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Vol. XLIII, No. 30

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Microsoft Imagine Cup The Independent Student Publication Since 1949 AUB winners

Outdoors outdoes itself: Some 85 stands, 82 clubs & societies and a record breaking 16, 951 tickets sold Deedee Jilani Contributing Writer

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utdoors 2011 broke its largest record of attendees last weekend on Saturday and Sunday May 21 and 22 as a massive army of some 16,951 people stormed into upper campus where the festival was scheduled to take place. A variety of live performances swept the audience from professional and local bands, to staged dance shows, to standup comedy shows. Several stands also filled the arena such as those offering henna tattoos, face painting and games of all sorts for young kids (mental and physical).

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raduating dorm students have not been asked to evacuate their rooms before their graduation since a decade or so. Unfortunately, this year the policy has changed and all students were asked to empty their rooms by June 15; 10 days before graduation. Graduates usually received a dorm evacuation extension since they had to attend many events before the graduation ceremony including each faculty’s Gala Dinner, the Ring Ceremony that will take place on the 23rd of June, the graduation ceremony rehearsals on the 24th and finally the

Guitar concert by Maestro Giulio Tampalini

Commencement on the 25th.

Therefore, students need to be near AUB to be able to attend all these events. Hence, the lack of an extension left the students outraged while demanding justification from the administration.

On Thursday, May 6, Nisrine Fatouh, Housing Assistant, asked all the dorm residents via i-mail to confirm if they are expected to graduate this year so as to be given a check-out deadline extension. The following day, Fatouh sent another i-mail, however, this time stating that no exceptions will be made. The news was surprising, especially for girls. Thus, on Monday, May 9, two graduating students Abeer Mahfouz, monitor in Jewett Dorm, continued on page 6

The Italian Cultural Center in coordination with the Office of Communications cordially invites you to a guitar concert by Maestro Giulio Tampalini on Wednesday, May 25 at 8:00 p.m. at Assembly Hall. All are welcome. ***

Piano concert by Patrick Fayad

Outdoors Spotlight page 12!

Graduating dorm students to be evacuated 10 days in advance this year Khodor Abou Daya Staff Writer Zeina Mhaidly Contributing Writer

Don’t Miss!

Additionally, snacks and beverages were available from renowned university clubs, local diners and food businesses such as Crepaway, Baskin Robbins, Sno Biz, and Krispy Kreme. The Outdoors Rally Paper finally narrowed down the evening before standup comedian Nemr Abou Nassar stole the audience with one last show putting an end to what had already been proclaimed by many as an exhilarating two days.

Outdoors was originally called “Indoors” and used to take place in West Hall. It was meant for faculty and students to get to know continued on page 6

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The march towards Palestine

(Photo by Tariq Buhilaigah)

The Office of Communications cordially invites you to a piano concert by Patrick Fayad this Sunday, May 29 at 8:00 p.m. at Assembly Hall.

All are welcome

The march towards Palestine: Ten martyrs and fellow AUB student Munib Masri takes a bullet in the back Samer Bu Jawdeh Member at Large & Contributing Writer

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eventeen hundred. That was the number of buses that broke the silence early in the morning of Sunday, May 15, 2011. Though these buses departed from different locations, they all headed towards one destination: Palestine. Their goal was to express a basic human right— the right of return to Palestine. Four buses departed with more than 150 AUBites who gathered in front of Medical Gate at 7:00 AM. The event was organized by the Palestinian Cultural Club in collabo-

(Photo by Samer Bu Jawdeh)

ration with the Civic Welfare League.

Unfortunately, what was

planned to be a peaceful demcontinued on page 5

4th International Conference of the Center for American Studies and Research - Shifting Borders: America and the Middle East/North Africa

INSIDE

Within a context of profound political, environmental, and social transformations in America and the Middle East/North Africa (MENA), this international conference invites scholarly papers on the theme, “shifting borders.”Scholars working in American Studies and Middle Eastern Studies, with a variety of theories and methods, can contribute to this conference and potential participants should consult the CASAR website (www.aub.edu.lb/fas/casar/) for submission guidelines and a downloadable submission form. Please send abstracts of proposed papers (300 words or less), along with a short CV, via electronic mail to casar@aub.edu.lb by June 1, 2011.

Campus News Arts & Culture Alumni News Out Loud Spotlight

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Sports Viewpoint Out of the Box

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19 ‫ أخبار‬18 ‫ منوعات‬17 ‫وجهة نظر‬

Campus News Promoting financial transparency

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Campus News AUB Musci Club supports Congential Heart Disease patients

Bliss Street, West Hall 208 Tel: 01 350 000 or 01 374 444 Ext.3193

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Sports

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AUB athletes head to Istanbul for Bogazici University Sports Festival

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Outlook

Campus news

May 24, 2011

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Uniquence: SOAN 231 students lobby for uniting CVSP courses

Heather Jaber News Executive

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hose passing by College Hall at noon last Wednesday, May 18, may have noticed a group of students standing with a handful of bright blue and purple balloons. It may have seemed a confusing sight at first, but upon closer inspection the aim of their campaign became clear. The group was comprised of students from the SOAN 231 course, calling themselves Uniquence. Their name was coined out of their mission to change the Civilization Sequence Program (CVSP) into a unified and sequential course.

Balloons were handed out to students who passed by, and they were asked to write a comment relating to how they viewed the CVSP program. Students wrote everything from “CVSP is too long,” to “CVSP is not for everybody! It shouldn’t be required,” to “I love CS.” The balloons were then collected and released between Main Gate and College Hall.

Students launched the project as a fictitious campaign for their SOAN course and to attempt to call attention to the issues that the CVSP courses face. CVSP courses were targeted due to the fact that they are a requirement for all majors, and yet that they are not standardized enough regarding issues like the amount of reading that varies between teachers and the manner in which different teachers give exams.

The group first conducted a survey of 200 AUB students regarding their thoughts on the CVSP system. Interestingly, the polls showed that 68.2% of students felt that the courses were beneficial, but unnecessary. 55% of the students felt that the readings given by the professors were too much in amount, as many teachers have different requirements for which samples of the texts to read.

The most significant finding of the survey was the amount of difference students felt between different sections of the same course. An average rating of 9.3 out of 10 showed

(Photo courtesy of Sarah Harfouch)

that most students noticed a great difference between the sections of the CVSP program. Another main issue was the weight that different professors gave exams and assignments, and the survey revealed that about 68.5% of student found the grading system to be unfair.

Still, there are other opinions on the matter. Several CVSP teachers do not believe

in unifying the CVSP courses, as they value the freedom that professors have in the course. Reasons cited were that it allowed for more explorative ideas and creativity in the classroom. The UNIQUENCE group stressed that they do not wish to attack the program or promote a system were all the courses are completely the same, but to have a more unified sys-

tem of grading and learning outcomes.

Group member and sophomore Sarah Harfouch spoke of the reasons behind the event. “We wanted our voices to be heard, to initiate the beginning of a change, to unify the CVSP courses. Releasing the balloons was just the beginning.”

Where is my Lira?

Students start party promoting financial transparency at AUB Anis Kadado Staff Writer AUBites are known for their commitment and perseverance, especially when it comes down to their rights. As part of a communications campaigns course, it was required that students orchestrate a project at AUB to promote a solution to a given problem. On Wednesday May18, students of the SOAN 231 course were observed to interact with others, solely trying to garner the most possible support. A group of eight students chose to create a non-political, nonsectarian party called: The Students’ Lira. This party consists of a group of AUB students of different majors, classes, years, ages, and gen-

der. The mission statement of this group is: Promoting financial transparency among universities in order to establish an honest relationship with the students.

The symbol of this part is a magnifying glass with three shoe prints. The current campaign which is being promoted is called “Where is my Lira?” In this campaign, one of the core values is focused on: financial transparency.

In particular, it stresses on the fact that until today there is no available information to students about the breakdown of their tuition fees and how the money is being allocated. They ask that an insightful and informative document be sent to students from the American Universi-

ty of Beirut as part of their financial statement. It should include details about this monetary classification in a clear manner using comprehensible figures. Hence, it is demanded full disclosure of the way the money is invested in the university’s facul-

ties and departments. Gheed El Makkaoui, one of the eight group members, stated “this was a great project, aiming to create awareness about where exactly student tuition fees are going.” On the success of the event and its outcome she claimed “it was a

great success, a video petition was prepared to be delivered to the president.” The Students’ Lira party are hopeful that their campaign will be effectively considered by the administration and that through this project, a rightful call may be implemented.

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Campus news

May 24, 2011

Outlook

Meet your Microsoft Imagine Cup Lebanon winners from AUB

Joseph Saba Copy Editor and Contributing Writer

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n Friday, May 13, 14 teams from the top 10 local universities went head to head in a competition in order to qualify for one of the worldwide premier programming competitions, Microsoft Imagine Cup. The 14 teams, which included 4 teams from AUB, competed for the first place, which would enable the winner to head to New York City to represent Lebanon in the world finals taking place from July 8 to July 13. Team D4W of AUB, made of Computer Science PhD student Wajih Bou Karam and Master’s student Daniel Haddad, came out on top despite the serious competition they had to put up with. After displaying their winning project in a seminar on Friday, May 20, Outlook decided to interview the winning team.

Tell us about your project.

Tale of a Tree Wisp is an experience designed with a single purpose: raising awareness about the environmental problems that our planet faces. To do so we decided to target children (between the age of 7 and 12) because it is easier to influence children at that age than adults. Although anyone can play our game and enjoy it, we believe that children of a younger age might not understand our message while older children may not be all that interested.

To ensure environmental sustainability we designed a game where the player controls a tree wisp. Born from a barren tree, you are charged with gathering nutrients for that tree and as you do so, your tree begins to grow.

Eventually you realize that the forest you belong to is being cut down to make way for urban expansion and as a result you do your best to try and save the tree but ultimately, one tree wisp cannot save the planet and so your tree is cut down and you become unbound and left to explore the world.

This is critical because we want to leave players with a clear message: No one is going to fix our planet for us, the future of our environment is in our hands.

How did you guys think of the project?

As with most projects that rely heavily on creativity we did not set out with all this in mind. Wajih and I decided to put our heads together and try to make a couple of simple games. We started with a completely different vision in mind and then the project took a life of its own and evolved into what it is today.

How did you and Daniel divide the work upon each other? What software did you use (programming languages, etc...)?

We were both involved in all aspects of the project’s development especially when it comes to making some design decisions be it for the game or the many tools we needed to develop to make the game.

In terms of the actual work, Wajih did the tools programming and I worked on the story, asset creation, level design . . . and so on.

The tools were written using C++ in Microsoft Visual Studio and as for the assets, we relied heavily on a plethora of 3D and 2D programs.

What did you think of your competition? Specifically the three other AUB teams?

We both thought they were pretty terrific. It was great seeing so much talent and hard work all in one place.

Did you guys feel that you had a chance from the beginning to win it all?

No, winning was a colossal surprise for both of us.

What did you enjoy about the competition the most?

The thing we both enjoyed the most was simply the reaction people had when they saw our project. When you work on something for so long you look at it in a different way. The reactions on people’s faces and seeing how well received our project was did it for us. Even if we did

(Photo courtesy of Imaginecuplebanon.com)

not win, at the end of the day, Wajih and I were both saying the same thing “Win or lose, this was terrific”.

What is your take on the whole competition? Can it be improved?

Microsoft was always readily available to help out and they did a terrific job. If one had to pick something to improve, then I guess we would have preferred that the venue be open to the public so that students can demonstrate their ideas not just to the judges, but to people in the industry and enthusiasts.

What do you think of your chances concerning New York City? Do you think you can win it all?

We aren’t very sure. We still

have a lot of work to do to bring our project from a prototype to a complete product. We hope to hold our own against the world and hopefully get people talking about Lebanon.

Are you going to make improvements to it before going there?

Definitely, what we have right now is a working prototype so we still have a lot of things we want to do before the finals.

What are your future plans for your project?

Have you received any interest in it?

It all depends on what happens but we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it.

Who

do

you

want

to

thank?

We would sincerely like to thank Professor George Turkiyyah, our chairperson at the Department of Computer Science, for proposing that we compete and supporting us throughout the project’s development. We would also like to thank Ghassan Chahine at Microsoft for all the help and energy he put into this.

Outlook

Campus news

May 24, 2011

The march towards Palestine: Ten martyrs and fellow AUB student Munib Masri shot in back

continued from page 1

onstration soon became a blood bath; the Zionists opened fire towards the demonstrators whose chests where literally naked and whose only weapons were rocks. The Zionists’ shots had not been intended to frighten the demonstrators; on the contrary, they aimed at the most vital parts of the body such as the head and chest. The day, much like the weather, shifted from peacefulness and organization into gloominess and havoc amounting to ten martyrs and more than 120 injured, many of which were in a critical condition. One of the injured was none other than our fellow colleague, Munib Masri, who is specializing in petroleum studies, and currently in AUH under intensive care.

Munib’s friends have taken several steps to commemorate the martyrs and wish him a fast recovery. Currently, they are hoping that many would participate in the vigil for the martyrs from Lebanon, Syria, Egypt and Palestine on Wednesday, May 25, 7:30 PM at ESCWA. After the news of martyrdom spread, the demonstration was called to an end and all participants had to head back and search for their buses. A wave of complete chaos shook Maroun Al-Ras, where the demonstration was taking place.

Army vehicles and ambulances drove crazily between the crowds. The fact that there was no network coverage at all only added confusion and disorganization to the situation.

As for the reason behind participation, Jenniffer Giammanco, a political science major said “I just like to participate. . . . [and] bring back the message [event] to my friends in Lebanon and America. It is very important to spread the message.” Alizeh Valjee, a student of psychology and religion added “I want to support a good cause and observe the other side of the story. . . . In America you have a pro-Israel story.”

“Palestine means a lot. . . . that is by itself a reason to participate,” commented Rita

Farhat, an LAU Jbeil Graphic Design student. She then insisted that although Palestine is distant geographically, it is closer than ever to one’s heart.

When asked about the Palestinian cause in particular, Hayler Miller, who is majoring in journalism, stressed that “You don’t have to be Palestinian to support such a cause. It is simply human rights.”

Participants even had their opinions on the Zionist movement. “From the nineteenth century, this is the true world terrorism against the Palestinian people and humanity,” Afifa Karake, a biology teacher, recalled. Magda Moussalem, further clarified the point by stating: “It is of utmost importance to remember. People are forgetting, and they have become just like the Arab countries completely unaware that Zionism is a threat to each and every one of them.”

Concerning the objectives behind this day, Abed Abukar, a Jordanian from Palestinian origins, and Ali Abed Al Jalil, a business major, believed that the message for the world is: “We did not forget; we held on to our door keys. This is our duty which we shall forever fulfill.” On that regard, Mehdi Mezouar, an LAU political science student, had a message for the student body: “Studies are never an excuse for not coming. . . . Palestine is above everything.”

