WORLD TRAVELS: Arches of the Middle East

Dubai

When medieval powers ventured across the Middle East and into India in the East and all the way to Spain and Morocco in the West, this vast empire began to assimilate architectural styles from many traditions.

The archway architecture was to become the most obvious symbol of the region, serving as a gateway to rooms, cities, souks, and restaurants. Yet the archways throughout the world do not look alike. They have used local materials and have built upon previous cultural styles, but they do have similarities.

Likewise, palaces, forts, and castles reflect the personality of the architect. They are symbols of power and the dangers their leaders faced. While the empire became a vast trading network, the buildings that housed the caravan traders reflected their importance to the empire as well. The wealth and power of the empire was often directed into archways that are recognized for their beauty and innovation.

Across the globe there is evidence of the beauty created in the Middle Ages.

Architect Inoru Yamasaki, designer of the World Trade Center towers, was deeply influenced by Middle Eastern architecture. During his many visits to Saudi Arabia,Yamasaki studied structures in and around Mecca.

His resulting work at the towers was a visible pattern at the buildings' bases consisting of pointed arches similar to those inside buildings and on prayer rugs. Yamasaki went further, fronting the towers' plaza in homage to Mecca, replicating the city's courtyard.

It wasn't until 1979—nearly 20 years after the design of the towers was put into place—that Yamasaki revealed his admiration for Middle Eastern arches and included photos of all his important projects detailing a pattern of designs inspired by the region.

He wasn't the only fan of Middle Eastern architecture and archways. Another was Frank Lloyd Wright, America's most notable architect. After traveling to Baghdad for a project commissioned by Iraq's ruler, King Faisal II, he designed San Francisco's civic center in the late 1950s. Wright had a lifelong interest in this discipline of architecture and a deep admiration for Persian visuals, and he made no secret of this, incorporating it into many designs.

Pointed arches and elaborate domes can be seen in major buildings around the world, including the Taj Mahal in India, Palazzo Ducale in Venice, Italy, and New York's 2 Columbus Circle, which features a series of curved arches.

The popularity of worldwide arches furthers the notion of a multicultural world where thoughts, designs, and cuisines constantly mix and blend together, blurring the lines of cultural development. Our mutual influence is continuous, creating a never ceasing mixture that ebbs and flows.

Qatar

Israel

Tunisia

Iraq

Cyprus

Lebanon

Kuwait

MGS Chat: Haifa Wehbe

Up close and confidential with Haifa Wehbe

There’s Something about Haifa ...Her energetic stage presence is magnetic, attracting enormous audiences. Her performances at Kartaba and Rayfoun in Lebanon drew over 20,000 amorous fans, while over 200,000 came to see her sing at the Muscat Festival earlier this year.

The former Miss South Lebanon has millions of fans, from everyday folks to celebrity admirers. She is the original glamour symbol of the Middle East. She shows others that they should be original, yet they just keep copying her.

Haifa is an incredibly strong symbol of empowerment, especially for women. She’s alluring. She’s beautiful. She’s a magnet. People love her style, her music, the power of her personality and her honesty. Whether in Beirut, Paris or Los Angeles, people respond to her.

There is something attractive about a woman who successfully deals with the criticism in her life and somehow emerges more grateful than bitter. Haifa gives you a different piece of herself with every interview, appearance and performance. You can almost feel where she is in her life with each word. Not many artists can capture an audience the way she does.

She has traveled the spectrum of the entertainment industry, moving from beauty pageants to modeling and then singing. All the while, she’s kept us on the edge of our seats, anticipating her next captivating move. Get acquainted with Haifa, and you too will see that she is the sexiest woman in the world for more than just her looks… 

MEDIA GUY: Tell us about your singing career. Was this part of a master strategy or did it evolve in the natural course of your life?

HAIFA WEHBE: I love music. My friend Jean-Marie Riachi [composer and distributor] said to me, “Haifa, enrich yourself and embrace the idea.” At the beginning, he had to urge and encourage my singing career. He kept after me and finally convinced me. He came up with my first song “Aqoul Ahwak” (“I Say I Love You”), a mixture of Arabic melody and Spanish rhythms. This song was rahja (big), and this was the beginning.

MG: What was your experience with your reality television show “Al Wadi”?

HW: The experience on “Al Wadi” (The Valley”) was incredible. It meant entering a difficult living situation for the first time. I was scared of the idea at the start, but the challenge of living in the country was something I had to try. Living in difficult circumstances without all of the available things you are normally guaranteed is not easy. Other people go through this every day. We were occupied with taking care of the animals, baking and more. All of this was new to me and the others on the show. I made so many new friendships and new friends from different countries.

