Issue 4 06/2008
Ecole Active Bilingue Jeannine Manuel
1â‚Ź
Le Bilingue
Le Bilingue Team Editor-in-Chief Noura Ayria, 1.IB Pre-Production Editor Mary Ann Toman-Miller, 2°7 New Century Issues Editor Patricia Schouker, 2°2 School News Editor Michael Valinsky, 3°2 Features Editor Annabelle Blackburn, 3°7 Photography and Images Editor Sang-Hyeon Lee, 2°5 Front Cover Photo Noelia Hobeika, 1.IB Advisor Mrs. Elliot Le Clainche Révision M. Bennis
SCHOOL NEWS
EABJM Fashion Show Gym Turned Into Catwalk! The school's gymnasium is famed for the smell of sweat, intense heart action, eternal sports hours, and of course the stress of being called up to your new class at the rentree. Who could have ever thought that a room as tedious and unexciting as the school gym could turn into the spot of a successful fashion show? No one. Yet IBs, French Bac Terminale students and Mme Koncewicz, masterminds of this idea, have made it possible for the school's sports room to become stylish and trendy, even if it is only once a year, at the EABJM Fashion Show.
runway, the judges had to choose those who had earned the winning titles. After Mme Koncewicz congratulated the models and gave a very true "you are all winners" speech, the IBs and French Bac Terminale students thanked her for being a great Directrice Adjointe while they were in College, and helping them during the whole fashion show process; then finally decided to reveal the winners according to each theme.
There were quite a few of them, such as Roxanne Duran as Via Condotti (Pretty Woman), Ayla Ajjeh as Starmint (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Berenice Nakache Foussard on the Walk of Fame (Chicago), Amytis Heim as Bubble Girl (Star Wars) Naima Kraushaar-Friesen as Marie Antoinette (Marie Antoinette), Annabelle Carillo as “L’espion qui m’aimait” (James Bond). Two models, Lili Bravi and Aygun Zenep, received the unique titles of “most original.” The proud winners received 20-euro H&M Cards On the 10th of April at six o'clock the EABJM Fashion Show as a reward for their excellent and remarkable work. took place for the third time, decorated according to a HollyThe 2008 EABJM Fashion Show was not only a major sucwood theme. The forty-seven models cat walked down our very own runway, carried by high heels and wearing garcess, but also a contribution to those in need. All the money ments they had prepared themselves in front of a large audi- you had spent to assist a spectacular fashion show has been directly given to the NIAPELE Project the goal of which is ence. These beautiful girls were constantly applauded for their catwalk expertise, as well as the well-sown outfits they to sustain and help the lives of underprivileged refugee chilhad designed. The flickering camera flashes and colored dren in Africa, by installing community bases in order to lights only reinforced the impression that these ladies, from improve their living conditions and education. You have not only spent a unique evening, but you have also encouraged 6eme to Terminale, were professional models in a genuine runway show. and given hope to those who are currently deprived of a respectable and honorable future. This evening was also an opportunity for an adorable young sixieme to sing Christina Aguilera's song, "Beautiful," at the Eventually, the show came to a close, and the numerous fashion show break. She managed to awe the entire audience guests exited the EABJM Fashion Show which would yet with her undeniable talent. again disintegrate into the reeking, sweaty gym it used to be, at least until the following year. Fortunately, being a member of the school newspaper does Dafna Gottesman 3º3 have its advantages, including access backstage. Though the fashion show itself was perfectly organized, the confused and anxious models could not help losing their nerve. We could really sense the enthusiasm in the room for it was one of the noisiest, most horrifying places on Earth. "Where's the mascara!?", "Where's the foundation!?" and "Oh my GOD, I'm NEXT!" must have been the most prevalent sentences that evening backstage, but their panic paid off; the girls looked absolutely stunning and truly did rise up to our expectations and their own. As the last pairs of heels clicked on the
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Le Bilingue
SCHOOL NEWS
JAPANESE CLASS JOURNEYS TO JAPAN It all started on Friday the 18th of April around three o’clock. The group of 22 troisième and seconde students going on the school trip to Omuta, Japan, started filing into the airport, accompanied by their anxious looking parents. After a distracted goodbye to our family members, our Japanese teacher, Mme. Ceugniet, assigned us all a number (I personally lost my name and became 11) to be used throughout the trip. After waiting in the terminal (already full of Japanese people), we started to board. Once on the plane, we noticed that two students were missing (ironically, one of them was number 13). It took an hour and a half and many announcements in both the airport and the plane (in both French and Japanese) to have all of us safely seated. Somehow, I doubt that the Japanese, who are very punctual people, appreciated the tardiness of the take off. After thirteen long hours in the plane to Nagoya, a four hour wait for our next flight to Fukuoka which lasted an hour and a half, another half hour wait for our bus and a two hour trip to Omuta, we finally got to the school, disoriented, exhausted and nervous to meet our host families. Stumbling out of the bus and into the junior high school, struggling with our bags and trying to quickly take off our shoes (the Japanese ask you to do that a lot, and we started to realise that Converse were not practical in Japan), we walked into the class room where our host families were waiting for us. After a weekend with our correspondent, we emotionally reunited on Monday morning at the school, everybody hugging each other, sharing anecdotes on their time with their host family, talking about the weird food they’d eaten and the strange things they’d seen. A ceremony was held in our honour to celebrate our arrival in Japan. First, we had to walk into the huge gymnasium and introduce ourselves to the intimidating 1700 Japanese students sitting in front of us, all dressed identically. We then watched
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a show that they performed for us, playing instruments and dancing. After spending some time in the school, we were struck by the way the Japanese students treated us: we were like celebrities. Everybody was so excited whenever we were around, waving at us from across the school and yelling for our attention from
in order to write to our relatives. We also had the opportunity to attend classes with our Japanese correspondents, and noticed how very different school life is in Japan. The first and most obvious difference was their uniforms (they even have uniformed P.E attire). We then noted the little dance that they performed at the be-
class windows. One girl actually started hyperventilating and proceeded to fall off her bicycle when she saw us. For the next two weeks, we established a routine. The French group would meet at the school in the morning and then leave on various activities during the day. Examples of places we visited were the castle of Kumamoto, an old and traditional Japanese castle, beautiful parks and different towns such as the Venice of Japan, Yanagawa, where we took a beautiful boat ride through the canals. We would take a break for lunch during which we would either eat our “obentos,” prepared by our Japanese mothers, or go to restaurants. Our “obentos” resembled lunch boxes with several layers, and as the Japanese seem to eat rice at every meal of the day and with absolutely anything, one whole layer was meant for rice only. As for restaurants, we had the privilege to go eat “onagi,” a luxurious and delicious Japanese meal made of eel and rice. We would head back to the school around four o’clock, where we would have access to a computer room