Throughout the trip towards Maroun Al-Ras, conversations were filled with such ideas; however, as silence occupied the buses at intermittent times, it became clear that the buses were not only heading towards Maroun Al-Ras, but also driving down memory lane. A memoir by Audeh Rantisi who was born in Lydda unfolded part of that history and recounts the tortures that occurred at that time: “The horror began when Zionist soldiers deceived us into leaving our homes; they would not let us go back, driving us through a small gate just outside Lydda. I remember the scene well; thousands of frightened people being herded like cattle through the narrow opening by armed soldiers firing over-

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(Photo by Samer Bu Jawdeh)

head... Outside the gate, the soldiers stopped us and ordered everyone to throw all valuables onto a blanket. [One young man] refused to give up his money. Almost casually, the soldier pulled up his rifle and shot the man. . . . Those wretched days and nights in mid-July of 1948 continue as a lifelong nightmare because Zionists took away our home of many centuries. For me and a million other Palestinian Arabs, tragedy had marred our lives forever.”

Unknown to Audeh, who was only 11 years old, Zionists already had plans to bulldoze the Palestinian houses and rename the villages. Tal alShuman, the once fertile village, was obliterated and soon

replaced by Kefar Yehushu’a.

The Nakbe did not start with Audeh’s generation. Looking further into the past, it becomes easy to realize that the Nabka represented years and even decades of barbaric acts and international conspiracies. Countries, mostly European, driven by self-interest had been plotting for so long to get rid of the increasing Jewish density on their own land.

The Balfour agreement (1917), in which Britain sold the Jews a land it did not own in the first place, is simply a manifestation of this greed and atrocity.

Hence, with a powerful country backing them and with an intention to use violence, Zionists could evade international law and human rights. Their

schemes finally lead to the dreadful day; on May 15, 1948 the British mandate ended, and “Israel” declared itself as an Independent state. Sixtythree years have passed since then, and Palestine still bleeds under savage Zionist hands, but the right of return among other rights echoes on, defying all attempts to silence it. This year, the Zionist enemy was besieged, though peacefully, on the national and international level. Egypt, Syria, Jordan and, of course, Palestine had joined forces for this cause. Internationally, activists, from different locations throughout the globe, gathered in front of “Israeli” embassies demanding the end of the occupation.

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Campus news

Outdoors outshines itself, revives old Beirut continued from page 1

each other outside the confines of the classroom. In 1984 “Indoors” expanded to become “Outdoors,” and with a then enlarged scope, non-AUB students also had the chance of visiting the campus as well. However, according to one of the Outdoors founders, AUB Professor of History Shirine Hamadeh, that same year, a mural was set on fire and burned to the ground bringing the newly developed Outdoors to an abrupt end during the days of Lebanon’s Civil War. Unfortunately, the founders are no longer working at AUB. However,nowthatthisperiodhaspast, and that Outdoors is back and has been back for several years now, much has changed such as the adoption of live bands and the process of sponsorship for covering funding.

As for this year’s Outdoors and the theme “Beirut el Adima,” there were certain questions about whether or not the theme was successful, if the clubs and societies fulfilled the expectations of the Outdoors committee, and what obstacles the Outdoors committee had to face. A few Outdoors members agreed that the theme was a success, “We wanted a larger target of people [from all age groups, kids and grandparents].

It was something all Lebanese can relate to,” said Tala Shaaban.

Outdoors Secretary Nour Jalloul commenting on the theme of Outdoors said “with most of our traditional architecture demolished, we wanted to show our culture. It’s different, it’s us.” Reem Akil and Ayman Bitar agreed that it was successful but that “people aren’t patient especially at food stands.”

Jalloul however mentioned that there were minimal problems; mostly “a misunderstanding between clubs and the committee in regards to stands and games,” she also stated that “there were photographers, rally papers, competitions, dance entertainments…

Everyone loved it.” When it came to clubs and societies they mostly agreed that they did well but there were some things, concerts and sponsors, that are a guarantee and they cannot do without. “We had to have Lebanese food and junk food for the children, it kept a balance,” said Jalloul.

Several bands performed such as Pulse, Lazzy Lung, Rebellious Phoenix, Payphone Rendezvous, MAKoustics, and 80’s Revolu-

tion. Outdoors Concert Committee Member Tala Mukkadem said, “there was trouble narrowing down the bands because there were so many great auditions.”

Payphone Rendezvous, constituting Rami Abou Sleiman, Raja Rahbani, Majd Rbaihat, Nizar Birjawi and back up singer May Chaker played only one of their original songs called “Rendezvous.” “It talks about us as a band.

A mini biography,” said Rbaihat.

RebelliousPhoenixalsoperformed several songs including “Stand by Me” and one of their original songs called “Ride me Cowboy.”

Safety Team Outdoors Committee member Mohammad Jazzar said, “there were no problems (fights) this year between people like there were last year. The concerts were well organized and well performed. The theme was a little challenging for clubs because the foods are all similar.” He posed his own complaint on the clubs because the Outdoors Committee was outnumbered by the clubs when they came to them about organization, decorations, and structure “but we put a lot of effort.

It was a major challenge, working all day from ten to ten! It was painful but it was worth every minute of pain.”

The clubs have a different view on the theme. They all agreed that the theme was great and it was a success, however they hoped that there were more or better decorations. “It would have been nice if there were someone playing the ‘oud and dirbaké. Where’s Mashrou’ Leila” asked Walid AlHajj from Toastmasters Club.

However when it came to fitting into the theme, they expressed a few concerns. “It was hard because we didn’t know the games they used to play,” said Raghid Sarieddine from the Communication Club. When asked about the other clubs and societies, a member of the IEEE said “every society has a certain idea, and they interpret the theme in their own way.”

From the Civil Engineering Society, both Jimmy Tamoureh and Ghida Ismail agreed that “everyone did their part, you can see a bit of old Beirut everywhere – even in the food.” There was a complaint of over crowdedness (a lot of “wazawiz”). “They should have a limit to the number of people who can come per day,” said Tamoureh.

For photos covering the several diversified events of Outdoors, see page 12!

May 24, 2011

Outlook

AUB Music Club holds concert fundraiser supporting Congenital Heart Disease patients Outlook Staff

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n Wednesday May 18, the AUB Music Club in collaboration with Roadster diner held a fundraising concert “Mending Beats” for children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) at AUB Assembly Hall. All the proceeds from this event were donated to Heartbeat – La Chaine De L’Espoir, a Lebanese humanitarian organization whose mission is to provide the most advanced surgical technology and expertise available to children with CHD. The event featured AUB student bands who presented the very best of Music Club talent.

They played various genres including: Jazz, Blues Rock, Indie/Alternative Rock, Classical and Symphonic Melodic Progressive.

Participating bands included Pulse (Blues Rock), Rebellious Phoenix (Jazz/Blues Rock), Nadine Hamdan (Classical Pia-

no Soloist), EpiSode (Symphonic Melodic Progressive), Lazzy Lung (Indie/Alternative Rock).

AUB Music Club cabinet members President Tarek Abi Mosleh and Vice President Whard Sleiman opened up for the concert improvising along Blues backing tracks. Shortly afterwards, Managing Director of Hearbeat, Mr. Wadih Rinno, informed the audience about the history of Heartbeat, their mission and future plans. In addition, Leila Kabalan, an LAU student majoring in Political Science and International Affairs, held a speech about the importance of social responsibility among Lebanese people emphasizing that “actions speak louder than words.” Finally, AUB Choir and Choral Society director, Dr. Thomas Kim held a speech discussing the importance of music in our daily lives.

Abi Mosleh commented on the success of the concert and its general jovial mood, also stating that the organizers as well

as himself were expecting more people to show up and support the humanitarian cause underlying the musical event. “Sadly, AUB students are always busy studying for exams and projects,” said Abi Mosleh.

“We would like to thank everybody who showed up to support our event” he continued “and most importantly Roadster diner for their generous contribution in helping us cover the costs of the concert and making it happen.”

And so through music, AUB’s Muisc Club we were able to support children with Congenital Heart Disease and plan on holding other such fundraising concerts in upcoming years.

For more news and updates on the AUB Music Club join their Facebook group. For more information about Heartbeat, readers are kindly requested to check the following address: www. heartbeat-lb.org

Graduating residents evacutaed early, students complain continued from page 1

and Jana Noureddine, Resident Assistant (RA) at the new women’s dorms, went to Fatouh’s office to negotiate.

Mahfouz and Noureddine told Fatouh that most graduating residents in the girls’ dorms live far from AUB and some of them even live abroad.

Thus, it will be cumbersome and highly unsafe for them to return back home at night and impossible to fly back and forth from and to their countries. They added that they tried to find vacant rooms near AUB despite the short notice with no avail. Fatouh replied that this was not her decision and directed them to the Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Talal Nezameddin.

To present their case to the dean, the students formed and signed a petition. Also, Jessica El-Asmar, an RA at Jewett, sent Dean Nezameddin an imail describing the dorms debacle while suggesting reason-

able solutions, one of which was keeping the graduating residents that are already roommates in their original rooms, and placing the uncoupled ones together. Nezameddin responded by suggesting that each student presents her individual case and each case will be studied separately.

In fact, the Dean revealed to Outlook that he agrees that graduating students were normally treated as exceptions, but he added that this year there will be a lot of maintenance taking place by the end of the semester, “Mayfair will be completely closed because they are changing all the locks and doors, in addition to many other buildings and sections that will also be closed in other dormitories,” he said. “This is why,” added Nezameddin, “we need to have as much space as possible”.

He also mentioned that there are a large number of guests coming to AUB this summer, such as the children of Alumni

Abroad, who will need a place to stay. Moreover, President Dorman is endorsing about 30 to 40 under privileged school children from the region who will need accommodation. In addition, Nezameddin indicated that there are many students who do not even stay in their rooms during the period before graduation and use it only for one night or so.

For all these reasons, graduating students that do not need to stay in dorms will be asked to leave, and students who need to stay need to provide the specific reasons and hopefully will be able to stay.

Finally, Nezameddin added that students can stay at AUB as guests after checking out by June 15. In this case, they will have to pay on a nightly basis.

Yet, the number of rooms that may be guaranteed will depend on demand and not everyone may be accommodated.

Outlook

Campus news

May 24, 2011

Substance use amongst AUB students

Yasmine Saab Staff Writer

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n May 2010, 573 AUB students participated in a study investigating the types of substance abuse that are common among both graduates and undergraduates. In addition to alcohol, nicotine, marijuana, heroin and ecstasy, the AUB Department of Epidemiology and Population Health conducted the first study on the use of prescription drugs.

Prescription drugs are medication that are specifically advised and allowed by a doctor. According to Dr. Lilian Ghandour, the principal investigator of the study, prescription drugs fall under four categories: i) stimulant (e.g. A.D.D. pills), ii) anxiety, iii) sleeping, and iv) pain medication. Among these, the most widely used by AUB students are pain medication.

However, it is important to realize that there is a differ-

ence between medical and non-medical use of prescription drugs. Using these drugs medically means using them because they were prescribed to you by a doctor. Non-medical use refers to using medication prescribed for someone else, using medication to get high, or even using what was prescribed for you, but longer than the doctor advised.

The majority of surveyed AUB students (20% of the whole student body) use the substances for medical purposes. So for the most part, the medication is taken for the intended reasons, and likely has the intended effect. What is dangerous about non-medical usage is the possibility of harm. Because the students – and individuals in general – don’t usually know their physical condition well, or are aware of how the drugs may react with other medication, the drugs could have damaging effects. Addiction is also a risk, and could result

in withdrawal symptoms.

So if the substances are not prescribed to some students, where do they get them from?

Parents are the primary source of sleeping, anxiety, and pain medication. Other frequent providers of medication are health professionals (doctors, pharmacists) and fellow students.

Diversion is the act of obtaining medication from another source, such as when a student borrows Ritalin from a friend, although it was not prescribed for that student.

Dr. Ghandour states that this is a common practice in Lebanon.

Causes could be the overprescription of drugs (how many times do you leave a doctor’s appointment without a laundry list of medical products?). Another more social reason could be the tendency to resolve physical and mental shortcomings or discomfort with pills instead of other methods, such as rest.

The final area of exploration

in Dr. Ghandour’s study is the perception of availability: To what extent to AUB students feel that prescription drugs are accessible or easy to acquire? 63% of the respondents said that felt pain medication would be fairly simple to get hold of, whereas only 33% thought they could access stimulants.

Regarding the most popular over-the-counter (or ‘overthe-bar’) material, alcohol, 56% of students answered yes to having had some in the past year. 13% confirmed they had consumed marijuana.

Although the findings of the study are insightful, the study was actually a pilot review funded by the AUB Seed Grant. Hopefully, a larger grant will be green-lighted to allow greater data collection and analysis.

Another reason data collection was relatively limited was the lack of professor cooperation. May is a difficult month to conduct studies

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in AUB because of final exams, ICEs and the shortage of time at end of the semester, so only a third of the professors accepted to have their students participate in the study. Nevertheless, the student participation only required a small portion of class time, in the form of an anonymous, confidential questionnaire, and very few students chose not to respond to the questionnaire – the difficulty was accessing the students, which depended on professors’ permission. It is hoped that the subsequent, larger-scale study will engender more faculty support.

Overall, the study provided valuable data about substance use to understand the social and medical factors that contribute to particular substance popularity and self-medication, to create a healthier AUB and national population.

Is social and digital media changing politics and revolutionizing media education?

Nour Jane Kachicho Staff Writer

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ocial media such as Facebook, Twitter, and blogs is becoming increasingly important in the shaping of politics. Can it automatically be assumed, then, that social media is responsible for the revolutions in the Arab states?

“Media has broken the spiral of silence,” said Jad Melki, assistant professor in the Social and Behavioral Sciences department, in a Worldwide Alumni Association of the American University of Beirut (WAAAUB) panel discussion entitled “Social and digital media, changing politics, revolutionizing media educa-

tion,” held on Tuesday, May 3.The panel invited discussions among media professionals, Nadine Al Ali, Alia Ibrahim, Ali M. Jaber, and chairperson of, and professor at, the Social and Behavioral Sciences department, Nabil Dajani.

“The social media is the main source of information for journalists,” said Ibrahim. She added that these tools allow for a revolution to happen, claiming that the thousands of blogs available on the internet helped her as a reporter.

Al Ali, also a reporter, agreed with Ibrahim and added that local news can easily be transformed globally and hence attracts interna-

tional news media. She used Cairo activists as an example in that they scheduled their revolutions on social media sites, mainly Facebook and Twitter.

