Mother’s day is On The Way……

Farah Alhashim
If your mother is far away or gone, or if she is sitting next to you at home, does it really differ where is she?
What can you get her for mother’s day?
Mothers day is coming, every girl is cracking her money box, to get the money that they have been saving for a long time, others are designing new cards that suits the occasion and their mother’s character, and other girls are hitting the ATM machines to shopping malls so they can get the perfect gift for the perfect person in their lives.
No one has ever wondered what it feels to be alone, your mother is dead and the moment your calendar hits march, your head starts to ramble, you become alerted to every flower ad about mother’s and every song about “set alhabayeb.”
Amjad (who refused to mention her family name) her mother died with censer few years ago. She still suffers from the tragic incident the swept away all her dreams of seeing her mother standing next to her when she gets married or when she graduates from university. Amjad is 20 year old marketing student at American Gulf university who is currently working on herself to become a good marketing director so that eventually, she will be able to open her own marketing and advertising company.
Amjad’s love to her mother is nonnegotiable, she rarely sleeps well these days after the trauma she had the moment her mother have passed way. Amjad was raised with her single mom away from her dad for several years, but even though she is living with her father now, she treasures every moment spent with her mommy whether day or night.
I don’t know what I should get my mom this time, last time I got her flowers and a book called “ The secret to have a better life”, I know she is gone now, but she always wanted to have this book and so I got it for her,” says Amjad.
“I celebrate mother’s day daily, and after she is gone, I always remind myself that she is around me listening to all my conversations, reading the books I read and even watching me while I go to sleep. I miss her so much and I wish to see her one more time,” She adds.
On the other hand there is Maya a Lebanese Kuwaiti student studying media in Lebanese university- always brings teddy bears and mugs to her mother on mother’s day. This time her mother is in Kuwait away from her and Maya is struggling between her exams and work as a journalist in local publication downtown Beirut, so she finds it difficult to travel in this time of the month.
“What depresses me is the fact that I’m going to be alone on mother’s day away from my mommy, I miss her so much and I wish she was around, we could of have gone to downtown and ate pizza then movies to watch Alice in wonder land or any drama film she likes,” says Maya.
“I don’t know how girls and boys manage to stay away from their parents, on mother’s day. I know this holiday is originally forgiven but I strongly believe that every day should be a mother’s day.” She adds.

“I know a lot of girls and boys whose mothers passed away or living with them in one house and they keep celebrating mother’s day with their own rituals and traditions. Loving a mother is not about buying the most expensive gift, but its about being there for them ; who raised you for better or for worse, so seeing them happy is the only reward I get every day in my life,” Maya adds.

Also there is Mohsen Hamad who is 34 year old man working in one of Kuwait universities is used to gather cooking books and knitting boxes for his mother to read or use while she is at home to get herself busy with them instead of sitting doing nothing or watching boring TV shows.
Mohsen says that his mother is a picky women who loves the house to be neat and clean in every corner.” I know my mom loves to cook French cuisine because she enjoys cooking international meals that are neat and delicious,” he adds.

Mohesn’s mother is sitting now cooking one of his recipes waiting the Family to gather around the table as promised, Amjad is sitting at home looking at her mother’s picture and reading the book she always loved “the secret”, Maya is trying to work hard to be on home on mother’s day and others are doing the best they can to get for their mother the best in everything.
Despite the fact that Amjad’s mother is gone, Mohsen’s mother is next to him and Maya is in a different country, they all have the same appreciation and dedication and willingness to give 100% of their time and mind to reward their mothers.
It doesn’t matter if your mother is not near you, she is in your heart and the best thing to do is; pray for her and wish her to have a bliss full life full of happiness and application, after all what is the point of succeeding in life without the appreciation of parents?

Mother’s day is coming: What is the Best Ultimate Gift For Your Mother?

Mother’s day is coming: what is the best ultimate gift for your mother?

Farah Alhashim
If your mother is far away or gone, or if she is sitting next to you at home, does it really differ where is she?
What can you get her for mother’s day?
Mothers day is coming, every girl is cracking her money box, to get the money that they have been saving for a long time, others are designing new cards that suits the occasion and their mother’s character, and other girls are hitting the ATM machines to shopping malls so they can get the perfect gift for the perfect person in their lives.
No one has ever wondered what it feels to be alone, your mother is dead and the moment your calendar hits march, your head starts to ramble, you become alerted to every flower ad about mother’s and every song about “set alhabayeb.”
Amjad (who refused to mention her family name) her mother died with censer few years ago. She still suffers from the tragic incident the swept away all her dreams of seeing her mother standing next to her when she gets married or when she graduates from university. Amjad is 20 year old marketing student at American Gulf university who is currently working on herself to become a good marketing director so that eventually, she will be able to open her own marketing and advertising company.
Amjad’s love to her mother is nonnegotiable, she rarely sleeps well these days after the trauma she had the moment her mother have passed way. Amjad was raised with her single mom away from her dad for several years, but even though she is living with her father now, she treasures every moment spent with her mommy whether day or night.
I don’t know what I should get my mom this time, last time I got her flowers and a book called “ The secret to have a better life”, I know she is gone now, but she always wanted to have this book and so I got it for her,” says Amjad.
“I celebrate mother’s day daily, and after she is gone, I always remind myself that she is around me listening to all my conversations, reading the books I read and even watching me while I go to sleep. I miss her so much and I wish to see her one more time,” She adds.
On the other hand there is Maya a Lebanese Kuwaiti student studying media in Lebanese university- always brings teddy bears and mugs to her mother on mother’s day. This time her mother is in Kuwait away from her and Maya is struggling between her exams and work as a journalist in local publication downtown Beirut, so she finds it difficult to travel in this time of the month.
“What depresses me is the fact that I’m going to be alone on mother’s day away from my mommy, I miss her so much and I wish she was around, we could of have gone to downtown and ate pizza then movies to watch Alice in wonder land or any drama film she likes,” says Maya.
“I don’t know how girls and boys manage to stay away from their parents, on mother’s day. I know this holiday is originally forgiven but I strongly believe that every day should be a mother’s day.” She adds.