ginning and end of every class: everybody suddenly got up (not knowing what was going on, I jumped up after everybody else) and then bowed to the teacher, uttering a form of respect. What impressed me the most was the students’ motivation and responsibility; without the teacher even being there, they would distribute their tests and take them quietly and calmly, without a word said. The teachers, who have no chairs but stand on a podium for hours on end, have a great relationship with their students: they are very respected, and in return they frequently joke and converse with their students, never needing to show their authority through yelling or punishing. We finished the trip by spending the night in a hotel in Fukuoka, where we got to walk around and explore the city. At 5 am, the travelling began all over again… A little less than a day later, we were back home, jet lagged and somewhat sad to have left the strange but fascinating world of Japan behind. Elisa Leser 3°3
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SCHOOL NEWS
Debate Club Discovers Athens this experience from the exciting, fast-paced position of Press Corps. The HMCE conference does a fantastic job of really creating the governmental atmosphere by enforcing a dress code, using official technical vocabulary, and even inventing potential crisis situations, which each committee must deal with independently. These types of measures allow students to fully engage themselves into what real political life is like. HMCE also gives students the chance to meet people from all over the world and work with highly motivated Harvard College students, as chairs. The Harvard College “chairs” are more or less teachers or guides to the conference and are present during debates in order to lead discussions and help students learn more about the committee they represent. At the end of the conference, the chairs can present awards to the students they feel worked hardest in each committee. In addition to working, there are many other exciting aspects to HMCE Athens. Just being in the city where democracy originated was incredible! Athens has beautiful ancient architecture to visit and learn from, but also has cheap shopping and pretty great food! The hotel EABJM debate students The main goal of Harvard Model Congress Europe is stay in is the same luxurious hotel the conference takes place in. Lastly, because so many schools participate in the conferto teach students about “the US government, international ence, students get to meet and learn from, and create friendinstitutions, and the democratic political process through an exciting role-playing experience,” according to the program’s ships with others from all around the world. Hopefully after reading this, many of you will conwebsite. HMCE divides its several hundred participants into different simulated committees such as the Senate, the House sider joining the EABJM debate club! Students range from 6eme to Terminale, and our school participates in three conof Representatives, The Democratic National Convention, ferences each year. The next conference will be PAMUN and The International Court of Justice, among many. These committees effectively model real-life, existing organizations. (Paris Model United Nations), next fall so be sure to join the Khalila Douze 1.IB As a participant of HMCE 2008 myself, I was able to observe debate club soon!
Are you a part of the EABJM debate club? If you are, you’ll already know all about the debate conferences that our school participates in annually. Last month, 20 EABJM debate students traveled to Athens, Greece, over a period of 4 days to attend the annual HMCE (Harvard Model Congress Europe) conference. Along with many other students from across the globe, our debate team participated in heated discussions concerning some of today’s most important issues in both the United States and the world (Immigration, War on Drugs, etc.)
STAGES (INTERNSHIPS) We all know the dictum about internships: you’ll make coffee, photocopies, and then just sit around doing nothing. Actually, it once was like that, but internships have changed a lot since then. Now, your opinion will be requested (in some cases) and you will be initiated into the working environment. Getting up early (yikes), being on time (some of us will have problems), not leaving before a specific time, and of course being professional (no listening to Ipods during work, no chewing gum…). Some students think internships at the end of ‘troisième and seconde’ are useless. They think of it as a way to finish classes earlier. But in fact, they are of great use in finding a job later. Indeed,
internships prep you for the real work. During your internship, you will mostly observe what people are doing, how they organize their day and the work that has to be done. You will then see if you really want to do that job. Some people may have aspired their whole life to be an architect, but once they saw what it’s really like, they changed directions. Internships also help you decide what section you would like to take for the Bac (French or OI). You will discover what it is really like to work in a company, and you will acquire skills that will help you in the future. Since 2005, internships in troisième are compulsory. We cannot get out of doing them, and it is forbidden to
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have your internship during school holidays. A ‘convention de stage’ has to be signed by the student, the school and the company where you’ll do your internship. It is a contract talking about the medical assurance (if you get injured during the internship), and the hours you will have to work. You’ll have to write a report, after your internship, and the grade that you will receive will count for the first semester of the following year (better be good!). Even if you think internships are boring, they still are important, so a decent behaviour is ‘required.’ So be careful of the little details (they most often are the most important). Constance Mietkowski 3°2
Le Bilingue
SCHOOL NEWS
i-Sounds Concert Rocks
The artists are preparing… and suddenly, a wave of tension goes up in the crowd: It’s seven o’ clock! Mr. Damon comes on stage and announces the opening of the concert. And then, two girls come up in a flash, and here we go! The concert is officially on! The first song played (and sung) is “I Hate Myself for Loving You” by Joan Jett and Desmond Child. At the end of the song, the crowd went into such in uproar; I bet would be able to hear it from miles across! Next, a famous Britney Spears song was played, followed by the arrival of Mr. Briggs! In all of the rows, the crowed (mostly sixiemes) erupted into cheers. After that, Mrs. Burchill and Ms. Bartlett came on stage. They also received great cheers. Another star was Mr. Hoult. Posters were decorated with the names of Mr. Briggs,’ Mrs. Burchill and Ms. Bartlett. The one that I found the most funny was about Mr. Briggs. It copied Nescafe’s motto. It read: Mr. Briggs… what else? Moving on, Mr. Briggs had a solo of his own composition. Then Ms. Bartlett jumped on stage playing her own song as well, but not solo. Nearing the end, Mr. Briggs and Mr. Damon played a duet, which was my personal favorite… and no doubt
about it, the crowed gave one of its biggest cheers heard in the whole concert. But the very last song had the biggest influence on the mob of happy people. Every single player and singer was on stage, and they even let numerous students on the stage as well! At the end, all of the teachers were thanked for organising the concert. And don’t worry if you missed it. There is going to be a CD coming out later this year and will be available to the school. To end this, I also interviewed Mr. Briggs. Here are the questions I asked him and the answers he gave me: Le Bilingue: Did you ever play in a band before? Mr. Briggs: When I was still in the states, I played on open mikes with my friend in high school. But no, I never played in an official band before. L.B.: What is his name? M.B.: His name is Joe Oliver. L.B.: Have any of your songs been ever published? M.B.: No. L.B.: Based on what themes do you write your songs? M.B.: I mostly write about my life experiences. Other then that, I do the classics: love, sadness, etc… L.B.: When did you start playing? M.B.: I started when I was about 19 years old. L.B.: What’s the hardest part in concerts for you? M.B.: The hardest part is when I’m in a group. You have to play everything at the same time as your partners. For me, it’s very easy to play on my own. L.B.: One last question: What advice do you have for people who want to follow your trail in music? M.B.: For me, it would be to learn to understand and enjoy the talent of music. It’s also easier to start playing instruments when you’re young. Yan Oczkowicz 6°3
A Promising Prom Night Where: At the Tour Montparnasse on the 56th floor When: March 29th at 21:30 p.m. Who: Reserved for 1er and Terminale It was a success!