However, both Ali and Dajani agreed not to overestimate the influence of social media. “We should not give full credit to social media, but realize that it is so important,” said Al Ali. Dajani added: “Let’s not give social media more importance than what it is. It is necessary but not sufficient.”

According to Dajani, folk media is more important when it comes to political change.

He argued that the uprisings took place after prayers at the Mosques, which meant

that face-to-face interaction was essentially what triggered the revolutions. He emphasized that people need to be in the streets to interact in order to bring about change.

“The ‘Facebook revolution’ is not real,” said Dajani. “The convergence of real media, folk media and social media is real.”

Rami Khouri, director of the Issam Fares Institute for Public Policy and International Affairs (IFI), added that ‘new journalism’ today has “changed technology, but not so much the impact.” He added that there are few governments that have changed their policies mainly because of the evolution of media.

Jaber disagreed on the im-

portance of social media to determine the political situation by emphasizing that the elite fund television in the Middle East.

“The top 25 stations watched in the Middle East are determined by who has the most money,” said Jaber.

Melki stressed that social media contributes to the opinion of the masses and that social media is decentralized as opposed to traditional mass media, which is controlled by institutions.

“Social media does not always provide trustworthy internet sites,” said Melki in reference to sites such as Wikepedia.

“Don’t underestimate social media,” added Dajani.

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Campus news

Maya Sfeir New Executive

T

here are two categories of AUBites: those who are well informed about the Writing Center and those who are not.

For over six years, the AUB Writing Center has been offering AUBites from different majors free-ofcharge assistance in their writing assignments at West Hall’s Room 336. As the center’s location has not changed throughout the period, many students have become acquainted with the Writing Center, its services and its incessant enhancement, expansion and growth.

“I would call [the Writing Center] an overall success, both for tutors and writers. The center started small and kept on growing.

It is the writers, especially students, who make it a success. Since visits to the Writing Center are almost always voluntary, people only come if the visit is offering them a good experience with their writing and learning,” said Professor Amy Zenger, the director of the Writing Center.

Starting out with a vacant room and a number of graduate assistants from the English Department, Zenger laid out the cornerstone for the AUB writing Center back in Fall 20042005. In later years, the center was very capably directed by Professor Rula Diab (2007-2008) and Instructor Natalie Honein (2008-2010).

“At first, the concept of a writing center was not familiar to people, so we were not busy at all, and we spent lots of our time promoting our work though posters, visits to classrooms, and so on,” Zenger said.

Eventually, West Hall’s Room 336 became busier as students from different majors and educational backgrounds began showing up for their 50-minute oneon-one tutoring sessions.

May 24, 2011

The AUB Writing Center: A dynamic space for writing and learning In the year 2004-2005, 651 hours of individual writing support were offered to 130 writers. Four years later, in 2008-2009, 1,340 hours of individual writing support offered to 750 writers.

Thus, within a period of four years, the numbers of students visiting the center had quintupled.

Describing the different services the Writing Center has provided throughout the years, Zenger added: “We also have been engaging with groups to offer workshops on specific writing projects; given short inclass presentations; and collaborated with the library information specialists to help researchers. Beginning this year, the writing center will also be meeting with members of the faculty who are interested in revising their syllabi to reflect writing assignments in their courses.”

At the Writing Center, students are assisted by tutors who mainly consist of Graduate Assistants from the English Department.

These tutors partake in regular writing workshops.

“I am a very strong advocate of having a writing center primarily staffed by students. . . . Centers are collaborative spaces, not hierarchical. Productive, collaborative discussions around writing can certainly happen (and should happen) among students. I think students often know more than they are given credit for knowing, when it comes to writing. The center is designed for learning, and the tutors themselves often learn more than anyone!” Zenger said.

Nabila Ataya, a current tutor, described her experience at the Writing Center: “[Tutoring at the Writing Center] gives you insight on your own writing because it teaches you how to look at writing from a different perspective.”

A former Writing Center tutor, Reem Hazimah shared Nabila’s perspective: “[It] was an extreme-

ly positive experience for me to develop as a tutor. I enjoyed working one-onone with students because you get instant feedback and build a friendly relationship during that short time.”

Zenger also explained that the Writing Center has been engaging a number of English Instructors as tutors. “This is a good thing, in my view, because it allows the Instructors to know what happens in the Writing Center and to understand the collaborative work that their students engage in,” she said.

As a result of the constant increase in the number of students visiting the center over the years, a number of people including Associate Provost Nesreen Ghaddar, Associate Professor Lina Choueiri, and Zenger herself conceived a number of plans to enhance the AUB Writing Center. Apart from acquiring new computers and additional resources, Ghaddar, Choueiri, and Zenger will also be initiating a new writing space in Ada Dodge Hall. The new Writing Center, expected to open during summer, will operate in conjunction with the West Hall center. It is located on the second floor of the Ada Dodge Hall, behind the Center for Arab and Middle Eastern Studies (CAMES) and Faculty Lounge.

“The [new] space is larger, with high ceilings and plenty of light. It shares the beautiful traditional architectural style of other Ada Dodge rooms. . . . I am especially happy that the new Writing Center includes a room for the Director to use as an office. . . . Apart from these important differences, the space will be similar [to the West Hall Writing Center]. In fact, we plan to keep using the same room in West Hall that we have always used, in order to accommodate the number of tutoring sessions per hour that we need,” Zenger said.

Offering students free

one-on-one tutoring sessions, the AUB Writing Center was financed by the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) during its first six years (2004-2010). However, starting this year, it is being funded by a threeyear grant awarded to the Office of the Provost by the Andrew F. Mellon Foundation.

For many students, the Writing Center has become an essential part of their college experience. “[Students] who have never been there underestimate to what extent it can help them out. Most of those who have been there keep coming back which is proof

Outlook

that something is working out for them,” Ataya said.

Zenger further elucidated a misconception concerning writing centers: “While they are generally seen as places where people go only when they are struggling or have serious problems writing, writing centers in fact are just places where people write together—strong writers are always welcome as well.”

She added: “The more AUBites think about and practice writing, the more likely it will be that AUB is a place where good writing happens.”

(Photo by Maya Sfeir)

Outlook

Arts & Culture

May 24, 2011

Christine Saliba Staff Writer A bird in a cage, a woman kissing frogs, two monkeys fighting in the sand, a Phoenician princess, a blue man and watermelons painted in white. These seemingly random and unconnected elements were all part of the performance that took place on the AUB-beach, on Friday, May 20.

Directed by German artist and choreographer Cornelia Krafft, more than 30 AUB students took part in this show that started before sunset and concluded at sunset. Based upon the ancient Greek mythology of Zeus’ abduction of Europa, the story combined an old Greek fable with Arab wisdom.

The journey started on the

“Along the White Line” A journey of faithfulness and departure stairs leading to the beach tunnel. A man covered in white paint appeared, asking the audience to keep their phones shut. After crossing the CHSC tunnel, whose floor was covered in bubble-wrap, the spectators attained the beach, where a combination of mythic characters was dispersed on either side of a white line.

The spectators were an integral part of the show; as they walked along the white line, the characters came to life and the drama slowly unfolded.

The first figure to appear was a white statue gracefully standing on a pedestal, as if welcoming the audience. On the next “island,” the audience witnessed a martial arts fight in a pool of mud between two mon-

key-like figures. When human masks were placed on them, the fighting stopped.

The following scene consisted of a tall black character, shouting in Arabic “I assure democracy.” Next to him, a veiled girl entirely covered in black was removing layer after layer of black clothing, to finally appear in white attire.

The performances were very abstract, leaving the art of finding meaning to the audience’s imagination.

For instance, the woman sitting on the shore who was piling cubes that kept falling could be interpreted as a cross-reference to the myth of Sisyphus. In Greek mythology, Sisyphus was a king condemned to repeatedly roll a gigantic rock to the top of a hill, only to see

it rolling back down.

A wolf-like creature first appeared fighting and cursing. He was later seen peacefully blowing bubbles, his head resting on a woman’s lap. According to Maria Ashkar, Studio Arts junior, “this transition from animal to man reminded me of The Epic of Gilgamesh. Enkidu, one of the characters is a man-beast, living in the forest with animals. Only after discovering the tenderness of a woman does he become a real man.”

The theme of faithfulness appeared in the final scene, where a bull and a Phoenician princess sat together on the shore, staring at the sea, reunited forever in the island of paradise.

The performance was accompanied by a lament sung by the AUB Choral So-

9

ciety, conducted by Thomas Kim. The singers were in black, wearing silver hats reflecting the sun.

After the performance ended, audience members and actors mingled around cupcakes and drinks. The public was generally enchanted with the presentation.

Ramz Sahuri, a Sociology Junior, thought the performance was “very abstract and required a lot of imagination to understand. The scenery was beautiful, with the sunset and the sea.”

For those who missed the performance, a documentary about “Along the White Line” accompanied by performed fragments of the actual seashore event will be screened on June 20 at Theatre Tournesol in Tayyouneh.

Psychology NGO day Christine Saliba Staff Writer

W

ith the approaching summer season, many students at AUB are starting to look for an interesting and productive activity to take part of during these three months of leisure. While some students already registered themselves in summer courses, others are interested in internships or part time jobs. A non-negligible part of AUB students are looking for some volunteering experience, in order to help the civil society and enhance their CV. On Tuesday May 17, the newly formed Psychology Student Society organized an NGO presentation day for students. Around 20 speakers coming from different associations around Lebanon gave a brief presentation about the mission statement of their NGO and the work they do. The Autism Society, Kafa, Fanar Juvenile Delinquents Association, Toufoula, Khiam and the Migrant Work-

ers Association were among the NGOs present.

The purpose of this event was to introduce psychology students to the work done by psychology related NGOs in order to help them choose which NGO they would like to volunteer in in summer and facilitate the recruitment process.

The vice president of the Psychology Student Society, Serge Gabriel Geara, says: “It was a very successful event. The students were very interested and they showed their real readiness to make a change in the community. Even though it was very hard to work alone with the CCECS, the outcome turned out to be great. The major setback however was the tardiness of some NGOs to reply, leading to lastminute itinerary changes and hiatuses.”

Around 50 students from the psychology department attended this event, making it a success. Lara Boustani, a psychology junior, says: “It was a great event, very informative.

(Photo by Christine Saliba)

I’m really thankful for the Psychology Student Society to put us in contact with so many different associations. I never realized that there are actually this many NGOs helping out in Lebanon.”

The Psychology Student Society, formed in the beginning of the present se-

mester, turned out to be an extremely productive society. From dinners to movie nights, a wide array of activities was proposed to students. The NGO presentation day marks the end of a semester worth of hard work. Since all the current cabinet members are graduating, elections are being

organized in Jesup Hall to choose the future board. Elena Andriotis, Serge Geara, Noura Khayat, Safa Shehab and Laudi Aridi will leave very big shoes to fill.

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Alumni news

May 24, 2011

Outlook

AUB Worldwide Alumni Association Kick off 2011 elections

WAAAUB Office A five -member WAAAUB Nominating Committee of AUB alumni who have been elected by the WAAAUB Board of Directors are in the process of finalizing the slate of candidates for the WAAAUB Council.

According to WAAAUB bylaws, AUB alumni will be electing Council members from various regions (MENA, Europe, Lebanon, North America, and Rest of the world) to represent AUB alumni worldwide.

As with prior WAAAUB elections, the 2011 elections will be conducted on a worldwide basis and will be managed by an independent third party elections company. The objective remains consistent: to ensure that WAAAUB continues to represent and act on behalf of all AUB alumni.

2011 WAAAUB Elections highlights: 1. Alumni must nominate and elect one (1) alumnus/alumna to the AUB Board of Trustees.

2. Alumni must elect 57 new members to the WAAAUB Alumni Council to fill the positions of members whose terms expire on September 30, 2011.

3. Nominations started on April 5, 2011 and ended on April 25, 2011.

4. The Nominations Committee and the WAAAUB Board will finalize the slates for elections on May 25th 5. Elections will be held between May 31st and June 20th, 2011. Results for the Council elections will be announced on July 1, 2011.

6. The terms of office of WAAAUB officers once elected is for 2 years 7. WAAAUB elections will be conducted only electronically (no paper ballots) For more information on WAAAUB elections and bylaws visit their website at http://www.waaaub.org

Message from Director of Alumni Relations Arabia M. Ali Osseiran Dear Class 2011, Congratulations on your graduation!

AUB, the USFC and the worldwide alumni association of AUB (WAAAUB), are ready to help you make the transition from

students to proud alumni of AUB. We are holding the Class Ring Ceremony for you and providing you with card-carrying proof of your new status as alumni.

For the first time this year, all graduating students (class 2011) will receive their AUB alumni

AUB Alumni to celebrate their class reunion at AUB this July 1-3 (Continued) Nagib Batlouni (BA ’81) is senior manager at Credit Libanais SAL in Beirut and the head of the Central Operations Department. He is also treasurer of Saint Elias Church in Rabieh. He is married to Mona Suidan (BBA ’81); their children Salim and Karim are both AUB students. [nbatlouni@ cl.com.lb] Mohamad H. Yamani (MD ’81) is a fellow of the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association. He is the director of the Heart Failure Clinic at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Yamani is married to Bonnie Maynard; they have two children, Maddie and Tarek. He writes: “AUB has

filled my life with special memories of affection and friendship.”

[Yamani.Mohamad@mayo. edu] Massara Kabbani (BBA ’86) is the head of the Bank of Beirut office in Abu Dhabi. She is married to Wehbe Said and they have two children, one of whom entered AUB in fall 2010. [massarakabbani@hotmail.com] Fatima Karaki (BS ’06) received her medical degree from the University of Michigan in May 2010.

She is currently doing her internal medicine residency at Washington University in St. Louis. [fkaraki@ dom.wustl.edu]

ID card for free. This card will allow you access back to campus as well as other benefits such as discounted membership in the Hostler Center and AUB Libraries after you’ve graduated.

As well, you are cordially invited to join your fellow classmates for the Class Ring Ceremony 2011 taking place on June 23, 2011 at 7.00 p.m. at the AUB Green Field.

To get your AUB alumni ID, and to register for the Ring Ceremony please complete the online registration form available at: https://survey.aub.edu.lb/index.php?sid=99171&lang=en prior to June 8 (deadline for registration).

You will need to come by the

Alumni Relations Office (between June 13th – June 20th), College Hall, 3rd floor to get fitted for your ring, pay for your ring (USD$10), and to pick up your Alumni ID card (for free).

Your Class Ring will become the symbol of all the values and principles your education at AUB has taught you. Last year’s inaugural ceremony was attended by over 1500 students and was a great night for everyone.

In addition to the ceremony this year, there will be a reception for the graduating class, family and friends.

