Outlook
Vol. XLIV , No. 1
Huge Leap Against Public Smoking Page 5
The Independent Student Publication Since 1949
Outlook Online Exposure Optimized Page 2
Outloud: Club Day Page 10
Opening Ceremony Addresses Arab Revolts Camelia Harb Contributing Writer
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n keeping up with tradition, AUB held the annual, start of the year Opening Ceremony on Monday, October 3rd in its customary location of Assembly Hall. Accompanied by the musical talents of organist Dr. Ramzi Sabra, the Ceremony began with a processional of AUB’s own professors, deans, officials and president, Peter Dorman.The Lebanese National Anthem, performed by the AUB choir and led by Director Dr. Thomas Kim soon followed, inviting the audience to join in on the rendition. President Dorman then delivered the Ceremony’s main address, with the topic of the hour being “AUB and the Arab Revolts of 2011”. The revolutions have become legendary for not only the Arab world where they were located, but across the globe as a result of the power they have shown resides in the everyday individual. Though the peoples of the revolution differ in such aspects as their countries of origin, beliefs, and traditions, a common thread runs through them. This thread, stretching across both cultures and time, is that of the human ability to reach solutions concordant with one’s aspirations. Resolving these revolutions
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will therefore rest on the shoulders of the men and women who drove them. President Dorman stated that while many of the countries housing these revolutions are still in the throes of achieving their goals of toppling existing regimes, two things are certain thus far: that there is no going back to the autocratic regimes that once existed and that the conversion to the democratic societies sought will not be quick and painless.The democracies that
hope to rise in the place of the regimes before them and the subsequent life changes to be made require a great deal of dedication to the cause; dedication that, as advocated by President Dorman, should become a teaching of universities. The process of democracy then, requires a “citizen of common identity”. Continued on page 4
President’s reception: AUB welcomes its new students Nader Ahmadieh & Karim Zahed Staff Writer & Contributing Writer
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s tradition has it, during the first week of every fall semester, President Dorman hosts the “Annual President’s Reception Dinner” to welcome the freshmen and sophomores to their college life. What makes each year so different, are the new faces ready to take on the AUB challenge. On September 29, 2011, the reception took place at the AUB’s green oval and was attended by the President, Dean of Student Affairs Talal Nizameddine, Provost Ahmad Dallal, other faculty members, and of course the new students and the orientation guides. The president started off by greeting the new students to “The University that has had a big impact in the region,” as he described it. Continued on page 4
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Opinion Piece ‘Tis the time of the year again... Maya Terro Special to Outlook
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is the time of the year when you can smell the scent of eagerness in the air, or is it mere anxiety mistaken for eagerness? I like to think its the former (if I may), although it could be a mixed aroma of both! Yes, neo-AUBites (this is the term I usually go on calling new AUB students by in these parts) and returning AUBites, I know you are all anxiously eager to embark on a new chapter in your life. Having said this, I cannot but ask myself: what’s the big deal y’all? Relax, take’t easy! From the very first day, I was told that college, like life, is all about making that first impression a good one. And guess what, I won’t be the least surprised to know that this still holds true this very day for you as well. However, now I think that the so-called ‘first good impression’ statement is way overrated.
Bummer, eh. But do I blame you for still thinking it is? Hell, no. Albeit being somehow true, it is not totally so. Allow me to elaborate—yes we all want to leave ‘very’ good first impressions. Distress pushes us to impress I say, and till this very day I think it rings true every time you are faced with some new situation in our lives, and college is no exception! HOWEVER, we walk through life forgetting that college is all about L.E.A.R.N.I.N.G! Yes, my dearies, over thinking about how to impress your parents, advisor, teacher, classmates, that pretty girl sitting just across the room and a whole other bunch of folks will only make your life a living hell. But who can blame you, right? Since we are born to this world we are always ‘pushed’ to compare ourselves to others. As if there’s
some ‘golden’ standard that we all need to follow and try to stick to. To all of the parents out there (hopefully reading this) who think that comparing you (their kid) to what you should be or what they aspire to be, I say: ‘‘Hi, and ask the following question: why is it so hard for you to let your kids just be? Let them make their own choices. So what if they stumble along the way. No biggy! What’s the point of making ‘their’ lives the way ‘you’ think they should. What’s the point of living life without tasting some of its dirt!’’ Need I say more? I didn’t think too as well? To you neo-AUBites and to all of you continuing AUBites, I say “May you have life, and may have’t indeed more abundantly!”
Blended Teaching: An insight into the Experience Rida Daher Contributing Writer
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ne of the many ways AUB is promoting teaching innovation is to introduce blended learning into the university’s courses curriculum; this state of art experience is expanding throughout AUB. To those that may be not familiar with the term, blended learning is a teaching technique in which a third of the course content is online, and such, face-to-face class times are reduced. This objective seems to integrate online and classroom activities and promote a sharing experience, in which the student is able to participate in online mediated discussion topics, practice quizzes, and case studies to encourage critical thinking. The trick seems to lie in the “ sharing-participating” experience; the user will be able to comment and express their thoughts in any particular topic
discussion. This gives the teacher an advantage in understanding the student’s weak and strong skills, thus helping them to build these skills more effectively. What’s more interesting is the fact that the instructor will able to share online resources, ranging from acrobat readers, PDF writers, and even CD burners. Yet the fun does not stop here, as special features such as email discussion notifications can be added so that whenever someone comments or adds a new discussion topic the student will directly be alerted via his email. In addition to all of the above, blended learning is in fact eco friendly, encouraging instructors and students to limit the use of paper and submit any assignment online. Environmental Health senior, Maher Melki, currently registered for a blended format course, explains “The
idea seems pretty interesting, and critical thinking is really pushed to a whole new level.” When asking for clarifications about how the instructors are limiting online language abuse, Melki assured that a Netiquette (online code of conduct) was explained to students starting the first day of classes, therefore, everyone is obliged to use these tools responsibly and without any violation of opinions. Graduate student Noura Zaiim spoke of her experience with these type of courses, describing them as a “motivating adventure,” for she was able to develop independent learning skills and was provided with the flexibility to manage her time wisely. Remarked Zaiim, “Blended learning is the future of higher education.”
Opinion Piece Outlook: The Odyssey of Online Exposure! Mohamad Al Medawar Webmaster
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ast year. Outlook ventured to rebuild its online presence through the website (www.aub.edu.lb/ outlook) and social media accounts. It was a huge leap, not because having a website is something new and innovative, but because Outlook maintained the website active throughout the year, and was able to create a space for interaction and beneficence for the student body. This was accomplished not only by posting the news and events coverage in an appealing and interactive way, but also by dedicating a section on the website for Clubs and Societies to post information, including their mission, cabinet, and upcoming events. Moreover, Outlook made sure that many tools that would come in handy for its readers had been placed at the disposal of the website viewers, such as Outlook Newspaper locator, Outlook Search, and Outlook RSS feed. As
for social media, Outlook made sure that it regularly updated its accounts and allowed for student and staff feedback through our Twitter account and Facebook page.A more momentous and extraordinary leap taken by Outlook this year was the development of the first ever iPhone/iPod/iPad application in
AUB and its publishing on the App Store for Free Download. This App will guarantee real-time delivery of articles into your hand-held device and keep you updated on all weekly campus happenings without having to look for it. Moreover, each article can be separately shared through facebook, twitter, and email. Although Outlook faced a few problems with utilizing the wireless connection and proxy server at AUB, the problem is guaranteed to resolve with the new iOS 5 software update for both iPhone and iPad available starting October 12, 2011 for all users. Outlook would love to get your feedback on all its aspects from the newspaper, and its section to the website and the App. To do so, post your comment either on the Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/auboutlook or tweet your message to @OutlookAUB.
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Wednesday, October 12, 2011
A Smile for Others Ali Kassem & Edrees Elrachidi News Executive & Distributions Manager
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hen walking around campus, do you walk around smiling? Probably not. Smiling is an amazing thing. While a mere facial expression, smiling holds huge value and has amazing potential. A possible foe could be turned into friend, potential enemy into ally. For instance, and an instance that is of no rare occurrence if one lives in Lebanon, say we have gotten into trouble with other drivers. Our attitude is rarely that of a smile. It is not a magic spell that will turn bad into good, but it will help us make the best out of the bad. And, if the situation is not too drastic, it might relieve us of unnecessary trouble. An interesting fact about smiles is their universal nature. Regardless of colour, race, age, religion or other factors a smile is undoubtedly a gesture of peace, hope, love and affection. It is also not such a difficult habit to develop, but rare are those who endeavour to learn. From an Islamic point of view, smiling is of great importance. The prophet of Islam (PBUH) is reported to have said: “Charity is prescribed for
each descendant of Adam every day the sun rises.” He was then asked: “From what do we give charity every day?” The Prophet answered: “The doors of goodness are many…enjoining good, forbidding evil, removing harm from the road, listening to the deaf, leading the blind, guiding one to the object of his need, hurrying with the ...strength of one’s legs to one in sorrow who is asking for help, and supporting the feeble with the strength of one’s arms–all of these are charity prescribed for you.” He also said: “Your smile for your brother is charity.” Indeed, it appears that smiling is of great value. Today, Muslims have come to say “smile, it’s sunnah.” (Sunnah is the collection of the Prophet’s practices that every Muslim seeks to emulate.) On a similar note, smiling is contagious. I was walking around campus the other day and I crossed roads with this smiling young lady. As a reaction to her smiling, I ended up beaming. Personally, I would much rather have a campus full of grinning students and professors than one with expressionless faces or, even worse, frowns.
