Beirut's very first Social Media Awards

English

The beautiful nerds of Lebanon have done it again! After the greatest GeekFest Beirut's ever witnessed (Ok, fine, it was the only one I attended, but still it was pretty awesome) some of the most creative and witty young talents of our webnation have gathered to bring us yet another outstanding event: The Social Media Awards.

We, the online community, proposed nominees in specific categories which were then shortlisted and you can now review them all on the SMA website to vote for your favorites. Now beware, you can only vote once in each category so choose wisely.

Here are some rules that you should take into consideration: 

1. Voting will start on April 1, 2013 and end on April 25, 2013.

2. Your votes will represent 50% of the final results, while the judges re-voting will represent the other 50%.

3. You can log-in only through Facebook and Twitter to submit votes.

4. You can only vote once for each category.

5. You cannot change your votes once you submit them so be careful when you are voting.

6. To navigate to other categories, use the progress bar (white dots) at the bottom of the page.

7. If you vote for all 32 categories, you will have a chance to win 2 tickets to the final award ceremony at Phoenicia Hotel on April 29. Once you vote for all categories, you will be prompted to enter your email address for the draw.

8. You can only vote from a personal account. Votes from accounts that do not represent a person (on Facebook or Twitter) will not be counted.

9. Votes from duplicate accounts (Facebook and Twitter of the same person) will not be counted.

10. Votes from fake accounts and accounts newer than March 30, 2013 will not be counted.

11. The Social Media Awards is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and accounts and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sect, location, age, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression, disability, employment, or any other form of segregation.

12. The Social Media Awards reserves the right to disqualify nominees or users in the case of cheating, dishonest behavior, copyright infringement, trademark violations, promotion of illegal activities, abusive behavior, or promoting explicit content (such as pornography, drugs, or violence).

13. If any of the finalists is found to be cheating or spamming, that finalist will be disqualified from the competition without warning and all detect cheating voters will not be counted.

Source: The Social Media Awards

So who are your judges?

Nemr Abou Nassar (Stand up comedian)

Fida Chaaban Chaaban (Editor in chief of RAGMAG magazine)

Omar Christidis Christidis (Founder and CEO of ArabNet)

Tom Fletcher ( Her Majesty's Ambassador to the Lebanese Republic)

Mohammad Hijazi (Online Collaborative)

Ziad Kamel (Founder/CEO of The Alleyway Group)

Leila Khauli Hanna (Professor at the American University of Beirut)

Octavia Nasr (Journalist)

Shada Omar (Journalist)

Darine Sabbagh (Online Collaborative)

Nicholas Sehnaoui (Minister of Telecommunications in Lebanon)

Maya Zankoul (Author and visual artist)

Source: The Social Media Awards

Many of the nominees in my humble opinion, deserve the recognition and I am proud to see Lebanon giving Social Media the attention it deserves. So much work is being done by our online Lebanese community and most of the times, without any media coverage or visibility.

That is why this first edition of The Social Media Awards is so important. It is the beginning of, I hope, a long lasting tradition that will not only allow important members of the online community and their work to gain recognition with the wider public but it will also encourage current and new Social Media actors to come to light and know their efforts are actually appreciated.

This year, it appears some people were bashing (as haters always do) and to be honest, I too was hoping to see other candidates make the list of nominees and as much as I do not have to be in agreement with all the choices that were shortlisted (in my humble opinion, again) one thing is for certain, this is a first step. An excellent one even. And I am confident each SMA edition will be a learning experience to the online community as much as to the organizers, and will raise the bar for the Awards to come. So let us start, shall we? And by doing so, let us get involved and make sure upcoming events will continue to develop and grow.

I am still in the process of casting my votes. It turns out it requires more attention that I expected and since with (clicking)power comes great responsibility, I would like to make sure my voice truly represents me.

So far, I have focused on the categories close to my heart: NGOs.

Two of my favorites are actually competing and not only do I admire the work that these organizations have been doing, I have nothing but absolute respect for the ladies behind them. I am in awe of what they have already achieved and I can only see greater accomplishments in their future.

Source

The first one is One Wig Stand. They need no introduction if you follow this blog: Bras For A Cause Middle East and Make The Cut: Hair Donation Campaign are two of the many initiatives this NGO has successfully managed to run both locally and on the regional scene offering women battling cancer with support, hope and most importantly empowering them to go beyond taboos and to shine as human beings, fighters and women. Inner beauty and inner strength will grow even stronger when you allow them to glow on the outside as well, and this is what these initiatives are about. Be as fabulous as your spirit, ladies!

