I avoid coffee unless I really need it to wake up. I haven’t had any type of soda for the last 7 years. I always eat dessert at least 2 hours after my meals but I never deprive myself from eating anything. What is one thing you do every day that is health-related that you feel contributes to your bright look? I’m pretty consistent with my daily routines, be it taking care of my skin, eating habits or workouts but then again, I do lose track sometimes if I’m in the midst of traveling or exams. I think my routine, when I follow it, is what keeps me on the right track.
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How do you think your confidence level affects your beauty? Do you think confidence contributes to people perceiving you as beautiful? I think confidence is everything. There’s a very thin line between confidence and arrogance, one that should not be crossed. I have days, just like everyone else, when I feel insecure and I can very honestly say I end up not feeling beautiful no matter how much makeup I have on. The same goes for when I feel good about myself. Feeling good about myself makes me feel like I look just as good.
What attitude do you suggest people adopt to convey a healthy outlook on beauty? I could go on for hours trying to answer this question. The main problem this world has, especially our region, is that they don’t believe in less being more! What young girls see on TV in this part of the world is what they end up aspiring to be and that’s wrong. I’ve been on TV several times with no makeup or hair done and that was always to prove that point. Firstly, you have to feel beautiful to look it. Whether it’s taking care of your health, skin… everyone needs to find a routine and lifestyle that suits them best. Secondly, you have to think healthy to live it. Above all, you have to know that being different is beautiful on its own. I really believe that you have to be happy with the skin you’re in. Nobody likes a clone
DIFFERENT IS BEAUTIFUL ‘ONBEING ITS OWN. I REALLY BELIEVE
THAT YOU HAVE TO BE HAPPY WITH THE SKIN YOU’RE IN ‘
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CULTURE CLASH
DIMENSIONS
OF POP’S MEGASTAR
KYLIE MINOGUE
IN AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW BY BRYAN BORZYKOWSKI
AS NIGHTLIFE-LOVING F1 ATTENDEES GEAR UP FOR KYLIE MINOGUE’S SECOND VISIT TO THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, WE DECIDED TO BRING YOU KYLIE UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL. JUST AFTER HER FIRST VISIT TO ABU DHABI, BROUGHT TO YOU BY FLASH ENTERTAINMENT, POP’S MEGASTAR DARLING WILL BE RELEASING A NEW DISC WITH A NEW SOUND: “THE ABBEY ROAD SESSIONS”. HERE EXCLUSIVELY WITH RAGMAG, KYLIE DISCUSSES A FEW INTIMATE MOMENTS, HER GOALS, AND THE CONCERNS THAT PLAGUE THE “IMPOSSIBLE PRINCESS” WHO MAKES IT ALL SEEM INCREDIBLY POSSIBLE. NOVEMBER 2012
Modified from the original version released in RAGMAG July 2010 Issue 2
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CULTURE CLASH
“I WROTE SOME SONGS ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE, BUT THEY WEREN’T INCLUDED ON THE ALBUM [...] I HAD REGRETS ABOUT LEAVING THEM OFF, BUT THE CONSENSUS WAS THAT THEY DIDN’T BELONG ON IT”
K K
ylie Minogue is sitting in an office overlooking Central Park in New York. At the time of this interview, the Australian born songstress has been on a media tour blitz for almost a week — she arrived in the Big Apple the night before we spoke — and my interview with her is one of her last. “My brain is somewhere over the Atlantic,” she says when I call her on the phone. “Jet lag has its own rules.” Minogue doesn’t sound tired — if anything she’s got more pep than you might expect from a 40-something, world-tour cancer survivor. But it’s her insatiable drive that gives her more energy than the rest of us officedwelling folks. Not only was she promoting her new album “Aphrodite”, but she also launched a fragrance, she does countless photo shoots and she’s even said that she wants to go back to college. Currently, her album “Abbey Road Sessions” is scheduled for release in the next few weeks. Like the rest of us, the songstress can’t figure out what keeps her moving. “How do I do it all?” she asks. “I don’t know.” She says she just keeps going until she needs to “shut the door and shut my eyes,”
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but she also hates being bored. “Boredom is my enemy,” she says. Kylie has sold more than 68 million records in a career spanning 25 years and covering more than 50 singles, from her first hit, a cover of “Locomotion” in July 1987, through to classics such as “I Should Be So Lucky” and “Can’t Get You Out of My Head”. She has released eleven studio albums (all Platinum), five live CDs, nine live concert DVDs, her “Greatest Hits”, “Ultimate Kylie” and a “Best of” compilation released this year; plus multiple TV and DVD packages. This is in addition to almost 50 singles released internationally. Life is good for Minogue -the bombshell singer whose cancer is, so far, still in remission. Contrary to rumors, she’s got a solid boyfriend: “I’m not walking down the aisle as of yet, but I think I’m in a good relationship,” she says referring to Andres Velencoso Segura who Kylie has been dating since 2008. Velencoso (he doesn’t always use Segura as his surname) is a 34 year-old Spanish model who has fronted huge campaigns for brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton. When the couple appears in public together, paparazzi pandemonium ensues. There are even articles dedicated to speculation about whether Andres did indeed tattoo Kylie’s name on his body.
“I’M NOT WALKING DOWN THE AISLE AS OF YET, BUT I THINK I’M IN A GOOD RELATIONSHIP”
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CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: EVENT CELEBRATING MEN’S STYLE AT THE CHATEAU MARMONT HOTEL, WEST HOLLYWOOD. THE 65TH CANNES FESTIVAL AT PALAIS ON MAY 27, 2012. GLAMOUR WOMEN OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2012, AT BERKELEY SQUARE, LONDON. BRIT AWARDS 2012 AT THE O2 ARENA, GREENWICH, LONDON AT THE TANQUERAY LONDON IMPORT PARTY IN LOS ANGELES. Pictures by FeatureFlash
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CULTURE CLASH
BELOW: KYLIE MINOGUE DISCOGRAPHY
Her then enthusiasm was present on “Aphrodite”-an electro dance disc that showcased Minogue singing about the positive side of love, relationships and other happy, feel good moments. She says the record was actually supposed to be more guitar-based, but that didn’t work out. Her sights soon turned to dance, which is “good timing”, according to Kylie considering how crazy Europeans are for that genre of music. “Aphrodite” was actually supposed to sound different. It was, she says, going to be a reaction against how electro and synthesized her 2007 disc, “X”, was. But as the album was coming together the singer felt confused: “I didn’t know what I was trying to achieve,” she explains. In the end, Minogue says, “We reacted against ‘X’ and ended up somewhere in the middle, which was a good place. You can strip back the songs if you wanted to.” While the album features some of her most upbeat music, it doesn’t deal with anything personal. Lyrics such as “I’m fierce and I’m feeling mighty, I’m a golden girl, I’m an aphrodite, alright,” from the title track, are as fluffy as they sound. Minogue does say that she still believes in love, even though she’s had a rocky history with men, but that’s as introspective as the album gets.
One subject Minogue has never dealt with on record is living with breast cancer — she was diagnosed in 2005 and beat it a year later — though she wishes had sung about her illness on “X”. “I wrote some songs about my experience, but they weren’t included on the album,” she says. “I had regrets about leaving them off, but the consensus was that they didn’t belong on it.” She explains that she didn’t have the energy or confidence to fight for the songs, but that she hopes to release an “anti-album” at some point, where the tracks that do deal with her cancer will see the light of day. Since Minogue is such a money-making machine, it’s understandable why her management would leave off potentially depressing songs about battling a devastating illness. But perhaps the singer should push harder. As upbeat as she is, she’s still having a hard time sorting out her emotions, especially because the cancer could come back. Minogue reached what she calls her “five-year all clear” mark in 2011. Until that time (and perhaps even now), she dealt with the threat of a recurrence: “It’s still part of my everyday life,” she said a little pensively. She admits that some days the cancer doesn’t factor into her routine, while other days it does. “It comes and goes,” she explains. “Some days it’s like it never happened, but you don’t get back to normal. Nothing will go back to the way it was.”
“IT COMES AND GOES [...] SOME DAYS IT’S LIKE IT NEVER HAPPENED, BUT YOU DON’T GET BACK TO NORMAL. NOTHING WILL GO BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS”
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CULTURE CLASH
OPPOSITE PAGE: KYLIE MINOGUE AT AMFAR INSPIRATION GALA CELEBRATING MEN’S STYLE WITH PIAGET AND DSQUARED2, CHATEAU MARMONT, LOS ANGELES
“WHEN I WAS IN THAT SITUATION I WAS PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY REACHING OUT FOR ANYTHING THAT WOULD HELP ME [...] YOU NEED TO PASS THAT ON” Instead, the Grammy Award winning singer is trying to find a “new normal.” She has to find a way to live and work in the context of being a cancer survivor. While her cancer has “shined a different light on life” and showed her what’s important, she hasn’t quite found that new normal yet, even though it’s been a few years since her diagnosis. Her attempt to redefine that normal has been thwarted by the thing that keeps her going most: her music. She says that while some business executives will quit their jobs and move to Mexico after getting cancer, she just picked up and went back to work. “I didn’t want to find something else to do,” she says. “I just wanted to be kinder to myself as I do this.” Her schedule has changed -she’ll only do two or three shows in a row now, not the four or five nights a week calendar she used to keep. Kylie has appeared before royalty; she’s received countless gold and platinum discs and soldout eight record breaking world tours and most notably, in 2000 closed the Sydney Olympics. Her performance in Abu Dhabi is the pop legend’s second visit to the United Arab Emirates. Kylie will be appearing to wow crowds at du Arena as part of Yasalam 2012 as part of her 25th music anniversary celebrations. Although Minogue hasn’t sung much about her experience, she has spoken out about it a lot. She doesn’t shy away from her illness in interviews and she’s talked to groups,
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conventions and other large gatherings about getting cancer. That’s helped people view celebrities as human, she says. “When they see someone fall with an illness there’s no doubt.” But she’s not speaking out because of a sense of duty or responsibility. She just wants to help others. “When I was in that situation I was physically and mentally reaching out for anything that would help me,” she explains. “You need to pass that on.” For now, Minogue has no plans to slow down. She says she’s worked too hard at building a fanbase to throw it all away. She was also awarded the Centenary Medal from the Governor General of Australia for her “Outstanding Contribution to the Music Industry”; and in 2008 the French Minister of Culture and Communications awarded Kylie one of France’s highest cultural awards, the “Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” insignia (‘Knight’ in the Order of Arts and Letters) for her “contribution to the enrichment of French culture” and an OBE for “services to music”. In 2010 she received an honorary doctorate from the Anglia Ruskin University of Cambridge & Chelmsford for her work in raising awareness of breast cancer. “I have a relationship with my audience and you can’t just manufacture that history,” she says. “I wouldn’t want to let that go.” At least she’s more prepared for life’s ups and downs. “Life’s not mundane,” she says. “I’m still me- excited and inspired.”
