@JaneKonsol Makes Swimsuits More Fitting In Nice Than #Lebanon

Jane Konsol sees herself as a dancer, an artist, a model, a stage performer and more. Last month this famous person threw a fashion show for her new line of swimwear. The coastal city of Tyre is where Jane grew up so the beach is really important for her.

No wonder Jane is all about showing off as she has participated in; Miss Lebanon 2009; Miss Intercontinental Berlin 2012 ,Miss Bikini Universe 2013 and my latest participation was Miss Arab Beauty Pageant 2014. So she is very comfortable showing some skin to the masses.

This explains why her swimsuits are so revealing. Anyhow she took over a city mall and threw this big show. Naturally there were tons of guys who act sophisticated or act as if they are some businessmen and not some sleazy dudes. I do not know much about Jane, she is now talking about some upcoming songs, I hope to see them and hope to like them. But welcome to Lebanon where people like to do a million thing all at once.

جاين قنصل | تطلق الـ Swimwear Line الخاص بها | Jane Konsol

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Stupid Nicole Saba And Her Funny Bodyguards @NicoleSabaaa

If the leaders--forgive me I do not know what else to call them- of Egypt maintain their country is safe and the army is making it such a nice place then why would a B list entertainer feel force to surround herself by an entire unit of bodyguards who looks like straight from a movie about Backwater mercenaries in Iraq.

If things are cool and clam why would such a security company exist in the first place? Now, why would Nicole hire so many bodyguards? Is this part of the show? Why do these silly men have to wear facemasks? Are they in some Banana Republic?  Can you imagine being at a mall minding your own business only to find yourself surrounded by massive fat guys dressed like the cast of the expandable? Seriously Nicole you went to the mall to promote a brand that's paying you to do so, and you ended up messing the event up and turning the conversation about your funny looking bodyguards?

If I was that company, I would ask you to apologize and ask form a refund...if I was the short man running Egypt I would ask Nicole to apologize for scaring people at the mall and making Egypt look like a war zone. Why do you not feel safe around your fans? Why do you need half a dozen bodyguards when if you walked in the mall la by yourself, people may not even recognize you? You are meant to entertain people not scare them, you are a celebrity who is supposed to pose with fans not with your little army. Shame on you!

 

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This Ramadan Brought To You By Heineken!!

Sure the title is strange and even offensive, but I could not help but notice how more and more brand label beers in Egypt are paying top dollars for product endorsement on Egyptian TV dramas. Savvy beer marketers figured a cleaver way to get themselves in every Arab home, they may not be able to run advertisements or rent billboards, but they will not be stopped.

That famous beer marker in Egypt who got sold to beet giant Heineken is placing its products in most TV dramas this Ramadan season. Yes, they pay for the product placements and Egyptian producers are a cheap data and have no virtual morals. So more and more characters will be shown this Ramadan drinking beer in a country with a Muslim Majority.  Thanks to Filfan for pointing that out. Even in Ramadan it seems the passive Arab consumer cannot have a month holy as it used to be. He will have to ensure nudity, cursing, sleaziness and now alcoholic beverages on his TV screen. I do not blame the consumer for turning off that device and spending time with family instead.

This is such a shameful practice, and it has little to do with reality, yes sadly, a lot of Muslims do consume alcohol, but not the rate shown in movies and TV Dramas.

After furtrther research:
It seems that the company that makes the most appearances in movies and dramas is actually brewed by Al-Ahram, a government conglomerate that also publishes the most widely-read newspaper in Egypt. So there you have it, you have the government running a beer business that's sole mission to give people a break from all the shit they (they government) are not able to address

 

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Designer Elie Saab Goes Home--Where He Is A Proud Son

One of the biggest fashion designers in the world is none but Lebanese Elie Saab. To my ears, he might be one of the top designers working in today's world. He is everywhere he wants to be and nowhere where he does not want to be. An iconic talent whose fashion woman kill for.

But when he goes home to visit or to work in Lebanon he is so proud of his country and its history. Elie's career took off in 1982 when he started his Beirut label with 15 employees. But before then he did a stint in Paris where he studied fashion in 1981.

Elie Saab's style is a unique fusion of western and eastern culture. He uses noble materials such as taffeta, organza, noble and satin paired with more fluid and light fabrics.  1997 was the year when Saab made history by becoming the first non-Italian designer to become a member of the Italian Camera Nazionale della Moda, Then he went on to dresses Queen Rania of Jordan and the royals in Morocco. But it was not until 2002 when his career exploded right after dressing the Oscar winner, Halle Berry, in 2002.

