I4 V44

Outlook THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT PUBLICATION SINCE 1949

VOL. XLIV , NO. 4 TUESDAY , N, OVEMBER 2011 W EDNESDAY NOVEMBER1,2,2011

YEARBOOK 2010 - 2011 HOSTS RECEPTION DINNER PAGE 7

‫اوﺗﻠﻮك‬

LATINO DANCE CLUB HALLOWEEN EVENT PAGE 8

Rezoning of Jafet library Heather Jaber Staff writer / Mohammad B. Azzam Photographer Some of you may have noticed that the Reference Department section of Jafet Library has been closed for some time. While the temporary closing seems to have come at an unfortunate time, with exams rolling around the corner, the pending changes aim to improve the overall environment of the "silent" study section of the library.

Reference Librarian Fatmeh Charafeddine spoke of the changes occurring in Jafet, namely the "zoning" that is being established. According to Charafeddine, the faculty recognized "a demand for a quiet space to study," and had various students asking for a place where they could focus. "We want to impose silence," says Charafeddine. In order to implement this silence, new individual desks have been installed, replacing the original long, open tables. This will make it more difficult for students to interact and socialize, keeping with the theme of the “silent study” section.

“The two main reasons for this renovation were to create a quiet study place and to add more electrical outlets,” said Charafeddine.

The aim is to supply all those who wish to use their laptops or other devices with access to electricity.

‫اوﺗﻠﻮك‬ The overall décor of the room also went into consideration. While the second floor of Jafet has a more modern, youthful feel to it, the ground floor will retain a simple, yet timeless design.

The tables and chairs will remain hardwood in keeping with this theme. Charafaddine stressed this will occur so that “it is more traditional when you walk into the library…[so that] it [the decor] won’t become outdated.”

“We have future plans for rezoning other spaces,” said Charafeddine. While these ideas are still in the planning stages, they include renovating the computer lab to resemble more of internet café, and possibly adding more rooms

for public meetings, conferences, and group study.

The rezoning of the library has been met with positive criticism by many students. Economics Junior Bassil Stephanou, said of the change, "It is a good step for the good of studying. I have not studied in the library because of its previous lack of privacy. People always run to study in stacks because of the seclusion and ability to focus there, and the lack of disturbances." S o m e students are still a bit skeptical. Business Junior Rayan Rifai only had this to say, "Let’s hope they put proper A.C."

Google searches for student recruits Zainab Al.Dabbagh Contributing Writer

A Google presentation was held at AUB on Tuesday, October 25, where Matt Mitro, the University Programs Specialist, represented Google.

Mitro started the presentation with stating the Google mission: “Organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful.”

He also explained how Googlers integrate it in all their products, especially with new creations like “Ahlan Online” and “Ibdaa’ with Google”. Ahlan Online’s goal is to educate people on how to use www.aub.edu.lb/outlook

the web, starting with explaining what browsers are and moving on to how to use data basis. The product targets Arab audience for the rising need of Digital Media Literacy ever since the beginning of the Arab Spring.

Mitro goes on to explain other products that target an entrepreneur audience like, “Ibdaa’ with Google,” where the applicants submit an idea and if one wins, he or she will receive funding for the project.

Bliss Street, West Hall 208 tel: 01 350 000 ext. 3193

The reason for recruiting Arab students is because Google has a growing interest in the MENA region, explains Mazen Sabbagh, the Senior Account Manager. He then went on to mention the appeals and perks of working with Google, like never having to wear a suit, the availability of free food and drink at all time, massage rooms, game rooms, and TGIF (Thank Google it’s Friday) weekly parties. continued on page 3 readoutlook@gmail.com

CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2,2011

PAGE 2

Consultations on adaptation to a changing climate in Arab countries Robert Isaf Contributing Writer / Tuqce Coskun Photographer

The conference “Consultations on Adaptation to a Changing Climate in Arab Countries” was hosted by the Lebanese Ministry of Environment, the World Bank, the League of Arab States (LAS), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the Issam Fares Institute of AUB (IFI-AUB), on October 26, in College Hall, with above 50 professionals attending. The agenda consisted of two sessions, the presentation and the discussion, separated by a coffee break and followed by a lunch.

The purpose of the conference was to present and review the World Bank Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region climate change flagship report draft entitled “Adaptation to a Changing Climate in the Arab Countries.” The report is being prepared by the World Bank and the LAS. When finished in early 2012, it will offer valuable information regarding climate change in the MENA region and its impacts, as well as present policy recommendations for the adaptation to the imminent climate change. This consultation was part of a series of consultations in the Arab region, targeting the ministries, private sectors and civil societies for their feedback and input in the flagship report.

Dr. Nadim Farajalla, climate change faculty research director in the IFI-AUB commented on the involvement of the IFI-AUB in the flagship report: “Two of the contributors to the report and two advisors to the group putting to-

gether the report are from AUB. Furthermore, the World Bank and the League of Arab States asked us to host the consultation in recognition of our standing role over the past four years. The Climate Change and Environment in the Arab World Program has been heavily involved in climate change studies and activities in the region.

We feel it is important that our role continues and that we are always on top of things that involve climate change.”