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SCHOOL NEWS
© Philip Wibaux, Paul Stadlman, Yvan Bodart, Clementine Leger, Alexandra Bourassa, Déborah Mouloudji, Shona McAndrews, Joe Cave, Ben Blue, Lara Daouk, Simon Sisk, Jalna Soulage.
I.B Art Show Success After two relatively long years of work, the IB Terminale Art students reached the point where their art was to ready to be evaluated. It would not only be seen and commented on by the people in charge of assigning grades, but also by any interested student or parent. As one gaped at the art of a dozen students, one could hear, as a background noise, the intentions and main themes of the artists. The viewers were greeted by many different rooms all originally decorated according to the artists’ tastes. Art ranged from traditional drawings and portraits to very modern art with mirrors and lights. Ben Blue, a conceptual artist, involved viewers with his interactive chair that lit up when one sat on it. The atmosphere in which the art was exhibited was created not only by the original touch of decoration of the artists, but also by their choice of music. While some choices of music were not always completely appropriate as they contrasted with their art, some were very harmonious. As another example, Alexandra Bourassa and Marina Brisset’s display was entertained with rapid, indie music, adding the very modern aspect of their art. The most interesting facet of this exhibit was the variety of art present and the variety of artists.
Some of them had just created some pieces on the spur of the moment with no specific purpose or inferences whereas others had very deep messages in their art such as finding our true identity, and the effects surroundings have on particular individuals. Artists also based their work on novels like Shona McAndrews, with “The Bluest Eye” (Tony Morrison), whose themes were birth, life and death. All this goes to show the variety of art one found at the show. The school is always trying to find ways to enhance its artistic program by encouraging its students to pursue art classes. This event shows exactly what students/teachers are capable of. The IB Terminale students have effectively represented the success of the art program of EABJM. Unfortunately, no high school or middle school students were present to witness it. In fact, my friend and I were the only non-Terminale students there. The level of the students’ art reached such a professional level that, one artist in particular, managed to sell one of his pieces. All in all, let’s say that the IB Art Show was a great success for the students and for the school. Michael Valinsky 3º2
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Le Bilingue
SCHOOL NEWS
The Rafiki Club Collects Rafiki is a volunteer club whose purpose is to help a vocational training school in Kenya. Our organisation counts a little than 10 students from Seconde and Première. The club was created in 2006 in order to gather students who wish to participate in a humanitarian project. Our philanthropic association is now part of the school’s CAS activities. “Rafiki” comes from Swahili, Kenya’s most common language, spoken all over East Africa. It means “Friends.” The broader purpose of this club is to inform and raise consciousness about the plight of Kenya and of Africa in general. Our goal is mainly twofold: we collect donations and we raise money to ship them. Each year, we have organized “donation weeks.” Students had the opportunity to bring to school the material they wished to donate. For instance, this year, we collected two tennis rackets, a sewing machine, a printer and a straightening iron. Last year, we organized a tombola, with which we obtained 400€. The objects we collect are second hand but functioning equipments such as electronic equipment (computers, screens, printers, keyboards, servers, scan-
ners, CD burners, Internet modems, etc.) hairstyling equipment (blow dryers, curling or straightening irons, hair dryer, etc.) sewing equipment (electronic or mechanical sewing machines, knitting machines, steam or classic irons, etc.) sports equipment (footballs, basketballs, rackets, nets, etc.) and musical instruments of all types. And let us not forget that the school we help in Kenya trains poorly educated youth to gain skills, which in turn will enable them to overcome their numerous problems. For any addition information, you can contact us at www.rafikiyamaisha.com. Christopher Roth 1°S
La Course Contre La Faim — a runaway success As you all know, the ‘Course Contre La Faim’ was held at school on Wednesday May 14. You all ran 3991 kilometers! Now that’s something! Students ran as much as they could. One kilometer equaled five laps around the courtyard. Each student found sponsors (parents, friends, family, shop owners) who agreed to give a certain amount of money per kilometer. Donations ranged from 50 cents on upwards. The aim of the race was to raise as much money as possible, so that food, water and other necessities could be given to children in lesser developed regions of the world to improve their lives. The money will be given to the Humanitarian Association (NGO)
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Action Contre La Faim, who will then disperse it (along with money from other schools) around the world. The money will help fund the construction of water holes, schools, latrines, and medical centers in developing countries such as Africa, South America and Asia. It goes to show how good deeds can be a lot of fun. To encourage the runners, a DJ and some volunteers motivated us to do our best by playing songs with a good beat. Water was distributed to the students – some didn’t hesitate to pour it all over them to freshen up. The day was even better for those who missed classes and escaped tests. Many people contributed to the success of this event. Firstly, special thanks to Mr. Rettgen who took care of … well… almost everything, and the sports teachers who designed the running track and prepared it. And thanks to all the parents from the APE who tallied tirelessly the number of laps each student ran. Bravo to the students who ran and encouraged their friends. Thanks to all participants. Do not forget to go see your sponsors to get your money. Otherwise you will have run for nothing…well… other than exercise. If your sponsors don’t want to give you the money (yes, some people are greedy), just remind them that it’s for a great cause, and that they will be making a difference. Constance Mietowski 3°2
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NEW CENTURY ISSUES
Nothing LEFT to the Imagination Are you a lefty? Finding it hard to cope in a right handed world? Don’t worry; you’re not the only one!!! I’ll be speaking with other left handed people to see how being a lefty affects their day to day life. In this exclusive interview, you’ll be meeting: Gabrielle DAVIS (5°4), Esther MORGAN (5°4), Chadi HAMIDI (5°3) and Dr. McGregor H/G teacher
consciously for right handed people by right handed people and as such for us lefties everything is 1/Do you enjoy being a left hander? back to front and on “Yes! I do because being a left hander because it makes the wrong side. This can be the cause of great suffering. me feel different!” said Gabrielle DAVIS For example if you're enjoying a dinner date and the person you are with notices that you are struggling to “Yes I do because almost everyone is right handed. It’s hold your fork with the right/wrong hand and, worse like being different” said Esther MORGAN yet, breaking into a cold sweat as you mangle your chicken breast with ill-held cutlery they are likely to “Yes” said Chadi HAMIDI slap you and walk out. If you try to explain that you're not a complete moppet but rather merely left handed it “Being part of a small, oppressed minority certainly only exacerbates the problem. They have no sympathy. breeds a sense of solidarity and community with your They try not to show you how to hold your knife and brethren. However, I don't know if I actually enjoy be- fork correctly. No, they merely shiver with a slow, ining left handed. After all, us lefties face a daily struggle sidious disgust and laugh at you. And yet, most right not to hurt or humiliate ourselves by, for example, handed people are under the assumption that we lefties reaching for are more creative by nature, this is, to be sure, a fine door handles with the wrong hand or failing to open a myth to be associated with. However, people expect that tin of beans. Indeed, the kitchen, with its sharp and ser- everything you do or say will have di Vinci-like properrated right handed knifes is a physiological minefield ties. That can add a lot of unnecessary pressure to your for us lefties.” Said Dr.McGregor everyday life.” Said Dr.McGregor
