Exploitation

In a country where labor laws are passed to exploit workers rather than protect their rights, you would hope that institutions take it upon themselves to support their employees, especially those who have fought tooth and nail for years on end to bring them growth and prosperity.

Unfortunately, the opposite is true.

I have heard of an institution; let’s call it “Bank Cheap” where employees are treated as worthless laborers through out the beginning, middle, and advanced level of their careers.

Below are just some of the cases at Bank Cheap I’ve heard about.

Case 1:

“Employee 70”, who has been working at Bank Cheap for a little over 14 years, has a masters degree from a prestigious French University, has single handedly built the base for one of the Bank’s indispensible control and reporting functions by gathering information from half the departments at Bank Cheap, has been in the same middle management position for the past 6 years with no promotion, and still makes about US$ 10 an hour.

Bullshit

Case 2:

“Employee 86”, who has been working at Bank Cheap for 3 years, spent half those 3 years working double shifts, taking on extra loads, and developing an entirely new program that automates all the monitoring and reporting process of one of the Bank’s key control functions. “Employee 86” still holds the same entry level position, with the same entry level salary of about UD$ 3.8 an hour.

Ridiculous

Case 3:

“Employee 88, who also has been working for Bank Cheap for 3 years, has graduated as an honors student from one of the country’s top universities with a Masters Degree in Business Administration, has an internationally recognized certificate in Valuation Analysis, and is currently working for a certificate in Financial Analysis. “Employee 88” is considered to be a key player in one of the Bank’s control functions, carries on extra loads and sometimes for other departments as well, and still holds the same entry level position, with the same entry level salary of about US$ 4 an hour.

No Comment

Bank Cheap is filled with similar cases of hardworking, well educated, and innovative employees who I consider to be exploited.

Disgusting!

I couldn't help but share what I read on msn.com regarding this Iranian blogger.

http://arabia.msn.com/news/middle-east/956526/bloggers-death-stirs-political-hornets-nest-in-iran/

I Haven’t Forgotten My Blog!

For those of you who were used to reading a new post on my Blog every other week or so, you might have started to wonder why I have been away for a little over 3 months.

Well, the truth is, I haven’t been away at all! As much as I would have loved to be on some long vacation, I have been here, on the other side of the screen but over occupied with thinking of the situation I’m in.

And the situation is: I’m Pregnant!

What will follow is stuff I wrote during this period, but never had the guts to publish before now!

Enjoy!

Paparazzi – Beauty Lounge & Spa

For those of you who read my blog regularly, you are well familiar with my rants and critiques of various restaurants, resorts, and other places around Lebanon. These rants are a personal opinion that was built based on an experience, and is in no way meant to defame any of these places. That said, and if you are offended in any way… Sue me!

It was finally Friday, and my friends/ colleagues and I were all in desperate need of a manicure, pedicure, and some pampering. After discussing our options we decided to try Paparazzi – Beauty Lounge and Spa on Bliss Street, because we all had friends who’ve tried it and liked it.

And so it went…

Noor and Aya arrived at the appointment at about 2:40 and began. I followed at about 2:50 because I had to run an errand. After waiting for about 20 minutes, I asked the gentleman at the reception about when I would start, so he informed me that I had to wait for Aya to finish and then it would be my turn.

After ages of waiting, I was able to begin at about 3:45. As I was sitting on the pedicure chair, the non-Lebanese (with all due respect to all nationalities and races) nail artist asked if I had an appointment; I said yes, but she insisted that I check. So I got off the chair and when to the reception desk and asked the gentleman to inform her that I had an appointment. We I returned with the gentleman, she was no were in sight. After 7 minutes of asking the other girls about her and tracking her down, we were able to find her and convince her of my appointment and I sat back down on the pedicure chair in hopes that the confusion was over. She asked me what I wanted to do and if I had selected my color; I told her I wanted a French manicure and pedicure, so again she told me to get off the pedicure chair as we were going to start with my manicure first. Again, I got off the incredibly annoying chair with the sink below the feet that trips you every time and went to the manicure tables. Then again, she decided that she would do both my manicure and pedicure at the same time, so again she asked me to sit back on the pedicure chair.

