Back to Our Man in Beirut

Mr. Nasri Atallah graced us with his 6 ft 3 inch (my unscientific guess) frame during our social media class to discuss his book,blog, and general experience with life. Humorous and quite down to earth, he is obviously well read with a love of books. I was disappointed that his wit doesn't translate so obviously when addressing a live public but then again how random is it to talk about your inner monologue.

 What started this renowned blog was his cynicism and unhappiness with his career. Now that his success has brought him so much happiness, hes worried that he has nothing to write about.

Social Media-Changing Lives Conference....and a Pink Wig

      I was happy to attend this the Social Media-Changing lives conference that took place in AUB in Issam Fares Hall from 12 p.m till 9 p.m.
The significance of this conference was to address how social media is altering fields such as education, culture, economics, music and art, NGO's and the environment.Many left the conference feeling the need to start a new blog or enhance what was already there.
      I happened to arrive during a panel that features five very renowned bloggers that have been influenced by social media. Whether it was about shoes, graphic design, restaurants, black lists, each blogger gave their side of the story about how social media was basically a wonderful phenomenon. What was most intriguing about the conference was the screen that displayed a constant array of tweets. Hysterically amusing, it drew my attention away from the speakers.
But by far the most amusing image was that of a panelist who arrived with a shockingly bright pink wig. Distraction galore.

Meeting Mr. Nasri Attallah, the man behind "Our Man in Beirut"

I must say I was a tad bit excited to meet Mr. Atallah. After hearing  how wonderfully innovative he is as well as "charmingly handsome with some wolfish tendencies" (i wont quote the girl) I was curious to see for myself. After having read some of his blog posts, my general impression of this man ranged from cynical, wickedly smart and overall highly witty and disenchanted and above all, a writer. Im happy to have his blog posts available in hard copy. The internet is a disaster in this country.

Sector 75 located in Gemayzeh proved to be somewhat difficult to find. The statement "girls cant read maps" is in fact true and we ended up circling the area a little less then three times, till at last we found it. A door, hardly noticeable leading us into a very loud, smoking and cheerful commotion. I estimated about 50 people in this room all standing in line to get Mr. Atallah's book autographed by none other than Our Man in Beirut, Mr. Atallah himself.

I asked him how he felt about this huge and unique success. He replied, "I've never experienced anything like it. This is definitely one of the greatest moments of my life, if not the best."

The widest grin I've ever seen and this silent need to bounce about. He greeted everyone like a long lost friend. Very polite and highly sincere, he asked me to please enjoy and thanked me for coming.