My second vote went to The Nawaya Network, a well-deserving organization that has been tirelessly touring the globe to gain means (financial or otherwise) in order to empower our underprivileged youth by granting them access to resources they could not have dreamed of acquiring on their own thus helping them turn their talents and hopes into realities and consequently become assets to our nation. This is the kind of education we need for our children: non-politicized, unbiased, secular support for a united young Lebanon built by intelligent, successful young talents.

Source

It is just my own personal view but I believe many other organizations I love could have been shortlisted too and benefited from the media exposure, such as SANAD, Cupcake Box, Lebanese Laïque Pride, Ibtissama, Skoun, Nasawiya, and the brilliant Take Back Parliament campaign.

But I guess at the end of the day, it is not realistic nor reasonable to shortlist everyone at this stage of the competition, and ultimately, only one will win anyway although I honestly believe all the current nominees deserving of an award. Yet this is not L'École Des Fans, and as much as I would love to hear 'tout le monde a gagné' (everyone is a winner) we all know this is not possible.

Hey, a modest mention on this even modester blog cannot hurt, right?
So there, it is done ;)

Now it is your turn to give your favorite nominees a voice or rather a click... So who will you support?


Bookmarks

• The Social Media Awards official website
• Like The Social Media Awards on Facebook
• Follow The Social Media Awards on Twitter
• Join The Social Media Awards on LinkedIn

 

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Jewelry For A Smile

English

Ibtissama is one of my favorite organizations in Lebanon. And with good reason: their mission is to brighten the days of children stuck in hospital beds, what could be kinder than this? If you want to learn more about what they do, swing by the interview that first introduced me to their Clown Doctors ;)

Now Ibtissama is going to make you or someone you love smile too. They just launched a Jewelry line in collaboration with MAC DESIGN:

Jewelry for a cause: the Launch of the Ibtissama collection by Mac Design  

Ibtissama’s mission is to bring a much-needed smile to the faces of hospitalized children in Lebanon. Ibtissama’s Clowns Doctors were able to reach and make 13,130 bed visits to hospitalized children; most of them suffer from cancer and other chronic illnesses. The four hospitals that Ibtissama project currently covers are Rafic Hariri University Hospital, the American University of Beirut Medical Center including St. Jude affiliated Children Cancer Center of Lebanon (CCCL), Hotel-Dieu de France and Makassed General Hospital. Ibtissama hopes to widen the reach to other hospitals with the increased support of the Lebanese Society. As part of sustaining its activities in Lebanon for its fourth year running, Mac Design partnered up with Ibtissama to create the full range Ibtissama jewelry collection. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Ibtissama's mission. The collection can be found at all Mac Design branches. 

For further information you can call the project coordinator Ms. Sara Kabbani, Smile Foundation, 01-801264, Mobile: 03-915806, email: sara.kabbani@ibtissama.org

The designs are very cool and they would make for perfect gifts this Christmas or on any other occasion:

Necklace and bracelet are at 30 US Dollars only and ring and earrings at 45 US Dollars only. It is worthwhile noting 100% of proceeds are donated to Ibtissama.

So why don't you rush to the nearest Mac Design store now (ABC Ashrafieh, ABC Dbayeh and Saifi Mar Maroun Street) or get in touch with Ibtissama for more information:

• Address: 135 Sakiat Al-Janzeer Street, Jade Bldg., Ground Floor, Ain El-Tineh, Beirut 2039-4505, Lebanon 
• Phone: +961-1-801264 EXT: 115 
• Fax: +961-1-790879 
• Email  
• Website 
• Facebook  
• YouTube  
• Twitter

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Baby keep smiling ... :)

English

Life laughs at you when you are unhappy
Life smiles at you when you are happy
But, Life salutes you when you make others happy
Charlie Chaplin

Charles was a wise man. Indeed, there is nothing more honorable than the selfless act of bringing joy into someone else's life. Especially if that life is shattered with pain. And even more so, if that pain is dwelling heavily in the heart of a child.

So I cannot be prouder with the organization I am about to introduce. And I have Cupcake Box to thank for that. The amazing and ever so generous Randa is doing the awesomest job in identifying honest and worthy charities each month  and inviting us all to support them by indulging in the sweetest of sweets.

Therefore, by ordering cupcakes throughout the month of May, you will effectively be supporting Ibtissama, Smile Foundation a wonderful organization with the noblest of missions: "Bring smiles, fun and laughter to hospitalized children, especially those with chronic illnesses, through visits held by specialized 'Clown Doctors'" explains Sara Kabbani, Ibtissama's project coordinator at the Smile Foundation.

