Harry Potter - The Finale

On July 21st 2007, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh and last book of the Harry Potter Series was released and the story came to an end. The book finally went on sale worldwide. It broke sales records becoming the fastest-selling book ever, selling more than eleven million copies in the first twenty-four hours following its release.

I read it. I enjoyed it. I recommend it.

The Deathly Hallows is an excellent end to an extraordinary series. The book ties together most of the loose ends in a satisfying fashion. I must say that J.K. Rowling is a very talented writer. The narration is thrilling. Like the previous six books of the series, it’s not easy to put down the book once you start reading it.

Even if you’ve never read a Harry Potter book before you’ll be able to follow this last chapter of the saga. The underlying plot is a battle of good versus evil and how we fight our devils, our confusions and insecurities - both external and internal.

The story draws young Harry Potter (about to turn 17) into an unavoidable final showdown with the evil Lord Voldemort. The future of the Magical and Muggle (non-magical person) worlds hangs is at stake.

Harry learns that to win over evil will require the ultimate sacrifice. His death. He learns that he will have to lay down his life so he could destroy the enemy. And he does of course. Through his sacrifice he comes back to life and he wins the final victory.

And... for those who are more into the seventh art, they could get a taste of "Harry Potter World" through the movie adaptations of the first 5 books. I liked them all. I watched Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix last week. Very well done and quite entertaining. I can’t wait when the remaining two books become a major motion picture, and especially the Deathly Hallows. At the same time, I always recommend to read the books even if you have seen the movies. The books are richer and full with much more details, hence more satisfying.

Thanks J.K. Rowling.

You made us dream, laugh and sometimes cry with those beautifully written seven books.

It was an exciting broomstick ride!

Take Time

Take Time to THINK
It is the source of power

Take time to PLAY
It is the secret of perpetual youth

Take time to READ
It is the fountain of wisdom

Take time to PRAY
It is the greatest power on earth

Take time to LOVE & be LOVED
It is the God-given privilege

Take time to be FRIENDLY
It is the road to happiness

Take time to LAUGH
It is the music of the soul

Take time to GIVE
It is too short a day to be selfish

Take time to WORK
It is the price of success.

N.B.: I didn't write this, a friend emailed it to me, I liked it and I wanted to share it. I hope you like it.

Away

I was away for a week with no access to the Internet. Therefore, my blog was left unattended ;-) Hopefully I'll start adding some posts soon.

Integrity Despite Hostility

Some bad experiences become obstacles in our journey in life.

Of course, when we notice that some people read us wrongfully, it hurts and it makes us sad.
For a sensitive person, offence, misjudgment, prejudice, deceit, hostile attitudes, intolerance, unkindness… represent a heavy burden to bear, and sometimes that leads to depression.

We just have to put the bad stuff behind us.
Get a grip
Get on with our life.

We’ve got to learn to distinguish between reputation and character.
Reputation is just other people’s opinion based on gossip and interpretation (rather mis-interpretations!).
None of us has any control over that.
But character and integrity, that’s something we can make a conscious effort to improve on throughout our lives.

We can’t let oursleves be distracted by what we can’t control.
Better concentrate on what we can accomplish.

We still have a lot to do.
A lot to give.

Grow Up... but Don't Grow Old!

"Grow up! You should be ashamed of yourself... you're still into this at your age?!"
I've heard this many times over the past years.
I've heard it again these past 2 days.

The reason?
I love cartoons and I still read and enjoy comics...
So yes, I'm guilty as charged, and I don't regret it.

Saturday evening, I watched Shrek the Third, the 3rd installment of this successful computer-animated series. I laughed a lot watching it. I loved the way it was animated. I admired the technology behind it. I enjoyed the humor and the performance of the actors lending their voices to the animated characters.

When I mentioned it,
some friends laughed;
others made fun of me, telling me that this is kids' stuff.
Some were joking;
others meant it.

This doesn't bother me anymore.
I like it and I don't hide it.

It's a way to relax, to have fun... away from the violence that invades our world.
It's a window to new worlds, new horizons, new fantasies...
It's a reminder that simple things could be fun.
It's for me a way to stay anchored to the innocence of my childhood.