The conference started with opening remarks by Dr. Nadim Farajalla, Mr. Shombi Sharp, Mr. Sateh Arnaout and Mr. Vahakn Kabakian, who represented the IFI-AUB, UNDP, the World Bank, and the Ministry of Environment respectively and who stressed that the do nothing scenario was no longer an option for the Arab countries when facing climate change, and that the combined efforts of the various organizations represented at the conference was needed to make a change.

The first session was chaired by Mr. Arnaout, and featured three speakers. Mr. Charbel Rizk, project advisor of the Sustainable Land Management Program discussed the issue flood risk management in Lebanon, especially with the increasing frequency of flash floods. He presented the solutions being implemented today such as the construction of water reservoirs and of walls, and reforestation. Mr. Ziad Khayat from the Lebanese Center for Water Management and Conservation talked about water management awareness

and habits, rainwater storage, a fading tradition being reinstated in the rural communities, and artificial groundwater recharge currently under investigation. Dr. Nadim Farajalla expressed the need to account for climate change in agriculture since with the increase in temperature and the decrease in moisture the droughts will increase in frequency, increasing the demand on water for irrigation.

After the three speeches, Mr. Ian Noble, climate change specialist form the World Bank emphasized the need for adaptation and building climate resilient communities in contrast with mitigation. Then Ms. Dorte Verner, climate change coordinator form the World Bank presented the draft of the flagship report to the attendees.

The draft was then discussed and reviewed, as the stakeholders split into groups and commented and reported back on the policy options. Dr. Farajalla stated: “The workshop included some of the most active and productive scientists in the country. The quality of presentations made on Lebanon was excellent and the consultation team was very happy with the output of the workshop and with the issues raised and guidance provided by the participants. The enthusiasm and commitment showed by the participants was highly appreciated by the World bank team.”

CAMPUS NEWS

TUESDAY, ,NNOVEMBER WEDNESDAY OVEMBER1,2011 2,2011

PAGE 3

The AUB Drama Club: Down syndrome theatrical workshops Faisal Younes El Fakhani - AUB Drama Club President Special to Outlook

In accordance with its mission statement for this academic year, the AUB Drama Club stepped “Out of the Box,” and began its journey of “Dramatizing the AUB campus”. For its first project, the club decided to collaborate with “The Lebanese Down Syndrome Society,” to help offer people with Down syndrome the chance to take part in a theatrical workshop happening on a weekly basis in AUB. The idea for these workshops originated when a number of enthusiasts and parents realized the potential benefits of such an activity for their children who suffer from Down syndrome, many of whom already possessed an interest in theater and the performing arts. One of these enthusiasts was Ms.Rita Daccache. Rita graduated as a theater major over a decade ago and since then has become one of the widely renowned faces of Lebanese drama, acting in Rahbani productions and many more. Today Rita graciously volunteers her time to head these workshops and to use her experience in the acting field to benefit the participants.

The workshops themselves bring together members of the AUB Drama Club, volunteering school students, and people suffering from Down syndrome. From trust maneuvers to acting concentration exercises, everything is done within a fun and productive atmosphere, aiming to benefit each partaker. Whether you’re fifteen or thirty-five, male or female, diagnosed with Down syndrome or not, all members of the

workshop are provided with a creative space. There they are given the chance to explore, interact, socialize and enhance their ability to express themselves through acting.

When asked to comment on the topic of Down syndrome and to elaborate on the goals of these workshops, Ms. Daccache said the following : “One of the children here once said to me: “Why is it that whenever people find out I suffer from Down syndrome all they seem to say is ‘Haram’?

‘Haram’ is a word meant for poor people, not normal people like me.” These theatrical workshops aim at helping individuals with Down syndrome to become better integrated in society. They are intended to enhance the participants’ abilities to communicate and make social ties through an activity they are passionate about. On the other hand, we also hope to change the general views and beliefs regarding those who suffer from Down syndrome.

Society needs to realize that they are ordinary people, like you and me, with the potential to be active members of the community. If we’re successful, we might even be able to generate something concrete, like a play or a movie, but our main focus is on the workshops themselves

Google searches for student recruits

and their accompanied benefits.”

Members of the AUB Drama Club felt very privileged to be asked to help in organizing these workshops. This experience has given them the chance to grow as actors, share their love of drama with others and participate in an activity with a humanitarian cause where theater is the chosen remedy. With a considerable number of members signing up weekly to help out, the workshops will hopefully continue until the end of the academic year. After an initial success in their first undertaking for this semester, motivation and enthusiasm are high among AUB Drama Club members, who have just begun their mission of adding a touch of drama to AUB life.

continued

Zainab Al.Dabbagh Contributing Writer

During the presentation, Mitro kept on giving away goods like Google water bottles and Google bags to keep the meeting interactive, as working with Google is similarly “never boring.”

Between the jokes and the gifts, Mitro and Sabbagh seemed to be reaching out to many students who eventually started to believe that working with Google was good fit for them, as the two mentioned, “We want Google to fit you, not the other way around.”

Mitro and Sabbagh also explained that a student does not have to be an engineering or business major to work at Google. Mitro himself is a History and Economics graduate with a Law degree. They stressed that what Google is looking for is innovation, creativity, a solution oriented mindset, and leadership.

“Amazing” and “challenging” were the words used by Mitro and Sabbagh, encouraging AUB students to apply to Google for the serious and fun positions they offer.

