Joe's Box

Finally School Life is Over!

2013-05-19T21:21:00.001+03:00

Teens celebrating the end of school Life, reminds me of my own teen life and how much I hated school!

Every single day, I was cursing at school, forcing myself to go, just trying to survive. But really, school sucks enough as it is, because it is very boring, it kills your creativity , it is a place when you get what you don't want, you enter a system with the idea to get educated instead you get programmed; memorizing none sens, make tests and you are defined genius or stupid based on your answers...It is more like mind control without challenging you to think.

Education is more important than schooling, There is so much stuff to learn and to read but we forget how to learn by ourselves, we become dependent on school to give us the knowledge we need. Unfortunately I did not have the luxury of the Internet back when I was in school...

So yeah celebrate and keep on hating school! But i want you to know, you’re not alone :-)

Arabic is not Cool!

2013-05-12T18:23:00.001+03:00

Lebanese embrace several languages, and we combine English, Arabic and French in the same sentence, that's fine with me, but it is sad to see a huge billboard in the center of Beirut show Arabic message in the web-friendly Latin script ( a silly Message by the way).
Who said Arabic is not cool!?

“We should link the Arabic language to modern art and culture... to end the perception among young people that the formal language is outdated and dull,"

I ‘ve seen beautiful Arabic fonts, typography and type design. why don't we use it in our advertising campaigns? Check out Tarek Atrisis & Nadine Shahine work for beautiful Arabic artwork.

White wine for Girls only!

2013-05-05T20:12:00.000+03:00

When you look back at this ad campaign, you see the problem: At no point did they actually make wine seem like something you'd want to drink. It was a great campaign for girl products or a reminder on how some girls unfortunately think but not a WINE AD. People actually do drink wine when having fun,listening to music (bars, parties, restaurants, with family and friends...). It makes no sense to try to make "girly moments" association with wine. In my opinion this ad will hurt sales and chateau ka will need an urgent action plan to boost...CREATIVITY!

Lebanese Facebook population

2013-05-01T11:55:00.004+03:00

You might be interested to see the Lebanese Facebook population
Lebanese population on facebook: 1,524.180
Lebanese population: +4,259,405

Statistics by Nasri Messarra/ Kleudge you can follow @nasrimessarra on twitter

The New Sohat glass bottle.

2013-04-10T18:18:00.001+03:00

Sohat the lebanese water company has given HORECA visitors an exclusive look at its New generation bottles. The New Sohat glass bottles.

Very simple minimalist design, It reminds me of the vintage bottles. I liked the idea, and I think cold water tastes better in a bottle of glass.

They did not reveal the price yet , In my opinion this product is not for mass market but for niche clientele…

The new sohat bottles will be available next month in Lebanon.

10 Lebanese instagrammers to follow

2013-04-01T16:56:00.000+03:00

You may know about my instagram obsession, and about the debate out there if instagram is killing photography... you can read my opinion here

There is a lot of talented people sharing amazing pictures all around the world. Lately I’ve been following the feeds of a few lebanese peeps, you know, I do my daily check ups on their account and I always find something beautiful. Today I’ll share with you some of my latest Lebanese instagrammers

@Serjios one of the best instagramers in Lebeanon and in the world with14k followers, Serje snaps beautiful architectural photos from Lebanon and all around the world

@alsauma Alain a film director capturing magical photos from Lebanon and around the globe. I always look forward to new updates

@tichtik Colorful symbolic photos , her instagram feed is beautiful, exotic and artistic.

@omar_Haddad Outdoor photographer and graphic designer snaps beautiful portrait and outdoor pictures

@Nfkphoto Nadim loves the nature specially trees in a gloomy weather

@Ramijamesaoun Rami Invites you to take a look to the old Lebanese houses

@Nanohaber Original outdoor zen photos only

@dany_111 Lebanese surfer shares amazing pictures from the water.

@najsaf Naji’s feed shows the beauty of Lebanon

@eli01 shows what city living is like from an architecture point of view.

Promoted Post: Superga Finally In Lebanon

2013-03-19T12:38:00.000+02:00

It's hard to believe that Superga is well over 100 year old. Born in Turin 1911 the Superga factory, under the stewardship of Walter Martiny, started to produce shoes with vulcanized rubber soles and the Classic Superga 2750 Heritage style was born!