“I know a lot of girls and boys whose mothers passed away or living with them in one house and they keep celebrating mother’s day with their own rituals and traditions. Loving a mother is not about buying the most expensive gift, but its about being there for them ; who raised you for better or for worse, so seeing them happy is the only reward I get every day in my life,” Maya adds.

Also there is Mohsen Hamad who is 34 year old man working in one of Kuwait universities is used to gather cooking books and knitting boxes for his mother to read or use while she is at home to get herself busy with them instead of sitting doing nothing or watching boring TV shows.
Mohsen says that his mother is a picky women who loves the house to be neat and clean in every corner.” I know my mom loves to cook French cuisine because she enjoys cooking international meals that are neat and delicious,” he adds.

Mohesn’s mother is sitting now cooking one of his recipes waiting the Family to gather around the table as promised, Amjad is sitting at home looking at her mother’s picture and reading the book she always loved “the secret”, Maya is trying to work hard to be on home on mother’s day and others are doing the best they can to get for their mother the best in everything.
Despite the fact that Amjad’s mother is gone, Mohsen’s mother is next to him and Maya is in a different country, they all have the same appreciation and dedication and willingness to give 100% of their time and mind to reward their mothers.
It doesn’t matter if your mother is not near you, she is in your heart and the best thing to do is; pray for her and wish her to have a bliss full life full of happiness and application, after all what is the point of succeeding in life without the appreciation of parents?

My personal statement to Graduate School

My Personal Statement

It is 9:27 am, I’m still awake since last night, thinking and staring at the laptop screen trying to find an interesting start to begin this statement with, but I feel my brain is frozen and my hands are typing nonsense on the keyboard. I’m pretty sure that my Mac book and the Itunes music library are going to hate me after writing this. The song has been repeated over 30 times, the laptop’s base is warm and I can feel that my dear Mac book wants to be set to sleep.
I cant’ write without music. I know, I know I sound like a nut job writer with eccentric habits, but this is me; Farah without introductions or camouflages.
I graduated in Spring 2009, I know I should tell you about my early experience in journalism and my dreams first, but I honestly prefer to start with graduation day, June 30, 2009. That day is still mesmerized in my mind like a bee to a honey jar.
Everybody was sweating, smell of spray was all over the air, sounds of laughter and people shouting names,” Go Sarah, Go Tala, I’m happy for you honey.” Mothers were cheering for their daughters, and fathers were hiding their tears behind the invitations cards, every body was getting ready for the big day.
You may wonder why am I describing every little detail? Believe me the reason I’m sitting writing to you and planning to get ahead of my studies is because I want to see that look in my mother’s eyes, the same look she had in my graduation ceremony, that proud look, those teary eyes and beating heart that kept her standing clapping for me once I got on stage and got my BA degree.
The weather was boiling out of heat and it was packed with people. Hallways were Crowded, sweaty faces where ever you look, and loud noise in every corner of LAU main stage. But the only sound I heard, was the sound of my shoes knocking on the floor and in every step, I felt I was in control, as if I literally owned the world and in no time I shall conquer a spot and make a difference.
I want to experience these feelings again; the feelings of success, sense of accomplishment, joy, happiness, and self-fulfillment.
I kind of lost all these feelings, the moment I took off my graduation hat and threw it in the sky. I was deeply thrown into life’s own definition of work, success and self improvement, and I finally understood why people say that life changes everybody whether for good or worse.
I graduated with a degree in Communication Arts, emphasis – journalism- Radio, TV, film, and theater, despite that, I took many courses in photography, drawing, music, marketing and even politics. I know for fact that as a journalist I should familiarize myself with everything and every subject on this planet. To know little of everything is better than nothing, therefore, I’m interested in expanding my knowledge in journalism, Hence not only that I want to write, but I also want to be myself on the TV screen; be Farah as a journalist with human qualities and not vice versa.
I want to be objective; not by taking sides of political parties, but by being objective and taking the side of Humanity, that’s the real objectivity in my opinion; To be able to save a kid or interview some protestors and make them reach for the higher power. I want to be a journalist for the people and my microphone to be directed to them not to some, “officials.”
I’m interested in your film and media program, I want to expand my knowledge since, I’m coming from a Middle Eastern background, I know I read hundreds of International Relations ‘s books and I can almost call myself an expert in international politics, since it was my senior project back in College, but I always consider myself a beginner, because there is still a lot to learn, whether from your Academy or what comes after it. I will always remain a freshman in my life no matter how old or smart I shall be.
I know I sound like Julia Roberts from the Mona Lisa Smile; I know it is just a movie, but why not turn our lives into movies? After all, movies are man’s own creation.
I ‘m pretty sure that you now have an idea about who I really am, and what I want to do in my life, but I want to add little information. I’m a photographer, writer, dancer, painter and a movie director, I feel lucky for having such plenty of gifts and ways to interpret and express my feelings. Some people might eat a burger, buy some shoes, eat chocolates as a way to express their happy or sad feelings, I do that too once in a while, but I also spend most of my days behind the laptop writing, or behind the camera lens photographing everything that captures my attention.
It is true that I come from a Middle Eastern background, but to add to this multicultural background, my mother and father come from two different backgrounds; I was raised in two different countries with two different traditions, habits and mentalities for the past 22 years.
I was born in Kuwait in February 3, 1988. My mother is Lebanese and my father is Kuwaiti, their collapsed marriage gave me a whole different idea about love, commitment and importance of family. With days passing by, I discovered new things and my character changed in one part or another.
I took advantage of this cosmopolitan situation that I was in, I met a lot of people, lived in different societies and neighborhoods, understood many concepts in life, because I believe as a journalist one should appreciate the basics in life and live in all circumstances, you never know I might end up in Gaza reporting for a news channel or a press agent for a fashion agency.
At the end, I should be a sponge that absorbs everything from everywhere and be flexible as much as possible to be able to live everywhere and handle everyone.
This is exactly what I want to do as a filmmaker at your Academy.