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s_bukley / Shutterstock.com NOVEMBER 2012
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INDUSTRY
INSIDER
THE HOUSE OF GIVENCHY STUNS GUESTS AT THEIR LATEST RUNWAY SHOW We’re torn between what’s cooler: a sneak peek of their newest ready to wear collection or hitting them up backstage at the catwalk? This star-studded (literally) event had global attendees all waiting with baited breath to see what the renowned House would come up with next. We had no clue what we were in for, and the facial adornments were especially shocking!
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JASON WU FW 2012/2013
MIX N’ MATCH REAL RUNWAY RAGMAG SHOWS YOU HOW TO REPLICATE THAT RUNWAY TREND! SEE OUR TAKES ON HOW TO MAKE THE READY TO WEAR, ACTUALLY WEARABLE
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SMART SPECS cartier
TIME FLIES
TAILORED TRIM
hermes watch burberry prorsum fw 2012/2013
canali fw 2012/2013
elle homme jacket for men
alexander mcqueen quilted leather jacket
burberry brit double-breasted wool-blend coat
RING MY BELL
Isabel Marant Set of two brass necklaces
chan luu bracelet
christian louboutin artemis bellembellished shoulder bag
FIRST KISS
tory burch kissing fox belt in black
balmain structured wool jacket
BRAZEN BRAIDS
noah available at gs
louis vuitton romance pump in monogram idylle
jimmy choo anouk patent leather pumps NOVEMBER 2012
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Jason Wu Embellished silk-chiffon gown
SAUT DE L’ANGE
rosantica magnifico 24-karat gold-dipped angelite earrings
LORD OF THE RINGS
yves saint laurent secrecy faux pearl and crystal ring
dolce & gabbana fw 2012/2013
oscar de la renta printed silk-faille skirt
One Vintage Samanta tunic
TASSEL UP
Emilio Pucci Beaded silk clutch
WILD WOOL
carven wool-blend brocade dress
gucci flocked suede pencil skirt
Emilio Pucci Multi-stone cuff
marc jacobs baroque single quilted leather shoulder bag
POWER PUMPS
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yves saint laurent gourmette gold-plated crystal bracelet
jason wu lily leather-trimmed brocade pumps THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
BALMAIN FW 2012/2013
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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES
MEN’S
FALL LOOK
TO GET
BERSHKA PRESENTS YOUR PICTURE PERFECT AUTUMN WARDROBE We’ve chosen 4 outfits from Bershka’s recent launches that we think are the most versatile for the fashion-conscious shopper! We’ve segmented them into 4 sections for you: Chillin’ Out, Prepster Party, Hipster Highs and Cutting Corners. Wear them as presented or max out your investment by mixing and matching. Follow Bershka’s lead, they’ve pulled these 4 looks together impeccably!
CHILLIN’ OUT
Do layer different fabrics with one knit piece. Don’t overdo heavier textures. BELOW, LEFT TO RIGHT
CUTTING CORNERS Do wear a patterned-collared shirt in a bright shade. Don’t colour-coordinate the shirt and pants- the contrast jazzes it up.
HIPSTER HIGHS
Do mix one statement shade with less impactful colours. Don’t wear loose bottoms, keep it streamlined.
PREPSTER PARTY
Do rock the more sophisticated shirt and bow-tie combo. Don’t pair it CHILLIN’ with pants, stick toOUT jeans to Do layerthe different modernize look. fabrics with one knit piece. Don’t overdo heavier textures.
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WOMEN’S FALL LOOK
TO GET
FORWARD FIX
Do pair a print with a solid. Don’t overkill the monotones, stick with one and work around it.
MANGO PRESENTS YOUR PICTURE PERFECT AUTUMN WARDROBE We’ve chosen 3 outfits from Mango’s recent launches that we think are the most versatile for the fashion-conscious shopper! We’ve segmented them into 3 sections for you: Take Command, Forward Fix and Urban Groove. Wear them as presented or max out your investment by mixing and matching. Follow Mango’s lead, they’ve pulled these 3 looks together impeccably!
URBAN GROOVE
Do pair a crisp top with funky jeans. Don’t add a loose fitting jacket, stick with a modern blazer.
NOVEMBER 2012
TAKE COMMAND
Do layer a shorter skirt or dress under a longer jacket. Don’t choose conflicting tones of outerwear.
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PRIME PERSPECTIVE A VANTAGE POINT OF VANITY+VAGUENESS Photography by ODETTE KAHWAGI Styled by JONY MATTA
Makeup ELIE ESTEPHAN | Hair ROGER GABRIEL Model IVANNA
DRESSED BY DINA JSR COLLECTION FW 2012/2013
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LUMINOUS ORGANZA + GAUZE DRESS WITH A LACE EMBROIDERED BELT
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EVRY DUCHESS + LACE DRESS Opposite page BEACON DUCHESS + LACE DRESS
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LUMINOUS ORGANZA + GAUZE DRESS WITH A LACE EMBROIDERED BELT Opposite page BEACON DUCHESS + LACE DRESS
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TICINO SILK TWILL DRESS Opposite page VOLUTE LACE + LEATHER DRESS
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VOLUTE LACE + LEATHER DRESS Opposite page ALPINE DOUBLE FACED SILK WOOL + ORGANZA DRESS
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GLAZE SILK TWILL + CREPE DRESS Opposite page HELIX DUCHESS SATIN DRESS
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LUMINOUS CREPE + CHIFFON DRESS Opposite page ALPINE DOUBLE FACED SILK WOOL + ORGANZA DRESS
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TURRET SILK TWILL DRESS
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TURRET SILK TWILL DRESS
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RAGMAG
RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN
GIVENCHY FW 2012/2013
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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES
RAGMAG
RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR WOMEN
ST. JOHN FW 2012/2013
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EMPEROR’S NEW CLOTHES
RAGMAG
RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR WOMEN
ELIE SAAB FW 2012/2013
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RAGMAG
RAGING RUNWAY TOP CATWALK CHOICES FOR MEN
DSQUARED2 FW 2012/2013
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Take It + Go! Inspired by the early 90s, the Boggi Fall/Winter 2012 collection is identified by an elegant, sober spirited feel in the formal section of the collection and a more colourful, less pretentious attire in the sportswear section. The selection for formal suits ranges from worsted to full fabrics, characterized by blended patterns in pin stripes, and by solid colours usually proposed by twill weaves. A large section of the formal suits is dedicated to patterned jackets that can be paired up with dyed knitted garments and pants for a contemporary metro-
politan overall look. Alongside the tailored jackets, Boggi introduces the sport jackets made of dyed cottons or plain, dyed or patterned wools. These jackets are all enriched with patches on the sleeves and a contrasting colour or pattern under the collar flaps and vests. The collection also showcases a wide selection of coats ranging from cashmere blends to pea and jersey coats with the aim of enhancing comfort. In the sportswear section, a variety of items are displayed, from garments made of technical fabrics lined with
flannels to wool fabrics with thermal padding. The Button Down classic shirts have been integrated into the tailored fit section through the replacement of traditional collars, thus making the classics even more fashionable. The blue collection in the knitwear section introduces oversized knits, such as cable knits and wool jackets, and the merino selection, where the stonewashed look is now available in more styles and colours. All merino classic knits are now custom fit with new colours available for the basic knit.
Ten Times the Knowledge Decathlon is a French brand founded in 1976 that offers quality sporting goods at affordable prices for over 70 different sports. With nearly 595 stores in over 15 countries, Decathlon, through its partnership with Azadea Group, a leading fashion and lifestyle Retail Company in the MENA region, opened its first Decathlon store in Lebanon, making it the second branch in the region following the launch of its first store in the UAE in 2010. “We are extremely excited about introducing Decathlon to the Lebanese community, one that is filled with a great number of sport enthusiasts,” stated Aline Chabenne, Azadea Lebanon’s Country Manager, “and we are certain that with the products that Decathlon has to offer, we will not only satisfy those customer’s needs, but also encourage others to add sports to their everyday life.” Gaining popularity worldwide for their diverse array of sporting equipment, clothes and accessories, Decathlon exclusively sells their own invention, the “Marques Passions” brand, alongside notable international ones including adidas, Puma, Reebok and others. “Marques Passions” consists of clothing and equipment that have been devised from Decathlon’s own raw materials and nearly 18 brands. “Marques Passions” is present in the store under a “Universe” and its sub-brands cater to
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a diversity of sports ranging from racquet and contact sports to dancing and martial arts among many others. Golf aficionado will appreciate “Inesis”, whereas archery and darts are catered to by “Geologic”. For hikers, there is the “Quecha” range, while those trying to get healthy will find all the fitness necessities under “Domyos” and “Aptonia”. Decathlon introduces its customers to a world of interactivity: test zones within the store have been set up that help the consumer ascertain which sport they would find most suitable. The shopping and service experiences are also enriched through in-store workshops. Sky is the limit as Decathlon enriches your life with the goodness of sports.
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EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY
SWIRL, SNIFF+SIP
3 DIMENSIONS OF “LEBANON’S PRODUCTION IS AROUND NINE MILLION BOTTLES A YEAR AND GROWING FAST. WE SEE A LOT OF POTENTIAL”
S
wirl, sniff and sip was the name of the game at the Vinifest, Lebanon’s annual wine festival. Over four days wine makers showcased their best to experts and curious novices who came to taste the country’s most ancient tipple.
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LEBANON’S VINIFEST BY SABINA LLEWELLYN-DAVIES
“All the regions in Lebanon are represented here, around 24 wineries,” said Nada Farah, organizer and founder of Vinifest. “To think that just ten years ago there were only around four wine makers in the country, now there are over forty. Lebanon’s production is around nine million bottles a year and growing fast. We see a lot of potential.” The theme of this year’s festival was food and wine pairing, and Lebanon’s very own celebrity chefs gave some stimulating cooking demonstrations, matching their cuisine with wine. On the opening night the vibes were so good that tipsy visitors danced impromptu on a makeshift stage stimulated by the live music and the wine. The usual suspects like Ksara,
Kefraya, Musar, Ixsir, Wardy and Clos St. Thomas were all showcasing, but there is a lot more to Lebanese wine than just the big boys and this event put the new kids in the spotlight. Dr. Fady and Nathalie Geara, founders of the micro-winery Aurora, are really smitten with wine. “I became interested in winemaking as a hobby,” says Dr. Geara, an oncologist. Their first serious production was just a few years ago in 2009 and their Aurora Cabernet Franc 2010, a single grape red wine, tastes fine and well-bodied. I drink up, spit out and swiftly Dr. Geara pours some of his white. Oh my, so little time, so many wines and with only a couple of hours left until closing, I move on to the next vintage.
