My Blog

I am a plain person. I have merely spoken out my mind. I do not say you should believe what I have said because it alone is certain. Accept such ideas as can be accepted, with the help of your reason, after a sound enquiry. Reject the rest.

Do not for any reason bestow upon me any traits that are beyond human characteristics. If I were to be considered divine, people will not inquire into my words.

I will not subject you to a restraint, in the manner of scriptures and ancient works, by stating that you should trust what I say, that my words are Apocalyptic; and that if you do not believe me, you will become atheists and go to Hell. If what I say is not agreeable to your instinct, knowledge, experience and inquiry, reject it.

Every one has the right to refute any opinion. But no one has the right to prevent its expression.

» Lebanon's name has been around for 4,000 years non-stop.
» Lebanon's name has been mentioned in the Bible 76 times.
Sidon was mentioned 36 times
Tyre (Soor) was mentioned 63 times
Lebanon's trees (the cedars) appear 75 times
in the Old Testament!
» Lebanon is the country that has the most books written about it.
» Lebanon is one of the most populated in its archeological sites.
» Lebanon is the only Asian Middle Eastern country that has no desert.
» Lebanon is the only non-dictatorial country in the Arab world.
» Byblos is the oldest city in the world.
» Lebanon has 18 religious Communities.
» Lebanon has 40 daily newspapers.
» Lebanon has over 100 banks.
» 70% of the students are in private schools.
» There's 1 doctor for every 10 people.
» There are 15 rivers in Lebanon.
» Beirut was destroyed and rebuilt 7 times.
» There are around 4 000 000 Lebanese in Lebanon.
» There are around 15 000 000 Lebanese abroad (outside Lebanon).
» The first law school was built in Lebanon.
»In April you can go skiing on the mountains and swimming in the sea !
»There are over 350 Night Clubs in the City of Beirut alone!
»The name of the BIBLE is originated from the name of the city BYBLOS
»The first alphabet was created by Cadmus in Byblos
»The only temple of Jupiter (the main Greek god) is in Baalbeck, Lebanon (The City of the Sun)
»Jesus Christ made his 1st miracle in Lebanon, in Sidon (The miracle of turning water into wine)
» 40% of the Lebanese people are Christians

Background information
Born 1972 ,Beirut, Lebanon
Genre(s) Arabic Music, Arabesque
Occupation(s) Singer
Years active 1999 – present
Website www.carolesamaha.com
Carole Samaha is a Lebanese musician and actress. She has released three studio albums. Carole has a masters degree in acting and directing, which she has earned in 1999. She has won two Arab Music Awards

Early life
Born in Beirut, Lebanon on 25th of July 1972 Carole grew up with her parents and two brothers, having only one dream since childhood, being on stage.

Carole says she used to ignore her studies in order to attend movies and plays behind her parents' back[citation needed]. She started her career as an actress in the theatre as well as television.

Theatre
“ She is gifted with multi-faces of personality exactly like a Chameleon. ”

As the Arab directors describe her while she is on stage. She smoothly changes from one state of mind to another.

Musicals era - present

Ever since she introduced herself to Mansour Rahbani, one of the biggest Lebanese and Arab composers, she experienced a turning point in her career as she shifted from Drama to Musical theatre, in a few years she achieved a huge success in female leading roles.

Carole today is considered to be a whole artist by the Arab Media.

Discography
2003 حلم (Helm: A Dream)

2004 انا حرة (Ana Hurra: I'm Free)

2006 أضواء الشهرة (Adhwaa El Shohra: Lights of Fame)

Videography
Song Album Lebanese Charts Egyptian Charts Year
Habib Alby (My Love) Helm : A Dream 3 1 2004
Etalaa Feyi (Look At Me) Helm : A Dream 1 4 2004
Ghali Alayi (You Mean To Me) Ana Hurra (I Am Free) 4 11 2005
Nezlet El Sitara (Curtain Falls) Ana Hurra (I Am Free) 48 32 2005
Habbeit Delwa't (I Am In Love) Ana Hurra (I Am Free) 28 2 2005
Esmaani (Listen) Adwa'a Elshohra: Lights Of Fame 6 19 2006
Zaalni Mennak (Even If You Are Mean To Mean) Adwa'a Elshohra: Lights Of Fame 1 18 2006
Ya Rab (Oh God) featuring Marwan Al Khoury Non Album Track 1 3 2007
Adwa'a Elshohra (Lights Of Fame) Adwa'a Elshohra: Lights Of Fame 13 78 2007
Yama Layali (How Many Nights) Non Album Track 43 3 2008
Jeet (Majnouni) (You Came (I must be crazy)) Sea Of Stars 1 3 2008

Awards
Carole has won the award of Best female artist of the year in 2003 for her album Helm, given to her in the Arab Music Awards Contest which was held in Dubai.[citation needed]
Carole has won the award of Best album of the year in 2006 for her album Adhwaa El Shohra, given to her in the ART Music Awards which was held in Cairo.[citation needed]
Along with Mohammed Hamaki , Karl Wolf, Abri and others. Carole was nominated for The Best Arab Act in the MTV Europe Music Awards 2008. Carole lost the award for Karl Wolf. This is the biggest nimination in Carole's career.
Her new single "Jeet" debuted at number 4 on Rotana's PEPSI Top 20 Charts, reaching number 1 the next week, making it her first number 1 on that chart.