Carla Sakkab : A Hidden Lebanese Talent on the runway

Farah ALHashim

Its ridicules to say that models are stupid or shallow, which ever started this rumor will regret now.
While I was doing some research for my article, my eyes were attracted to some paintings online. The colors, textures and shapes drawn amazingly and beautifully, expressed one thing; who ever drew this is a genius.
I knew it right away that this person is gifted and loves what their are doing. After long hours of googling and searching, I found out that her name is Carla Sakkab, a Lebanese model who not only models beautiful dresses but also draws and paints beautiful paintings.
A graduate of Travel and Tourism, this 28-year-old woman represented Lebanon in Malaysia and Miss Tourism International plus, winning Miss Tourism- Lebanon in 2004.
“I’m a model and I like beauty” with these simple yet honest words Carla described her love to drawing, and the purpose of drawing faces in a very unique, and conceptual way.
Modeling and beauty complete each other, so Carla got it all. She is a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul, who was able to transfer her thoughts, expressions and feelings on paper.
Her paintings scream “red”. Her passion for this color is strongly portrayed in every space on the painting. When asked about her love for this color she answered,” I love colors, they make me feel, that the world is so diverse and rich with all kind of colors.”
She did not study the teqnique of fine arts.” I’d love to study it, because I don’t know if I’m using the right techniques.” Said Sakkab. She has no favorite artists; she loves all their work without any preference. The moment she feels she is ugly or depressed from something, she goes to her room, grab the brushes and start painting. She always painted ideal models with their perfect faces and perfect bodies, trying to become one of them. Despite the fact that she is a model and beautiful, sometimes she feels unattractive and unsure of certain things, that’s why painting for her is that last resort in finding herself. Her passion for beauty idealized her and made her seek perfection in every step she makes. Without the makeup and the hairstyles, anyone will directly see how natural she is whether on the runaway or between her friends.
Concerning future goals in this business Sakkab loved the idea of studying art and taking it as a hobby that will develop with time, but she refused to plan any future goals regarding this matter. In addition to that, her job is taking all her time and she is in love with it.
When asked about the reason behind drawing, she paused then smiled and said,” drawing or painting can express a thought or an experience happened with the artist him or herself, thus each drawings represent a fact or an incident happened with me, that’s why I’m totally attached to every piece I have at home.”
Sakkab did not get any awards in fine arts, but she is ready to be part of that world, because she loves it. Her passion will never stop here, on the contrary, she is totally indulged with painting and its beautiful effect on people. Whither she paints with oil or acrylics, she sure knows how to present a face, that can carry sad features sometimes but it will always be colorful and red.

Love in a Headscarf: Love in the Name of Quran

Farah ALHashim
I loved how the writer of this book started her story with sentence in the Quran; that god has created us from one single soul and we all are the same, so the Holy Quran supports the idea of the one and only person who is suitable for every human being, and every person on this earth must embrace this belief and look for his number 2.
She is Shelina Zahra Janmouhamed an oxford educated, Muslim conservative who wrote about finding “love in a headscarf.” Her traditions clashed with the British ones, yet she managed to find love and faith along her path.

I love how the writer begins her book with a basic yet vivid description of her scarf and the fact that she has a secret for us that she wants to share it with us, but she will not say a word unless she invites us –the readers- for cup of cappuccino not coffee and tell us her secret.
In every chapter of the book, Janmohamed manages to summarize the important chapters about Islamic tradition when it comes to dating, valentine in the eyes of Muslim, British occasions; groundhog day, love at first sight, getting ready for first date, the typical matchmaker and the reaction of parents when their daughter is in love.

It’s the beginning of the trip, she is getting ready for meeting the husband, she had a matchmaker and it’s a fixed marriage, she doesn’t know what to wear, how to approach the husband, what smile to do, her heart is bumping “rat tat trat,” she is looking between curtains trying to have a glimpse of what might this husband look like. Janmouhamed introduced the story of a fix marriage in a very entertaining yet truthful manner where she described the fears, thoughts a girl suffering from the moment the comes guy knocking at the door till he the sound of Zalgota( traditional action performed by women when expressing happiness) triggers the walls of the house.