For someone with a history of hysterical anger episodes, and years of self anger management therapy, I was beginning to get irritated. Even Noor couldn’t help but comment on the extent of my patients, but I told her that she was about to see my other face, literally, if this continued.

I sat down again in that damned chair and began.

In the mean time, Noor was struggling with her own nail artist as she was not able to comprehend the fact that Noor wanted her nails to be filed rounded with a French manicure and didn’t want her toes to be filed too close to the flesh. With no use, the nail artist did exactly the opposite and hurt her. While this went on, another artist came behind Noor and asked her to turn around so she could soak her hands for the manicure. Can you imagine having to twist your back 90 degrees for about 40 minutes? Yes, that was the last straw!!! Noor asked them both to stop, got up, went to the reception desk, complained about the service, and left.

Yours truly was still sitting there trying to teach the nail artist how to file my nails evenly, and how to apply a French tip using the brush.

So much for the rest and the pampering!!

Finally, at 5:15, and after repeating my hand manicure twice, I was done and able to leave… and never come back!

Things that no one tells you about traveling to Istanbul

I admit, I have a travel bug that starts itching every 6 months or so, urging me to get on a plane to a new destination for a little adventure, discovery, culture, and excitement.

After London, Spain, London again, came Istanbul, the land of Mosques, Palaces, Islands, and the Bosphorus.

Istanbul is one big haven for those who enjoy museums, historical monuments, nature, the sea, shopping, and food… you name it, Istanbul has it! Our city tour included two cruises, one around the Bosphosus strait and another to the Prince’s Island (Turkish: BUYUK ADA – Big Island), Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

 

Don’t ask me for a favorite, because each site has its own awe and story to tell.

Luckily, you can go to wikipedia and get all the details you want about those places, but what people won’t tell you about Istanbul is:

1.       Never stick to the price that’s on the price tag, especially when you’re buying from street vendors and local shops. If the price tag says 10 Turkish Lira, say 5 TL and keep bargaining until they refuse to sell you, and then pay the final, lowest price given.

2.       Never get into a cab unless they have a meter; if they don’t then make sure you agree on the toll before you get in, because you could end up paying 35 TL for a 11 TL ride.

3.       Avoid using the Metro, Tramway, and Funicular unless your life depends on it because, unlike London, Madrid, and Barcelona, Istanbul doesn’t seem to have specific rush hours. Those means of transportation are always fully packed to the extent that you’ll be gasping for breath and screaming “Speed Stick”!

4.       It is an absolute must to learn a few basic Turkish terms because most of the population doesn’t speak or understand English.

5.       If you’re on a diet, or a vegetarian, you’ll be missing out on a lot of delicious food, especially the best Kofta and Yogurt in the world. Seriously, I’m originally Lebanese, and Kofta is part of our traditional cuisine, but the Turkish Kofta is to die for.

6.       If you go to Ortakoy (the sea side area under the Golden Horn Bridge) and don’t try the Kumpir (Backed Potato – Turkish Style), and the waffles, you might as well not have gone the trip in the first place!

7.       Try to forget sleeping, use coffee, Redbull, or a lot of sugar, because if you go to sleep you will definitely be missing the endless buzzing streets, especially Taksim Square and Istiklal Street that seems to be swarming with locals, tourists, vendors… all day, all night!

*Sigh*, I just can’t wait for my next trip… perhaps the Far East?  

Good Diet=Life Style

I have been dieting on and off since way before my wedding and you know why!

http://byserene.blogspot.com/2011/01/ignoring-scale.html#!/2011/01/ignoring-scale.html

http://byserene.blogspot.com/2011/03/chemical-diet.html#!/2011/03/chemical-diet.html

All that, and unfortunately, nothing gave me the results I required!

It wasn’t until I visited one of the best nutritional experts in the country, that I realized that what I was doing was “dieting”, when what I really needed was a “life style” in terms of food.