The young AUB alumna with a Bachelor degree in Nutrition and Dietetics goes on to reveal that "in Lebanon, there are many NGOs and institutions that help cover the cost of treatment for cancer children, which is highly appreciated and praised. But Cancer doesn’t just affect the body; it also takes its toll on the psyche of the child, his parents, and his siblings. And it has been proven that the patient's mood, psychology does affect his body's response to the treatment. In many scholarly articles humor and laughter have proven to be very potent “medicines”. They have shown to produce positive effects on pain relief, cardiovascular wellbeing, stress relief, immune system boosting, and respiratory health. Similarly, psychosocial care which includes hospital clowning was found to be a protective factor against developmental delays, emotional withdrawal and behavioral regression. Ibtissama is the only NGO in Lebanon and the MENA region that works on that aspect of a sick child's treatment."

So we decided to have a chat with Sara and learn more about the organization she so passionately champions.

Sara Kabbani
Photo courtesy of: Sara Kabbani

How does a Nutrition and Dietetics graduate end up in the "smile business"?

I stumbled onto NGO work by chance and I fell in love with it, I was coordinating Ibtissama's activities back when it was still a small program in Ajialouna Association. As of January 2012, Smile Foundation became the sole manager of Ibtissama. Needless to say that I was over the moon when I was asked to join their team. My role as project coordinator is as versatile as it gets, from being responsible of all the day-to-day operations of the foundation to coordinating Ibtissama Team weekly hospital visits, training, payment, media relations, fundraising events, budget and sponsorship issues. And  social media, yes, I am the one flooding your timeline with constant Facebook and Twitter updates! (winks)



How is your work perceived by your entourage?

My friends and family are very supportive of my work, thanks guys! (smiles)

How does the Smile Foundation work?

A stay in hospital can be a daunting time for children; away from home and the people they love. Imagine their delight when 'Clown Doctors' transform the room into a magical space. 'Clown Doctors' can be very instrumental in uplifting a child’s mental state. They provide a distraction from the daily hospital routine. The effects can truly be emotional even magical at times: the interaction with the 'Clown Doctors' whether silently or interactively can result in breaking a child’s long silence to bringing fun and laughter back to the child. Without of course accounting for the positive impact it can have at times on the parents. We have 11 Clown Doctors conducting 120 weekly hospital bed-side visits to 120 sick children in 4 hospitals in Lebanon. Behind the success of Ibtissama hospital visits lies true commitment of its founding team, Smile Foundation administration, board members and staff, Théodora Foundation administration, the 'Clown Doctors', hospital staff and administration, trainers and sponsors. Ibtissama's idea, training and work protocols are modeled on those of the successful Theodora in Switzerland, operating in more than 10 countries across Europe.

Photo Credit: Ibtissama

How do you support your operations?  


Ibtissama sustains its activities with the support of generous donors, corporations, organizing fundraising events and so forth. We welcome every one to donate: there are no small donations as every dollar adds up and helps us make our work possible.


How did the Smile Foundation come to life? Who was behind the idea and why did they feel the need to create such concept? 

Mr. Ali Mouhanna, president of Smile Foundation, met Mr. André Poulie, president of Théodora Foundation at a P and G alumni reunion. The latter was hospitalized as a child. Being sick and not having his toys, friends or entertainment, he felt emotionally down and depressed. Théodora, his mother, soon found ways to uplift him by dressing up into different characters and sneaking into the hospital. Her overwhelming cheerfulness gave him so much strength and put some life back into him. In her memory, André and his brother created, in 1993, the Théodora Foundation in Switzerland whose aim is to bring smiles, fun and laughter to hospitalized children by having specially trained 'Clown Doctors' visit them in hospital rooms. In 2009, Mr. and Mrs. Mouhanna adopted the idea for Lebanon and launched Ibtissama in partnership with Ajialouna Association. As of 2012, Smile Foundation became an independent non-governmental entity managing the Ibtissama project.



What are the hospitals that collaborate with you? 

Since 2009, 'Clown Doctors' have been part of the hospital routine of the Rafic Hariri University Hospital, and the American University of Beirut Medical Center, including Children Cancer Center of Lebanon (St. Jude). In 2010, the project expanded to Makassed General Hospital as well as Hôtel Dieu de France. 'Clown Doctors' visit Makassed General Hospital on Mondays, Hariri University Hospital on Tuesdays, Hôtel Dieu de France on Wednesdays and the American University of Beirut Medical Center, including Children Cancer Center of Lebanon (St. Jude) on Thursdays.




