Many talented Lebanese artists are not being recognized because of the wave of bad music that is bombarding us every day, and Mike Massy is a true talent. I loved the portrayal of true emotions, the authenticity of the lyrics, which we’re missing nowadays, and the beauty of the music. It was a good change from all the rubbish we’re being fed from radio stations and TV channels. I really wonder how much these stations are playing Mike Massy songs. I think just as much as they play Fayrouz “Fi Amal” songs.

So if you’re sick and tired like me of hearing stupid arabic songs with gross titles, check some of Mike Massy songs.
I also loved “Khalasna Ba2a” video. It really shows the nature of this artist.

If you want to know more about Mike Massy and this album, check his Facebook page, this interview and the below documentary.

Hope you enjoy!

From Wikipedia:

So, to all Community Managers out there, Happy CMAD and enjoy these cards

Small nose, augmented cheeks, filled lips.

And these are just basic interventions. Facelift, Brow Lift, Eyelid lift and the list goes on.

Not so good looking girls (not to say ugly), used these surgeries to “enhance” their looks. In most cases, it was a complete makeover and you’d barely recognize them after surgery (we all received those celebrities before/after pictures).

But this is not the point behind my post. My point is that I may understand those girls, even though in most cases they got uglier, not to mention the whole plastic/fake look, but I can’t understand the beautiful girls, and more, former beauty queens.

Check these very recent photos of Nadine Nassib Njeim (last saturday). My first reaction was: WHY?
Maybe she looks more beautiful. So what do you think? Does she?

This is just Nadine, I’m sure lots of other beautiful girls did and will be doing the same and this is just sad. I can’t help but questioning the motive behind it.
Did these surgeries establish a beauty standard that even beautiful girls should abide by? Is natural beauty just not enough anymore?

*Updated* Nadine Njeim during Miss Lebanon election.

*PS. I love both Nancy Ajram and Nadine Njeim, fans don’t insult me!

Personally, I picked 13 out of the 31 mentioned tips and decided on applying them, but with a bit of tweaking!

 1. Play Words Games.
Research shows word puzzles can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia, so instead of playing Angry Birds and similar games all the time, check some word puzzles games. If you have some awesome words puzzle games on iPhone, iPad, Android, please share.

2. Dance. Or play squash.
Look for an activity that raises your heart rate and requires a lot of coordination. I think I should get back to my dance lessons.

3. Watch or read news.
It will make you a more open-minded person!

4. Toss Your Smartphone.
Constantly checking your email disrupts focus and saps productivity. Go offline from time to time. That is going to be hard!

5. Sleep. A Lot.
Take a nap, then get to bed early. I wish!

6. Eat Dark Chocolate.
Dark chocolate is reported to have memory-improving flavonoids. Pair it with a glass of red wine—another great flavonoid source. How to like dark chocolate?!

7. Join a Knitting Circle.
Whip out the needles and make an awesome scarf. Refining motor ability can bolster cognitive skills. I should ask mom to teach me.8. Eat Yogurt.
Probiotics are good for your stomach and brain. Noted!

9. Read a Shakespeare Play.
My guess is that it would be a great brain exercise.

10. Hydrate.
Dehydration forces the brain to work harder and may dampen its planning ability. That’s one thing I should really do!

11. Zone Out.
Let your mind wander. A string of studies suggests that zoning out, especially when you don’t consciously realize you’re doing it, allows the brain to work on important “big picture” thinking. With pleasure!

12. Write Reviews Online.
Typing out your opinion will help you to better understand your own thinking. Awesome to know!! Check my reviews on The Cube!

13. Get Out of Town.
Spending just a few minutes on a crowded street impairs memory and self-control, as your brain processes all the stimuli. So plan a weekend getaway: getting in touch with nature helps the brain to recover. Hopefully!

Florence, Italy

It’s always nice to come across what used to make us smile, and smile again

PS. When I was preparing this post, I thought to myself “Lara Zankoul should make a music box photo”, since it fits perfectly with her photography genre. I took a look at her Flickr account and there it was

I was curious about watching the movie for several reasons:

1) Carmen Lebbos, the talented Lebanese actress playing in the movie along with Americans and Egyptians, all directed by a Moroccan. This cultural fusion looked promising.

2) Egypt. Ever since I went to Egypt, I’ve been under the charm of its culture and its essence. This movie is a good reminder of Egypt particular atmosphere in the midst of today’s chaos.

