Ziad Rahbani, born 1956, is a Lebanese composer and writer for radio shows and theater. His compositions are well-known throughout the Arab world. He is the son of the Lebanese diva Fairuz and the famous composer Assi Rahbani.
Biography
Ziad Rahbani is the son of the Lebanese famous composer Assi Rahbani and Nuhad Haddad, the famous Lebanese female singer known as Fairuz. He composed many songs for his mother Fairuz, as well as other singers, and he has released his own music albums. Many of his musicals satirised the political situation in Lebanon during and after the civil war, often strongly critical of the traditional political establishment; others addressed more philosophical questions. He played the lead role in all his plays, and has generally been reluctant to allow the filming of his plays. Politically, Ziad Rahbani has a long standing relationship with Lebanese leftist movements, and is a self-declared communist. Being a Christian, his politics have meant that he has been at odds with some of his coreligionists. During the Lebanese civil war, Rahbani resided in mainly West Beirut.
Beginning Career
Rahbani's first known artistic work was "Sadiqi Allah" (My Friend God), a collection of writings between the years 1967 and 1968 when he was in his teens. In 1973, at 17, Rahbani composed his first music for Fairuz, his mother. Assi Rahbani, his father, was hospitalized and his mother Fairuz was to play the leading role in Al Mahatta by the Rahbani brothers. Mansour Rahbani, his uncle, who had written the lyrics of a song about Assi Rahbani's forced absence, gave Ziad Rahbani the task of composing its music. The song "Saalouni El Nass" (The People Asked Me) gained Rahbani recognition in the music world.
Theater Works Rahbani appeared for the first time on stage in Al Mahatta where he played the role of the detective. He also appeared later on in the Rahbani Brothers' Mays el Rim in the role of one of the policemen. Ziad Rahbani's first step into theatre was with the Bkennaya Theater in Sahriyyeh. He followed that with highly politicized string of plays. His theater works include: - Sahriyyeh (1973) - Nazl el Sourour (1974) - Bennesbe La Boukra Shou? (1978) - Film Ameriki Taweel (1980) - Shi fashel (1983) - Bikhsous el Karameh wel Cha3b el 3aneed (1993) - Lawla Fos7at el Amali (1994).
Music
Rahbani has written a large body of music for Fairuz, himself and others.
Music with Fairuz
After Fairuz's separation from her husband Assi Rahbani, Ziad Rahbani became her composer and wrote six albums for her. The albums were:
- Wahdon (1979)
- Maarefti Fik (1987)
- Kifak Inta (1991)
- Ila Assi (1995) a re-orchestration of Rahbani Brothers' songs
- Mich Kayen hayk Tkoun (1999)
- Beiteddine Concert 2000 (2001)
- Wala Kif (2001)
Music with Others Rahbani's work wasn't restricted to writing songs for Fairuz. Before, during and after the war, Rahbani released and co-released several albums like: Bi hal shakel, Abou Ali, Halleluja, Shareet Ghayr Houdoudi, Houdou Nesbi, Ana Mouch Kafer, Hakaya al Atfal, Bema Enno, Monodose (with singer Salma Mosfi) and Maaloumat Akidi (with singer Latifa). He has also written the music for singles performed by others like "Rafi2i Sobhi El Gizz", "Kifak", "Iza baddik" "Abban 3an Jidd". He has done some orchestrations for songs like "Madih el Zoll el Ali", "Ahmad el Zaatar" and "Moussakafoun noun". Rahbani has also mixed several albums such as Al ra2i el 3aam and Moussakafoun noun.
He has held concerts like the Oriental Jazz Concert in the BUC Irwin Hall, the Las Salinas Concert, the Forum de Beirut Concert, the Picadilly Concert, and "Mniha Concert" in Mont La Salle Ain Saadeh, the latter with his cousin Ghassan Rahbani. He is also performs live occasionally in pubs like "Medusa", "Mon Général" and the "Téatro".
Political Works Rahbani has also done many political shows on the radio like Ba3dna Taybeen Oulou Allah and El Akl Zeeneh and some music related shows. Since 2006, he has written a column for the Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar.
Personal Life Rahbani was married to Dalal Karam and had a son named "Assi Jr." with her. The couple later divorced. Rahbani composed various songs about their relationship, including "Marba el Dalal" and "Bisaraha".