So let's meet the man behind the legend, he sounds like a regular business man. He sound like a proud Arab Lebanese. He talks about elegance and the history of Beirut. He also spoke about Fayrouz and her music. He dressed a lot of important and rich women.

إيلي صعب لـ "إيلاف": يليق ببيروت العزّ والجمال والفخامة كما كانت في التسعينات والستّينات

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Arabia's Fame Whores Gather For Murex d’Or Awards

I really like the backstory behind this award. The Murex d’Or, French for the Golden Murex award, is the brainchild of Lebanese physicians Zahi and Fadi Helou and recognizes achievements in the domains of acting, singing and entertainment in Lebanon and the Arab world.

The award’s name was a tribute to the murex seashell, which produces the Tyrian purple dye, widely used during Phoenician times. In a nutshell, this is a big ego trip for the underemployed physicians and their fame-hungry celebrity friends. It's one of the most exclusive awards and a party that takes on the Lebanese capital.

It's done well and celebrities would kill to get a trophy that night. Needless to say all the big wigs in Lebanon chase the organizers to get tickets. You see politicians, business types, media personalities, fashion/style figures and army generals seated next to other big fancy pants Arab entertainers.

Here's the hard-working team behind Elaph stalked artists on the red carpet and got a dozen of interviews. There were plenty of characters in attendance. Enjoy this longest 20 minutes of fame whores on ego trips.

See all your favorite singers speaking about being honored at this event--do not worry many of them paid for it one way or another. It's like getting an award for doing one's job--can you imagine?!  

ماذا قال نجوم الموركس لكاميرا "إيلاف"؟

نجمات الموركس ٢٠١٥ يكشفن عن أسرار أناقتهنّ لكاميرا إيلاف

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Is That You Lara Scandar? Thanks To The Amazing @ivannasalameh @rabeeyounes

The Egyptian Lebanese American Italian songstress Lara Scandar does not have a new song or a new album. What she does have is a picture of hers that will make it difficult to tell if that's the real Lara or not? The former contestant on Star Academy credits a stunning work of makeup artist for her fresh and completely different look.

Lara shared the new pictures on her social media profiles and people were generally in love with this talented artist. Some joked that they could not tell if it was really her. One picture had already generated more than 20 K likes after 6 hours of being posted.

This is ho you get the social media working for you, give them a big of surprising mystery. Lara pulled a magic trick so few have done it this well before.

The team behind this photo shoot are
Photography: @rabeeyounes 
Hair: @harouthu 
Makeup: @ivannasalameh 
Styling/ Creative Direction/ Favorite Person: @aminejreissaty

عسل أبيض - الفنانة لارا إسكندر تتحدث عن أخر أعمالها الفنية ومعاد نزول الألبوم وحبها للموضة والألوان

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Joe Ashkar Seems Liked a Fun Cool Dude!

See this Lebanese playboy/family guy Joe Ashkar speak to a reporter and poke fun of terrorists while talking about art---I have sleeper art cells, awaiting the get go. He released a new song recently and it was a happy go lucky wedding song.

He is a cool dancer who surrounded himself of equally good-looking people! He is content with being a private B list artist in Arabia and an A Lister in Beirut. He seems like to be a cool guy who dressed well and makes sweet music videos. Check this short interview and montage. Joe is a business guy on the side as he owns an upscale club.
 
جو أشقر: أحضّر خلايا فنيّة نائمة بانتظار لحظة الصفر!

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Mr. Lebanon Wants You To Stop Drinking And Driving

I know Mr. Lebanon is all about good looks, fashion and modeling. But the latest winner wants to do something new and important. His cause is to get you to stop doing DUI. Yes, he does not want you to drink and drive. I like that he wants to bring awareness to this worthy cause....the youth are idiots.

I do not know what else he would do, but Ayman is trying to increase his profile, he already has a college degree. I think it's safe to say he will appear into music videos. It takes a man to be able to compete in these speedos. I know with the many bars in Lebanon and the party-loving population, things get interesting. Ayman has already filmed a yet to be released music videos with Nancy Ajram.  Watch the interview....


