Howcast's "Party Builders" heats up at the Doha Tribeca Film Festival

Last week, Howcast’s “Party Builders” took viewers behind-the-scenes of Lingerie New York. Tune-in Wednesday, March 2, as “Party Builders” travels to Qatar to provide an exclusive look into the production of the Doha Tribeca Film Festival, a unique combination of Bollywood and Hollywood set to transform the future of independent film-making.

Follow the crew as they orchestrate the placement of 7,000 lights, twenty-foot generators and the construction of an open-air theater that’s large enough to house an A380 Airbus – all in the midst of 124-degree heat.

Watch firsthand as Howcast elevates the how-to genre through the high-quality “Party Builders” Web series at www.youtube.com/partybuilders with new episodes following each week.

Scorched: Discussion, Dessert, Discount!

The Silk Road Theatre Project's production of Scorched has gotten such rave reviews, they are extending the run! Closing night is now Sunday, November 21.  

 

Attend the play on Thursday, November 4 for the special "Advisory Council Night" and stay for sweets and a Q&A hosted by Artistic Director Jamil Khoury and Council Member Roxane Assaf.

 

The Silk Road Theatre Company frequently features playwrights and themes from the Middle East, and this dramatic play is set against the backdrop of the civil war in Lebanon.  

 

Use the coupon code "ARAB" for a 20% discount when purchasing.  

 

ORDER HERE: http://www.srtp.org/productions.html

An iftar “dinner & a movie” at the Arab American National Museum!

All are welcome to break the daily fast of Ramadan with a festive meal in the AANM’s dramatic Community Courtyard and a screening of the multiple award-winning 2008 film Lemon Tree. 6 p.m. Thursday, September 2 Tickets $30; AANM Members pay just $25  Click HERE to purchase. Iftar Menu: Hummus; fattoush; stuffed lamb with rice and nuts; a chicken or vegetarian option; the special Ramadan dessert known as rose cheeks; and beverages. Lemon Tree: Written, directed and produced by Eran Riklis and starring Hiam Abbass, Ali Suliman, Rona Lipaz and Doron Tavory, Lemon Tree is the story of a Palestinian widow who must defend her lemon grove when the Israeli defense minister becomes her new neighbor. Honored with awards at Berlin International Film Festival; Asia Pacific Screen Awards; Awards of the Israeli Film Academy; CineFan Festival of Asian and Arab Cinema. To learn more about Ramadan and Islam, click HERE.

Become a Member of the Arab American National Museum You will receive the following Membership benefits: Free AANM admission plus advance notice and invitations to upcoming events Reduced ticket prices for AANM events 10% discount at the Museum Store 10% discount on Museum facility rentals Free guest passes Checkout privileges in the Museum's Library & Resource Center Membership gifts are tax deductible; consult your tax advisor for details Call 313.624.0200 or click HERE to become a Museum Member.

AANM MISSION The Arab American National Museum's mission is to document, preserve, celebrate, and educate the public on the history, life, culture and contributions of Arab Americans. We serve as a resource to enhance knowledge and understanding about Arab Americans and their presence in this country.

You're Invited: Father's Day Hefleh

L'Orchestre Chabab Al Andalous playing at Chicago Arabesque

The Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Arab Affairs

presents

Chicago Arabesque 2010

4^th annual Arab festival in Chicago

featuring

L’Orchestre Chabab Al Andalous

10-piece orchestra coming from Morocco for Chicago Arabesque 2010

playing classical Spanish-inflected Moroccan music

Catch Chabab Al Andalous before the Chicago Arabesque festival:

 

Old Town School of Folk Music 16 & 17 June

http://www.oldtownschool.org/concerts/2010/6/16_orchestre.html

 

Inner-City Muslim Action Network’s Takin’ It to the Streets festival Sat. 19 June

http://www.streets2010.com

Chicago Arabesque is a non-religious, non-political festival promoting
public awareness, understanding and appreciation of the rich cultural heritage of the
Arab World. Representing more than twenty Arab countries, the fest seeks to
introduce Americans to the rich diversity of the Arab World through workshops,
calligraphy, artisan demonstrations, activity booths, Arab cuisine and a souq (bazaar).
There will also be daily performances of Arab music and dance.
Children will enjoy storytellers, magicians and games.
Festival planners expect an audience of approximately 50,000 diverse Chicagoans and
guests. Visitors will enjoy educational and commercial booths showcasing culture and
products from Arab countries presented by Arab-owned enterprises and entities

 

Palestine: What Aren't We Hearing and How is Peace and Possible?