Does this contradict being a grown-up?!

I can assure you:
I grew up... but I didn't grow old!

And I'm Happy about it.

Misfortunes Predicted

Poor Lebanon!

How long do you still have to suffer?!

We only aspire to peace.
While our politicians predict wars, civil disorder and large-scale misery, if the other factions don’t agree with them or accept their conditions!

We only dream of life, stability and prosperity.
Whereas rumors foresee trenches, underground tunnels, concealed weapons!

One year already since the war of July-August 2006.
And since then, Lebanon is undergoing a terrible crisis and is sinking in uncertainty.

The rulers of our Country, each barricading stubbornly in a corner, are in a constant need of Arabic and International mediations;
Because they can’t reach some common grounds for the good of good of their own people!

The Land of the Cedars became a beggar, relying on Arabic and International charities;
Because of the daily dose of fear, people are barely struggling to survive, instead of working hard to make Lebanon thrive again.

How long do we still need to wait?

We’ll continue to descend in the obscurity if we only harbor dark ideas.
If we keep talking about troubles, we’ll get them!

One day or the other, - hopefully sooner rather than later -, we will realize that we imperatively have to sit around a table and start a dialogue with an open heart and stretched hands.

When we agree to rebuild Lebanon…

Together…

With an open mind…

Then, we can all live in peace and understanding.

Then, we can prove wrong all the misfortunes predicted!

Friday the 13th... Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr........

Here we go again. Another day with numerical implications has arrived.

I debated with myself much this morning to decide whether to write anything about this day or not. Personally this whole phobia makes me laugh. But my curiosity got the best of me and I researched the subject a little.

Media frenzy is transforming some local and limited superstitions in a global phenomenon that attracts more attention and sometimes causes a hysteria!

One of these these superstitions concerns Friday the13th. A Friday occurring on the 13th day of any month is considered to be a day of bad luck for some people. This phobia was mostly spread is English and German speaking cultures. But with the globalization, this belief is - alas - reaching many more persons around the globe.

The fear of Friday the 13th is called Paraskevidekatriaphobia or Friggatriskaidekaphobia or simply Triskaidekaphobia (a term originating from Greek words).

This Friday some people will be so paralyzed with fear they simply won't get out of bed. Others will firmly refuse to fly on an airplane, buy a house, or make an important decision.

This fear seriously affects today's world. In USA, Canada any many European countries, people are constantly reminded of this phobia which is substantiated in some civic realities: In those places, more than 80 percent of high buildings lack a 13th floor. Many airports skip the 13th gate. Hospitals and hotels regularly have no room number 13. I've seen this personally during some of my trips and I laughed when I noticed these habits. Does changing the number of the 13th floor to 14 really change anything? Go figure!

Like many human beliefs, the fear of Friday the 13th isn't exactly rooted in scientific logic. But the really strange thing is that most of the people who believe the day is unlucky offer no explanation at all, logical or illogical. As with most superstitions, people fear Friday the 13th for its own sake, without any need for background information. Likewise, no historical date has been identified as the origin of the superstition. If you're interested, I found some explanations that have been provided by the National Geographic, Wikipedia and a site called How Stuff Works.

Luckily, Lebanon has not succumbed yet to this hype, although some superstitious Lebanese are attracted to any idea that could justify and give meaning to certain dates.

I approached a similar topic on July 7th 2007.
I'm convinced that no day is different from others.
It's all inside our mind.
What we think about, we begin to feel.
What we feel affects what we do.
And what we do causes how we will become.

Let's think positive, let's do our best and things will get better, on Friday the 13th... or on any other day.

Traffic Lights Lebanese Style

I'm not sure how things were more than 30 years ago, before the war in Lebanon. But we never saw a working traffic light in Beirut until around 1997, when they started reinstalling them. As a result, many drivers often burn red lights, not because they don't want to respect them, but because they don't notice them! they were never accustomed to them and so somehow, their brain doesn't react to them.