Do you have any plans to expand to other hospitals in the country, and eventually beyond the Lebanese borders?

With time, Ibtissama aims at expanding its coverage to reach additional hospitals all over Lebanon and expanding to cover other countries in the MENA region. This all depends on whether we are able to fund this expansion, which again relies on individual and corporate donations.

Photo Credit: Ibtissama

How can hospitals or healthcare professional request your services? 

One of the conditions for us working in a hospital is it having a pediatric oncology ward. We expect there being adequate space for the 'Clown Doctors' to get ready and the cooperation of the nurses that need to provide data regarding patients (name, age, disease). 




How was the Smile Foundation welcomed by healthcare professionals and organizations? 


The fact that we are working based on the very successful Théodora Foundation model is a relief to hospitals as they are very careful with letting anybody in, especially around oncology patients who usually have low immunity. Our work protocols and professionalism are key factors to our success. Hospital administration, doctors, nurses, parents and patients love our 'Clown Doctors' and they always ask us to come more frequently. Their appreciation and love is what gets us going as it reflects the importance of the work our 'Clown Doctors' do. 



What about parents and patients, what are their reactions when they meet you? 


Once the 'Clown Doctors' arrive at a hospital ward, if parents happen to be in the hallway, you see the big smile on their faces and they quickly enter the room of their child to inform them that the 'Clown Doctors' have arrived. Sometimes, if the kids are able to walk, you can see them gathering in front of their room's door looking for the 'Clown Doctors' and patients wait eagerly for them to come. Sometimes, even after the visit to a patient's room, the same patient follows the 'Clown Doctors' to another room. These 5 to 15 minutes spent in each room are magical indeed. 




How are visits to the hospitals scheduled and based on what criteria? 


Upon agreement with the hospital administration, we set a mutually convenient day of the week for our 'Clown Doctors' to visit the pediatric and oncology pediatric wards of the hospital. We take into account meal times and Doctors' round time. 




What is a typical hospital visit? How do you prepare for it and what activities do you do at the hospital?  


A typical Ibtissama day starts the day before! During the preparation phase, 'Clown Doctors' prepare all their equipment and paraphernalia the day before their hospital visit. Most importantly, they have their gowns cleaned and disinfected. Because 'Clown Doctors' perform visits to different hospitals on different days, they have a pre-set schedule that points out the exact date and location of each visit. The schedule is also shared with each hospital administration. 'Clown Doctors' wear their usual street clothes on their way to the assigned hospital. 'Clown Doctors' costumes, gowns and shoes are only used for 'Clown Doctors' work. Sanitization of the whole 'Clown Doctors' attire is essentially performed before each and every visit. Hospital staff look forward to the 'Clown Doctors' scheduled visits. 

Photo Credit: Ibtissama

Upon arrival, 'Clown Doctors' start their work at the pediatric oncology care unit, based on their infection control protocol. They salute the nursing and medical team, and then they use a clean changing room to get dressed and to prepare their guise. Their costumes have only few basic colors to minimize stimulation. Minimal makeup is used, if any at all. The famous Red Nose is fixed in place and the 'Clown Doctors' are ready to charm the children. Inside a child’s room is where all the magic happens! Just before the 'Clown Doctor' begins the visits to children’s rooms, a short meeting is held with the nursing staff, to learn all children’s names, cases and special considerations. The 'Clown Doctor' then plans the order of room visits based on each child’s medical and psychological state. The 'Clown Doctor' would then head to the first room, where he or she asks the child for permission to enter the room. If the child allows, the 'Clown Doctor' makes an entrance that captivates the child’s attention and raises his interest. The 'Clown Doctor' uses body movements, suggestion games, role play, music, colors, juggling, soap bubbles and many other techniques intended to make children and their families fascinated and cheerful. Having opened a window for the change of mood, the 'Clown Doctor' salutes the child and the family, and leaves to another room. Sometimes, before leaving, the 'Clown Doctor' offers a special symbolic gift as a souvenir for the child. 




How do you decide which patients to visit?


'Clown Doctors' visit all children rooms in the hospital; regardless of age, gender, social, or economic background. The only requirement is the child’s and/or the family’s permission. 




Can parents and families of patients also contact you to request a visit? 


We cannot do a one off visit to a hospital we do not cover as there are many parameters to take into account.