There is a myriad of other benefits to smiling. From boosting our immune system to relieving stress, smiling is a fabulous weapon that we could use against things ranging from viruses to courses. The world we live in is one that often lacks hope, let us smile and perhaps we can place some joy in the hearts of our fellow human beings, regardless of who they may be. Let us wield this weapon wisely and make sure we spread joy and happiness around our campus. May we each be the lighting beacon in this world’s sea of trouble, the torch in the dark of night and the go-to person whenever anyone is in need. That way, we shall be building a strong community and abiding to what the Prophet of Islam is reported to have said; “Do not abuse anyone…Do not look down upon any good work, and when you speak to your brother, show him a cheerful face.” So please, look up and smile to whomever is sitting beside you; I’m smiling at you right now. Just because you can’t see it, it does not mean it’s not there.
Arab-US Association of Communication Educators Workshop Tracy Dariane & Nour Jane Kachicho Board Member & Associate Editor in Cheif
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n a world like today’s imbued with media, the use of cyberspace is spoken of almost on a day-to-day basis. Individuals make use of cyberspace for many purposes, including expressing their points of views. When doing so, security and privacy issues arise, and the safety of exchanging information becomes questionable. On October 26 and 27, the Media Studies program of the American University of Beirut (AUB), will be hosting the Arab-US Association of Communication Educators (AUSACE) workshop, prior to the conference, about how to securely express oneself on the Internet. Sarah Mallat, an instructor in the media program, conducted research on media activism. The outcome of her study led to the creation of the
workshop entitled “Cyber Security for Social Media Activists: Securely Exchanging Information Through Technology.” In her research, she found that people in Lebanon are expressing themselves more and more on the internet, especially in blogs. These activists are forming non-governmental organizations (NGOs), a fact which means that the number of NGOs in Lebanon is increasing. These NGOs are currently freely expressing themselves and discussing taboo topics. However, censorship may soon become an issue for them. The workshop to be held at the AUSACE conference will provide the tools to avoid and surpass this upcoming blockage. Mainly targeting individuals who are socially active on the Internet, the workshop will begin with explanations on the fundamentals of how the Internet
works. Then, participants will learn how to analyze potential security risks and how to use the media for the purpose of exposure, funding, gaining support and organizing events. Also, cyber security topics will be thoroughly explored. The workshop will end with an exploration of the best security practices and an understanding of how to achieve the best level of security in addition to the tools needed for the maintaining of security and privacy: censorship and circumvention. This free of charge workshop will be conducted in English and will include coffee breaks, lunches, and a closing reception. The workshop will end with a keynote lecture of the two-time Pulitzer Prize winning journalist of the Washington Post, Dana Priest. Individuals who want to attend can do so at www.aub.edu.lb/fas/sbs/ausace2011.
“Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” Roald Dahl.
amazing team behind me. I don’t think I could find the words.
I believe in magic, wholeheartedly so. I think it’s magic when people smile, or when professors let us out ten minutes early. I think it’s magic when I find someone else as in love with Star Trek as I, or as obsessed with mermaids. I think it’s magic when you believe it is.
Instead I want to wish all of AUB a little bit of magic. I wish you a kind professor, a fluffy cat to pet, and someone to watch Star Trek with. I wish you the courage to speak your mind and the wisdom to learn from your mistakes. I wish you a lovely autumn breeze, clear skies and a nice cold lemonade.
I’m not going to write about how thrilling it is to finally be in my senior year, or how wonderful it is to be Editor-in-Chief of Outlook, with such an
I wish you magic.
Editorial Magic
Lojine Kamel Editor-in-Chief
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Opening Ceremony Addresses Arab Revolts
continued
Camelia Harb Contributing Writer
This “complete citizen” is not only aware of the responsibilities they hold for themselves as well as their country, but also of the duties they owe to people of a different culture. The role of universities like AUB is therefore to answer questions of identity and aid in the growth of this unified and diversified individual. However, education aimed towards this cause does not ensure the creation of such a citizen. Quoting American philosopher Martha Nussbaum, President Dorman stated that “Knowledge is no guarantee of good behavior, but ignorance is a virtual
guarantee of bad behavior”. Accordingly, having the background to what it takes to make positive changes does not necessarily assure the capacity and decision to do such a thing. It is therefore the responsibility of the citizen in the making to bring about the changes needed. These changes could be achieved by rising to a position among the flourishing occupations of today. Becoming a member of the communities of medicine, business, and technology (among many others) provides one with opportunities to help build a better future. On the other hand, the acts of
President’s reception: AUB welcomes its new students
participating and contributing in the dissemination of the knowledge needed for the creation of such futures are equally useful and important. It is the combination of personal choices and a positive and fostering environment that creates the individual of the complete citizen. Full dedication to this cause will help in building a better tomorrow and it is with hope that the aspirations of these individuals become the solutions of the future.
continued
Nader Ahmadieh Staff Writer
Then he took the time to motivate the new comers to work hard in order to meet AUB’s rigorous standards and also encouraged them to enjoy the university’s rich campus life with its many ongoing activities and events. In addition, he stressed on the fact that, “you students are wonderfully fortunate to begin your college years at such a university.” His statement is now backed up more than ever by the fact that AUB has made this year’s Top 300 Universities list according to QS World Universities Rankings. Next the president announced the names of the Merit scholarship recipients both freshmen and sophomores. The lucky freshmans were, Abdul Wahab Turkmani, Ali Al Moukahhal, Ibrahim Youssef. The sophomores were, Ahmad Yamout, Rahaf Rahhal, Dana Rahbani, Hussein Hashem, Samer Deeb, and Ismail el Houcheimi. In addition, the president then revealed that 15 – out of the 25 highest scoring students on the 2011 Lebanese Baccalaureate- have enrolled in AUB,
and congratulated them for this achievement. Their names follow as such: Nagham Abdel Ahad, Mohamad Dbouk, James Feghali-Hani Fayyad, Nabil el Hage Shehade, Mariam Ibrahim, Malak Kanaan, Nour el Khatib, Samaya Mansour, Nour Matar, Malak Mortada, Rabih Mosleh, Mohamad el Moussawi, Mohamad Mahdi Suleiman, Mariam Yassine . These students took a group picture with the president just before he declared the opening of the buffet, where the students got to meet, eat and mingle. The DJ rocked the Green Oval with a variety of hits as everybody danced and enjoyed their time ahead of the upcoming weeks of studying and exams. An old Chinese proverb says: “Teachers open the door, but you must enter by yourself.” The doors have opened again for a new group of students that have begun their journey to build their future, become the leaders of tomorrow, and live their life more abundantly.
AUB Alumni Triumphs in Medical Field: Dr Fadi G. Lakkis Lojine Kamel Editor-in-Cheif
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r. Fadi G. Lakkis was born on March 1, 1962 in Beirut, Lebanon. His family descends from the village of Deddeh, El Koura, North of Lebanon. Dr. Fadi Lakkis received his B.S and M.D degrees from the American University of Beirut in 1981 and 1985, respectively. He is currently the Scientific Director of the Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, and the Frank & Athena Sarris Chair in Transplantation Biology at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Lakkis completed his training in Internal Medicine at Wayne State University in Detroit in 1989 and in Nephrology and Transplantation Immunology at Harvard Medical School in Boston in 1922. He held faculty appointments at Emory
University (1992 – 2001) and Yale University (2001 – 2005) before joining the University of Pittsburgh in 2005. Dr. Lakkis is internationally renowned for his research in solid organ transplantation. He has published more that 90 original manuscripts, review articles, and book chapters on the mechanisms of graft rejection and transplantation tolerance. He is the editor of the textbook “Immunotherapy in Transplantation: Principles and Practice,” due for publication in 2012, and is Associate Editor of the American Journal of Transplantation. Dr. Lakkis has received numerous grant awards from the National Institutes of Health and is an
elected member of the American Society of Clinical Investigation and the Association of American Physicians, founded by Sir William Osler in 1885. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Young Investigator Award of the American Society of Nephrology (2002) and the Basic Science Established Investigator Award of the American Society of Transplantation (2009). Between 2001 and 2004, Dr. Lakkis served on the Board of Directors of the American Society of Transplantation. Dr. Lakkis and his wife Lisa live in Pittsburgh, USA with their 11 year old son Zachary and their 5 year old daughter Zoe.