MG: You seem to move back and forth between small concert “party” venues and the larger stadium/festival arenas. Which do you prefer?

HW: I prefer big concerts, of course, because the audience is bigger, excitement is bigger and they participate with you while performing.

MG: Recently at Cannes you appeared with Omar Sharif. How did that come about?

HW: I like Omar Sharif and admire him as an actor, and when I was invited to Cannes to attend the festival with him, I was the happiest girl on earth and loved the idea. Besides, I loved the pictures taken of us on the red carpet.

MG: You have long said that the media persona that has developed around you isn’t the “real” Haifa. Who is the real Haifa?

HW: This developed because they don’t know Haifa as a person. They know me as a singer. The media says good things about me, but when I succeeded in my singing career, I realized that I had some enemies there. Everyone is free to think the way they want, and I can’t stop them. People, and especially my fans, know, and can differentiate between Haifa the singer and Haifa the person.

MG: Tell me about your children's charities and how you came to be a part of them?

HW: I don’t only help children. I help every person who is in need, and I’m here whenever they need me. Why not if you can afford it?

MG: Considering how hard you have worked to be proactive in the community, why do rumors seem to follow you?

HW: I don’t care about rumors, because I’m much stronger now and I don’t have much time. Besides, people who are criticizing me are people who are against my success, and I don’t have to give them any importance or even answer them.

MG: What do you do to eliminate that negative publicity?

HW: I don’t do anything at all. I answer them indirectly by showing them my good work and success.

MG: Apart from the music, you recently launched your own jewelry line. How did it come about?

HW: This was a dream of mine for a long time. I went to Switzerland and learned how to draw and design with my friend Pascal Mouawad. He is one of the top jewelry stylists and designers in the world. I tested the tastes of the public and came up with the designs. Placing the “H” on the product was something everyone liked.

MG: You seem to be everywhere. How do you keep your schedule so full without tiring out?

HW: There are people who help me and work with me all the time, and we try as much as we can to rest during our spare time in order to stay in good shape and save some energy.

MG: Are you working on any new  endorsement contracts? What is your involvement there?

HW: I receive many contracts from very well known companies, but recently I’ve signed a contract with a huge company in order to represent one of its products. But I can’t talk about it right now.

MG: Which entertainer would you like to work with?

HW: Beyonce.

MG: If you could work with any singer or performer from any era, who would it be?

HW: I’d love to work or perform with Madonna, Ricky Martin and Puff Daddy.

MG: Do you have any plans or desires to attempt a crossover career into the mainstream American music scene?

HW: I’d love to, but I’m waiting for the right time and opportunity.

MG: Why do men adore you so much?

HW: Because I’m cute.

MG: Has it ever gotten you into any trouble?

HW: Yes, many times.

MG: Have your charm and style ever been an obstacle in your career?

HW: On the contrary, they were my passport to overcoming the doubts expressed by others. The beauty on the inside is what matters most, because the outside alone is not enough. You have to work hard to get what you want. Your intelligence and perseverance of important matters is what should drive you.

MG: What do you do in your spare time, if you have any?

HW: I try to sleep as much as I can. I read and watch DVDs or comedy channels. I also exercise and visit some close friends.

MG: Travel from the U.S. to Lebanon has been on the upswing. What would you tell first time visitors to Lebanon?

HW: I’d tell them that they are visiting the most beautiful country in the world. They should come and enjoy their time because it’s the right place to be.

MG: How do you want to be remembered in your career?

HW: I want to be remembered as “Haifa,” the symbol of beauty, joy and good music.

MGS Chat: Casey Kasem

Casey Kasem’s friendly, ‘crackling’ voice style has taken him to the top of his profession. The man, who once dreamed of being a baseball player but ended up as a radio sports announcer in high school, has since become an honored inductee to five halls of fame.

Millions of fans from across the globe find the name Casey Kasem synonymous with musical countdowns. Casey set the standard for all countdown shows with his legendary weekly program American Top 40. Now celebrating his 35th year doing countdowns, Casey continues his unique style as host of several top radio shows.

Throughout his career, Casey has also worked as a character actor in films and TV shows, was the voice of NBC for five years, as well as countless voice-over commercials and Saturday morning cartoon shows, and in particular the character Shaggy on Scooby-Doo.

