Independence '05 Blog

COP15 - Life as we know it will end

2009-12-07T22:34:00.001+02:00

On the opening day of the Copenhagen summit, TckTckTck – an unprecedented alliance of civil society organisations –delived its petition which more than 10 million people have signed, calling for world leaders to seal a fair, ambitious and binding climate deal at the talks.

15 young people from around the world held large scale "building blocks" which spell out "10 million people expect a fair, ambitious and binding deal" to show world leaders that all the elements required for an effective climate treaty are present.

Young people from around the world handed over the petition to UNFCCC Executive Secretary Yvo de Boer and Danish Climate Minister and the President of COP15 Connie Hedegaard. Leah Wickham, from Fiji, will spoke briefly on behalf of the 10 million people expecting a real deal at Copenhagen. (IMAGES free Editorial Web usage for Fresh Air Participants during COP 15. Credit: Robert vanWaarden)

Taken from tcktcktck's flickr account.

Life as we know it will change after COP15. Let's hope those leaders do actually come up with a fair, ambitious and binding deal. Don't forget that our own NGO IndyACT is participating in COP15, and as a first, our Prime minister Saad Hariri.

The new stand of Saudi Arabia on Climate Change

2009-12-05T13:00:00.002+02:00

Saudi Arabia surprised everyone with this press conference.

Saudi Arabia actually thought the scientists were using exaggeration tactics to scare politicians and civilians about climate change, thus signing a treaty that would bind countries to reduce CO2 emissions and with time stopping to import oil from the kingdom. Saudi Arabia is the #1 enemy of the whole effort that is being done by scientists and NGOs and some countries that are on board

You can check the press conference here. Watch it till the end.

"Helping those people that will most be affected by Climate Change is much more important than having castles"....

Saudis, you can be inspiring if you want to.

Stay tuned for Copehangen news which starts on December 7. Hopenhagen for Copenhagen! Let's do this.

Fast but Cautious, with Abdo Feghaly & Yasa

2009-12-01T11:08:00.002+02:00

Even though the event will take place in half an hour in ESIB campus Mar Roukoz, I still think it's important to mention it here. It is a great endeavor done by the infamous Abdo Feghali, who won several rallies, and also by YASA. Today Abdo Feghali will talk about his experience and the importance of responsible driving.

And to make all those speed enthusiasts happy, he will perform a breath-taking drifting show.

Remember this event is by YASA, so it is there to discourage reckless driving and irresponsible speeding.

Note that all car racers tell us that their cars are especially equipped for speeding and drifting, their car is better handled than our own modest cars, so let us not try to attempt the same thing in our own cars.

Can you name one person who doesn't know at least one other person that died in a car accident?

Drive safely.

What's Lebanon's status on AIDS?

2009-12-01T11:01:00.003+02:00

December 1st is World AIDS day, which happens to be today. I just want to shed some light on this issue, knowing that is a semi-taboo topic in the Middle East. The statistics on the subject are not accurate because the governments refuse to admit the number of patients who have AIDS. People still get ashamed to have AIDS, and they're scared to tell anyone about it, why? Because people judge.

Maybe this day will help us understand this illness more and will humble us enough not to judge anyone who has it, and instead, show support.

I don't want to re-invent the wheel, and especially because I cannot invent it as good as this excellent post which is written by Paola Salwan on her blog "Café Thawra", which tackles the AIDS and HIV issue especially its status in the Middle East.

STOP AIDS. KEEP THE PROMISE

Photo courtesy of the talented Lara Zankoul.

More posts on the subject by fellow Lebanese bloggers:
AIDS... in Lebanon? By Maya Zankoul
World Aids Day By Chantal

Ali Sabat on Deathrow for "Witchcraft" in Saudi Arabia

2009-11-28T01:49:00.001+02:00

The cassation court in Mecca should overturn the death sentence imposed on Ali Sabat by a lower court in Medina on November 9 for practicing witchcraft, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch called on the Saudi government to cease its increasing use of charges of "witchcraft" which remains vaguely defined and arbitrarily used.