MONDAY, April 26^th @ 6 PM

Southern Illinois University

Student Center, Video Lounge

Carbondale, IL
SIUC is at 1255 Lincoln Dr. Keynote speech for a week-long of series of Middle Eastern Films/events being showcased and discussed by History Department faculty. The week is part of Asian American Heritage Month, sponsored by Student Development-Multicultural Programs & Services, Campus Habitat, Chinese Student and Scholar Assn., Graduate and Professional Student Council, Hispanic Student Council, Indian Student Assn., Japanese Student Assn, Kendo Club, Malaysian Student Assn. Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, School of Music, Shikendo Club, Sigma Lambda Gamma Sorority, SIUC Student Center-Craft Shop, Student Fine Arts Activity Fee Committee, Taiwanese Student Assn. Underground Arts, United Asian American Council

THURSDAY, April 30^th @ 6:30 PM

Indiana University - Purdue

CE 278, 420 University Blvd

Indianapolis, IN
Sponsor is IUPUI Council for Strategic and International Affairs (CSIA)

Anna Baltzer, Jewish American award-winning speaker, author, former Fulbright scholar, granddaughter of Holocaust refugees, and recent guest on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, is coming to town with her acclaimed presentation about the conflict and what you can do to bring peace and justice to Israel/Palestine.

Baltzer has lived and worked part-time in the Middle East for more than 7 years. She has appeared on television more than 200 times and lectured at more than 400 universities, schools, churches, mosques, synagogues, think tanks, and other policy institutes around the world with her book, Witness in Palestine. In 2009, Baltzer received the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee’s Rachel Corrie Peace & Justice Award and a Certificate of Commendation from the Governor of Wisconsin for her commitment to a justice in the Holy Land. She is a contributor to four upcoming books on the subject and serves on the Middle East committee of the Women's International League for Peace & Freedom and the Board of Directors of The Research Journalism Institute, Grassroots Jerusalem, and NewPolicy.org. For more information about Baltzer's work, visit www.AnnaInTheMiddleEast.com

Watch Baltzer’s interview on the Daily Show alongside Palestinian presidential candidate and nonviolence leader:

Part 1: www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-28-2009/exclusive---anna-baltzer---mustafa-barghouti-extended-interview-pt--1  

Part 2: www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-28-2009/exclusive---anna-baltzer---mustafa-barghouti-extended-interview-pt--2

Following her presentation, Baltzer will be selling and signing copies of her book: Witness in Palestine: A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories. 

Testimonials: 

“Baltzer sheds light on the important political, historical, and emotional complexities of the challenges facing Israel and Palestine.”            

--Jim Doyle, Governor of Wisconsin

“Even those who are familiar with the grim reality of the occupied territories will quickly be drawn into a world they had barely imagined by these vivid, searingly honest, intensely acute portrayals.”                           

--Noam Chomsky, Professor Emeritus & Middle East Specialist

For more information, visit www.AnnaInTheMiddleEast.com/presentations

‘American Radical’ Norman Finkelstein to give public lecture at Beloit College on April 12

Image via Wikipedia

Hailed as a courageous scholar and truth teller by some and denounced as a Jewish “anti-Semite” by others, Norman Finkelstein is easily described as a polarizing figure who writes and speaks openly and often about his views regarding one of the world's most debated conflicts. This internationally recognized Jewish-American scholar on the Israel-Palestine conflict will discuss his views and his latest book “This Time We Went Too Far: Truth and Consequences of the Gaza Invasion” in a public lecture at Beloit College, in Wisconsin, on Monday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the atrium of the Center for the Sciences.

The appearance is being sponsored by the Beloit College Political Science Department, the Peace & Justice Club, MUN Club, International Club, Pagan Fellowship, and The Office of Intercultural Affairs. A Q&A session will follow Dr. Finkelstein’s presentation. Seats will be available on a first come, first served basis.

A documentary about Finkelstein titled “American Radical: Trials of Norman Finkelstein” (see trailer) is currently on the screening circuit and will play in Chicago on April 24 at the Chicago Palestine Film Festival. Avi Shlaim, an Arab-Israeli Historian and professor of international relations at Oxford, has called Finkelstein a “very able, very erudite and original scholar who has made an important contribution to the study of Zionism, to the study of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and, in particular, to the study of American attitudes towards Israel and towards the Middle East."

Finkelstein, who earned his Ph.D. in politics at Princeton University, is the son of Holocaust survivors and is the author of several books including “Beyond Chutzpah: On the misuse of anti-Semitism and the abuse of history” (University of California Press, 2005). A more complete biography is available on his Web site. 

