Many thanks to journalist Roula Douglas for re-tweeting the moving picture of a billboard originally tweeted by Mr. Philippe Bustros, the Managing Director at AGC Equity Partners.
At the precise moment of posting the above, Bambi received a personalized message from her sister (the journalist mentioned above), along with today’s inspirational quote, which happens to be VERY relevant for this post. It is by Mr. Pablo Casals and it is valid for all the countries of the world, including Canada too. It goes like this:
“The love of one’s country is a splendid thing. But why should love stop at the border“?
Related to the above, please do not let anyone fool you into thinking that loving, or being grateful for your country, is a bad thing in life. It is actually healthy, not toxic. It is genuine, not racist.
In the tragic case of Lebanon, what is beyond bad is how the officials of this country do not have an ounce of love/respect for their country and for its people. Of note, among the damage costs listed above, there is the further damage to the country’s basic infrastructure: The electricity sector in Lebanon, notoriously known to be dysfunctional. Today more than ever :(! Bambi is planning a future post on the daily life of two unnamed seniors living in Beirut.
To conclude this post on a musical note, Bambi will leave you with a moving interpretation of “Elle s’appelle Beyrouth” of the most talented and generous Mr. Khaled (featuring Mr. Rodge), by SOS Children’s village, Lebanon. As a reminder, if Bambi is not mistaken, Khaled may have been the first (international) singer who composed a song to Beirut shortly after August 4, 2020. All the benefits went to the Lebanese Red Cross (a per the older post below). As written on YouTube in the description of these talented kids’ performance: ” We remember with a sad heart, but we sing with hope that our beloved Beirut ?? will witness better days”. May “their” Beirut heal, get justice, rise, and shine again.
First of all, Bambi will start by sharing with you his Soleil” song, immediately followed by an English translation of its deep lyrics filled with truth and sensitivity (https://lyricsaround.com/en/gregoire/soleil/):
“We don’t have the same flag or the same skin colour.
We don’t have the same language,
the same culture, the same images.
We don’t have the same roots, the same idols who fascinate us.
But each of us is alive, with the same colour of blood.
And we all have the same sun and the same moon at our sleep.
And we all have a hand to
give,Can we really wait?
We don’t have the same customs, same rituals, or same costumes.
We don’t have the same stories but their mixtures have made history.
We don’t have the same parents,
but we’re all still kids.
And all of them gone mad, but born so wise.
And we all have the same sun and the same moon at our sleep.
And we all have a hand to give. Can we really wait?
Because we all have the same
planet begging us to be less stupid.
And we all have a hand to give,Can
we really wait?
Humans with our differences and
our powers to make a chance.
Because we all have the same sun and the same moon at our sleep.
And we all have a hand to
give,Can we really wait?
Because we all have the same
planet begging us to be less stupid.
And we all have a hand to give. Can we really wait?
Because we all have the same sun and the same moon at our sleep.
And we all have a hand to give. Can we really wait?
Because we all have the same sun.
And we all have a hand to give. Can we still just wait?”
Last but not least, this post will end with six pictures taken last week in the Northern part of Lebanon. The first three photos were taken by Karen and the last three by Rana. Bambi thanks them both for their talent and generosity. May they both always know how to appreciate the sunset’s and sunrise’s beautiful shades, even when Lebanon’s (and the world’s) days get dark(er) ❤️❤️.
A picture taken by Bambi’s beloved niece, Karen, in Lebanon.
A picture taken by Bambi’s beloved niece, Karen, in Lebanon.
A picture taken by Bambi’s beloved niece, Karen, in Lebanon.
A picture taken by Bambi’s dear cousin, Rana, in Lebanon.
A picture taken by Bambi’s dear cousin, Rana, in Lebanon.
A picture taken by Bambi’s dear cousin, Rana, in Lebanon.
If only human love could be enough to curb the criminal negligence, lies, shenanigans, and arrogance of ALL the Lebanese politicians concerning the surrealistic Beirut port explosion?