You can continue reading the article here. I only heard about this unbelievable story a couple of days ago at work, and I immediately thought that the Lebanese government is surely working on releasing Ali Sabat. However after reading the article, we can notice that there is no mention of the Lebanese government wanting to negotiate releasing Sabat, as a matter of fact there is no mention of it at all.

I don't understand, aren't they supposed to do something? Especially that the crime is for one, silly, for two, not even legally defined.

The official confirmed that no legal definition exists and could not clarify what evidence has probative value in witchcraft trials.

I will try to check more sources on the subject and update this post.

إلى الأمام سر

2009-11-22T09:49:00.000+02:00

People ask me over and over again why I stay in Lebanon, especially that I do have the opportunity of leaving this country and living abroad, my answer was revealed to me today and it's so simple and straight to the point.

What's better than being part of a country that is getting on its feet, being developed and making something of itself. I want to remain a part of this. I don't want to leave and wait for others to fix and then come back and reclaim victory. I want to assist with this path of my country growing up and growing.

Happy 66th Independence Day.

My response to that catholic school

2009-11-15T01:26:00.006+02:00

Some catholic school sent the above flyer to parents, in a nutshell they warned parents that there will be a concert where gothic people (who have the culture of death) will lure kids in to some satanic rituals and give them drugs, and they wondered, why aren't there any cameras allowed? What are they trying to hide? So here is my answer below!

That's definitely an old subject being opened up, I don't remember the exact year, but I know it was mid 90s to the beginning years of 2000 where the music Rock and Metal were considered Satanic and everyone who likes this music worships Satan and many got arrested for having long hair and an earring in their nose.

Well I used to listen to metal and heavy/hard rock music a lot in my early 20s and I have never worshiped Satan, he doesn't exist you see, him and his stupid red horns.

Drugs and cults exist everywhere irregardless whether their members like rock or samba, if they do, it's mere coincidence, but it's not an equivalence formula, because most people who like rock and metal music just like music for what it is and are not a part or members of any satanic cults.

I used to attend so many rock concerts in Lebanon, and today I was at the mentioned concert where 4 bands in total played, 2 of them were local bands, moreover there was To Die For and Anathema (the latter is a great band which I really like), and the reason why they said no cams, wasn't because we were all going to do a big circle and chant to Satan, it was simply a marketing thing and the organizers probably wanted exclusivity on the photos. BUT TO YOUR SURPRISE there was at least 500 cameras down there, why don't you go ahead and check the videos, you will see there was nothing harmful there, just people happy and singing along and jumping!

If by any chance a group of people did any drugs, it's (I believe) their parents problems and responsibility, plus no one was forcing anything there.

I am sick and tired of catholic school's war on this music, if you're afraid a kid might be drawn into drugs, alcohol and into a cult, well I suggest you check his or her family's situation, how their parents are raising them, and see what the real problem is that caused this kid to be so susceptible and fragile. Let's not blame rock and let's see what really causes some kids to become suicidal or confused or looking like a Gothic (which is really trust me on this, just a fashion look for most of them). Also note that a screwed up kid will not resist temptation in the bathroom of his own school, so will you not send him to school either? Or will you see what his problem is and fix it and not throw blame on other things?

And guess what, the concert was amazing, Anathema rocked the stage and no one offered me drug or told me to dance wouha wouha to Satan!

Updated: Here's an excellent post about the matter from the fellow blogger Tony. "Cultural Segregation"
And here us L'Orient-Le jour's article on the matter: "Le Centre catholique d’information au service de la censure"

Could climate change be on the new cabinet's list?

2009-11-12T16:09:00.001+02:00

IndyACT never cease to surprise us and never procrastinate!

Today, the global league of activists, IndyACT, organized a media stunt on the beach of Beirut to highlight the fact that after four month of the endless fight on political gains it is time for Lebanon to engage the global community in the fight against climate change. The activists called for having climate change as one of the new cabinet's top priority.

And I personally thing it should be one the top priority issues to be on the cabinet's list, Lebanon can be for once a pioneer in the Arab world concerning a very crucial and important subject such as Climate Change. Why not?

We have a government again?? No!

2009-11-07T12:31:00.001+02:00

Apparently, the opposition finally approved the national government of unity which Saad Hariri proposed, later today everything should become official. I honestly did not notice not having a government, but then again, I didn't notice when we didn't have a president for 6 months either. But the good news is, Independence day this year will have both a President and a National Government of Unity, and most importantly Gibran Bassil as Minister of Telecommunications! 3GS anyone?