Who are the 'Clown Doctors'? How do you recruit them? Do they have any trainings whatsoever in drama or otherwise? 


'Clown Doctors' are not just any clowns, they are individuals with the ability to improvise; most of them have a background in theatre and music. The training of Ibtissama 'Clown Doctors' takes up to a year and is divided into three areas of study: practical training, theoretical training and psychological training. 


After a rigorous recruitment phase, done in collaboration with Mr. Rodrigo Morganti - Dr. Strettoscopio, the lead trainer for Théodora Italy and an international trainer with the Théodora group of foundations, the selected candidates undergo the year long training before being able to work in the hospitals. 


The practical training includes the overall expressive, technical and artistic education required to become a 'Clown Doctor' provided by Mr. Morganti. Practical training takes place both onsite, at hospitals and offsite, outside of hospital premises. Onsite training starts with observation: candidates actively observe their fellow 'Clown Doctors' which allows novice and junior 'Clown Doctors' to gain knowledge by critically observing their colleagues. Onsite training gradually incorporates active performance by 'Clown Doctors' under the supervision and appraisal of an authorized trainer. Offsite training takes place in a calm space away from the hospital, where the coach guides 'Clown Doctors' in practicing technical skills, proposals and artistic talent. During these sessions the floor is open for exchange of ideas, sharing experiences, self critique and raising suggestions.

Photo Credit: Ibtissama

The theoretical training includes a custom-made educational course provided by professors and instructors from the Hariri School of Nursing at the American University of Beirut. This training course introduces candidates to the therapeutic environment of hospitals in addition to a general overview of children’s common illnesses that 'Clown Doctors' are likely to meet in any pediatric ward. The training essentially includes extensive exercise on both standard and case-specific precautions for infection control, on top of which is safe hand hygiene practice, and safety measures for the children with low immunity. 


The psychological training of Ibtissama 'Clown Doctors' is provided by renowned psychotherapist, Dr. Marwan Gharzedin. This type of training aims at familiarizing the 'Clown Doctors' with the psychological development stages of humans in general and children in specific. It also includes an extensive education about the psychology of hospitalization, and how sick children and their families experience illness and hospital stay. Psychological training also gives 'Clown Doctors' the opportunity for insight and reflection. 


As part of our continuous learning program, Ibtissama 'Clown Doctors' attend 2 to 3 workshops annually with Mr. Morganti to further develop their skills, and monthly psychological counseling and sharing of hospital work experiences with Dr. Gharzedin. 




Do you welcome volunteers?

Yes, we welcome volunteers, but obviously not as 'Clown Doctors'. They can help us in raising awareness, fundraising whether directly or through organizing fundraising activities, networking, etc. Whatever you do, we can always find a way for you to volunteer with us. Just get in contact with us! 




So you have full-time employees dedicated to visit hospitals, do you recruit new talents? 

Yes, our 11 Clown Doctors. And we do recruit new talents when there is a need. We currently are not recruiting. But usually we advertise in newspapers, word of mouth, theaters, and there is an application form on our website.


What kind of activities do you usually undertake to raise awareness and funds for the organization? 

We participate in university NGO fairs, we hold Red Nose Days at schools whereby our 'Clown Doctors' introduce Ibtissama's work and red noses are sold to students. This year we will throw our first Gala Dinner, and we plan other fundraising activities continuously.


How did you meet Cupcake Box?

I was introduced to Randa Kabrit, founder of Cupcake Box through a common friend; thank you Nibal! 

I saw Cupcake Box's Facebook page and I was instantly hooked. Randa is an amazing person; her enthusiasm and positive energy are beyond great. Her concept is a great one as it combines her love of helping others with that of baking. I encourage everyone to do that, find something you are really good at, whether it is designing clothes or jewelry, cooking, painting and give us a call. We would love to collaborate with you. 

Ibtissama and Cupcake Box Bake Sale at AUB
Photo Credit: Ibtissama

How are you and Cupcake Box collaborating and how can people support you? 

Ibtissama is Cupcake Box's Charity-Of-The-Month. That means that profits from the sale of all cupcakes during the month of May will be donated to Ibtissama. How great is that? We held a bake sale with Cupcake Box at AUB a week ago, and it was a huge success. You can support us by eating cupcakes! No need to thank us! (laughs) So whether you are celebrating a birthday, a baby shower, an engagement, throwing a bachelorette party, having friends over or simply craving a sweet treat, get in contact with Cupcake Box, place your order from their wide range of delicious cupcakes, muffins and cookies. It is as simple as that!