Ms. Céline Dion’s French song, which is featured in this post, was composed by Mr. Jean-Jacques Goldman. It is being interpreted here by TALENTED youth from Québec (Canada), namely members of “Les petits chanteurs de Laval“.
Here are some of the lyrics of this beautiful melody:
REFRAIN (in the original French)
“S’il suffisait qu’on s’aime, s’il suffisait d’aimer. Si l’on changeait les choses un peu, rien qu’en aimant donner. S’il suffisait qu’on s’aime, s’il suffisait d’aimer, je ferais de ce monde un rêve, une éternité“.
CHORUS (translated into English)
“If it was enough that we love each other, if it was enough to love. If we changed things a little bit, just by loving giving. If it was enough that we love each other, if it was enough to love, I would make this world a dream, an eternity”.
If she may, with all due respect along with a heavy heart, Bambi would like to offer Ms. Dion’s song on love to Isaac’s dad, Mr. Craig P. Oehlers. His tweeted words reported below, and the shared picture, touched her soul. As shown further below, Bambi had honoured his late son in several older posts, including some featuring Isaac’s grieving mom, Ms. Sarah Copland from the United Nations.
May justice be FINALLY served for Isaac and his family… and for ALL the other victims of the Beirut surrealistic port double blast. The 224 victims of this still unaccountable tragedy were of different ages (i.e., toddlers, youth, adults, seniors), nationalities, and from all walks of life. Bambi is thinking of them all, one by one, including but not limited to: the little Alexandra, the young Elias (from her parents’ parish), the beautiful young mother Diana (her parents’ neighbour, sister’s friend, friends’ cousin), the nurses/patients (of a nearby hospital), and an anonymous owner of a store Bambi searched for in that heavily damaged neighbourhood days ago, before leaving Beirut.
To conclude this brief musical post, it is Bambi’s hope that you will enjoy the song in question, even if you do not understand French.
Tomorrow it will be August 4, 2022. Yes, it is almost the two-year anniversary of the the surrealistic Beirut port explosion. Twenty-four months have passed… and there is still no resemblance to justice.
Since her arrival to Beirut, almost a month ago, and up to her journey on three airplanes taking her very far away from it, Bambi has been wondering how to pay tribute to her birth city. How can she honour the victims, the grieving families, the injured (many in the coma still!), and all the silent traumatized population of the Lebanese capital?
Well, she has finally decided to: (1) post Fairuz’ Le Beirut song, as interpreted by singer Amrie Saurel and pianist Michel Tardieu today, that is on the eve of this sad anniversary; and (2) to observe 24 hours of silence on her blog. This means that there will be no post on August 4, 2022.
May everyone’s memory be eternal. Peace, safety, dignity, and much love to Beirut… and to the entire Lebanon.
One thing Bambi learned from a recent trip to the Middle East is the following double fact: (1) Lebanon is in a state of a heart-breaking human tragedy; and (2) Lebanese people seem to want to forget about their fate by appreciating their nature.
Indeed, the people of Lebanon seem to love their sunsets. How could they not appreciate them when they are blessed to have the Mediterranean Sea to the west of their tiny country?
Mind you, the residents in the mountains of Lebanon, located in east side of the country, also appreciate their beautiful morning sunrises as well as their dawn and dusk times.
Well today Bambi learned that even European tourists learn to appreciate the fabulous shades of sunsets, as you can see through this post :).
Before sharing Laila’s two beautiful pictures, Bambi would like to thank you Rana for having made both Laila and her discover the Batroun region from the coast up to the mountains with its superb landscapes (a piece of heaven!), delicious fruits, and welcoming people. What a memorable day/night that could have been entitled “Cousins’ adventures while touring Lebanon” :).
You are definitely a VERY talented tourist guide, Rana. The best in Lebanon! You happen to also be a wonderful woman as well as a generous human being. In the near future, Bambi will take the time to share your pictures and video of sunsets facing the Chekka Bay. As you know, the latter is dear to her heart. Indeed, it is filled with our fun beach memories during older trips to Lebanon.