Google’s offices are spread around the world but there are only three in the Middle East; one in Dubai, one in Cairo, and finally one in Istanbul.

Some students inquired about a branch in Lebanon, but Sabbagh answered that he doesn’t see

that happening in the near future.

Mitro mentioned exclusively to Outlook that a good CV should be non-traditional and should be personalized. He said Google is looking for diversity in mindsets, “We’re not a conventional company”. He mentioned that Google has employees from Palestine, Turkey, Jordan, and Pakistan among other places.

Students were inspired by the end of the presentation and lingered around to ask the recruiters questions concerning the applications and the work itself. One would guess that all the attendees would be applying to Google for a future career.

CAMPUS NEWS

TTUESDAY UESDAY, ,N NOVEMBER OVEMBER1,2011 1,2011 WEDNESDAY 2,2011

PAGE 4

“For the Boys:” Pizza fiesta held for Penrose residents Robert Isaf Contributing Writer / Mohammad B. Azzam Photographer Residents of Penrose Hall were treated to something a little out of the ordinary last week. For the first time, two exclusive ‘Pizza Fiestas’ were held in the West Hall common room, organized by the Dean’s Office for all men living in the upper campus dormitory building. Residents of floors one through three were invited to attend Tuesday night, and four through six the night after.

Resident’s assistants and Dean’s Office staff helped get the evenings started with a series of icebreaker games, culminating in a bracket-style charades tournament with gift certificate prizes for winning students. Pizza and drinks were followed by a movie.

Dr. Talal Nizameddin, Dean of Students since 2010, was not only present but in the thick of the action, being knocked in the first round of charades after a valiant effort to get students to guess the film ‘For the Boys.’

“The purpose of this evening is to build communities, break the ice among the residents, and to build the relationship also between the residents and the student housing employees,” he explained. “We felt that relations were drifting and we wanted to try and reach out again. It’s not just about the staff and the students, it’s about among the students – we felt that in the past there was the trend towards pockets, groups that formed their own cliques and wouldn’t merge with others… Hopefully when they see each other again now they’ll say hi, want to go for a pizza or something – and I think that’s very important for university, and for the classroom experience.”

The dean admitted, however, that the administration’s interest in engaging and strengthening the residential community didn’t extend to a rather large demographic. Although eager to discuss plans in motion to formulate counseling and outreach sessions for men with on-campus specialists, he wasn’t aware of any similar programs under way for women. “Women tend to be more sociable and less reserved,” he explained. “These are stereotypes of course, but the men who come here do tend to be more afraid to reach out, make friends, break out of their comfort zone. So in this sense we felt there was the extra effort necessary to reach out to them. Women do take care of themselves to a large extent.”

While it was clear that the ‘Fiesta’ event was met with approval by all those who attended, not many agreed with the particulars of the dean’s reasoning. “I didn’t really make new friends. I just hung around with my own friends.” said sophomore Ahmed Shanah, after conceding that he mostly came for the food. However, he added, “Now I can identify people on my floor I didn’t know before.”

Zakaria Tagaizine, a first year student from Morocco, had plenty of reason to enjoy the night – his charades skills won him the night’s 50,000 L.L. grand prize Socrate gift certificate. Despite clearly enjoying himself, though, he echoed Ahmed in questioning its necessity and aim. “I guess everyone knows each other already,” he explained. “ It’s not really important to have this event, it wouldn’t change anything, we already know the coordinators, we already know everyone at AUB. I think everyone basically went for the pizza and not for anything else.” Smiling, he admitted, “It was so much better because I won.”

In particular Tagaizine found flaws with Dr.

Nizameddin’s understanding of the male and female social scenes at AUB. “Even in the [Penrose] lounge, everyone knows each other. In the girls dorm, everything’s closed, and everyone has their own groups and friends,” he said.

“Every time I go to the girls lounge, I only find two or three girls watching TV, that’s it – maybe someone smoking on the balcony. They don’t really hang out, they don’t have the same atmosphere they have here. Even with meals, everyone eats together here, does everything together – that’s not the case there. … Everything’s closed, and everyone has their own groups and friends.”

Abdul-Hamid Sabih, a sophomore, adopted a more nuanced optimism.“The only emotions guys can have are towards sex and food,” he explained. “AUB was kind enough to satisfy one of those. I’m very grateful for this.”

CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2,2011

PAGE 5

ESS Workshop on Interview Skills Ghida Ismail Contributing Writer Nothing in life is given on a silver platter; everything is earned. In fact to get a job or an internship in an important company, one has to work hard. And it all starts with two simple steps: the CV we present to the company and the interview we are given. Thus, in these past two weeks, the ESS (Engineering Student Society) organized two workshops, for interview skills, and CV writing.

Both workshops could only host a limited number of students, around 50 attendees, for efficiency reasons.

The interview skills workshop took place on Tuesday, October 18 in collaboration with Toastmasters, a worldwide non-profit organization whose aim is to develop public speaking and leadership skills through practice and feedback in local clubs. Despite the fact that it occurred on a late hour, the number of attendees was impressive.

Throughout the event, Toastmasters members Mustafa Tamimi and Ray Maroun informed students about how to behave during an interview and about different kinds of interviewing questions asked.