And so it goes:

1.       You are asked a bunch of questions about your weekly routine, your food preferences according to certain variable (like what would you eat if you’re super hungry, super angry, or super happy, what you would prefer between chocolate and chips…),

2.       You get on that notorious scale that always adds that extra kilogram,

3.       You do the body composition analysis,

4.       And then, you sit for “the talk”!

The Talk includes:

1.       The do’s and don’ts according to your body type,

2.       The limits or portions your allowed in terms of carbs, proteins, sugars, and fats,

3.       And the things you should absolutely abolish from your existence if you ever wish to maintain the weight your about to loose in the upcoming weeks.

At first you will panic, and say it’s just not possible; but when you finally sum up the courage to give it a chance and do the effort, you will realize that it’s all about balance.

My current life style does not include juice, buns, beans and lentils. It permits only one portion of bread, chocolate, and fruit. But then again, I get a generous amount of chicken, beef, fish, white cheese, and eggs.

Ok... Ok... I admit, I only needed to loose 4 kg, but still… now I know how to tackle the extra weight if I ever commit Roadster Diner again!

Education Junkies

June 27 marks my 3^rd University Graduation Anniversary and already I’m beginning to feel that my degree has gone obsolete.

Every where around my are my fellow AUB graduates enjoying stable jobs, like me, progressing with their careers, like me, getting good mentoring, like me, and pursuing advanced degrees and certificates, not like me.

This matter has been lingering in the back of my mind for a while, but the course I attended last week at Ecole Superieure des Affaires (ESA) on Risk in Financial Services that was arranged by the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) in London to prepare persons in the financial risk industry for an examination with Banque du Liban got me thinking of how important it is to make a strategic educational move towards acquiring a certification in this domain if not going all out for a Master Degree.

I have come to realize that the Lebanese people, especially those blessed with a sharp mind and an even sharper trust fund have been hitting the books and acquiring MBA’s, EMBA’s, CFA’s, FRM’s, CPA’s, CMA’s… and every other letter in the English alphabet next to their names on their business cards.

Companies, Bank’s, and every other major employer in the country have been on the lookout for candidates to standout due to those qualifications, even if the salary offerings are even less than the minimum wage given to a McDonald’s counter employee in the United States.

It’s not an option or an advantage anymore; being certified is a must if one plans to survive in this increasingly competitive domain.

Another “Tello” Fit for the Blogosphere

And there I thought I was the only member of my family with good writing skills!

I was surprised when I got a WhatsApp from my little brother, http://byserene.blogspot.com/#!/2011/11/little-brother.html, saying that he has begun his own blog!

Take a look! http://moudzz.blogspot.com/

Like, Share, and Follow!

Vampires in Suits

Vampires are widely known as undead beings who feed in the blood of living creatures. Vampires became popular in the early 18^th century when a superstition broke out in Western Europe, coming from the Balkans and Eastern Europe where Vampire legends and folktales were already popular.

I have come to a firm belief that vampires do exist, and they exist in our modern day corporate world more than any time in history. Being part of the corporate world for about three modest years, I have come across so many vampires that my belief is ever stronger, and I have facts to prove it.

·         Vampires are said to arise from evil and pursue blood; isn’t money the most evil thing in the world today, and isn’t it the blood that keeps everything going?

·         Vampires have no restraint on turning on friends or relatives to satisfy their thirst; isn’t it believed that “Business is Business, and friendship is outside the office”?

·         Vampires are characterized as charismatic figures usually dressed in dark attire; aren’t the people you work with charismatic in their dark suits and blazers?

·         Vampires hunt during the dark hours of the night; aren’t the most destructive corporate decisions that involve back-stabbing and ruin done after working hours?

·          Vampires never come near garlic as it disintegrates them; no corporate vampire would have a chicken shawarma sandwich during work even if his life depended on it.

·         Vampires have a way of bewitching their victims and turning them into vampires; don’t you feel that you or your friends change after being in the corporate world for a while.

Vampires are real, and they are all around, and I can’t help but be lured into the trap…

I Discovered Baking

After the Betty Croaker instant cakes became boring, I tried to sway my newly discovered kitchen talents into sweets.  And the results are award winning (at least in the Wife Awards category!)

Lately I have been using some of my mom’s recipes in making Apple Pies, Cinnamon Rolls, and Chewy Chocolate – Chip Cookies and they are turning out to be delicious; if you intend to turn a blind eye on all the sugar, butter, and calories!