Superga’s mission is to bring high quality footwear to the people of Italy. Having established the 2750 as the People's Shoe of Italy Superga increased it's product line and added technical sport shoes the City collection, Country rubber rain and outerwear boots.

The 2750 has been an icon from the beginning. Long a favorite for taking Italians from the city to the beach at weekends. It's ubiquity demonstrates its ease and comfort. The shoe that can be dressed up or dressed down. And just like your favorite jeans can be washed to create your own

vintage look.

The 2750's low cut style has an open lower cut ankle with finished inseams inside the shoe. Designed to perfectly complement the foot, it is an elegant sneaker that looks relaxed and well dressed whether worn at the beach or at the office.

Superga Is available In ABC Achrafieh L1 and soon in ABC Dbayeh

Join our Facebook community for news offers and of course lots of #SupergaLove Here
Follow us on Twitter : @Supergalb

No Parking!

2013-03-17T16:13:00.000+02:00

I made the mistake recently of thinking that I could find a parking lot in Achrafieh on a busy Monday morning and run into my meeting…

I drove around searching for a parking space for about 20 minutes before I just gave up and drive back home. Nothing bothers me more than this yellow sign that says no parking allowed.

I was thinking why we don’t have a Smartphone parking app like BestParking that provides real time information to drivers about the traffic and about the availability of free or paid parking in Beirut.

An app like this can save a lot of time, stress and even reduce pollution, due to less driving around.

Is it complicated to develop this app in Beirut?

ArabNet Beirut

2013-03-15T15:55:00.001+02:00

Last week I got my free invitation to attend for the first time the Arabnet conference in Beirut.

Arabnet the largest regional event of its kind for the digital creative sectors, will be attended by over 600 online and mobile professionals and entrepreneurs will be held in Beirut from 20-22 March. Thank you Arabnet for the invitation, see you next week.

From Worst Internet Speed in the World to Capital of Creativity: Lebanon’s Leap Towards Digital Development
Lebanon, a country that suffered the indignity of being ranked ‘worst internet speed in the world’ in 2011, has spent the past year focusing its energy on digital initiatives that aim to transform the nation into a vibrant technological hub for businesses in the Middle East. Through the efforts of some of the country’s biggest companies and digital advocates, Lebanon is gradually emerging as a thriving capital for young entrepreneurs, innovators and creative professionals in the region.

Among the initiatives aimed at attracting local and international Information and Communication Technology businesses and entrepreneurs to Lebanon, two that stand out are the Beirut Digital District (BDD) and Cloud 5.

Beirut Digital District is a public-private initiative led by the Lebanese Ministry of Telecommunications in collaboration with incubator Berytech and real estate development company ZRE. BDD will be a fibre-optic wired and 4G-enabled district spread over 15,000 square meters. Its Berytech Park, scheduled to lauch this year, aims to house 100 small and medium enterprises, with the ambition of generating over 1000 jobs in the next four to six years. ZRE’s General Manager, Mouhamad Rabah says that BDD provides “the right ecosystem; a community of experts that will help digital startups, answer all their needs, and connect them with established companies and industry decision makers.”

Across the highway, Solidere’s Cloud 5, a technology park in the heart of the Beirut Central District, boasts a cutting-edge 500 square meter space dedicated to boosting small and medium sized ICT companies. Offering facilities for up to 60 entrepreneurs, it builds on the work of incubators and accelerators to provide startups with a pioneering work environment at minimum cost. As Richard Azoury, Head of Business Development at Solidere, explains, Cloud 5 “is not a place for established companies to carry on their business as usual but an arena in which new companies can launch their next killer application."

From March 20 - 22, these digital pioneers, along with over 600 web and mobile professionals and entrepreneurs, will take part in ArabNet Beirut 2013, the largest regional event for the digital creative sectors. Held under the High Patronage of H.E. President General Michel Sleiman, in Collaboration with the Central Bank of Lebanon, and in Strategic Partnership with Bank Audi, ArabNet Beirut demonstrates the enormous steps that Lebanon has taken to become a central gathering place for leading tech enthusiasts to share their ideas. Kicking off with a Design+Code Day, centred around building better web and mobile products, the event also offers two Forum Days that explore online advertising and social media, music and video, food and beverage, gaming, e-retail, and entrepreneurship.

To find out more, or to take part in ArabNet Beirut, visit www.arabnet.me

Who says paper is dead?

2013-03-14T14:02:00.001+02:00

Brilliant Idea!

Life without Whatsapp.

