THE CEDAR CONNECTION - LACOM

www.lacom.org June 2014

THE CEDAR CONNECTION Published by the Lebanese-American Club of Michigan (LACOM)

Save the Date:

The 18th Annual Trailblazer Award Banquet will take place

on November 22nd, 2014. For sponsorship information,

email us at [email protected].

Community Events

June 30 Salute to Justice Banquet.

Email

[email protected]

for details.

Beirut among up-and-coming cities for rich (Page 2)

11 Reasons Why Being Lebanese is Awesome (Page 3)

World’s first floating island being created in Lebanon (Page 6)

Electric cars in Beirut

Overlooking the endless flow of traffic and congestion on Beirut’s seaside

corniche road is a clean, futuristic showroom that features some of the

quietest and tiniest cars on the market.

Right now, they’re no match for the big, high-powered gas guzzlers in terms

of popularity, but their environmental benefits and quirkiness are

undeniable.

“The electric car is the future,”

says Hussam Khanji, general

manager of Monza Cars in

Beirut’s Raouche district, which

became the only dealership selling

the Italian-made Estrima Biro

electric cars last year. “It started

in Europe – Italy, France and

Spain. Now it’s happening here.”

At just over 1 meter (1.03 to be precise), and with an electric cord that plugs

into a regular socket, using 0.5 amperes of electricity (similar to a low-

consuming household appliance), the approximately $20,000 Biro looks

Continued on Page 4

Summer Edition

www.lacom.org

Submit your event for next month’s

edition! [email protected]

June 29 Liturgy for College and

High School Graduates at

St. Rafka in Livonia. Call

(810) 620-7882 for more

information.

June 30-July 4

NAM Convention. Visit

namnews.org for details.

https://twitter.com/lacomnews

http://www.facebook.com/LebaneseAmericanClubOfMichigan

www.lacom.org

2

Summer Edition June 2014

CNN includes Beirut among up-and-coming cities for the rich Despite its violent history, Beirut stands out as

being an ideal place for adventurous real estate

investors, according to a new report from Savills

World Research, Candy & Candy and Deutsche

Asset & Wealth Management.

Yes, there has been some recent spillover from the

ongoing Syrian conflict. But the Mediterranean

coastal city is known for its culture and nightlife,

which attracts a young population, said Yolande

Barnes, director at Savills World Research. It’s also known as a regional financial hub.

“Real estate in the city still looks very cheap by international standards,” said Barnes.

Prices for two-bedroom apartments tend to range from $180,000 to $500,000, depending on the

location.

FEATURED BOOK OF THE MONTH

Creative Lives explores what it means to be Lebanese or of Lebanese origin and have a creative spirit. The book examines a wide range of talented artists, their work and their tireless dedication to their craft. Their creative lives may be unique, but their art is universal, and insights drawn from their experiences resonate in any context. According to creative writing professor Roseanne Saad Khalaf, the profiles written by journalist Sierra Prasada are “crisp, absorbing, fascinating,” and “full of telling details.” The writer gracefully connects you with the intimate process of the artists’ individual creative paths and explorations and you are left in no doubt that the 31 personalities represented here are extraordinary individuals whose ambitions are played out on a world stage. Roger Moukarzel’s portrait photos are intimate, honest and timeless studies, revealing the contradiction between the sensitivity of the creative spirit and their ability to function in the challenging and harsh commercial world. Each portrait, a poised and poignant testament to an artistic life in progress, lingers with you, inviting you to discover more.

For more information, visit tpbooksonline.com.

Creative Lives

By Sierra Prasada

Photographs by Roger Moukarzel

Published in December 2009 Hardcover – 184 pp

3


11 Reasons Why Being Lebanese is Awesome

Egocentric? Self-centered? OK, you guys can call us whatever you want. We’re

flaunting our Lebanese pride and we’re not ashamed to

create a random top 11 list about it.

1.) Succulent Cuisine

Actually that vibrant 25-dish

smorgasbord was just the mezza, the real food is on its

way. In the amount of time it takes to go skiing and

swimming on the same day, at least one mouthwatering entrée makes it way to an

already filled dinner table.

2.) Everlasting Hospitality

If we ate everything we were served, Lebanon would add “World’s Most Obese Country” to its list of achievements. Fortunately, our “class” and “elegance” forces us to keep food on our plate, so it doesn’t

look like we’re voracious.

*Puts a napkin over the food*

“You want more?” “No thank you.” “OK, here’s more.”

3.) Sensational Singers

We’re known for a medley of music from Fairouz to Haifa. But one question: Is it against the law to exclude the word “habibi” from a song?

4.) Religious Diversity

18 religions somehow fit in land smaller than the size of Connecticut. It sounds like the perfect

ingredient for religious conflict and fighting. Luckily, we’re still alive.

But really, think about it: We share more similarities than we do differences.