Read more here, the article is in Arabic.

Beirut Rock Festival 2009

2009-11-04T20:51:00.003+02:00

Click on image to enlarge!

Beirut Rock Festival to take place on November 11, 13 and 14 at the Forum de Beyrouth. It's great to finally see Lebanon hosting such events again, I think if I'm not mistaken, this is the first Beirut Rock Festival, and for a start it's hosting some good bands, including one of my favorites "Anathema". I am sure year after year it will evolve to something that will attract more international visitors.

Tickets on sale at the Virgin Ticketing Box Office!

Why did "Ain't No Smoking 2nite" fail?

2009-10-29T09:25:00.002+02:00

If you remember, there was going to be a "Non-smoking night" in Gemmayze in about 35 pubs yesterday October 28th. More here. Being a non-smoking advocate myself I asked several friends of mine about their encounters yesterday in several pubs in Gemmayze and their opinions. They said that most of them had people smoking inside although these pubs were supposed to be part of the "Ain't no smokin 2nite" campaign that was organized by Rotaract.

There were people smoking even in pub-restaurants such as Olio. You would think that they would be busy stuffing themselves instead of smoking.

A friend of mine even told me this: "There was also one pub that had a sign that said Smoking Friendly"

Another friend said only few of the pubs stuck to the campaign, one of them was Berlin. But the others allowed people to smoke.

There are several studies done around the world, in Europe and in the US, saying that banning smoking in public places has decreased the number of deaths caused by smoking! But why should we believe scientists right?

My favorite smoker's argument is this: "Why should I forbid myself from smoking, so what if I die 10 years earlier, at least I would've done something I enjoy!"

So basically, the 10 years prior to that when you have lung cancer is enjoyable?

There is a new article today suggesting that Lebanon must move to ban smoking, Syria did? Are they better than us?

What I don't understand is why do Lebanese people stick to rules abroad, but tend to be anarchists in Lebanon? And anarchist for what? For telling you not to smoke because it endangers your life and the life of the strange people that are beside you and you have no right to bother them?

Smoking bothers me as much as if someone was picking their nose or playing with their toes, so why should I be okay with them when they smoke? Bala 2arafkoun! I don't mind people smoking, I just do when it's a closed place and when I am eating, is it too much to ask for? some oxygen and to actually be able to taste the food?

Congratulations fellow Lebanese on one of your other lousy sense of humanity, logic and respect. Kudos! Ya3tikoun el 3afieh. I am glad I didn't go to Gemmayze because if I did and had found people smoking, I would've probably caused a scene.

Finally, why did those hypocrite pubs sign into this campaign if they were going to act like a cheating newly wed red-eyed husband?

Sign Petition to pass an electoral law to ban smoking in public places here.

This is HUGE! 24 October, It's Happening! 350

2009-10-24T12:15:00.004+03:00

I am getting goosebumps when I keep seeing these photos, these people, every where around the world are showing the number 350. Keep checking www.350.org.

Here are some pics. And SOON we'll be getting a picture from Groupe Saint-Vincent Naccache of the Association of Scouts in Lebanon, who will be climbing the highest peak in Lebanon, Kornet el Sawda and taking a photo here. Info courtesy of Beirut/NTSC. More actions are taking place in Lebanon as well. I will try to get pictures about them too.

Now enjoy the positive energy!

And finally from Lebanon, Tony Dagher & Johnny Maroun hiked for a long time and reached the highest peak in Lebanon (3088 m) Kornet El Sawda.

24 October, International Day of Climate Action

2009-10-22T10:07:00.001+03:00

On October 24, the International Day of Climate Action will cover almost every country on earth, the most widespread day of environmental action in the planet's history.

Big rallies in big cities and across the globe: mountain climbers on our highest peaks with banners, underwater demonstrations in island nations threatened by sea level rise, churches and mosques engaged in symbolic action, star athletes organizing mass bike rides—and much mroe

Every event will highlight the number 350—a big group photo will depict this important message, at end all photos will be assembled for a visual petition to change the negotiating environment as we head towards the crucial UN Climate Negotiations in Copenhagen in December of 2009

Check here for an action near you, and maybe you can try and participate or take a picture and talk about it!