Born in Detroit to Lebanese parents, Casey has employed the ethics given to him as a child to become involved in many social and humanitarian causes, from vegetarianism and anti-smoking campaigns to anti-discrimination projects and more. Days after an exclusive photo shoot where father and daughter interacted in their first professional photo shoot, we spent a few moments to catch up with the entertainment icon.

MEDIA GUY: Metaphorically, is there a bridge that the community needs to cross to make it in the United States?

CASEY KASEM: The United States is a special country. People who have talent and are educated will find it easier to succeed. There was never a negative to being an Arab American. It may be more difficult with those speaking with an accent. I never encountered prejudice in school or my career.

MG: What ideals or aspects of the Middle Eastern culture and heritage carried through to your lifestyle? Ultimately, which of these have been carried on by Kerri?

CK: Hospitality. My mother was a wonderful cook having people over to the house and entertaining all the time. Kerri loves to entertain and it is always around food. We both love Lebanese food and frequent a restaurant called Carnival here in Los Angeles.

MG: What are the principles that you passed to Kerri?

CK: I would say hard work and discipline. This business can be very tough and it is up to an individual to carve his or her own path. Kerri certainly has worked very hard from the ground up, she’s a self-starter. She started as a radio station intern and is now a successful radio and TV personality – her career was certainly not handed to her. She’s learned the secret to success. The secret to success is ten two letter words: if it is to be, it is up to me.

 
MG: What key piece of advice given to you as you started your own career.
 
CK: When I first achieved success and was moving up, I started to gain a little attitude. My boss at the time told me, “You are going to make it. But, you can make the hard way or the easy way. Make it the easy way: Be a nice person.” Since then I am reminded of his advice daily.

MG: What is one thing you wish you would have done growing up?

CK: My family spoke Arabic and English. I regret not learning Arabic.

MG: Why did you feel such a need to be so active with charities?

 
CK: I feel I should give back because I’ve been so lucky. If one is looking for inspiration, you need not look further than Danny Thomas. He was also Lebanese and did amazing things with St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. Starting in 1981, I was asked by the Muscular Dystrophy Association to co-host Jerry Lewis’ Labor Day Telethon and have been doing that ever since. I am very proud of my work with the ADC that carries the mission of anti-discrimination for our community. AAI, the Arab American Institute, continues to update and publish a speech I gave about ten years ago that highlights contributions Arab Americans have made to society. The brochure is called Arab Americans: Making a Difference.

Originally published in ALO magazine.

MGS Chat: Kerri Kasem

HOOKED ON LIFE

She reflects the amazing qualities of women today: intelligence, talentde, confident, hard-working and beautiful. Kerri Kasem fits the bill. Here the rising entertainment personality opens up about her dreams, life missions, career and her iconic father Casey.

You’ve seen her on E! Entertainment Television’s COMING ATTRACTIONS and post award show coverage and on the ULTIMATE FIGHTING CHAMPION doing pre- and post-fight interviews on pay per view. You can even hear her over the airwaves on Racing Rocks with Riki Rachtman, National Lampoon’s Comedy Countdown or talking about relationship and social issues on her Los Angeles radio show.

This charismatic beauty is already known to MTV fans around the world for her high spirits and flair for the dramatic.

Away from the spotlight, she has managed to keep a welcoming demeanor; someone you want to hang out with and share laughs and coffee. She loves motorcycles, camping and horses. She loves to help both people – through her work with St. Jude’s Children Hospital – and animals – through her passionate support of PETA.

So how does she balance fame, success and the need to blend in with the world while still making an impact?

MEDIA GUY: Your father mentioned that you ‘have what it takes’ to make it in the entertainment industry…where did that come from?

KERRI KASEM: It’s in my blood, it really is. When I was a kid, I was always putting on shows. I would write the parts, assign them to my sister and brothers and charge the neighborhood kids a quarter.

MG: You have a more adventurous side and your father is conservative. How do you account for his feelings and the need for you to be less flamboyant?

KK: Balance is the key and sometimes it is tough. There are certain lines I won’t cross and I am careful to respect his perspective as well. As a grown woman, I have the freedom to do what I want as long as it is not degrading or disrespectful to me. This is the line I won’t cross.

MG: Speaking of crossing lines, what life messages did your parents transmit and instill to you growing up?

KK: I had different types of relationships with my parents. My mom was very supportive of my dreams and desires. She was fun and creative. She introduced me to horseback riding and it is still a passion for me today. You could say she spoiled me, but she also knew to teach me right and wrong. My dad gave me the morals, ethics and values I carry today. He was the overriding disciplinarian and always demanded a strong work ethic in everything we did.