ملك جمال لبنان يتبنى مشروع التوعية المرورية ومخاطر القيادة تحت تأثير الكحول

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All The Make up Photography Specialists In #Lebanon Bouba Make Up

This is a group of people who if you are outside the show biz, would never give them a look. But in Lebanon, there was a conference for all these specialist who bring the best in make up, the photographers who make sure to highlight certain elements in beauty.

Note, that these specialist struggle with speaking Arabic--trying to be from any place but not home. Make up companies likes to pick these talents up for their commercials and ads....but also entertainers working on a music video or a concert want them by their sides. Bouba Make up is their biggest client--they like to be in the wedding business. Bouba was in London before he discovered he had a knack for makeup. So he did not have to travel far, he want back home and found it to be a rewarding endeavor.

Among BOUBA's clients are Latifa, Shames, Shatha Hassoun, Nagham, Diana Haddad, Amar, Nivine Nasser, Viviane Mrad, Dominique Hourany, Sofia Marrikh, Asmara, Layal Abboud, 4 Cats, Maria…



Carine Badr For Bouba Make up Photography Session


Sherif Tarhini For Bouba Make up Photography Session


Bouba For Bouba Make up Photography Session

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Paula Yacoubian Turns Tires Into Chic Handbags (Video) @PaulaYacoubian

Fashion has found a comfortable home in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. Now one fashion designer is doing something really cool. She is turning car tires into a fashion statement hand bags. This is something really feels good. There are too many designs and styles. Vea is the name of the brand.

Not sure if they have been used old tires or new one, but the good news all profits will go to benefit an environmental group that works in Lebanese to help preserve it. They are talking about social responsibility and doing well by doing good. Paula Yacoubian is the designer who drove this creativity, marketing is a big help. I am hearing the news on the prices are good. Recycling is gaining up in more countries. Her fans seem to love her and many celebrities were in attendance.

But Paula is not just a fashion designer. She is the the host of a prime time talk on Future News network. She has hosted a political talk show on the US funded Arabic TV channel Alhurra. She has so many good looking friends. The bags are not just for women, there's a line of men bags as well.

بولا يعقوبيان أطلقت حقائب صديقة للبيئة مصنوعة من الدواليب

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WATCH: Iman - Fi Hayati House Music

Here's an tired idea for a pop star to make a music video, rent an abandoned garage and get the ladies to dance to electro music, bring a guy with a skateboard and feature a car. This is the idea that has been made into a million music video around the world. Iman from Lebanon read the same memo. The Lebanese Jean Saliba and his company produced this music video.

She is bold as her outfits seem worth of American pop stars, they are forward it, I like how she winks at the boys and dances with half a dozen of naked boys. Then comes the strange bathtub scene and the scented candles. I like how many outfits

The good news, Iman has a really sweet voice and a real talent, but without dressing down, she might not have a way to make this music video. Not sure what comes next for Iman, but sure she got her song out there.

Iman - Fi Hayati

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Meet The Mean Lebanese Dancer On Dancing With The Stars

She is one of the latest pop sensation who had a n album last year after four singles that generated buzz for this young songstress. Since she is riding a high wave, she took a stint at the Lebanese version of Dancing With The Stars--she is a dazzling dancer with so much flexibility and smooth moves.

She held a concert at home and spoke to the press about how she wants no one to win the title of Dancing With The Stars other than her. She is a young lady with a lot going right for her, and I know she is all about entertainment. I know Naya is the biggest participant on the show and the news follows her.

Watch her talk to the interviewer talking about her music as a fun thing for her--it's not work. Now she is working on a new single and a music video. I think the interviewer got her upset but she tried to keep her cool, I hope she win the title. But she actually didn't.....she has a concert in Qatar and one in Lebanon. I like how she is not thinking to act, these hard to come by.

Naya - " Dancing With Stars " نايا في حفل ناجح و " ما بدي حدى غيري ينجح في

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Video: Joe Raad, Do You Like/Hate His New Song "Nzara Minnak"? @JoeRaad

Joe Raad is many things to different people. For starter he is a renowned Lebanese celebrity hair dresser. No one in Arabia has a bigger name that he does, he can seen kicking it with the pop divas, stars, entertainers and TV personalities, he has the golden touch and the golden scissors.

However, few month ago, a rumor flew around the internet the hairdresser is making a song and shooting a music video. If I remember correctly, he denied this rumor and dismissed it as a joke. I remember reading a Lebanese music blog that called it a bizarre move.  