As for you Laila, what can Bambi say about you? You are beautiful inside and out. You are smart yet humble and SO sweet. Your wisdom is inspiring and Bambi will repeat that it was an honour and a pleasure to be your roommate. Thank you for being you and thanks to our dear hosts 🙂 ❤️❤️!
To conclude this post, Bambi will add the following: she loves you, Rana and Laila. She is blessed to call you both her cousins ❤️❤️. To try to make you smile, she will end by offering you the same French kids’ song she once surprised her other beloved cousin “Coco” [Christiane 🙂 ❤️] with on her birthday!
Life can be cruel sometimes… Bambi is still speechless.
How she had wished she could be with you, dear Rita, instead of writing to you across the miles.
Through this post, she sends her love to you as well as to your loved ones: Your brothers, your smaller family, and all your relatives in the USA, Canada, Lebanon… or wherever they are.
As you know, Bambi still has fresh yet very old memories of your dad and mom. Some stories from our childhood are too funny (or should she say embarrassing?). Luckily, you come from a welcoming family with a great sense of humour.
Is your dad with your mom now? Only God knows… Trust that this is Bambi’s wish for him and for your mom. She hopes that, together, they are watching over you. May they also keep being with you, of course in an invisible yet loving way. This being said, may the love of your dad and his memory be eternal.
To conclude this brief post, Bambi will thank you Nina, if you are reading now (you know why). Last but not least, if she may, she wants to dedicate a prayer for your late and beloved dad, Rita, with much love to you and your family ?. Take good care please and be kind to yourself.
After reading the above, she could not help not to think about how disconnected our governments seem to be from “their” people and any of their concrete economic -and other meaningful- concerns.
Indeed, and in Bambi’s mind, our governments seem to be too obsessed with race ironically in the name of anti-racism. Do Canadians spend as much time as our governments thinking about race/racism, etc.? Anyhow, if you are interested by this topic, you can read this media article and build an opinion about it.
As far as Bambi is concerned, she will not comment the article. Related to it, she would like to share the following: Recently, she spent time chatting with many desperate people of her birth country, which looks more like a failed yet somehow still functional state. She observed that many dream of immigrating to better places of the world. Indeed, many have spent their energy and the little money they have to apply for immigration to Canada. They have no idea how collectively insane, or excessively ideological, Canada’s current times have become. Some do see similar excesses elsewhere. Yet they still naively believe that Canada would be different. Those who have resided in it think it is still the same as it was 20, 15, 10 or even 5 years ago. From far away, they still perceive it is as the land of freedom, of equal opportunities, and of merit. To what extent is the latter still accurate? Will they be disappointed if they return to Canada today?
Anyhow, to double-check the source cited in Sarkonak’s article, Bambi navigated the Government of Canada’s website and read about “the IRCC Anti-Racism Strategy 2.0 (2021-2024)” with its ideological yet apparently empty language, at least for Bambi. She will spare you quotes from this language that you can find at this link:
Why is Canada spending its energy (2021-2024) on a so-called anti-racism strategy for its Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) division? Why not put this energy on powerful immigration tools to support our country’s economic growth and prosperity for us all, Indigeneous or old and newcomers, especially post-pandemic?
Furthermore, instead of informing us that Canada’s “digital infrastructure enabling our work, are on the traditional territories of Indigenous nations“, why doesn’t Canada work on improving our digital infrastructure for all of us, including the Indigenous people?
Last but not least, Bambi is allergic to the term “racialized” in” Indigenous, Black and other racialized people“. She finds this label degrading despite any apparent noble intention behind it. Indeed, this term gives her the impression that, as a migrant or a Canadian deer from a visible minority, she is victimized or oppressed. She does not see herself as a victim. She hasn’t, even when she was the target of an intolerant mob trying yet not succeeding in silencing her. Actually, she refuses such defeating attitude in her own life. She prefers pride and empowerment instead of victimhood. She does not know about you, but she is sad to see our own government apparently dividing us based on our skin colour or victimized status (ie. racialized,), ironically in the name of anti-racism (or diversity, inclusion, and equity).