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
3 DIMENSIONS OF WINE | LEBANON’S VINIFIEST
Next stop was Domaine des Tourelles, a family owned winery since 1868. Emile Issa el Khoury proudly informed that their white 2011 is one of the first Lebanese wines to be sold in UK supermarkets while he pours. It’s crispy, delicious, but I prefer their Marquis des Beys 2007, an excellent rich red, which I tried last year. Of the varietals grown in Lebanon it’s the reds that really shine, like the Renaissance and Le Château from Château Belle-Vue, granted an award by wine magazine “Imbibe”. Not bad for a winery in Bhamdoun which Naji and Jill Boutros founded in 2000 with an idea to stimulate the local economy by replanting historic
NOVEMBER 2012
vineyards. “We are up to about 20,000 bottles a year at the moment,” says Jill Boutros, who sells most wine online via their wine club. Scoring high on interest was Domaine de Bargylus, a Syrian wine, with their 2007 pleasant blend of Syrah Carbernet and Merlot. “Un grand vin,” says Fabrice Terpereau, development manager for Bargylus and Marsyas. The wine comes from Latakia and “it’s the first Syrian wine to be exported on an international level, we sell in top Michelin-starred restaurants in London for example. And, believe it or not production is still continuing despite the current political situation is Syria.”
DESPITE THE POSITIVE CHANGES IN LOCAL WINES OVER THE LAST DECADE, MANY LEBANESE STILL PREFER FRENCH WINE AND LOOK DOWN ON THEIR OWN TIPPLE AS SOMEWHAT OF A LESSER GOD And, finally, to take the mystery out of wine tasting Vinifest inaugurated Vinecole, a wine school led by Brigitte Le Loup, vice president, L’association des Sommeliers d’Europe. On the opening night Le Loup told visitors: get to know and love your wine. Despite the positive changes in local wines over the last decade, many Lebanese still prefer French wine and look down on their own tipple as somewhat of a lesser god. Farah hopes to change this with Vinifest, a true nod to Lebanon’s wine industry. The 3D’s of wine tasting have never looked better - now’s the time to swirl, sniff and sip Lebanese brands. Vinifest took place from 3-6 October 2012 at the Beirut Hippodrome, Lebanon
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TOMAS REGER CONCEPTUAL
CUISINE BY SABINA LLEWELLYN-DAVIES
P
op-Ups are nothing new. London and New York have seen dozens of them open in the past few years. But Beirut had to wait until this summer for its first Pop-Up restaurant created by Chef Tomas Reger and food entrepreneur Mario Haddad. Tomas, a 32 year-old Czech chef, loves the idea of pop-ups and was keen to bring it to Beirut. He comes from Kromeriz, a tiny town in the Czech Republic and came to the Middle East to pursue his passion for fine food after stints of in the kitchens of Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and India. While in London, he set up a Chinese dim sum restaurant, which in turn led to an offer from Dubai where he opened Steam Sum Dim Sum. Since then he’s worked as a consultant chef for many restaurants in the region. His inspiration to become a chef? He
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CZECH CHEF TAKES A 3D APPROACH TO DINING
owes it all to his grandmother who was a chef back home during the grand days of communism. “I suppose I had to inherit some of my grandmother’s genes. Also, my friend Jiri used to say that food entertains the most senses, that fascinated me.” His craft is 3 dimensional: “It attacks all the senses, smell, sight, taste, and more, all in a good way,” says Tomas. His latest project is Food for Thought, a restaurant consultancy company with Mario Haddad, the Lebanese founder of Le Sushi Bar, Al Falamanki, and The Jasmine Room. This year, they had the chance to restyle the menu for SkyBar, Beirut’s most popular rooftop. The Czech chef is incredibly busy out of the kitchen but still enjoys the basics. “That was one of my reasons for setting up the Pop-Up back in July. I wanted it
to be a showcase of what I can do as a chef.” When we met up on a humid windy Monday night he seemed slightly preoccupied, probably in his mind devising a new concept. But, he soon got into the swing of cooking and conjured up some grilled chicken with mushrooms and veggies in no time. “I discovered the chicken bred at La Ferme St. Jacques, it’s great.”
HIS CRAFT IS 3 DIMENSIONAL: “IT ATTACKS ALL THE SENSES, SMELL, SIGHT, TASTE, AND MORE, ALL IN A GOOD WAY” THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
TOMAS REGER | CONCEPTUAL CUISINE
How has his latest venture, the PopUp, been received in Lebanon?” It has been a great success so far. Pop-Up is a place where everyone can be themselves.” He aims to use local produce as much as possible and to cook them the Tomasian way. The Pop-Up is located on a side street in the grungy-chic Mar Mikhael area of Beirut, Lebanon’s answer to London’s Shoreditch. It has no name but since opening it’s been dubbed The Junkyard, The Banana, The Yellow-Container-in-Mar-Mikhael-that-
opens-from-6pm-to-2am, Graffiti Pub... Tomas is more excited about creating menus for the Pop-Up than naming it. “I change the menu daily, depending on what is in season and at its best. And, I have limited my team to three chefs to challenge ourselves. I really want to turn the food scene upside down by serving quality food, accessible, at a reasonable price.” A typical dinner menu always includes local vegetables, mostly organic. “I have been cooking mostly from organic produce at the
Pop-Up,” he insists, inspired by Lebanon and its amazing range of fresh produce. “The ingredients is [sic] already here and once the cooks stop chasing titles and start cooking we’ll have a lot to look forward to.” As for the wine list, he admits to being slightly clueless. “Hey, I’m Czech so I’m more into beer than wine. I leave the choice of wines to Mario, he knows more than I do,” he admits. “But, since living in Lebanon, I am starting to get more into wine, especially the local wine.” The Pop-Up is certainly a refreshing new idea on the scene and the recent implementation of Lebanon’s indoor smoking ban have made alfresco dining even more desirable. Alas, like all outdoor Pop-Ups, this one is expected to vanish into thin air during the rainy season. So get there while it’s still dry and the cooking is still hot. You can see RAGMAG’s resto review of Tomas’ latest brainchild on our website
“I REALLY WANT TO TURN THE FOOD SCENE UPSIDE DOWN BY SERVING QUALITY FOOD, ACCESSIBLE, AT A REASONABLE PRICE”
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EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY
VILLE-LUMIÈRE
PANAME BY YOUMNA CHAGOURY
L
ocated in the middle of the Gouraud Street in Gemmayzeh, Paname is a discreet resto with a simple exterior: large windows, a glass door with wood frames and a neon sign. Inside, the dining area leads you to the bar lounge. Paname is the new French Bistro in town: unadorned wooden tables, round chairs, classic cutlery and metal napkin holders. All of this and the bright (yet comfortable) lighting reminded me of many Parisian neighborhood bistros I’ve enjoyed in France. After taking a look at the simply decorated lounge, with its padded couches, chalkboardlike mural presenting the menu and old stone walls, we head to the closed terrace; a wine cellar, wood furniture and a transparent ceiling make it a cozy and private section, perfect for a business lunch. The menu tells the story of wine
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PARISIAN DINING IN BEIRUT
tasting and the “Ville Lumière” Parisian nickname. Ranging from entrées and salads to sandwiches and main dishes, the restaurant offers typical French dishes, like garlic butter snails, baked mushroom and scallops, croquemonsieur and croque-madame and more international ones like a fresh tuna tartar, perfectly seasoned, or a goat cheese, beetroot and Puy lentils salad. We tried a bit of everything and even though the burger was disappointing – too dry, too much seasoning in the patty (not very flavorful)- the highlight of the meal was their Boeuf Bourguignon, a dish that takes hours to cook: the gravy was well seasoned, the meat was very tender and the vegetables, kept whole, gave the dish a gastronomic dimension. To end your meal, take your pick from the small dessert selection, of which our favorite was the chocolate fondant.
THE + +PRICE
You can have a three course meal at Paname without breaking the bank +MENU
It’s limited, just like a real French Bistro carte should be. An English version of the menu is provided for Anglophones.
THE -SERVICE
One salad and one main dish were forgotten -a mistake that was quickly fixed and apologized for- and the wait staff aren’t familiar with the menu and the specialties. -CLOSED OUTDOOR AREA
Having a terrace in the middle of Beirut is rare enough not to take advantage of it and offer the clients an outdoor seated area. -DESSERTS
The selection doesn’t focus on French desserts. Even the apple tart is not Tatin! Paname Bistro THE Gouraud Street, Gemmayzeh 01569191
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YOU + YOUR COUNTRY
The
Sweet SIDE OF LIFE
I
first heard of the Cupcake Box on Twitter and then on Facebook, when owner and baker Randa Kabrit started posting pictures and descriptions of her cupcakes: Pistachio topped with rosewater, buttercream, and Ghazel Baneit; pineapple cake with pineapple custard filling and vanilla buttercream topped with candied coconut shavings and a cherry; Graham crust filled with fresh bananas and homemade toffee topped with whipped cream and Lindt chocolate. I drooled, but thought it would just be yet another bakery trying to jump on the cupcake bandwagon taking over Lebanon (about 2 years later than the rest of the world). I was soon to be proven wrong. The Cupcake Box is a charity bakery:
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CUPCAKE BOX
LENDS A HELPING HAND BY YOUMNA CHAGOURY
every month, Randa sells her cupcakes and donates all the profits to one charity. “It all started in March 2011, right after the earthquake followed by a tsunami wave in Japan. Watching it on TV, something really compelled me and I felt that I had to do something about it, and the least I could do was collect for the Japanese Red Cross. I thought it would be easy, that I’d just make a tour of the offices in my department [in Dubai] and ask each colleague to donate. That’s what I did, but it was shocking to see how many people were not responsive to the initiative. Everyone was making excuses and postponing the donation. It really pissed me off but I was very adamant to find a way to get them to donate.”
