Cedar News Apr 2003

Contents Of This Issue:

The Quote

"Everyone is trying to accomplish something big, not realizing that life is made up of little things"  - Frank Clark

Featured Personality- Mr. Michel Ashkar

        A young man leaves his native, war-torn country in 1983 at the age of 18 – all alone - for a new life in the United States. Here, he knows no one - no friends, no relatives, no support group. He speaks two languages, but neither is English. He enrolls in engineering classes in a small college in Kansas where, while formally learning English, he maintains A’s and B’s in all other courses. In order to finance his education when the money stops coming from home, he holds down two part-time jobs and graduates with a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering.
        Less than twenty years later, he’s living the American dream: a wife, a home, self-employment as an engineering consultant, a shiny new BMW, and, through an amazing chain of events, now has the opportunity to resurrect artistic talents that were once squelched as a young boy in Lebanon. He brings to life for the first time, via a moving dramatic interpretation, a world-famous creative spirit who shared Lebanese roots - the artist and poet Kahlil Gibran .   Through this creative venture, he touches the hearts of many people, receives spectacular reviews, and brings honor to his homeland. And now he’s poised to bring his show on the road in America.  This is an intriguing tale of the triumph of the human spirit, of perseverance and of love for one’s homeland.  As El-Ashkar, 37, reflects on his life, you can’t help but feel privileged to have met him.   Please read more at www.michelashkar.com/merrimack.htm and visit his site at www.michelashkar.com .
        We learned that Mr. Ashkar has received proclamations from three cities in the U.S. declaring Kahlil Gibran Day in each of those cities. He is hoping to perform the play this year on the west coast in LA and San Diego, Montreal and Florida.  Mr. Ashkar was humbled and honored that we are doing this article.  We are glad to have him on our email list, and wish him future success.

General News

1-  We received a nomination from one of our chapters in B.C. to add Yamila Diaz to the famous people list.  She is a super model from Argenitna and of lebanese descent.  Please check out her website at http://www.km02.com/ydiaz/

2- Another article received and worth sharing is about another Lebanese American
Lt. Gen John Abizaid rising to the highest ranks in US military.  Please read the CNN report sent to us by a group from Canada.
Click here: CNN.com - Arab-American rises in ranks - Dec. 26, 2002 http://www.cnn.com/2002/US/12/26/centcom.deputy/index.html

General News

Lebanese Nights Song by Elissa  & Chris de Burgh

Elissa and Chris de Burgh have recorded a duo called Lebanese Nights
www.salmiya.net/songs/alissa/ram/alissa32.ram <~~~Click to listen to the song .   It is written and composed by Chris De Burgh, produced by Chris Porter, and recorded at Chris Porter Studio-Salisbury- United Kingdom. The song has been featured on De Burgh's released CD in August, which has been released worldwide.
 

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