Usually these kinds of events are expected to be a bit boring due to the fact that they are academic. However, it was agreed by almost all the attendees that the workshop was far from dull, but enjoyable and entertaining. The presenters managed to maintain a constant interaction with

the crowd, amusing the guests with brainteasers, which interested students would try to answer.

In addition to that, students got to experience for themselves the kinds of questions presented in an interview. Civil Engineering student, Rayane Zahreddine, played the role of the interviewer, and volunteers from the audience answered Rayan’s questions. Then, Maroun would evaluate the answers so that students would learn from their mistakes. Tamimi, was very impressed with the audience and described the atmosphere as “dynamic.”

Emile Zankoul, ESS’s president and third year Civil Engineering student, summarized the event, remarking,“The best aspect of the event is that it was as academic and beneficial as it was fun and enjoyable. The mood was very friendly as the speakers managed to keep an active interaction with the audience. This is why I would like to thank AUB Toastmasters greatly for providing the engineering students with such an opportunity.”

The second workshop occurred on Thursday, October 27, in auditorium C. Students, eager to perfect their CVs, filled the room, as the workshop started. The event was presented by Mrs. Malakeh Khoury and Mrs. Zane Sinno, two AUB English professors. During the first part of the event, the professors broadened student’s knowledge about writing CVs, discussing the proper

length and format as well as the content.

For the second part, students were given a chance to have a one on one discussion with either Mrs. Khoury or Mrs. Sinno in order to correct and improve their CV. Nadim Kawa, a second year Engineering student stated, “The workshop was very enlightening since it gave us new perspectives on what to include and what to avoid in our CV.” Overall, both workshops were successes. ESS managed to put together two events that combined learning and knowledge with fun and enjoyment. This new society impressed students, and kept them eager to see what it will prepare next.

Model United Nations for dummies: AUB students go into diplomacy Jon Martín Cullell Contributing Writer

Main Gate woke up one Saturday morning, October 15, to witness a rather unusual event: bluestriped ties and black dresses were hurriedly crossing Bliss Street, well equipped with croissants and Caribou espressos. They were all heading to Bathish Auditorium, now converted into the UN General Assembly, where a Model United Nations (MUN) conference was about to start.

Organized by the newly-renamed International Affairs Club (IAC), this was the first of a series of mock conferences meant to prepare the future delegates for the Harvard Model United Nations in Vancouver. It had been preceded by two training sessions, in which the IAC’s board had given some tips to the future delegates. Back then, attendees were not able to hide their confusion while being told about the procedural rules: points of order, motions, moderated Caucasus, perambulatory clauses… MUN technicalities are indeed nothing to be sniffed at. Aware of the attendees’ increasing

difficulties in following, the board members had encouraged them by saying: “Everything will become clearer once you are there.”

And, as promised, things quickly came to light once the doors of Bathish Auditorium closed. Delegates quickly dove into the rules of the game. As the conference moved forward, representatives came to speak up louder, raise more motions, grab their laminated identification cards more firmly and push harder to get to the center of the intrigues. For Corantine Groccio, one of many MUN beginners, the conference was “a great discovery,” since it enabled her to work on an issue she had never had the opportunity to tackle before. The board members are naturally pleased to see the level of satisfaction and motivation of the participants. Tarek Bilani, the president of the Club, highlighted the growing participation and enthusiasm surrounding the club throughout the past years. “Three years ago,” he recalls, “there were

only eight people at the conference; last year there were 30; now the club has over 100 members.”

The impressive number of participants, however, posed some logistical problems. Despite the Chair’s attempts to “recognize” – which, in MUN terminology, means “to give the word to”- as many delegates as possible, people could not speak as much as they would have liked to. In order to reverse this situation, the IAC has already announced the holding of two more “mini-conferences” with fewer delegates. Yet the most widely shared critique is the lack of preparation of some delegates.

Janette Karsten, who had the difficult and heavy task of representing the US, says that “the first step for participants to feel as diplomats is to stay in character, to know your place in negotiations.” Remarked Bilani, in order to reach Harvard MUN level, “there is still a long way to go.”

CAMPUS NEWS

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2,2011

PAGE 6

Bain & Co to AUB students: Consulting is for everybody, but not for anybody Hadi Mehio Staff Writer

On Thursday October 27, two Consultants from Bain & Co. held a two-hour Case Analysis Workshop in West Hall. After presenting themselves, the company representatives told the audience more about Bain’s corporate profile and distinct culture.

Busting the myth Both presenters were AUB Alumni who graduated from the Faculty of Engineering (FEA). However, they repeatedly affirmed that Bain gives an equal opportunity to university graduates of all majors. Contrary to common stereotype, consulting is not only for Engineers, nor for Businessmen. In addition, in their view of the working environment, the company believes that employees must conduct their operations in a framework of collaboration, instead of competing against each other in a hostile work environment.

So what are the skills required for Consultancy?

In general, a structured approach to problem solving is the starting point. In addition, consultants must exhibit the ability of conducting logical as-

sociations. Also, a central element is laying out the issue presented and the steps followed to break down the problem. A distinguished level of skill in numerical reasoning is also necessary. Finally, they emphasized the importance of academic achievements, rendering GPA as the most weighted indicator of ability at the undergraduate level.