But comes October 11th, I was shown this music video by a lady from Beirut and her singer husband, both were mocking the music video. Unlike them, I will not do the easy thing and joke about the Joe Raad music video.

I will say the good things about it, the location is one of the prettiest ones I have seen in such a long time. Great choice, I kayak, so I appreciated the shoots of the celebrity hair dresser engaging in this support. I love the birds, and the flamingos, the backup dancers bring some missing colors. Joe brings some of the most fashion-forward outfits I have seen in one music videos. He is trying to have a good time, and his dance moves are pretty entertaining.

The song has a good beat, and the Egyptian lyrics are fun--I have heard worse songs. I like the dancy bit where the chorus kicks in. Now, this is Joe's first music video, I am sure if he makes another one he will do a fine job.

Per his Facebook page

Joe Raad had always dreamed of embracing a singing career, for he had traveled in his dream riding the notes on a musical score, refining his talent through studying to play the Oud (Lute) and the piano. Thus he registered some songs and video clips after which he decided to adopt the hair design career in which he achieved impressive and distinctive successes.

This decision was made with the encouragement of the fine sensitive artist, Majed El Mohandes. He encouraged Joe Raad to benefit from his hobby and turn his dream into reality. Thus, the song "Nazra Minnak", lyrics by Hani Abdel Karim, and music by Tamim and Sinan Akçil , was recorded in Majed El Mohandes studios in Cairo and filmed in the Bahamas. 

I give him credit for not bringing half-naked models--like the others all do. He is not harming anyone, and it's all for the sake of fun. I do not see him doing any harm, and I welcome his contribution.

Joe Raad Nazra Minnak

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All The Silly Girls Song! Kol El Banat - Najla Ft Nourlen كل البنات - نجلا ونورلين (Video)

Some girls do not mind showing a bit of skin in exchange for fame and a paycheck. Sadly, there are so many of them in Egypt at the moment. Look at the Duo of Najla and Nourlen who returns with a new song. You know them they were made for Melody ads where they play a mouthpiece for the company and the director. They even appeared in a move poking fun of themselves.

This is what happens when view women as a liability like they do in Egypt. The general sense that they are not productive members of society, so they allow them to take these gigs. So here's a song about what girls dream of getting married and finding husband.

Now, I would love to say nice things about this clip, but I am unable to say much. So I leave it to you and to your comments.  The song comes with that classic Egyptian dance beat... enjoy the fashion show.

Kol El Banat - Najla Ft Nourlen كل البنات - نجلا ونورلين

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Fady Katay Celebrity Makeup Artist Speaks #Lebanon

Fady Kataya has made the business of making female celebrities look stunning. Fady Kataya runs a beauty lounge specializing in outstanding professional makeup facial, body, and nail spa treatments. Fady is about making the outer beauty glow--if you can afford him.

Fady Kataya is a renowned Lebanese makeup artist with his own signature style. A self-made creative artist who launched his career early in life, he has become synonymous with excellence over the years. Fady's outstanding talent and determination are behind his remarkable popularity with local and regional celebrities who work exclusively with him.

Here's the makeup artist on the set of a recent music video for a Lebanese diva who contracted with him. He seems camera shy, but no secret he is a good looking young man.

Fadi Kataya - فادي قطايا النجوم يختاروني ولا أحد غيري و كتبي في 2014

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Rabih El Zein Wins Mr. Lebanon. Boy Toy!

Lebanon may not have a president, but sure thing she has its Mr. Lebanon ready to go. He is a good looking fellow. And he seems to be happy about being the prettiest boy in the room. He says it took him two months to prepare for that thing. He thinks Mr. Lebanon is only the beginning.

Rabih El Zein took home the title, I am so happy to see not only the women of Lebanon are asked to show off their hood looks. His next thing is taking part of a contest in Turkey. Rabih is good guy he is well spoken and I think he has future on TV.

Double major in theater and media, he likes to have a good time, but he also likes basketball.
ملك جمال لبنان ربيع الزين لإيلاف: اللقب ما هو إلّا البداية

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The Assyrian Australian Sexy Actor / Model Ramis Issac Corny Song @RamisIssac

Here's a good looking guy left the Middle East to live in peace in Australia, but since he is good looking he is now an actor, a model and now a singer. Ramis Issac is dubbed "the first Assyrian/Babylonian Model." and you know I asked my wife, she agrees he is a good looking dude.