Personally I pay attention to the lights, and I try to respect them as much as I can. Well... unless I have to avoid an accident!

Very few Lebanese drivers respect them dutifully. Other drivers don't even want to acknowledge them. Red or green, they just go forth without bothering to check the light. They even sound their horn angrily if you happen to stop at a red light and you're blocking their way.

It happened to me many times! In these cases, either I go on to avoid being insulted, or I try to leave enough space to pass for those in a rush or those not willing to be delayed by a "stupid" red light.

There is another "funny" thing about these road signs in Lebanon. Usually, traffic lights are installed so the traffic is regulated automatically and seamlessly. But, in Lebanon, we often see a policeman stationed at a crossroad where there are working traffic lights! The policeman directs the cars himself, while the lights change independently, like some fancy Christmas-tree decoration lights!

I've been in many European and north American cities, and I've witnessed how Lebanese abroad respect the traffic lights and all other road signs.

Why do we have to drive differently in our own country?

Is it only the fear of getting a ticket that will force us to follow the rules?

Isn't the respect for others' safety - and ours of course - a valid reason and enough motivation?

Don't we learn from the many and often deadly traffic accidents?

Who knows?!

We'll have to wait and see...

Paradoxes of Our Times

Nowadays…
We have bigger houses and smaller families;
We have more conveniences, but less time;
We have more degrees, but less common sense;
We have more knowledge, but less judgment;
We have more experts, but more problems;
We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too little and lie too often.
We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life;
We’ve added years to life, not life to years.
We spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.
We've been all the way to the moon and back,
.......but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.
We've conquered outer space, but not inner space.
We've learned to rush, but not to wait;
We have higher incomes, but lower morals.
We spend too recklessly, laugh too little,
.......drive too fast, get angry too quickly,
.......stay up too late, get up too tired,
.......read too little, watch TV too often,
.......and pray too seldom.

The picture might seem dark!
But…
While running around through life,
let’s open our eyes, let’s open our heart.

There is a new perspective…
It’s never too late to start Being, Loving, Living!

Friendship

It's amazing how friendship works!

It defies logic

It eludes explanations

It flies across the distance

It rebels against the time

It resists the problems

It surpasses the differences

It goes beyond the limits

It overcomes the obstacles

It wipes away tears

It recharges the drained spirits

It transforms the mood

Friendship works Miracles...

When it's true!

777

777 or 07/07/07 or July 7th 2007.
Yes... that's tomorrow.

Last year, on June 6th 2006, we witnessed hexakosioihexekontahexaphobia! (I'm sure you have guessed that this term comes from Greek. It means literally, "fear of the number six-hundred and sixty-six"). Those superstitious types freaked out last year when the calendar read 06/06/06.

On that "fateful" day, hexakosioihexekontahexaphobes panicked, avoided going out or doing something risky. 666, the "number of the beast", was threatening... Some fanatics even prophesied Armageddon and the End of the World!

Lucky for all of us, that day went on peacefully. We're still around!

This year, tomorrow to be exact, some people will have something to smile about on the 7th day of the 7th month, 2007.

Seven is a highly symbolic number in religious and popular traditions. It is the number of perfection in the Bible. Some even say it's a divine number. In Hebrew, seven (שִׁבעָה, Sheb3ah) is from a root word meaning to be complete, full, plenty or satiate. Number three was an equally revered number. So we can understand why the combination of the two most "loved" numbers are causing so much hype: Three times Seven.

Thinking and hoping that the triple appearance of the number 7 will bring luck, many people are planning important events for this first Saturday in July. Many brides and grooms will get married tomorrow, looking for a little extra dose of marital fortune.

Some women are planning to induce labor or have cesarean sections on Saturday, wishing to give their children a special birth date that will last a lifetime.
Triple Seven (or Triple 7, Three Sevens, Three 7s, T7, 777 or 7-7-7) is a common winning line in simple slot machines. Many are hoping to be lucky on the day bearing this triple seven number.