“Love in head scarf “ is a personal memoir of a very traditional Muslim woman, despite her conservative beliefs toward her religion, she wrote about her experience in a very liberating manner and her revolutionary action; by writing about what she went through to thousands of people gave her strength to face other fears in future but also it gave us- the readers- a glimpse of Jan Mohamed’s life and any Muslim girl who under that scarf there will be a lot of secrets and thoughts waiting to be reveled.

I don’t know if the idea of mixed marriage still works with the development of communication matters, and I don’t know if a girl now will accept the fact that her picture is getting reviewed by several mothers gathered around one matchmaker, on the contrary what I see is that many women and men want a real love experience where there is dedication and devotion, love letters, valentine gifts, long telephone calls till dawn, honking horns under balconies, several missed calls once a while, and many rose pedals every Wednesday or every anniversary.
She might have loved the valentine card she got from an anonymous admirer, or the fact that she was asked on a date by a non Muslim, she always wanted to marry a Muslim, concerning her values and conservative outlook, she even wished one day when she was 15 that Travolta would fall in love and marry her then convert to Islam.
I think that religion is important for couples, but I don’t think love goes in the category of Muslim and non Muslim, any one who falls in love he is falling in love with the person in front of him, his character his brain, his looks, his smile, and everything else is just an addition; an accessories.
Despite my opinion, Jan Mohamed’s desire to show part of her Muslim-British culture, by exploring bits and pieces of any Muslim lady made her create a new dimension for all ladies out there to talk about their lives freely or at least create a secret bond with their scarf.

My Favorite Professor: Lina

Lina Abyad

Her presence is delightful and obvious. All her students know her very well. Her red big hair, wide smile and loud laugh created an uniqueness for the Fine Arts department at the Lebanese American University (LAU) that can never be replaced.
It is Lina Abyad, an LAU drama instructor and theatre director who spent years of her life studying Art and directing plays that discussed political and social issues such as femininity, marriage, love, and divorce.
“Lina Abyad is like my mother, she is so kind, friendly and unbelievably unique.” Says Sarah who used take courses with Abyad.
“You never know what is on her mind.” Says Alaa Malhas who is another student Abayd have taught over the years. Her close students or family members can really know bits and pieces of her ideas. Her pre production symptoms are the first sign of knowing that Abyad is about to direct a flawless play.
She dreams. Sometimes it’s a nightmare and sometimes it is not. Before the preparation of the play, she starts to worry, but when she gets nervous, she reads everything about the play. During the pre-production phase, Abyad avoids to sleep, so she comes to the university everyday loaded with papers and ideas, and ready for work.
“I’m having these dreams, I don’t know how am I going to pull this off, it’s a hard thing to do, I’m still in the beginning, nothing is ready yet, the play is a mess, nothing is working, “Says Abyad.
Despite that, Abyad always used to prove herself wrong by pulling it off, and presenting the best performances year after year, with great stories, amazing direction and unbelievably hidden talents that only were discovered on her stage.
After her recent play “The House of Bernarda Alba” last spring, Abyad starts to prepare for something different this semester; it is about life, love and humanity.
“Nothing is ready yet, I only have bits and pieces of poems.” says Abyad. This time she picked Kafka to represent her on stage. Abyad does not know why Kafka is the one to write about, but she says that this man is someone interesting to know. “He wrote these short stories and readings and suddenly felt what he wrote is “not perfect” and decided to burn them all. He is a great writer and I want to get to know him better,” Says Abyad.
According to Wikipedia Kafka is an imaginary writer, he is German and he was famous for his unique body of writing that was described as “incomplete” and was major influence in western literature.
It is also known about Kafka that he had a unique style of writing long sentences that sometimes can reach over an entire page.
Abyad is known for her direct approach in theater, she uses comedy to portray a certain idea, but this time, and she is not sure whether she is going to use the same method, or go for abstract direction.
Abyad gathered bits and pieces of these letters and stories to create a script for the play and present it on stage this spring.
Despite the fact Kafka ‘s words are nonsense when combined together, Abyad is trying to make sense out of them to present a clear performance to everybody.
“I’m not ready yet, lets talk next month, the ideas are still undecided and I’m still in the dreaming phase, I’m having new thoughts every night and nothing is certain till now,” Says Abyad.

