Yours truly at the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium
My name is Elie Fares. I hold a degree in biology from AUB and currently pursuing a medical degree at Balamand. Don’t worry, I don’t usually write about medicine.
The idea of this blog was in the works for a long time. I’ve always had lots to say (as is evident by the lengthy posts I usually write) but never gotten around to thinking of actually making my ideas public. That changed in early 2011.
Soon after the January 2011 “coup” in Lebanon, I decided that the 140 character-limit of Twitter and the limited aspect of Facebook were not enough to get my ideas across. I dabbled a bit with Tumblr before deciding to opt for a more user-interactive experience. And this blog happened.
The point of this blog is to express anything that comes to my mind: Be it music, movies, random things or political commentary. I am a Lebanese nationalist who believes in the potential of my country and is exasperated at the current situation of the land I call home. You may read some negativity and I may be critical more than I would like to. But it’s just a reflection of how things are in my head. My political views many not suit all tastes. So if your threshold for opposite opinions is low, I suggest you steer clear from my politics section.
If you find my political opinion too out there for you, well I guess it’s just the way things are. If you think my music is too hillbilly, that my opinion in movies is too eccentric or that my take on current events is too opinionated for your taste, then it’s just the way things are as well.
If you decide that you need contact me, there’s a specific page for that.
This is reader’s opinion of “A Separate State of Mind:”
I came across many Lebanese blogs last year; “A Separate State of Mind” caught my attention because it was different for a simple reason: while the other blogs focused on the appearance, the use of photographs and the addition of too many links and references, Elie’s blog focused on the content and the elaboration of ideas. Long posts perhaps, yet very expressive, straight to the point and highly readable. This is risky since we belong to society that doesn’t read, but I belong to the minority that loves to read prolonged paragraphs so I was glad to find a Lebanese guy who is as active as Elie. And because of the richness of the posts, the blog managed to become one of the most visited blogs in Lebanon and this was very well deserved. It doesn’t really matter if you agree with him or not, what matters is that he’s writing his opinions, sharing them and allowing you to reply freely. Since my first visit, I became a reader and I instantly subscribed to the blog. Today I like the blog more because the posts are more mature and thoughtful separated by funny, quick and short posts to spice the blog up. “A Separate State of Mind” is certainly my favorite Lebanese blog.
I hope I can become one of your favorite blogs too – eventually. Stick around. Odds are, there will be something posted that you might enjoy.
Praise for A Separate State of Mind:
Top 10 Lebanese blog of 2012 by Communicate Magazine, Levant
Featured in Al Hayat newspaper,
Featured in Daily Star Lebanon,
Featured in Annahar newspaper.
Hi Elie!
I have been searching everywhere for the leaked pics from breaking dawn! I was wondering if you could send them to me at the following email address: phi570@yahoo.com
xoxo
Sure thing
Do you still have the breaking dawn pics?? If so, I’d love to see them!!!
<3
hi Elie, u mean ur learning for a medical degree? man here’s another blogger of ur same interests but from a different continent. I’m doing a movie blog and some movie news and stuff. Great writing u got here mate. Check my blog if ur free – http://perfectmovie4u.blogspot.com/
I hope you also have the barrier to do this stuff by the time factor. ANyways nice blog..cheers….
Would you mind sending me the leaked Breaking Dawn pics? Really enjoyed reading your blog.
Hi Elie,
I stumbled upon your site looking for Nadine’s movie “Stray Bullet”. It is a pleasure to discover your site.
I too write a blog which is actually languishing ever since I landed a column-writer gig in the local community newspaper, but if you are interested, here it is:
http://sumakanthan.wordpress.com/
My next step is to have a blog or a web site (preferrably combining both) to write about movies, songs and books I come across. I am roping in a few of my friends to do this and would luv to have you occasionally grace us with Lebanese movies if you are interested.
Keep in touch,
Cheers.
Thank you for speaking out…I support your position on Women’s Rights and fight for them (to keep them from being violated) here in the US. I am not afraid either…how can we be. If we do not speak, who will? One voice send a ripple…the ripple becomes a wave. I look forward to when you are a Dr. You are obviously a smart women.
Thank you for reading. And no, I’m a guy.
Sorry….I just guessed you may be a woman but if you are not my praise still applies:)
I need to put up a picture :p
Absolutely amazing ! It’s really well-constructed, smart, funny, and eclectic. I love the fact that for once I can enjoy myself reading a pure Lebanese website.
)
You can be really proud and also ashamed. Proud because you made a complete stranger read your articles for 2 hours, and share your blog ,,,, and ashamed because she had been doing it instead of studying for her biology test XD (I have that strange feeling Monday’s test will be an epic fail
P.S: Do you fill this blog alone or do you get any help ? I mean the work is really monumental for one person :O
Btw sorry for the “language mistakes”, my mind usually need some time to switch from french to english…..
Thank you Steph!
Sorry I kept you away from biology – incidentally, if you’re still in school, I don’t think you have to worry that much
And yes, I write here alone
hey
I have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Here is the link.
http://malakkanj.wordpress.com/2013/01/11/the-versatile-blog-award/
Food for thoughts… Elie thank you for the mental stimulation, keep them posts coming
Thanks a lot for reading