Celebrate Arab Americans in Public Office

Chicago Arabesque 2010

A hospitality novelty, The Address Dubai Mall offers in-house guests a personal fashion advisor service

The Address Dubai Mall’s latest addition to their gamut of exclusive services is a personal fashion advisor for all in-house guests. Directly linked to The Dubai Mall, which features 1,200 stores including some of the world’s leading haute couture brands, hotel guests can tune in to the latest fashion trends effortlessly with the assistance of the personal fashion advisor.

A tailor-made menu of services is exclusively designed for ladies and gentlemen staying at The Address Dubai Mall. Guests can book an appointment with the fashion advisor through the hotel’s 24 hour Guest-Engagement service.

The fashion advisor first meets with guests at the hotel to understand their preferences, identify gaps in their wardrobes and choose styles that suit their personality. This information is then used in a personalized shopping session wherein the advisor recommends the latest trends, colours and styles that would complement their personality. Accessorizing tips to give the outfit that extra finesse is also a part of the service provided.

Mr. Marc Dardenne, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Hospitality Group and Emaar Hotels & Resorts said: “With the hotel’s close proximity to the large number of fashion outlets at The Dubai Mall, the personal fashion advisor service for our guests will be a great value addition and fits with our philosophy of offering tangible guest benefits. This is part of our strategy to leverage the location advantage of the hotel, directly connected to the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination.”

A customized menu has been created to suit the personal requirements of guests. Available for ladies and gents, the ‘Style Me and Shopping’ package identifies individual styles that complement the guest’s personality. The session includes a consultation prior to shopping, where the advisor provides advice on colours and fashion trends based on guest preferences.  A shopping list is prepared, keeping in mind the stores that match with the guest’s profile. The ‘Style Me and Shopping’ session takes approximately 2 to 3 hours and if necessary extra hours can also be booked.

The ‘Fashion Dilemma’ session is ideal for women who need help in finding the proper outfit for a certain occasion. This includes meeting the fashion advisor to understand their needs and creating a style ‘wish list’. Based on this, a shopping plan at key stores is then put in place and the hotel’s fashion advisor briefs guests on how to combine events with the ‘look’ they choose.

The Address Dubai Mall also offers a special package for those looking for a fashion vacation or a shopping weekend. ’Fashion Fix’ at The Address Dubai Mall includes accommodation in a room or suite, breakfast at Na3Na3 restaurant that can be combined with either the ‘Fashion Dilemma’ or ’Style Me and Shopping’ sessions.

Guests opting for the fashion advisor service can also benefit from the Shopping Concierge service, whereby the hotel’s concierge assists with transporting the guest’s shopping bags back to their room.

Located within Downtown Dubai described as the new heart of the city, The Address Dubai Mall has 244 rooms including 53 suites, and is defined by the tangible guest benefits and superior service it offers in line with the brand ethos of The Address Hotels + Resorts.

The Address Hotels + Resorts already owns and manages two other hotels in Downtown Dubai – The Address Downtown Dubai and The Palace – The Old Town. The Address Dubai Marina and The Address Montgomerie Dubai are the most recent additions to Dubai under The Address portfolio.

Anna Baltzer presents: "Palestine: What Aren’t We Hearing & How is Peace Possible?"

MON, February 15th (President's Day), following a 35-minute prayer starting at 7:30PM

Lutheran Church of the Atonement

909 East Main St.

Barrington (Chicago suburb), IL

Free & Open to the Public 

Anna Baltzer, Jewish American award-winning speaker, author, former Fulbright scholar, granddaughter of Holocaust refugees, and recent guest on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, is coming to town with her acclaimed presentation about the conflict and what you can do to bring peace and justice to Israel/Palestine.

Baltzer has lived and worked part-time in the Middle East for more than 7 years. She has appeared on television more than 200 times and lectured at more than 400 universities, schools, churches, mosques, synagogues, think tanks, and other policy institutes around the world with her book, Witness in Palestine. In 2009, Baltzer received the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee’s Rachel Corrie Peace & Justice Award and a Certificate of Commendation from the Governor of Wisconsin for her commitment to a justice in the Holy Land. She is a contributor to four upcoming books on the subject and serves on the Middle East committee of the Women's International League for Peace & Freedom and the Board of Directors of The Research Journalism Institute, Grassroots Jerusalem, and NewPolicy.org. For more information about Baltzer's work, visit www.AnnaInTheMiddleEast.com

Watch Baltzer’s interview on the Daily Show alongside Palestinian presidential candidate and nonviolence leader:

Part 1: www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-28-2009/exclusive---anna-baltzer---mustafa-barghouti-extended-interview-pt--1  

Part 2: www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-october-28-2009/exclusive---anna-baltzer---mustafa-barghouti-extended-interview-pt--2

Following her presentation, Baltzer will be selling and signing copies of her book: Witness in Palestine: A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories.

