Really? Haifa is the new face of Louis Vuitton?

I haven't been able to confirm this as of yet but I've heard that Haifa Wehbe, the notorious Lebo "singer" will be the new face of Louis Vuitton. I need to see this to believe it. Apparently, she has recently flown to Paris for the gig. If it's true, then Mabrook for Haifa...even if she doesn't have any talent. And kudos for her stylist...he/she knows what they're doing.

Mabrook ya Haifa!

http://haifafashions.blogspot.com/2009/09/haifa-new-face-of-louis-vuitton.html

I'm here!

This is Mark Balahadia and I am the new contributor to Hizzy ya La7me. Check back soon for posts by moi!

xoxo Mark B.

BBC is a little slow: 'Racism' claims at Lebanon beach clubs

I heard about this a long time ago on Now Lebanon. BBC is SOO late. It seems to be like that with a lot of things. Silly Brits. 3anjad, mishmaouleh....

'Racism' claims at Lebanon beach clubs

FYI, a lot of Lebs (and Arabs) are racist towards many people, including other Arabs. I think racism happens everywhere but seriously...if the Lebanese want to be considered civilized, then they should stop at least outlaw discrimination.

"Shazz" or "Mithly"

"Shazz" ou "Mithly"? (Translation: Pervert or Same-sex?)

That is the question. Menassat, a site that focuses on news, trends and events in the Middle East recently featured an article on positive and negative terminology used in Arab media in regards to LGBTs. Apparently, some liberal Lebanese media have adopted the term "mithly" which roughly translates to "same person" (from the word, mithl or same) instead of the term "shazz". "Shazz" has a negative connotation similar to the word "pervert" which is never used now in Western media.

The title for the article is hilarious...yet ridiculous.

I did not even know this term existed. Now I'll start using it instead of the crappy term I usually say which is "Loti"...in reference to Lot, bleh.

Menassat article, tshoof hala2!

Beirut, the gay haven in the Arab World?

In Beirut there is definitely a thriving gay culture. The last time I was there I had so much fun...although you cannot be as open with your sexuality in places like NYC or LA it's far more liberal than Syria or Egypt (vomit). It's even possible to have a long term relationship if the conditions are right but most gay people I knew there lived double lives: lying to their families but hanging out and dating the same sex. Anyway, I was forwarded this article on the New York Times about gay life in Beirut:

Beirut, the Provincetown of the Middle East

Read it. It's quite informative. If any of you are Beirut, go to Acid...the (mostly) gay nightclub in Sin il-Fil.



More info on Acid.

Oh by the way, it's easy to get laid in Lebanon, ESPECIALLY if you are gay!

ana fee hon ya3ne I'm back!

Sorry everyone for the long absence. I have been rather busy with my real life! Anyway, a new blog layout with be coming soon along with a new contributor to "hizzy ya la7me". No details yet but I am sure you will find my new contributor just as scandalous as myself!

Merci kteer.

- Madame Mansour

Filipinos in Lebanon

Interesting article from Now Lebanon on the marginalized Filipino community in Lebanon.

Now Lebanon: Marginalized from the mainstream