Letter to a Friend

Letter to a friend

Remember when we sat on the floor in my old apartment surrounded with mashed potato plastic plates and turkey sandwiches from Roadster’s and we started eating our meal craving for more and you said, “Farah what do you think? Should we just be lazy and order mashed potato for Christmas dinner, but then you instantly answered yourself by saying, “no Haram (Poor) people expect that we cook the food and I want to give them what they want.” then we started laughing.
Remember when I called crying begging you to come, it was after midnight and I waited for you under my house. I sat on the stairs with my eyes swollen and red, you came running from your house and you were so afraid that something happened to me, but I still remember your reaction when I told you that I’m just in love with Hassan and I can not believe that the day has come and I heard the word I love you.
You looked at me, and I felt in your eyes that you wanted to hit me for ruining your night and scaring you like that, but then you started laughing hilariously and calling me stupid to do such a thing, then when you really saw how much I’m effected by the whole deal, you grabbed me and gave me a big hug, and you told me to take a walk down Hamra street.
It was a just a lovely night I still remember how we walked; you walking on a closer distant near me holding napkins while I grab one, every 2 minutes and sneeze and blow my nose in it, it was so SEX AND THE CITY of us and a moment to be loved.
That’s true friend ship right there, I never believed that I would miss this moment until now because I feel it won’t happen ever again.
Remember when we ate ice ream after Barbar, in that store that was always open and no one seemed to sit in it. Do you remember that time where you invited me to sit in café and you took me to Star Bucks where it was closed? I still giggle every time it crosses my mind. Or do you remember when we used to hang out in Down Town looking at people’s clothes and commenting on how they walk, talk, dress, and act. I loved every minute of those moments; they were big fun, or the time when we went to Fendi and tried on the whole collection? Damn it I love shopping with you.
I don’t know if the keyboard will keep up to all the great and unfortunate memories we had, all the good, and bad times, all the crying and love scenes, all the disappointments, jokes, smiles laughs and weaknesses we had in every single moment throughout those 4 years.
Do you remember the red sofa, we literally did everything on it, we ate, and played on pet society (game on Face book), and remember when you used to make fun of me and you end up playing the game, or when we used to make funny faces on the Mac book camera, or lay on the sofa and make funny noises and fight about who farted first.
I think what I’m trying to say is that I simply love you.
I simply respect you; adore you, not only as a friend, but also as companion as part of me.
Do you remember the time I was leaving Beirut to Kuwait for work and you write on your Face book status that part of you is leaving today?
Don’t you think that I don’t cherish everything you did to me? Don’t you know how much I love you, how much I had fought with my mother and friends for you
Don’t you know that part of me leaving Hassan is because our relationship was missing something and that something I had it with you.
I don’t know if you ever loved me like I did, if you ever cared for me like I did, but when I go back to the past I get the answer, but when I look at us now I wonder?
We fought a lot, remember when you were late on my graduation reception, or when you were short on cash and we had a problem, or when you were in Dbayeh and you cried and said Farah you’re my truly friend I have no one but you? Remember? That day was valentine and because we had this amazing undefined relationship we left our valentines sitting on the table and we were alone talking about our relationship.
I knew it right away that everybody was right about us. Everybody even people around us like mother, Hassan and Farah Sakr said that we are not regular friends, but yet we are not lovers, what we had was difficult to be defined by words or terms, and the bond we created for us was strong to the point that I’m sure created hate among other’s hearts.
Why don’t you think that maybe Mayada or Farah or any one between us told you what I said but in a twisted way, why don’t’ you think that maybe the things I said on the message comes from the fact that I was very upset from you and you were neglecting me and going out with others.
Do you Remember when you got upset at me going out with Michel right after I broke it off with Hassan, and how you were happy that I’m not in a relationship any more and we both can be crazy like before cook together, go window shopping, go on trips in buses to unknown places, remember when you told you missed those days and you want them back, well I did and I wanted them back when I tried calling you and asking about you when I came to Beirut and right after I turned Michel down.
You know how much I needed somebody in my life and how depressed up I was in terms of work, family issues and “post graduation phase”. But I really felt like you did when I saw your pictures on face book with a guy name Cyril, or a Zeina or anybody who had the chance to see you freely but I could not.
You kept telling me over and over and over that you were busy and you had plans or I don’t know what, and I never felt that the person whom I used to see everyday; became somebody I rarely see; once a month or twice tops.
I know you will tell me you had priorities and job responsibilities, but you have to excuse me for this I was not used to the fact not seeing you and doing everything with you.
I know what I said in the message was wrong, and you strongly know that I didn’t mean a word I said. You know I love you and I respect you and I always stood up for you from day one, and never and I mean never let anyone spoke of you badly.
I was so pissed that we are not like before anymore, and Maya started telling me things that you don’t love me anymore and that you were using me, and certain things that are not worth mentioning, but because I felt we are different and you are a true friend, I kept trying and calling you up until this moment.
Maya is out of my life, Hassan is out of my life either, both of them were just people passing leaving no mark what so ever, but you are different, you are somebody who made me who I’m right now, and I deeply wanted to see you behind the fitting room door waiting for me to appear in my wedding gown while you point out all the flaws in the dress and in me ☺.
I really wanted to us to be together until the day I get married and you take me to Mr. Right along the way, or dance with me in my wedding or even get the chance to experience the “perfect day.” Do you remember it?
Breakfast in Paris, lunch in Milan and dinner in Tokyo.
I randomly saw your event on face book, I swear to god I was blissfully happy and my eyes were drawn into tears when I saw that your are pursuing one of your dreams especially the one that we used to talk about, when we were cooking at the kitchen. Sorry I mean you cooking and me observing☺.
Congratulations and good luck and hope to see you modeling for a big agency in Lebanon then worldwide

I know you will do it.
You are a model and we both know that, you are beautiful, you are a star and just so you know I always pointed out to your flaws and told you that your work is crap and you must change it because I wanted you to do what you are doing now, follow your dream.

P.S: I miss the window shopping that we used to do
Shopping without you is just like mashed potato without butter.

