InfoAnda - Beirut's iconic 'Glass Cafe' takes its last bow

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Serbia and Kosovo's EU future clouded as court rules | | 20 July 2010
Human error cited in Army helicopter crash in Colo | 23 January 2010
Seoul shares drop but off low; LG Elec up | 18 November 2008

Clinton confirmed as new US chief diplomat | 22 January 2009

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Beirut's iconic 'Glass Cafe' takes its last bow

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Weekend Edition World Beirut's iconic 'Glass Cafe' takes its last bow AFP - Thursday, January 6 Send IM Story Print Beirut's iconic 'Glass Cafe' takes its last bow BEIRUT (AFP) - – Beirut's iconic Glass Cafe, which dates back to Ottoman times, shuts its doors this week, taking with it a slice of the Lebanese capital's cultural and political heritage. "The history of this cafe is closely intertwined with the history of Beirut," said Angele Abi Haidar, 50, whose family has operated the Glass Cafe -- which first opened its doors in 1920 -- since 1951. "Every inch of this cafe carries a story," she said. "It has witnessed the country's major political events and survived through the 1975-1990 civil war." Abi Haidar recently lost a long-running legal battle with the building's owner over the rental price which was set to jump threefold, from 50,000 dollars a year to 150,000 dollars -- a price she cannot afford. "I spent a lot of money in legal fees and I can't go on any more," she said, sadly looking over the cafe which shuts down January 10. The glass-enclosed bistro-style eatery is popular among tourists and old-timers. It is located in the traditional but trendy neighbourhood of Gemmayzeh in a building on a corner of Gouraud Street, named after French General Henri Gouraud who signed a decree proclaiming the creation of the state of Lebanon in 1920. Ottoman-style buildings vie for space with modern high rises on the street, which is crowded with pubs, nightclubs and restaurants. But the "Glass Cafe" is one of its few establishments that still serves Lebanese dishes and offers traditional music. With its painted tiles, imported from Italy at the start of the 20th century, 1950s chandeliers and classic bistro style tables, the cafe has borne witness to Lebanon's turbulent history over the years as it hosted presidents, prime ministers, poets. "The likes of President Camille Chamoun, Prime Minister Saeb Salam and (Maronite Christian leader) Pierre Gemayel were among our customers," Abi Haidar said. "The cafe was also popular among intellectuals who could sit for hours debating about culture and poetry." As a young girl, Abi Haidar remembers watching her grandfather greet customers, with the click of backgammon dice, the gurgle of water pipes and the songs of Lebanese diva Fairuz always in the background. "The demarcation line that split Beirut in half (between Christians and Muslims) during the civil war wasn't very far from here," she recalled. "Most of the residents in the neighbourhood fled but my father would open the cafe every day." "When the bombs would fall, the few customers would rush to the kitchen in the back to hide and then, when things would calm down, they would sit back at their tables," she added. "It was all very surreal." The building's owner, Massoud Renno, said he does not plan to tear down the cafe but wants to refurbish it before deciding its fate. But for Giorgio Guy Tarraf, of the "Save Beirut Heritage" organisation which organised a goodbye concert at the cafe Wednesday evening, heritage is not only about preserving property. "Heritage doesn't only mean beautiful old stones," he told AFP. "When one speaks of heritage it also means memories, people and places." Khalil Asmar, 50, owner of a bookstore in the neighbourhood, said part of Beirut's history will be buried when the Glass Cafe shuts its doors on Monday. "Ever since I was a child, the cafe has been there," he said wistfully. "It's like home. "I used to watch customers play cards and backgammon, and I recall the poet Michel Akl sitting there for hours writing his poems." Abi Haidar, who has opened another cafe north of Beirut, said nothing can replace the memories of the Glass Cafe. "It's ironic, successive wars failed to shut it down," she said bitterly. "And now, a thirst for fast cash is forcing us to close." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles De Niro to lead Cannes jury AFP - 1 hour 17 minutes ago Batman's French Muslim ally angers US bloggers AFP - 2 hours 58 minutes ago At 80, world's oldest clown has no plans to quit AFP - Thursday, January 6 1 - Saoirse Ronan mortified by sexy style CoverMedia - Thursday, January 6 1 - Jennifer Aniston jealous of NY style CoverMedia - Thursday, January 6 News Search Top Stories US Treasury asks Congress to lift debt ceiling Robert De Niro to lead Cannes film festival jury I.Coast's Gbagbo has 'blood on his hands' says rival France fears 'economic war' over Renault leaks German industrial orders jump by 5.2% More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Falling blackbirds baffle Arkansas officials Hasta la Vista: Arnie quits as California governor Goldman deal 'values Facebook at $50 billion' Spain lotto winner nearly loses millions by tossing tickets Brazil's 2010 trade surplus lowest in 8 years: official More Most Viewed » More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Weekend Edition Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo! Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Entertainment Photos Yahoo! News Network Copyright © 2011 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Thursday, 6 January 2011