Testimonials:

“Baltzer sheds light on the important political, historical, and emotional complexities of the challenges facing Israel and Palestine.”            

--Jim Doyle, Governor of Wisconsin

“Even those who are familiar with the grim reality of the occupied territories will quickly be drawn into a world they had barely imagined by these vivid, searingly honest, intensely acute portrayals.”                           

--Noam Chomsky, Professor Emeritus & Middle East Specialist

"A Country Called Amreeka" Book Discussion, Nov 30th

Arab Heritage Month Events

Arab Heritage Month is a week away! The complete online calendar of events is at www.chicagoarabheritage.org. AHM helps to promote Arab culture and creates awareness of the issues that affect our community. It also allows others to see that the Arab community has a standing in the community at large.

Anna Baltzer on the Daily Show

Anna Baltzer appeared on Connecting Women Radio.

Anna Baltzer will be appearing alongside Dr. Mustafa Barghouti on the Daily Show with John Stewart on 10/28/09! Spread the word! The show is on Comedy Central @ 11PM EST/10PM CST/12AM MST on 10/28 or 8PM on 10/29.

Help spread the word!

Zahra Offers Samples of Perfumes

Zahras.com is offering customers free samples of their perfume selection. However, you would be responsible for the cost of shipment. For more information, go to

Please request free samples of our most popular perfumes absolutely free - we only ask that you cover the cost of shipment - click here.

Workshop with Veteran Speaker Anna Baltzer: Educating Your Community About Palestine!

Have you been to Palestine but never quite figured out how to use your experience to affect real change?

Or do you feel frustrated and ill-prepared when confronted with opposition and difficult questions?

Or do you feel ready to speak but don't know who will listen?

Please join us on Sunday, August 30 for a training on educating others about Palestine!

“When I first returned from Palestine, I had acquired a wealth of knowledge and experiences that I was desperate to share with others, but I didn’t know how to design and deliver a presentation, and I didn’t know who would listen.”(2005)

- Anna Baltzer, now a Full-time Lecturer & Speaker-Trainer, having given more than 400 presentations about Palestine (with invitations multiplying after each event!)

Communities all over the United States are increasingly looking for people to speak about what is happening in Palestine, but there aren’t enough effective and known speakers to go around. People like Anna end up turning down most invitations! The American Association for Palestinian Equal Rights (AAPER), in partnership with award-winning presenter, Anna Baltzer, proposes to fill that gap by offering US citizens comprehensive training on how to speak to and educate their communities about the situation in Palestine. By empowering US citizens to share their knowledge and personal stories, we can create a national movement of citizen educators who, together, can educate their fellow Americans (either publicly or in private settings) and encourage them to take action in support of the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people.

Trainer: Anna Baltzer, www.AnnaInTheMiddleEast.com (bio below)

Suggestion: Review her DVD before the workshop if you haven't heard her speak.

Where: 203 Wisconsin Ave.

Madison, WI 50703

Parking details: www.fumc.org

When: Sunday, August 30

5:30 pm for potluck dinner

6:30-9:30 pm for the training (please arrive by 6pm in case we start early!)

Cost: Suggested donation of $10-$25 (nobody turned away for lack of funds)

Goals: To Provide Participants With...

1. Increased Confidence in Speaking About Palestine

2. An Outline for Their Presentation

3. Practice Responding to Common & Difficult Questions

4. An Action Plan for Finding Venues & Organizing Events

5. If Time Permits, a Written and Practiced Introduction

Materials Provided: A Detailed Booklet Containing...

1. Tips on Presentation Structure & Delivery

2. Key Talking Points

3. Tough Questions & Respective Sample Answers

4. Sample Outreach & Organizing Supplies

5. CD of Sample Presentations, Photos, & Original Maps to Use

SPACE IS LIMITED - RSVP! If you are interested in attending the speakers training, please contact Joan Deming at (608) 241-9281 (home/office), (608) 235-1046 (cell), or by email at jdeming7@gmail.com. For more details about the training, contact Sarah Scruggs at AAPER by phone: (202) 683-8438 or by email at scruggs@aaper.org

Testimonials from Past Speaker Trainees:

Anna’s seminar was superb, measuring up to the high standards set by her own public speaking. The truth is that Anna has so many wonderful qualities to share that anyone who is interested in Israel-Palestine cannot help but benefit greatly from this opportunity. I cannot recommend Anna enough as a speaker, consultant or workshop facilitator. Participants will learn a lot of new information, have fun, and gain an elevated understanding of how to communicate their new knowledge to others with compassion and clarity.”

