The year in visual arts
The visual arts scene in Egypt in 2008 has witnessed a substantial vibrant mixture of productions. Fortunately, the good exhibitions have been more so than the bad. The awful productions…
Egyptian books take the stage
Reading has no doubt become a new national hobby for Egypt, a reality exemplified by the growing bestselling charts. The hot topics remain social realism, contemporary politics and the new…
All quiet on the culture front
Last year, Egyptian alternative culture took over the helm from mainstream culture to lead the Egyptian culture scene. This year, the foreign culture invasion was in full swing, thanks to…
The invasion of Turkish soap operas
They have continuously been slammed as corny, unrealistic and unreligious. But despite the negative reports, the raving success of Turkish soap operas this year has proven to be a phenomenon…
Top 10 films of 2008
Without a doubt, 2008 has been the year of American films. The new wave of neo-westerns, allegorical epics and corporate thrillers that have miraculously arrived to our shores after taking…
Hallelujah! Cohen classic dominates British music charts
Leonard Cohen s song Hallelujah made British chart history Sunday when it became both number one and number two in the Christmas singles charts - although both versions were covers.Alexandra…
Expect the unexpected at Darb 17 18
With just a few minutes to go before the opening of Darb 17 18, Cairo's latest contribution to the national contemporary art scene, things were not yet quite in place.…
The dismal economist's joyless triumph
NEW YORK: I have long been forecasting that it was only a matter of time before America's housing bubble - which began in the early days of this decade, supported…
Sharing the burden of hard times
PRINCETON: The economic gloom that shrouded the world in 2008 has led many to ask whether the apparent prosperity that preceded it was real.We know that in countries as diverse…
Obama Meets the World
CAMBRIDGE: Many people will try to set President Barack Obama's priorities, but one person is sure to have a major effect. George W. Bush has bequeathed an unenviable legacy: an…