The Soloist : A Homeless Beethoven

The Soloist : A Homeless Beethoven
Farah ALHashim

Its dawn, few breezes brushed by his brown face while he was playing the Cello, his fingers on the violin’s last two strings were creating a melody that expressed his sensitivity, and his inspiration.
He wandered the streets of Los Angles with his yellow hat and dirty old clothes; his frisky hair was always a warning note for people to notice from a distance.
Nathaniel Ayers, a young man who was born with a sensual gift that any one could wish for, he could play any kind of musical instrument without any hesitation, and while playing melodies, every beat used to enter his heart. Music was simply a big part of him.
Whether he was facing the horror of seeing a mouse around his paper-card board bed in the street or the joy of seeing Beethoven’s statue near Walt Disney Hall, Nathaniel was able to sit in his own bubble of music, play the instrument and unleash himself without any regret or thinking about people’s reactions. He was able to give his full concentration to music.
He is homeless who dreams of playing at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Suddenly he meets Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr), a newspaper journalist who tries to help him get back on his feet to make his dreams come true.
The soloist a movie written by Steve Lopez, Susannah Grant (screenplay) and directed by Joe Wright the director of “Pride and Prejudice”, and “Atonement”. Major roles were played by academy award winning actor Jamie Foxx as Nathaniel Ayers, Robert Downey Jr. as Steve Lopez and Catherine keener as Mary Weston.

The story was originally a book written by the journalist himself Steve Lopez, who simply described through his book the relationship he had with the homeless musician Nathaniel Ayers, the movie came as a mirror to show the beauty of this realistic yet depressing story.

The soloist was simply a great interpretation of the book, but some criticized the fact that director Wright presented Steve Lopez, as a self possessed, strict and bitter, on the contrary the real Steve Lopez never considered journalism as a “dead end” job.

I totally understand the concept of the movie from a journalistic point of view, I was relating to every scene where Lopez used to scratch names on his notebook, or wander in the streets looking for an interesting story, or when he faces rejection by people and hang up the phone on him.
This journalist represents any truthful, dedicated person who wants to get ahead in his job, but what Steve did not notice is that he fell into the “trap” of friendship and actually became friend with the character of the story. Maybe that’s the gray area in any journalist’s code of ethics book.

Speaking of myself, I faced many people during my work whether here or abroad and some of them became friends first, then characters of my stories later. Maybe the concept of changing the world, trying to make a difference is an original old idea that is stuck in every journalist’s head, that’s why Steve was sitting on his sofa, chatting with his ex wife and fellow journalist Mary Weston, about the fears he is facing, and the fact that he is middle aged reporter who reached to a point where is unable to make a difference or change his friend Nathaniel and make his life better.

Steve’s character, was simply outgoing, depressing in a point where it surly represented the identity of what a real journalist should be, despite his bitterness and boredom, his instinct, the way of writing, and ability to change were the best features portrayed in Steve Lopez.

As for Nathaniel ‘s character, Jamie fox did absolutely a breathtaking performance, and at some part of the movie I forgot that he was Jaime Foxx himself and took him as Nathaniel.
His reactions to the voices heard in his mind, the frisky hair, and the way he was playing the music created a certain mood for the film.
I don’t think that anyone got out the same as they entered. This movie is a complete hypnosis for everyone and it can make anyone thinks for several hours -without a reason.

The direction of the film was a bit slow, and the narration was a bit lost in few scenes that made me follow the sequence of the scenes and concentrate more on every single word in the dialogue.

I loved the fact that Wright presented a true story about a homeless, who is actually a Julliard student. Its really intriguing and depressing to see such a talent go to waste between tuna cans, hungry dogs, and sleep in the darkness of los angles’ streets.

Overall the film is yet another master piece to be added to Joe Wright collection. I can’t wait to see what Wright is preparing in 2010.

THIS IS IT: The Real Face of Michael Jackson

Farah ALHhashim
Rating: 4 out of 4
Imagine after all these years, all these rumors and lies about Michael Jackson, you see him in his best, wearing the shinning clothes that was famous for, moving his foots accordingly with the music just like we imagined , dancing his sadness away in 3d screen in front of millions of people.
Instead of the stage, it was the movie screen, and despite his sudden mysterious death, Colombia pictures and people around him wanted to continue this tour no matter what, by filming it and broadcasting it worldwide, so people can see what Michael Jackson was preparing for.
I know that you guys are expecting me to review the movie, the direction and the editing of film but this movie is different, it is about one person and there were no editing, dialogue or preparing what so ever. ”This is it” is all real, true and coming out from the king of pop himself as he takes us in adventures to places we have never been before.
The moment I stepped into movie theaters, I was 3 minutes late, because my friends wanted to get popcorn, I knew it that “this is it” is not the kind of movie you sit while eating popcorn. It’s a movie that rebels against true laws of film making and truly gets straight through your heart, despite the shaking camera and the “necessary” cuts made by censorship; I was able to grasp the point of this film.