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Lebanese Parliament Adopts Tobacco Control Policy Partially Thanks to AUB-TCRG Hrag Vosgerichian Contributing Writer
If you smoke and you still don’t believe that there’s a definite link between smoking and bronchial troubles, heart disease and lung cancer, then you are certainly deceiving yourself. Whenever the subject of smoking and health is raised, the governments of many countries also hear no evil, see no evil, and smell no evil. Nevertheless, there are many other governments that have taken serious measures about it. Recently, the AUB Tobacco Control Research Group (AUB-TCRG), in partnership with the Lebanese civil society, urged the Lebanese Parliament to adopt the very first tobacco control policy in Lebanon’s history on August 17, 2011. The AUB-TCRG’s mission includes generating research on tobacco control and translating scientific knowledge into policy making on a local, regional and international level. Professor Rima Nakkash, Assistant Professor at the Department of Health Promotion and Community Health and coordinator of the AUB-TCRG, said that one of the challenges that they faced during their campaign was the strong opposition coming from tobacco industries wanting to protect their profits – the usual mode of work of the tobacco industry. Admittedly, an individual doesn’t have to look very far to find out why the official reactions to medical findings have been so lukewarm. The answer has simply been money. To illustrate, the tobacco industry is allowed to spend staggering sums on advertising. Its advertising is as insidious as it is dishonest. We are never shown pictures of real smokers coughing up their lungs early in the morning. That would never do. The advertisements always depict virile, clean-shaven young men. They suggest it is manly to smoke, even healthy. Smoking is associated with the great open-air life, with beautiful girls, true love and togetherness. Also, according to Dr. Nakkash, it was about time that the Lebanese law regarding tobacco control became all-inclusive. The AUB-TCRG’s campaign
started on January 10, 2011, urging the Lebanese Parliament to conduct serious anti-smoking campaigns. During August 2011, when the law first reached the General Assembly, the only penalty planned to be given was to smokers, affirms Dr. Nakkash. He argued that there should have been a penalty for the owners and managers of public establishments, if their clients are to be caught smoking inside. Dr. Nakkash acknowledged that “that particular amendment required lobbying, and, indeed, it passed at the end of the stage with great success.” Even more, the AUB-TCRG worked with two prominent NGOs – IndyAct and the Tobacco Free Initiative (TFI). Dr. Nakkash highlighted that the research group’s experience and cooperation in this advocacy drive with the civil society is a true example of how academia can collaborate with civil society. It is, indeed, a complimentary relationship. In a few words, this is surely the most farsighted policy Lebanon has ever considered. Enormous amounts are spent on cancer research and on efforts to cure people suffering from the disease, and countless valuable lives are lost. In the long run, there is no doubt that everybody would be much better-off if smoking were banned altogether. More particularly, the tobacco control law entails banning smoking in all public places (e.g. theatres, cinemas and restaurants), banning all cigarette and tobacco advertising, increasing warnings on sold cigarette packets, and increasing taxation on tobacco. The law does not directly touch upon the latter point stated, but the AUB-TCRG will be embarking on projects regarding increased taxes on tobacco in the near future. In addition, Dr. Nakkash maintained that “this new law could potentially become one policy that could unify our commitments as Lebanon’s valued population.” Dr. Nakkash calls this drastic change “a great historic achievement” because of it being a crucial accomplishment albeit the mighty
oppositions faced. Furthermore, Dr. Nakkash claimed that the second most challenging part would be enforcement and compliance using realistic data and information to advocate the law that has been passed. “It definitely needs to be worked on,” says Nakkash. Political will and honest commitment for the welfare of people by the Parliament has been given, but for the conscience of our country to be appeased, the government now needs to work on the law’s realization and implementation. So while authorities point out that smoking can, conceivably, be harmful, will the population continue to puff its way to smoky, cancerous death? That remains for us to decide. As human beings, we are weak, but as we see our Parliament acting honestly and courageously, they could be potentially protecting us from ourselves.
Pictures from http://www.cigarettesflavours.com
“Giving Up Smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because i have done it thousands of times.” Mark Twain http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/smoking.html
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Engineering Lounge Renovation Hailed Success Weam Alawar Contributing Writer
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he only recreational room in Bechtel Engineering building, the “engineering lounge” is repeatedly visited by FEA engineering students for many purposes. This room, situated on the western side of the building with an entrance adjacent to the path leading to OSB, is usually packed with students and activities throughout the day: from early-wakers and those who arrive earlier than their classes, to midday hangouts, naps, overnights and networks. Although a new cafeteria was introduced just last year, the lounge was still missing something very important. Until this August, the furniture had not been renovated for 5 year; couches were ripped open due to excessive use and were starting to fall apart, making them useless and highly uncomfortable. For those reasons, the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture Students Representative Committee (FEA-SRC) set up the lounge renovation as one of
their main objectives this last year. Indeed, before the summer term came to an end, fifteen new leather couches were installed instead of the old ones. The colorful new couches were a great achievement, especially since they were terribly needed in light of the previous wrecked furniture. The lounge now looks colorful with red, yellow and blue couches, and can host more students than ever before. Emile Zankoul, third year Civil and Environmental Engineering Student, FEA-SRC Acting President during the summer term and current Vice President commented: “For years, the renovation of the engineering lounge has been the FEA-SRC’s main goal, with no real progress. So this year, it was our main goal and we set it as a challenge to do everything to achieve it, which is why the renovation finally took place. I’d like to thank the FEA, Mr. Samir Bassil
(Maintenance Supervisor) and Mr. Fady Dgheim (Purchasing Office) for their huge support. I just hope students will appreciate it and take good care of the new couches.” The renovation increased the occupancy of the engineering lounge remarkably, and it is rarely empty nowadays. Engineering students are now to handle the responsibility of keeping the lounge intact and in a healthy state, for everyones’ sake. It is this kind of achievement that highlights the importance of having the student representative societies on campus convey the needs of all students, regardless of any affiliations. The lounge renovation is proof that student demands do not know politics, and that those demands should be the basis for electing the right representatives, while the chance to choose is available.
Bringing Japan’s Magic to AUB Dalia Hosn News Executive
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hile many may think of Japan as just a faraway country in the middle of the ocean, a few of AUB’s students were able to recognize and appreciate this distant land for what it is: a seat of rich culture, deep spirituality, gifted ingenuity, and a crazy sense of entertainment. This year marks the creation of a “different” club at AUB, the Japanese Cultural Club, JCC. With it’s amazing energy and dedicated cabinet, it’s sure to come up with some highly sophisticated and entertaining activities for all of AUB to enjoy. The chief creator and president of the club, Walid Yassin, an AUB medical student said, “When I first thought about the Japanese Cultural Club, I had many things in mind. I wanted to represent Japan in a way that really captures its essence, so I decided to make a time line, and a list of events starting from the very old to the modern.” As such he and his cabinet have come up with a long list of stimulating events aimed
both at representing Japan’s rich cultural heritage and history as well as its more modern achievements and ingenuity. Some of the events include Japanese cultural lectures and Zen classes, a kimono and calligraphy art exhibit, as well as concerts featuring Japanese Opera and traditional Noh theatre. For these events the JCC looks forward to collaborating with the AUB Choir and Drama Club. The club also hopes to start a Japanese language course in AUB as well as bring Japanese martial arts, like Karate or Jujitsu, to the Hostler Center. It is definitely worth mentioning that the club works closely with the Japanese Embassy on all its events and is considered the official Japanese cultural center in Lebanon. In addition to these cultural events the club will host a variety of entertainment events, including an Anime and Manga week, a Halloween Cosplay event, screening exclusive Japanese movies long before their international release, as well as selling Japanese
fashion-wear, accessories, and merchandise. Of course, last but not least, is the highly-anticipated sushi day, when AUB students will not only get their pick of sushi from famed restaurants across Lebanon, but they’ll also get a chance to learn how to make sushi for themselves. Whether it was the sushi or the Geisha outfits that first lured the AUB students on Club Day, with 85 members, a Facebook page, Twitter, and website, the JCC is sure off to a good start. Ultimately, they wish to create a truly unique experience in AUB, wherein students can get a chance to truly immerse themselves in another culture and way of life. “Japan is not just another country,” says Yassin, “it is a journey to a whole new world, and because we love to share our joy, we wanted to make this group happen. The AUBJCC experience will add enlightenment, fun activities and a touch magic to AUB and its community.”
Alternative Energy Discussed in AUB Rayane Zahreddine Staff Writer
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he Department of Physics opened its doors to around 15 enthusiastic AUB students and professors on Monday October 3, 2011, where Ms. Caron De Mars, regional environmental officer of the Middle Eastern Hub, gave a public presentation on alternative energy entitled “What Makes Your Vehicle Move?” The Middle Eastern Hub, one of twelve hubs located in US embassies around the world, was established by the US Department of State in order to promote regional cooperation on a range of environmental problems. De Mars’ presentation consisted of explaining the advantages and disadvantages of gasoline and alternative vehicle fuels and technologies available on the market today, as well as those currently being developed.
The alternatives included ethanol, biodiesel, natural gas, electric vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and natural fuel cells. The main focus of the lecture was the environmental impact of these fuels, comparing their carbon emission levels and evaluating their value as sources of renewable energy. In addition, De Mars evaluated their overall effects on the global economy and infrastructure. Following the conclusion that alternative fuels are necessary, De Mars opened the floor for questions and comments, and a discussion between the members of the audience went on for 15 minutes. The students, coming from various majors (agriculture, landscape design, business, chemistry and more) agreed that an international movement was necessary in order
to make the transition to alternative fuels possible. However, in the meantime, personal decisions from responsible citizens are a more than valid option in order to begin saving the environment. On another note, De Mars commented that she was impressed with AUB’s, “intelligent student body,” and added that she was happy with the, “good showing and the intelligent comments and questions,” that she received at the end of the presentation. The presentation was indeed a successful one, touching on an important and urgent topic. Furthermore, the fact that students were interested and aware of the global environmental problems shows that there is still hope.