The Smirnoff brand traces its origins back to the distillery Piotr Arseneevich (PA) Smirnoff established in Moscow in the late 1800s. Brought to America in 1939, Smirnoff spearheaded the cocktail revolution in the U.S. as Americans were introduced to the versatility of "white whiskey" in such drinks as the Bloody Mary, Cosmopolitan, Kamikaze, Martini and Moscow Mule. Today Smirnoff is the world's best-selling vodka, sold in 130 countries on six continents, and still produced according to Smirnoff tradition, using Piotr Arseneevich's multi-column charcoal filtration process.
In January 2005, the New York Times assembled a diverse panel of beverage experts to conduct a blind taste test of 21 world-class vodkas, including brands from France, Poland, Russia and the United States. Smirnoff emerged as the "hands-down favorite," praised for its "pure, clean and ultra-smooth" character and "pleasing texture and classic vodka aroma."
Summer Stress: Minimize It Or Avoid It Altogether!
Summer can present many opportunities for fun, but summer stress is also extremely common and can take a significant toll. The following strategies can be especially timely during the summer season.
Keep Kids Occupied
If you don’t have your kids in some type of summer camp (or even if you do), you’ll need to have some enriching activities to keep them happy and stimulated so boredom doesn’t create misery for all of you. Allowing your older children to plan activities for younger kids (like ‘treasure hunts’ around the house, or games of hide-and-seek) can be a great way to keep everyone occupied in a constructive way. So can the old standbys: couch forts, board games, and educational outings. The following things can provide an extra 'grab bag' of ideas to keep everyone happy and sane.
Pace Yourself
While summer offers many opportunities for fun activities, keep in mind that it’s okay to say no to some. Sometimes even fun activities can lead to stress if your schedule is overloaded, so carefully choose among the barbeques, beach days, soirees and other activities and just do what you think you’ll truly enjoy, remembering to also schedule in some down time.
Set Boundaries
While you’re already setting boundaries on your social schedule, you may need to remember to set boundaries at work as well. Don’t let the siren song of summer steal your focus from your job duties—stay as productive as possible—but be careful not to take on too many of your vacationing co-workers’ responsibilities either. Teamwork is a good thing; just don’t take on an overwhelming amount of extra work if you have a choice.
Try A Staycation or Playcation
Yes, staycations, and even playcations, have become the new vacations of choice for those who can't spare the time or the money for a traditional vacation. In some cases, these can even be better for your stress levels. (Ever hear of someone coming back from their too-busy vacation feeling like they need a vacation from their vacation? Or of a 'working vacation' that just turned into an exercise in 'working from a less convenient location'?) The key is to make relaxation or playtime the primary focus--even if for only a day or two--and get the benefit of vacations without all the expense! (And, if you do take an actual trip, remember to leave work at home and keep things simple.)
Take a Mini-Vacation
If you don’t have the time, money or ability to take a full-blown vacation, you can achieve many of the same benefits by taking a mini-vacation at home. The main idea is to stop the hectic flow of activities, escape the mundane madness of daily life, or turn off the phone for a few hours. See this article for specific suggestions for mini-vacations when the real deal isn’t an option.
Take Advantage of Summer Stress Relievers
Summer provides extra daylight hours for morning exercise, relaxing evening activities and fun in the garden. If you have kids around, you can also try some of these stress relievers you can do with your kids, or if you don’t have children, you can still enjoy these stress relievers for your inner child.
Batroun - North of Lebanon
A Taste of Jose Cuervo History
Enjoying Jose Cuervo Tequila with friends means celebrating a tradition that's 200 years in the making. As the world’s first notable producer of tequila, Jose Cuervo's history is just as distinct as its spirit.
The story behind this legendary tequila begins in 1795, when the King of Spain granted Don Jose Antonio de Cuervo the first license to commercially produce tequila. In 1812, Fabrica La Rojeña, the oldest spirits distillery in Latin America, opened its doors.
Today Jose Cuervo's descendants still manage the distillery and Jose Cuervo is the No.1 tequila in the world, selling over seven million cases annually. Obsessed with their craft, the master tequileros at La Rojeña continue to create distinct tequilas like Cuervo Black and Jose Cuervo Platino for all tequila lovers to share.