Every year nearly 5,000 American teenagers and young adults kill themselves.

That makes suicide the third-leading cause of death among those 15 to 24 years old, says the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Only accidents and homicides kill more.

It's important that parents understand what may lead teens to suicide, learn the warning signs, and know what they can do to help.

Some Basics Facts About Teen Suicide

-More young people die by their own hand than from cancer, heart disease and AIDS combined.
-Girls attempt suicide at a rate double that of boys.
-But four times as many boys as girls die by suicide.
-Boys tend to use more lethal methods, like hanging, jumping from heights, or guns.

[g]High Risk Groups for Teen Suicide

Teens commit suicide for many reasons, but some common circumstances have been identified. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, the overwhelming majority of those who kill themselves, including teens, have a have a psychological or substance-related disorder at the time of death.

These disorders make it harder to deal with stressful situations teenagers may face, like failing a test, breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend, the death of a loved one or seeing parents divorce.

Some mental disorders, like depression, can be difficult to recognize in young people, says Dr. Richard O'Conner, a psychotherapist and author of the book Active Treatment of Depression. Symptoms can easily be mistaken for common teenage behavior like anger, sullenness or acting out.

Also among teens at higher risk of suicide are those who exhibit one or more of these characteristics.

-Perform poorly in school
-Have access to guns
-Experience violence at home
-Previously attempted suicide
-Have a family history of depression or suicide
-Suffered physical or sexual abuse
-Are struggling to cope with issues of sexual orientation
-Have a friend who committed suicide.

Warning Signs of Teen Suicide

According to the National Mental Health Association, four of five teens who kill themselves have given a clear warning of their intentions. Parents and friends should recognize these behaviors commonly associated with suicide.

-An obsession with death
-Withdrawing from regular friends and activities
-Verbal clues: "I'm going away" or "I won't see you again"
-Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
-Suicidal thoughts or fantasies
-Giving away possessions or putting affairs in order
-Talking to friends about suicide
-A dramatic change in appearance or personality
-A severe decline in school performance or social interaction
-Marked change in eating or sleeping habits.

Above all, any suicide threats or talk of death - even writings or drawings indicating a desire to die - must be taken seriously, no matter how harmless they may seem or whether the teen dismisses them as "a joke."

What Parents Should (and Shouldn't) Do to Help Prevent Teen Suicide

Be alert to your teen's behavior and feelings. If he or she seems depressed or withdrawn, watch your child carefully. Those thinking about suicide often feel helpless or alone. You can help by communicating openly. Demonstrate your willingness to listen.

If your child is hesitant to talk to you about how he or she is feeling, suggest someone else he or she can confide in. It may be another relative, a member of the clergy, a counselor at school, or your physician ? anyone your child is comfortable talking with.

Do's

-Keep the lines of communication open.
-Express your love and support.
-Ask questions: "You've been talking about death a lot lately. Are you having thoughts about suicide?"
-Make hotline numbers available to your teen, like 1-800-SUICIDE. (1-800-784-2433)
-Get help from a mental health professional.

Don'ts

-Don't lecture.
-Don't say "But you have so much to live for," nor try to list the reasons.
-Don't minimize your child's feelings.
-Don't be afraid to talk with your teenager about suicide.
-Don't assume anyone who talks of suicide won't really kill himself.
-If the threat of suicide is immediate, don't leave your child alone.
-Don't assume someone who is receiving treatment and "feeling better" won't commit suicide.

The following ad , Its not easy to be Lebanese, is being broadcast on LBC frequently. Indeed it is not easy to be Lebanese. The ad touches upon the mixed feelings of anger, disappointment, disillusionment, helplessness and love towards the country and I must confess, reinforces my shameful patriotism.

Here is the Translation Of the AD :

[g]To Lebanese women and men.

Fate chose you, history challenges you, you sow but don't reap, everyone is comfortable except you, you sacrifice you don't find, you bleed but the blood doesnt dry, you die so that you can die again by the same concern,

this is the fate of a Lebanese and its not easy to be Lebanese

it needs an effort not only a human, it needs the capacity and strength not available in anyone else, it needs you to be really in your heart of hearts lebanese, it requires you to crash in a wall and many times in glass, it needs boldness and love of the nation and pride,

its not easy to be lebanese but lebanon is a nation like no other

you tell me you sacrificed years and are tired and what did you get. this is your country, this is ur fate because you are lebanese and its not easy to be Lebanese

maybe because its large and we are still small, maybe its small and those who are envious are many. Maybe because, simply, lebanon raised you and its not easy for one to be deservedly Lebanese

the hands that destroy are many and the Lebanese is the only who builds. Erecting buildings higher from his blood and flesh. With his will and determination, destruction is left ashamed

Not waiting for miracles nor good intentions, alone with your effort you melted the corners. We have representatives by name but you are the only one who questions and is responsible, they are the politics of abuse and impossible logic, (in the background politicians are heard saying you have no need to understand, we will understand for you)

because like your nation,you are alone, because you are lebanese, you have no one but your god, don't rely on anyone else, be proud of your effort that is beyond human and remember always its not easy for someone to be Lebanese.