If kids are all the same, they ALL deserve to grow up in love, as per Mr. Francis Cabrel’s beautiful song. Bambi just came across a publicly shared YouTube video, or rather audio (with French sub-titles), of “Il faudra leur dire” [We Should Tell Them], as performed by Mr. Patrick White and his talented young trainees. An English translation of the lyrics follows (https://shorturl.at/bkrG2). What a lovely and always timely performance. Bravo!
“Il faudra leur dire” [We should tell them]
“If it’s true that there are people who love each other
If the children are all the same
Then we’ll have to tell them
It’s like perfumes you breathe
Just an easy look to make
A little more love than usual
Because we live in the same light
Even if there are colors they prefer
We would like to tell them..
It’s like perfumes you breathe
Just an easy look to make
A little more love than usual
Just a little more love still
For less tears
For less emptiness
For less winters
Since we live in the hollows of a dream
Before our tears touch our lips
We’d like to tell them
The words we receive
It’s like perfumes you breathe
We’ll have to tell them
Easy to do
A little more love than usual
If it’s true that there are people who love each other
Before reading this shocking, yet not surprising, story of intimidation in her birth country, Bambi did not know anything about Assistant Professor Makram Rabah from the History and Archaeology Department at the American University of Beirut (https://shorturl.at/gjSZ4)
While reading media articles from Lebanon, in both English (https://shorturl.at/jozAQ ; https://shorturl.at/jrDY0) and French (https://tinyurl.com/xea3sxma), she discovered a highly courageous scholar who does not seem to be afraid of speaking his mind. She also learned that he is a close friend of the late Mr. Lokman Slim, a brilliant political analyst, notoriously anti-Hezbollah, who was cowardly assassinated in February 2021. Bambi has several posts honouring the memory Mr. Slim. Sadly, his murder remains unpunished.
To come back to Professor Rabah, it seems that he recently gave an interview in which he expressed his objection to Lebanon’s involvement in a potential war with Israel and in which he criticized the Hezbollah. He even joked by making a comparison of its drones with “those used at wedding celebrations” (https://shorturl.at/jozAQ).
Following the above interview, the Lebanese General Security (or judicial police) questioned him from 9 AM until “early afternoon” and took him into custody, imagine. He was finally released on bail. His so-called investigators wanted to confiscate his phone. He categorically refused to hand it to them, especially that he may have not had it on him at the time. Bravo to him him for his spine. What a courageous man, especially given the tragic loss of his friend a few years earlier. Good for him for the legal protection during this unpleasant encounter. Indeed, Professor Rabah arrived to his interrogation session with his lawyer Mr. Lou’ai Ghandour.
Related to the above, Bambi read in an article by journalist Claude Assaf, published first in French in L’Orient Le Jour (https://tinyurl.com/xea3sxma) and then in English in L’Orient Today (https://shorturl.at/jozAQ) the following statement by the lawyer in question: “Taking away a citizen’s phone is an infringement of private property,” his lawyer Lou’ai Ghandour told L’Orient-Le Jour. “Makram Rabah was questioned by the General Security for comments he had made in a political interview. The hearing therefore had no connection with his telephone.”
Like any other citizen, Professor Rabah has all the right to publicly express his opposition to war and to criticize the hegemony of any political or military group on his beloved country, including the Hezbollah or its allies.
Enough of intimidation and censorship, regardless of the topic, the messenger, the group in power, and/or the regional context. Lebanese authorities must re-learn to respect academic freedom and freedom of expression. This value must be collectively protected in times of peace as well as war or even fear of a potentially bigger war. Luckily for Professor Rabah, and especially for the hope for freedom, many citizens showed up to support him (https://shorturl.at/jozAQ).
To conclude this post, and as a reminder of the brighter days of Lebanon, Bambi will end with the famous words of the late Pope John Paul II, as reported in and older 961‘s article (https://shorturl.at/hjxSU), “Lebanon is more than a country; it is a message of freedom and an example of pluralism for East and West”.
March 21st is Mother’s Day in many, if not most, countries of the Middle East.
Of course, March 21st also coincides with the spring equinox (keeping in mind that, due to the leap year, the start of spring arrived a day earlier in 2024).