A collection of crowd-pleasing recipes for all your summer entertaining needs. These recipes all look great, don't cost a lot to make, and don't require any special culinary skills. Summer party food needs to be easy and delicious, and these recipes are certainly both.
Mozzarella Stuffed Cherry Tomatoes
Mozzarella stuffed cherry tomatoes are not only one of the easiest summer snacks ever, but also one of the most beautiful. There's a well-know Italian salad of sliced mozzarella and tomatoes called a Caprese salad, and this is basically a one-bite version of that.
Cream Cheese and Salami-Rolled Breadsticks
Salami-pops are simply breadsticks wrapped with cheese, spinach and salami. This creative salami appetizer recipe is perfect for any occasion where you need an easy and inexpensive bite.
Spicy Chicken Lettuce Cups
This healthy and delicious chicken recipe is a snap using a cooked rotisserie chicken from the market, and a jarred salsa. The contrast between the crisp, cold lettuce cups, and the spicy, stewed chicken is wonderful. This chicken recipe can be served as an appetizer or a main course.
Jalapeno Popper Dip
This creative jalapeno popper dip recipe has the great spicy taste of fried jalapeno poppers without all the extra work.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Nectarines
Salty, savory prosciutto wrapped around sweet nectarine slices is a pairing that's hard to beat. This recipe is a fresh take on the classic prosciutto and melon appetizer. This recipe works great for any warm-weather entertaining.
Ginger Garlic Chicken Wings
Most "crispy" chicken wing recipes call for a deep fryer, but this great "oven-fried" method works beautifully, and is much easier. This sticky ginger garlic chicken wing recipe is a delicious twist on the venerable Buffalo chicken wing.
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Garlic and Herb Sautéed Bell Pepper Strips
This garlic and herb sautéed bell pepper recipe can be used as an appetizer, as part of an antipasto platter, or a colorful side dish. The bell pepper strips cook up quickly, and are at their sweet and savory best paired with the garlic and herbs.
Savory Peach and Mozzarella Fresca Bruschetta
The combination of the sweet fruit, the nutty, crisp toasted bread, the creamy, tangy cheese; all brought together with a drizzle of olive oil, black pepper and flaky kosher salt makes for an incredible bite.
Pan-Grilled Barbecue Shrimp
This barbecued shrimp recipe is great when you want grilled shrimp, but don't feel like building a fire that you are only going to need for five minutes. These barbecued shrimp are seared in a pan, and are cooked in the shell for extra flavor and moistness.
Spinach and Artichoke Dip
The great thing about spinach and artichoke dip, besides the fact it's a party favorite, is just how easy it is to make. Mix it up, bake to a bubbly, golden brown, and serve with your favorite breads and crackers.
And don't neglect the selection of the right beverage.
Americans talk a good game about wanting to eat well. More than 75 percent claim they want to see more healthy options on restaurant menus. But when it comes time to order, only about half say they actually make nutritious choices, according to a recent survey.
On the other hand, 77 percent rank taste as the top priority for a restaurant dinner, and 44 percent say satisfying hunger matters most, according to the responses reported in June by Mintel, a market research firm. Of 2,000 adults polled in February, 20 percent said food health is an important factor when they order dinner.
Still, nutrition experts stress that it is possible to satisfy your taste buds and hunger while making nice to your heart.
"Eating out with friends and family is a pleasure you don't have to give up when you're on a special diet," said Anne Cain, a registered dietitian and senior editor at MyRecipes.com. "You just need to arm yourself with information about heart-healthy choices and not be afraid to ask questions about the menu and make special requests."
Every person's needs are different when it comes to what he or she should eat, health experts say.
"There are some people that really have to worry about calories, there are some people that really have to worry about sugar, some people that really have to worry about salt. All of these bring in different kinds of mandates for you," said Riska Platt, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Heart Association.
Still, some foods are more likely than others to derail a heart-healthy diet. Here are some tips to help you eat for your heart when dining out.
Chinese
Instead of oil- and fat-laden dishes such as lo mein, egg rolls, kung pao chicken or fried rice, try steamed chicken, seafood or tofu with vegetables, and ask for sauce on the side.