So make sure you RSVP before June 8th by completing the online registration form.

Wherever your plans will take

you after you graduate, your Class Ring and Alumni ID card will remind you that AUB will always be here for you and the worldwide alumni association – WAAAUB – will provide a network that will help you maintain that connection.

We look forward to seeing you at the Alumni Relations Office and at the Class Ring Ceremony!

Sincerely, Arabia M. Ali Osseiran Director of Alumni Relations Tel: +961 1 738009 fax: +961 1 366445 P.O.Box: 11-0236 Beirut- Lebanon

Out Loud

11 Outlook May 24, 2011

1

2

4

3

Q: Now that you’re graduating, what is the next step going to be for you?

1) Fouad Badaoui (Biology, Pre-med, 3rd year): Well, first try to get a bartending job in Hamra. Then a hitchhiking trip in Europe, then one in Mexico.

2) Michel Al Haddad, (Mechanical Engineering 4th year): QC consultant at Murex in July!

3) Ziad Dallal, (English Literature, 3rd year): MA in English Literature in AUB while keeping my options

5

open.

4) Ziad El-Bizri (Civil Engineering, 4th year): Construction Management in USA, Columbia.

6) (Left) Tala Kardas (Environmental Health 3rd year): Masters degree in Health Care Management in Netherlands 5) Luna Geagea (Biology, Pre-med, 3rd year): Med school in the Caribbean Island!

6) (Right) Joseph Saba (Computer Science, 3rd year): Now I’m just going to enjoy a vacation. Then I’ll start applying for jobs.

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7) (Center) Mohammad Joud Charafeddine (Business Graduate): Masters in France, in Grenoble Grad School of Business more precisely. It will concern innovation strategy entrepreneurship.

Then I’d like to get into political domains in Lebanon, as a sort of PR. I have actually already started a freelance PR work.

(Photos by Emile Zankoul & Nour Jane Kachicho)

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Spotlight

May 24, 2011

(Photos by Mohamad Al Medawar and Salim Batlouni)

Outlook

Outlook

Sports

May 24, 2011

Uniforms, crowded gym, and tight sports budget: University Sports Department comments

Ali Kassem Staff Writer

A

s part of its quest for transparency as well as for the best possible relationship with the AUB community, in general, and with its athletes, in particular, the University Sports Department had much to say in response to recent complaints regarding various issues. Accordingly, a meeting took place with Director of Athletics and Recreation Sports Ghalib Halimi to discuss many of the student athletes’ concerns as well as those of the general AUB community.

Starting off by noting “respect for the opinions of AUB students in general and student athletes in particular,” Halimi explained that the students had every right to object and that he “completely agreed” with many of the points made. Nevertheless, Halimi stated that many of claims made against the Sports Department were both unjust as well as unfounded.

With regard to the latest trip

to Turkey, and the many complaints received from student athletes travelling to represent AUB, Halimi had two main points to clarify. The first, which related to the main complaint by the students, was that the utter lack of organization the students felt during this last trip was not the AUB Sports Department’s fault. Indeed, Halimi showed 23 emails that were sent to the organizers of the Sports festival requesting accurate information about the festival. As for the second concern regarding this trip, that of the ticket prices, Halimi explained that the fluctuation in ticket prices was due to an aggregation of factors out of the Sports Department’s hands and that they had strived to present the students with the best prices available. As a matter of fact, Halimi acknowledged that both he and the coaches do not claim the money that they are entitled to as part of the travelling team; instead that money is “placed in the budget of the students.”

With regard to AUB athletic uniforms, there were two main

points to make. The first was that, knowing that the Sports Department functions under an itemized budget that is sufficient for some items but not for all, the budget allocated for uniforms is not enough. Under such a budget, only one uniform can be provided for each athlete. As to complaints concerning the uniformity of sports outfits, a uniformity which many athletes complained about since different sports require different uniforms, Halimi explained that president Dorman had asked, at the beginning of this year, for the unification of the uniforms. Time constraints prevented the sports department from providing each team with uniform costumes made for the sport in question. This issue will be addressed next year.

On a different level, Halimi shared with Outlook future plans to better serve the AUB community. Regarding the weight-lifting area that is obviously far too small, Halimi revealed that plans are being studied to expand the area. One of the options is to “go back and take three of the four

breakout rooms behind it.” In addition, Halimi stated that an “effort to update machines” is taking place and that three life fitness treadmills with the latest technology, a shoulder press and a few benches are to be added to the fitness area, “hopefully by the end of June.” As for the fact that students cannot use the gym between 5 and 7 pm, Halimi had much to say. After noting that students are given the gym for 100 hours per week while members are given 10 hours per week, Halimi explained that students can remain after their classes and study or simply hang around until it is after 7 pm. Faculty, on the other hand, having much bigger responsibilities and being people who generally live far from AUB, do not have that luxury. In a related context, Halimi also revealed that two pool tables are to be added to the CHSC’s internet café to broaden the scope of the activities the center provides.

Finally, Halimi stated that he joins his voice to that of the athletes because the AUB community is “not responsive, they do not

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show up and support the teams.”

Nevertheless, the department will continue to do all it can to take care of the athletes and advertise events as well as AUB’s sports image, in the best way possible.

Indeed, Halimi revealed that next year not all the teams will be travelling and that only the two or three best teams according to the results achieved during the fall semester will be travelling to represent AUB. This number is extremely small if compared to the fact that 124 students travelled this year, which Halimi called a “huge number compared to the small budget.” This is because the limited budget means that if the trips are to be fully covered a much smaller number of students can be chosen.

All in all, the department seems to be aware of CHSC’s flaws and seems to be diligently working to mend them. All what remains is more responsiveness from the AUB community that could, perhaps, be achieved by establishing an AUB mascot and better advertisement of sports events.

AUB athletes head to Istanbul for the Bogazici University Sports Festival Tracy Dariane Staff Writer

T

he AUB varsity men and women’s volleyball teams, men’s basketball team, men and women’s swimming teams, men and women’s ping pong teams and men’s handball team represented AUB at the annual international sports festival organized by the Bogazici University in Istanbul Turkey. The tournament took place from May 12, 2011 until May 15, 2011 at the Bogazici university campus.

Although there were other sport disciplines such as tennis men and women, basketball women, rowing for men and many more, AUB did not participate in these disciplines. Other participants included athletes and teams from universities in Russia, Switzerland, Slovenia, Spain, Poland, Slovakia, Serbia, Lebanon (other than AUB), Greece, USA, and others. The women’s volleyball team played against teams from Turkey and Bulgaria, unfortunately they got eliminated from the early rounds. Reem

Abi-Ali, setter of the AUB varsity women’s volleyball team says, “The games we played were very difficult. We gave it our best but it was clear that the teams we competed against were far more experienced and therefore stronger than us. Although we lost, we were very happy to have played against challenging teams because it allowed us to improve and learn from them. They were far stronger than the teams we are used to playing against here in Lebanon. But overall, it was a great experience.” The girls also played in the outdoor volleyball but also did not make it for it was their first time playing outdoor, where the teams consists of only three members and not the usual six. The volleyball men also had both outdoor and indoor volleyball. They made though the first roundsoftheoutdoormatchesbut did not do so in the indoor matches. They also faced challenging and more experienced teams but were happy to have participated in the tournament. The ping pong team also faced challenging players but the women’s third place went for AUB. The hand-

ball team made it through all the rounds and faced a very though team in the semi-finals, unfortunately, they lost and had to face a Turkish team for the 3rd and 4th place. After a tough match, the men’s handball team carried to back to AUB the 3rd place prize.

The men’s basketball team faced a challenging adventure. Coming with only seven players, one of which was injured, and most of which are not the usual starting players, this team faced the most challenging teams in the tourna-

(Photo by Tracy Dariane - More pictures on the following page)

ment and with great teamwork, made it to the semi-finals. After a tough match against the French team, who turned out to be the winners of the tournament, the AUB team only lost to them by a three point of difference. As for swimming, the AUB team members faced very difficult conditions. Having their races in an outdoor environment, one they were not used to since the AUB pool is indoor; they had to face the cold weather and the cold water.

Due to weather conditions their

races were postponed. Although not being used to very low water temperature, the members were able to win bronze, silver and gold medals being the top team.

All athletes greatly enjoyed this festival. They had the opportunity to meet athletes from all over the world. Moreover, they were lucky to experience the city of Istanbul and its touristic attractions. Congratulating the AUB athletes for their effort and participation.

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Sports

May 24, 2011

Schedule of the AUB tennis tournament

Outlook

Match No.

Players

Date

Time

Lccation (Nadim Khalaf ‘s Tennis Court No.)

M1

J. Schwartz X N. Ghanem

Wednesday May 25

6:00 p.m.

Court 1

M2

S. Wehbeh X A. termos

Wednesday May 25

6:00 p.m.

Court 2

M3

Winner of M1 x A. Sabri

Friday May 27

7:00 p.m.

Court 1

M4

T. Nezameddin X R. Sadaka

Friday May 27

7:00 p.m.

Court 2

M5

F. Geara X R. Hassan

Friday May 27

7:00 p.m.

Court 3

M6

Winner of M2 X F. Jamali

Friday May 27

7:00 p.m.

Court 4

M7

Winner M3 x Winner M4

Monday May 30

7:00 p.m.

Court 1

M8

Winner M5 x Winner M6

Monday May 30

7:00 p.m.

Court 2

M9

Winner M7 x Winner M8

Wednesday June 01

7:00 p.m.

Court 1

Water and balls will be supplied by the University Sports department and trophies and medals will be distributed to winners on June 01, 2011

‘AUB 110th Field Day’ The University Sports department cordially invites you to AUB’s “110th Field Day” at the Green Field’s Track this Friday May 27 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Those interested in participating should send e-mail to chsc@aub.edu.lb

AUB Basketball Men’s Team Semifinals

AUB Basketball Men’s Team Scoreboard Rank

Team

Play

Wins

Losses

Points

1

Lebanese American University (LAU) Captains

Wednesday May 25

10

2

22

2

American Unviersity of Beriut

Friday May 27

7

5

19

3

University of Balamand (UOB)

Friday May 27

7

5

19

4

l'Université Saint-Joseph de Beyrouth (USJ)

Friday May 27

6

6

18

5

Université Saint-Esprit De Kaslik (USEK)

Friday May 27

6

6

18

6

Lebanese American University (LAU) Sailors

Monday May 30

3

9

15

7

Haigazian University (HU)

Monday May 30

3

9

15

Semifinal 1: LAU Captains vs. USJ Game 1: Thursday, May 26, in Kahraba at 9:00 p.m.

Game 2: Saturday, May 28, in ESIB at 12:30 p.m.

Game 3: Tuesday, May 31, in Kahraba at 9:00 p.m. (If necessary) Semifianl 2: AUB vs. UOB Game 1: Wednesday, May 25, in AUB at 6:30 p.m.

Game 2: Either Friday, May 27, or Saturday, May 28 court (TBA) Game 3: Monday, May 30, in AUB at 6:30 p.m. (If necessary

Annual football game The University Sports department cordially invites you to attend the annual football game that will be held at the Greenfield this Tuesday, May 24 at 6:00 p.m. The FAS & OSB teams will face the FEA, FAFS and Med team. Come and cheer your faculty team.

Photos from the Annual International Sports Festival organized by the Bogazici University in Istanbul Turkey (Photos by Tracy Dariane)

Outlook

May 24, 2011

Opinion

Chewing gum at Jafet Library: A sticky situation

Viewpoint

Opinion A tribute to an amazing team

Emile Wehbe As you enter AUB’s MainGate off the side of Bliss Street and walk down the staircase leading to the court yard you notice black spots on the steps and the court yard surface leading to the arched entrance of College Hall.

Moreover, as you go down the steps towards Jafet Library crossing the court yard just facing it, you also see black spots scattered all over that area and gets one wondering just what the origin of these black spots is.

These black spots are nothing but the remains of chewing gum left mainly by AUB students. Let us examine the origin of these spots, shall we? The color of the chewing gum is white to beige color, but turns black when exposed to sunlight and oxygen in the atmosphere.

I once saw one of the janitors trying to wash these spots out with water and I told him that the water from the Nile River could not help him dissolve it. The only liquid that will dissolve it is Acetone, a keytone with the chemical formula is (CH3)2CO. Normally I frequent Jafet Library everyday were I sit there for three hours reading newspapers, periodicals, and magazines. About a month ago, I commuted to AUB to read some of these newspapers and magazines. Finally, after three hours of reading, I stood up to head home and to my surprise, the chair I was sitting on suddenly stood up with me, clinging to my pants. I pulled out and behold right there and then, a big bulky chewing gum shared between the chair and my pants.

I took the chair, showed it to the Library attendant and hurried to the dry cleaner immediately.

I am not asking that AUB students stop chewing gum, however, I would kindly request that they wrap it in tissue paper and throw it in the rubbish bin instead of haphazardly getting rid of it in anywhere and especially in public areas as there are already hundreds of gum pieces scattered all over AUB campus.

Lately, I’ve contributed in producing an article on vandalism at AUB and have written another article documenting the unconventional way by which some students tend to sit on benches distributed all about AUB’s campus that may facilitate the spread of the hydatid cyst disease which attacks the human liver. I’ve partaken in producing the aforementioned articles for the sake of keeping our campus healthy and clean as the two big signs on both sides of AUB’s MainGate entrance remind us to do.

Yours faithfully, Emile K. Wehbe Former Chief Chemist at the Chemistry Department Laboratories

(Photo from Booooooom.com)

Maya Sfeir News Executive Yours is a typical Monday morning. On your way to Jafet’s Reserve Reading Room, you pick up two copies of Outlook’s most recent issue, as you have been doing past year at AUB. Seated in the comfortable blue couch, you skim through the issue,

spotting articles that might interest you. Forty minutes later, anxious to check your Facebook account, you leave the newspaper in your backpack and take out your laptop.

At some other part of campus, in between a class and a test, a biology premed is hurriedly climbing the stairs connecting the upper and lower campus. An Outlook staff writer, he is struggling to arrive to Bathish on time to cover the conference on change in the Middle East.

He can barely think of the paper and test due the next day, even less of the article he must submit by Thursday midnight and the copyediting he will have to do Friday afternoon.

Yes, your Outlook newspaper on a typical Monday morning is the culmination

15

of much running against the clock, regular Monday meetings and frequent email checking. Yet, the newspaper has never failed your Tuesday mornings, all thanks to amazing team of staff writers, designers, photographers, board members, and an incredible editor-in-chief.

A tribute to Rami, Timmy, Heather, Tala, Mohammad--all of them--, Maryam, Caterina, John, Salim, Ali, Anis, Caterina, Fouad, and everyone else!