Randa then came up with the idea of baking a few cupcakes and whoever donated, she’d reward them with one serving. “The reason I did choose cupcakes is that I had this lemon meringue cupcake recipe that I had wanted to try for ages and never got to it. It was my very first attempt at baking cupcakes, ever.” In fact, Randa learnt baking on… YouTube! She used to search
THE CUPCAKE BOX IS A CHARITY BAKERY: EVERY MONTH, RANDA SELLS HER CUPCAKES AND DONATES ALL THE PROFITS TO ONE CHARITY THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
THE SWEET SIDE OF LIFE | CUPCAKE BOX LENDS A HELPING HAND
for recipes and tutorials and just try them at home. This DIY way was successful: the two dozen she had baked were gone in a day and her colleagues kept asking for more. Randa agreed to bake again, under the condition that the donations would keep coming. A month after the first batch, she was still baking cupcakes and they were still donating. Together, they decided to give the donations to a different charity every month. After moving back to Lebanon a few months later, Randa’s donation cupcakes were still on her mind. Many people encouraged her to start all over again and began telling her about the important NGO scene in Beirut. “It was true. As soon as I got out there and
started to ask, I really saw what a small world this was. Everyone knew everyone and they all needed help.” The Cupcake Box started off the Beiruti donations with Kiva, an international microloans NGO that had a field partner in Lebanon, Al Majmoua. “I loved that concept because this NGO encourages people to be sustainable, start a small business, like a fisherman who needs to fix his boat or a tailor who needs a sewing machine. After Kiva, it just rolled, I worked with the Nawaya Network, with Ibtissama [featured in RAGMAG April 2012]. What’s nice about what I’m doing here in Lebanon that I wasn’t doing in Dubai is that when I sponsor a charity, we do fundraising events together. I feel like we work much more closely
together. Nawaya Network once had a movie screening and Cupcake Box was there, and you know, when it’s a fundraising event, you don’t just come buy your cupcake and go. You ask about the NGO, you donate some more, you get to meet the people.” Randa believes that if she can do it, anyone can do it. “It doesn’t have to be on a grand scale. You might help one person, or five, or ten but anything you do is worth it. I sometimes get calls from people asking how they can help in washing the dishes, baking the cupcakes, decorating them… and it’s as valuable and as helpful as the donations themselves. When you help people out, you also find help in so many different ways.”
CUPCAKE BOX CHARITY FOR NOVEMBER
FOODBLESSED “Feeding the hungry, one meal at a time”
FoodBlessed partners with catering companies. After an event, extra food, given it is still in excellent condition, is distributed via local NGOs to the families in need. They also partner with restaurants that provide them with surplus food, monthly vouchers or hot meals or contribute to their “Food Fund” by automatically donating a certain percentage of a given meal to FoodBlessed whenever someone orders that meal. Privately, if you host a dinner and are left with extra food on your hands, don’t throw it away. Contact FoodBlessed and arrange pick-up so they can deliver meals to the people in need. FoodBlessed 70 814 742 info@foodblessed.org FoodBlessed @foodblessed
The Cupcake Box
76538282 BOX CHARITY CUPCAKE randakabrit@me.com FOR NOVEMBER Cupcake Box @CupcakeBox
FOODBLESSED
NOVEMBER 2012
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SUGAR
RUSH DIMENSIONS OF DECADENCE BY LARA ARISS
Each edition of RAGMAG Lara Ariss will present a meal in several courses that you can try at home. Lara trained at Le Cordon Bleu in London, England. For this issue of RAGMAG, Lara has chosen a selection of desserts that will tickle your sweet tooth. For her menu selection, check her out on the web http://www.bylara.me @laraariss
bylara
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laraariss
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY
PREPARATION TIME 20 MINUTES COOKING TIME 45 MINUTES SERVES 4-6 LEVEL EASY
CHOCOLATE COCONUT
+MINT CUSTARD
INGREDIENTS • 240 grams whole grain brown rice, cooked • 3 eggs • 30 grams unsweetened cocoa powder • 25 grams honey • 25 grams coconut • 395 ml light unsweetened coconut milk, warmed • 120 ml yogurt, warmed
GARNISH Fresh mint leaves Chocolate curls
METHOD
• Preheat oven to 160°C. • In a large bowl, mix together the rice, eggs, cocoa powder, honey, and coconut until well blended. • Stir in the warm coconut milk and yogurt. Transfer to an oiled casserole dish. • Bake for 45 minutes. • Garnish each serving with mint and chocolate curls.
PEANUT BUTTER
+APPLE PANCAKES
PREPARATION TIME 20 MINUTES BAKING TIME 5 MINUTES SERVES 4-6 LEVEL EASY
INGREDIENTS • 170 grams all-purpose flour • 15 grams sugar • 2 teaspoons baking powder • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 355 ml milk • 120 ml apple juice • 45 grams peanut butter • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract • 1 large apple, peeled, cored and chopped • 35 grams chopped dry-roasted peanuts
METHOD
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. • In a blender, combine the milk, apple juice, peanut butter, and vanilla. Blend until smooth. • Pour the wet mix into the flour mixture, stirring with a few swift strokes just until moist. Fold in the chopped apple and peanuts. • Preheat the oven to 90°C. Lightly oil a griddle or non-stick skillet and heat until hot. • For each pancake, ladle about 1/4 cup of the batter onto the griddle or skillet. Cook on one side until small bubbles appear on the top of the pancakes, approximately 2 minutes. Flip the pancakes with a spatula and cook until the second side is lightly browned, for approximately 1 minute longer. Repeat with the remaining batter. Keep the cooked pancakes warm in the oven while preparing the remaining pancakes.
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EAT, DRINK+BE MERRY
PUMPKINCORN
MAPLE MUFFINS
PREPARATION TIME 20 MINUTES BAKING TIME 15-18 MINUTES + COOLING TIME SERVES 12 MUFFINS LEVEL EASY
INGREDIENTS • 220 grams self-rising cornmeal mix • 100 grams packed light brown sugar • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 240 grams canned pumpkin • 240 ml milk • 60 ml vegetable oil • 1 large egg • 1 teaspoonmaple flavoring • 45 grams sugar • Vegetable oil spray for misting the pan
• Place a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 200°C. Mist the bottom of 12 muffin cups with the vegetable oil spray. Set the pan aside. • Place the cornmeal mix, brown sugar, ginger, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl and stir to mix. • Make a well in the center. Place the pumpkin, milk, oil, egg, and maple flavoring in a small mixing bowl and stir to combine and break up the egg yolk. • Pour the pumpkin mixture into the well of the muffin mix. Stir the wet and dry ingredients together with a wooden spoon, just until combined, 20 to 25 strokes.
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• Scoop 1/3 cup batter into each prepared muffin cup, filling it three quarters of the way full. Sprinkle the coarse sugar on top of the mix and place the pan in the oven. • Bake the muffins until they are light gold and they spring back when lightly pressed with your finger, 15 to 18 minutes. Remove the pan from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. • Run a dinner knife around the edges of the muffins, lift them up from the bottom of the cups using the end of the knife and pick them out carefully with your fingertips. Place them on a wire rack to cool for 15 minutes. The muffins are ready to serve.
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
Nos soupes
sont de retour DOWNTOWN - ABC|DBAYEH| - ABC|ASHRAFIEH| HAMRA - KASLIK - MZAAR|KFARDEBIAN| - VERDUN CITY MALL - LE MALL|SIN EL FIL| - JAL EL DIB SPINNEYS|HAZMIEH| - JBEIL - ZAITUNAY BAY
NOVEMBER 2012
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TAKE ME WITH YOU
5
OFF
THE BEATEN
PATH HIPSTER CHIC VACAY IN THE KNOW
1
Sri Lanka is the newest IT spot for travellers who know what’s up. For your 5-day getaway, skip the same old destinations and try arranging a quick and easy trip to somewhere new. The world’s best travellers have long been visiting Sri Lanka and lately it’s become the new hot spot for the cool crowd. The new airport code to memorize? CMB!
1
GET THERE 1 WHAT
We hopped on flydubai to and from Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital, but you can also take them to places like Belgrade, Addis Ababa and Kathmandu. They’ve got super saver options like choosing your own baggage allowance (we usually opt for the 20kg), but if you’re travelling light it gets even cheaper! You’ve got enough leg room and you’re given great inflight service. Get your adventure on with one easy click by booking online at www.flydubai.com DETAILS
BEY - DXB - CMB flydubai departs twice daily from Beirut International Airport, stops you over at Terminal 2 Dubai airport, then continues on to Colombo. You have 2 flight options to choose from daily, allowing you to max out your vacation time. 144 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
OFF THE BEATEN PATH | VACAY IN THE KNOW
2
TEA TIME 2 WHAT
The city of Nuwara Elia and the surrounding tea country. This is in the Central Province of Sri Lanka and known historically for its English heritage. Many tea plantations in the area offer guided tours. DETAILS
The Heritance Tea Factory is ranked as a 5 star and has excellent reviews. You get to see the process of tea manufacture and enjoy the views of the plantations in addition to staying in a historic structure. In a bar on the premises, you can see a list of all the planters from1879 until 1972. www.heritancehotels.com/teafactory
SURF’S UP
Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage
Mirissa Harbour
DETAILS
DETAILS
3 WHAT
Situated between Colombo and Dambulla, most visitors to this landmark gush about the “river-bathing” sessions. Twice daily, the elephants are bathed in a large group in the river. Before or after, you are able to feed some of the herd, usually the babies. There are restaurants in the area making it a good place to spend the day.
3
FANTASIA
4 WHAT
5
Surfing on the coast of Weligama in Mirissa Harbour is said to be for amateur level surfers with surfing instruction available right there on the beach at very affordable prices. Whale and dolphin watching is one of the biggest draws to the Weligama area in the Southern Province and you should factor a whole day in timewise. www.mirissawatersports.com
4
HOLIER THAN THOU 5 WHAT
Visit shrines and temples DETAILS
Koneswaram Temple, a Hindu temple situated in Trincomalee, part of the Eastern Province, is not the most extravagant structure by far but it is steep with history. While it is a major site for tourism, it is important to remember that modest dress is advisable since it is a place of faith worship. NOVEMBER 2012
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TAKE ME WITH YOU
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THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
A REFLECTION ON
REVIVAL ALL ANGLES OF BRATISLAVA
BY ALICE HLIDKOVA
I
n the aftermath of the 1989 Velvet Revolution that liberated Czechoslovakia from a 40-year communist spell, an elitist pair shook hands to a political decision that split the country into two. The “velvet divorce� identified the Czech Republic in the west and Slovakia in the east. The world chose to embrace only one capital: the Czech one. Prague took the financial system by the hands and soon investments poured in. The country scrubbed, bathed, polished and repainted its national heritage sites. Key leaders invited professionals to study culture and plan new business centers. Scholars
NOVEMBER 2012
followed, stopping over in neighboring Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria to exhibit characteristics of such new developments. Meanwhile the young Slovakian city watched the skies for commercial planes destined for their sister capital. Kicked to the curb, Bratislava dressed in drabs. Tears in significant monuments required new stitching. Waterway zones and bridges along the Danube fragmented into run-down and abandoned pockets only frightening foreigners already discouraged by first impressions. The economy stagnated for a while, then picked up and grew slowly.