The Workshop in Action The presenters held two mock simulations of the case interview process. In the first, the presenters acted as an “Interviewer” and an “Interviewee” whereby they showed students how possible candidates can make their way through the problem.

The example held was on the profitability of a business opportunity. The presenters encouraged questions as part of their impressive interaction with the audience, answering most of them and providing recommendations on “Do’s” and “Don’ts.” Later, a second case scenario was held, in which the presenters gave the audience the chance to solve the case themselves. Then, they provided a methodology to solve the case, since while there

might be a few “good” solutions, a single “right” answer for such cases does not exist.

Audience Reaction After the session was concluded, Outlook Newspaper had the opportunity to ask fourth year FEA student Ahmad Ghalayini about his impression of the workshop. He stated that “It was a pleasant experience” and added that “While some of the information provided was basic, we were able to draw out many conclusions. You might have been able to know when to apply for an internship from the Web, but the problem-solving approach this workshop offered to us is priceless.” According to Ghalayani, the students learned that using ones’ brain, instead of memorizing every financial ratio and management framework, is the way to success.

IEEE Halloween Trivia Night 2011 Karim Zahed Staff Writer The long awaited for event organized by the ”IEEE- AUB” subcommittee members took place last Wednesday, October 26 in the engineering lecture hall inside Bechtel building. The two hour event was reported to require weeks of preparation and planning, and most of the audience and participants said that they were really impressed by the effort the subcommittee had put in. This was the first trivia night of the year, and the IEEE had promised earlier some very interesting surprises and giveaways.

The event started at around 6pm with some Halloween background music, as the 14 competing teams started taking their designated places. They were then welcomed by a low pitch voice claiming to be “Jig Saw” and challenging them to play the game. Round one started off with the teams solving on their answer sheet the 40 questions that were appearing sequentially on the projector.

Then as the organizers corrected these questions, a costume contest was held where the participants showed off their outfits to the sounds of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” music. Vouchers were then given out to the best costumes as the game moved on to the second round.

Ten teams had then advanced to a more interac-

tive round as the members had to raise their answers on a piece of paper on a first come first serve basis. Event Co-organizer Ghadi Sayegh started off the round with playing some familiar songs on the piano, the names of which had to be figured out by the teams. The 4 teams that were able to gather the most points in this stage would then move on to the next round. In between, there was a karaoke contest to lighten the mood and start with the final two rounds.

The third round, gave contestants the freedom to choose their preferred category and have three minutes to solve as many questions as possible.

The two teams to reach the final round would have two separate timers that would make the game all the more fair and exciting. The starting team’s counter starts, and goes on until they are able to answer a correct question. Then the other team starts this process, exchanging turns till one of the timers eventually runs out. Only then would the other team get announced as a winner and win the 100 $ prize.

When the event was over, Sayegh said that: “Everybody seemed so excited while playing; I really believe that as a first event of the year it shows promising activities to come. We hope that next

time we will be supported more by the entire AUB community – by both teachers and students”. Vice president Chantal Chalouhi then concluded with” This event was the beginning of several more to come, especially since this one is definitely considered to be a huge success”. According to an earlier message displayed online by the IEEE-AUB branch that advertised the slogan: “Be part of your society, be part of the IEEE Xperience,” it seems that the society is obviously building up a better reputation than ever.

INVESTIGATION

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2,2011

PAGE 7

Deciphering AUB Faculty Shields Hadi Mehio Staff Writer Have you wondered why there are dolphins on your faculty shield? What about the two spears and that Latin verse on the bottom?

From ancient times till present days, clans, secret societies and major communities expressed and identified themselves using intriguing shapes and symbols that often narrate a story or a belief.

Most notable among AUB community are the weird combination of symbols that form Faculty shields and other images found across the campus.

To start with, each faculty shield is basically composed of two dolphins holding a spear each, a Latin motto in the bottom, a cedar tree and a crown bearing it. Other shapes vary according to each faculty. According to the literature, the dolphin is always associated with Poseidon, Pagan God of the Mediterranean Sea. On the other hand, the dolphin is also associated with Jesus in Christianity, for when they swim alongside boats, they can represent Christ who guides believers to heaven.

When it comes to spears, and to be exact, the trident cross, we all have seen Disney’s The Little Mermaid where her father is often holding the three pronged spear. It is thus logically associated with Poseidon. And if the dolphin is holding it, then it may be the pagan representation of Poseidon holding his trident cross. As for Christianity, three arms, each with three sharp points, symbolize the divine trinity.

In addition to all of the above, the cedar tree of Lebanon represents eternal life and also represents Jesus. As for the crown, in Christianity it has a royalty value; depicting the king of kings

hence also the Christ.

Finally the Latin verse, being extracted from John chapter 10:10, “the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” The OSB shield contains an upside down triangle in which, according to pagan beliefs, it represents the element of water

So when it comes to being used on FM and FHS shields, one stops to wonder if a mistake like this is intentional or not.