Continued on page 6.

4


Continued from page 1

Lebanese-American

of the Month

John Abizaid is a retired

United States Army general and former U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) commander, overseeing American military operations in a 27-country region, from the Horn of Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, to South and Central Asia, covering much of the Middle East. CENTCOM

oversees 250,000 US troops. Abizaid succeeded General Tommy Franks as Commander, USCENTCOM, on July 7, 2003, and was also elevated to the rank of four-star general the same week. Abizaid retired from the military on May 1, 2007 after 34 years of service. Abizaid is currently employed as a fellow of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. He assumed the Distinguished Chair of the Combating Terrorism Center at

West Point in December 2007. Abizaid was appointed to the board of directors of RPM International on January 24, 2008, and also sits on the board of directors of the Defense Ventures Group.

….looks and feels like something futuristic and comical, straight out of a

Jetsons cartoon, or a golf cart that has lost its way and stumbled onto the

streets of Beirut.

In fact, electric cars have existed since the late 1800s, but were eclipsed by

combustion engine models that offered lower costs, more ease of control

and better mileage. The 1990s, which saw higher oil prices and increased

environmental awareness, witnessed a renewed interest in the electric car.

A quick test drive shows that the Biro is quiet, easy to maneuver and

comfortable, and a short video shows the car’s ability to park

perpendicular to the curb, having a similar length to a motorcycle. The

driver then ends the ride by popping the battery out of the trunk of the car

and wheeling it to the nearest power outlet.

“This is designed specifically for a clean environment,” says Mohammad

Monza Cars salesman Abdul Ghafour, after giving the standard

enthusiastic sales pitch, complete with a rundown of all the vital stats.

For this vehicle, however, the promotion is done with a bit more of a

disclaimer than for the other cars at the dealership. For an overnight

charge, Biro can travel about 45 kilometers. And with only two seats, and

a maximum speed of 45 kmph, Monza salesmen make sure customers are

aware that the Biro is meant for city use.

“People stop me and ask me about it, and they take pictures,” says

Khanji, who has put a sticker on the back with the dealership’s

information for potential customers to inquire about the car – probably

their best marketing tool until the shipment of 40 ordered cars from Italy

arrives at the port next month.

5


LACOM News

The Lebanese-American Club of Michigan (LACOM) teamed up with the Lebanese-American Heritage

Club (LAHC) to sponsor and host the LCN Professional Summer Mixer at the Skybar Detroit on June 5.

6


The first floating island in the

world was designed and is

currently being created in

Jounieh, Lebanon. Jounieh

Floating Island Resort is the first

floating island in the world based

on the Dhow-4 technology. It is

expected to be at sea in summer

2015.

The JFIR will be a five-star

resort with a surface area of 3400

sqm, including 64 rooms, 80

cabins, a roof top restaurant, a

sea side restaurant, a nightclub, and various sea-sport activities. They currently have 290

engineers, technicians, and administrators staffed on the project.

“I found that its true there are no rules and no theories to build floating islands, so I had to

work 15 years to change the rules

and that’s it, we have now an

advanced engineering of the

floating island were you can build

resorts, naval basis, villas etc.,”

said Dr. Abdullah Daou, the

Founder of The Advanced

Engineering of the Floating Island.

Beirut International is currently

operating in three main locations in

Lebanon Kabrashmoun, Jounieh

and Tripoli.

World’s first floating island being created in Lebanon

PHOTO: Dr. Abdullah Daou, the founder of the advanced engineering of the floating island.

7


TOP

@NancyAjram: +35 million views for

#MashyHaddy (The most viewed Arabic video on

YouTube) #NancyAjram #RecordBreaker #Success

@stsharbelfest: SAVE THE DATE: "A Taste of

Lebanon" festival returns to #StSharbel on

September 6, 7, and 8. #MichiganEvents

@HouseOf_Lebanon: #Lebanese #Dabke reflects

a meaning of belonging to a common #heritage, #culture & #identity

@LevantineCenter:

Awamat, a #Lebanese twist to wishing a Happy

Doughnut Day! @DonutDayUSA @latimesfood

OF THE MONTH

#LebanesePride

Join the Conversation!

@LACOMNews

Basilica of St. Mary in Livonia

hosts the Michigan Fun Fest

(Livonia, MI) -- The Antiochian Basilica of Saint Mary in

Livonia hosted the Michigan Fun Fest from June 5 to June 8.

20,000 people attended the festival, which was organized to

fundraise for the development of a community center.

The Mariam Center is a two-story, 30,000 square foot family

and youth enrichment center in Livonia. The land has been

purchased, and the center will be built in five years, according

to the festival chairman. Other donors have already pledged

financial donations for the project.

The festival featured 11 live entertainers, free admission, a

casino, Wade Show amusement rides, and Arabic food.

“They have chicken shawarma, meat shawarma, falafel, gyros.