"Chinese food can be a hidden salt mine,"said Sari Greaves, a registered dietitian and spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. Ordering it "as unadorned as possible" and with sauces on the side will help you control your sodium intake.
Soups such as egg-drop and hot-and-sour are low-calorie and low-fat, but may also be "salt bombs," Greaves said. But despite the poor reputation eggs have for their high-cholesterol properties, low-fat dieters don't have to steer clear of egg-drop soup, she said: "It's saturated fat and trans fat in your diet that raise your blood cholesterol, more so than cholesterol in your diet."
Stir-fried dishes are also a safe bet because they're generally cooked quickly and with very little oil. On the other hand, watch out for foods designated "crispy" or "double-sauteed," which indicate deep-fried dishes, said Greaves.
Sandwich Shop
Instead of a sandwich on white bread, a white roll or white wrap and topped with mayonnaise or cheese, try whole-grain bread options topped with vegetables, mustard or olive oil, and little to no cheese.
Watch out for deli meats, which often contain a lot of salt, Platt said.
Hummus can be a good alternative to mayonnaise or cheese, as it contains heart-healthy fat. Platt endorses hummus, which is made from chickpeas, because it helps Americans fit legumes into their diet. Just don't overload on it, because the calories can add up.
Platt also suggests skipping oversized muffins. Even if they're bran muffins and consequently high in fiber, they're full of fat, sugar and calories. Breakfast wraps can also be detrimental to a heart-healthy diet, especially when an entire salt- and fat-heavy meal of eggs, cheese and bacon is packed into a compact package.
Italian
Instead of pasta topped or filled with cream, cheese or meat, try grilled, broiled or poached seafood with a small order of pasta with garlic and oil or tomato sauce.
Greaves suggests ordering shellfish such as shrimp, mussels or clams at an Italian restaurant, as long as they aren't deep-fried or cooked in butter. Although these shellfish might be higher in cholesterol than salmon or tilapia, she said, they're still very low in saturated fat.
If you do want cheese in your meal, add a sprinkling of parmesan atop a dish instead of gobs of cheese as the centerpiece of your meal.
And for an appetizer, Greaves recommends skipping the meat- and cheese-heavy antipasto salad in favor of shrimp cocktail, which is low in saturated fat. Also, pair bread with heart-healthy olive oil, not butter. Oil is rich in calories, though, so don't overdo it.
Japanese
Instead of tempura-style rolls or rolls with mayonnaise (think spicy tuna), try fresher sushi with fish high in cardio-friendly omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, mackerel or halibut. The avocado in California rolls also carries heart-healthy benefits.
Edamame, which are green soybeans, may indirectly lower your blood cholesterol and are a good source of fiber and omega-3s, Greaves said. But if you're monitoring your sodium intake, request that the salt be omitted.
Be on the lookout for the word "kewpie," or Japanese mayonnaise, if you're trying to cut back on saturated fat.
Steakhouses
Instead of a full portion of steak, try limiting your meat intake by ordering a beef kebab, or a chicken or seafood selection cooked without butter or salt.
Choose lean cuts of beef such as round, sirloin, chuck, flank steak or tenderloin. Remove any visible fat that may be attached to the cooked meat, Cain said.
The American Heart Association recommends eating five to seven ounces of animal protein per day, and a 12-ounce steak at a restaurant far exceeds that, Platt said. Split a steak with one of your dining partners, or eat half and take the rest home for another meal.
Steakhouses also offer deceptively fattening sides, such as creamed spinach or fully loaded baked potatoes. Swap out those fatty sides for steamed vegetables, and you'll be in better shape.
Mexican
Instead of a cheese-filled burrito or taco, try a seafood, chicken or vegetable fajita.
The seafood or chicken will provide lean, healthy protein, while a vegetable centerpiece will boost your fiber intake. If you get beans, make sure they're not refried; black beans provide protein and fiber without artery-clogging saturated fat, Greaves said.
You can also cut down on saturated fat by opting for pico de gallo or salsa instead of sour cream. Since it's made from heart-healthy avocados, guacamole contains good fat that can lower bad LDL cholesterol while raising good HDL cholesterol. Just limit your intake to about two tablespoons, Greaves said, because it can carry a lot of calories.
Greaves also warns that you should watch out for salted rice and rice with cheese -- no-no's for people on low-sodium or low-fat diets.