2013-03-11T11:25:00.000+02:00

I have never used much Whatsapp , but my family members, colleagues, clients use it a lot and they always make sure to bother me with quotes, pictures, jokes, and some working ideas! What is more annoying when strangers you have on your phone book for professional reasons start messaging you.

I hate also the fact that it tells everyone what time I was last and if I am online!

This app is very popular but in my opinion it is pointless, it is just another IM service which needs internet.

For all these reasons I deleted the application from my phone. If u want to contact me , you can message me, email me, call me, plus me, follow me but don’t whatsapp me cause I am not going to save money by losing my privacy.

What about you can you live without whatsapp?

Galaxy brings back Audrey Hepburn to Life

2013-03-03T13:14:00.002+02:00

"Audrey Hepburn is dead, but technology may help her live forever."
Love It!

#Instamood

2013-03-02T17:55:00.001+02:00

Can't wait for summer!

Beirut Social Media Award

2013-02-24T18:10:00.001+02:00

Beirut has one of the best social media communities in the Middle east., people here are so active on different social media channels always tweeting, checking their Facebook news feed, or Instagramming the city others running their own blogs, businesses as well integrated social media as a part of their marketing campaigns.

“the Online Collaborative’s team believes that it is about time to honor the brands and persons who are doing a fabulous job at it whether it is engaging people in meaningful conversations, growing their businesses, answering complaints or using it for social good and empowering people though it. For that purpose the Social Media Awards Beirut first edition was launched. The Social Media Awards will allow the Lebanese online community to nominate, vote for and award the bloggers, journalists, content creators, community managers, public personas, users of social media and celebrities for their efforts in communication and online creation across 33 categories.”

The selection process will be divided into the following stages:

Stage 1: Online Nominations.

Members of the online community nominate candidates for different categories via our website www.SMABeirut.com. Users can nominate themselves, friends or an organization on business based on the criteria of each category. Their submission is accompanied by relevant material such as Facebook links, Twitter accounts, blogs and other platforms to support their candidates. The nomination phase will be conducted over a period of one month and will be covered continuously on Online Collaborative’s social media channels as well as in traditional media.

Stage 2: Judges Selection.

Based on the nominations received, our team of experienced and celebrity judges from different backgrounds will be narrowing down the nominations in each category to seven nominees within two weeks of closure of nominations. The whole process will be carried out in pure transparency and an announcement event will be held for the press and online community.

Stage 3: Final Vote.

Members of the online community are asked to vote for their preference in each category over a period of one month. During this period, nominees will be able to campaign for obtaining votes.

Stage 4: Awards Ceremony.
An awards ceremony will be held for over 750 invitees from digital agencies,VIPs and online influencers with entertainment, key guest appearances, and VIP guests bringing Oscar-like award glamour to social media.

For More info visit their website here and join their facebook page here.

The future Technology: Google Glass

2013-02-20T19:59:00.002+02:00

Photography allowed?!

2013-02-14T21:22:00.001+02:00

Two weeks ago I posted about how photography is forbidden in some malls and venues in Lebanon like zaitunay bay and ABC Achrafieh, You can read my post here

In my post I mentioned the importance of photos in social media and why businesses should embrace social media...

Last day I found out that zaitunay bay created a pure social media competition based on photography, asking people to take pictures inside a frame and share it with their friends via Instagram and twitter using the hashtag #ZaitunayValentine

"Take a picture inside a frame with your loved one, and when you share it don't forget to include #ZaitunayValentine!"

A coincidence or my blog is inspiring businesses in Lebanon?

It is good to see how social media is changing businesses in Lebanon!

10 best Lebanese Blogs

2013-02-10T19:00:00.001+02:00

Communicate magazine published an interesting supplement this year “2013 book of tens” ; a full listing of everything you should know to start the new year:

-Ten campaigns that went viral

-Ten copycats

-Ten local videos…

-Ten blogs they recommended ( best Blogs of the year)

After our list of “ten outstanding blogs” earned a quite a few critics last year (the list focused on communication - related blogs, excluding some of the most popular bloggers), we might as well be committing social media suicide doing it again. Still, as loyal readers ourselves we've come to know what keeps us coming back for more: consistency, contreversary, content, style, and a whole lot of constrictive criticism. Our selection below- in no particular order or ranking- delivered just that, and plenty of blogosphere review material while at it. As for the possible relations we expect, we’ll quote a French song: “Qu’on se pende ici, qu’on se pende ailleurs, s’il faut se pendre” (for non-French speakers: “we’re doomed either way”)

Below the 10 recommended blogs, in my opinion the best 10 Lebanese blogs:

1-Beirut Spring

2-A Separate state ofmind

3-Plus961

4-Blog Baladi

5-Marketing in Lebanon

6-Gino’s Blog

7-Toom Extra

8-Joe's Box

9-Broffessional Review

10-Beirut NTSC

Thank you Communicate magazine to featuring my blog for the second year :-)

Call Me Maybe!