Another symbol is found near FHS, in the Van Dyk yard, representing the six pointed star, the fifth pagan element of spirit, commander of all elements and representing ultimate control and power while representing the star of creation and And as for Faculty of Medicine and FHS, the the six days of creation in accordance with the shield contains the caduceus,and of mercury, bible. the messenger of the gods, guide of the d a staff entwined by two serpents. In Greek mythology, It is without question that nearly all Christian Hermes carries the staff and in Roman iconog- symbols are adaptations of pre-Christian symraphy it is always depicted being carried by the bols. But as Christianity took hold, scholars can left head and protector of merchants, shepherds, only assume that these symbols typically lost gamblers, liars and thieves. Often one relates their pagan associations and took on Christian medicine to this symbol, but in fact it is used in- meanings. Yet that too may be subjective. correctly, for the correct symbol is the rod of Asclepius, the Greek god of healing and medicine.

Yearbook 2010-2011 celebrates its completion Lojine Kamel Editor-in-chief / Mohammad B. Azzam Photographer Celebrating the completion of Yearbook 2010- tion party on Wednesday, October 26. The din2011, the AUB yearbook team hosted a recep- ner was held at Orient Queen Hotel for over forty guests, including the Dean of Student Affairs, Talal Nizameddine, and Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Charbel Tarraf, as well as several other members of the .AUB administration The evening was filled with fond memories and welcoming words from the yearbook cabinet. Beginning the evening with a brief

speech, Editor-in-Chief Camille Salem ushered in the yearbook team while cabinet members Sarah Sabbagh and Eman Abdul-Karim stood by. A video presentation was featured on a projector screen, with lively music and reminiscent photographs, for the audience members’ enter.tainment Said yearbook photographer Mohamad B. Azzam, “I found the party very nice, and enjoyed it immensely. The food, as well as the general atmo“.sphere were both great The evening rounded off with a giant cake shaped as a campus yearbook and an exhilarating dance party. Students left in a wonderful mood, eager to see copies of the yearbook published in the coming month. Remarked Veterinary Science senior Assaad Khoury,“It’s great that the AUB Campus Yearbook is coming out earlier and earlier every

ARTS AND CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2,2011

PAGE 8

Are you waisted enough for Japan?

Nadeen Haidar Secretary of the Nutrition Society While the media glamorizes small waists, the society praises it, and nutritionists relate it to good health, in Japan it’s the law. Tokyo law-makers have set a maximum waist size, in other words they’ve passed a law against being fat! Being an indicator of obesity and a precursor to a number of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, the government has decided to save money in its healthcare by imposing waist circumference standards.

In Japan, if you’re 40 or older and have a waist circumference of more than 90 centimeters (33.5 inches) for men and 80 centimeters (35.4 inches) for women, you’re in trouble.

While there has been no agreement that this strategy will work, residents aren’t taking risks.

They’ve been eating less, exercising more and going on all sorts of funky medications to avoid the consequences of have a waistline too wide.

Discounted gym memberships and special diet plans are some of the ways that companies are

encouraging their employees to lose it; all to pass annual check-ups and avoid the payments required if they don’t reduce the number of overweight employees by 10% by 2012 and by 25% by 2015.

Imagine a Japanese person in your head, it is very unlikely that you imagine someone who is overweight. Well, this positive stereotype that we have is well supported by statistics because the rate of obesity in Japan: 5% - one of the lowest in the world and negligible as oppose to a soaring 35% in the US. Curious to know if you’d pass the law in Japan?

Well here are some easy steps that you could follow at home.

1) Locate the top of your hipbone and the bottom of your ribcage and find the midpoint 2) Wrap the a tape measure gently -without squeezing- around your waist at that point – don’t suck in your stomach.

3) Get someone to do the reading for you, it might be uncomfortable to do it yourself While you’re at it, measure your hip circumference – place the measuring tape around the widest area of your buttocks without squeezing and take the reading. You can use those to find your wait/hip ratio which is a measure of body fat distribution. You’re on the safe side if your ratio is 1.0 or less if you’re a man and 0.8 or less if you’re a woman.

We’ve all heard our elders say “ ”, but the risk of disease does really increase when the excess weight is localized around the waist- more than anywhere else. Bottom line: great haste in food choices makes a great waist, so do the right thing and keep that “ ” to the minimum.

The Latino Dance Club’s Halloween dance fever Sarah Zaytoun Contributing Writer

The Latino Dance Club held a Halloween party on Thursday October 27, that included not only elements of Halloween, but also set free all of the members’ passion and enthusiasm for dancing.

In general, the club’s most essential purpose and goal is to introduce students to Latin dances, such as the Cha Cha, Salsa, Tango and Jive.

It provides a fun environment, and motivates and encourages students to get involved in Latin Dance Societies outside of AUB as well. In addition, the Latino club is one of AUB’s largest and most active clubs.

The event started with a dance class of Tango and Salsa, which the members enjoyed, because usually these classes are given on different days, explained Chloe Hourani, second year instructor

of the dance classes. “The event will merge both of the dances, and usually a lot of people show up for it and have fun,” Hourani added.

As soon as the music started, all members were on their feet, ready to learn more about the two types of dances presented. Member of the Latino club, Lara Ibrahim said, “What is nice about the Halloween event is that members not only get to socialize, but they also get to dance and enjoy music.” Another club member, Mark Khoury, who has been dancing Salsa for three years now, says that the party and the club in general allowed him to learn new dances and skills which he enjoyed greatly.