 

If anyone is interested in a recipe, I’ll be glad to share!

Bino

It was a gift from my dad on my high school graduation; it was a new, cute, and silver Peugeot 307; it was “the” car for an 18 year old university girl; and I loved it. Naturally, I gave it a name, a character, and the accessories to go with it. Fabien, nicknamed Bino, was my car, a blond, gay Frenchman, who was tough and fragile all together with a dice in the mirror.

Then came the July war, and our trip to Canada, and the debate to stay there, or come back to Lebanon, to sell everything, including Bino, or keep everything until further notice. I still remember the temper tantrums I threw just to come back to Lebanon for Bino and AUB; and it worked!

For 6 years, Bino was my best friend and companion. I still remember all the traffic jams we used to suffer on the highway to Beirut every morning, and back home in the evening. I remember all the chocolate bars and the juice cartons I used to leave behind because I was always in a hurry. I remember all the clothes and the shoes I used to lose, then find again with Bino. I remember the longest drive we had, which was to the south for a picnic with a bunch of friends from university.

He was with me through my high school graduation, my university years and graduation, he went with me on all those useless job interviews, and then to my first job, and now my second. He was with me while I was running around preparing for my wedding and remodeling my house.    

But even the sweetest fruit will grow old and sour someday. A few weeks ago, I decided that Bino needed his retirement so I decided to put him up for sale. After the many phone calls, questions, price debates, and the lost Saturday at the Car Zone “Nef3a” (that is a different story) the deal was done and Bino had his new owner.

There are some moments in life that you know you will never forget, like the moment I found out I got accepted to AUB, or the moment I saw my husband for the first time, and now I have the moment I gave up Bino’s keys to the old man in the grey sweater.

Bitter, sweet… but I’m ready for a new car now!

Search in Progress…

Osaka Sushi Lounge Vs. Tsumani

It has been quite a long time since I trashed one of Lebanon’s top places, so today’s lash out goes to Osaka Sushi Lounge located in the Kantari area.

For almost a year now, I have been hearing from friends that Osaka is the best sushi place in town. According to everyone, it’s supposed to have the best atmosphere, best service, and the best sushi in terms of variety and taste. So on Saturday, and after a month of contemplating the visit, my husband and I decided to try it mainly because we couldn’t get a reservation at Tsunami, our regular sushi place, because it was fully booked.

And so it goes, we arrived to Osaka at 10:30 pm, and sat at the bar until one of the tables was cleared which took about 7 minutes. We sat down and looked through the menu at the very limited variety and decided on what to order. After 20 minutes of waiting, my husband finally motioned to the waitress to notice that we were ready to make the order.

While we waited for the food to arrive, I couldn’t help but notice that the restaurant was not divided into a smoking and a non-smoking section. Usually at sushi places with an open bar, guests are prohibited from smoking on the bar because it’s directly over the food while it’s being prepared; at Osaka, sushi and cigarette smoke mixed perfectly in an atmosphere of ultimate Zen! (Super sarcastic tone)

The food arrived with a great presentation, but I wish I could say the same thing about the taste. Each and every piece of Maki was spicy, even the ones that didn’t include “spice” in their descriptions, not to mention salty to an extent that you are not able to taste the ingredients.

So in a nut shell, if you are looking for over priced, smoky, and salty sushi, brought to your table with bad service, then Osaka is your place!

For reservations, please call 01-360630

Tsumani, on the other hand, has a menu that is filled with pages and pages of different types of Sushi, Sashimi, Maki, salads, appetizers, and hot dishes to an extent that you can visit once a week for a whole year, and still order something new each time, as is the case with my husband and I.

The service is speedy and friendly, and if you choose to sit at the “non-smoking” bar, you will really enjoy watching a pair of very professional and talented chiefs make your delicious sushi with such skill that triggers your appetite even more.

So in a nut shell, if you are looking for affordable, clean, and delicious sushi, brought to your table with friendly and professional service, then Tsunami is your place.

For reservations, please call 01-337327

Fashion Trends for Spring/ Summer 2012

After quite a rough winter, and all its leather jackets, fur vests, scarves, and high boots, one is in serious need of a hint of spring, and all the new trends in store for the much awaited season.