Bambi wishes everyone highlighting Mother’s day a beautiful one!
As far as she is concerned, she sends her love to her sisters, relatives, friends, and readers who may be celebrating motherhood. Of course, this year has a different flavour in her family with our beloved Robine in heaven since end of August. If she may, Bambi would like to offer her mom a song, hoping you will enjoy it too. It is by Mr. Claudio Capéo and it is in French and Italian (subtitled in both languages).
“SOS d’un terrien en détresse” is a beautiful 1978 French song about the suffering of an earthling who wants to escape from earthly life. An English translation can be found online (https://shorturl.at/jptCQ). Mr. Alexis Carlier’s unique voice, singing talent, moving rendition, and beautiful recent video clip in nature are a treat to both the eyes and ears.
How can Bambi go to sleep without sharing this lovely song on the eve of Saint-Patrick’s Day? With much love, Happy Saint-Patrick to all of you, especially to readers of this blog of Irish heritage or those who are either called Patrick or whose children, nephews and/or cousins, are celebrating their name days! “Yalla”, raise your hand now if you successfully recognized yourselves from as far as Montreal, Washington or Beirut :).
Thank you Ms. Christine Van Geyn, along with the Canadian Constitution Foundation, for the video below and your article in the National Post entitled “Christine Van Geyn: Under Bill C-63, an online comment could cost you thousands. Hate speech penalty in proposed online harms law exposes Canadians to costly legal fees and up to $50,000 in fines” (https://shorturl.at/pGN13).
Bambi thanks “Be a Sunshine” for publicly sharing a YouTube video, which includes the lyrics of the wonderful song, entitled “La Bidayi Wla Nihay” of the most talented Hiba Tawaji (with English sub-titles). If you wish to challenge yourself by singing it with Ms. Tawaji, and you happen to read Arabic, please help yourself. Now, if you do not read Arabic, do not worry because you can still try to sing. Yes, just read the Lebanese-Arabic transcribed lyrics at the end of this brief musical post. Have fun : )!
The following transcription is taken word for word from YouTube (as posted by Be a sunshine):
“Leych Sayfi El Seni Intaha Bsser’a W Hmaret Ahrach Al Ghar
W-El-Mara Lli Cha’ra Ahmar Mitluun Cha’lani Binar
La Bidayi Wla Nihayi Wel Wa’et Mare’ Gharib,
Metle Mrouri Bi Afkarak Lahza Btelma’ Ouw Bet Ghib,
Ya ‘Assafir El Sahel El Jayi Tbachir Bi Cheti Techrin,
Wjouh Ouw Assami Bi Bali Hada Yzakkerni La Min,
El Denyi Hal’a Ouw ‘Aam Bet Dour, Wel Amar Be-Sama Ydour
El Sayfi El Seni Ntarna Al Amar ‘A Stouhi Assahel Laytel
W-Hadayna ‘Aa’arebe El Sa’a Khayfin El Lwa’et Layfel
Ma Fyi ‘Ouwy Bi Had Denyi Bit’akher Hboub Errih
Cha’rek W-Elkaraz W-Elawz Bi’awal Mawssîm Talwih
Ya ‘Assafir El Sahel El Jayi Tbachir Bi Cheti Techrin,
Wjouh Ouw-Assami Bi Bali Hada Yzakkerni La Min,
El Denyi Hal’a Ouw ‘Aam Bet Dour, Wel Amar Be-Sama Ydour
Enta Hawli W Ana Hawlak, Fi Chi Jazebna W-Men Dour,
El Sayf Intaha Ma ‘Eltellak Chi Bi Za’il, Leych Zae’lan,
El ‘Eachak Btebka Assamihon ‘Aala El Mawj Ouw ‘Aal Chetan,
Sami’ Metli Sawt El Jaras Medri Bi ‘Ayya Wedyan,
‘Aam Yendah La Hada Daye’, Beddo Ydello ‘Aal Iman,