After consulting both Mr. Sarkonak’s National Post‘s article and our government’s website, Bambi could not help not to think of the most decent and talented Ms. Jody Wilson-Raybould. Sadly, despite the great idea of recruiting her, Mr. Trudeau did not succeed in retaining her, with her brain along with her principles. What a loss to his cabinet and to Canada.
To conclude this post by linking it to its title, she does not know about you, but Bambi still vividly recalls Ms. Wilson-Raybould’s pride to be both Indigenous and Canadian, as you can read on her own Twitter account. Is Canada as “systemically racist” , as per its anti-racist strategy and according to its Deputy Minister’s own concluding remarks? How can Ms. Wilson-Raybould be that proud to be Canadian, if so? Anyhow, regardless, what a contrast between the ideological language of the anti-racism strategy of Canada and the simple yet powerful words of Ms. Wilson-Raybould: “Proud to be Indigenous and Canadian“!
This brief musical post includes three songs carefully chosen for you Roula.
The first English kids’ song, about a big sister, also hints to our third sibling (yes, you Rania :)). Bambi loves you, Roula and Rania, very much ❤️. She thanks you both for all.
As for the second song, is it is in Arabic and performed by the most talented Mr. Mike Massy who revived a classical famous song, by Mr. Farid el Atrash, about “a flower in one’s imagination“. Roula, may the creative flowers of your fertile imagination always bloom and embellish the world around you!
As for the third and last melody, it is a duo by Ms. Sofia Marikh and Ms. Sentia Karam. This beautiful “Je suis malade” song is in the French language, which Roula has kept alive in Lebanon through her dynamic journalistic and editing activities, media interviews, mentoring, lecturing, research, and publications. All this in addition to the English and Arabic languages that she excels in.
Bambi hopes you will enjoy your songs Roula. Take good care and all the best!
Today, Bambi came across Ms. Sophie Durocher’s article about the Musée de la civilisation du Québec, which was recently published in the Journal de Montréal (https://www.journaldemontreal.com/2022/07/27/le-sexe-dans-tous-ses-etats). In all honesty, she does not know if she should smile or be disappointed by how collectively absurd, our highly divided, our societies seem to look like… ironically in the name of a so-called ideology entitled “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion“. The latter has become the obsession of our governments and public institutions.
For Bambi, what is particularly disappointing about Ms. Durocher’s informative article is that the museum in question is located in Québec, which is a Canadian province that usually knows how to resist to political correctness or woke or identity-based ideas. Indeed, Québec has traditionally been an open-minded and welcoming society where citizens benefit from legally protected rights under this province’s own Charter of human rights. So, why does it need new blahblahblah all of of a sudden? Why should we put people in categories and sub-categories like this? Do they truly feel more included when we do so? And included in what? In a highly fragmented place? Since when the latter is better than a dynamic and truly pluralistic society? Stated differently, and pushed to the extreme, can political correctness backfire one day? Or could it become even more toxic and definitely divisive?
Anyhow, before sharing the translated article with you, Bambi was curious about the funder(s) of this museum. She learned that the main funder is Hydro Québec, which is a Crown corporation, that is a state-owned entreprise (https://www.mcq.org/fr/). However, it is unclear if the new initiative in question, with its rather odd language, independently stems from the museum’s managers or is encouraged by the financial partner.
Of course, Bambi respects the sincerely noble intentions that people, perhaps like you reading this post now, have about diversity and inclusion. However, with all due respect, the linguistic style of the museum’s initiative (quoted in Durocher’s article) seems to be intellectually poor and socially divisive with its cumbersome categories and sub-categories.
Anyhow, Bambi will stop here to share Ms. Durocher’s article, thanks to her faithful friend Mr. Google Translate. Mind you, you may wish to use your critical thinking to build your own opinion about this topic. You may agree or disagree with Ms. Durocher or Bambi. If you wish, you are welcome to post a comment on this blog.
“Recently, in my columns, I spoke to you about the woke excesses of the Museum of Fine Arts of Canada [for an English translation, you can read Bambi’s older post shown further below].