The past fall/ winter’s fashion was rich in animal prints, dark metallics, furs, leathers, and a few signature colors like caramel, grey, burgundy, and dark green. All of which made the season warmer and the shopping, especially enjoyable.

From the looks of store windows, fashion websites, and catwalks, this spring/ summer seems to be promising so let’s skip the poetic mumbo jumbo of spring being the season of rebirth, and jump straight into its fashion must haves!

Even though prints and metallics have been scaling catwalks for a while now, they don’t seem to be backing down anytime soon. Floral and geometric prints are making their way back onto store shelves, accompanied by more metallics, but instead of the classic gold, silver, and bronze, it’s more colorful with electric shades of blue, teal, and pink. When it comes to colors, light pinks, peaches, yellows, blues, and other pastels are everywhere, and getting them mixed together in a floral pattern is the way to go.

The Bohemian look, along with its head bands, wavy hair, large bangles, pale make up, and loose fit clothing is one of the hottest looks this season. It is my personal favorite because it gives off a relaxed yet mysterious aura.

 

Happy Shopping!

Above and Beyond – Group Therapy

Above and Beyond – Group Therapy

-          My new favorite album

Track List

1. Filmic
2. Alchemy feat. Zoë Johnston
3. Sun & Moon feat. Richard Bedford
4. You Got To Go feat. Zoë Johnston
5. Black Room Boy (vocals by Tony McGuinness and Richard Bedford)
6. Giving It Out feat. Zoë Johnston
7. On My Way To Heaven feat. Richard Bedford8. Prelude
9. Sun In Your Eyes
10. Love Is Not Enough feat. Zoë Johnston
11. Every Little Beat feat. Richard Bedford12. Sweetest Heart feat. Zoë Johnston
13. Thing Called Love feat. Richard Bedford14. Only A Few Things feat. Zoë Johnston
15. Eternal

You Got To Go (Little Dreamer)

-          My new favorite “feel good” track

Traffic Rules for Sale

Corruption at its finest!

On a random street in Beirut, the story goes:

Officer: “Hey sir, you can’t park here, its reserved.” (Ya rayyes, ma feek tsoff hon, ma7jouz)

Lebanese Man: “Reserved for whom?” (Ma7jouz la meen?)

Officer: “You just can’t park here.” (Khalas, mamnou3a l saffe hon)

Lebanese Man: “Fix it.” (Zabbita)

Officer: “It can’t be fixed.” (Ma btitzabbat)

Lebanese Man: “Everything can be fixed, my friend.” –and he removes 20,000L.L. from his wallet. (Kil shi byitzabat ya sa7be)

Officer: “Welcome!” – and he removes the obstacle, and holds traffic for the man to park.

In a high traffic street in Beirut, the story continues:

Officer: “Madame, you can’t park here!” (Ya madame, mamnou3a l saffe hon!)

Madame: “I will only be just a minute, my friend needs to give me something.” (Mish mtawle, sa7ibte mnazlitle gharad)

Officer: “Even though, you will block traffic, you have to move the car.” (7atta law, m3ar2le l seir)

Madame: “She’s here, she’s here!” – And the Madame’s friend shows up from behind the revolving  glass door of the adjacent building wearing a mini-skirt, a tailored blazer and casually sporting cleavage. (Hayeha, ijit ijit!)

Officer: “Madame.” – he is politely ignored by the two ladies, but doesn’t mind it because he is enjoying the view.

Officer: “Madame, I’m going to have to give you a ticket.” – and he starts to take out the ticket book. (Badde a3milik zabit)

Madame: “How dare you, I’m leaving!” – and acts like such a victim that he can’t help but smile, he is hooked. (Yii wallaw!! – felle!)

Officer: “Ok, be quick.” (Tayib, bes bsir3a)

Madame: “You are so kind!” – winks and drives off, while the officer continues to check out her friend. (Killak zo2!)