—Rich Forer, author of upcoming book on Israel/Palestine: Breakthrough

“The best thing I took away from Anna's inspiring speaker training workshop was confidence. She made me realize that I knew much more about Israel/Palestine than I gave myself credit for. I especially found useful the time we spent practicing answering the most common ‘hostile’ questions. About a month later I made my first presentation to a group of community college students. They were receptive and appreciative that I—along with my co-presenters—spoke from the heart. Now I want to develop other local speakers to present on this issue.”

— Susan Shuurman, co-founder of the Coalition to Stop $30 Billion to Israel

"Anna is the consummate nonviolent warrior who is vibrant, passionate, courageous and totally committed to peace and justice in Israel/Palestine. Her film, "Life In Occupied Palestine," was one of the primary motivating factors for me to visit Palestine in 2008 and to discover the truth of the conflict for myself. Anna's transition from being a speaker herself to empowering others to tell their truth means that instead of having just a small group of passionate and courageous voices there could—and will—be hundreds more."

— Will Covert, Board of Directors, Veterans for Peace - San Diego

Anna Baltzer is a Jewish-American Columbia graduate, former-Fulbright scholar, the granddaughter of Holocaust refugees, and an award-winning lecturer, author, and activist for Palestinian rights. As a volunteer with the International Women's Peace Service in the West Bank, Baltzer documented human rights abuses and supported Palestinian-led nonviolent resistance to the Occupation.Baltzer has appeared on television more than 400 times and lectured at more than 300 universities, schools, churches, mosques, and synagogues around the world with her acclaimed presentation, "Life in Occupied Palestine: Eyewitness Stories & Photos," and her full-color book: "Witness in Palestine: A Jewish American Woman in the Occupied Territories." Baltzer most recently returned from a trip through Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon, documenting Palestinian life in the diaspora. For information about Baltzer's book, DVD, speaking tours, and eye-witness reports, visit www.AnnaInTheMiddleEast.com

Chicago: Arab Heritage Month 2009

Arab Heritage Month (AHM) is a commemoration of Arab-American contributions to the quality of life in the US and in the City of Chicago. November AHM is an opportunity for the community to showcase those contributions as well as the rich Arab culture, unique heritage, and deeply rooted traditions and customs of the Arab World. Mayor Richard Daley has proudly recognized the significant contributions Arabs and Arab-Americans have made to our city in the fields of medicine, science, technology, business and education.

In celebration of AHM 2009, the City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations (CCHR) Advisory Council on Arab Affairs* will create a special online calendar (www.chicagoarabheritage.org) featuring community-sponsored programs and events designed to educate Chicagoans about Arab history as well as issues facing Arabs and Arab-Americans.

Please join us in our effort to promote AHM 2009 by planning an event that focuses on some of the issues facing Arabs and Arab-Americans or by highlighting a particular aspect of Arab culture. By participating in AHM programming, you can make a positive impact on the City's efforts to promote understanding and respect for Americans of Arab descent.

If you would like to submit an event for the AHM 2009 calendar, please complete the attached event description form and submit it by October 2, 2009. For more information, please contact Ken Gunn at 312.744.1545, kenneth.gunn@cityofchicago.org or email the AHM Planning Committee at info@chicagoarabheritage.org.

Freebie: Flat Rate Boxes

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is giving away supplies of Flat Rate Boxes. Go to prioritymail.com/boxes12 to receive a free supply of Flat Rate Boxes.

Arab American National Museum Call for Artists

Plaques bearing the phrase ahlan wa sahlan or "welcome" are a common feature in Arab and Arab American homes, where hospitality is of the utmost importance.

The AANM is now asking Arab American artists to create and donate such plaques for a display case in the AANM's permanent exhibit Living in America. For complete details on this Call for Artists, click HERE or contact Curator of Collections Suzy Adra Mazloum at 313.624.0229 or HERE.

FREE Workshop for Midwestern Educators

High school teachers from the states of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania are invited to an all-expenses-paid workshop about Arab Americans, the Arab World and Islam at the Arab American National Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.

Through a grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, the AANM is able to pay travel and accommodation costs for Midwest high school teachers to attend this free workshop July 17-19. Click HERE for details.