You have made many AUBites’ days. You have raised students’ voices. You have given much of your time, energy and self.

And for those who are graduating this year, may you all have brilliant futures! Outlook will miss you but never forget you.

Opinion

The end of an era

Anis Kadado Staff writer

E

ntering AUB, the day that I would come to graduate seemed so far away and completing my 90 credits of Biology courses seemed surreal. But here I am, here we are; graduating in less than 1 month, carrying with us an ocean of memories and good times. Graduating from school seemed like the toughest thing, leaving back years and years of great memories and forming bonds with friends expected to last a life time. And what are 3

years of university in comparison to 12 years of school?

Surprisingly, the three years spent at university really have left a great impact on me. Never did I think that ending my years as an undergraduate would be so hard; but on the contrary, I always thought of the satisfaction that I would have, knowing that I won’t have to make my way down those Chemistry stairs or lose my breath climbing them back up. It is true that at university no one course is like the oth-

Leaving the walls of AUB, here we are a group of determined and devoted students ready to encounter another new world, with many new faces. Entering AUB, many memories have been made, and leaving AUB, many memories are held on to. Common memories such as Abou Naji’s morning coffees, the always hungry AUB cats, annual events such as Outdoors or SRC elections and the dreadful quizzes are experiences that definitely unite us all as AUBites. For those anticipat-

Entering AUB, many memories have been made, and leaving AUB, many memories are held on to. Common memories such as Abou Naji’s morning coffees, the always hungry AUB cats, annual events such as Outdoors or SRC elections and the dreadful quizzes are experiences that definitely unite us all as AUBites. er, and no two classes have the same exact people. But this is exactly what got us through these three years so quickly; our potential peers, friends and acquaintances that were right there with us, experiencing and living the same changes everyone was feeling.

ing the day they come to graduate, just remember, these are the days worth living. What we passed through is really only a fraction of what’s left to come.

We will carry the memories of this challenging journey with us for the rest of our lives.

16

Out of the Box The Outlook team

Chairperson

Talal Nizameddin

Faculty Advisor

Cleo Cacoulidis

Responsible Director

Antonios Francis

Editor-in-Chief

Rami Diab

Associate Editor

Timmy Malkoun

Editor at Large

Yahia Hamade

Arabic Editor

Mariam El Ali

Photography Editor

Salim Batlouni

Copy Editor

Joseph Saba

Layout Director

John Hajjar

Members at Large

Samer Bu Jawdeh

News Executives

Heather Jaber Maya Sfeir Mostafa Fadlallah

Webmaster

Mohamad Al Medawar

Business Managers

Sally Khalifeh Lara Traboulsi

Staff Writers Khodor Abu Daya Nader Al Ahmadieh Mona Ayoub Fouad Badaoui Caterina Belardi Amir Bitar Jackie Daoud Tracy Dariane Sarah Al Dirani Edrees Elrachidi Dalia Hosn Elie El Khoury Aziza Khalil Yasmin Fansa Yumna Ghandour Maryam Hoballah

Lynn Itani Nour Jane Kachicho Anis Kadado Tala Kardas Wajiha Jurdhi Kheir Hadi Mehio Marie Nakhoul Rita Obeid Rami Panayoti Yasmine Saab Christine Saliba Amer Sare Mohammad Yaghi Emile Fares Zankoul Rayane Zahreddine Lama Zakharia

Photographers Mohamad Alameh Tariq Buhilaigah Dima Hajj Nadi Nassar

Lotfi Al Salah Wael Salem Antoine Salloum Mohammad Azzam

Cartoonists

Deedee El Jilani Jamila Mehio

Outlook is a weekly publication of the American University of Beirut (AUB) and represents the voice of the student body.

It is an independent, non-affiliated publication that favors no ethnic, religious, or political group. All columns, articles, and reports are the property of Outlook and do not necessarily represent the views of Outlook or the AUB community. Outlook welcomes all contributions. Authors please include full name, major, ranking, and contact information for verification. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any way, shape or form without the written consent of Outlook and/or higher authorities. Outlook reserves the right to edit all material. © Outlook 1949

Attention all readers: Outlook is now recruiting!

For more info, log on to our website (www.aub.edu.lb/ outlook) or email us at (readoutlook@gmail.com)

May 24, 2011

Outlook

Career and Placement Services Guidance Tips on writing cover letters

In essence, the cover letter provides you with an opportunity to: · Introduce yourself and state your objectives · Personalize your resume · Highlight information that addresses the needs and interests of the employer Checklist for Writing Good Cover Letters A GOOD LETTER IS: · Focused on the needs of the employer, not just your own. · Addressed using business-letter format and a letter-quality printer and individually typed · Formatted in an aesthetically appealing layout with careful attention to spacing · Corrected without errors. · Limited generally to one page, using paper identical to the one used for your resume (laser printed on conqueror/galgo paper enclosed in a Nylon folder). · Addressed to a specific individual with name, title, organization, and address all correctly spelled. Use “Dear Human Resource Manager” only as a last resort. Ideally you should try to identify the actual hiring manager and address your letter to that individual. · Well worded, concise, and controlled in the use of the pronoun “I”. · Focused on your skills and abilities, and goes beyond being a mere restatement of what’s already on your resume. · Able to demonstrate your knowledge of the organization. · Directed clearly towards your objective. · Worded originally and not copied verbatim from the attached samples.

Guidelines for the Basic Cover Letter The best cover letters are short and to the point. Generally they contain three paragraphs, as follows I) Opening Paragraph: Who You Are and What You Want · Your major and degree anticipated · Specific opening or area of interest · Individual who recommended the organization/ Factors that prompted you to write II) Middle Paragraph(S): Why You Are a Good Candidate · Skills, activities, accomplishments, and past experience you can contribute to the organization and its work · Demonstrate that you know something about the organization and the industry /field · Specific knowledge and skills you may have, i.e, computer applications, foreign languages, lab techniques, writing/editing capabilities, etc. which match the employer’s hiring needs.

III) Closing Paragraph: Next Step You Will Take · Statement that you would like to discuss employment opportunities or other information with the individual · Sentence for thanking the person for receiving your letter Sample Cover Letter: http://www.aub.edu.lb/sao/cps/skill/Documents/sample%20of%20cover%20letter.doc

‫‪17‬‬

‫وجهة نظر‬

‫ا ّيار ‪2011 ,24‬‬

‫رأي‬ ‫إلى فلسطني وابنها منيب‬

‫نورا أنور سوبره‬ ‫مساهمة صحفية‬

‫إليك يا‬ ‫هذه رسالتي‪ ،‬أكتبها‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫فلسطني‪ ،‬وإلى ابنك منيب‪،‬‬ ‫كحل عيونه برؤيتك‪.‬‬ ‫الذي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫عيونه اآلن مغمض ٌة‪ ،‬وآخر‬ ‫ما رآه أرض فلسطني‪ .‬أكتب‬ ‫هذه ال ّرسالة وأدعو اهلل أن‬ ‫يستيقظ منيب ويقرأ هذه‬ ‫ال ّرسالة‪ ،‬ليبعث لي جوابا ً‬ ‫نياب ًة عن فلسطني‪.‬‬ ‫يا فلسطني ثالثة وستون‬ ‫عاما ً مضت‪ ،‬فصدأت املفاتيح‬ ‫لكن األمل‬ ‫املع ّلقة في ال ّرقاب‪ّ ،‬‬ ‫في أن تفتح األبواب ال زال‬ ‫وترسخ اإلميان بأ ّن هذا‬ ‫قائماً‪ ،‬بل‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫اليوم قد أصبح قريبا ً‪ .‬نعم‪،‬‬ ‫هو قريب بإذن اهلل‪ ،‬أل ّن شباب‬ ‫ال ّثورة هم شباب فلسطني‪.‬‬ ‫هم هذه‬ ‫هم شباب حملوا َّ‬ ‫القض ّية فأصبحوا وقلوبهم‬ ‫تنبض ألجل فلسطني وألجل‬ ‫حتريرها‪ .‬هم شباب صرخوا في‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫«الشعب يريد حترير‬ ‫امليادين‬ ‫الصدى‬ ‫فلسطني»‪ ،‬فوصل‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫إلى غزة والضفة وحيفا ويافا‬ ‫واستبشر أهلها بالنّصر‪.‬‬ ‫الصدى‪ ،‬من أرض ّ‬ ‫الشام‬ ‫وصل ّ‬ ‫واحلجاز ومصر واليمن العرين‪،‬‬ ‫ومن جموع ال ّرافدين ومغرب‬ ‫الفتح املبني‪ ،‬وصل إلى القدس‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫وبث فيها األمل‪.‬‬ ‫فأحياها‬ ‫الصدى إلى القدس‪،‬‬ ‫وصل‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫فأيقنت بأنّها ستعود كما‬ ‫كانت‪ ،‬ستعود األرض املقدسة‬

‫ماري نخول‬ ‫كاتبة صحفية‬

‫التي فيها ولد املسيح عليه‬ ‫السالم‪ ،‬ومنها عرج ال ّرسول‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫والسالم‪ ،‬ستعود‬ ‫الصالة‬ ‫عليه ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ح ّرة عرب ّية‪ .‬ستعود أرض‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫وتدق‬ ‫امليعاد‪ ،‬يُرفع فيها األذان‬ ‫فيها أجراس الكنائس دون أن‬ ‫يتخ ّللها أزيز ال ّرصاص وقصف‬ ‫والدبابات‪.‬‬ ‫املدافع ّ‬ ‫يا فلسطني أرضك مم ّيزة‪،‬‬ ‫أل ّن شعبك أدرك قيمتها‬ ‫فرفض التّخلي عنها مهما‬ ‫كان ال ّثمن‪ .‬أرضك مم ّيزة ألنّها‬ ‫تُسقى بدل املاء دما ً‪ .‬أرضك‬ ‫مميزة يا فلسطني وستبقى‬ ‫مم ّيزة طول ال ّزمن‪.‬‬ ‫يا فلسطني‪ ،‬أبناؤك مم ّيزون‬ ‫ومنهم منيب‪ .‬هم مم ّيزون‬ ‫ألنّهم ورغم بعدهم عنك‬ ‫لم ينسوك أبدا ً‪ .‬هم مم ّيزون‬ ‫ألنّهم يفعلون ما يقولون‪ ،‬هم‬ ‫يضحون بدمائهم وأنفسهم‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ألجلك‪ .‬هم مم ّيزون ألنّهم‬ ‫يعيشون ألجل فلسطني‬ ‫وميوتون ألجل فلسطني‪ .‬هم‬ ‫مم ّيزون ألنّهم أبناء فلسطني‬ ‫املم ّيزة‪.‬‬ ‫سنهتف لك يا فلسطني‬ ‫على درب التّحرير ونقول‪ :‬يا‬ ‫فلسطني «ال تزعلي إحنا‬ ‫جينالك‪ ،‬من قلب هال ّثورات‬ ‫لنطهر ترابك‪ ،‬لنهزم اليهود‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫لنص ّلي‬ ‫رجالك‪،‬‬ ‫ونح ّرر‬ ‫باألقصى إحنا وعيالك‪ ،‬لنزرع‬ ‫ال ّزيتون عسهولك وجبالك‪ ،‬يا‬ ‫فلسطني إحنا جايني‪ ،‬جايني‬ ‫كرمالك‪».‬‬

‫رأي‬ ‫إلى منيب‪ ،‬فتى فلسطني‬ ‫هكذا اذا ينتصر اجلسد‬ ‫على الطلقة‪ ،‬يأبى أن يكون‬ ‫آمن بالقضية‬ ‫ضحية‪.‬‬ ‫فتقدم و تقدم حتى كادت‬ ‫األرض أن تضيق به‪ .‬امتشق‬ ‫احلجارة ليؤكد على نقاء‬ ‫الذات الفلسطينية‪ .‬علم‬ ‫أن اخملاطر كبيرة‪ ،‬أنه يواجه‬ ‫العنصرية‬ ‫و‬ ‫الفاشية‬ ‫البحتة بصدره العاري‬ ‫لكنه رفض أن ينصاع‬ ‫لقانون الغاب‪ ،‬ملنطق القوة‪.‬‬ ‫تقدم ملؤه قوة املنطق‪.‬‬ ‫فلسطيني‬ ‫تقدم‪،‬عربي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫«البالد»‬ ‫نحو‬ ‫بامتياز‪،‬‬ ‫فعاد مخضبا بدمه‪ .‬هو‬ ‫ككل جرحى الكرامة و‬ ‫العنفوان‪ ،‬صابر صامد‪.‬‬ ‫ملؤه التحدي‪.‬‬ ‫هو ككل شباب شعبي‪،‬‬ ‫مشروع بطل يطل على‬ ‫جرح الوطن‪ .‬يطل مبتسما‪،‬‬ ‫يروي اجلرح بدمائه كي ال‬ ‫ننسى أو نهادن‪ .‬كي نبقى‬ ‫على عهدنا أن ال نكون ان‬ ‫لم تكن فلسطني‪ .‬أن ال‬ ‫نحيا اال لنذكر التاريخ أ ّن‬ ‫األيام دول‪ ،‬و قد حان وقت‬ ‫د و لتنا ‪.‬‬ ‫منيب املصري‪ ،‬طالب‬ ‫في اجلامعة األمريكية‬ ‫في بيروت‪ .‬تقدم صوب‬ ‫فلسطني إلعالء كلمة احلق‪،‬‬ ‫الثبات قدرة دماء األحرار‪.‬‬ ‫فمنك منيب‪ ،‬تعلمنا أن‬

‫رأي‬ ‫جامعتي‪ ...‬لن انساك!‬

‫ثالثة سنوات مضت وها نحن‪،‬‬ ‫من جديد‪ ،‬على مفترق طرق‪.‬‬ ‫باألمس‪ ،‬خطوت خطواتي األولى‬ ‫نحو اجلامعة‪ ،‬دخلتها بحماس‬ ‫و شغف وعنفوان وها أنا أخطو‬ ‫خطواتي األخيرة وال أحمل إال‬ ‫فخرا ً وإعتزازا ً مبا بنيت خالل‬ ‫السنوات التي مضت‪ .‬ولن أقول‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫أن الفترة التي قضيتها هنا‬ ‫كانت سهلة‪ .‬بل لطاملا حملت‬ ‫دموعا ً وتعبا ً وقل ًقا ال ينتهي‪.‬‬ ‫ولكن في نهاية الطريق أمضي‬ ‫و حتت إبطي ذكريات ال ميكن‬ ‫ملرور الزمان أن ميحيها‪ .‬و من منا‬ ‫سينسى قاعة ال‪Nicely »-‬‬ ‫‪ »500‬و الشعور الذي ينتابنا‬ ‫حلظة دخول هذه القاعة الباردة‪.‬‬ ‫من منا سينسى ما يسمى بال‬ ‫« ‪»chemistry stairs‬‬ ‫‪ ،‬ذلك الكابوس الذي يرافقنا‬ ‫طيلة النهار‪ .‬و من منا سينسى‬