2/Do you need anything special for being a left hander? 3/Do you have anything special made for lefties? If so what? “I need special scissors” said Gabrielle DAVIS “I have special scissors and a fountain pen” said Gabri“I’m basically left handed for drawing writing ETC... elle Davis but for electronics I’m right handed” said Esther MOR(continuation p. 8) GAN “I’m used to using right handed stuff” said Chadi HAMIDI “I have to make continual adjustments both of a physical and mental nature. Venturing out into the right handed world, an unavoidable misery, requires one to have to pay extraordinary attention to every detail. After all, the world has been constructed consciously and un-
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Le Bilingue
NEW CENTURY ISSUES
Nothing LEFT To The Imagination (cont.) “No I don’t” said Esther MORGAN
of right handers set upon me and bludgeon my fragile body to death with right “Yeah I have a pen and scissors” said Chadi HAMIDI handed clubs. I fear that should the leaders of the world fail to act more “Alas no I don't have any special left handed equipment or sensitively towards us they may be faced with the very real tools. This threat of a is partly due, I must confess, to my own brand of left left hander insurrection by left handed handed laziness. revolutionaries carrying left hander weapons. Actually, I However, it is primarily because left handed accessories quite like are so utterly this idea. At least after the revolution I might be able to over priced that to afford even the cheapest of left handed afford those can openers I would need to sell my lungs on the black left handed materials we mentioned earlier, the price of market. And I need my lungs. » said Dr. McGregor which, presumably, would be lowered by a left hander govern4/Do you think that the world could be better adapted for ment.” Said Dr. McGregor left handers? 5/ Is anyone else in your family left handed? “Technology could be better such as a computer mouse” “My uncle is left handed” said Gabrielle DAVIS said Gabrielle DAVIS “No one is left handed in my family” said Esther MOR“They should stop telling lies about left handed such as the GAN hand writing is ugly ETC...” said Esther MORGAN “My younger brother is also left handed” said Chadi “No, not necessarily” said Chadi HAMIDI HAMIDI “I certainly think that the world could be more sensitive to Do you have any advice to give to us lefties? our plight. For starters the governments of the world could apologize “Rise up and fight the (right handed) power.” Said Dr. for accusing McGregor Lili Farina 5°4 lefties of witchcraft and burning us, like they used to do. Historically, speaking that sort of thing stopped only very recently. History repeats itself and so I'm constantly on guard lest an enraged mob
Did you know... That there are over 1500 Velib’ stations in Paris? This number is growing a little more each day, since the objective of the Velib’ program is to install a Velib’ station every 300m in Paris. This project, started in July of last year, had a little bit of a difficult start but now has many “velibataires”, as are called the regular users of velibs. Indeed, the word has entered our everyday language. There has even been a ‘pielib’ service created! For those interested, http://pielib.free.fr is the address where you’ll find this very good pastiche of the hottest way of getting around Paris nowadays… Annabelle Blackburn 3°7 6/2008
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U.S. ELECTION COVERAGE ‘08
The Never-Ending U.S. Presidential Campaign I wonder what Europeans must think about the long and at times convoluted U.S. Presidential election. Perhaps people here wonder if the process will ever end. How different the American process is from elections in Europe. In the United Kingdom, for example, elections for Prime Minister take exactly five weeks, and it’s over. If the incumbent Prime Minister loses, the moving van shows up that same day and takes the loser’s furniture away from 10 Downing Street. In America, however, our election process takes years and years. If a President loses (or is termed out), he or she then gets two and a half months after the election is finally over to move out of the White House. So American elections are never rash, spur of the moment types of events. The people deliberate, and lconsider the candidates for months and even years. To be elected President, candidates must first win their party’s nomination, and then the Republican and Democratic nominees face each other in November every four years. Nominees are selected by participating in primaries and caucuses in the fifty states, which choose delegates, who gather at National Conventions in the summer before the election to choose the nominee. All the states vie for the right to hold the first primary, since the winners of the first primaries gain a huge amount of momentum that seems to propel them towards the nomination. Historically, the first state to hold a caucus is Iowa, and the first state to hold a primary is New Hampshire. Whoever wins in these small, isolated states frequently goes on to win the nomination. I know it sounds ridiculous that small states that many Europeans may not know well have this much power to choose the American President, but that’s just the way the process works. So let’s try to make some sense of the current election cycle, particularly on the Democratic side where the contest seems to have gone on forever. A year ago, many people thought that Hillary Clinton, U.S. Senator from New York and former First Lady, would easily win the Democratic nomination and become the first woman President. Polls a year ago showed her ahead by as much as thirty or forty percentage points. Then a young and charismatic U.S. Senator from Illinois named Barack Obama emerged to challenge her. Many people in our parents’ generation say that Obama reminded them of President John F. Kennedy. Both were presented like a kind of mythical fig-
ure. A lot of people say that Obama is the next JFK. Even the Kennedy family seems to think so, too as shown by their support. I have watched old newsreel footage of JFK, and he was young, handsome and charismatic. He had an elegant French wife, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, who wore the most fashionable designer clothes and was bilingual. She came to France and spoke fluent French to President De Gaulle. JFK drew huge crowds wherever he went and had a great sense of humor. For example, when he paid a state visit to France, he said, “Allow me to introduce myself. I am the man who accompanied Jacqueline Kennedy to France, and I have enjoyed it.” So after I watched old footage of JFK, I could see the parallels between him and Barack Obama. They were both Harvard educated. JFK wrote a Pulitzer Prize winning book, and Obama was President of the Harvard Law Review. When JFK gave a speech, people were awestruck; when Obama gives a speech, people cheer wildly. JFK was treated like a rock star, and so is Obama. So a funny thing happened to the seemingly inevitable Hillary Clinton juggernaut last January in Iowa. Even though Clinton was ahead by thirty points in the polls, I guess somebody forgot to tell the good people in Iowa that the pollsters had decided that the election was already over with. Obama won the Iowa caucuses. It was not supposed to happen, but it did. As I watched the results from the Iowa caucuses, the same pollsters and pundits who the night before had said that it was all over with and that Clinton had it all wrapped up, were saying that Obama was the frontrunner. An hour after the results, they were already talking about whom Obama would choose as his running mate. A week later was the New Hampshire primary. The pundits and pollsters said that Obama had it won and that Clinton had no chance. But Hillary wouldn’t give up. Talk about determination – this lady gets the prize for dogged perseverance. She fought and gave it her all. She wouldn’t give up, no matter what. Then something happened again that wasn’t supposed to happen – Clinton won New Hampshire. At this point, you would think that everybody would ignore the pundits and pollsters, because they seem to get it wrong so often. But no, this didn’t happen. In fact, people started listening to them even more. (continuation p. 10)