When it comes to music, if this is his first song ever, it's OK. But if his music career to hold, he needs to do better. The lyrics are corny and his vocal performance is not yet Western. His approach to music is similar to that of Arabic and Assyrian songs.

I thank Ramis for doing more, and I am happy he has found safety in a place that gives him a room to be creative and good looking.    
Ramis Issac - With Only You

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All About Sabotage By Nadine Zarifeh | @NadinaTV نادينا - سابوتاج

Nadine ZarifehIn 1986, Nadina became the first child from Lebanon and the Arab world to ever participate at the Zecchino D'oro UNICEF festival in Italy. This Vancouver based entertainer is making a run for the Arab music scene but on her own merits. This Singer/songwriter/producer. Signed with @NettwerkMusic.  Married to Olympic Medalist @bhayden2012

Delivering a powerful rendition of "Vola, Palombella" [Fly Bird of Peace] to a television audience of over 25 million worldwide, judges awarded the young singer a gold medal, and the song became something of an international phenomenon. Instantly, her voice stood out, and she swiftly embraced the stage at charity concerts and functions across her native Lebanon and Internationally. Now comes the serious phase with the release of Sabotage teaser.

Watch the interview that explains where this song came from and how it came together....there will be names named.

Nadina - Sabotage Teaser | نادينا - سابوتاج



Nadina: "Sabotage" - The Story

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My Thoughts on Elissa Download: البوم اليسا - حالة حب 2014

She is the babe for many who like Arabic romance songs, the dudes dig her because she sings and sounds like the perfect girl--that might not be a real girl, but she sells that sacrifice-loving soul. Ladies think of her as symbol of glamour and fashion. She is beloved in Egypt and in Lebanon. The Gulf thinks she makes no mistakes...and thus they keep paying her to make more music and bring in more concerts.

She is happy to spend most of her time, traveling the world, hanging out with her friend all over the place--she may even pay them to fly with her--we hear she is not really very generous. But when it came to making new songs, she is all serious. She spares no expense to work with the best to get the best. She is demanding, but she knows what works for her--she has been write every single time. That means every single album she recorded and released it became a hit.

She is not a warm personalty, nor does she has social skills. She is not someone you would want to kick it with, she seems to be flat and not intellectually curios. But she makes good songs, she may not live these songs, but she performs well. Then comes her bunny album cover art and her mirror. She is giving her back to her fans, as she seems to be too busy thinking in her head. Now her album got leaked, so the producers Rotana rushed it to the market.  

The lyrics fees tired, the music feels dated, the arrangement nothing earth-shattering. Still not a good album, it keeps Elissa in the game

P.S. May lord have mercy on Gaza and its people.

Download the album Here

01 - Awel Mara
02 - Law Etaabelna
03 - Ana Nefssi
04 - Beraghm El Zorouf
05 - Omr Gedid
06 - Ana Magnoona
07 - Wagat Alby
08 - Insana Bereeaa
09 - Add El Ayam
10 - Bataly Tehebeeh
11 - Helwa Ya Baladi
12 - Ya Merayti
13 - Hob Kol Hayaty
14 - Halet Hob

Download the album Here

Take the album for a test run here or try this one here too

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WATCH: رامي جمال - فترة مش سهلة [فيديو] Ramy Gamal - Fatra Mesh Sahla (Video)

I have heard a lady tell me she thought Ramy Gamal, the Egyptian pop star is a handsome looking guy. I did not see that when she said that. But now, with the release of his latest music video, I agree with her. Ramy is back with an absolutely beautiful music video where he is looking like a million dollar.

Not sure, but that slim fit suit, classy shades, fancy ride and model tell me that guy got it. The skyline helps and so does the club bar scene. Ramy is unable to get over an old flame, he is singing the blues and it feels all too real--the man had his heart broken an for a dream boat looking guy, this should not happen.

Ramy is a loyal romantic, he does not see anyone around him, but the memories of his old love. The composer within him made this song a treat for all his fans. This is how you make a music video--it feels like something Elissa would do, tell a love story that is missing something. Ramy Gamal pulls it off here and he seems to have transformed himself to be that person. Passing time, is what the name of the game....Not clear to me, where this joint has been filmed, but the skyline is fascinating.

رامي جمال - فترة مش سهلة [فيديو] Ramy Gamal - Fatra Mesh Sahla

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