‫«‪ »jafet‬التي شاركتنا أصعب‬ ‫حلظات حياتنا قبيل كل إمتحان‪.‬‬ ‫الدراسي على‬ ‫نعم‪ ،‬هذا هو العام‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫وشك إطالق زفراته األخيرة‪ ،‬و ها‬ ‫نحن نستعد إلى حزم امتعتنا‬ ‫مع كل الذكريات التي رافقتنا‬ ‫في كل بقعة من حرم اجلامعة‪.‬‬ ‫ها هي دفعة العام‬ ‫ ‬ ‫‪ ٢٠١١‬تستعد لإلبحار في‬ ‫مغامرة جديدة في بحر احلياة‪،‬‬ ‫وها نحن نخرج من اجملتمع‬ ‫الصغير لنندمج في مجتمع‬ ‫أكبر حاملني إسم اجلامعة‬ ‫األميركية‪ ،‬تلك اجلامعة التي‬ ‫ساهمت في عملية اإلنتقال‬ ‫هذه‪ .‬نعم‪ ،‬تع ّلمت الكثير في‬ ‫السنوات الثالث التي قضيتها‬ ‫هنا؛ من فكرة التعايش مع‬ ‫جميع الطوائف واملناطق‬ ‫التي لم أكن يوما ً أحلم في‬ ‫التقارب مع افرادها‪ ،‬إلى فكرة‬ ‫االستقاللية و بناء الذات التي‬ ‫حترص اجلامعة على تعزيزها‪ ،‬إلى‬

‫الصداقات التي اكتسبتها هنا‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫والتي تشكل كنزا ً ال ميكن إال‬ ‫قصتي هي‬ ‫أن أحمد ربي عليه‪ّ .‬‬ ‫قصة ّ‬ ‫كل تلميذ سيرتدي ثوب‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫التخرج في ال‪ ٢٥-‬من حزيران‪،‬‬ ‫صرختي هي صرخة كل طالب‬ ‫سيغادر اجلامعة متوجها ً إلى‬ ‫أفق حياة معتمة‪ .‬ولكن‪ ،‬وخالل‬ ‫عبورنا ذلك النفق املظلم تبقى‬ ‫اجلامعة األميركية في بيروت‬ ‫الشعلة التي تضيء دربنا أبدا ً!‬ ‫في النهاية‪ ،‬ها هي‬ ‫ ‬ ‫صفحة تغلق لتفتح صفحة‬ ‫جديدة‪ .‬و ما للعام الدراسي‬ ‫اجلديد إال أن يعود ليشرق مع‬ ‫إنتهاء الصيف‪ .‬و تعود املياه إلى‬ ‫مجاريها مع تغيير بسيط‪ :‬لقد‬ ‫غاب العديد من الطالب ليحل‬ ‫مكانهم طالب جدد‪ ،‬و لكن‪،‬‬ ‫ستبقى قلوبهم مع ّلقة في‬ ‫كل زاوية و ستبقى اصواتهم‬ ‫تعكس صدى‪ :‬جامعتي‪ ...‬لن‬ ‫انساك!‬

‫فلسطني ليست حدود و‬ ‫عسكر‪ .‬تعلمنا أن فلسطني‬ ‫هي احلق و العدل و املساواة‪،‬‬ ‫تعلمنا انه قد آن األوان‬ ‫للنظر صوب جالدينا لنصرخ‬ ‫لم نعد خائفني‪.‬‬ ‫أخي منيب‪ ،‬ع ّلمتنا أن‬ ‫اخلوف يتكسر على جباه‬ ‫شباب شعبنا‪ .‬علمتنا أنه‬ ‫ال مكان ملتخاذل في عصرنا‬ ‫هذا‪ .‬و ّلى زمن الهزائم‪،‬‬ ‫سكتت اجليوش و نطقت‬ ‫شعوب‬ ‫العزة‪،‬‬ ‫شعوب‬ ‫الضاد‪.‬‬ ‫نحتفل اليوم‪ ،‬مبقاومة‬ ‫جسد رفيقنا منيب للغدر‬ ‫و الهوان‪ .‬نحتفل بقدرته‬ ‫على تذكيرنا أن الطلقة‬ ‫تنسى و ان اجلرح ما انفك‬ ‫يلتئم ليعود للتحدي و‬ ‫ا لكفا ح ‪.‬‬ ‫نحتفل اليوم باملئة و‬ ‫اثنى عشر جريحا‪ ،‬الذين ما‬ ‫انفكوا يروون جذور الهوية‪،‬‬

‫اوتلوك‬

‫فلسطني‬ ‫تبقى‬ ‫لكي‬ ‫الكفاح و لكي يبقى‬ ‫شعبها ‪.‬‬ ‫نحتفل اليوم باألحد عشر‬ ‫شهيدا أو عريسأ ‪،‬الذين‬ ‫انطلقوا صوب السماء‬ ‫ليحلقوا فوق ربوع الوطن‪،‬‬ ‫غير آبهني باحلدود أو اجلسد‪،‬‬ ‫غير آبهني بهزائم العرب‪.‬‬ ‫هنا كانوا‪ ،‬و من هنا صعدوا‬ ‫ليعودوا لنا فكرة‪ ،‬مبدأ‪.‬‬ ‫ليعودوا لنسج خيوط عهد‬ ‫جديد‪ ،‬و تاريخ أسطوري‬ ‫ال يليق اال بشعب مكافح‬ ‫مناضل‪ .‬ال يليق اال بشعب‬ ‫ا جلبا ر ين ‪.‬‬ ‫عد لنا ساملا‪ ،‬منيب‬ ‫املصري‪ ،‬لتذكرنا مبن نكون‪.‬‬ ‫لتحيي فينا ما فقدناه‪.‬‬ ‫ليطل السالح الكامن في‬ ‫صدورنا و حجارتنا‪.‬‬ ‫مبحبة ‪،‬‬ ‫أصدقاء منيب‬

‫اوتلوك‬

‫منوعات‬

‫ا ّيار ‪2011 ,24‬‬

‫كاتب من هذا الزمان‪ :‬أمل الفران ‪ -‬فرح وحزن‬

‫نهاد غازي عواد‬ ‫كاتبة صحفية‬

‫في الفترة األخيرة‪ ،‬حظيت‬ ‫الروايات الصادرة عن كاتبات‬

‫سعوديات بصيت إعالمي ال‬ ‫يواكب مستواها بينما بقيت‬ ‫كثير من الروايات لكاتبات‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الظل‬ ‫سعوديات قديرات في‬ ‫مع ا ّن هذه الروايات متلك رؤية‬ ‫موضوعية واسلوب فنّي‬ ‫مم ّيز‪ .‬رواية « روحها املشومة‬ ‫بها» للكاتبة السعودية‬ ‫أمل الفران حتمل الكثير‬ ‫من اإلقتراحات اجلمال ّية‬ ‫واملوضوع ّية امللفتة البعيدة‬ ‫عن لغة التك ّلف واالنفعال‬ ‫لذلك حصلت على جائزة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الشارقة لإلبداع العربي‬ ‫‪ .2004‬ولديها عدة كتابات‬ ‫أخرى‪ :« :‬يوميات تلميذة «‪،‬‬ ‫«وحدي في البيت»‪ « ،‬أسبوع‬ ‫سالم»‪« ،‬كائنات من طرب»‪،‬‬ ‫« القرية اجلاهل أهلها»‪« ،‬‬ ‫واستوت على اجلودي»‪.‬‬ ‫في‬ ‫تقد م‬ ‫أمل‬ ‫ ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫رواياتها هموم النّاس بشكل‬ ‫فني ولغة عالية حتاكي‬ ‫ٍّ‬ ‫أوجاع واالم الناس‪ .‬لغة‬ ‫صارمة‪ ،‬ومفردات شرسة‪،‬‬

‫احذر َن يا نساء‪ :‬ال ّرجال‬ ‫مهددون باالنقراض‬

‫جاد شمس الدين‬ ‫مساهم صحفي‬

‫تشهد اجملتمعات اليوم زيادة في‬ ‫معدل الوالدات ولكن النّسبة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫االكبر من هذه الوالدات هي من‬ ‫االناث اي أ ّن هناك تراجع في‬ ‫معدل الوالدات عند الذكور‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الى هذا فقد اعلن فريق من‬ ‫العلماء الفرنسيني عن إجرائهم‬ ‫ملدة زادت عن‬ ‫دراسة‬ ‫موسعة ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫اخلمسة أعوام‪ ،‬واستنتجوا أن‬ ‫الرجال في طريقهم لالنقراض‬ ‫عقب اكتشافهم إن كروموزوم‬ ‫«‪ »Y‬بدأ يختفى من ‪200‬‬ ‫جني مقابل ‪ 1100‬بالنسبة‬ ‫لكروموزوم «ْ‪ »X‬مما يدل على‬ ‫وجود نقص في الذكور عن اإلناث‬ ‫‪.‬وأجرى فريق العلماء جتاربهم‬ ‫على ذكور الفئران فتبني وجود‬ ‫ضعف شديد في هرمون‬ ‫«أوسيتوسني»‪ ،‬وهو املسئول‬ ‫عن اخملالطة بني الذكر واألنثى‬ ‫وتسهيل عملية الوالدة‪.‬‬ ‫كما أشار التّقرير الذي نشرته‬ ‫احدى أشهر اجملالت العلمية‬ ‫الفرنسية الى ان انخفاض عدد‬ ‫الكروموسومات الذكرية الى‬ ‫هذا احلد يهدد باختفاء ساللة‬ ‫الذكور في اجملتمعات التي تثبت‬ ‫فيها صحة هذه الدراسة ‪.‬‬ ‫كما ان دراسة املانية صدرت‬ ‫مؤخّ رًا ّ‬ ‫اكدت ا ّن ال ّرجل اصبح‬ ‫فصيلة مهددة باالنقراض‪ ،‬وانه‬ ‫سوف ياتي اليوم الذي يختفي‬ ‫فيه‪ .‬وافادت الدراسة بأن‬

‫اسباب انقراض الرجل سببها‬ ‫لصحته واختفاء دوره‬ ‫اهماله‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫البيولوجي الطبيعي مع انتشار‬ ‫بنوك احليوانات املنوية‪ ،‬اضافة‬ ‫الى الطبيعة اخلطرة لبعض‬ ‫اعمال الرجل‪.‬‬ ‫الدكتور براين سايكس رئيس‬ ‫السالالت البشر ّية‬ ‫قسم‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بجامعة اكسفورد يقول ‪:‬‬ ‫انقراض الرجل سيكون السباب‬ ‫اهمها تآكل الكروموسوم‬ ‫اخرى ّ‬ ‫‪ Y‬مما يؤ ّدي الى تراجع اخلصوبة‬ ‫الذكر ّية بنسبة ‪ 1‬في املئة مما‬ ‫عليه االن وهذا يعني انقراض‬ ‫ساللة الرجل خالل عدة اجيال‬ ‫مقبلة في مدة تصل الى ‪125‬‬ ‫الف سنة‪.‬‬ ‫وجهوا‬ ‫كما ا ّن بعض االطباء ّ‬ ‫نصائح الى ال ّرجال من اجل‬ ‫حفظ البقاء مثل ان يلجأوا‬ ‫الى العالج الوقائي حيث اثبتت‬ ‫الدراسة ا ّن ال ّرجل هو االكثر‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫زيادة في الوزن واقباال على‬ ‫التّدخني وشرب اخلمر وتعاطي‬ ‫اخملدرات وكلها امور تضر‬ ‫بصحته ‪ ،‬كما ان الرجال هم‬ ‫االكثر انتحارًا لعدم اجادتهم‬ ‫التعامل مع مشكالتهم ‪.‬‬ ‫رغم ان املدى الزمني بعيد‬ ‫ج ًدا اال ان ذلك يستدعي منا‬ ‫التحرك إليجاد احللول ‪،‬فتخيلوا‬ ‫لو اصبح العالم من دون رجال‪.‬‬ ‫او ان النساء يطالبون بالسماح‬ ‫للرجل بان يتزوج ‪ 40‬امراة مثالً!‬

‫تستخدمها ابنة الصحراء‬ ‫رمبا أل نّها تعودت عليها حيث‬ ‫أنها من بيئة قروية ورمبا‬ ‫ألنها تريد أن تظهر حقيقة‬ ‫حتب‬ ‫كالبدوي‬ ‫األلم‪ .‬فهي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫اإلختصار واإليجاز بالكلمات‪،‬‬ ‫وتكره املماطلة النها أحد‬ ‫أساليب الكذب حتى أن آخر‬ ‫عمل لها» كائنات من طرب»‬ ‫استعملت فيك تكنيك‬ ‫احملاورة وهذه مغامرة سردية‬ ‫لكنها جنحت‪ .‬كثير ما‬ ‫يشغل بال أمل التكنيكات‬ ‫حتى ألنها تعيد كاتبة عمل‬ ‫ثالث مرات بسبب التكنيك‬ ‫فهي ما ان تكون مقتنعة‬ ‫باحداه حتى تعجب بآخر‬ ‫وتنسف جميع ما كتب‪.‬‬ ‫كثيرة هي الشخوص في‬ ‫رواياتها وهذا مأخذ يأخذه‬ ‫القراء عليها حتى دار األداب‬ ‫الناشر آلخر عمالها‪ .‬حتّى‬ ‫يتو ّقف‬ ‫أ ّن بعض الق ّر اء‬ ‫عن اكمال ال ّر واية ملا فيها‬ ‫املتعد دة‬ ‫من الشخصيات‬ ‫ّ‬