The above statement is fully endorsed by this blog! ;)

You heard the girl! You know what to do!






Useful Information and Bookmarks: 

You can support Ibtissama’s project by contributing to:
Smile Foundation 
Bank Audi, Beirut, Lebanon
IBAN: LB35 0056 0000 4997 2461 0020 2101

You can also: 
Sponsor a number of visits, a hospital, a 'Clown Doctor'
Make a donation in memory of a loved one
Why not organize a fundraising event with you friends, family or community etc.

Volunteer, collaborate, raise awareness about this worthy cause; the sky is the limit! Just get in contact with Ibtissama: 

• Address: 135 Sakiat Al-Janzeer Street, Jade Bldg., Ground Floor, Ain El-Tineh, Beirut 2039-4505, Lebanon 
• Phone: +961-1-801264 EXT: 115 
• Fax: +961-1-790879 
• Email  
• Website 
• Facebook  
• YouTube  
• Twitter

You can also visit Ajialouna and Théodora Foundation online.

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If great minds think alike,

English

Great hearts do alike.

I love it when good people, people I love, join forces to do something really powerful. Something not just for them. Something that has the potential of improving so many other lives. 

As I had posted earlier this week, my sister who works in Cancer research, will be running the Course des Héros in Paris, this coming June. 

My Super N

She sent out a call to all her friends and acquaintances to give her a hand in collecting the 300 Euros she needed to raise to be eligible to run in the race alongside her colleagues from the Association pour la Recherche sur le Cancer - ARC. She got them in less than a week! Which was wonderful news. And which meant the people around us are really kind and generous and give us the power to do even more. 

So my super-sister pushed the challenge further and committed to get even more donations. Let's hope she makes it. And she will if you would support her any way you can and help us spread the word!

A note to readers who live in France: your donations are tax-deductible.

Useful links and info:

• Course des Héros official site
• Super N donation page
• Course des Héros on Facebook
• Association pour la Recherche sur le Cancer - ARC on Facebook

We are very grateful to all the generous supporters, including our one and only Cupcake Box! If you have not heard of this wonderful initiative, make sure you take a look over here ;) 

Super N Donations Page

And while we are on the topic... We were so glad to find out Cupcake Box had partnered with The Nawaya Network this month and we are as excited about next month's partner: One Wig Stand :) Did I say how much I love it when good people, people I love, join forces to do something really powerful? ;)

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Sorry seems to be the hardest word…

English

Apologies my dear, faithful reader, I know you feel left out; and rightfully so. Yet, my disappearance has nothing to do with you. I hate to use clichés here, but truly: it is not you, it is me. Involuntarily, no doubt. Still, I take the blame. 

The truth of the matter is, I am incarcerated in Mommyland. It breaks my heart you have been losing sleep over my absence however some things cannot be helped. Perpetuity is indeed a long time, but thank God I do get a day out every once in a while, on probation of course. So here I am, at your service, for an hour or so. 

I could give you a double bill of rantings: one on Mia and one on Jad. I could talk bottles, milk, diapers and colics. Paracetamol, antibiotics, syrup and suppositories. I could throw in some sleep depravation somewhere. But I refuse to use this time nagging. 

What I will do instead is volunteer a few hints of what you can while you wait for my next day out ;)

Beirut's cultural scene is buzzing these days, so here's how you can enjoy interesting art events and why not, even do your share of good deeds. 

The line up compiled for your eyes only has something to please everyone: fine arts, performing arts, film screenings and even a little activism because well, there are some things worth nagging for over, and over, and over. 

So, currently running at the UNESCO Palace until April 15, an exhibition coming all the way from Switzerland by Lebanon-born painter Sayed Yammine.

Sayed Yammine UNESCO Expo (invitation)

All the details are available on Facebook, and for those who would like to get to know the artist a little more, here is an interview where he introduces his latest work and the subjects of his Beirut Exhibition:

Moving on to movie lovers now, with the screening of "Meet Me Halfway", the documentary produced by The Nawaya Network. Learn more about this awesome NGO and the people behind it on April 17 at the AUB. All the event details are available on Facebook.

And cherry on top: Cupcake Box will also be there, supporting this event! Yum!

May is also looking good so mark your calendars because on the 6th Maz Jobrani is returning to Beirut, with a cause! Tickets are on sale at Virgin Megastore and all proceeds will go to SANAD, a wonderful organization that provides care for terminally ill patients and their families in Lebanon.