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Le Bilingue
NEW CENTURIES ISSUES
The Never-Ending U.S. Presidential Campaign (cont.) The race between Clinton and Obama has been a seesaw battle. Obama won in South Carolina, but Clinton took California and New York. Obama won Georgia, but Clinton came back and won Texas. Obama won Oregon, but Clinton won Ohio. Obama won Washington, Clinton took Pennsylvania. The primaries are almost over, but Clinton and Obama are just within a hundred or so delegate votes of each other. It seems like the Democratic nomination will be decided by the so-called “Super Delegates,” who are party leaders not selected in the primaries or caucuses. On the Republican side, the pundits and pollsters were saying last January that Senator John McCain of
Arizona, a former Navy pilot and war hero, was finished and did not stand a chance. I guess you know what that means – McCain, of course, won New Hampshire. Then he won in South Carolina, Texas, California and New York. Before we knew it, McCain had it all wrapped up. So it looks like this November it will be Obama versus McCain, but I wouldn’t count Hillary out just yet. Some say that Obama and Clinton might team up in a “Dream Ticket” with Hillary running for Vice President. The only thing we know for sure is that there will be a lot of surprises. Mary Ann Toman-Miller 2º7
Zimbabwe: Finally Crossing the Border Towards Democracy? If you’ve kept up with recent international headlines, you would be aware of Zimbabwe’s extremely unstable presidential election presently taking place. As the southern African country strides towards a real democracy, its dictatorial leader, Robert Mugabe, struggles to sustain his power and control over the citizens and his government. The opposition party, called the “Movement for Democratic Change” (MDC), nominated Mr. Morgan Tsvangirai as its candidate, again (after 2002 elections). The big issue with these elections is the voting outcome. The election was held over a month ago on March 29th; however little official tallying has emerged from the hands of the Zimbabwean government and the opposition party blames Mugabe and his supporters for delaying the release in order to rig the numbers. So the question Zimbabwean citizens and the world asks itself now is: will Mugabe tighten his 28-year old grip on the country or will democracy finally pull through?
has always remained the victor. Similar to today’s case, in 2002 Mr. Tsvangirai ran against Mr. Mugabe in an election that was internationally viewed as exploited and rigged. Even after these elections, opposition members were continually persecuted and/or assassinated! Mr. Tsvangirai himself was arrested and beaten by Zimbabwean poline in 2007 after attending a prayer meeting in the capital city, Harare.
Today, the election hype lingers in the country, and although the MDC insist on a victory this time, many citizens are still living in fear. It has been reported by the New York Times that more than one thousand Zimbabweans each day cross the border into South Africa to avoid the violence taking place due to the presidential elections. Updates explain that the official issue rests upon a “run-off” election. Because the numbers released last week were 47.9% for Tsvangirai and 43.2% for Mugabe and neither of them achieved the 50% + vote needed to win, there will have to be an additional campaign and run-off. The MDC have not Zimbabwe, formerly called Rhodesia, has been under Robert Mugabe’s presidency ever since 1987. His yet decided to take part in this run-off because of the stature rose continuously after his support of independ- violence it forebodes, but if they decline participation, the presidency will be directly handed to Mugabe. The ence and guerrilla warfare against white-rule in ZimMDC is still in doubt babwe, as leader of the Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) in the 1960’s and 70’s. Of course after today and according to the country’s independence, Mugabe was adulated and Zimbabwean law, has praised across the nation. However, today he is widely 12 months to make up its mind. The dilemma criticized for his “regime” of torture, murder, starvation, and one of the world’s highest inflation rates. Al- stands: violence, or votthough presidential elections have been held before in ing? an attempt to thwart the authoritarian regime, Mugabe Khalila Douze 1.IB
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NEW CENTURIES ISSUES
I Pledge Allegiance to the Christian Flag… Thousands of kids, in countries near and far, know the feeling of leaving for a camp for the summer. It’s a universal experience, something almost everyone can relate to. The word camp conjures up memories of mosquito-bitten legs, canoeing, and the occasional prank. For most of us getting ready to go to college, camp is a memory that we wish we could relive. But there are other camps that are not the orthodox establishments we all associate the word “summer camp” with, places where counselors don’t wish their bunk will win the talent show but instead wish them to carry grenades and die for their religion, to become Jesus’ army. Becky Fischer leads “Kids on Fire”, an Evangelical Christian church based camp that was the focus of a documentary called Jesus Camp directed by Heidi Ewing. The shocking documentary was nominated for an Academy Award for best documentary in 2007, and rightfully so. It takes us deep into the world of Evangelical Christianity, the newest extremist religion. Jesus Camp, stationed in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, is a place of brainwashing; a place where young people are seized from normal life and emerged into a world where books like Harry Potter are condemned and prayers are directed towards Jesus, God, and President George W. Bush. The minister brings tears to eyes. “Had it been in the Old Testament, Harry Potter would have been put to death!” she squawks. In a sermon, Becky Fischer brings out a cardboard cut out of George W. Bush. The children, like trained animals, start to pray to him. They practice what they will say to him if ever they meet him, thanking him for bringing religion back into our country. The camp is more than just religious, it is harmful to children. Becky Fischer makes the camp-goers cry on several occasions, telling them they’re not real Christians and that Jesus will reject them. According to Ms. Fischer, they must cleanse themselves. How, you may ask, will Becky cleanse them? With Holy Water, straight from a dirty, plastic water bottle. The effect the “Holy Water” (costing a total of $1.00 at your local 7/11) has on the children is haunting. 4 year olds reach forward with eyes closed and tears streaming down their faces, on the floor shaking, pawing at the bottle like animals. Even worse is when the children start speaking in tongues and flail around, eyes rolling back in their heads. An estimated 75% of home-schooled children are taken out of school and taught by Evangelical parents. Why would they home school them? Because “The power of the enemy in government. They took Jesus out of our schools but not out of our hearts”. So what