‫الزهراء ماجد‬ ‫مساهمة صحفية‬

‫األسمبلي هول‬ ‫ضجت قاعة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يوم ا ّ‬ ‫الساعة‬ ‫جلمعة عند‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ال ّر ابعة والنّصف عصر ا ً‬ ‫بطالب اجلامعة األميركية‬ ‫في بيروت وأصدقائهم‬ ‫والشخص ّيات األدب ّية حيث‬ ‫احتشد اجلميع حلضور ما‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫نظمه «برنامج أنيس خوري‬ ‫املقدسي لآلداب والنادي‬ ‫ال ّثقافي اجلنوبي» حتت عنوان‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫للشاعر‬ ‫«رسل البيادر»‬ ‫مهدي منصور‪ ،‬احلائز على‬ ‫امليدال ّية ّ‬ ‫الذ هب ّية في برنامج‬ ‫املتم ّيزون والذي أثبت مت ّيزه‬ ‫املتقد م في احلفل من خالل‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫قصائده الرائعة ترافقه‬ ‫املبدعة متارا عبد الهادي على‬ ‫البيانو حيث كان اجل ّو عبار ًة‬ ‫مزيج من الرومنس ّية‬ ‫عن‬ ‫والثورة ٍ‬ ‫واحلزن مرفقا ببعض‬ ‫الدعابات في شعر مهدي‪.‬‬ ‫احلفل‬ ‫افتتح‬ ‫ ‬ ‫بالنّشيد الوطني اللبناني‬ ‫يليه كلمة لبرنامج أنيس‬ ‫املقدسي لآلداب ألقاها د‪.‬‬ ‫ثم كلمة النادي‬ ‫ماهر ج ّر ار‪ّ ،‬‬ ‫الثقافي اجلنوبي واللجنة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫املنظمة لالحتفال ألقاها د‪.‬‬ ‫علي غندور‪ .‬بعد ذلك‪ ،‬افتتح‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الشعر ّية‬ ‫مهدي األمسية‬ ‫موسيقي مع‬ ‫شعري‬ ‫بعرض‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫متارا على البيانو‪ ،‬بعد أن‬ ‫رحب باحلاضرين واحلاضرات‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫موجها سالما ً للطالب‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫منيب املصري حت ّياته ودعاءه‬ ‫بالشفاء العاجل عبر دقيقة‬

‫تتعمد ذلك ألن‬ ‫ولكن أمل‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫محتوى الرواية ال تتعلق‬ ‫بشخص واحد بل بالقرية‬ ‫ك ّلها وعدم ادراج هذا‬ ‫العدد من الشخوص يفقد‬ ‫النص مغزاه‪ .‬جتيد تصوير‬ ‫شخصية الرجل بشكل‬ ‫جيد على عكس ما هو ذائع‬ ‫عن األديبات من قصور في‬ ‫نقل صورة الرجل‪ .‬ابداع في‬ ‫ترجمة اإلنسان ومعانيه بكل‬ ‫تصوراته وهي تقول في هذا‬ ‫اجملال‪»:‬ما ّد تي الكتاب ّية هي‬ ‫اليومي في‬ ‫ما أراه وأعايشه‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫واليومي ملتبس‬ ‫محيطي‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫جد ا ً‪ ،‬ما يقوله النّاس غير ما‬ ‫يفعلونه‪ ،‬وما يفعلونه غير‬ ‫ما يعتقدون أنهم يفعلونه‪،‬‬ ‫وأنا كعني رقيبة يربكني هذا‬ ‫كله ويبهرني‪ ،‬لذا أنا أحب‬ ‫أن أشرك قارئي في حالة‬ ‫االلتباس التي أصاب بها‬ ‫إزاء اإلنسان ّية في تواصلها‬ ‫اليومي‪ ،‬ولذا أترك لهم أن‬ ‫يسمعوا شخوصي من دون‬

‫‪18‬‬

‫أن أتبرع بتقدمي رأي أو تعليق‪.‬‬ ‫أحس أن نصي بهذا الشكل‬ ‫يشبه احلياة‪ ،‬وأن قارئي‬ ‫ذكي مثلي‪ .‬وسوف ينتشي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بقدرة البشر على ممارسة‬ ‫يومي في حياتهم‬ ‫إبداع‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫انطلقت‬ ‫وتواصلهم‪».‬‬ ‫مع «روحها املوشومة به»‬ ‫من رحم املرأة الصارخ‬ ‫وأكملت‬ ‫باألحاسيس‬ ‫الطريق في «كائنات من‬ ‫طرب» لتنطلق من رحم‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫وسكان هذه األرض‬ ‫األرض‬ ‫وبواطنهم‪.‬‬ ‫بظواهرهم‬ ‫انطلقت من احلزن وانتهت‬ ‫بالفرح‪ .‬مفهومان مربكان‬ ‫مترابطان ينتج أحدهما‬ ‫األخر ويلتصقان بحياة‬ ‫اإلنسان الى الالنهائية وما‬ ‫بعد ها‪.‬‬

‫رسل البيادر‬ ‫صمت من مهدي واحلضور‪.‬‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫املقد مات‬ ‫بعد هذه‬ ‫ ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بدأ مهدي األمسية بباقة‬ ‫الساحرة عن‬ ‫من األشعار‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫مواضيع مختلفة مفتتحا‬ ‫إ ّياها بقصيدة عن بيروت‬ ‫قد اس اجلمعة‬ ‫بعنوان‪»:‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫في بيروت»‪ ،‬حيث كان احملور‬ ‫بيروت ولبنان واجلنوب وعبق‬ ‫االنتصار والتح ّر ر والكرامة‬ ‫والشعور باإلباء والع ّز ة في‬ ‫الوطن كما في قصائد»أنا‬ ‫من أنا؟»‪« ،‬رسل البيادر»‪ .‬لم‬ ‫تخلو األمسية الشعرية من‬ ‫الرومنسي‬ ‫نفحة من الشعر‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫احلزين حيث كانت مالمح‬

‫والوطن‪ ،‬بقصيدة» مرمي»‬ ‫حيث ربط معنى كلمة مرمي‪،‬‬ ‫والس ّيدة مرمي عليها السالم‪،‬‬ ‫واصفا ً طهرها واحلاجة‬ ‫إليها منتقال إلى لبنان‬ ‫وحاجته ملرمي فقال‪« :‬يا أمنا‬ ‫نحتاج طهرك إمنا التهجير‬ ‫أوقد أرضنا أشجانا‪ ،».‬ثم‬ ‫تلت هذه القصيدة باقة‬ ‫من املقطوعات عن «أ ّيار‬ ‫واالنتصار»‪ ،‬حرب متوز ‪2006‬‬ ‫بقصيدة «أمل»‪ ،‬رسالة‬ ‫إلى املستكبرين في العالم‬ ‫ب»رويدك»‪،‬‬ ‫والطواغيت‬ ‫وباخلتام وكان مسك اخلتام‬ ‫بقصيدة عن ربى لبنان‬

‫احلاضرين واحلاضرات تع ّبر‬ ‫عن مدى انبهارها بسحر‬ ‫الكلمات املتد ّفقة من املنبر‪،‬‬ ‫إضافة إلى بعض املقطوعات‬ ‫الشعر ّية عن احلب‪ ،‬الـ «أم‬ ‫أس أن»‪ ،‬األب‪ ،‬وكما ع ّبر‬ ‫الكثيرون‪ ،‬عن هذه اجملموعة‬ ‫الثانية من القصائد‪ ،‬التي‬ ‫الوطن‬ ‫مجموعة‬ ‫تلت‬ ‫وبيروت‪ ،‬بأ ّن أجملها كان‬ ‫قصيدة عن «ذات احلجاب»‬ ‫فقال «أكم الورد يا ذات‬ ‫احلجاب‪ ،‬أراك أميرة خلف‬ ‫ثم انتقل مهدي‬ ‫الضباب»‪ّ ...‬‬ ‫مجد د ا ُ إلى موضوع األمس ّية‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بالدرجة األولى‪ ،‬التحرير‬

‫ولكن‬ ‫«تباهي يا ربى لبنان»‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫امللفت في ختامها عبارة‬ ‫«انتحار» التي رددها أكثر‬ ‫ات متاما كبعض‬ ‫من أربع م ّر ٍ‬ ‫أشعار الشاعر نزار قباني‪،‬‬ ‫إمنا أضفت هذه العبارة نوعا‬ ‫من الثورة عند احلضور وكان‬ ‫هنا اخلتام‪.‬‬ ‫بكل موضوع ّية‪ ،‬كانت هذه‬ ‫األمسية من أجنح األمسيات‬ ‫الشعرية تنظيما ً‪ ،‬ومضمونا ً‪،‬‬ ‫حيث كان للشعر دو رٌ في‬ ‫رسم معنى التحرير وإبرازه‬ ‫حروف أسكبت العبرات‪،‬‬ ‫عبر‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫وموسيقى تركت في القلوب‬ ‫آثارها‪.‬‬

‫بكل موضوع ّية‪ ،‬كانت هذه األمسية من أجنح‬ ‫األمسيات الشعرية تنظيما ً‪ ،‬ومضمونا ً‪ ،‬حيث‬ ‫كان للشعر دو رٌ في رسم معنى التحرير وإبرازه‬ ‫حروف أسكبت العبرات‪ ،‬وموسيقى تركت‬ ‫عبر‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫في القلوب آثارها‪.‬‬

‫‪19‬‬

‫أخبار‬

‫ا ّيار ‪2011 ,24‬‬

‫اوتلوك‬

‫الطالب يشتكون‪ ،‬سرقات في الـ ‪ Penrose‬واإلدارة تتك ّلم‬ ‫التتمة من ص‪20‬‬

‫من هذه النسبة‬ ‫و ‪%66‬‬ ‫قالوا بأ ّن أبواب غرفهم‬ ‫سهلة الفتح حتى لو كانت‬ ‫مقفلة‪ ،‬واشتكى ‪ %90‬من‬ ‫الذين أكدوا سهولة فتح‬ ‫أبوابهم ولكن ‪ %2‬فقط‬ ‫تلقوا ردو دً ا على شكاويهم‪.‬‬ ‫ونذكر أن السرقات تراوحت‬ ‫بني دوالرين أمركيني و ‪2700‬‬ ‫دوالر أميريكي باإلضافة إلى‬ ‫ممتلكات شخصية (نظارات‬ ‫‪MacBook،‬‬ ‫شمسية‪،‬‬ ‫‪،IpodTouch، iPad2‬‬ ‫‪ ،NokiaN900‬وغيرها)‪.‬‬ ‫والـ ‪ %45‬الباقون ممّن لم‬ ‫تصبهم السرقات‪ ،‬قال‬ ‫‪ %62‬منهم أن أبواب غرفهم‬ ‫أيضا سهلة الفتح أو اخللع‪،‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫واشتكى من هذه اجملموعة‬ ‫‪ %58‬لإلدارة ولم يلق إال‬ ‫عشرين باملئة ممن اشتكوا‬ ‫إجابات على شكواهم‪.‬‬ ‫بعضا‬ ‫أيضا أن‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ نذكر ً‬

‫ممن لم يشتكوا كتبوا‬ ‫أنهم لم يشتكوا ألنهم ال‬ ‫يتوقعون شيئًا من اإلدارة‪،‬‬ ‫وأن البعض متّت مطالبته‬ ‫تصليح‬ ‫تكاليف‬ ‫بدفع‬ ‫الباب‪.‬‬ ‫ قمنا أخيرً ا باللقاء‬ ‫مع رئيس جلنة شؤون الطالب‬ ‫الدكتور طالل نظام الدين‬ ‫لنُجيب عن أسئلة الطالب‬ ‫ونظهر موقف اإلدارة من‬ ‫هذه األمور‪ ،‬وأطلق عدة‬ ‫مواقف وهي كالتالي‪:‬‬ ‫املشكلة أن هناك‬ ‫‬‫لتغيير‬ ‫كبيرً ا‬ ‫مشرو ًعا‬ ‫الواجهة األمام ّية ملسكن‬ ‫وحلل ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫كل‬ ‫الـ ‪Penrose‬‬ ‫هذه األمور بتفصيالتها‪،‬‬ ‫حتى موضوع الزجاج الذي‬ ‫يرفع من حرارة الغرف أثناء‬ ‫الصيف‪ ،‬لذلك فإننا نحاول‬ ‫اإلسراع بالبدء بهذا املشروع‬ ‫األن‬ ‫عقبتان‬ ‫وتواجهنا‬ ‫الكلفة أ ّو لاً ‪ ،‬وأين يسكن‬ ‫بالنسبة‬ ‫الطالب ثان ًيا‪.‬‬

‫نبحث‬ ‫فإننا‬ ‫للكلفة‬ ‫املوضوع‪ ،‬ونحاول أن نتعاقد‬ ‫مع مسكن قريب للطالب‪.‬‬ ‫في هذه السنة‬ ‫‬‫ٌ‬ ‫قليل من‬ ‫بعض‬ ‫هناك‬ ‫ٌ‬ ‫الس ّيئني في الـ‬ ‫الطلاّ ب‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫‪ Penrose‬ا ّلذين يقومون‬ ‫بأعمال تخريب ّية إضاف ًة‬ ‫إلى السرقات‪ ،‬وهو أمر‬ ‫مؤسف ألنهم سيحملون‬ ‫مسؤوليات في املستقبل‪،‬‬ ‫ولرمبا هكذا تنتج القيادات‬ ‫السياس ّية الفاسدة‪.‬‬ ‫تركيب الكاميرات‬ ‫‬‫هو أمر بشع ألن هذه‬ ‫مساكن خاصة وستبدو‬ ‫حينها كاحلبس وقد يخلق‬ ‫هذا ج ًّو ا س ّيئًا‪ ،‬ولكن يبدو‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫احلل الوحيد األن هو هذا‬ ‫أن‬ ‫النظام من الكاميرات في‬ ‫الردهات‪ ،‬مع العلم أن هذا لن‬ ‫يحد كليًّا من السرقات ألن‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫السرقات قد تكون من رفقاء‬ ‫السكن أو حني يترك الطالب‬ ‫غرفهم مفتوحة ولكن هذا‬

‫يحد من املوضوع بنسبة‬ ‫قد‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫‪.%50‬‬ ‫الطالب ليسوا‬ ‫‬‫مسؤولني عن دفع كلفة‬ ‫تصليح األبواب إال في حال‬ ‫كونهم مسؤولني مباشرة‬ ‫عن األعطال فيها‪ ،‬وإال‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫لب منه أن يدفع‬ ‫كل من ُط َ‬ ‫فليشتكي لي ألن هذا‬ ‫أمر غير طبيعي‪ ،‬وسأتابع‬ ‫املوضوع شخصيًّا‪.‬‬ ‫التحقيقات بشكل‬ ‫‬‫يصعب أن تصل إلى‬ ‫عام‪،‬‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫شاف ‪ ،‬ولكن بعضها‬ ‫جواب‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫يأخذ وقتًا لتصل إلى‬ ‫نتيجة‪ ،‬وحتّى أ نّنا وصلنا في‬ ‫عدد من املرات إلى نتائج ومت‬ ‫محاسبة السارقني وإعادة‬ ‫األموال املسروقة (هذا في‬ ‫السنة املاضية)‪.‬‬ ‫نحن نعتقد أن‬ ‫‬‫‪ %90‬من هذه السرقات‬ ‫سببها فساد بعض الطالب‬ ‫في مالحقتهم للقمار‪،‬‬ ‫أو تعاطيهم للكحول أو‬