3) Oriental dancing, you can read more about my story with oriental dancing.

“Whatever Lola Wants” is one of those movies where you can guess all the events from its beginning but what made me follow the story with a smile on my face is the nice cast, the Egyptian dance and the music. What I also love about such movies is the linking between cultures and countries. It is always amusing to see how people from different cultures react to some behaviors and beliefs.

It is also refreshing to see a movie about an Arab country that doesn’t revolve around war, corruption, conspiracies and the lifestyle of wealthy Arabs. Maybe it would help reduce some stereotypes we suffer from.

Check the trailer below.

I’m taking a moment on this last friday of 2011 to look back to the year that is waving us goodbye in less than 48 hours.

The major change that happened in my life this year was moving to a new job. I began my quest in January 2011, deciding on a career change, and after 6 months of searching, thinking, doubting and worrying, I finally landed. It was not an easy decision but it’s totally worth it. So, for the ones among you who are just watching the time pass in their jobs, not feeling challenged and not learning anything new, *hint* have the courage to leave your comfort zone, risk to embrace the unknown, revive your confidence and ask yourself this question: What if I’m doing the work that I really like?

And if you really feel like doing something, just do it, you can’t know unless you try. And guess what? It is ok to fail.

Another thing that I’m happy I did this year was this blog and most importantly The Cube. I spent 2010 discovering blogs, reading posts and envying all those bloggers who really know what to say and find the right words to express their ideas, opinion and feelings. It’s a really nice feeling to know that you have your own space where you can share your passions and all the things that matter to you. So if you feel you have something to say, go on, do it. A blog is a great place to share your thoughts and learn from others.

PS. If you are an avid reader and love books, you MUST join me in The Cube experience.

And speaking of online communication, 2011 made me fall even more in love with Twitter. Every day, I meet someone new, I come across important news, beautiful pictures, great talents, funny stuff and it always makes my day better. If you are still watching twitter from far, come close and believe me you won’t regret it.

Another lovely online discovery this year was Pinterest. I just love browsing this website. It’s a great window to lots of beautiful stuff and it’s quite inspiring.

Back to real life, 2011 was a great year of self discovery. And gosh! I have so much work to do. But I’m happy, happy to realize those things that would make me a more mature person, bringing me a tad closer to that inner peace.

2011 also made me realize how much a lucky person I am. Lucky to have people around me that really love me. Lucky that the people I love are still by my side. Lucky to have true friends. Lucky to be in good health and having a decent life. (*knocks on wood* )

Thank you 2011, you taught me a lot.

2012, I have high expectations.

PS. One of my 2012 resolutions is to update this blog more often.

Revolutionary Road is the story of “a young couple living in a Connecticut suburb during the mid-1950s struggle to come to terms with their personal problems while trying to raise their two children. Based on a novel by Richard Yates.” (IMDB)

It is a story about marriage, broken dreams, personal struggle, work, children, betrayal… that was amazingly played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. They both expressed so well their complex characters and succeeded to deliver a lot with sometimes just a look in the eyes.

April Wheeler: I wanted IN. I just wanted us to live again. For years I thought we've shared this secret that we would be wonderful in the world. I don't know exactly how, but just the possibility kept me hoping. How pathetic is that? So stupid. To put all your hopes in a promise that was never made. Frank knows what he wants, he found his place, he's just fine. Married, two kids, it should be enough. It is for him. And he's right; we were never special or destined for anything at all.

A very remarkable performance, despite being short, was delivered by Michael Shannon in his role as the clinically insane son of Kathy Bates character for which he got an Academy Awards nomination as Best Supporting Actor.

The movie might be dark and lightly depressive but it is definitely HIGHLY recommended. Take a look:

For girls

There are too many ways for us to tie a scarf. I found the best link that shows you the different styles and gives you step-by-step instructions to better help you adopt the method. Also, the scarf tying methods are organized according to the types of scarves best suited for each.

And check this great video (thanks to @OdaiMarie)

As for the guys

Yes, there are manly ways you can wear a scarf. And wearing a scarf can add some visual interest to your look .

The most popular methods are:

The Parisian Knot:

Take the scarf in both hands and fold it over lengthwise; drape it around your neck; insert the loose ends through the loop hanging in front of you and pull them through. askmen.com

The Loose Double Flip:

Wrap the scarf around your neck once or twice and drape it loosely. style.la-mimi.com

Here are 4 other ways you can wear your scarf:

Hope that was helpful! Keep warm!

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