Matrah Sabia’k ‘Aa Ketfi ‘Aam Yehre’ni Men ‘Iyyam,
Yemkin Law Tbesli El Matrah Btehda Awjaa’i
W-Bet Nam Sayf El Seni Intaha Bser’aa W-Hmarret Ahrach El Ghar
W-El Mara Lli Cha’ra Ahmar Mitluun Cha’lani Binar
La Bidayi Wla Nihayi Wel Wa’et Mare’ Gharib,
Wa ‘Ana Btezkeri W-Betghib, Bimro’ Bibalak W-Brouh
Min Baddu Idawi Lajrouh
Sayfi El Seni Intaha Bsser’a W-Hmaret Ahrach Al Ghar
W-El Mara Lli Cha’ra Ahmar Mitluun Cha’lani Binar
La Bidayi Wla Nihayi Wel Wa’et Mare’ Gharib,
Metle Mrouri Bi Afkarak Lahza Btelma’ Ouw Bet Ghib,
Ya ‘Assafir El Sahel El Jayi Tbachir Bi Cheti Techrin,
Wjouh Ouw Assami Bi Bali Hada Yzakkerni La Min,
El Denyi Hal’a Ouw ‘Aam Bet Dour, Wel Amar Be-Sama Ydour
Enta Hawli W-Ana Hawlak, Fi Chi Jazebna W-Men Dour,
El Sayf Intaha Ma ‘Eltellak Chi Bi Za’il, Leych Zae’lan,
El Eachak Btebka Assamihon ‘Aala El Mawj Ouw ‘Aal Chetan,
Sami’ Metli Sawt El Jaras Medri Bi ‘Ayya Wedyan,
‘Aam Yendah La Hada Daye’, Baddo Ydello ‘Aal Iman,
Matrah Sabia’k ‘Aa Ketfi ‘Aam Yehre’ni Men ‘Iyyam,
Yemkin Law Tbesli El Matrah Btehda Awjaa’i
W-Bet Nam Sayf El Seni Intaha Bser’aa W-Hmarret Ahrach El Ghar
W-El Mara Lli Cha’ra Ahmar Mitluun Cha’lani Binar
La Bidayi Wla Nihayi Wel Wa’et Mare’ Gharib,
Wa ‘Ana Btezkeri W-Betghib, Bimro’ Bibalak W-Brouh
Min Baddu Idawi Lajrouh“
__________
“Hiba Tawaji La Bidayi W La Nihayi – هبة طوجي لا بداية ولا نهاية
With sadness, Bambi just learned that Mr. Eric Carmen died two days ago. May his memory be eternal (https://shorturl.at/DMSZ7). This brief musical post tries to honour this great artist by featuring several Youtube videos showing talented singers, old and young, performing his big hit from 1975, including of course the unique Ms. Céline Dion as well as Ms. Véronique DiCare who imitates her very well.
May you enjoy connecting with your inner self, along your agency, during your moments or solitude, without struggling with loneliness and without being forced into isolation, whether emotional or social. May we all keep enjoying listening to (or perhaps singing?) Mr. Carmen’s thoughtful All By Myself song.
“Mabrouk”!!! Congratulations!! “Félicitations”! Bravo, Dr. Roula Azar-Douglas!!!
From now on, when citing her sister’s work or articles, Bambi will refer to Roula as: Dr. Roula Azar-Douglas (or Dr. Douglas or Dr. Azar or our Dr. Roula “habibet albana kilina”, which means our beloved Dr. Roula!).
Indeed, as you can see and watch below, the happiest news of the day is that Roula successfully defended her PhD dissertation with the highest distinction from the Université Saint-Joseph in Beirut, Lebanon. Wow!
Dr. Roula Azar-Douglas’ doctorate is in Humanities (or Human sciences), Specialty in Information and Communication Sciences [“Doctorat en sciences humaines, spécialité sciences de l’information et de la communication”]. Her PhD dissertation is entitled: The Lebanese press through the prism of gender: from the visible to the invisible. Analysis of the representation of women in an-Nahar and al-Akhbar (January 2019 to February 2020 [“La presse libanaise au prisme du genre: du visible à l’invisible. Analysede la représentation des femmes dans an-Nahar et al-Akhbar (janvier 2019 à février 2020“]. Her jury was composed of five members, including the President. One of those members was from abroad (Irak-based).