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CES Organizes Summer Volunteering Camp in Bekaa Mohamad Alameh Staff Writer
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he Civil Engineering Society at AUB organized a volunteering camp this summer in the West Bekaa area. The camp hosted around one hundred AUB students of different majors; mainly civil, mechanical, CCE, ECE, chemical engineers, and a few students of majors from other faculties, along with a number of staff and faculty members. In addition, two visiting students from Earth University of Costa Rica attended the event to share their experience with AUB students. The camp, begining on Wednesday September 7 and extending till Thursday September 15, was situated in the Khirbit Kanafar Area. The participants stayed at Hotel Khrayzet. Farah Hassan, an AUB Civil Engineering student, noted that she “really enjoyed her stay at the Hotel,” adding that “It was relaxing, had an amazing view, and managed to accommodate the large number of those attending the camp.” The camp, arranged in collaboration with IBSAR (Nature Conservation Center for Sustainable Futures) and with the coordination of the Center for Civic Engagement and Community Services “CCECS,” was supported by Consolidated Contractors Company “CCC,” by Samir Khairallah and Partners Co. with the assistance of AUB’s EECE department. AUB students were divided into eight different project sites in the Bekaa, at six different relatively poor villages. These are the villages of Amik, Taanayel, Jib Jannine, Quar’oun, Lala and Aarsal. The first day was mainly to visit the sites, accompanied by an introduction to the tasks to be finished during six-working days, and a meeting with the village people the volunteers were to be working with. In Amik, and in association with the municipality there, the volunteers were required to construct a
public staircase and paint a handrail. In Taanayel, volunteers had to, with the help of Dar Taanayel, to construct a mud model of an animal farm for ecotourism. In Jib Jannine, one group was asked to construct a garden at the south entrance of the village while another group, in collaboration with Sada Al Bekaa, worked on a computer literacy program. In Quar’oun, two huge projects were held. The first site required the construction of a garden at the entrance of the village. The second was a rehabiliatation project for the spring area where the teams had to construct a new foundation near the spring, walls and benches. In Lala village, a small team was required to build a website for a public school; taking pictures and collecting information in the process. Finally, a team, in collaboration with IBSAR, was stationed in Arsal to participate in a computer literacy program and organize the “Sharing Nature and Knowledge” festival. During the volunteer work CES president Christopher Sassine and Vice president Hussein Kassem were constantly checking the progress of the work and providing each team, in case of need, with water and medication. Christopher noted that “the CES Volunteering Camp” is by far the biggest event our society organizes each year, and the annual growth of participants this event is attracting, inspires us to put extra effort each year into its organization.” Medical Lab Junior and member of the CCEC, Nour Hafi, cooredinated in the camp and assured that “medication was well considered,” and that “a first aid kit was provided to each group of the camp with a well-trained student to use it properly.” During night-time, students enjoyed games such as rally-paper, charaids, cards, dabke dancing parties, football games, campfires and night gatherings to
discuss each team’s accomplishments. Third year ECE student Karim Zahed, said that “I would mostly remember the laughs, the jokes and the precious times I’ve spent with my friends in the camp.” Sunday was not considered a working day, and so CES organized a road trip to Saida where students visited the Castle and had an enjoyable boat trip. Afterwards, volunteers were taken to Jezzine Area where they had lunch. The Camp was concluded on the night of September 14 with a farewell reception attended by the volunteers and the mayors of the participating villages in Hotel Khreizat. The reception included two slideshow presentations of what the volunteers accomplished during the camp accompanied by a dinner and celebrations. The volunteering camp has given the students handson experience in civil engineering tasks as well as a chance to participate in environmental projects. Taha Hajar, a second year ECE student, acknowledged that “the CES allowed us to contribute to the growth of villages and societies.” He added that he especially enjoyed the bond made “between us and the people of the communites we were aiding,” stating that “we became so close to them that the villages of Quar’oon invited the volunteers at the Quar’oon area to a wedding.” Third year Civil Engineering student Issam Kayssi noted that “I have improved my skills of communication, not only with my fellow colleagues, but also and maybe more importantly, with the outside world, namely the municipality workers and construction workers and supervisors.” He added that “something new I learned is the extra patience needed when not a lot seems to be going your way. We had some rough days on site, but in the end, it all worked out.”
The Lesson Learned from The Story of the Monkeys Emile K. Wehbe Former Chief Chemist at AUB laboratory
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have been told there is a golf course in India that has a major problem with monkeys roaming the property. The problem is so extreme as to be called an “infestation” and golfers would hit the ball only to have the monkeys pick it up after it lands and toss it around. Sometimes the monkeys would throw it in the rough, or sometimes carry it into the woods. Occasionally, they would even “participate” in the game, throwing it on the fairway or green, creating a major concern for opponents of the golfers. The golf course tried to get rid of the monkeys. They built fences with barriers on top. That didn’t work. They then hired a company to catch them and carry them back into the jungle from which they came. Unfortunately, the monkeys knew their way back to the golf course all too well and soon returned. In fact, they returned in even larger numbers. It was evident that this golf course was not going to get rid of them. Finally, the club managers gave up trying to remove the monkeys. Instead they decided to make a rule of golf, unique to that particular course. The rule was “play the ball whenever the monkeys drop it.”
We make our best shot in life. We hit it faithfully, but life and circumstances come along like a monkey and swoop up the ball and drop it where we don’t expect. As we start this new academic year in our university we may confront many difficulties and set backs. So my humble advice to new students and also to the old students, faculty teachers and professors, administration and employees, is this: living is a journey. Its always a leaving and a moving on and an all along encountering and learning. You will confront many difficulties and set backs, don’t give up. Persevere and start again and finally you will reach your aim, and may the Lord bless you all.
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IEEE Sucessfully Hosts International Workshop on Signal Processing Karim Zahed Contributing Writer
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uring the past Week, the IEEE society (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers) had a very busy schedule indeed. The international workshop on Signal Processing “SIPS 2011” was held in Bechtel Engineering Building on Tuesday, October 4. This was without a doubt very important for AUB’s international reputation since the conference attracts many graduate students and PHD holders from around the globe. For this reason, the ECE Department and the IEEE members in AUB gave it a well deserved amount of work and attention. Out of the many attendees of the conference, Professor Jan Rabaey was in the spotlight on the first day. Professor Rabaey is known as the “Grand Father of VLSI”, a title that implies that Rabaey made a huge contribution to the world of hardware design and signal processing, while currently concentrating in the field of Biomedical engineering. This hot domain managed to gather Japanese, Chinese, Egyptian, European, American and Lebanese scholars in AUB. There were also a noticeable number of AUB undergrads that were intrigued to attend and augment their knowledge of the field Third year ECE students Jim Ramsey Khoury and Mohamad Awada both mentioned that: “We came to see what new research has been done in our field of interest concerning biomedical engineering. We especially liked the key note lecture by Professor Rabaey that dealt with brain-machine interface and miniaturization.”
The scholars got a chance later on to hang their research poster papers on the terrace next to Bechtel, with a special appearance by two senior AUB students Lama Shaer and Ihab Nahlus, who got a chance to present their research results with other professors. Lama said: “I think we couldn’t have reached this important discovery without reading a lot of professor Rabaey’s work. Our persistence and determination pushed us to contribute to the field of low power design and be part of this international conference.” Nahlus then thanked Intel for its much appreciated cooperation that allowed them to advance in their research. Meanwhile Thursday October 6 happened to coincide with IEEE day, and event that was celebrated around noon in Wing D of Bechtel. Caren Zgheib, the chair of AUB’s Student branch, introduced her fellow
students to the numerous events that will be going on in the upcoming weeks, and most importantly stressed on the international MESBC conference that will be held at AUB in March 2013. Apparently the event requires a lot of commitment and work from IEEE members in AUB, because it is presented as a conference by the students, for the students. She also announced that a recruitment stand will be around in Bechtel for students who are interested in joining the IEEE experience and benefiting from the many advantages of this international society. With that all said and done, an IEEE cake was then cut in the presence of Professor Dawy and Professor Chehab as they expressed their excitement towards what the IEEE has in store for its members. In short, it was a very significant starting week for what is coming up soon during this semester.
SME...Only for Engineers Mohamad Alameh Staff Writer
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short interview was conducted with Louay Saleh, the President of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, SME, in AUB, on Thursday, September 29, 2011.
Being engineering students ourselves, we realized that there are some needs that are not being met, and not just for mechanical engineering students. So our work as a society targets all the students in the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (FEA). Thus, Mohamad Alameh: What is SME? Tell us more any engineering student is welcome to join SME. about it. MA: Give me an example, how did SME serve FEA Louay Saleh: Well, SME refers to the “Society of students last year? Manufacturing Engineers”. It is one of the world’s leading professional and international societies LS: Last year’s events were a smashing success for advancing manufacturing knowledge, and the society and the university as a whole. Under the influencing more than half a million manufacturing support of the USFC and the mechanical engineering practitioners annually. The Society has members in department, we introduced our two main events: the more than 70 countries and represents manufacturing awareness campaign and the RC boat competition. practitioners across all industries. The awareness campaign was a one day event where the SME brought professionals that graduated with MA: When was it established in AUB? engineering degrees and are following different LS: SME has been active in AUB since 2004 with tracks (masters, PHD, entrepreneurship, technical Professor Ramsey Hamade as the advisor. jobs, etc...) and these professionals discussed their decisions in front of hundreds of attendees. This event MA: Who can join SME and who can attend their was tailored for junior, senior and FYP engineering events? students of all types who are still unsure about what LS: Even though our society is named under the they are going to do when they graduate, by giving mechanical engineering discipline, most of our events them real life examples. Our other huge event, and activities are tailored to all engineering students. the RC boat competition, a new concept that was
introduced by the SME, featured 11 teams coming from three different universities that battled in our very own CHSC swimming pool with cash prizes up to 2000$. We also held private tutoring courses for students that were having difficulties in some major courses, sponsored the smart-car competition, and provided students with pizza for lunch. MA: How about your special plans for this year? What can students becoming members of SME gain from their membership? LS: Well, besides the obvious advantages that comes with being a member of the international SME community in terms of scholarships, job opportunities, skill courses etc... this membership entitles you to discounts on all our events and trips. Plus, you will receive a monthly magazine related to engineering topics from the United States. We plan to make this event even bigger this year, with more prizes, more boats and more RC madness. Visit our stand at the Bechtel entrance or email us at sme@aub. edu.lb for registration or any additional information.