Maldives Cabinet held a meeting underwater

2009-10-17T14:59:00.003+03:00

Why you wonder? Well the beautiful Maldives is being threatened to disappear underwater because the sea water level will rise from now till 40 years. Why might this happen you wonder? because of the recent negative effects of the "man made" climate change.

Can something be done about it? Yes, but we need the world leaders to take action.

Maldives along many other islands and ports and cities might be covered either all of it or parts of it by water (please check this post to know about these extraordinary regions).

So why did the President of the Maldives Mohamed Nasheed (who in my opinion is a hero) call for the cabinet to hold a meeting under water? Well they got our attention didn't they? People should become aware of climate change and its negative effects and learn what the number 350 means and why it is extremely important!

Enjoy more pictures here, wow the Maldives is a beautiful place, it would be a shame if it's gone in our time, and its people to become refugees.

What can you do to help with saving them and yourself? Contact IndyACT (Lebanese NGO), tcktcktck (take action), 350.org (international campaign) or simply me and I'll tell you where to go next.

Man in the cube in Ein El Mreisseh and the dead fish

2009-10-17T13:19:00.005+03:00

Don't forget to check the Man the Cube (Rami Eid) in Ein El Mreisseh, facing Mc Donalds. This event is organized by IndyACT aiming to raise global urgency on the critical dangers of global warming and to urge world leaders to take fast and effective action against climate change in Copenhagen this December.

Rami, or the man in the cube, has been there since yesterday and will continue to be there until tomorrow October 18th. He represents “the last man on earth” enduring a fierce struggle for survival against climate change effects. He will be living in the a transparent cube where everyone can see what he's doing.

He has a chair, a laptop with internet access where he blogs and tweets his experience and what's happening with him.

From the things the Man in the Cube said:

I just drank some cold water, and it was so refreshing. Since we're on that topic. Limit your showers to 5 minutes, or less if you can.

I will be going to check him out tonight, I have some questions to the passers by, I will let you know what they say.

Updated: I got some photos posted below. The water level has risen yesterday enough to stop Rami from standing on the ground. So he remained on the chair, not being able to move freely anymore in his world, completely bothered and cornered if we may say. The man in the cube tweeted his last message today hoping that everyone learned a lesson like he did.

Many passers-by were interested, so several IndyACT volunteers explained to them about the message they were trying to convey, and many passers by, especially young children threw stuff at Rami, a kid even through a dead fish on him. Ironic but actually makes a lot of sense as the climate change will result in having many water species die.

Are you going to do something about Climate Change?

2009-10-15T00:29:00.003+03:00

- Don't recycle (it's a waste of time)
- Don't carpool (who needs to restrain themselves with other people in the morning)
- Don't mind fossil fuel, keep it burning (better economy)
- Don't be bothered to end CO2 gas emissions, in fact encourage it (will give you power over other)
- Don't encourage alternative energy (costs too much, bad for economy, waste of energy and human resources)
- 350 parts per million is a joke
- Don't reduce your carbon footprint (the more the cooler you are)
- Don't maintain green trees, chop them off and use their wood (+ they're blocking the view)
- Don't plant new trees (view of industrial factories with gray skies are more efficient these days)
- Don't save water, waste it even when unnecessary (can't you drink oil?)
- Don't try and keep the sea water level from rising (just scuba dive to see the Maldives...)
- Don't miss having refugees, we'll have climate refugees, (now that Palestinians are living happily ever after, we want more to take care of)
- Don't worry about having coral reefs die (it's not like they are important for the eco-system)
- Don't get upset when watching glaciers melt (what good are they for anyway)
- Don't be surprised from "weather" change (1, 2, 3 degrees warmer? It's no biggy, the warmer the sexier)
- Don't keep diseases from spreading (it's fine, only those poor people in poor countries get it, we're safe)
- Don't hope for your country to become carbon neutral
- Don't be sad when you see more species become extinct (dinosaur style)

And most importantly don't have children.