Israeli strike foils rare Russian president visit
William and Kate get archbishop, procession for wedding
US-TECH Summary
U.S. foe, Sadr, returns to Iraq after exile
New mass death of birds in Sweden
Fired-up Obama foes take over US House
Panasonic to reveal Internet TV technology: report
Israel says Palestinian alternatives a "mirage"
Hundreds pregnant in UK despite contraceptive implant
US private-sector jobs boom spurs recovery hopes
AT&T plans 20 new phones, major Android push
Kidnapped Hungarian peacekeeper freed in Sudan's Darfur
French ex-minister Morin to run for president
Internet activists hit Tunisia government wesbites
Greek guerrilla group claims Athens court blast |
China vows to help Europe beat debt crisis
Radical cleric Sadr returns to Iraq as hero
Parrot makes 'smart' car radio for Internet Age
Egypt church bomb hints at al Qaeda gaining toehold
Afghanistan says attacks against VP thwarted
U.S. to help south Sudan if it chooses independence |
Mattel partners with THQ in new licensing deal
Israel says Palestinian alternatives a mirage |
Russian Internet firm builds social networking empire
Mongolian spy chief blasts British 'insult'
Analysis: Facebook fund tests SEC resolve
U.S. seeks China's help in reining in North Korea
US probe after Goldman investment in Facebook
Pakistan governor buried as clerics warn against grief
Panasonic to reveal Internet TV technology: report
N.Korea calls for 'unconditional' talks with South
AT&T plans 20 fast Web phones this year
Wozniacki, Rezai power into Hong Kong final
'Roustabout' world's worst job: survey
U.S. downplays Chinese stealth fighter status
AT&T plans 20 new phones, major Android push |
Time called on British beer measures
Indonesian maid shows wounds to Saudi court
'Babe' creator Dick King-Smith dies at 88
Intel's new chips to yield one-third of 2011 revenue |
China TV channel turns back clock with 'red' programming
Comcast rolls out video app for iPad; eyes live TV |
New twist in California gay marriage legal battle
RIM's PlayBook software unit QMX shifts into gear |
Google wins court challenge on government contract |
Panasonic to reveal Internet TV technology: report |
LG Electronics sees flat North America TV sales in 2011 |
American Air holds ground in travel agent spat |
China vows to help Europe beat debt crisis
Pakistan stocks gain; security concern limits rise
Top Citigroup managers blamed in fraud claims
Top Chinese official promises to buy Spanish debt
Taiwan cbank: bond maturity could spark fund outflows
Japan new car sales see first rise in seven years
Cambodian telecoms sector begins consolidation
Motorola unveils tablet computer, the Xoom
Mali says 'foreigner' attacked French embassy
US probe shares out 'systemic' blame for oil spill
William and Kate get archbishop, procession for wedding
US private hiring boosts hopes for jobs report
Seoul rejects North Korea's talks offer as propaganda |
Samsung, LG place 3D bets with cheaper TVs
Jackson doctor 'ordered aide to remove evidence'
Dutch firefighters battle chemical blaze
Zoellick: G20 must act to stabilize food prices |
Starbucks revamps logo, hints at life beyond coffee
Nvidia challenges Intel with PC central processors
U.S. to send 1,400 extra troops to Afghanistan: report |
N.Korea calls for 'unconditional' talks with South
Microsoft links up with ARM in new tablet drive
Premiership managers fight to survive
Chavez backers, foes rally for Venezuela parliament |
Sharp's Galapagos tablet U.S.-bound later in 2011
Autism-vaccine study was 'fraud,' journal says
U.S. protests Vietnamese police attack on diplomat |
Microsoft Windows adapting to mobile world
Republicans take over U.S. House and dilute cuts
Struggling Japan PM tries to seize policy initiative |
Panasonic readies "smart" TV, tablet thrust
Draining flooded Australia mines could take weeks |
Sony beefs up content for 3D, pushes connected TV
Motorola gadget to make smartphones like computers
Pakistan governor buried, clerics warn against grief |
Microsoft sold over 8 million Kinects in 60 days: CEO
Relief agency slams Haiti quake recovery quagmire |
Autism-vaccine study was a 'fraud', journal says
LG unveils first tablet through T-Mobile USA
U.S. envoy to Libya ensnared in WikiLeaks uproar |
US, China pledge cooperation
Malkovich plays Casanova and sings on Vienna stage
Motorola unveils tablet computer, the Xoom
Australian navy thwarts pirate attack on British ship
Seoul rejects North Korea's talks offer as "propaganda"