Photo Credit: Maz Jobrani

And last but definitely not least, and also on May 6, The Lebanese Laïque Pride will take Beirut's streets by storm for the third consecutive year. Be there! The protest details are all available on Facebook.

Photo Credit: Lebanese Laique Pride

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Box of Goodness with Frosting on Top!

English

Hello, my name is Rouba and I am a social media addict. 

Yes, those who know me (and especially those who live with me) must also endure the consequences of my disease, and I have to admit it is not always easy. But just when I am about to ditch everything and check myself into virtual rehab, I come across something interesting or challenging or amazing or all of the above and I return to my initial gut feeling: social media rock. 

It happened to me recently when Facebook introduced me to Cupcake Box. 

Yeah, yeah, I can hear you screaming at the screen "Please! Not another bakery!" 

Well you can relax and put down the huge rock you are about to throw at your laptop because you should not let the name fool you! No, it is not just another bakery. It is not just another cupcake boutique either. It is much more than that. It is the ultimate realization that sweetness of the senses and sweetness of heart can indeed be one. 

Randa Shammas Kabrit is the young social entrepreneur behind this deliciously heartwarming novelty. Her concept is quite simple: baking for charity: "Cupcake Box is a gourmet cupcakery that specializes in homemade cupcakes. All profits from Cupcake Box are sent to The-Charity-Of-The-Month".

Photo Credit: Cupcake Box

See? Not your typical cup(cake) of (chari)tea, right? 

Ok, enough with the lame play on words. 

Bottom line, you no longer need to feel guilty after having a sinful treat because now, desserts come with heavenly goodness and the whole degustation experience takes an entirely new dimension: sweets can indeed be baked with love, tasted with lips and enjoyed with heart. 

Doing some good for people in need, by eating delicacies? 

Sign me up now! 

Who would have thought that an Oil and Gas Consultant with a Mechanical Engineering degree would spend her free time immersing that well-trained mind of hers in flour, butter, and a rainbow of flavors?

Well this is exactly what Randa Kabrit did. But her love for baking was not her only drive. A philanthropist by heart, she decided to merge these two passions into one inspiring project. "I had no idea there was a name for what I'm doing until my friend texted me saying 'I didn't know you were a social entrepreneur'. I didn't know I was a social entrepreneur either (laughs) I guess I am (smiles)". 

It all started in Dubai: "Baking didn't start until 2011, before that I really didn't think I had a nack for baking at all."

Since then, Randa has moved back home to Lebanon, and she brought Cupcake Box along with her.

Go ahead, check that menu and tell me you can resist a "Nutella" or "Chocolate Nutter"!

I, for myself know, I won't be sharing my batch of "Death by Chocolate"! Yes. I have a chocolate obsession; sue me. Or you could do your heart and taste buds some good and join me in this delicious discovery instead: Dear, loyal Reader, meet Randa.

So who is Randa Kabrit?

I was born and raised in Dubai until the age of 15, then my Mom, sister and I moved to Lebanon. The transition was not easy, given that I didn't speak a word of Arabic back then. Several "F"s in Imla' (arabic dictation) and a couple of years later I was totally in love with Lebanon. I finished studying at AUB in 2001 and graduated as a mechanical engineer, which took me back to Dubai to work in an oil and gas company, which I later stayed with for 10 years.    

Randa Kabrit

Photo Credit: Cupcake Box

And how did Cupcake Box come to life?

It all started in 2011 with the Japanese earthquake. I felt this desire to collect donations at the company I worked in at the time for The Japanese Red Cross and was quite disappointed at the response I got. So I had to come up with a creative way to get people to donate. That's when I thought of cupcakes! The idea was simple: you give me a donation, I give you a cupcake.   

How well was Cupcake Box received?

The response was better than I hoped, people in my office loved the cupcakes so much that I decided to bake and sell cupcakes every Thursday in the office. We called it Thursday Treats. Soon enough people were telling their friends and family and Cupcake Box took off in the UAE.

Death By Chocolate Cupcake

Photo Credit: R. Abouzeid

What are the charities you support? 

There are so many charities that are so dear to me, so each month I feature a different charity to donate to, some of which are: The Japanes Red Cross, Kiva.org, Amnesty International, The Red Crescent Society, and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital - Children Cancer Center of Lebanon.  

How do you select your Charity Of The Month?   

I usually make a poll and ask people what charity they would like to feature the next month. Personally, I have a soft spot for charities that work with underprivileged or sick children.   

Photo Credit: Cupcake Box

So now, Cupcake Box has found a new home in Beirut. 