Because if you do have children, in 40 years don't feel guilty when your children look at you with disappointment, with depiction, because they know that you and people like you are the reason why the earth and the world has deteriorated, and especially because you could have done something when the time was right, but instead you were just too lazy to try and help prevent one of the most dangerous and serious "MAN-MADE" crisis... You didn't keep from the negative effects of Climate Change from happening. You were an irresponsible (dare I say human?) being!

Age of Stupid in Lebanon

2009-10-13T17:13:00.001+03:00

The Age of Stupid is a new cinema documentary about this enormously ambitious drama-documentary-animation hybrid stars Oscar-nominated Pete Postlethwaite as an old man living in the devastated world of 2055, watching 'archive' footage from 2008 and asking: why didn't we stop climate change while we had the chance?

You can watch the trailer here.

And the great news is: this movie that has been an amazing hit all over the world will be playing in LEBANON

Venue: Empire Sofil
Date: 25 / 26 Oct
Time: 6pm

Tickets sold there.

Ain t no smokin 2nite at Gemmayze on 28 Oct

2009-10-10T11:00:00.002+03:00

35 pubs and restaurants in Gemmayze street are participating so far in the Rotaract campaign "Ain't no smokin 2nite". The event will take place on October 28th.

The below poster was designed by a fellow blogger Maya Zankoul

You can check the facebook event page here.

Lebanon's Armenians reject accord with Turkey

2009-10-09T11:33:00.001+03:00

Lebanese Armenians and Armenians who live outside Armenia weren't kicked out of their homeland, in fact they have escaped the massacres that the Ottoman empire led back then in order to terminate this people. They are here now, 95 years later demanding Turkey to admit this fact and they're not. On a recent note, Sarkissian the current president of Armenia is going to sign an accord with Turkey, and this event is being opposed by the Lebanese Armenians.

"Sarkisian was not received well," concurred Lebanon's Tashnag-party representative Alice Boghossian

[...]

"The massacres were an attempt to wipe out [our people]. My grandfather and grandmother were killed there. If they were still alive Armenia would still be my homeland," said Tashnag's Boghossian.

"The diaspora is a result of Turkey's policies and therefore [Sarkisian] has a commitment to the millions of Armenians living abroad."

Armenian political parties want the Ottoman massacres to be officially referred to as genocide, a term Turkey refutes

[...]

"Armenia used to cover 300,000 square kilometers, now it is only 30,000.

[...]

Click here to read full article on The Daily Star.

What to blog about on Blog Action Day, this October 15th

2009-10-05T21:59:00.002+03:00

On the note of the negative effects of Climate change...

2009-10-02T10:03:00.002+03:00

..these are 10 places to see before it's too late, take from http://opentravel.com/blogs/10-places-to-see-before-its-too-late/

The ice sheets melt fast, the sea levels are rising, and the increase in storms and flooding becomes a serious issue. As scientists expect the sea level to rise around one meter (3.3 ft) by 2100, the global warming warnings sound more and more catastrophic. With such an increase in water levels many coastal areas around the globe are said to disappear under the waves.

Whether you believe all these climate change talks or not, it is worth taking a few secs to check out the list of the most immediately threatened places in the world...just in case.

1. The Maldives

The Maldives, the beautiful island country considered by many the paradise on earth, is the lowest country in the world being only 1.5 m above sea level on average. Therefore, it can be submerged by 2050/2100 due to the significant rise in sea level.

The Maldives. By muha...

The Maldives. By Photo-SG

2. Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak of Africa, is rapidly losing its glaciers. Since 1912 the ice cap covering the top of the mountain has lost around 80% of its ice. The scientists predict that the ice on Kilimanjaro will be gone by 2015/2050.

Mt. Kilimanjaro. By Picture Taker 2.

Mt. Kilimanjaro. By Stig Nygaard

3. Alexandria. Egypt.

The city of Alexandria, an ancient Egyptian hub and the country's largest sea port, is said to be inundated by 2100. The Nile Delta is subsiding by around 5 mm (1/5 in) per year. Also, other towns located in the Nile Delta, such as Arish City, Matruh City and Port Said, are under the threat from rising sea level.