‫اخملدرات‪ ،‬وهو أمر مؤسف‪.‬‬ ‫ونريد أن نؤكد أن هؤالء الق ّلة‬ ‫ال مي ّثلون شباب املساكن‪ ،‬بل‬ ‫إن هناك مناذج رائعة وكثيرة‬ ‫من طالبنا هناك وال يجب‬ ‫أن تعمم عليهم احلاالت‬ ‫اخلاصة‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫كآوتلوك‪،‬‬ ‫أخيرً ا‪،‬‬ ‫ ‬ ‫نأمل من الطالب أن يأخذوا‬ ‫حذرهم حني يحملون كميات‬ ‫كبيرة من الـ ‪ Cash‬وأن‬ ‫يعلموا حني يقرضون املال‬ ‫أنهم يقرضونه للشخص‬ ‫املناسب‪ .‬وال ننسى أن‬ ‫نتمنّى على اإلدارة أن تقوم‬ ‫بتنفيذ مشروع الكاميرات‬ ‫ووضع طاقة أكبر على‬ ‫الشخص ّية‬ ‫احلماية‬ ‫ملمتلكات الطالب‪ ،‬ونتمنى‬ ‫من املسؤولني عن املساكن‬ ‫مباشر ًة أن يقوموا بوضع‬ ‫اخلطط املناسبة مع الطالب‬ ‫للحد من هذه السرقات‪.‬‬

‫إلى فلسطني خذوني معكم‬ ‫تتمة من ص‪20‬‬

‫«نريد أن نصل إلى أقرب نقطة‬ ‫من أرضنا»‪ .‬أجابني ببساطة‪:‬‬ ‫«يعني الناس لي نزلت عندها‬ ‫واسطة؟ أنا كمان بدي إنزل!»‪.‬‬ ‫هكذا ّ‬ ‫فكر وهكذا فعل‪ .‬صار‬ ‫واآلالف غيره قبالة فلسطني‬ ‫احلقيقية‪ .‬يفصله عنها‬ ‫شريط‪ .‬وبتكتيك مح ّلي وجد‬ ‫الشباب أنفسهم يرشقون‬ ‫احلجارة إلى الالمكان‪ .‬أو باألحرى‬ ‫إلى مكانهم الوحيد‪ .‬اجلند‬ ‫باملوازاة لم يرِق لهم املشهد‪.‬‬ ‫من بني الشجر األخضر طلع‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫«الطخ» (إطالق‬ ‫القنّاصة‪ .‬كان‬ ‫ثم‬ ‫النار) في البدء على األطراف‪ّ ،‬‬ ‫انتقل إلى الرؤوس والصدور‪ .‬كان‬ ‫طارق هناك يركض مع الراكضني‬ ‫عند من يسقط‪ .‬ملح أحدهم‬ ‫تسقطه رصاصة من خلف‬ ‫وهو يتناول حجرًا من عن األرض‪.‬‬ ‫ركض كالعادة‪ .‬نظر إلى الوجه‪.‬‬ ‫شاب من‬ ‫إنه منيب املصري‪ .‬إنه‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫شباب الباص الذي يتو ّلى هو‬ ‫تبدلت الدنيا كلها‪،‬‬ ‫مسؤوليته‪ّ .‬‬ ‫وهو يحمل منيب مع احلاملني‪.‬‬ ‫منيب يأ ّن‪ :‬موجوع كثير‪ ،‬مش‬ ‫حاسس بإجريي! وطارق ير ّد‪ :‬مش‬ ‫تاركك مش تاركك‪ .‬ترك طارق‬ ‫ساحة مارون‪ .‬ورافق منيب إلى‬ ‫أقرب مستشفى حكومي في‬ ‫بنت جبيل‪ .‬هناك خضع منيب‬ ‫جلراحة أولى‪ .‬فقد كلية وطحاال ً‬ ‫ود ًما كثيرًا‪ .‬نُقل بالطائرة صباح‬ ‫اليوم التالي إلى مستشفى‬ ‫اجلامعة في بيروت وهناك خضع‬

‫(صورة‪:‬‬

‫‪)Samer Bou Jawdeh‬‬

‫جلراحة ثانية في الظهر‪ .‬كيف‬ ‫حال منيب اليوم؟ مستق ّرة‪،‬‬ ‫وعالج اجلسد متواصل‪ .‬عالج‬ ‫يصدق‬ ‫الروح يبدو أصعب بكثير‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬

‫طارق على هذا وهو يروي لي عن‬ ‫شيخ فلسطيني ربط يده بيد‬ ‫الشاب بكوفية رأسه‬ ‫ابن أخيه‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫في ساحة مارون‪ .‬خاف عليه من‬

‫«الطخ»‪« .‬مش مر ّوح معك»‪.‬‬ ‫لعمه وهو يرمق‬ ‫الشاب يقول ّ‬ ‫فلسطينه‪ .‬الشيخ يبكي‪.‬‬ ‫والشاب يبكي معه‪ .‬وما بينهما‬

‫تع ّلق السماء أطرافها بقدس‬ ‫فلسطني‪ .‬بانتظار الرجال‪.‬‬ ‫العائدين‪ .‬حت ًما‪.‬‬

‫أ وتلو ك‬

‫إلى جميع قراءنا ‪ :‬صحيفة االوتلوك ترحب بالراغبني لإلنتساب إلى فر يقها‬

‫اجلامعة األميركية في بيروت‬

‫املنشورة الطالبية املستقلة منذ عام ‪| ١٩٤٩‬‬

‫للمزيد من املعلومات‪ ،‬أدخلوا على موقعنا االلكتروني (‪ )www.aub.edu.lb/outlook‬أو راسلونا على ‪readoutlook@gmail.com‬‬

‫الثالثاء ‪ 24‬ا ّيار ‪2011‬‬

‫|‬

‫‪18‬‬

‫جزء ‪ ٬٤٣‬عدد ‪30‬‬

‫كاتب من هذا الزمان‪ :‬أمل الفران‬ ‫‪ -‬فرح وحزن‬

‫‪17‬‬

‫إلى منيب‪ ،‬فتى فلسطني‬

‫الطالب يشتكون‪ ،‬سرقات في الـ ‪ Penrose‬واإلدارة تتك ّلم‬

‫مصطفى فضل اهلل‬ ‫كاتب صحفي‬

‫قصص كثيرة‪ ،‬منها يحمل‬ ‫ٌ‬ ‫طابع اإلثارة والـ»بوليس ّية»‬ ‫وأخرى بسيطة بشكلها‬ ‫تتبسط أسبابها‬ ‫من دون أن‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫سرقات عديدة‬ ‫ونتائجها‪.‬‬ ‫ٌ‬ ‫من‬ ‫طال بًا‬ ‫استهدفت‬ ‫اجلامعة األميرك ّية في بيروت‬ ‫في مسكن الشباب الـ‬ ‫‪ Penrose‬ودارت مطحنة‬ ‫الشكاوى من دون أن تطحن‬ ‫إال الهواء‪.‬‬ ‫ الطالب حت ّر كوا مرا ر ًا‬ ‫وتكرا ر ًا مع إدارة املساكن‬ ‫ومع أمن اجلامعة ومع إدارة‬ ‫شؤون الطلاّ ب ومعظمهم‬ ‫لم يلق ر دًّ ا شاف ًيا أو عملاً‬ ‫واقعيًّا‪ .‬حسني‪ ،‬طالب الـ‬ ‫‪ fresh man‬حكى آلوتلوك‬ ‫قصته‪« .‬خرجت من غرفتي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫وتأكدت من إقفال‬ ‫لدقيقتني‬ ‫الباب ودخلت إلى غرفة‬ ‫صديقي اجملاورة‪ ،‬ثم حينما‬ ‫عدت وجدت باب الغرفة‬ ‫مفتوحا ولم أجد محفظتي‬ ‫ً‬ ‫التي كان بداخلها ‪$700‬‬ ‫إضافة إلى أوراقي الثبوت ّية‬

‫الرسم ّية»‪ ،‬أضاف حسني أنه‬ ‫لم يسمع صو ت ًا حني خلع‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫مؤك ًد ا أن الباب سهل‬ ‫الباب‬ ‫توجهت آوتلوك إلى‬ ‫الفتح‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫وج ّر بت‬ ‫الـ ‪Penrose‬‬ ‫فعلاً (مع موافقة مسبقة‬ ‫من الطالب ) أن تفتح غر ًفا‬ ‫مقفلة‪ .‬وفعلاً مبج ّر د جذب‬ ‫الباب إلى صدر الـ»مقتحم»‬ ‫ثم إلى اليمني يفتح الباب‬ ‫مباشرة كأنه غير مقفل‪،‬‬ ‫ومن دون أن يسمع أي‬ ‫صوت‪ .‬قال سفيان‪ ،‬وهو‬ ‫أيضا أن‬ ‫أحد السكان هناك ً‬ ‫قصة مشابهة حصلت معه‬ ‫عندما سرق هاتفه‪ ،‬كما أن‬ ‫عبد اهلل‪ ،‬الذي سرق منه‬ ‫أكثر من ‪ 2000‬دوالر ّ‬ ‫أكد‬ ‫على موضوع سهولة خلع‬ ‫الباب وأن الهيئات اخملتصة‬ ‫لم تستمع للشكاوى‪.‬‬ ‫واشتكى عديد الطالب‬ ‫آلوتلوك عن «اهتمام اجلامعة‬ ‫املبالغ فيه في قضية بيضة‬ ‫رميت من أحد الطوابق‪ ،‬وعن‬ ‫ق ّلة اهتمامهم بسرقات‬ ‫بهذا احلجم»‪.‬‬ ‫ وكشفت اإلحصائية‬ ‫التي قمنا بها في مسكن‬

‫احد سكان ال«بنروز» ميثل كيفية خلع باب غرفته بعد اقفاله‬

‫الشباب الـ ‪Penrose‬‬ ‫على ‪ 60‬شا بًا يسكنون‬ ‫هناك عن سرقات بقيمة‬ ‫‪ 9922‬دوال ر ًا أميركيًّا سرقوا‬

‫من ‪ 33‬طال ًبا فقط‪ ،‬من دون‬ ‫أن ننسى فقدان الهويات‬ ‫التي‬ ‫الثبوتية‬ ‫واألوراق‬ ‫أيضا‬ ‫يحصدها السارقون‬ ‫ً‬

‫(صورة‪ :‬رامي دياب)‬

‫في الطريق‪.‬‬ ‫ ‪ %55‬متّت سرقتهم‬ ‫تتمة ص‪19‬‬

‫إلى فلسطني خذوني معكم‬ ‫مرمي العلي‬ ‫احمل ّررة‬

‫والهوى‬ ‫جنوبي‬ ‫الهواء‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫فلسطيني‪ ،‬وباصات ثالثة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بني الهواء والهوى تنزلق على‬ ‫األوتوستراداإلسفلتيالساحلي‪،‬‬ ‫تسري بجمع من الش ّبان‬ ‫والشابات الفلسطينني‪ ،‬من‬ ‫بوابة اجلامعة األميركية باجتاه‬ ‫احلدود اللبنانية الفلسطينية‪.‬‬ ‫منعم‬ ‫اإلسفلت اجلنوبي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫وخال تقري ًبا من احلُ َفر‪.‬‬ ‫حدي ًثا‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫ح ّلة جديدة بعد آخر حرب‪ .‬في‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫كل باص «مسؤول» مح ّلي‬ ‫عن الشباب‪ .‬كان طارق أحد‬ ‫هؤالء املسؤولني‪ .‬وقف في‬ ‫مقدمة احلافلة الصغيرة‪ .‬لم‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يجلس ّ‬ ‫قط‪ .‬أمعن النظر في‬ ‫وجوه من رافقه فيها‪ ،‬كتب‬ ‫أسماءهم على عجل على‬ ‫أيضا‬ ‫ورقة حشرها على عجل ً‬ ‫في جيب بنطاله اخللفي‪ .‬كان‬ ‫مخدر‪ .‬ال بفعل النعاس‪.‬‬ ‫شبه‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫وهو الذي أطال السهر يسائل‬

‫احمر بياضهما‬ ‫عينيه اللتني‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تقدم ساعات الليل‪:‬‬ ‫مع‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫كيف ستبدو فلسطني غ ًدا‬ ‫يا ترى؟ تلك كانت م ّرته األولى‬ ‫التي يتجه بها جنوبًا صوب‬ ‫فلسطني‪ .‬كان جائ ًعا عندما‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫محطة‬ ‫تو ّقف ال ّركب في أ ّول‬ ‫صيداوية لتناول الفطور أمام‬ ‫حلويات اجلندولني قبل أ ّول جسر‬ ‫في صيدا‪ .‬لكنه لم يستشعر‬ ‫العجلة‬ ‫بطعم «الترويقة»‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫تلك‪ ،‬كان مضطرب البال‪ .‬ومثله‬ ‫كان اآلخرون‪ .‬يريدون أن يطووا‬ ‫رأسا إلى مارون‬ ‫األوتوستراد طويًا ً‬ ‫الراس‪ .‬إشارات متباعدة على‬ ‫طول ّ‬ ‫اخلط ما بعد صيدا كانت‬ ‫حتصي لهم تنازل ًيا الكيلومترات‬ ‫املتبقية للوصول إلى هناك‪.‬‬ ‫تسابق الكثيرون لتصوير‬ ‫إشارة أو أكثر‪« :‬إلى فلسطني‬ ‫‪ 30‬كلم»! في مارون الراس‬ ‫صار الثالثون كلم كيلومترًا‬ ‫ترجل اجلميع‪ ،‬ومشوا‬ ‫واح ًدا‪:‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫باجتاه تلك الهضبة العالية‬ ‫التي تشرف من فوق على تالل‬

‫(صورة‪:‬‬

‫منيب محموال ً بعد اصابته في قرية مارون الراس‬

‫اجلليل الفلسطينية‪ .‬سألتهم‬ ‫عما ّ‬ ‫فكروا به‬ ‫قبل أن أكتب ّ‬ ‫حلظة رأوا تلك األرض اخلضراء‬ ‫تغص‬ ‫املتطاولة أفق ًيا والتي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بشجر كثير يوحي بأ ّن زراعة‬

‫ّ‬ ‫وكل األشجار‬ ‫الليمون والتفاح‬ ‫اخلضراء بدأ في فلسطني قبل‬ ‫أن يق ّلده كل العالم‪ .‬لم يجبني‬ ‫أحد‪ .‬لم أستحصل في جواب‬ ‫أحد على جملة مفيدة‪« .‬ط ّيب‬

‫ٍسامر بو جوده)‬

‫ملاذا نزلتم عن الهضبة إلى‬ ‫حد االتصاق بالشريط‬ ‫السهل ّ‬ ‫احلدودي؟!» هكذا سألت طارق‪.‬‬ ‫التتمة ص‪19‬‬