Samsung, LG place 3D bets with cheaper TVs
Finger injury hurts Ogilvy's treble bid
Panasonic readies "smart" TV, tablet thrust
Samsung Electronics to boost 3D TV line-up
Siberian tiger attacks, kills bus driver in China
Battery factory poisons 24 children in China
Corrected: LG Display in LCD screen supply deal with Sony
LinkedIn plans to go public in 2011: sources |
At 80, world's oldest clown has no plans to quit
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
RIM announces 4G tablet, touts corporate interest |
LG Electronics sees flat North America TV sales in 2011
"Twilight" and Katy Perry among People's Choice winners
Microsoft sold over 8 million Kinects in 60 days: CEO |
No-sex zone threatened after Philippines scandal
Motorola gadget to make smartphones like computers |
"American Idol" best days may be over: poll
Horrified Michael Jackson children saw father motionless
Microsoft links up with ARM in new tablet drive |
Britney Spears inspires "Country Strong" character
Beatles being paid directly by iTunes in deal
GM invests $5 million in wireless charging startup |
Co-host of Roger Ebert's new movie show speaks out
Sony beefs up content for 3D, pushes connected TV |
Beatles being paid directly by iTunes in deal |
Malkovich plays Casanova and sings on Vienna stage
Nvidia challenges Intel with PC central processors |
Seoul shares end down on banks, but shipyards help
AT&T plans 20 new phones, major Android push |
Sumitomo, Nippon Sharyo get Taiwan rail car order
China to build $1.5 bn trading centre in Thailand
Hacked iTunes accounts for sale online in China
Pakistani c.bank to buy govt paper to inject liquidity
China, Taiwan launch new economic committee
Taiwan tax evaders barred from taking taxi-cabs
GM invests $5 million in wireless charging startup
Foreign selling of S.Korea bonds at record in Dec
Pakistan
Sony beefs up content for 3D, pushes connected TV
S.Korea's Asiana to buy six Airbus A380s
Motorola gadget to make smartphones like computers
adding interaction to Connected TV
Microsoft sold over 8 million Kinects in 60 days: CEO
Twilight and Katy Perry among People's Choice winners |
Horrified Michael Jackson children saw father motionless |
LG unveils first tablet through T-Mobile USA
American Idol best days may be over: poll |
Beatles being paid directly by iTunes in deal |
Co-host of Roger Ebert's new movie show speaks out |
Betty White says she is trying to cut down on work |
Britney Spears inspires Country Strong character |
More catfights in new season of Jersey Shore |
Paula Abdul dances back into hearts of viewers |
Anna Nicole Smith boyfriend likely to escape jail |
Mubarak says Israel must revise position on talks
Iraqis look to U.S. foe Sadr to help stabilise state |
Israeli troops kill 2 Palestinians on Gaza border
AT&T added 50 percent more China clients in 2010
German industrial orders jump by 5.2%
Fear stalks Egypt's churches over Coptic Christmas |
US sending 1,400 more Marines to Afghanistan
Renault spy scandal threat to 'strategic assets'
HTC Q4 net more than double, more gains ahead
U.S. woman arrested in Iran for spying: report |
Egypt warns Israel against new Gaza war
Security tight as Nigerian oil state goes to polls |
Microsoft sold 8 mln Kinects in first two months
Autism-MMR vaccine study was an 'elaborate fraud'
Israel says Turkey like Iran before revolution
Israelis bribed to admit U.S. goods to Gaza: WikiLeaks |
Passengers overpower hijacker on Norway-Turkey flight
Ouattara says rival Gbagbo ordered Ivory Coast violence |
China's Youku streams Hollywood hit in film deal
EU says up to U.N. to inspect Iran's nuclear
Record high food prices stoke fears for economy |
Radical cleric Sadr returns to Iraq as hero
Former boss feared Pakistan suspect's extremism |
Chaos at hearing of alleged Pakistan assassin
Former boss feared Pakistan suspect's extremism
Chaos over Pakistan 'assassin' court appearance
Great Wall named top dangerous location in Beijing
In Jakarta, even death can be quite expensive
U.S. to temporarily send 1,400 more Marines to Afghanistan
Korea primed for deep Asian Cup run
Lottery jackpot winner to claim winnings in Wash.
England on verge of Ashes series win
Encore for Malaysia's hit Islamic talent show
Millions more people flying in Philippines
Man in custody following standoff at Arizona mall
Draining flooded Australia mines could take weeks
Beirut's iconic 'Glass Cafe' takes its last bow
Artday app adds culture to smartphones
Apple launches app store for Macs, a la iPhone |
Analysis: Microsoft embrace boost for ARM, worry for Intel |
China pledges to enhance yuan flexibility
GameStop's holiday sales disappoint, shares drop |
Pakistani stocks end up; rupee firms; o/n rates flat
Pakistan's forex reserves jump to record $17.2 bln
Asia Naphtha-S.Korea Honam buys H2 Feb cargoes at firm premiums
Indonesia rights body denounces torture in Papua
AIG's Taiwan unit fined for punishing union member
India police clear Citibank CEO in fraud case
Japan backs firms' green city projects abroad
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph	VPN on MacOSX	BlogMeter 1.01