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An Interview with President Dorman Mohamad Yaghi Staff Writer
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real or fictional, who would it be? why? Someone who lived in Ancient Egypt, but maybe Dick Cheney. Do I need to explain why? being the Earl of Essex in the Court of Victoria. What single thing would improve the quality of Why do you think manholes are round? your life? I think to get the maximum use out of it. I guess it’s More free time. an engineering thing. What is your greatest fear? What is the most important lesson life has taught I’m not afraid of the usual things like spiders or Do you think Dean Patrick McGreevy should have you? snakes, but I am afraid of big fat beetles. been an actor? I think it’s to listen to other people. I think all the Deans should have been actors. Dean What is your favorite color? McGreevy has a very photogenic face though. Who would you invite to your dream dinner party? Blue, you have so many nice shades of it as well. Tutankhamen, Shakespeare, and Abraham Lincoln. What has been your weirdest moment in AUB? What is your favorite animal? The weirdest moment was during my inauguration What is your favorite smell? Cats, which may explain why there are so many ceremony because after the ceremony in the Chapel, Gardenias, there’s some outside my house and they at AUB. I actually have two cats at home now. We I was asked to inaugurate the sports season at AUB. smell best when they blossom. brought one from Chicago. After finishing my speech, I was asked to release fifteen pigeons in the air. Each pigeon represented What was your most embarrassing moment? What is the last book you read? an AUB president. The one moment that keeps coming back to me was A book written by Carl Hiaasen. He makes fun of when I was in a men’s choir in college. I came in too the Floridian and American lifestyle. How would you describe yourself in three words? early and all you could hear was a loud low voice Bald, sweaty, and tired. when it was quiet. What is your favorite movie? Casablanca. What is your most treasured possession? Who would play you in the film of your life? As long as my wife doesn’t read this, it would be a Stanley Tucci. What is your favorite Bond movie? pair cuff links that my father gave me. They’re made Dr. No. of Persian coins and has a lot of sentimental value Where would you most like to be right now? to me. I’m really happy here at AUB. Who is your favorite Bond actor? Sean Connery, without a doubt. If you could bring something extinct back to life, What has been your best job? what would you choose? This one because it’s so varied, it keeps changing, If you could trade places with any other person for The Dodo Bird. It’s a cool looking creature. and you meet so many interesting people. a week, famous or not famous, living or dead, or Which living person do you most despise, and he start of a new semester makes everyone reflect and hope. As I reflected, it struck me that I’ve put on a few pounds. So in an effort to multitask, I met up with President Dorman at the Charles Hostler Center for a light-hearted interview while exercising.
Steve Jobs Dies at Age 56 Zeina Mhidli Staff Writer
“Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being.” These were the words on the front page of Apple’s website after the striking death of Steve Jobs. Steven Jobs, born on February 22, 1955 in California, is the biological son of Joanne Schieble and Syrian Abdul Fattah John Jandali. His parents gave him up for adoption to Paul and Clara Jobs who gave him the name “Steve”. Growing up, Steve was fascinated by all the engineers in his area – part of the famous Silicon Valley. Jobs attended high school and frequented lectures at Hewlett-Packard in California, the company that in turn hired him as a summer employer with Steve Wozniak (also known as Woz). Following high school, Jobs attended Reeds College in Portland but couldn’t handle more than a semester there. He attended classes that were of his interest, and spent his nights sleeping on the floors of his friends’ rooms, returning Coke bottles for food money and getting weekly free meals. In 1974, Jobs started attending meetings at the Hembrew Computing Club along with Woz. He also worked as a technician at the video game company Atari. Woz had real knowledge in circuit board design
and started getting the idea of designing his own computer – which was a circuit board at that time. Jobs encouraged him after seeing the interest of people and suggested they sell the board once it was done. This is when Apple computer was born. Apple’s first year was spent in assembling the boards in Steve’s garage and driving to local stores to sell them. The Apple I machine was released in 1976 followed by the revolutionizing Apple II the next year which was much more advanced than anything in the market at that time. After a while, Steve Jobs along with Woz and Ronald Wayne – Jobs’ friend at Atari – founded Apple Inc getting the funds from Mike Markkula, an Intel product manager and engineer. Mike Scott - an American entrepreneur got hired at that time as the CEO of Apple. In 1983, Steve tempted John Sculley away from Pepsi-Cola to serve as Apple’s CEO. This was also the year Jobs introduced the Macintosh, the first computer with a user graphical interface. Unfortunately things went wrong between Sculley and Jobs, and the CEO announced that Jobs had no more managerial duties in the organization and he was only to remain chairman of the board. Jobs
sold all his shares in Apple and bought The Graphics Group which later became Pixar. He also founded his own company “NeXT Computer” with an aim to build advanced computers for higher education and scientific research. In 1988, Jobs released the “NexTCube”, a computer with an operating system called “NeXTSTEP” and a graphical user interface. In 1997, Steve’s “NeXT” company was bought by Apple and Steve Jobs was hired as CEO. Pixar, on the other hand, signed a contract with the Walt Disney Company and went on to produce some of the most memorable animated movies of the time, including, “A Bug’s life”, “Toy Story I, II, III”, “Finding Nemo”, “Monster’s Inc.”, “Wall-E”, and many others. After Steve’s return to Apple Inc, the iPod was released turning MP3 players into “a mass market phenomenon” then the iTunes music store was created. In 2007, the iPhone was a big revolutionizing hit and by 2010 the iPad was unveiled. However, on August 24, 2011, Steve Jobs resigned as a CEO from Apple Inc. He passed away soon after on Wednesday October 5, 2011 following a seven year struggle with a rare type of pancreatic cancer. The world has indeed lost an amazing human being.
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Outloud : Club Day
Tell us about your club or society Rayane Zahreddine
Pictures by Lara Saab
Lebanese Heritage Club: We aspire to revive the Lebanese heritage through numerous activities and projects that reinforce the convergence of different students from the various segments of our Lebanese society.
Nutrition Society: We provide academic support such as study groups for Nutrition students, as well as entertainment by organizing events and dinners throughout the year.
Latino Dance Club: We introduce Latin dancing in its different forms to the AUB community. We
are also a social club where the members interact every week and get a new perspective on life from both Latin and Lebanese cultures.
Biology Student Society: We are a society that includes all biology students in entertainment events like outings, dinners and a trivia night. We also have an academic side where we help the students for their MCAT and offer them advising lectures for their future.
Psychology Student Society: We are a society targeted toward psychology majors. We have a
social and professional/academic aspect. Socially, we aim to create unity and cohesiveness. Academically/ professionally, we provide opportunities to better our future. We are looking forward to a great year!
Civic Welfare League: We are the oldest club at AUB, interested in gathering AUB students around cultural/social events and projects with a civic approach.
AUB Communication Club:
We promote healthy communication and social interaction between students through social events like the “We’re Back Party,” a welcome party that will support charity.
AUB Consulting Club: We are the first consulting club in the region. We are your support to the top tier consulting firms in the world.
Syrian Cultural Club:
We are a non political club that organizes entertaining events to fund cultural nonprofit events that celebrate the Syrian culture in AUB.
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Palestinian Cultural Club: We aim to bring the Palestinian cause and culture to the campus and raise awareness among the AUB students about them.
Jordanian Cultural Club: We are a cultural club that aims to unite students from any nationality
and make their experience at AUB easier and more enjoyable. We wish to make new and old students have fun through the various events that we organize.
Great Minds Club: Our goals are to incite students to think critically and logically and enjoy and discuss philosophical and sociological ideas during our weekly meetings.
Toastmasters International: You use the public speaking, communication, and leadership skills we teach at Toastmasters daily; we just help you develop them.
International Affairs Club: We teach our members the process of the United Nations and
international diplomacy and they learn the skills of diplomacy, public speaking, negotiation, and lobbying.
Business Student Society: We organize events such as lectures, conferences and competitions
that are all business oriented. We do fundraising events and at the end of the year, we host the annual Gala dinner for all AUB students.
AUB Political Science and Public Administration Society: We are planning on
hosting academic as well as social events. Our academic focus will be the current political situation in the world.
Engineering Student Society:
The ESS has been relatively inactive for the past few years. This year, our main goal is to fully activate it again. It is the only society in AUB that brings all engineering departments together, creating a big network connecting all engineering students together and even professors. A lot of events and benefits will be awaiting the members; events of all types, whether academic, entertainment, sports, fun and more, you just wait!
Collège Notre Dame de Jamhour Alumni Society: Our major goal is reuniting all
Jamhour’s Alumni in AUB via different activities. The society will sponsor an important conference in AUB given by a famous Jamhour Alumnus.
Greenpeace: Our main objective is to raise awareness about the environment in the AUB community, as well as try to make a change in the situation.
Chabab Loubnan: We are a non political and nonprofit club that works in collaboration with the Lebanese army to organize various events.
Entrepreneurship Club:
We support entrepreneurs by providing them with investments, office space, matching talents, and mentorship to create groups that are productive.
AUB Freedom Club: We are one of the biggest clubs at AUB and we aim to promote ideas, freedom of expression, and political freedom. We organize political, cultural, social, and sporting events.
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Down with Noodles Loulwa Kalache Contributing Writer
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s much as living away from home during college is arduous, students can learn countless things, like managing and taking full responsibility his/her own life, learning special techniques, or even developing “super power” skills in accommodating roommates. I won’t be talking about personal development, but rather about developing the habit of cooking. Eating is often one of the most common things that makes parents worry, especially during your first year. How many times did your mother call to check what you ate for lunch or to remind you to buy groceries? But with all your courses, club activities, friends, and perhaps part time work, you have no time to plan your meals. So, you dismiss this question as annoying, maybe intruding, because you can easily manage eating just anything around. Students rely on fast food chains, deli sandwiches and saj, Hamra and homemade food restaurants, frozen food, and of course, AUB’s cafeterias. Looking through these options comes the vital reason why you should give cooking a try. Most of these options are not wise, nutritionally. Aren’t you wondering why you gained those three extra kilos in your first year? Well, it is all because of the sandwiches and man’eesh you ate every morning and night, and all the burgers you ordered for lunch.
However, as a college student, you are always tight on budget. Sometimes, you can’t afford eating at homemade food restaurants. With the cafeteria closing on weekends and holidays, you choose the final resort: microwave noodles or a bag of popcorn. Yet here I am begging you to stop these two foods, because during my five years in dorms, the most frustrating thing I have seen was girls having popcorn for dinner every night, all because they were too lazy to make a labneh or cheese sandwich. I used to tell those girls that they will faint some day, due to the lack of their daily requirements of proteins, vitamins and minerals. As for noodles, though they will instantly kill your sudden midnight hunger, there is nothing healthy about them. Read the calories on the noodles pack, each serving provides around 400 calories, 40% of your daily value (DV) of saturated fat, and 70% of your sodium for the day. Not to forget that you’re adding the flavor pack, which contains MSG, an ingredient that causes many debatable effects such as cancer and neurotoxicity. So, to engage your diet with healthy items all you need is some cooking. Stay tuned in for next week, as I will be listing few, quick, and affordable, do it yourself foods for stressed out students like us.