But it was too late for academic and entrepreneurial communities who packed up with sights on Prague in search of golden opportunities. The future for Bratislava, outdated and grim, dwelt in the shadows of Prague.
THE FUTURE FOR BRATISLAVA, OUTDATED AND GRIM, DWELT IN THE SHADOWS OF PRAGUE OPPOSITE PAGE, BOTTOM: BRATISLAVA RAILROAD
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TAKE ME WITH YOU
TOP TO BOTTOM: CENTER OF BRATISLAVA, DANUBE RIVER AND NEW BRIDGE
OPPOSITE PAGE: DETAIL VIEW OF ARCH ON APOLLO BRIDGE
TODAY SLOVAKIA IS NO LONGER “THE BLACK HOLE” OR “THE BLACK SHEEP” OF CENTRAL EUROPE. THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM HAS IMPROVED SINCE THE COUNTRY JOINED THE EURO ZONE IN 2009 In 2004, Slovakia received the golden ticket when the Czechs and surrounding nations stood in line to receive membership into the European Union. The economy advanced and became responsible for one of the fastest growth rates in the EU. Low-cost airlines transformed Bratislava into a hub for cheap tourism. Tourism grew with the hospitable service sector which currently employs half of country’s population in the capital alone. Servicemen outfitted new enterprises in destitute neighborhoods along the Danube. Renovators including Czech notables submitted project proposals for rows of baroque facades along the riverbank. Dutch gardeners and German architects drew plans for formal gardens and municipal buildings nearby.
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Today Slovakia is no longer “the black hole” or “the black sheep” of Central Europe. The transportation system has improved since the country joined the euro zone in 2009. In Bratislava, both luxury and smart cars can be found zipping along the large international motorway junction that eases the pressure on the urban highway system and connects major roadways of Central Europe. On any given day the Reichhold Electric Car passes quietly on any of the five bridges arching over the Danube (ordered by the flow of the river): Lafranconi Bridge, Nový Most (The New Bridge), Starý Most (The Old Bridge), Most Apollo and Prístavný Most (The Harbor Bridge). These structures draw more visitors as a result of road and traffic engineer-
ing than some of Prague’s most famous structures including the Charles Bridge. The UFO New Bridge restaurant is a sharp contrast from the Bratislava Castle on the other side of the river. Opened in 2005, after two years of refurbishment work, the flying saucer-shaped café hovers over the city in modernist glory. From within the structure, the view shrinks rows of wide passenger boats that head to Devin or Vienna, and across the North and Black Seas via Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. Slovak Radio’s inverted-pyramid-shaped headquarters disrupts the scenery in an unforgettable way. Like Prague’s famous telecommunications tower, Bratislava’s Kamzík TV Tower with its observation deck and rotating restaurant is a contemporary tragedy that should have instead served as an attraction to the UFO Beach. The “Café del Mare” styled beach under the restaurant hosts many bachelor-styled stag parties year-round.
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
NOVEMBER 2012
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TAKE ME WITH YOU
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THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
TAKE ME WITH YOU
THIS PAGE, TOP TO BOTTOM: BRATISLAVA CASTLE, BRATISLAVA CITYSCAPE
MOST HISTORIC BUILDINGS ARE CONCENTRATED IN THE OLD TOWN WHERE THE REDISCOVERY OF FORGOTTEN MONUMENTS SETS THE AGENDA
The Danube riverbank, adorned with medieval towers and grandiose 20thcentury buildings in the Baroque style, serves a pleasant backdrop for renowned cultural events. Folk dance group stage performances alongside gift stands that sell Andy Warhol replicas. Born to Slovakian immigrants, the American pop artist’s first spoken language was Slovak, but he refused to claim the country as his own.
Most historic buildings are concentrated in the Old Town where the rediscovery of forgotten monuments sets the agenda. Erected in the 14th century, the Bratislava Town Hall is layered with stone and wood that in the form of three townhouses of same material. Decades of reconstruction has turned the complex into a Gothic artifact that once contained a mechanical clock. The clock would’ve paid a compliment to
OPPOSITE PAGE: ST. MARTIN’S CATHEDRAL
NOVEMBER 2012
Michael’s Gate, the only restored gate from the medieval fortifications and to St. Martin’s Cathedral, the coronation church of the Kingdom of Hungary ruled by Ferdinand I. Interestingly it was the Franciscan Church that elected the Holy Roman Emperor and celebrated many of the knighting ceremonies. Beautiful forests complete the Bratislava montage. The foothills of the Little Carpathians and its riparian vegetation on the Danubian floodplains set the crown over city center buffers. The largest public green space is Horský Park (Mountainous Park), in the Old Town, followed by the Bratislavský Lesný Park (Bratislava Forest Park), in the heavily forested Little Carpathians. The Janko KráL Park covers portions of the riverbank and plans for a new city park is expected to expand into the footprint of two nearby lakes. The intersection of road and water transport and its position on these crossroads designates the capital as an entrance gate not only to country but also to Central Europe. Awake from its hibernation, the lonely heart pumps new blood into regional organs left scarred from political will. Bratislava is a case study of self-rediscovery and it thirsts for new opportunities to reshape the honourable character of this once forgotten city
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SPEAK, SEE, HEAR NO EVIL
CHECK
BY JACQUES TCHABARIAN
Green Day iuno! Where can Green Day go after releasing two mega-selling, groundbreaking Opera Punk albums that took the world by storm and showed that the genre had more to offer then anybody ever imagined? Classical Punk maybe, if there is such a thing? No, what the three hombres opted for is a back to roots option, leaving behind the intricate long compositions filled with cellos and acoustic parts and bringing back the three chord swaggers of their beloved Pop/Punk songs. The album is being released as a project in three parts: “iUno!” being the first installment of the lot,
with “iDos!” following in November and January release finale “iTre!” (not tres). Musically the songs have a welcome familiar old feel, bringing to mind the heyday of “Warning”, “Nimrod” and “Dookie” albums, but boy how things are tighter and bolder in the production area. To be precise, the earlier albums didn’t lack good production, but Green Day has benefited from a bigger budget since then, making every bass line, guitar distortion and drum blast, as clear as water in a mountain stream. This is something which would not usually be well received in Punk circles, but hell yeah it’s welcome here.
DMX UNDISPUTED When Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. were prematurely retired from the Hardcore Rap scene, the torch was taken up by a young and hungry rapper who had both commercial appeal and street cred to fill the void left by the two heavyweights mentioned above. A series of hard-hitting albums, four of which debuted as number at number one on the Billboard charts, further consolidated DMX’s image as the king of Hardcore Rap, reigning almost unrivalled until the release of his 2006 album, “Year of the Dog Again”. That’s around the time he encountered problems with the law ranging from assault charges to drug possession,
leading to on and off jail time which interfered with his rap career. Whether or not things have returned to normal in his life is debatable, but Dog Man X has released what many are considering his comeback album in the form of “Undisputed”. Production by mega producer Swizz Beats (who’s done some innovative work big boys Jay-Z, Drake and Three 6 Mafia), an appearance by sensation of the year MGK and a couple of radio bangers in the form of “What They Don’t Know” and “I Don’t Dance” should be enough to generate interest in the album, but whether or not the king will reclaim his throne is something to be seen.
Deadmau5 ALBUM TITLE GOES HERE Using the theme from Spielberg classic “Close Encounter of the Third Kind”, to initiate the space voyage on “Closer”, track number 6 on the album, is the only fresh surprise that Deadmau5 (born Joel Zimmerman) has to offer throughout the almost 80 minute long new release. We thought that the lack of inspiration was restricted to choosing album titles, having released “Random Album Title” (2008) and “For a Lack of a Better Name” (2009), but the music itself seems to be affected somehow on “Album Title Goes Here”. Not that things aren’t being shaken up here and there: My Chemical Romance’s Gerard Way brings his Goth
parade to “Professional Griefers”, while Rap/Rockers Cypress Hill make an appearance on the awkward “Failbait”. Both tracks, even though promising, don’t quite endear themselves to the average listener. One slightly more notable collaboration would be in the form of the remorseful vocals of Imogen Heap, who hungers for human touch on closer “Telemiscommunications”. Diehard fans will probably disagree with my take on this release, but there is no denying that this blend of Electro, Dubstep and other traditional Techno/House is not as accomplished as I would’ve expected. I’m sure things will take a turn for the better next time though.
Blaakyum LORD OF THE NIGHT The first thing that comes to mind when you hear the name Blaakyum is mostly Black Metal, probably of the Scandinavian school. Things are far removed from that however, as this merry group of headbangers are more into old school Heavy Metal; Iron Maiden, Dio and early Savatage being a major influence it seems, with a pinch of Thrash and Neo-Classical Power Metal poured into the mix. Opener “Lord of the Night” is “Dark Moon”, an instrumental piece with strings and keyboards that has galloping drums creeping from the back halfway through. Things start to get serious on the next track with an intro from “The Lord of the Rings” before heavy guitars, pounding drums and 152 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co
killer bass lines up the bar, and what a surprise you get when the vocalist steps in with a voice reminiscent of Bruce Dickinson in some parts (yes, he’s that good). The sonic assault continues with heavy riffing in “Cease Fire”, an eastern flavor in “The Land” with some parts influenced by Maiden’s “Powerslave” (the song, not the album). We’re given a rare treat at the end of the album with the ten minute “March of the Eastern Man”, an almost progressive track filled with acoustic guitars, keyboard passages and interesting tempo changes. The only setback is the length of some songs (the second half of “Journey to Eternity” could be shorter), but all in all, a good metal effort. THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
read’em +
weep BY AMAL CHAABAN
Live by Night Dennis Lehane Why you should read this book The night makes its own rules
The master of American literature Dennis Lehane has managed to write an ending that made me gasp, a rare thing indeed. Our story opens in the roaring twenties, when prohibition, mafia and gun running were at their peak. Lehane makes the most of the Lucky Luciano era by introducing a body of characters that embody this bygone time. “Live by Night” opens with a pair of cement shoes being fitted to our erstwhile hero and his reminiscences about how he got to where he is. From that point on, the story is so skillfully written that
the reader is no longer just a reader but an observer of the world as it was. Lehane draws a decade replete with flappers, mob bosses and petty criminals that are at their most basic, still human. No matter what the crime or action, the flashes of humanity, the thread of relationships, the bubbling of emotions just under the surface serve to make every character in this book a reality. Read Lehane’s book when you want to peek under the patina of glamour that glosses over the reality of the roaring twenties.