An hour later, some members changed into their costumes, although some were already in

costume. Club member, Amin Bekdach, made quite an entrance when he came in dressed up as a Toyota mechanic, which most of the members found to be rather amusing. The club members who did not come in costume were given plastic hats, ties, and vests that were provided by the club’s committee members, who also brought the chips and beverages.

The main component of the event that was, without a doubt, the passion and dedication each member had for dancing and music. The day indeed provided a fresh environment that brought the members together in their devotion to the art of Latin dancing.

ARTS AND CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2,2011

PAGE 9

A voyage into China’s exquisite cuisine Loulwa Kalache Staff Writer / Reina Yammine Photographer

While noodles and chopsticks are the hallmarks of Chinese cuisine, it is nevertheless still rich with other food items. Outstandingly, the cuisine has evolved throughout history, due to ethnic and geographic changes, as well as the different dynasties ruling the empire and the eight gastronomical schools. Therefore, what the capital of China, Beijing, is bidding nowadays in its food markets, is different than what “Chinatown” offers. Let us visit Beijing through the taste buds of a student from our own campus, Reina Yammine, who traveled there for a summer internship.

“Food stands are around every corner in Beijing.

You can’t escape food,” Reina asserted, explaining how the Chinese culture is food centered.

She started remembering the mouthwatering fried noodles, shrimp dumplings, Korean squid, the meat pie dipped with vinegar and the spicy fish eaten with chopsticks. She was not afraid of trying eerie food, such as the chicken claws, fried scorpions, fried silkworms, and starfish that is

crunchy from outside and gelatinous from inside.

Other gourmet dishes were the rice puddings with seaweed, and the deep fried seaweed sheets stuffed with mashed Tofu and marinated with chef ’s sauce. Aged eggs, known also as “century eggs,” are one of the Chinese delicacies, dipped in ammonia to turn black in color after a few days, and can be served with Tofu cream. Reina adds that if one wants to indulge in Chinese food, one has to savor the Beijing duck, grilled with sweet sauce, and covered with rice and cucumber. But if one wants to silence his midnight cravings there, he can grab a Sushi sandwich. Chinese don’t eat salads, and most of their vegetables and meats are fried, which is surprising given their healthy bodies.

“Chinese desserts are definitely not about fortune cookies, that’s a Chinatown creation,” Reina claims. She then goes on to describe delicious desserts such as the rice pancakes, and the exquisite Moon cake, a thin salty dough with an egg yolk inside and filled with a paste made from the

lotus seed. As for Chinese ice-cream, it is served on bread and covered with foam to be fried. According to Reina, the weirdest food were potato chips which were watermelon or cucumber flavored.

“Chinese, as the rumor says, drink green tea all the time, cold and bottled. They love ginger tea especially when they are sick, but the most common hot drink they have is hot water!” Reina said. One exquisite drink she enjoyed was the Tibetan Tea, made from yak butter and salt, giving it a tangy taste.

Reina argued that it is hard to mimic this genuine food in Lebanon. Getting the ingredients might not be a good business idea because not all of these foods are mainstream. Beyond a doubt, Chinese food is an art, and though the dishes need sophisticated preparation techniques, the food remains humble. This Chinese saying might be proof: “Anything that walks, swims, crawls, or flies with its back to heaven is edible.”

Guitar Mania: String Strife and Wammy Wars Hashem Osseiran Contributing Writer Guitar Hero exited game consoles and manifested itself in DRM Hamra for a night of back to back guitar genius, on Tuesday, October 25. The Democratic Republic of Music housed, “Guitar Mania,” a guitar competition organized by the AUB Music Club in partnership with Roadster Diner, which showed off brilliant indigenous guitar talents in Lebanon.

The three-round competition was a wave of acoustic, metal, rock, and progressive sounds that hit the audience with intensity. The contestants played guitar ensembles that echoed historic names such as: Yingwie J. Malmsteen, Jimmy Hendrix and Metallica in an attempt to win a Cort M custom guitar or a recording at Forward Music Studios. All the contestants

played under the critical eyes of three celebrity judges; Elias Njeim, George Melhem, and Raffy Mandalian.

The competition opened with 12 guitarists fighting for first place, and closed with one fortunate winner. During the first round, the musicians played along tunes or songs that they had previously selected. The second round was pure artistic improvisation, in which the guitarists displayed their musical instincts as they strummed and plucked to melodies they had never heard. The final round challenged the musical ear of each player, as all four contestants had to play to one reoccurring unknown track that would run for only 10 seconds. For the finalists, 10 seconds was all it took as they

played into a frenzy of glorious sounds. Nizar Berjawi, who displayed great technique and artistic talent throughout his performances, won first place in the “Guitar Mania” competition.

Bracing the DRM stage during the event, was the local rock band, Happy Hour, that played a set of seven songs, ranging from old school rock to interesting interpretations of current mainstream music.

The event was a success; the location suited both the ambiance and the space required for the event, as well as the great vibes and brilliant music.

OUTLOUD

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2,2011 1,2011 WEDNESDAY

What are you going to be this Halloween?