Michael Jackson was fed up with all the things have been said about him, he wanted to make a difference to change the world, and make people believe in the power of love all over again. I know what I just mentioned sound cheesy and silly, but after I have seen “This is it” I truly believe that love can change the world.
I was truly captivated and mesmerized by every scene of the film, the surprising part of the film, was that Michael Jackson has never changed since the last time I saw him dancing on thriller on my TV screen back in the old days when I was 7 years old
He was excited, wild and determined to perform well with all his power and effort in order for him to achieve what he aimed for.
The way he jumps on the ground, forcing all his strength against it and singing out loud, while his hands are reaching for the sky, and his features facing the floor, you think he is performing but he is just living the moment and being Michael Jackson.
“This is it” a truly outstanding and real representation of Micheal Jackson. This movie is a combination of a document, filmmaking and true Hollywood story about a king who has been hurt many times by the public media and some haters, who I’m sure did it because of MJ hidden messages through his music.
There is no plot in the movie, no lighting, or directing style; it’s just Michael himself performing on stage, with his lights and his music that gave this movie an everlasting flavor.
“God bless you” a word I heard 100 times coming out of MJ’s mouth, he is patience and consistent when it comes to working, he never leaves any detail when it comes to dancing moves or melodies or even beats in his music.
He keeps repeating and repeating the rhythm and when he snaps his fingers everyone must follow his move.
His breathing is the cue for others to follow him on stage; every move is an interpretation of his feelings, and if any of the moves is not perfect, the rehearsal has to stop.

Now your cue is to put this newspaper down and go see the real face of KING of pop.

Christmas in Southern area: A weapon against Sectarianism

By Farah Hashim

Sound of Sayed Hasan Nasrallah is heard on TV of mini markets along southern area streets, little kids wearing old used clothes and blue slippers running toward people to sell pictures for Hezbollah and Hasan Nasrallah. Motorcycles, bikes, vans, taxi cars are trapped in what it called “aaj’eet el dahye” (southern area traffic jam)

Following all that, you will notice in southern area Christmas trees, red balloons and mistletoes hanged on the big street light. in addition to Ma’awad market new Christmas candy, trees and decoration were set for sale. The attracting thing is, the word merry Christmas is written near Adha mobarak on a big poster hanged in Ma‘awad square and a big glowing trees are held in Sfier and Rowes area.

At the same time as I was walking down Hadi Nasralah Street I could not but notice pictures of Nasrallah ,Hezbollah flags, and lot of trees which they are beautifully mixed with Christmas decoration that made Hadi Nasrlah road glows , a white taxi car stopped in front of me to take me to my destination. Inside that car, an old man in his late 60’s in his white hair, wrinkled skin and dark blue eyes was sitting there in the driver’s side listening to Quran on his old dusty radio. His car was wrapped with Hasan Nasrallah photos and posters.

Suddenly, the news hit Ali’s old radio, the news cast started to brief all the Lebanese local news.
“Who said there is religious difference in Lebanon? Who said there is sectarianism in Lebanon? Southern area in Beirut is known for its huge population of Shiite and some Sunni, but when you get to it now, you will feel it’s a Christian area.” Said Ali with a slice of anger in his voice he added, “before civil war Southern side was a Christian area so why this difference now?
He also told me that Lebanon is united and no one suffers from sectarianism except for its leaders.

Ammo Ali (as they call him) was irritated, he really wanted to celebrate Christmas in a peaceful circumstances but as he said,
”when there is America on the line the peace is gone.”

He kept puffing smoke from his cigarette, and releases his worries and thoughts about his home Lebanon.

The car is moving hardly in the street. Ammo Ali is shouting at the other hostile cars that are taking big place in the street. He opened the window, pointed his hand toward the coming cars and stopped them in order for him to move, and then he shouted “yeslamo.”

“adha mobarak wo melad majeed.” Said Ammo Ali to other angry drivers to make them relaxed and take away their anger.

Mostly every store in Hadi Nasrallah and Rowes I went to, a Christmas tree was placed there, shining the store beautifully,even some of the stores hanged small Santa Clause toy which sings merry charismas HO HO HO. “It is amazing when you see the Christian with the Muslim celebrating their joy together.” Ammo Ali said while waiting the orders from the police man to move. Meanwhile all you can hear is a person shouting “badna nemshi yallah”(come on move it) or sound of horns taking control of the situation.
When the car reached the required destination which is Hay Sellom I gave Ammo Ali 2000 L.L and said goodbye and wished him a joyful holidays.

The moment you enter hay Sellom, your eyes will take you to the amount of garbage
around every street, and every block, the big green container of the Sukleen is filled with garbage to the extent it’s floating. The streets are polluted, and the huge number of the squeezed building next to one another, gives a snap shot to the economical status of the area.
They call it Lebanese china town but I call it the other side of Lebanon.
It’s known that every country in the world has a poor district, like the Bronx in New York, Latino Street in Los Angles, Hawali Street in Kuwait, Shobra in Egypt, and Hay Sellom in Beirut.
It’s near the airport so the first place that traveler’s sees is Hay Sellom. tiny squeezed houses with balconies filled with laundry.
When you look up you will be paying attention to the satellite wires that are tied with telephone, internet and electricity wires, producing a huge big knot bonding together like a big piece of stripes.

When you walk down Mojamah Barakat Street you will be alarmed by the small Santa clause hanged on every garage wall or restaurant, and small gifts shops lighting up their place with Christmas lighting.
It’s known that Hay Sellom has a huge number of Shiite, according to studies made by the government, “it doesn’t mean that Christmas is not on the list of our celebrations.” Said sheikh Khatoon
“Celebrating Christmas is like celebrating Adha” said Sheikh Shawqi Khatoon who lived all his life in Hay Sellom. He is a minister that performs his duty in al abbess mosque in Madinet Al Abbes.