Purpose Wyclef Jean with Anthony Bozza
Why you should read this book
A life lived without purpose is a life with no meaning at all In this surprisingly honest book, bestselling artist Wyclef Jean lays bare his life for fans and curiosity seekers alike. Jean spent his early years in Haiti with family while his mother and father were trying to get settled in the U.S. (which had a marked effect on how he views life). Jean’s father, a stern ordained minister, is portrayed as an often difficult man who certainly didn’t agree with his career choices, but the love and respect Jean feels for him is evident all the way through. People expecting salacious gossip shouldn’t bother to pick up this book; it’s more for
those who want to understand the well of artistry that Jean draws upon. The story not only inspires, it also acts as a cautionary tale of how the decisions he has made can spiral into something that may not have an easy fix- evidenced by the section about songstress Lauryn Hill and the Fugees. Parts of the book are cringe-worthy in their candidness, adding authenticity to both the entire story and to the meanings behind the music catalogue. Bozza and Jean together have created a template for what real biographies of the stars should be: no sugar coating.
The Casual Vacancy J.K. Rowling Why you should read this book
The death of one causes ripples in the lives of many
There are many wars being waged in Pagford: class wars, generational wars, and familial wars, all being fought under the guise of congeniality and gentility. Rowling’s foray into adult literature is an examination of a microcosm of English society. When town councilman Barry Fairbrother dies suddenly of an aneurysm, a casual vacancy opens up on the council and people who are on opposing sides of a single issue start to plot and scheme to replace him. What the schemers don’t count on is
the number of people who want the position but don’t want to ally themselves to any side of the issue. The characters in this novel are a myriad of personalities, some are gratifyingly self-righteous, some are piteously desolate, but all are well done. Each scene has a ring of authenticity to it with just the right tone struck (without becoming mawkish). Rowling has done admirably well with her first foray into the adult world and kept the voice of Harry Potter in the past where he belongs.
Gone Girl Gillian Flynn
Why you should read this book Perfection can be a deadly illusion Gone Girl exploded onto the book scene earlier this year with rave reviews. Those reviews did not talk about Flynn’s perversely dislikeable characters that readers couldn’t part with. This plot is so twisted that there are moments when you really don’t want anyone to win. The reader should know that this is not the usual protagonist/antagonist mystery story where there is a clear delineation of who the good guys are. Everyone in this book is flawed, everyone has their issues and yet they NOVEMBER 2012
are all strangely attractive, especially the two main characters Nick and Amy. The design is complex, the twist is superb and the ending, well, the ending is a version of insanity. Flynn’s third and best novel to date uses atmosphere and scene to take random snapshots of her chosen idyllic locations, colouring them sinister. One must admit, it’s just a little scary how easily she writes from inside the mind of a sociopath. This is the book to read when you want something out of the ordinary.
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playNICE
SPEAK, SEE, HEAR NO EVIL
BY ADAM VOLK
Assassin’s Creed III
Publisher Developer Ubisoft Montreal Platforms PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Wii U With its mix of stealth, action and historical authenticity, Ubisoft’s Assassins Creed series has cemented its place in the annals of video game nerddom. Following a group of mysterious assassins and their endless struggle against the corrupt Templars, the first game was set in the Middle East during the time of the Crusades, while the second game series (consisting of Assassins Creed II, Assassins Creed: Brotherhood and Assassins Creed: Revelations) took place entirely in Renaissance Italy. Now the third installment in the popular franchise has arrived, this time taking place during
the chaotic period known as the American Revolution. Players take control of Connor Kenway, a half-Native, half-British warrior and all around tomahawk-wielding ass-kicker. As with previous installments in the series, players will encounter real life historical figures (including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin) and wander an open world recreation of the late 18th century American colonial frontier. Visually, the game is stunning thanks to an all-new engine which also allows players to participate in mass battles. The end result is a brilliant, blood soaked version of the American Revolution you won’t find in any history book.
Chivalry: Medieval Warfare
Publisher / Developer Torn Banner Studios Platforms PC Windows Who says chivalry is dead? Certainly not yon good people at Torn Banner studios, creators of yon recently released Chivalry: Medieval Warfare. Behold, their world of noble knights, fair ladies, benevolent kings, oh and... people getting their heads chopped off by giant swords. Okay, so Chivalry isn’t exactly full of courtly intrigue and happy jesters. Instead, the game is a gruesome, first-person hack n’ slash affair that drops players into the iron boots of an armor-clad warrior. You can then choose a variety of weapons to chop, stab and bash your enemies into bloody pieces,
including swords, maces, and bows. As an entirely multiplayer affair, the game is all about duking it out against other players online as you battle for objectives over a number of sprawling maps and game modes. It’s pure medieval warfare at its most violent and chaotic, with limbs flying left, right and center. The game also allows players to take control of catapults, pour boiling oil over their enemies and build fortifications to keep their foes at bay. Chivalry might be dead, but in the incredibly violent and entertaining world of Medieval Warfare, chances are you will be too.
Dishonored
Publisher Bethesda Softworks | Developer Arkane Studios Platforms Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 Video games have a nasty habit of rehashing the same thing over and over, with a never ending slew of sequels cluttering store shelves. Which is why it’s refreshing to see a game like Dishonored, a big budget title that’s not only a completely original new series, but also one that happens to very, very well done. As a first person stealth-action experience, players are thrust into the role of Corvo Attano, a former bodyguard turned assassin who is out for revenge after the Empress he is sworn to protect is murdered. Set in the fictional city of Dunwall - a kind of sprawling Victorian-era
slum filled with magic and steam powered technology – players must then set out to eliminate members of the tyrannical new government who has seized control. Where Dishonored stands out, however, is in the choices it gives players, letting you carry out your missions using stealth, magic, combat or some combination of all three. It’s really a game that rewards exploration and experimentation, and it’s actually possible to complete the entire game without directly killing a single person. With a solid storyline and impressive visuals, Dishonored deserves major props as an exciting new franchise that also manages to stand on its own two feet.
FIFA Soccer 13
Publisher / Developer Electronic arts Platforms Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii U, Wii There are few sports on earth that have captured the imagination quite like soccer (or as it’s known to everyone else outside of North America: football). And when it comes to faithful video game recreations of football, there are none that come close to the FIFA series. Now, the latest entry in the groundbreaking franchise has finally arrived. Long-time fans of the series will recognize a few new features to FIFA Soccer 13, including a new polished control system, the ability to perform celebrations, and built-in support for both Kinect on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation Move for 154 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co
PlayStation 3. The game also once again features both a Career Mode and a Tournament Mode, letting players take on legendary teams or build their own from the ground up. What’s more, EA has added over 30 international leagues to the game, including for the first time ever, the Saudi Professional League, which means no matter where you are on the planet, chances are you can probably find your club. With additional multiplayer features, solid visuals and a ton of licensed club content, there’s really one word to describe FIFA 13: goooooooooooooaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllll! THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
watch out BY JACQUES TCHABARIAN
Release dates based on amazon.co.uk
Hotel Transylvania
| DVD & Blu-ray | 91 mins Adam Sandler, Kevin James, Andy Samberg Release Date: December 2012 Genndy Tartakovsky is a legend among cartoon lovers for his work on some of the most viewed shows on the cartoon network, namely “Dexter’s Laboratory”, “Star Wars: Clone Wars” and the award-winning “Samurai Jack”. It was only a matter of time before he moved to the big screen and his first try as a movie director hits a home run. The animated monster comedy animation “Hotel Transylvania” has all the elements to make it work, not more than other movies in the same genre, but as good as the best of the lot. Dracula, voiced by funny man Adam Sandler, is the owner of the most popular getaway hotel for monsters of all kinds (no humans allowed), a hotel built initially to
protect his daughter Mavis (Selena Gomez) from the cruelty of brutal humans responsible for the death of his wife. His plans are ruined when, in spite of all his efforts, Mavis falls for a young boy (Andy Samberg) and Dracula has to try his best to separate the couple and do damage control. The characters gel well due to the talented cast of quirky personalities in over the top situations, and even though some actors have more presence, it’s only fair to recognize the talent of Fran Drescher (voicing Eunice the wife of Frankenstein). Hit TV series “The Nanny” vouches for the tremendous impact of her nasal voice. Fun for young and old.
End of Watch |
DVD & Blu-ray | 109 mins Jake Gyllenhaal, Michael Pena, Anna Kendrick Release Date: January 2013 Many movies have dealt with the ordeals and the day to day life of the men in blue, that is the LAPD, and director David Ayer is no stranger to them having previously directed “Street Kings” (2008) and written the script for “Training Day” (2001). He’s returned in 2012 directing the action-packed “End of Watch” starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Pena. The movie tells the story of two cops who patrol the streets of Los Angeles and who gradually get on the bad side of the drug dealers, resulting in a decision by the bad guys to take them out. We
House at the End of the Street
all know the plot, we’ve seen it before and we know almost exactly how it will end. But what is different in this one is the commando camera shooting technique (Handycam) used by Ayer, and while this could’ve been a messy venture in less capable hands, the result is more or less enjoyable and intriguing. The two main actors have real chemistry and boyish charm between them; their dialogue throughout the movie makes you identify with them from the get go, and you’ll really ache for their trouble once things start to get serious. Recommended for cop movie enthusiasts.
| DVD & Blu-ray | 101 mins
Jennifer Lawrence, Elisabeth Shue, Max Thieriot Release Date: December 2013 What is it with horror movies that keep dragging us to theaters even though we know that this particular one we are about to see has a rehashed plot from almost all the horror flicks that came before and has nothing new to offer? The studios seem to be profiting from them and the Relativity Media released “House at the End of the Street” is no exception. What makes matters worse is that the lead actor is one of the most talented of the new generation, helping this year’s “The Hunger Games” become one of the most successful movies so far at the box office. Jennifer Lawrence plays a young girl who moves into
a new house with her mother, right next to another home where not long ago, a girl brutally murdered her parents and disappeared from the public eye. Despite the conventional plot, the story line could’ve been interesting with some gimmicks or clever plays, but besides a few glimpse of originality at the opening and ending moments, things in the middle are stale and forgettable at best. Lawrence herself is doing some good acting here, but that is not enough for her to carry the entire weight of the movie. If you have nothing else to do, seriously nothing, then and only then give this a try.