exactly are these children taught? Their parents teach them that global warming is non-existent, and not a problem claiming that over the years the temperature has only increased by 0.6 degrees. The parents that do admit it is happening claim that it doesn’t matter because God put them there to use up everything, once it is all gone Jesus will reclaim them and take them to heaven. Yeah. Sure. The children are forced to watch movies, propaganda if you will, telling them that they’re too good to have come from apes. One speaker at the camp says “ I’m not a piece of protoplasm! Whatever that means!” I’ll tell you what it means, it’s science! What is happening is a trickle effect. Parents provide their children with an “education”, which is little more than their own beliefs and those of the Evangelical Church. Ignorance is being passed down through generations. “ We’ve had enough growth to sway the election, if the evangelicals vote we determine the election. It’s a fabulous life!” ex president of the National Association of Evangelicals Ted Haggard said (keeping in mind that this was right before he was caught having an affair of several years with a male prostitute and having a methamphetamine addiction). What’s scary is that this is true. Ted Haggard advises and speaks to President G. W. Bush every Monday. When an extremist is advising our government isn’t it time to become scared, for the wheels of a non-secular state to turn? As Becky Fischer puts it, “liberals must be shaking in their boots thinking ‘oh my goodness what are they going to be like when they’re older”. It’s the only accurate statement that Becky made throughout the entire film. Are these evangelical children being sent off to summer camp? Or are they being trained to become the next Evangelical army? I could go into more detail, but it would only leave you scarred, as I am, by the potential fate of my country, of the United States of America, once a haven for free thought, a beacon for those seeking a government without religious values. The Evangelical Church is not just a concern for Liberals and Atheists, it’s a concern for all those who follow the beliefs of our founding fathers, a belief that has guided our nation through the toughest of times, which has proven to be the most valuable foundation a nation could ever have. Free thinkers everywhere ,must be vigilant of the growing evangelical church. The United States, the biggest amalgam of beliefs, religions, culture and heritage, is in jeopardy. Noura Ayria 1.IB
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Le Bilingue
NEW CENTURY ISSUES
Interview avec Le Journal Télévisé Ah… La télévision ! Qui n’a jamais rêvé de présenter le journal télévisé ? Annoncer les guerres, les libérations, les drames, et j’en passe, devant des millions de téléspectateurs… Cela fait rêver ! Savez-vous ce qu’est un journal télévisé au moins ? Un journal est une succession de reportages dont une grande partie est prévisible. Mais qu’est-ce qui se cache derrière ces 23 minutes (si l’on prend l’exemple du JT de 20h) ? C’est ce que j’ai voulu savoir en interviewant le directeur adjoint de l’information chargé des reportages des journaux et des magazines d’information de la chaine France 2 (oui, je sais que c’est long !) : Le Bilingue : Bonjour Mr Alain Lardière. Vous êtes le directeur adjoint de l’information chargé des reportages des journaux et des magazines d’information de la chaine France 2. Pourriez-vous m’expliquer en quoi consiste votre travail ? Mr. Alain Lardière : Mon travail consiste à coordonner l’ensemble des moyens humains et techniques qui concourt à la fabrication des journaux. L.B. : Comment cela se passe t-il ? Mr. A.L. : Je suis à France 2 à 8h30 pour la conférence de rédaction du 13 h jusqu’a 10 h et demi, où j’enchaîne avec la conférence de rédaction du 20 h. Vers 11 h30 je m’occupe plus particulièrement du 13 h : vérifier si tous les sujets sont là, s’il n’y a pas de problèmes particuliers. A 13h45, à la fin du journal de 13h, s’organise une conférence critique où chacun donne son avis sur ce qui a été fait, ce qu’on aurait dû faire, ce qu’on a mal fait, et aussi heureusement ce qu’on a bien fait. A 15h30, j’ai une 2eme conférence de rédaction du 20h. Vers 17h30, première conférence de rédaction pour l’édition du lendemain matin et du 13h. A 19h, on s’occupe plus particulièrement de la fabrication et de la finition du 20 h. A 20 h 45, j’ai une conférence critique du 20h. Et finalement à 21h30, le travail est fini. L.B. : Mais vous passez votre vie à faire des conférences ! Mr. A.L. : La conférence c’est l’endroit où le rédacteur en chef de l’édition et l’ensemble des chefs du service sont réunis pour décider ce que l’on va mettre dans la prochaine édition, comment on va le traiter, quel seront les angles (la manière dont on va le présenter) du sujet, et surtout de la hiérarchisation de l’information (c'est-à-dire par quoi commence t’on, dans quel ordre, ce qu’on va mettre en avant. Ces décisions peuvent changer entre 15h30 et 20h plus de 10 fois en fonction de toute les nouvelles qui nous arrivent. Le plus difficile ce sont les choix des sujets non retenus, le journal
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étant toujours de la même longueur. Quand on a fabriqué plus de sujets qu’on n’a de temps, ce qui est difficile c’est de faire ce choix quelque minutes avant le début du journal, alors que le choix devrait être fait très en amont. L.B. : Est-ce que vous répéter parfois avec le présentateur ce qui doit être dit ou lit-il simplement les phrases écrites sur le prompteur sans savoir d’avance ce qu’il va dire ? Mr. A.L. : Non, il n’y a pas de répétitions, et le présentateur écrit lui-même les textes de lancement de sujet (le présentateur annonce et résume un sujet), les offs (le présentateur commente des images, mais on ne le voit pas) et les brèves (le présentateur commente une info sans images) qui sont sur le prompteur. L.B. : Connaissez-vous d’avance le contenu des reportages ? Mr. A.L. : Non, à part les sujets « culture », puisque évidement les news, c’est une fois que l’on est sur le terrain. C’est la réalité de l’événement qui est importante. On ne peut pas partir avec une idée préconçue. On peut imaginer un angle, un résultat, mais la réalité sera différente. Parfois, des sujets arrivent juste à temps pour qu’on les passe. L.B. : Et finalement, est-ce un métier difficile ? Avezvous beaucoup travaillez pour en arriver là, et êtesvous heureux dans votre travail ? Mr. A.L. : Est-ce que c’est difficile ? Oui et non. Parfois oui car j’ai l’impression de m’éloigner de mon métier de journaliste et de devenir un chef d’entreprise. Même si c’est une entreprise de presse et que c’était difficile quelque part d’essayer d’imposer à des jeunes journalistes ce que moi j’aurai eu du mal à accepter à leur âge. J’ai beaucoup travaillé parce que tout le monde doit beaucoup travailler. Ce n’est pas parce qu’on travaille beaucoup que l’on ne peut pas travailler plus. Mais j’aimerai avoir 30 ans de moins (rire) ! L.B. : Merci, Monsieur Lardière. Marie Trédaniel, 4°2
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Fashion
Manish Arora: Re-inventing ready-to-wear fashion The annual fall/winter Fashion Week is understandably one of the most stressful weeks of the year for designers, seeing as their brand’s reputation and success can be made or broken by the event. However, for the people who have the privilege of attending the shows, it is one of the most exciting weeks. The readyto-wear collections are seen as the emblem of their respective brand, and are supposed to convey the designer’s philosophy, mood, craft, and uniqueness. With these criteria in mind, Manish Arora was one of the highlights of this year’s Fashion Week. Over the years, the Indian designer Manish Arora has built a solid reputation for his hypnotizing patterns and colors. He has never failed to surprise and amaze his audience during his fashion shows with his over-the-top, theatrical settings. This year’s show, which took place in Paris in the world-famous advertising company EURO RSCG’s headquarters, has greatly satisfied people’s expectations once more, and even possibly heightened them. The walls of the room were covered in shiny metallic silverware, the models wore geometrically shaped, silver masks covered with Swarovski rhinestones, and the lights regularly changed so that each piece of clothing was presented in the most appealing manner. More than mere pieces of clothing, Manish Arora’s designs can be thought of as pieces of art. Even though they are part of a ready-to-wear collection, they are mostly just “ready-to-stare.” Their bold motifs, colors, and adornments are truly captivating, but are realistically very difficult to be dressed in, which is why this designer’s shows are so coveted and exclusive. They feel more like art exhibits than fashion shows. Noelia Hobeika 1.IB