Fuddruckers Nour Jane Kachicho Associate Editor-in-Chief
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estaurants are on the rise, and are no longer limiting themselves to Beirut. Among those is Fuddruckers, an American international fast food chain, founded in 1980, and newly located in Dbayeh opposite the ABC mall. This fast food restaurant, like many others, is
designed to resemble a diner. It provides booths and is rather spacious. Some may find the decoration to be too plain; however, simplicity may be the key to differentiating Fuddruckers from other international fast food restaurants in Lebanon. Fuddruckers is mostly known for giving customers the opportunity to create their own burger, with toppings and sauces added on at a close-by counter. The customer is able to choose from a 1/3 lb, ½ lb, and 2/3 lb meat which means that the size of the bun changes accordingly. Although Fuddruckers claims to have the, “World’s Greatest Hamburgers,” the menu is rich in salads and sandwiches as well. They also cater to a steakloving clientele by providing a separate Black Angus steak menu. English Literature Junior, Dima Nasser, said that she liked the food, and greatly enjoyed the music played
at Fuddruckers, describing it as being mostly hits from the 1980s and 1990s. While some people enjoyed Fuddruckers’ burgers, they did not approve of the service. “The burgers were good, but the service was slow. We waited an hour to eat,” said Biology Senior Dania Machlab. Some people did not enjoy the food. “My experience was disappointing, and the meat wasn’t good,” said Richard Pelgrim, Sociology and Anthropology student. For those who are fond of Chili’s ‘Molten’ dessert, Fuddruckers serves a similar dessert, ‘Fudds Volcano,’ with raspberry chocolate sauce. Although Fuddruckers has had great success in America, does it necessarily mean that it will have similar success in Lebanon?
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Welcome to AUB! Outlook Team
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Talal Nizameddin
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ASSIGNMENTS COURSES DORMS FRESHMAN MAINGATE OUTLOOK PROJECTS UNIVERSITY
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االربعاء 1٢تشرين االول 2011
ثقافة التطييف و دور اجلامعة مدى ال ّدب�س -كاتبة �صحفية
ان�ضم اىل اجلامعة الأمريكية �أن يتح ّلى �أتوقع من طالب ّ ببع�ض الوعي واالنفتاح .ولكن احلياة �سل�سلة �صدمات الرتابة الفكرية واالطمئنان العاطفي ،توقظك من ّ ك ّلما �شعرت بهما� .أ�شارككم بع�ض التجارب احلديثة : احلادثة الأوىل :قرعت فتاة ذات �شعر �أ�شقر وعيون خ�رضاء بابي ،وبعد �أن ا�ستقبلتها ودعوتها اىل اجللو�س عرفت عن نف�سها ب�أنها جديدة يف اجلامعة وتريد �أن ّ ت�س�أل عن اجلو العام يف �سكن البنات داخل احلرم. وبعد مقدمة اال�سم واالخت�صا�ص ومكان الوالدة ت�س�أل بروتني الثقافة التي ن�ش�أت عليها “ :ما هو دينك؟”
ال�سكن اجلامعي احلادثة الثّانية :فتاتان قررت ادارة ّ �أن يت�شاركا الغرفة نف�سها.هما من طائفتني خمتلفتني. ومتدينة والثانية من الأقليات حمجبة فالأوىل ّ ّ امل�سيحية يف العامل العربي .وال يحتاج املرء �أن يدقق لي�شعر القلق البادي يف عيونهما .عاد ًة يخاف االن�سان من املجهول .لك ّنهما تظ ّنان �أنهما تعرفان كل ما حتتاجان �أن تعرفا عن بع�ضهما “ :الطائفة”. احلادثة الثالثة :فتاة �أمامي مت�سك بقائمة اال�سماء للبنات التي تتواجد على طابقها يف �سكن البنات وت�شكر ربها على �أن ّ االكرثية من دينها.
يقول ميخائيل نعيمة يف كتابه( مرداد“ �) :أن ّ من كان يف ا�ستطاعته �أن يغر�س ،كان يف ا�ستطاعته �أن يقتلع ما غر�س ”.واذا كانت الطائفية قد متكّ نت من نفو�س �أبناء �شعبنا فمن غر�سها؟ العائلة؟ املدر�سة؟ رجال ال ّدين؟ نظام احلكم؟ �أم كل العوامل جمتمعةّ؟ ومن يقتلعها؟ �أرى �أن ّ للجامعة الأمريكية دورا ً تنويريا ً لعبته تاريخيا ً لكن ّ املطلوب تفعيله بل م�ضاعفته �.أ�ستعني بهذه احلوادث لأطلب من ادارة اجلامعة الأمريكية �أن تدعم الأندية العلمانية والأ�ساتذة -املنارات -على ن�رش فكرة الوعي واملحبة وال ّدولة املدنية الال طائفية.
�أهو اهمال اجلامعات ام تق�صري املدار�س؟ جاد �شم�س الدين -م�ساهم �صحفي
نف�سه امام خيارات اخرى ورمبا ال يرغبها ،من جهة اخرى قد تكون �سبب ًا لتم�سك الطالب اكرث واكرث بطموحه اذا وجد طلب ًا له يف ال�سوق. بعد تلك املرحلة تاتي مرحلة الدخول اىل اجلامعة وهنا ي�سجل الطالب نف�سه يف االخت�صا�ص الذي اختاره دون ان يعلم ما م�ضمون هذا االخت�صا�ص،فاختياره له جاء بح�سب ما يطلب �سوق العمل.يبدا العام الدرا�سي وتبدا معه ال�صدمات فالطالب الذي اختار اخت�صا�صه مل يكن يعلم بانه يت�ضمن هذا النوع من املواد التي ال يحبها او ي�ست�صعبها وعندها تبدا عملية البحث عن حل لهذه امل�شكلة والتي يف معظم االحيان يجد نف�سه امام حائط م�سدود ،فاذا اراد ان يغري اخت�صا�صه عليه ان يح�صل على معدل مرتفع يف االمتحانات،فكيف �سيح�صل هذا الطالب على هذا املعدل اذا كان ي�ست�صعب املواد املوجودة يف اخت�صا�صه؟ومن جهة اخرى اذا كان قادر على ان يح�صل على ذلك املعدل
منذ ال�صغر نبد�أ باكت�شاف هواياتنا ومواهبنا التي ت�شكل النقطة االوىل يف خريطة الطريق اىل هدفنا يف احلياة .ففي جمتمعاتنا اليوم حيث للعلم و الثقافة دور كبري يف حياة الفرد،التي بدورها ت�ضعك يف حمط �س�ؤال دائم عن هدفك يف احلياة وهو ماذا تطمح بان ت�صبع عندما تكرب،بالعربي الدارج “�شو بدك ت�صري ب�س تكرب” فكل منا يجاوب بح�سب ما يحب فمنا من يطمح بان يكون ممر�ض ومنا من يطمح بان ي�صبح ا�ستاذ ًا او عامل ذرة او العب كرة قدم او... فما ا�سهل االجابة حينها . متر االيام ونكرب معها فننتقل من مرحلة درا�سية اىل اخرى، اىل ان ن�صبح على ابواب اجلامعة ويحني وقت اختيار م�ستقبلنا املهني وعندها ياتي دور املدر�سة للتوعية.خالل عملية التوعية يتم الرتكيز على االخت�صا�صات املطلوبة يف �سوق العمل والتي قد ت�شكل �صدمة للطالب الذي اكت�شف ان االخت�صا�ص الذي يطمح اليه غري مرغوب يف ال�سوق فوجد
فال حاجة لتغري االخت�صا�ص؟ هذه امل�شكلة يعاين منها الكثري من الطالب الذين �أ�رسو يف جماالت كانو يتطلعون اليها على انها �ستكون م�صدر الراحة النف�سية واملهنية .ه�ؤالء ال�شباب هم �ضحايا ولكن ال�س�ؤال الذي يطرح نف�سه هو انهم �ضحية من؟هل هم �ضحية املدر�سة التي مل تهتم اال بال�شكل الهيكلي لالخت�صا�صات الذي يطلبها �سوق العمل مع عدم مراعات طموح الطالب؟ام هم �ضحية اجلامعة التي تطلب من الطالب ان ي�سجل اخت�صا�صه قبل ان ت�رشح له عن م�ضمون االخت�صا�ص الذي اختاره؟ ان كانت هذه ام تلك فبالنهاية ال�ضحية واحدة ويجب العمل على تطوير عملية التوعية لكي تنتقل من توعية هيكلية اىل توعية �شاملة ،فالطالب الذي يختار اخت�صا�ص ًا ال يحبه لن يبدع يف عمله وحتى لو جنح به.
تعرف على ال AUB ّ منى �أيوب -كاتبة �صحفية
●ت�أ�س�ست اجلامعة الأمريكية يف بريوت عام .1866 و كانت ت�سمى �آنذاك الكلية ال�سورية الربوت�ستانتية.
●تعاقب على رئا�سة اجلامعة �أربعة ع�رش رئي�سا .الرئي�س احلايل”بيرت دورمان”هو اخلام�س ع�رش.
●م�ؤ�س�س اجلامعة هو املوقر دانيال بلي�س.
●تبلغ م�ساحة اجلامعة حاليا 246,459مرت مربع ،و هي ت�ضم 64مبنى من �ضمنها ثالث متاحف و اربع مكتبات.