The Master |
DVD & Blu-ray | 137 mins Philip Seymour Hoffman, Joaquin Phoenix, Amy Adams Release Date: January 2013 The Church of Scientology has been on its toes ever since production began a year ago on Paul Thomas Anderson’s eagerly anticipated “The Master”. The reason for this unease was due to rumors that the director (“There Will Be Blood” and “Magnolia”) was tackling the secrets of Scientology and painting a somewhat negative picture of their activities in his new film. The end result turns out to be not as damaging for the concerned party as predicted since Anderson seems to be more interested in the continuous struggle between faith and disbelief rather than with Tom Cruise’s pet organization’s actions. When NOVEMBER 2012
Freddie, played by the great Joaquin Phoenix, a WWII veteran with a bad temper but excellent moonshine making skills, sneaks into the yacht of Lancaster Dodd, played by the even greater Philip Seymour Hoffman, he has no idea that he’s stumbled in the world of the leader of a philosophical movement known as The Cause. The interaction between the two men throughout the movie is a mesmerizing experience, culminating in a scene where Dodd cracks open the hard shield that Freddie has constructed around his persona for all these years. A beautifully written sequence worthy of an Oscar nomination in my opinion. www.ragmag.co | R A G M A G | 155
BEIRUT
INSPIRING MEETINGS START WITH INSPIRING PLACES. Make every meeting a success at Crowne Plaza Beirut. CROWNE PLAZA BEIRUT TO BOOK CALL 961 1 754755 OR VISIT CPBEIRUT.COM 156 | R A G M A G | www.ragmag.co
© 2012 InterContinental Hotels Group. All Rights Reserved.
THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
BRAINFOOD ROUND #1
ROUND #2
History and Geography
ROUND #3
Films
ROUND #4
General knowledge
Clever Things
1. Who were the President and
1. What film was the highest
1. In a standard pack or cards
2. What is the longest river in
2. Who were the two main stars of
2. What colour light is fitted to the
3. What was the name of the
3. Who wrote the music for the
3. What type of acid is used in a
4. Who provided the voice of the
4. What is the name of the Galaxy
Prime Minister of Lebanon in August 1970? France?
grossing film of 2008 starring Christian Bale?
which is the only King that does not have a moustache?
the musical “Mamma Mia”?
aircraft that dropped the first atomic bomb?
right hand side of an aircraft?
film “The Lion King”?
4. What country was formerly
known as Southern Rhodesia?
5. Who was the Prime Minister of
France from 1974 to 1976 and again from 1986 to 1988 and then became the President of France in 1995?
6. How many funnels did the
wet-cell car battery?
mouse in the Stuart Little films?
in which our solar system is located?
5. Who sang the theme tune to the
do you associate B.B. King?
6. In the original Pink Panther film
who played Inspector Clouseau?
7. Shirley Bassey sang the theme
films would you find Inspector Drebin?
7. In which country did the
Rastafarian religion begin?
8. What is the name of the fault that causes the earthquakes around San Francisco?
tunes to three Bond Films: “Goldfinger”, “Diamonds are Forever” and which other one?
9. Who played the character of
8. How many points are there on a
Captain Von Trapp in the Sound of Music?
compass?
10. In the first “Batman” film,
9. In which modern day country
Batman was played by Michael Keaton but who played the part of the Joker ?
would you find the ruins of Troy?
10. What is the largest desert in the
3. What term is given to the line, on a weather chart, that joins places of equal pressure?
4. What is the measurement unit of wind speed? human body?
6. How many hearts does an octopus 7. Where on a horse would you find its
blood?
8. In which series of comedy
Titanic have?
2. What do the letters FTSE stand for?
have? One, two, or three.
6. What colour is Mr. Spock’s
7. Is James Bond in MI5 or MI6?
BYTE?
5. What is the largest artery in the
5. With which musical instrument
Bond film “Thunderball”?
1. How many BITS are there in a
withers? Is it on its back, front legs, back legs or stomach?
8. What number of equal size circles
(or coins) fit exactly around another of the same size so that all are touching?
9. What name is given to the flap of skin which covers the windpipe when swallowing?
9. Which Italian city is the home of the Fiat car manufacturer?
10. What was the first Credit Card?
10. What do the letters WAP stand for?
world?
EASY
9 6
1 6 5
4
2 6 1 9 3 5 9 7 1 5 4 8 2 7 9 8 2 6 9 8 4 9 5 3
9 2 7 3 7 5 8 9 1 3 3 7 9 4 9 1 6 2 4 8 1 7 6 8 1 2 6 4 5
7 6 5 4 4 3 3 8 1 5 8 2 2 3 8
5 1 3 8 4 7 6 5
8 6 1 4 7 3 9 3
ROUND#1 1. Charles Helou and Rashid Karami 2. The Loire 3. Enola Gay 4. Zimbabwe 5. Jacques Chirac 6. Four 7. Jamaica 8. San Andreas Fault 9. Turkey 10. Sahara ROUND#2 1. The Dark Knight 2. Pierce Brosnan and Meryl Streep 3. Elton John and Tim Rice 4. Michael J. Fox 5. Tom Jones 6. Peter Sellers 7. MI6 8. The Naked Gun 9. Christopher Plummer 10. Jack Nicholson ROUND#3 1. King of Hearts 2. Green 3. Sulfuric 4. The Milky Way 5. The Guitar 6. Green 7. Moonraker 8. 32 (11.25 degrees) 9. Turin 10. Diners Club ROUND#4 1. Eight 2. Financial Times Stock Exchange 3. Isobar 4. Knot 5. Aorta 6. Three 7. Back, between the shoulders 8. Six 9. Epiclotis 10. Wireless Application Protocol 1 3 4 3 7 9 7 6 2 8 8 6 4 3 7 5
9 6 6 7 5 2 3 4 9 5 4 1 7 3 8 9 8 1
2 5 1 8 8 4 6 9 5 7 1 3 4 2 2 1 9 6
NOVEMBER 2012
4 9 9 4 3 2 1 6 8 3 6 8 5 5 2 4 7
8 2 7 6 6 7 9 5 4 7 9 3 1 1 8 2 3
5 8 2 1 1 5 8 2 1 3 5 7 9 7 6 6 4
7 4 3 2 9 1 5 8 7 6 6 5 2 7 4 3 8 9
1 7 8 5 2 6 4 3 3 9 2 2 1 8 9 4 1 7
6 3 5 9 4 8 1 7 8 1 9 4 5 6 6 5 2 3
8 3 7 4 6 9 2 1 5
5 6 2 7 1 3 4 9 8
1 9 4 2 5 8 7 6 3
2 8 6 3 9 7 5 4 1
7 1 9 6 4 5 8 3 2
3 4 5 8 2 1 9 7 6
4 7 8 1 3 2 6 5 9
9 2 1 5 7 6 3 8 4
6 5 3 9 8 4 1 2 7
3 2 4 5 9 1 8 6 7
9 5 1 8 6 7 3 2 4
7 8 6 2 3 4 5 9 1
6 4 3 7 5 2 1 8 9
8 7 9 4 1 6 2 5 3
5 1 2 3 8 9 4 7 6
4 3 7 9 2 8 6 1 5
1 9 8 6 4 5 7 3 2
2 6 5 1 7 3 9 4 8
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THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
DOWN
1. A Mediterranean herb. 3. Go against. 4. Less. 5. Slow tempo in music. 6. Abstain as a form of protest. 8. An example. 9. A piece of rock found in another
rock. 11. A double telescope? 13. Has a tuft. 15. Located on the opposite side of the axis. 18. Used in baking? 19. Varying. 21. Puppet. 22. Noah’s ship? 25. Zero. 27. A type of game bird. 29. American exhaust. 32. Greek Goddess of the rainbow. 33. The study of the motion of fluids. 34. Take again. 36. Type of rifle. 37. Tending towards. 38. Happy. 39. Has no belief in God. 43. A small explosion? 44. Pleasantly old fashioned. 45. An Egyptian coffin? 46. Not present. 47. Shake. 52. Species of whale. 56. Determined. 57. Flew in a fast plane? 58. Used to acknowledge a hit in fencing. 60. Give shelter to. 62. Alienated. 63. Drive away a rumour. 66. Chance. 67. Hinders. 68. An Eskimo’s canoe. 70. Fail, as in an exam. 72. Fondle. 73. A castrated male horse. 74. A species of mongoose found in Africa. 77. Native Americans go on this. 78. Found in Mecca (alternate sp.) 79. Divided in two. 80. Undo, as in an umbrella. 82. A form of meditation.
ACROSS
as on a chair.
23. Type of shark.
of thinking?
A FOOD PLACE?
SONG
IT SAVES YOU FROM DOING MORE REPAIRS
51. Showing anger at
something unjust. 53. Without bones? 54. Arrange in pairs. 55. Gnarl. 59. Dug in, as in war time. 61. There is both United and City! 64. Has sound judgement. 65. Clothes maker? 69. Elation. 71. Used to fight malaria. 73. Walked with a heavy thump.
A DRINKING PLACE?
MUSICAL
SONG
75. Deep feeling. 76. They give the verdict. 77. Didn’t honour his debt. 81. Not straight! 83. Cheeky. 84. Opinionated. 85. A water bridge? 86. Pointless. 87. Leave out. 88. To do with numbers. 89. The solution.
IT’S NOT JUST A CALCULATOR
COMMUNICATION DEVICE?
MICHAEL’S DANCE
HANDY FOR GROWING TOMATOES?
BURGER KING - FIDDLER ON THE ROOF - STARBUCKS - YELLOW SUBMARINE - LEAVING ON A JET PLANE - LAPTOP - MOONWALK - A STITCH IN TIME - WALKIE TALKIE - GREEN HOUSE
NOVEMBER 2012
ACROSS 1. DUMDUM - 7. ABDUCTED - 10. KANGAROO 11. BOGEYMAN - 12. HERE - 13. BLANQUETTE 14. OUTBOARDS - 16. VANDALISED - 17. UGLY 20. RECLINING - 23. HAMMERHEAD - 24. UNEVEN 26. ABSORBS - 28. CAPITULATE - 30. GESTICULATED 31. VANISHING - 35. ABSTRACT - 40. DERIVED 41. INDIGO - 42. NAP - 48. BRASSIERE 49. LOCATING - 50. ECCENTRIC - 51. INDIGNANT 53. FILLETED - 54. GEMINATE - 55. KNUR 59. ENTRENCHED - 61. MANCHESTER - 64. JUDICIOUS - 65. TAILOR - 69. EUPHORIA - 71. QUININE 73. GALUMPHED - 75. LOVE - 76. JURY - 77. WELCHED - 81. ANGULAR - 83. IMPUDENT - 84. PRAGMATIC - 85. VIADUCT - 86. FUTILE - 87. OMIT - 88. ARITHMETIC 89. SOLUTION
with white sauce.