Alexandria. By Argenberg

Alexandria. By mighty stina

4. Tokyo

Tokyo is only one example of many coastal cities at risk due to rising sea levels, violent storms and flooding. The city's temperatures increase five times faster than an average global warming rate and the annual mean temperature has risen by about 3°C (37°F) over the past 100 year.

Tokyo. Odaiba. By Timo Nurmi

Tokyo, Kachidokibashi Bridge. By Ian Muttoo

5. Great Barrier Reef

The most catastrophic scenario envisages the Great Barrier Reef, the largest coral reef system in the world, to collapse within twenty years due to the high concentration of carbon dioxide in the water. The scientists predict that as the water gets warmer and warmer, the coral ecosystems around the world will start disappearing by mid-century or earlier.

Great Barrier Reef. By The.Rohit

Great Barrier Reef. By Maedi

6. The Columbia Glacier

The Alaska's Columbia Glacier, similarly to all glaciers the world over, has been melting at an increasing rate and it has thinned by around 1,300 feet (390 m) in some places over the last 25 years. Moreover, it is among the fastest moving glaciers around the globe and it is expected to retreat around 9 miles (14 km) in the next 20 years.

The Columbia Glacier. Alaska. By WordRidden

Columbia Glacier. Alaska. By tay-ha

7. Galapagos Islands

Home to amazing wildlife, the unique, remote islands of Galapagos can be seriously affected by the climate change due to their location. As the equatorial waters in the eastern Pacific are getting warmer and the sea level is rising, such Galapagos animals as the giant tortoise, marine iguana and Galapagos penguin as well as flightless cormorant, whose nests are susceptible to flooding, are under serious threat.

Galapagos Islands. Sea lions. By noam fein

Galapagos Islands. Marine Iguana. By mtchm

8. The Netherlands

About 60% of the Netherlands' population and about 27% of the country area are located below sea level. Such low-lying and flat countries as Holland are at greatest risk from the rising waters. To protect the seaside the Netherlands set up huge storm surge barriers - so huge that they can be seen from space.

The Netherlands. By irommanixs

Amsterdam. By MorBCN

9. The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea surface and shores are 1,385 ft (422 m) below sea level - it is the world's lowest point and also one of the saltiest bodies of water with the salinity of 33.7%. In contrast to the low-lying places that suffer from rising waters, the Dead Sea is evaporating, gradually losing its water. The water level is estimated to have dropped by 3 ft (1 m) per year from 1970.

Dead Sea. By Mr. Kris

Sunrise over Dead Sea. By ePublicist

10. New York

According to the recent report prepared by the scientists of various research centers such as, among others, University of Toronto, the National Center for Atmospheric Research or the University of Bristol, New York may face a much faster rise in sea level than other coastal cities due to the local ocean currents, effects of gravity and water density. Moreover the city, is at great risk of hurricanes and flooding that can occur as a result of melting ice.

New York. By morrissey

New York. By kiki99

Il Siciliano Restaurante, my take

2009-09-28T20:55:00.003+03:00

Due to a happy occasion last Sunday, I had the pleasure of having lunch in Il Siciliano, Abdel Wahab El Inglizi St, Ashrafieh (view map, tel: 00961 1324 001, 00961 1324 003), and luckily just one day before I start my diet, I can give you my amateur opinion on this restaurant and tell you that it is definitely a wonderful experience from the minute you walk in until the minute you leave.

We were greeted with a welcome shot at the restaurant salon in the ground floor, afterward we went up to the restaurant, women greeted as Ladies and men as Sirs, makes you feel good to be honest, asked which kind of wine we would like to drink, and what the main course is going to be... In a nutshell the service was very classy, they appear as if they really know what they are doing, and I think it is because they do know.

After the first course, the salad, came the pasta, and that is the most important part of this review, there were two kinds, very nicely put together, the plate looked swelling.

It contained tortellini with white sauce and penne with tomato sauce, I usually go towards the white sauce, but for the first time in my life, I enjoyed the penne with tomato sauce so much I did not want that plate to end. I have eaten in many Italian restaurants based in Lebanon, and Par Excellence, in Il Siciliano lays the best pasta I have ever had.

The main course I chose was grilled chicken, it was not bad at all, but being a pasta fan, this is where all my focus went.