Hmmmmmm...
I wonder if I should buy a lottery ticket tomorrow.
Who knows... I might be the next millionaire.... Hopefully even a billionaire ;-)

And what about next year? August 8th 2008 (888, 08/08/08)?
And the year after, September 9th 2009 (999, 09/09/09)?
And the following year on October 10th 2010 (10/10/10)?
Or the six number ones occurring on November 11th 2011 (11/11/11)? ;-)
We'll have to wait and see!

Until then, let's enjoy each day and share this joy with others.

Learning the Art of Missed Calls

Talking about cell-phone etiquette reminded me of another mobile related topic: The world of Missed Calls!

The Lebanese mobile users seem to have mastered the art of missed calls - and actually to communicate without talking or answering the calls! (It’ll be interesting to know from the cell-phone service providers how many missed calls are made during a normal day in Lebanon).
Why spend on calling friends and dear ones when a ‘missed call’ can say it all? The prices of mobile calls in our country are among the most expensive in the world. That’s why missed calls are very popular in Land of the Cedars. Does anyone make a “missed call” in any other countries? After doing a quick research on the Internet and I found out that India is also famous for this way of communicating. Therefore, missed calls shouldn’t be considered a Lebanese exclusive! (we love to be different and unique… But it doesn’t always work) ;-)

Anyhow, Missed calls have become for most Lebanese a way of life. They have become an effective way of communication. They have found the way of using missed calls so innovatively that it has almost turned into a “culture”. Through this means, communication carries on effectively and at no cost at all. They assign meaning to the number of missed calls and then use them accordingly, like a pre-arranged set of special Codes to get the message across.

A missed call can usually mean: “call me back”. But not always! It could be a way to say, “I’m thinking about you” or just a simple “hello”!
Very often, a couple or a group of friends who are supposed to meet at a particular place, choose to signal that they have reached by giving a missed call, rather than talk or send an SMS saving on the units that it could cost.
Any other pre-arranged meanings are often used as well:
One missed call = ‘I’m free’ ; two missed calls = ‘I feel like going out… Care to join?’; One missed call = ‘yes’; two missed calls = ‘no’ (or vice-versa); One missed call = ‘ I’ve arrived, where r u?’ ; etc…

The system in vogue is used for all occasions and for all reasons. Only one must have a prior understanding about what the ‘missed call’ means or else it can be confusing.

Developing and using this way of communicating is a proof of how creative people can be when they have to survive the challenge of high prices. Like the old saying goes: “Need is the mother of invention”.

Until our dear cell-phone service providers decide to cut the exorbitant call prices, Lebanese people will continue to find new ways to save some money, while continuing to communicate.

Ok, my friends, when I miss-call you, know that I miss you and I'm thinking of you!

Two missed calls mean that I'm feeling lonely... so feel free to call me... if you still have some precious units ;-)

Mind Your Cell Phones Manners

Cell phones are becoming an ever-present accessory. It all started with business persons who wanted to continue to conduct their businesses anywhere. Soon after, most people caught up with the trend. Nowadays, it’s common to see children and even elder people with their own phones.

Lebanese people have always been keen to being among the first to get their hands on new technologies. Most Lebanese change their cell-phone devices as soon as a new model comes out. God forbid we can be seen with an “old ancient mobile phone”! :-)

Anyway, now most people have cell-phones. This means we could be reached anytime and anywhere. That can be a blessing or - oh yeah – sometimes, a curse!

And with the democratization of cell-phones, people tried to adapt and developed a sort of etiquette for their proper use. Whenever a new communications technology becomes popular, it changes the way society is organized. Society has to invent rules for the polite way to use the new devices. Our social etiquette, our rules of politeness for cell phones, is really just common courtesy based on common sense.

In fact, many people rightfully complain about cell phone users talking loudly on their phone and discussing personal matters in public places.
They complain when cell phones ring in churches or any other worship places, in concert halls, in movie theaters and in restaurants; even worse, it’s so annoying when the owners actually answer the call in such places!
They complain about people driving recklessly or very slowly, and not paying attention to where they are going because they are talking on a cell phone.