Daniel Bliss
College Hall
●�أقدم مبنى يف اجلامعة هو ال”Hall Collegeقاعة الكلية” .اكتمل بنا�ؤه عام ،1873غري �أنه دمر خالل احلرب عام .1991ابتد�أت بعدها فورا حملة جمع تربعات العادة بنائه ،وافتتح ثانية عام .1999
صفحة 15
االربعاء 1٢تشرين االول 2011
الت�سول و الكرامة ّ مدى ال ّدب�س -كاتبة �صحفية
جتاوزنا اخلط النهائي للعطلة مبا تزاحم فيها من احلاد مع الوقت يف �صيفية .بد�أ ال�سباق مغامرات ّ ظل الدرو�س اجلادة والأن�شطة اجلامعية .ففي بريوت وخا�صة ”احلمرا” حلظات ال�سالم الوحيدة تكون �صباحية �أو م�سائية .يف الأوىل قد تلمح حمامة ترفرف بجناحها الأبي�ض على الغ�صن املورق بكثافة �أو قد ت�شم رائحة البحر املفعمة بالتجارب والأ�رسار �أو قد ت�سمع �أغنية” فريوزية” فيهد�أ البالّ � .أما يف امل�ساء فقد مت�شي تلوث العا�صمة �أو قد ت�شعر بدفء مبحاذاة ٍ جنوم حت ّدت ّ �أم�سية حب �أو قد تت�أمل �شاطئ الذكرى و�أفق الأمل.
بد�أ نهاري اخلمي�س املا�ضي ومل ينته ليله .تخللته �صفوف واجتماعات ودوام عمل .ذكّ رتني ع�صارة معدتي اخلاوية �أ ّنني �أطلت جتاهل حاجتي لتناول الغداء .فانتظرت � ّأول فر�صة تتاح يل لأ�صل اىل �شارع أعو�ض الفطور الناق�ص والغداء الغائب. “بلِ�س” و� ّ طلبت وجبة غري �صحية �رسيعة التجهيز واملفعول .ومل �أنتظر الو�صول اىل غرفتي لآكل .وما كدت �أفتح كي�س الطعام ح ّتى �شعرت برتبيت على ركبتي ،فاذا بطفلٍ حايف القدمني يقول �“ :أعطيني” .ناولته علبة البطاطا واحتفظت بال�شّ طرية .ما هي اال حلظات وتلحقه فتاة ذات
�شعر احمر طويل ،وثياب قر�أت فيها تفكريي الرغائبي ”:ارجوك غ�سلني” والفتاة بدورها تطالب بح�صتها ،فنالت ال�شّ طرية� .أكملت طريقي ب�أ�سى وحزن عميقني .وبعد �أن انهمرت دموعي ا�ستدركت � ّأن الطفلني قد يكونان بحاجة جلرعة حنان بقدر حاجتهما جلرعة بروتني �أو ن�شاء. �أ�س�أل نف�سي و�أ�س�ألكم :كيف لنا �أن نتباهى بال�سيارات احلديثة والهواتف اجلديدة وبع�ض ّ جمتمعنا املحروم من وجبة طعام واحدة يجرتر يف كلّ يوم فقره و�شعوره الدفني بكرامته اجلريح؟
مع زياد �أبي �شاكر ال�رصيع -كاتب �صحفي عامر ّ
عندما ُيتخذ احلفاظ على البيئة كعمل ،تربز للمرء �صعوبات وحتديات قد تكون �أ�صعب من حتديات اتخاذ عملٍ عادي. ففي القرن الواحد والع�رشين ويف �أوج الإزدهار أنواع جديد ٌة من النفايات التي �شكلت ال�صناعي ،ظهرت � ٌ مع ت�رصفنا جتاهها،عبئ ًا على كاهل املجتمع .فالطريقة التقليدية املتبعة يف التخل�ص من النفايات كانت وال زالت وباء يجلب الأمرا�ض ويدمر ما تبقى من امل�ساحات ً اخل�رضاء. �أ�س�س املهند�س زياد �أبي �شاكر يف �شباط � 1999رشكة ( )Environmental Cedarالتي ُتعنى ب�إعادة ا�ستخدام وتدوير النفايات .تعد “�سيدر �إنفريومينتال” من ال�رشكات الأوىل والقليلة الفاعلة يف لبنان ويف املنطقة. ما هو الهدف من اختيارك لهذه املهنة؟ الهدف هو تغيري ل�صورة “الزبال” يف نظر من يقلل من �أهميته ،واللذين ينظرون �إىل النفايات على �أنها �سبب ًا جللب الأمرا�ض والأوبئة� .إن �أولئك النا�س ال يدركون ب�أن النفايات هي طعامنا ،فرمينا للطعام ال يعني �أنه يف تلك اللحظة �صار م�رسطن ًا. كيف يتم فرز ومعاجلة النفايات؟ يجب علينا �أو ًال �أن نعي ما هي مكونات هذا ال�شيء الذي ن�سميه “زبالة” فن�صل �إىل مرحلة تبطل فيها هذه الت�سمية وننظر �إليها ب�أنها موارد .و�أول ما فهمه رواد هذا املجال –الذين ك�رسوا حاجز النظرة �إىل �أن القمامة م�صدر �رضر وا�شمئزاز– ،هو ب�أن هذه النفايات عبارة عن موارد ولكن ال ميكننا �أن نخلطها يف ما بينها
لآن كل �صنف له طريقته للإ�ستفادة منه .عندما ُتخلط �أكيا�س النفايات و ُتكب�س ،تتدنى نوعية هذه املوارد وبالتايل يتدنى مدى الفائدة .فعلى �سبيل املثال ،عندما ُيخلط الزجاج املك�سور ببقايا الأطعمة التي تتحول بدورها �إىل �سماد ،ت�ضيع فر�صة الإ�ستفادة من �إعادة ا�ستعمال الزجاج قبل �أن ُيك�رس وتتدنى نوعية ال�سماد. من احللول التي كانت �سائدة ،هي تخ�صي�ص �سلة لكل �صنف ،حتى و�صلت التعقيد �أحيان ًا �إىل خم�س �سلل يف كل منزل .لكن الفل�سفة التي علينا اتباعها هي بتخ�صي�ص �سلتني فقط ،ع�ضوية وال ع�ضوية .الع�ضوية حتوي الأطعمة واملحارم والورق ،والال ع�ضوية حتوي الزجاج والبال�ستيك واملعادن .وحتى �إن جاء كي�س النفايات �إىل معمل التدوير ككتلة واحدة –�رشط � اّأل ُيكب�س– فبالإمكان �أن ُيفرز بطريقة �أ�رسع و�أكرث فعالية. كيف تتم معاجلة املواد؟ يتم الإتفاق مع البلدية لتنظيف املكب التقليدي و�إن�شاء
مبنى على �أر�ض املكب لتتم فيه عملية التدوير .يف املعمل يتم فرز الأ�صناف بحيث يتم تخمري املواد الع�ضوية والتي تبلغ ن�سبة 80%من النفايات ،للتحول بدورها �إىل �سماد. �أما البال�ستيك فيعاد �إىل �شكله الأويل كحبيبات ُتذاب يف قوالب تعطيها �شك ً ال وا�ستخدام ًا جديد ًا ،وتباع الزجاجات واملرطبانات الفارغة �إىل املعامل التي ت�ستخدمها يف تعبئة موادها ،و ُتكب�س �أكيا�س النايلون لت�شكل �ألواح ًا مبتانة �ألواح اخل�شب والبال�ستيك. ما هي الطريقة املثلى لن�رش التوعية؟ علينا �أن نبد�أ بتعليم الأطفال يف املدرا�س ،ولهذا ف�أنا �أعطي اهتمام ًا كبري ًا للمدار�س .فالطفل �سيكرب وي�صبح ع�ضو ًا فاع ً ال يف ن�رش التوعية لتبنيه هذه الثقافة منذ ال�صغر. ف�أنا �أقوم بزيارة املدار�س لبدء التوعية ولكن على املدر�سة �أن تتبنى هذا املبد�أ ليغدو من واحد ًا من القيم التي يتعلمها الأطفال،ومع الوقت يتناقلوها من جيل �إىل �آخر فت�صبح جزء ًا من ثقافتنا.