At the place where they do yearly car revisions and pay the mechanique fees, it still goes on:

Mechanic: “It won’t pass.” (Ma btinja7)

Lebanese Man: “Why not, there is nothing wrong with it.” (Leish la2, ma biha shi)

Mechanic: “The left stop light isn’t red enough, the license plate is scratched, and the left tire needs air.”

Lebanese Man: “Come on man, let us go.” (Ya zalame, Masheena)

Mechanic: “I can’t, you have to fix those stuff and come back for another check.” (Ma fiye, lezim tsali7on barra, w tirja3 t3eed l mo3ayane)

Lebanese Man: “By your honor, you’re going to make me pass through this crowd again; why don’t fix it.” (Bi sharafak, baddak t3ali2ne b kil hal 3aj2a marra tenye? Sali7a inta!

Mechanic: “I can’t, I only do the check up!” (Ma bsali7 hon, bes mo3ayane)

Lebanese Man: “So you want me to pay another mechanic to fix it? You’re the best one here.” – the mechanic pick up on the bribe. (Halla2 baddak yene idfa3 la mikansien tene ta yzabita, ma inta ashtar wa7ad hon)

Mechanic: “If I want to fix it, it will cost you $60!” (Badda tkalfak $60)

Lebanese Man: “No problem, you’re a professional.” – and pays the money discretely. (Ma mishkle, inta m3allim)

Mechanic: “Congratulations, your car passed the tests. (mabrouk, nij7it!)

Barcelona, Dubai, Beirut...Sea side.

How wonderful is it to put our city in a category with the likes of Barcelona or Dubai?

Spot the resemblance!

Port Vell - Barcelona

Dubai Marina - Dubai

Zaitunay Bay - Beirut

A holiday in Britain, with no British People!

My 2012 started with a once in a lifetime experience, the London Eye fireworks display on New Year’s Eve. The crowd, the atmosphere, the fun, the celebrations, the people singing “Happy Birthday New Year, and the fireworks were really a site to see.

What followed were 7 days of shopping and roaming around the city. Bicester Village, Oxford Street, and Westfield Mall were some of the “must visit/ shop” places I went too.

The cloudy skies, red double-decker busses, and the immigrants made my stay in London truly signature.

Yes IMMIGRANTS!

Everywhere you go, everywhere you look, each street, each store was over run by people of non-English, non-white roots. In plain and simple terms, London is now one big game of “Spot the White Man.”

I have gone online and read a few articles and reports of the immigrant situation in the UK, and what continues to come up is that Joe Public is reluctant to bring up the matter openly in order not to be branded as a racist. WTF!

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politics/8451917/Who-is-to-blame-for-fractured-Britain.html

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/politics/3906232/MPs-Act-now-on-immigration.html

Well I don’t mind being called a racist if I’m against my tax money being spent on supporting foreigners who function as parasites to my government.

I myself am an immigrant. My parents migrated to Canada when I was 3 years old. My father got some support from the Canadian government for a couple months before he was able to get a job, pay his own rent and expenses, get off welfare, and finally become a tax paying, legal Canadian citizen. My parents did it right.

What’s going on in London today, to my modest point of view, is an abuse of the system. Immigrants are flocking to the United Kingdom, mainly from conflict ridden countries and asking for housing, medical attention, benefits, allowances, and rights without contributing to the growth of the host country. They are sucking tax payers’ blood.

Over my stay, I heard a lot of stories about how the government is paying close to hundreds of pounds per week as rent for a single Iraqi family, its giving thousands of pounds per week for the same family as living expenses, child benefits, disability benefits; mind you, hardly any of them are disabled or lack the basic requirements to get a basic wage job.

In the elevator at Marks & Spenser in Oxford Street, one out of ten people is a white, English person. In a crowd at Sainsburry’s, two out of ten people speak the true British English accent. In Cost Co., perhaps the only wholesale market that requires you to be employed to get a membership, sixty out of the seventy people in the food court are true, blue eyed, red haired, white skinned English.

Those are very primitive observations, but I guess they are enough to say that London is over run my non English, colored people who are neither working nor becoming integrated in the community.

A lot may argue that Britain has had a long, black history of invading and colonizing countries, namely those that belong to those immigrants, but in my opinion it has paid its dues, and is continuing to do so, in a quite exaggerated manner.