But a reader wrote to me to draw my attention to another Museum that has some, shall we say… intriguing plans.
SEX AT THE MUSEUM
Since June 14 and until August 31 of this year, the Musée de la civilization de Québec has launched a “call for objects and archives” which I will copy to you in full here.
“The Musée de la civilization is looking for objects that can document the multitude of experiences related to gender identities and how these are transformed over time and according to cultures, in Québec and elsewhere. »
“We call on people of the plurality of genders and sexual diversity to help us collect different objects that evoke the realities of the following communities: Intersex people, binary and non-binary trans people. Trans sex workers. Neurodivergent trans people. Two-Spirit, intersex and trans artists. Racialized trans people involved in ballroom circles. Polyamorous trans people. Trans people involved in Kinks communities. Trans parents. Trans and creative kids. Trans people active in the trans and transfeminist movement in Quebec in the years 2000 to 2020. Indigenous and Two-Spirit LGBT+ people. Black, racialized, immigrant or refugee LGBT+ people. LGBT+ people who live in or come from the regions of Québec. LGBT+ activists active in the 1960s to 1990s” .
“Activists active within the radical feminist, lesbian feminist and queer feminist movements in Québec in the 1960s to 2000s.”
I hope the Museum has ensured that its list is comprehensive and that no subgroup of “People of Multiple Gender and Sexual Diversity” has been overlooked.
And I wonder what an “object that represents the realities” of “trans people involved in Kinks communities”.
VAGINA OWNERS?
Another of my columns that made you react is the one on the use at Radio-Canada [the French CBC] of the words “people with a uterus” instead of the word “women”.
Several readers who have had a hysterectomy or were born without a uterus have written to me to tell me how shocked they are.
“Should I be called ‘person who no longer has a uterus’? “, wrote me one of them.
A reader also told me that on July 18 on the program Le 15-18 on Radio-Canada, about women’s breasts, the host said:
“While it’s legal for everyone to walk around topless, it’s still not quite accepted in the general population that ‘people with fuller breasts’ don’t hide them.”
Her guest, Myriam Daguzan-Bernier, sexologist, replied: “There are as many different breasts as there are ‘people who have breasts’ on the planet”.
Finally, did you know that the Women’s Centre of Montreal wrote on Facebook on July 13 that “the HPV vaccine can be given to vagina owners between 9 and 25 years old and to penis owners between 9 and 26 years old”?
Here is a nice vocabulary suggestion for our friends from Radio-Canada [the French-speaking CBC].
Bambi thanks you Laila for kindly sharing your superb after-sunset pictures of the Lamartine’s valley taken from the Cherry Blossom Boutique Hotel!
The Cherry Blossom hotel is located on about 20,000m² of land in the hills of Lamartine Valley, along the most beautiful Pine trees forest of El–Metn region (about 20 Km from Beirut Downtown).
A picture of Lamartine’s valley taken by Laila from the Cherry Blossom Hotel in Bhamdoun.
A picture of Lamartine’s valley taken by Laila from the Cherry Blossom Hotel in Bhamdoun.
For those of you who are not familiar with Lamartine, who is he? His full name was Alphonse Marie Louis de Prat de Lamartine (1790-1869). He was a famous French author, poet, and a politician. He played a key role in the foundation of the Second Frrench Republic (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alphonse_de_Lamartine).
Of note, Mr. de Lamartine lived in Lebanon during his long trip to the Orient. He loved Lebanon so much. His writing was even inspired by it. With much pride, Lebanon also loved him back. Indeed, there are several places named after him. For instance, there is Hammana as well as Lamartine Valley in Ras El Metn.
While refreshing her memory by reading about Mr. de Lamartine, Bambi learned that he lost his daughter in Beirut in 1832. She died at age 10 from tuberculosis. May her and his memory be as eternal as the beauty of the valley named after him.
Below, you can watch a brief video featuring an aerial view of the Lamartine’s valley in Mount Lebanon. Bambi hopes you will enjoy it! Following it, if you are interested, you can read a 961 article on the Cherry Day in Hammana.