And all this eating was accompanied by the music of the giant tenor singer Andrea Boccelli, definitely puts you in a relaxing mood.

After a while, a fast-paced music came on, and the chef gave us a really interesting show for 2 minutes approximately. It gave the ambiance a really nice touch.

We were invited so I can't tell you the exact pricing, however from what I have been told and what I saw, it is not a modest restaurant and it does require a certain budget, so be prepared, this is not Mezzo - Cinema City.

The restaurant looked very neat. I personally am a fan of decor and the bathroom's as well, and it had this old feel for it, moreover I loved the fact that there were many towels in a small wooden open closet, you pick one which you can dispose right after use.

To complement such a culinary experience, there comes the dessert, a fruit salad with an Italian scoop of sorbet, mine was Lemon, and it was a treat!

For next time, I will surely try the pizza, and yes there definitely is a next time.

مارسيل خليفة يغني في مهرجانات بيت الدين، للمعتقلين في السجون الإسرائيلية... والعربية

2009-09-24T11:42:00.002+03:00

باسكال عسّاف

بينما كانت بيروت ترزح تحت حرّ قاسٍ لف سماء العاصمة طيلة شهر أب، كانت منطقة بيت الدين تنعم بنسيم ليلي بارد أشبه بإطلالة خجولة للشتاء. أكثر من أربعة آلاف شخص حضروا، غصّ المدرج بحركتهم، تفقدوا أمكنتهم، وما كادت الساعة تقترب من التاسعة مساءً، حتى امتلأت كل المقاعد، وعمد القيمون على الأمسية إلى إضافة عدد آخر من الكراسي في نواحي المدرج. جلس الحضور يترقّب، فالليلة حنين إلى صوت مارسيل خليفة، وانتظار أقرب إلى التأمل في موعد مع الموسيقى.

أوشحة بألوان مختلفة لفّت أكتاف الحاضرين. عازفو الأوركسترا، الكورس، وبعض المستمعين، اختاروا الكوفية بلونيها الأبيض والأسود تعبيراً عن دعم قضية فلسطين، وطن عربي آخر يعاني من التخلّي.

أعضاء "أوركسترا فلسطين للشباب"، أكثر من 60 عازفاً بقيادة المايسترو البريطانية شون ادواردز (Shon Edwards)

جاؤوا من لبنان، مصر، سوريا، العراق، فلسطين والهندوراس. باقة من الجنسيات المختلفة، اجتمعت في ليلة الأربعاء 12 آب 2009 وتركت في نفوس الجمهور ذكرى أمسية عبقت برائحة حب الأوطان.

وبمناسبة اختيار القدس عاصمة الثقافة العربية لعام 2009، كانت الأمسية تحية للشاعر محمود درويش في الذكرى السنوية الأولى لغيابه، هو الغائب الحاضر في الكلمات.

حفل استمر لأكثر من ساعتين، تنوع برنامجه بين أقسام ثلاثة. الجزء الأول غنائية بمشاركة أميمة الخليل من لبنان، ريم تلحمي وباسل زايد من فلسطين، تحت عنوان "أحمد عربي"، قصيدة عن المقاومة كتبها الشاعر محمود درويش وألّف موسيقاها مارسيل خليفة في العام 1983. ومع "القدس شمس الحرية، واليوم نغني أحمد العربي" بدأ خليفة حفلته ليدخل الجمهور معه إلى عالم آخر، ورددوا معه عالياً "أنا أحمد العربي\ فليأت الحصار\ جسدي هو الأسوار\ فليأت الحصار".

في الجزء الثاني عاد مارسيل متشحاً بشاله الأزرق، الذي شارك فيه مع فرقة الميادين ورافقه ولداه، رامي على البيانو، وبشّار على الدربكّة والدف، إسماعيل رجا(Ismail Raja) على الكلارينت، بيتر هربرت (Peter Herbert) على الكمان، ناصر سلامة(Nasser Salameh) وألكسندر بيتروف (Alexandre Petrof) عارفا إيقاع.