MG: Did your parents teach you about your Middle Eastern heritage?

KK: We were very proud to be Arab Americans. We were raised to know exactly who we are and where we came from. Our homes were very spiritual and I carry this very close to my heart.

MG: What were some of the heritage aspects that you carry today?

KK: It is definitely hospitality. I love to have dinner parties and entertain. I love to feed everyone and pay for everything. When I went back to Lebanon in my early twenties, everyone wants to feed you. I felt very comfortable since this is how I am. Also I remember spending a lot of time with family. We would always be up playing cards and board games. This was very special.

MG: How were the Lebanon experiences?

KK: I loved the people and the culture and the food. The nightlife is great there too. Here in LA, I avoid the clubs and that scene when possible. But there it was so different and so much fun.

MG: You are known as a hard worker. Where did that come from?

KK: This is something we learned from my dad. We learned by his actions. He was extremely supportive but I had to earn it. He always said “go get a job or go to school and I’ll help you.” This stuck with me not only because of what I was taught, but also because I had a lot of friends who were given everything. They didn’t have to do anything for it and they have little self esteem as a result.

MG: What was the turning point of your career?

KK: I was acting before 1997 and then I did an audition for MTV Asia and I got it! After that I never wanted to act again. I loved being myself! I loved MTV Asia. We traveled everywhere and met so many people it was wonderful. But now I love my radio show. I am so proud of it because it was the first thing I pitched and sold. I can be opinionated and say what I want. I love being able to reach out to the people – my listeners – and give them a forum to speak their minds.

MG: How do you escape life’s pressures?

KK: I am a worrier by nature and when I can get out and ride my motorcycle, I don’t think about anything else in the world. I just purchased a Harley Davidson Dyna Low Rider and the feeling of freedom…it’s a rush.

MG: What is your personal mission?

KK: I want to help. My work with St. Jude’s and PETA allow me to reach out at so many levels. My radio show gives people an opportunity to speak out on issues that are not covered all of the time. I want to show people that how we live [in the United States] is so different from the rest of the world. We are so privileged here and I want everyone to understand this. We are still blessed to be in America and we should never take anything for granted.

 

Originally published as the cover feature for ALO magazine.

Motherf***er!

Motherf***er!

This is one of the seven banned words that scream through my head as Arrogant Bob from accounting strolled in with a per diem denial for my next seminar roadie. As I try to balance my chi, the overactive mind begins to ramble.

Why do I always have to play banker? Why does Bob have to be so freaking smug? Why does his left ear freak me out? I can’t get over that warped sense of self-worth. I keep staring at him. I wonder what the hell happened to him in college. Why is everyone silent? One quick snipe will wipe that self-satisfied glare he struts around with off his face. Why doesn’t he just pat me on the back and show a bit of empathy? Bring me a Starbucks? Or maybe just a simple interoffice memo.

Back to point. What’s wrong with a $200 stipend to get me through the week? A little greasing of the palms is hard to expense after all. Geez, this is where I am supposed to embrace stress, learning to actively surround it with balancing and compensating activities. Isn’t that the company line?

Balancing and compensating activities? Wouldn’t it be simpler just to drag Bob out back by his ear and wipe that smug look off? How about torching the smugness with a flamethrower? The very existence of flamethrowers establishes that somewhere, sometime, someone said to themselves, “You know, I want to torch that guy’s look off, but I’m just not close enough to get the job completed.”

Maybe the guys are right? A slimmer, sleeker, sexier self would put me at ease…balance the negative with positives. I need an outlet. The new sleek Media Guy would be a super hero right?

Super hero. Incredible! But what would I name myself? Super Media Guy? And if I did, would I need to create a secret identity? Can someone tell me why in the hell do super heroes need secret identities?

I’m told that a solid secret identity protects the super hero’s loved ones. Because, goodness gracious sakes alive, if Lex Luther even suspected that Lois Lane is actually married to Superman, then she’d be in a boatload of trouble. What am I talking about? Lois Lane is forever in danger in every Superman tale. Why does the super hero even bother with a significant other? She’s always being kidnapped or dangled as bait in exchange for some missing launch code or something.

The Media Guy shouldn’t need a silly secret identity.

Yet I digress.

Time to arrange my mind, get into the gym, stop thinking about Bob’s social deficiencies and focus on the slimmer, sleeker Media Guy.