14. Small motor for boats. 16. Deliberately damaged. 17. Not pretty. 20. Leaning backwards,
24. Not flat. 26. Takes in. 28. Surrender. 30. Gestured. 31. Disappearing. 35. Remove. 40. Originated from? 41. A shade of blue. 42. A short sleep. 48. A support for women. 49. Finding. 50. Has his own way
DOWN 2. MANDRAKE - 3. OBJECT - 4. FEWER 5. LARGO - 6. BOYCOTT - 8. PARADIGM 9. XENOLITH - 11. BINOCULAR - 13. BYSSIFEROUS 15. ABAXIAL - 18. YEAST - 19. FLUCTUATING 20. ENCYCLOPEDIA - 21. NEUROTRANSMITTER 21. MARIONETTE - 22. ARK - 25. NOUGHT 27. BUSTARD - 29. TAILPIPE - 32. IRIS - 33. HYDRODYNAMICS 34. RECAPTURE - 36. CARBINE - 37. DISPOSITION 38. JOVIAL - 39. AGNOSTIC - 43. BLAST - 44. QUAINT 45. SARCOPHAGUS - 46. ABSENT - 47. TREMBLE 52. NARWHAL - 56. RESOLUTE - 57. JETTED 58. TOUCHE - 60. HARBOUR 62. ESTRANGED - 63. DISPEL - 66. OPPORTUNITY 67. HAMPERS - 68. KAYAK - 70. FLUNK - 72. CANCOODLE - 73. GELDING - 74. ICHNEUMON - 77. WARPATH - 78. CAABA - 79. HALVED - 80. UNFURL 78. YOGA
1. A hollow pointed bullet. 7. Kidnapped? 10. A jumping marsupial? 11. Is he scary? 12. Not there. 13. A type of stew made
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RAGMAG
ASTRO
Zodiac forecasts FROM JONATHAN CAINER
November.2012
NOVEMBER’S STUNNING SOLAR ECLIPSE WILL BE BEAUTIFUL FOR THOSE WHO GET A CHANCE TO WITNESS IT AND LIFE-CHANGING, EVEN FOR THOSE WHO DON’T NOTICE IT HAPPENING. IT SYMBOLISES A CHANCE FOR US ALL TO MAKE A BREAK WITH THE PAST. IT MAY ALSO REPRESENT A ‘NEAR MISS’ MOMENT - WHERE SUDDENLY, WE REALISE HOW MUCH SOMEONE OR SOMETHING MEANS TO US - AND HOW LOST WE’D BE IF A CHANGE TOOK PLACE. MOMENTS LATER, WE DISCOVER, AT THE LAST MOMENT, THAT A CHANGE WE FEARED THAT WE HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO ACCEPT MAY NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN AFTER ALL.
MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY GABRIELLE UNION
SAGITTARIUS
November 23 - December 21 Someone wise once said, if you want to be rich, be generous. And if you want to be powerful, be kind! That’s so wonderfully true. You can have all the money in the world but if you don’t know the joy of sharing you’ll never take pleasure in your wealth. And even if you’re capable of being harsh, blunt and pragmatic - you’ll never gain real respect from others unless you also show them sensitivity and compassion. In November, it will be your ability to be creative and seemingly counter-intuitive that brings you most success. FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM
SCORPIO
October 24 - Nobember 22
CAPRICORN
What’s different about being another year older again? Well, for one thing this is the first time this century that Saturn has been in your sign on your birthday. That’s sobering, in the nicest possible way. You’re wising up, getting real, owning issues and taking charge of your own destiny. No more shrugging your shoulders and seeing yourself as a victim of circumstance. Life now is all about making it happen, making it change, taking on a challenge and striding to success. A wonderful new era has only just begun.
December 22 - January 20 So much is now starting to seem happier. Isn’t it? Or are you still caught up in the troubles of the past few months? Too much has, lately, been too stressful. To cope with this, you’ve developed a set of mental and emotional protection mechanisms to keep you feeling one step removed from a source of anxiety. But, just as a fortress can deter friends as well as foes, so your defences are now keeping out what could be real reasons to feel hopeful. Drop them and let the universe bring you the help you need this November.
FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM
FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM
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THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
AQUARIUS
January 21 - February 19 It is time for a new idea. Not necessarily a big or revolutionary vision... but a smart, fresh insight into a familiar situation. November brings you to a moment when the mental penny drops, the inner light bulb glows and what once seemed obscure becomes obvious. You’re about to see a solution to a problem; one that is likely to work with ease and simplicity, without the need for great expense or sacrifice. It will require commitment, sincerity and hard work but such things come naturally to you... and you’ll love the results they bring! FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM
TAURUS
April 21 - May 21 Your relationship with one particular person is growing tense. Or so it seems. We may not be talking here, about a romantic relationship. The connection in question could be linked to your social, work or family life. But whatever once brought you both so close - and no matter how strong that camaraderie may have been - you’re no longer so sure you still share the same understanding. Even if a sense of estrangement intensifies briefly, in November, there will eventually be resolution and reunion. Don’t give up on a friendship. FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM
PISCES
February 20 - March 20 The oceans are full of water, the heavens are full of clouds and the minds of all the people, here on this wonderful planet, are full of opinions! It seems as if some of us never stop thinking about what’s wrong with the world. But just as we can’t drink seawater or float on clouds, we can’t gain much satisfaction from strong ideas. This month, a sense of disapproval separates you from someone. Let go of an argument. Draw instead, on this world’s other infinite resource. The love that’s in every human heart!
Life is cyclical, seasonal, tidal. Our planet travels round the Sun on a big spinning ball, carrying us along like children on a merry go round. But we forget to feel merry, we forget to feel child-like and we forget too, that what goes around will usually come back round again. You may fear that you are stuck in a situation that’s never going to change. But Jupiter and Mars speak of a surge in your levels of personal power and a chance to return, this month, to a sense of satisfaction that you once wondered if you would ever feel again. FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM
GEMINI
CANCER
May 22 - June 22 As November moves along, Mercury and Jupiter will end up in what my predecessors would have called a ‘state of mutual reception’. I’ll spare you the technical explanation. Let’s just say it potentially makes you capable of great optimism, enthusiasm, even extravagance. Whilst this could make you a hostage to fortune or encourage you to make promises that prove hard to keep, it could also provide you with the momentum you need to start a rewarding new project or pursue an inspired plan all the way to success. FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM
VIRGO
FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM
FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM
NOVEMBER 2012
March 21 - April 20
FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM
LEO
July 24 - Aug 23 When travellers begin to feel sure that they know where they are, they put down their maps. Only if they suddenly start to see things that seem unfamiliar do they doubt themselves. The question for you in November, is: do you really know where you are going? Or are you making a big assumption based on an unreliable memory of where you used to be? An intense experience, symbolised by the coming solar eclipse, suggests a brief moment of doubt followed by an experience of immense and lasting certainty.
ARIES
Aug 24 - Sep 23 You’ve got a big idea. You can’t put it down or let it go; yet you’re not entirely sure how to put it into practice. This is not the kind of thought that you can just file, in the back of your mind, under ‘I’ for interesting. It has to go directly on the ‘to-do list’. As you look around, in November, for practical opportunities, they seem to be in short supply. Convenient coincidences are not arising on demand. But where nothing is automatically happening, you can still make something wonderful happen if you try.
June 23 - July 23 Shall we talk about the thing that’s really bothering you? You know, that problem, that issue, that obstacle. You don’t really want me to mention it, do you? You are hoping that if you ignore it, it will go away. Well, it will go away and whilst you can’t ignore it, you can pay it less attention than of late. But there is, first, one thing you must do. You already know what that is. So do it; it won’t be so bad. By the end of August, not only will you have forgotten the stress of this, you will be revelling in the many benefits that it has begun to bring. FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM
LIBRA
Sep 24 - Oct 23 How hard do you need to work? How much do you need to worry? The answer to both questions is ‘less than you might think.’ Whilst I’m not granting you official absolution from all responsibility, I am definitely encouraging you to grant yourself a little time off from your own overly active and anxious sense of duty. You’ve already done plenty to help fix an unsatisfactory situation. Give that effort time to pay off before you put in any more. November slowly leads to a point where you reap rewards from seeds sown long ago. FOR YOUR DAILY FORECAST AND MORE FROM JONATHAN, VISIT WWW.CAINER.COM
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CULTURE CLASH
ANGLING
CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS yasmine hamdan BY IMOGEN KIMBER
Y
asmine Hamdan is enchanting: the performer bats her eyes seductively and moves like a cat. Her sensuality, while choreographed to some degree, appears effortless, and despite these qualities it’s her voice that is the star of the show, and for the first time her voice is the only star of the show. Her self-titled first solo album is a work of art. Anyone familiar with her previous material (half of the duo Soapkills or her project Y.A.S.), will be able to see the progression that has run through her work leading her to this point. It “brought several parts of me together,” said Hamdan, “I like to experiment, explore and find my way slowly, slowly. It’s a process.” Hamdan made the voice a central element with a somewhat acoustic sound. Working with the producer from Nouvelle Vague, Marc Collin, obviously
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worked well for Hamdan: the music is layered, blended with such subtly and skill that the average listener is drawn away. Presenting herself so honestly and openly has allowed Hamdan to transcend language barriers. Her work has always been noted for being in Arabic, something which perhaps shouldn’t be so momentous as she is after all Arab, but nevertheless it is unusual to reach such levels of success combining electronic and Arabic lyrics. “The pleasure I felt when I started singing in Arabic was tremendous, I immediately felt at home and on the right track,” said Hamdan. Although she had to struggle to find a place that would accept this: “At the same time, I still needed to anchor myself in today’s world. I had to fight and free myself from codes and rules, and allow myself to take all the space in order for me to find my voice.”
BELOW: STILL IMAGES FROM YASMINE’S LATEST MUSIC VIDEO ON YOUTUBE
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“We have incredible resources when it comes to old music. I feel so lucky to be able to work on such raw material. So many things were possible and were never done” THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE
NOVEMBER 2012
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THE DIMENSIONS ISSUE