Cell-phone etiquette should apply to most public places. So we might want to choose an appropriate ring tone according to the setting. We have to try and keep our phone ringer as low as possible or put our mobile phone on vibrate, so it does not distract the people around us. When we have to answer calls, no need to shout! We must keep our voice to a low, conversational tone; we will be heard by the caller, and not others in the room. When we get a call and we're with friends, better to keep the call short.

It’s a good idea to leave our phone at home, or at least in the car, when we’re at a funeral, wedding or some event along those lines.
When we need to communicate with someone and it’s inappropriate to place a call, such as during a business meeting or a formal visit, text messaging could be a good alternative to deliver important messages.

There are no fines for bad cell-phone manners, although there are contraventions for talking while driving. So watch out! But like all good manners, they are a sign of respect for ourselves and for others. They are an integral part of building successful relationships!

*** Ring, Ring *** Ring, Ring *** Ring, Ring ***
Oops…

Sorry guys, I must take this call ;-)

iPhone Frenzy

On June 29th, Apple started selling the famous iPhone, a combination of a widescreen iPod, a cellphone, a pocket Internet device and a PDA. Some much expectations, so much buzz about what it's called by many reviewers "the prototype of the future of mobile phones".

For the moment, iPhone is only available in the United States. Customers eager to be among the first to buy the long-awaited cellphone waited in long lines in front of Apple stores in New York and other cities. According to the news, some had literally camped out there for several days. It seems that Apple may have sold 200,000 IPhones over the weekend! Steve Jobs has done it again. iPhone seems to be a winner.

The most powerful companies spend great amounts of money in an absurd and manipulating publicity, in order to have people consume what they really do not need nor wish.

But does iPhone or any other piece of technology worth all the hype? Does it justify waiting for days just to get it first? Some people bribed others customers waiting in line to swap places.

Does this qualify the "lucky" buyer of a special title?
An exclusive place in our society?
Does is boost self-esteem?

The question that haunts me is whether what gives people a respectable social status is "possessing things" and having what others don't have. People often compare themselves to others based on how much they earn, how big is their house, how expensive is their cars...

Unfortunately, the consumerism mentality is spreading and becoming rooted everywhere.
We forget that basic human values are more important in life. We neglect to work on acquiring and developing what makes us really human and we often sacrifice our relationships for a beautiful (and sometimes fake) "facade"...

We look better
We have more
But is this what will make the world a better place?

I've never been against technology. At the contrary, I love it, and I have many electronic "gadgets" ;-)
But, still, I believe that we need to look more inside our hearts, seek more our deeper needs and pay attention to the others' as well.

If we do this, being part of the social and technological evolution becomes an asset.
All of what we possess should be at the service of what we are!
(hopefully, never vice-versa)

Il y a des jours comme ça!

There are times when we're so tired... drained.
Not enough energy to do much, not in the mood to go out or be around people...

This weekend I was in this situation.
What made it even worse is that I was out of novels. So, even reading was out of the question.

Well, since I had a long meeting in the morning of Saturday, my weekend didn't start until late afternoon.
I turned the TV on and scanned some channels, without stopping long enough to discover what was playing. I think that too much choice is not very different from not having enough choices. With over a 100 channels, we're so overwhelmed by all the material offered that we can't decide on which show to settle.
I gave up the browsing quite soon.
Then I remembered that I bought a DVD a few days ago and didn't have the time to watch: The Fantastic Four and the Silver Surfer. So I dived into this mixture of comic book heroes' adventure, science-fiction, action and... some humour. I should say that it was entertaining. For more than an hour and a half I was in a different world: Fantasy world!
I like the movies where I can see the results of some nice sophisticated visual effects. I'm always in awe in front of the miracles of the technology, that try to visualise the rich imagination of the artists.

on Sunday, I wasn't only tired, I was even dizzy a little bit since early morning. I slept for 2 hours in the afternoon. I guess my poor body was asking for some much needed rest, and I gladly obliged.
I was saved in the evening when some friends came by and we went out and had a quick sandwich for dinner then went for a stroll. This helped me relax and recharge and get ready for a new week.

Ok, Il y a des jours comme ça... But Life goes on.
Tomorrow is a new day!