2013-02-10T13:13:00.001+02:00

Loving this!
From a stupid song to a masterpiece!

My thoughts on the new Vine app.

2013-02-04T21:23:00.000+02:00

Vine another social media app, not for words or images but to record videos, Vine allows you to record 6 seconds of video, upload it and you can share it on your facebook or twitter.I signed in and I love Vine but I think six seconds are not enough! You have to be very creative to send the right message in a very short video!
The app is very easy to use you have to touch the screen to start recording once you take your finger off the screen it stops.
I guess this app will offer a great potential for journalists and bloggers specially in Lebanon, and for businesses as well. Vine could present another opportunity for brands to connect with consumers on social media and possibly make a quick sneak peak for a new product or service.

Good morning #adonis #lebanon vine.co/v/b1bTDbBHIIa
— Joe (@JoesBox) February 1, 2013

For Wine lovers

2013-01-27T16:58:00.003+02:00

I have become so interested in wine lately and how it is made and all the different kinds especially Lebanese wine.

Recently I have found a very interesting book the zawak guide that helped me to know more about the Lebanese wines. More than 40 wineries are reviewed region by region in this guide.

“A jury of independent international experts took part in a blind tasting of all Lebanese wines and selected the 100 best ones, to guide the casual enthusiast as well as the connoisseur. The experts' tasting notes are accompanied by the "coup de coeur"and "best deal" seals.”

A must have for all wine lovers.

No Photography!

2013-01-20T19:48:00.001+02:00

I was recently wandering in zaitunay bay with my DSLR camera. I was surprised when a security guy stopped me , telling me that it Is not allowed to take pictures inside the venue, I replied :what's the difference between a camera versus taking pictures with my Smartphone.

His response was, this is the rules.

I had the same problem in ABC Achrafieh.... The Lebanese businesses were probably trying to protect their brands and their “VIP” clients..But to me this is ridiculous and a huge marketing mistake

Here why:

Maybe 80% of Lebanese own a Smartphone
Technology has changed business and marketing
People who take pictures will definitely share it on different social media channels like twitter, facebook and instagram or maybe blog about your business, this will definitely boost your online brand.

Imagine your waiter stopping you from "Instagraming" your delicious dessert!

Businesses in Lebanon should encourage and reward customers taking pictures of their shop/product instead of stopping them.

10 Things That Olga Taught Me

2013-01-13T16:05:00.001+02:00

1- You cannot believe anything the media tells you
2- Lebanese like to exaggerate problems
3- Unfortunately social media is not a credible source in Lebanon
4- Snow and the weather can distract Lebanese from working/studying
(because it snowed for the first time here)
5- We love gossip
6- Our government is not prepared to respond to any emergency situation
7- We love drama
8- Fake photos can fool you
9- We don’t have any backup plan
10- Global warming is bullshit

Spot the difference...

2012-12-28T14:07:00.001+02:00

Davies Babies

....Anyway drive carefully guys and Happy New Year!

Geek the artist.

2012-12-26T18:05:00.003+02:00

I got invited to the “Geek The Artist” Event by the Lebanese designer Vick Vanlian.The event took place at Vick vanlian’s boutique in Saifi village. The shop, presenting the full collection of Vick Vanlian furniture and lifestyle collection.

Nice funky and eclectic furniture, you feel like you are living in a new world, nothing in the boutique is a déjà vue for example: furniture using bike tires, pipes and pedals….

The purpose of the event was to discover Vik’s world and to brainstorm with the artist on one new item design direction for 2013.

The “Geek” with the best idea will have the chance to work hand in hand with the artist on developing the 2013 identity.

White Lebanon Before Christmas!

2012-12-21T22:00:00.003+02:00

Pictures taken @ Bekaa Kafra Lebanon
by: Tony Hadchiti
Merry Christmas everyone