Of note, Dr. Azar-Douglas earned the highest academic distinction of “Very Honourable” with congratulations from her PhD Jury members! Yes, she successful completed a highly rigorous research in a timely manner, as documented in her dissertation. Impressively, yet not surprisingly, she achieved this academic success in incredibly challenging circumstances from the micro level to the macro levels of life. Bambi is referring to personal, family, country, and even more global circumstances from a financial crash, to a massive explosion, to an ongoing regional war, without forgetting the pandemic in the middle of all this.
In addition to being the most wonderful mother, daughter, sister, friend, journalist, mentor (to both Lebanese and international trainees), and researcher, Dr. Azar-Douglas is the Editorial manager of l’Orient des Campus at l’Orient-Le jour. She is a professor at the Faculty of Information at the Lebanese University. She is a lecturer at Université Saint-Joseph. She is also a member of the UN-Women Civil Society Advisory Group for the Arab States. Last but not least, Dr. Azar-Douglas is a stellar novelist.
To conclude, Bambi is very moved now. She will say the following to her sister: Once again, you make us all so proud, “Dr. Roula”! In addition to the endless love uniting us, Bambi thanks you for having been a source of inspiration to her and to so MANY of us. Please keep being your authentic and talented self: Academia and the mainstream media need competent scholars filled with both rigour and humanity.
As for Dr. Azar-Douglas’ smaller and larger family, Bambi sends them her congratulations. Roula’s success is theirs too and ours all. Bravo to each one of you for the continuous support and cheers now… needless to say that the latter thought goes not just to dad et al., but also to Robine in heaven who is very proud of her daughter, today more than ever!
Mabrouk “Ma grande“! Je t’aime tant Roula, la Dre préféree de Bambi 🙂 ❤️❤️❤️.
Dr. Roula Azar-Douglas with four of her five PhD jury members
A singer-songwriter, composer, musician, dancer, and producer, Mr. Claude François was born in Ismailia (Egypt) to an Italian mother and to a French father. His family, which was expelled from Egypt in 1956 following the Suez war, moved to France where he had a stellar career until his premature death at age 39 (https://shorturl.at/kxELU).
Bambi was only 6 years old when Mr. Claude François died. You may think she was too young to recall how, but she does. Indeed, he was about to travel to the United States at the time. Just before his dream trip, he accidentally lost his life. How you may wonder? Well, “while taking a bath, he noticed that a light fixture was not straight on the wall, tried to straighten it (while being wet) and died of electrocution…” (https://shorturl.at/kxELU).
March 11, 1978, was the day Mr. François took his last breath. This same year happened to also be a tragic one for Bambi’s family who lost her maternal aunt Ramona, at age 40, during the heavy shelling, which preceded Beirut’s occupation by the Syrian army. This painful family loss was actually what motivated Bambi to begin writing her diary. The latter was a daily coping strategy, which she continued during the remainder of the Lebanese civil war, that is until migrating to Canada with her family.
To come back to Mr. Claude François (called “Clo Clo” by his fans), Bambi was shocked by the unfortunate cause of death of this famous singer whose songs played on the radio and on the TV channels her mom used to watch. It was not because of war like her aunt. It was not due to an illness. It was not a suicide. It was just a silly accident. In the end, as the Arabic saying goes: “Potential causes of death are numerous, but death remains the same“.
Of note, Mr. François sang not only in French, but also in English. His songs were also translated into Spanish and Italian, among other languages. “He co-wrote the lyrics and composed the music of several famous songs, including “Comme d’habitude” (composed by Jacques Revaux and himself [shared below]), which is none other than the original version of “My way” by Frank Sinatra, and “Parce que je t’aime mon enfant”, the original version of “My Boy” by Elvis Presley”, which is the last song shared below (https://shorturl.at/kxELU).
This being said, perhaps Mr. François’ most famous melody remains “Le téléphone pleure” [The Phone is Crying], shared below in French and in English, respectively. In this moving song, a separated father chats with his little daughter on the phone. However, the latter is fully unaware that this man is her dad. We can hear her mom telling her to tell him that she is not there (when he asked to speak with her).
Thank you Mr. François for your talent and sensitivity. May your memory be eternal!