Shekih Shawaqi focused on the idea that Christmas is a celebration of our beloved prophet and it’s normal for us as religious and faithful people to participate in it.

Sheikh Shawqi Khatoon was sitting in his balcony in hay Sellom reading the Quran and watching people go to work every day.
His lips by no means stop smiling and his mouth is always dripping with god’s names and prayers.
His white face with sleepy eyes, big smiley lips give you a snap shot to his life and habits. He is peaceful to the extent; he puts all his effort for the worship of Allah.
“My kids celebrate Christmas like they celebrate Ramadan,” Said sheikh khatoon while holding a Barbie toy which he brought to his 7 year old daughter Fatima. “Islam and Christianity are the same. They represent God.”
“Islam and Christianity are holy religions, we can not differentiate between them at all, and as long as every one prays in the name of God, he is considered faithful to me and to all believers.”
Then he returned eating cookies in a plate next to him.
“Christmas is celebrating the birth of Jesus, son of Virgin Maryiam which Islam respects her, and appreciates her duty and role in world of divinity.” He also said that Jesus is our prophet, despite the misinterpreting of Christianity perspective, to some Christians. “It’s mentioned in the bible and other Islamic religions books that Jesus is the father (not literally) but spiritually of all believers and faithful people.” Said Sheikh Khatoon.

When he finished, he closed the book between his hands, put it near the cookie plate and left the balcony to pray.
I stayed in the balcony, the view was frustrating , smell of gasoline ,sound of trucks moving and horns , people walking ,women shouting from windows “ badi kilo batata allah ywafaak “(I want pound of potatoes mister) or shaglo el moter kif badna ndawi el shajara”(electricity is off). The electricity was off, and in front of the building I was in, there was an old lady decorating a Christmas tree, so I said good bye to Sheikh Shawqi and left to see that old woman.

She is 65years old. Her name is Ivan married and got three children Ali, Feras and Salwa who all were graduated from universities and are presently working in Dubai, Kuwait and Qatar.
They were sitting together remembering their old days with the kids, Ivan and abu ali consider Christmas and Adha holiday the way out of their loneliness when their kids arrive to Beirut for family gathering.

“I love Christmas, I celebrate it like any Lebanese, and like any believer “then she returns to decorate the tree with their old decorations.

Their house smells like sizzling hot chocolate cookies, Ivan says that her kids love drinking milk with cookies, which is why she makes them when the come back.

Mean while in the same street Hasan and Sarah are brother and sister were playing football together near their house. 7 year old Sarah was holding her yellow jacket and playing in her white dress with Hasan who loves football despite the filthy street that they are playing on.
“I love Eid because I get money” Sarah and Hasan Said.

Laley eid laylet eid el layli laylet eid” Amno Ali was singing this song along with the choir on the radio. He was moving his head right and left. His fingers were tapping on the steering wheel along with the music beats.

The car reached Souk Ma’awad (market), where all people from all parts in southern area or out side come to buy clothes, perfumes, furniture, accessories and gifts. Also a shop near Kuwait bank in Ma’awad was selling natural and artificial Christmas trees.
While walking, you can notice cherry colors every where you go, and even the front of every store was sketched on it, the word merry Christmas with white spray, also near the clock in Ma’awad Square a young man was dressed like Santa, who was giving candy to all people.

“Despite the destructive houses, the smashed buildings, the sliced cars into pieces you could still see a Christmas tree surrounded by this destruction, raised up, giving hope for Lebanese community for a better future.” Said Suha Zein, a journalist who lives in Kuwait and came to visit her house and family in southern area.
I pumped into her in a gift shop in Ma’awad, she was buying teddy bears and a small Santa toy for her son Ahmed.

Zein said that Lebanon is drained of leader’s accusations that represents Lebanon as a sectarian country and she insisted one the idea that no one is sectarian here expect for party leaders.
“They are the ones who want to differentiate between us Lebanese.”
“I’m Muslim and all my friends are Christian and Druze, and no one has a problem among it.
“We are a big family against all odds and we refuse to be tagged under our religions
identity or our sectarian party.”

“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas, just like the one I used to know,”
I followed the sound of Frank Sinatra singing this song in the middle of Shayyah road. It was a small Coffee shop and there I met Minister Nicolas Kouri where He preaches in Mar Mkayel Church every Sunday morning. He was sipping tea and listening to Frank Sinatra with the owner of the Coffee Shop Abu Fakeh.

“Last Christmas people wished for gifts, money, cars, and other material belongings but now all what we want is peace” Said Kouri

“We want a peaceful quite Christmas, around the fire place or around family dining table, eating blessed food made by the mother, and red wine from our holy land, sitting and thanking god for this amazing grace”.
Kouri Said that life in Lebanon is more than politics; Beirut is like a fruit basket filled with different kinds of fruits like apple, banana, strawberry, cherry, grapes, and orange.
“Different religions, cultures, and backgrounds will bring together a wonderful cocktail juice but some people refuse to boast this amazing drink so they try to ruin it by adding salt or pepper to it. This is politics. It is pepper to our nation, our united people, who love others and celebrate for a life time.”
“May god make this wish come true this Christmas and throw away all peppers and salt.” That all what he said about Christmas in Southern area, and refused to add more.

I sat next to minister Kouri and Abu Fakeh in the coffee shop sipping coffee, waiting for the wish to come true.