It’s delicious,” said Ayda Mughannem, one of the festival

volunteers. “We wanted to introduce outsiders to our

community. We have great food, great people, and nice

entertainment.”

Entertainers included Usama Baalbaki, Abu Sumayah, Nasser

Deeb, and Habib Zaatar.

“We are bringing the American culture and Middle Eastern

culture together,” said festival chairman Freddy Sackllah.

8


Lebanese-Americans featured as “American Dreamers”

in Crain’s Detroit Business Magazine

Lebanese-American community leaders and businesspeople were featured in Crain’s Detroit

Business Magazine’s 2014 “American Dreamers” on Monday, highlighting their widespread

business achievements in the Greater Detroit area.

The trade magazine mentioned the names of Lebanese-Americans who came to the United

States and built a dream into reality. Lebanon was the most represented country of origin

among the 37 total names mentioned.

The Lebanese-American “American Dreamers” included:

(Alphabetical order) Andrew Ansara, Sr., Fadi Aoude, Chaker Aoun, the Chopjian Family, the

Hammoud Family, Hassan Jaber, Joumana Kayrouz, and Osama Siblani.

Congratulations from LACOM!

Do you know a successful Lebanese-American? Email

us at [email protected] with their name and contact

information. They may be featured in a future edition

of “The Cedar Connection.”

9


RECIPE CORNER Falafel Scotch Eggs with Ginger & Verjuice Tahini

Ingredients 1 heaping cup dry chickpeas, soaked overnight

3 tbsp tahini 1 garlic clove, salt, pepper 5 tbsp verjuice 1 onion, quartered 2 garlic cloves, smashed ½ green bell pepper, seeds removed

3 tbsp roughly chopped mint leaves 3 tbsp roughly chopped parsley leaves 3 tbsp roughly chopped coriander leaves 1 tsp allspice ½ tsp cumin 1 carrot, shredded Vegetable oil, for deep frying 7 medium eggs

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper Mixed leafy greens, to serve

Cover chickpeas in plenty of water and soak for at least 6 hours and up to 24 hours. Meanwhile, add tahini, ginger, garlic and a pinch of salt to a bowl and slowly pour in the verjuice, whisking quickly as you pour. Once the chickpeas have finished soaking, drain them and leave them to sit in a colander for a couple of hours to air dry. Add the chickpeas, close with the cover and spin 2-3 times until water is removed. Add the onion, garlic, bell pepper, herbs and spices to a food processor and whiz for 1-2 minutes till a paste forms. The consistency of the paste should be grainy with a shade of pistachio green. Mix in the shredded carrot. Remove the tahini dressing and bring to room temperature. Fill a large pot with plenty of water, a generous pinch of sea salt and place on high heat. Add 6 of the eggs and bring to a gentle boil. Once the water reaches a boil, cook the eggs for 4 minutes for soft boiled eggs or longer for desired consistency. Fill a large bowl with ice water and once the eggs have finished cooking, drain them immediately and transfer them into the ice water to shock them which also makes peeling their shells easier. Leave them to sit in the ice bath for about 10 minutes before peeling. Preheat the deep-fat fryer to 190C/375F. Season the falafel mixture with salt and pepper to taste and then add in the remaining egg and mix well to combine. The addition of the egg here will help the mixture bind better around the cooked eggs. Slightly wet your hands with a dab of water and flatten ⅙ of the falafel mixture into a very flat, thin patty. Gently enclose one of the peeled egg in the falafel mixture making sure the entire egg is covered and the mixture is smooth. Dab your fingers in tiny amounts of water to help seal the mixture together, if you find it necessary. Repeat with the remaining eggs. Deep fry the eggs for 3 minutes till golden and crisp.

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NEWS IN PHOTOS

The Lebanese American Chamber of Commerce hosted Beirut Marathon Association

founder May El-Khalil in Detroit from May 24 to May 28. El-Khalil was on an official

USA trip, which included stops in Miami and New York.

The Saint Laba Charity Society of Hasroun recently pulled out their working gloves and tools, to pull out weeds, paint, and install new solar lights at the St. Laba praying area in Warren.


The Lebanese-American Club of Michigan

P.O. Box 1452

Warren, MI 48090 [email protected]

Cedar Connection Published by LACOM

Dr. Wissam Shaya – President

Elias Yammine – Vice President Maurice Farah – Treasurer

Charlie Kadado – Secretary & Editor

Naji Chidiac – Past President & Board Member

Dr. Wissam B. Malouf – Board Member

Pierre Rechdan – Board Member

Write for us! Send your article or editorial to

[email protected] on or before the 1st of the month!

Thank you!

PRESS RELEASES: [email protected]

248-924-4854

313-744-3498

If you’re traveling to Lebanon this

summer, have a safe and enjoyable trip.

THE CEDAR CONNECTION - LACOM

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