لأنه ال غنى عن اجلذور وئام دالل -م�ساهم �صحفي
يف الذكرى ال 29لإنطالقة جبهة املقاومة الوطنية (جمول) احيى الفنان امللتزم مر�سيل خليفة حفلة من قلب اجلنوب من �صيدا م�ستح�رضا فيها اغاين بداياته الفنية ومذكر ًا بزمنٍ عربت فيه هذه الكلمات والأحلان ٍ ب�رشق عن م�شاعر �آالف ال�شباب و اللبنانيني والعرب حر و دميقراطي .هو اليوم وبعد 29عام ًا على احيائه ذكرى انطالقة اجلبهة من “ملعب ال�صفا” عام 1984ال ٍ �رشق يتجدد يزال يحمل هواج�سه و احالمه ذاتها جتاه وينف�ض عنه اخطاء املدر�سة ال�رشقية القدمية مع احلفاظ على ا�صالتها وي�ستعد لدجمها مع نتاج املدر�سة الغربية احلديثة واملتطورة متام َا كما يفعل هو مع مو�سيقاه .هو
الذي غ َنى “جواز ال�سفر”“ ,يا بحرية”“ ,انه�ض يا ثائر” ري عن افكار �شباب ال�ستينات و و “يا ن�سيم الريح” كتعب ٍ ال�سبعينات من القرن املا�ضي ،اذ به يعيد غنائها اليوم بعد ثالث عقود بنف�س الفن و الإح�سا�س و احلما�س .فك�أن ال مر�سيل قد اتعب العمر حنجرته وال اجلمهور املتجدد قد ن�سي وراثة الق�ضية عن ابائه .ان�شدوا �سوي ًا لأطفال غزة و للعامل و الفالح والأم واحلبيبة ,ان�شدوا خلليل حاوي” ٍ �رشق جديد و للحبيبة اجل�رس” فك�أنه طريق العبور نحو يف “ريتا” حممود دروي�ش ,ومل ين�سوا بالطبع �أن يحيوا �شهداء لبنان والثورات العربية .فمع مر�سيل ال ت�ستطيع �أن تف�صل بني اليوم والبارحة حتى بني اليوم وامل�ستقبل
لأن خماوفه و�أحالمه وذكرياته ما زالت تعي�ش معه ومع جمهوره .مر�سيل خليفة جمع يف ام�سيته هذه ا�صالة بداياته ونتاج املرحلة احلالية من م�سريته الفنية من خالل مقاطع من “جدل” و”كن�رشتو الأندل�س” فك�رس التقليد يف اغانيه وا�س�س مدر�س ًة جديدة يف العزف على العود من خالل دمج املدر�سة ال�رشقية الكال�سكية مع احلديثة ف�أف�سح املجال امام م�شه ٍد ثقايف جديد .وقد كان برفقة �أميمة اخلليل وولديه رامي و ب�شَ ار و فرقة امليادين �ضيف ًا خفيف ًا على يعمر كاحجار قلعتها. مدينة الفينيقيني التي تتمنى لو ا َنه َ
اوﺗﻠﻮك
جزء ,44عدد 1 االربعاء 1٢تشرين االول 2011
املنشورة الطالبية املستقلة منذ 1949
�أول يوم يف اجلامعة منى �أيوب -كاتبة �صحفية
انها �سنتي اخلام�سة يف هذه اجلامعة .اليوم� ،أعرفها بكل �أبنيتها ،زواياها و �أفرادها� .أعرفها بكل �أن�شطتها، �أنظمتها و م�شاكلها� .أم�شي فيها �أت�أمل الوجوه ،و خربتي علمتني كيف �أر�صد �أولئك الذين على و�شك خو�ض جتربتهم هنا .كم مرة متنيت لو �أجل�س مع كل واحد منهم ،فلرمبا �أجيب �س�ؤاال هنا� ،أو �أطمئن هناك..... يف هذه الزاوية � ،أحاول �أن �أخت�رص الوقت و امل�سافات لأقول �أ�شياء ب�سيطة لكل من بد�أ �سنته الأوىل منذ �أيام: ع�ش اللحظة� :أيام اجلامعة رائعة كيفما كانت .لعلها تكون الأجمل �أبدا .لذا ،من غري احلكمة �أن ت�ضيع ب�سبب ان�شغال يف التفكري يف املا�ضي � ،أو ب�سبب خوف زائد من امل�ستقبل .ما ح�صل قد ح�صل ،و ما مل ي�أت رمبا لن ي�أت �أبدا .تخط كل �صعب ح�صل �أو �سيح�صل �رسيعا ،و ال تدع جماال لالن�شغال به كثريا .ا�ستمتع بكل يوم مير هنا و خذ الكثري من ال�صور!! خطط جيدا :من ال يخطط جيدا يت�أخر كثريا .ابد�أ كل �شيء بخطة وا�ضحة .اعرف جيدا كل امل�ستوجب عليك .تعرف على �أنظمة اجلامع ة .ا�س�أل من هم �أكرب منك .تعلم منهم. ا�ستف�رس عن كل ما ال تعرفه .ال ت�ؤجل �شيئا. هنا جتد �أنا�سا من كل القارات .تعامل مع اجلميع
ك�صديق .ابن �صداقات جيدة :كن منفتحا لكل النا�س، ف�أكرث ما مييز هذه اجلامعة هو تنوع طالبها .هنا جتد �أنا�سا من كل الديانات ،و من خمتلف البيئات االجتماعية و املادية و الثقافية .ال�صداقات التي تبد�أ يف اجلامعة هي الأكرث احتماال ب�أن ت�ستمر طويال. �أكرث من الن�شاطات الالمنهجية :ان�ضم اىل النوادي الطالبية .حاول �أن حت�صل على وظيفة خالل ال�صيف.
فكل هذه الن�شاطات ت�ساهم يف بناء �شخ�صيتك و تفتح لك جماال للتعرف على �أ�صدقاء .كما �أنها ا�ستثمار جيد ميكن �أن ت�ضيفه على �سريتك الذاتية. هذا غي�ض من في�ض .حاولت اخت�صار الكثري يف �أربع نقاط.ترى هل تفيد �أحدا؟ على كل حال� ،أطيب التمنيات للجميع ،و لتكن لكم حياة....و حياة �أف�ضل....
رحيل الطائر عن ال�سنديانة
نهاد غازي عواد -حمررة العربي
نعت اجلامعة االمريكية يف بريوت امل�ؤرخ الدكتور كمال ال�صليبي عن عمر 82عاما ،حيث كان يف �أيامه الأخرية �أ�ستاذ �رشف يف دائرة التاريخ وعلم الآثار يف اجلامعة. ولد كمال ال�صليبي يف 2مايو 1929ببلدة حمدون وتخرج من اجلامعة الأمريكية بعد ح�صوله علي بكالوريو�س يف التاريخ والعلوم ال�سيا�سية ثم انتقل �إىل جامعة لندن ليح�صل على دكتوراه يف تاريخ ال�رشق الأو�سط عن �أطروحة بعنوان «امل�ؤرخون املوارنة وتاريخ لبنان يف القرون الو�سطى» ب�إ�رشاف برنارد لوي�س .ثم عاد اىل بريوت ودر�س فيها بني �أُ�ستاذ ًا للتاريخ يف اجلامعة الأمريكيةّ ،
1954و،1997 حيث كان رئي�س ًا لدائرة التاريخ .ثم انتقل �إىل الأردن، حيث ُعهد �إليه ت�أ�سي�س املعهد امللكي للدرا�سات الدينية، وبقي فيه رئي�س �رشف مدى احلياة .له العديد من امل�ؤلفات التي �ساهمت يف نف�ض الغبار عن البديهيات وامل�سلمات التاريخية ومنها :منطلق تاريخ لبنان ( ،)1979التوراة جاءت من جزيرة العرب ( ،)1985البحث عن ي�سوع ( ،)1988حرب داوود(، )1991خفايا التوراة و�أ�رسار �شعب �إ�رسائيل(، )1988تاريخ لبنان احلديث()1965 كما ترجم و�أ�رشف على ترجمة العديد من الكتب .هو �أحد امل�ؤرخني العرب �إثارة للجدل ،ملا لنظرياته التاريخية من هدم للثوابت ومتزيق للم�سلمات .يف زمن التزم فيه امل�ؤرخون باملدر�سة التاريخية الفرن�سية، كان �صليبي يتبع منهجيات خمتلفة تعتمد على جتز�أة التاريخ وربط اللغة باجلغرافيا .لي�ست هناك من حقيقة نهائية �أو يقينية بالن�سبة �إليه .فهو الذي �أ�س�س لنظريات جديدة عن �أ�صول التوراة الذي بنظره مل يخرج من فل�سطني بل �أتي من منطقة ع�سري يف �شبه اجلزية العربية .وبالتايل ف�إن بني �إ�رسائيل من ال�شعوب العربية الزائلة .كما قام باحدى كتبه ب�رشح التناق�ضات يف الأناجيل الأربعة .وقد ا�ستفا�ض بتبيان تاريخ لبنان احلقيقي .وقد اعترب ان ربط لبنان بفينيقيا لأ�سباب ايديولوجية بعيد عن التاريخ العلمي حيث قال« :ال توجد م�ؤ�س�سة واحدة ظهرت يف زمن الفينيقيني وما زالت م�ستمرة حتى اليوم،وال لغة وال �أدب وال �أي �شيء �آخر» .كان �صليبي يفتخر بعروبته ويعتز بانتمائه اىل الثقافة اال�سالمية العربية .ورغم �أنه م�سيحي ،فقد كان يع ّد نف�سه م�سلم ًا بتوحيده .ا�ستند على الوقائع التاريخية لتف�سري الأحداث ومتيز بالر�صانة
والعلمية وابتعد عن الأ�ساطري واخلرافات .وقد قال يف كتاب «خفايا التوراة»« :الأ�سطورة ،على عك�س الق�صة، ال تختلق جغرافيتها .ولو فعلت ذلك لزالت عنها �صفة الأ�سطورة ،فتحولت �إىل ق�صة عادية .فالأ�سطورة ال ميكن �أن تخدم غر�ضها -وهو الغر�ض الذي يخدمه التاريخ� -إال �إذا كانت جغرافيتها �صحيحة ،كما يف التاريخ .ومن هنا ميكننا �أن ننطلق يف البحث عن احلقائق التاريخية الكامنة يف الأ�ساطري التوراتية ،ويف اليد املفتاح لفك رموزها وحل �ألغازها .وما هذا املفتاح �إال اجلغرافية التي ال ريب فيها للأ�ساطري». كتب ال�صليبي بلغة �سهلة و�سل�سلة ت�أ�رسك بان�سياب �أفكارها ودفة معانيها ورقة تعابريها.فذاك الكاتب احلازم ،مل يكن م�ؤرخا فح�سب بل مهتما بالفن واملو�سيقى ومتقنا للعزف على البيانو .ورمبا مل يتزوج لأنه قدم نف�سه قربانا للحقيقة والبحث عنها ت�أليفا وتدري�سا .ع�شق بريوت و�سماها «رئة لبنان والعامل العربي».وقد و�صفه الدكتور طريف اخلالدي قائال «قلبه ب�سيط وعقله معقّد» ،وقد قال اخلالدي يف حديث لـ«الأخبار» � ّإن ال�صليبي «�أهم م�ؤرخ لبناين معا�رص ،والأملع يف جيله املمتد من �أوا�سط القرن الع�رشين حتى الآن». و�أ�ضاف اخلالدي � ّأن ال�صليبي �آمن ب� ّأن «التاريخ ق�صة يجب �أن تروى ،ومت ّتع بنف�س الراوي الذي ي�رسد احلكايات». وقد روى �سرية حياته بلغة �شيقة يف كتاب»الطائر على ال�سنديانة» .رحل ج�سد الطائر لكنه بقي بفكره ومعرفته يرفرف فوق ر�ؤو�سنا.