Tell us more! 

I recently relocated from Dubai to Beirut. As sad as it was to me to close all Cupcake Box activities in Dubai, it was an exciting time for me because I had the opportunity to setup Cupcake Box in Beirut, my hometown.

Given that I still work in engineering as a profession, Cucpake Box is something I do on the side. It is my passion and it keeps me sane and combines my love for baking, designing and charity work. As yet I receive orders through Facebook, phone and email, and bake everything from home myself. 

Are you planning to broaden your outreach? 

What about other Arab cities?

Wow. I think for now the next step would be registering Cupcake Box as a charity in Beirut and then establishing a shop somewhere in Hamra. But if I were to dream big, then yes I dream of conquering the Arab world... One cupcake at a time.  

So what does your menu look like?  

Cupcake Box Menu
Photo Credit: Cupcake Box
(click on image to enlarge)

The Cupcake Box menu has 2 categories.  

The first is the fixed menu, which is a range of flavors that are available for ordering any time of the month, and contains 2 categories of cupcakce:  

• The classics, which are cupcake flavors everyone knows and loves, such as Dark Side Of The Moon (chocolate cake and vanilla bean buttercream), and Royal Veil (classic red velvet cake with cream cheese or vanilla buttercream icing).

Royal Veil Cupcake

Photo Credit: Cupcake Box

• The specials, which are more detailed cupcakes with fillings, and interesting flavor combinations.  

The second menu category is Flavor-of-the-Week. I love having a Flavor-of-the-Week because it allows me to try out new recipes that are not so predictable, like green-tea infused cake, beer frosting etc... If the cupcake-of-the-week is a hit, there is a good chance it will make its way to the fixed menu.  

How do you come up with the flavors? 

Do you have a creative process you go through? 

My main inspiration for the cupcake flavors I choose comes from the foods I eat and love here in Beirut or when I travel. Recently I went to Canada and fell in love with their maple syrup. The first thing I thought of was "how do I get this in a cupcake?". That created one of Cupcake Box's most popular flavors: The Spicy Canadian with an exquisite maple syrup icing.  

Peanut Butter and Jam Cupcake
Photo Credit: Cupcake Box

Then there's peanut butter and jam sandwiches, an all time favorite of mine. That inspired me to create PBandJ, a cupcake with chocolate cake, strawberry jam filling and peanut butter frosting, and to top it all none other than Reese's pieces!  

The flavors are all very customizable, and I encourage people to create their own cupcake flavors when they order if they cannot find exactly what they like on the menu.    

How does Cupcake Box operate?

Cupcake Box currently operates on orders placed through facebook/twitter/email/phone. The minimum order is 6 cupcakes per flavor, and each order takes up to four days to prepare. I'd be happy to bake for anniversaries, weddings, meetings, conferences and parties, anything from 6 to 120+ cupcakes! For orders more than 50 cupcakes, I would encourage you to place your order one week in advance. Payment can be made upon delivery. 

We currently deliver only in Ras Beirut but in April 2012 you will be able to find Cupcake Box in Souk El Tayeb every Saturday with a range of cupcake flavors along with other sweet treats (pies, muffins, cookies, puddings etc.) that vary each week. There is no minimum order here, and you can buy whatever is available on the stand on the day. 

Raspberry Swirl Cupcake Photo
Credit: Cupcake Box

What does the future hold for Cupcake Box? 

My aim is to continue baking and raising donations for various causes in our community. In the future, I would love to offer baking workshops in collaboration with local NGO's on their community development programs, or offer fun cupcake preparation classes to underprivileged kids. There is nothing like playing with flour and icing to remind you of how sweet the world can be.  

What does the future hold for Randa Kabrit? 

I dream of conquering the world, one cupcake at a time.

If you were: 

A cupcake, what flavor would you be? 

Chocolate all the way baby! 

A quote? 

Each of us has a fire in our hearts for something. Find it, and keep it lit! - Mary Lou Retton  

A shape? 

IN shape would be good enough for me  

A song or music composition? 

Anything by Tori Amos... or Adele.... or U2... or Snowpatrol...or Alicia Keys... (I could keep going but I know it's cooler to give a short witty answer, which I cannot possibly do here)  

A film? 

500 days of summer 

A book or literary piece? 

The Prophet by Khalil Gibran 

A fabric? 

Velvet... Red Velvet

Bookmarks: 

• Like Cupcake Box on Facebook 
• Follow Cupcake Box on Twitter 
• To place your order, email Randa or call her on 76.933771 

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