Do you speak Gibberish? Cidigan yidigou spidigeak Gidigibbidigeridigish? That may sound like something a two year old may say, or just some sort of stupid blabber. However, this way of talking is rather well known in certain American high schools. If you have any older siblings studying in America, or even your parents/uncles/aunts that studied there, ask them if they speak Gibberish. It may seem hard or weird but it is in truth relatively easy. All you need is a bit of patience and a lot of practice. The language consists in adding a sound after each consonant or between each spoken syllable in a word. This sound, generally ‘idiga’, varies depending on the dialect. It could also be ‘uthug’, ‘diggadee’, ‘ithica, ‘dither’, ‘ither’, etc. though ‘idiga’ is the most prevalent. Appreciated for its facility of use and once well known and practiced, many a conversations now take place in Gibberish so as not to be understood by others. But beware, it is a language game such as Pig Latin or Triple Japanese, and you may just be surprised by how many people have secretly practiced in their rooms and can understand what you say to your friends. To learn Gibberish, try and find a friend to experiment it with – it’s much more fun. Spend one day during which you’ll only speak Gibberish, and after about two weeks of regular training, you’ll be speaking it rapidly and with ease. You can find many videos on Youtube that will give you examples on how to speak Gibberish, and there’s also a well done and clear page on WikiHow. Just type ‘how to speak Gibberish’ into Google and see what you get. Once mastered, the language can be extremely fun to use, just for the sake of seeing other people’s faces! They’ll probably resemble the look on your face when you read my first sentence. This is yet another Americanisation of our school – after the sweatshirts and sport charity events – but it’s well worth the laughs. Hidigave fidigun! Annabelle Blackburn 3º7
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Le Bilingue
Book Reviews
TWILIGHT by Stephenie Meyer Twilight, as #1 New York Times Bestseller written by Stephenie Meyer, has become a huge hit in the teenage world today, followed by New Moon and Eclipse. This novel is unique because it combines real life emotion and fantasy. Since the publication in October 2005, young adults all over the world immediately became fans of this passionate, yet suspenseful vampire love story. It all started when Isabella Swan, otherwise known as “Bella,” moved from sunny Phoenix to the little town of Forks, Washington. Her first impression was of disappointment due to the abundance of rain. The reason for this drastic change was to satisfy her mother’s new life with her boyfriend. Having no time to adjust to her new home, Bella goes to school the very next day after her arrival and discovers the strangely attractive group of students sitting at the corner table of the cafeteria, the Cullens. She befriends Edward Cullen, who is extremely handsome but very peculiar, after being avoided by him for a week. She realizes too late that Edward is not at all human and that his desire to drink her blood becomes stronger and stronger. He struggles between killing her and protecting her. Little does she know that the Cullen family living in the mansion across the forest would change her life forever. At first glance, most would claim “That’s way too long!” or “Vampires…? No thanks.” However, unlike
other stories, it is more enjoyable because it is easy to read. It ranges from ages 12 and up. The vampires in Twilight are more realistic and are not your typical monsters like the ones in Anne Rice novels. In this particular case, the "monsters" are exceedingly beautiful and possess special abilities. They also consider themselves “vegetarians” since they choose to drink not human but animal blood. A lot of readers can relate to Bella’s character for her clumsiness and imperfections. This story can also be beneficial to readers because it mentions different classics that Bella enjoys which can interest you as well, such as Romeo and Juliet and Wuthering Heights. Publishers Weekly describes it as “Best Book of the Year” and Stephenie Meyer as one of the “most promising authors of 2005.” It also made #2 in the American Library Association’s 2006 Teens’ Top Ten list following Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling and #1 in 2007. After such a great success Meyer decided to continue the series with another book called Breaking Dawn (coming 02/08/2008) and agreed to make a movie based on the Twilight series, starring Kristen Stewart (“Panic Room,” “Into the Wild”) and Robert Pattinson (“Cedric Diggory” from the Harry Potter movies). Release date: 08/12/2008. Dyani Douze & Gabriela Olivié 3°7
Northern Lights The books Northern Lights and The Golden Compass, by Philip Pullman, have been made into a film. It is the story of a 12 year old orphan called Lyra (Dakota Blue Richards), who, ac-
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companied by her daemon, Pantalaimon, decides to rescue her friend Roger who has been kidnapped by the Gobblers. While her mother, evil Mrs.Coulter (Nicole Kidman), tries to stop her, Lyra meets extraordinary new people: Serafina Pekkala (Eva Green), Lord Asriel (Daniel Craig) and a large white bear, Iorek Byrnison. In Lyra’s world, a person’s soul lives on the outside of the body, in the form of a daemon, an animal spirit that can change shapes until you reach puberty. One’s daemon is usually the opposite sex. If one a girl, it would be a boy and vice versa . It is a great film with funny
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and sometimes scary moments. I recommend it to everyone who likes adventure and fantasy. The book, Northern Lights, belongs to a trilogy called His Dark Materials. The second book is called The Subtle Knife and the third one is The Amber Spyglass. If you want to go visit the film’s official site, this is it: http:www.goldencompassmovie.com / Have fun reading or going to the cinema! Emma Leach Cañibano 4°2
Features
ONLY THREE MORE MINUTES – PLEASE! Have you ever felt overwhelmed by how little time there is between classes in day at EABJM? Does seven minutes seem a bit short to get everything you need to get done finished? Teachers expect us to do the following between lessons: - Get a drink of water - Retrieve things from our lockers - Go to Ling’s office, if necessary - Fight our way from one classroom to the next - Ask teachers questions that the teacher did not have time to answer during class. - Go to the bathroom
bit hard to find time to ‘prepare for the next lesson’ while busy with what I have previously listed. Plus, a lot of teachers keep the whole class after the bell rings to finish up. (Which would be fine if we weren’t on such a tight schedule!) What would adding only 180 seconds - 3 minutes - to the current 7 minutes allowed change for us?
without dashing there and back at breakneck speed. Who knows? With all that extra time, people might even stop to flush the toilet! (Though most of the handles are broken.) And if you have a locker, there is no need for me to explain how long it takes and how stressful – to say nothing of dangerous – it is to reach in amongst frantic, flailing and even punching arms and get one book out at the end of the day.