عند أداء أغنية "يطير الحمام، يحط الحمام" توجه مارسيل إلى الجمهور طالباً منه أن يشاركه الغناء وتحديداً الصف الأول حيث جلس عدد من السياسيين وفعاليات البلد. وبعدما أطلت أميمة الخليل لتغني "عصفور طلّ من الشباك"، عصف المدرج بصراخ البهجة، ما دفع مارسيل إلى سؤال الحاضرين ممازحاً إذا ما زالت الكلمات في الذاكرة.

وبعد أن أهداها "إلى كل المعتقلين في السجون الإسرائيلية"، اخترقت المدرج عاصفة من التصفيق، انتظرها لتهدأ وأردف مبتسماً "والسجون العربية". في تلك اللحظة، وعلى وقع كلمات "كل قلوب الناس جنسيتي، فلتسقطوا عني جواز السفر"، شعر الحضور بأن التصفيق والصراخ لم يعد كافياٌ فوقف تحية لكل... المساجين.

أما أغنية "يا بحرية" فكانت الأكثر صخباً في الحفل، قديم جدده مارسيل بحضوره وعزفه الرائع، رافقه عازف المزمار (كلارينت) لبضع دقائق أذهل فيها الحضور بتمايله كالنسيم مع اللحن، أكمل بعدها مارسيل المقطوعة على العود على وقع تصفيق هادر. كما عزف على العود مقطوعة من قصيدة "محمد الدرة" و"أنا يوسف يا أبي" ليجعل هذا الحفل لوحة متكاملة من إنشاد جماعي وفردي ومعزوفات موسيقية وإلقاء شعري، لوحة رسمها الوطن المنسي في حسابات من نصبوا نفسهم قيّمين عليه.

في القسم الثالث غادر مارسيل ليجلس مع الحضور وعادت الأوركسترا إلى المسرح. منفردة، أدت ريم تلحمي أغنياتها "يا غزة" وإحدى قصائد محمود درويش "خضراء أرض قصيدتي \ خضراء عالية\ على مهل أدونها\ على وزن النوارس\ في كتاب الماء أدونها" واختتمت الحفل بأغنية عن القدس من كلمات وسيم الكردي وألحان سهيل خوري.

في نهاية الأمسية قدّم الوزير غازي العريضي ميدالية كمال جنبلاط وسجادة صلاة من صنع يد حرفية لبنانية لأعضاء الأوركسترا، كما قدمت السيدة نورا جنبلاط درعاً تذكارياً للأوركسترا ممثلة في مديرها، الملحن والموسيقي سهيل خوري. وبقي التكريم الأكبر الذي قدمه الجمهور وفي مقدمتهم وليد جنبلاط، طارق متري، جان أوغسبيان، زاهي وهبي، والسيدة جيزيل خوري تصفيقاً وتفاعلاً مع أغنيات وقصائد في ليلة موسيقية ارتقت إلى حد الإبداع.

A little bit too late, nevertheless worth the read. Marcel Khalife's concert with the Palestinian Youth Orchestra in Beiteddine on August 2009.

Brazilian Carnaval in Lebanon

2009-09-24T09:08:00.003+03:00

I can proudly say I did not have my camera on me yesterday, so no pictures available, however this should actually be of motivation to people who live in Lebanon and I highly advice you to go see this event as it rarely ever happens in Lebanon. It's a micro Rio de Janero carnaval, nonetheless worth seeing. It is organized by Café Najjar.

It took place yesterday in Downtown Beirut, it will tonight as well (24 Sept) in DT Beirut, then it will be moving to Zahle (Sep 26), Batroun (Sep 29) and Tyre (Oct 1). Public workshops will also be given throughout the carnival to get your bum shaking Samba style.

For more info click here

Photos courtesy of Tony Yammine and Darine respectively, for which Darine also shared her experience in this post.

Blog Action Day 2009 - Climate Change

2009-09-23T23:59:00.003+03:00

Gear up, prepare your keyboards, set your mind, put the screen in front of you, 15 October 2009 is Blog Action Day and the topic for this year after high demand is Climate Change.

Please help spread the word to other bloggers, let's make it happen.

For more info on climate change, please refer to older posts starting the month of August 2009. Or just check website of local Lebanese NGO www.indyact.org, the global 350 campaign, and the actual campaign www.tcktcktck.com

Save yourselves! Please help raise awareness about the subject.