It would reduce crowding in the corridors because people would take their time and not push and shove. Two people actually got knocked down and tramHow much time would this gigantic pled on! increase of 3 minutes take away from each class’s lessons? A ten-minute inter... And the teachers tell us that we need It would make fewer people late for val wouldn’t solve all the world’s probclass. We all know the amount of carto have time to talk and relax between lems but it would allow students to enter classes so that when class begins we are nets taken every day for lateness. The class breathing normally and ready to extra three minutes also would allow ready to give our full and undivided attention to studying and working. Obvi- you time to talk to friends and be more learn. ously, we should work hard in lessons - prepared for the next lesson. It would Lee Harris 6º5 I’m not saying we should not - it’s just a give you time to go to the bathroom
This summer, it's all about shapes and color. The days get hotter, the clothes thinner, and the hem lines shorter. Summer is approaching, and there is no need to spend a fortune to look good. Closets and thrift stores are real gold mines nowadays. This is your chance to jump eras, become a modern day fashionista with a vintage mod flare. Exotic motifs are back. This season, being imaginative is key: wear chunky accessories and summery colors, mix & match huge jewelled cocktail rings with ethnic inspired cuffs. Why not also experiment with chunky bracelets or colorful bangles? Play with shapes, sizes and color. Dresses will be everywhere this summer. If yours is a pale color, make sure you accessorize it with bright clutches or oversized bags ( yes, they're still in !). Lightweight scarfs are also very in: a cute and colorful scarf can instantly update your look !
Today is my first death day, but soon I will be born it is quite a mystery that future is now history clock hands now go backwards “ipod” is a myth it’s 800 bc and abraham knows me here in the sahara english does not exist
Brighten up ! -Splashy floral prints -African prints -yellow, pink, blue, red, green, white, red, - peasant blouses -graphic earrings -Tatiana
Growing Down
you’re reading cuneiform on this page i cannot wait until the ice age! Lee Harris 6°5
Kombo 1IB
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Le Bilingue
New Century Issues
Ondes Invisibles
Elles sont partout ! Derrière l’ordinateur, devant la télé, sur le téléphone portable, dans la rue. Invisibles, les ondes électromagnétiques sont partout dans notre quotidien et viennent « sur la pointe des pieds » perturber notre sommeil, baisser notre moral et anéantir notre santé. Depuis quelques années, les ondes électromagnétiques ont envahi notre quotidien et se cachent un peu partout : les téléphones mobiles, la Wifi, les télés… De nombreuses personnes en contact avec un ordinateur se sentent mal. Elles sont mal à l’aise, oppressées, etc. Dans de nombreux blogs, les témoignages de personnes bouleversées par les ondes électromagnétiques foisonnent. Pour ces hypersensibles, la vie est un véritable enfer. Les associations ont recensé des centaines de milliers de cas dans le monde. Et depuis Nicola Tesla (1856 – 1943), inventeur des ondes électromagnétiques, et première victime, les cas se multiplient. « On peut s’attendre à un nouveau scandale proche de celui de l’amiante ou de Tchernobyl », prévient l’association PRIAR-TEM (pour une réglementation des antennes relais de téléphonie mobile.) A force de manipuler les ondes, Nicola Tesla finit par s’empoisonner. En quelques années, cet inventeur devient hypersensible à toute stimulation sensorielle. Il est le premier à publier des travaux sur la toxicité de ces ondes. Depuis cette époque épique, la puissance destructive des ondes électromagnétiques a fait l’objet de nombreuses études.
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Roger Santini, docteur d’Etat en sciences et spécialiste en bio -environnement, a publié la première étude sur le sujet et montre que les personnes habitant à proximité des antennes relais développent des pathologies spécifiques. A moins de 100 mètres, il enregistre de nombreuses plaintes d’irritabilité, de tendance dépressive, de perte de mémoire, de difficultés de concentration, de vertiges qui disparaissent à mesure que l’on s’éloigne de la source de champs électromagnétiques. D’autres études internationales confirment la dangerosité de ces ondes. Parmi les plus récentes, en 2006, The Guardian révèle l’étude d’une équipe de chercheurs de l’université de l’Ohio selon laquelle l’usage du téléphone pendant plus de 4 heures par jour diminue de 30% la mobilité et la durabilité des spermatozoïdes. La même année, une étude suédoise menée par l’Institut national du travail confirme l’hypothèse d’un accroissement significatif de 240% de risque de cancer du cerveau lié à l’usage du portable. On pourrait multiplier les exemples à l’infini, car chaque année voit défiler son lot d’études avec des conclusions plus ou moins alarmantes. En France, on est carrément dans le déni, surtout dès qu’il s’agit de considérer la dangerosité des portables et des antennes relais. L’AFOM, Association française des opérateurs de téléphonie mobile, qui regroupe les douze plus gros (de Bouygues à SFR en passant par Orange) reprend dans sa plaquette « Mon mobile et ma santé » et les thèses du ministère de la Santé et de la Solidarité « il n’existe pas aujourd’hui de preuve scientifique démontrant que l’usage des téléphones mobiles présente un risque pour la santé ». Bref, une fois de plus l’exception française fonctionne à plein et, comme le nuage radioactif de Tchernobyl qui, le 26 Avril 1986, s’est comme par magie arrêté en atteignant nos frontières, tout va bien dans le monde ! Surtout pour les opérateurs qui vampirisent 52 millions d’abonnés et gagnent un chiffre d’affaires hallucinant de près de 5, 2 milliards d’euros.
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Les médecins confrontés à ces nouvelles pathologies ne suivent pas non plus les conclusions de ces agences nationales. Ils ont d’ailleurs lancé plusieurs appels sur le plan international (déclaration d’un groupe de scientifiques espagnols à l’Université d’Alcalà, appel de Fribourg…) pour avertir les autorités de la dangerosité publique de ces ondes. Concrètement, au niveau sanguin, les téléphones portables font baisser l’afflux du sang à proximité de l’antenne et l’augmentent dans le cerveau. Pour ce qui est des hormones, on sait maintenant que les ondes éléctromagnétiques perturbent leur bon fonctionnement. Ces ondes nous épuisent mentalement, perturbent notre sommeil et augmentent la production de sous produits du stress. Enfin, au niveau cellulaire, l’utilisation régulière du téléphone portable est responsable de cassures au niveau de l’ADN et des chromosomes cellulaires les plus exposés. Et la liste n’est guère finie ! Voici quelques conseils à suivre : Pour les enfants de moins de 15 ans, évitez d’appeler trop longtemps car la croissance est très vulnérable. Plus l’exposition est précoce, plus les doses de rayonnement accumulées sont importantes. Pour les femmes enceintes, ne jamais s’approcher d’un téléphone mobile en fonctionnement près du ventre. Eloigner le téléphone de la poche de la chemise ou du pantalon et surtout, ne le mettez pas contre le cœur, la hanche ou près des parties génitales. La nuit, ne conservez pas votre mobile allumé ou en recharge à moins de 50 cm de votre tête. Eteignez- le pour limiter son rayonnement. Un premier pas qui, je l’espère, sera suivi d’effets… Patricia Schouker 2º2