Mohamad Yaghi Staff Writer / Tugce Coskun Photographer

Catwoman, because” it’s funny” – Dana Dabbous

Fairy, I just got my” wings” – Dima Malae

Arab-Spring protes-” tor” – Ceren Kenar

One idea is to be a” magnet or the little girl from The Incredibles” – Liane Sader

Pirate, because” they’re evil” – Jorge Waked

A gangster, I just” thought of it right now” – Ramzi Taybah

Mo Yaghi, because” he’s so boss” – May Jabado

Samurai Jack, be-” cause he’s awesome, fights really well, and he’s very righteous” – Talal Naboulsi

Princess Peach” because it’s such an elaborate costume and my boyfriend is dressing up like Mario” – Lynn Merhi

Bloody Cook” –” Maria Achkar

PAGE 10

ARTS AND CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2,2011

PAGE 11

Ballon ovale, recherché à Beyrouth Grégoire Dugueyt Contributing Writer

Partir à Beyrouth pour une année universitaire ne signifie pas seulement rater les élections présidentielles en France ou les Jeux Olympiques à Londres, mais aussi la Coupe du Monde de rugby en Nouvelle-Zélande. En effet, suivre un match de rugby au Liban où le ballon ovale n’est pas aussi populaire que le ballon rond relève d’un véritable challenge. Alors que la rue Hamra diffuse en continu des matchs de football du monde entier, la recherche d’un café diffusant un match de rugby correspond à un parcours du combattant.

On assiste donc à cette compétition à distance prenant des nouvelles de France, où l’ambiance monte à chaque victoire difficile de l’équipe de France contre les Anglais en quart de finale (1912) ou contre les Gallois en demi finale (9-8).

Lorsque la nouvelle d’une confrontation entre le XV de France et les fameux All-Blacks en finale se répand dans les médias, manquer cette rencontre historique n’est pas envisageable même si elle a lieu un dimanche aux alentours de 12h00.

La solidarité française se met en place afin de pouvoir voir cette finale historique alors que les libanais restent plutôt indifférents et s’amusent de notre enthousiasme.

Dimanche 23 octobre, tout est prêt, les ressortissants français se retrouvent chez des amis, chez des cousins, oncles ou tantes et se tiennent prêts à savourer cette rencontre tout en dégustant un camembert avec une baguette et un bon vin rouge, bien sûr ! Certes, ils sont loin de la France et de cette liesse de supporters qui se retrouvent place de l’Hôtel de ville pour suivre en direct la rencontre sur écran géant, mais néanmoins ils sont heureux et fiers d’être derrière leur petit écran.

La rencontre commence par le traditionnel haka des All-Blacks soutenu par toute une nation, auquel répond le V de la victoire formé par le XV de France, qui se tient prêt à relever ce défi.

La première mi-temps est un véritable combat de guerriers durant lequel les Néo-zélandais parviennent, par l’intermédiaire de Woodcock, à franchir la ligne d’en-but française pour mener 5-0. Mais dès le retour du vestiaire, les Français, galvanisés, repartent à l’attaque. Et leur envie ne diminue pas, malgré une pénalité transformée par Donald. Au contraire, Thierry Dussautoir, élu joueur de l’année 2011, conclut un mouve-

ment collectif en s’aplatissant entre les poteaux.

Cet essai transformé par Trinh-duc porte les Français à un point des Néo-zélandais (8-7) et la fin du match se résume à une bataille où la bravoure et le courage des Français ne parviennent pas à faire trembler la montagne Néo-zélandaise.

Les Bleus ont livré un «match d’anthologie» pour la dernière rencontre du sélectionneur, Marc Lièvremont, qui sort de la conférence de presse à la fois «immensément triste et immensément fier».

De retour mercredi en France, bredouilles mais fiers de leur parcours, les joueurs de l’équipe de France ont été reçus à l’Elysée par le président Sarkozy avant d’être acclamés par 20000 supporters place de la Concorde. Merci les Bleus de nous avoir fait rêver !

Album Review: Coldplay’s Mylo Xyloto Sarah Khalil Contributing Writer

Coldplay up and decided to release another one of their albums with a funny-looking name. Released on October 24, 2011, it’s called Mylo Xyloto (MYlow Zi-LOH-toh). Says Wikipedia: “According to Chris Martin, the album is ‘based on a love story with a happy ending’, in which two protagonists: Mylo and Xyloto, who are living in an oppressive, dystopian urban environment, meet one another through a gang called ‘The Lost Boys’, and fall in love.”

The album makes a satisfying amount of sense after this, and flows just like a story – in a way a shade more profound than just throwing around a handful of depressing, ho-hum love songs and then a few really cheery pieces about hope. Perhaps the most striking aspect of Mylo Xyloto is how often times it seems just like one long song, most numbers flowing into the next ceaselessly, ushering the listener into a lively little nook of kaleidoscopic storytelling – more musically than lyrically, as a good chunk of the lyrics are pretty cliché.

The first song, “Mylo Xyloto,” is pretty similar to “Life in Technicolor I” (the shorter, wordless version) from the band’s previous album, Viva La Vida, but that’s pretty much where the similarities between this and their last rather experimental record end. It’s a 40-second piece of bright music that leads straight into “Hurts Like Heaven,” an open-sounding song, loud and clear and optimistic. With it being so positive, you’re caught a little

off-guard when songs progress towards slower, sadder pieces like “Paradise” and “Us Against the World,” an acoustic number that starts out with lots of instruments but strips down to an acoustic guitar and some deep vocals from Chris Martin.

Meanwhile, “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall,” the lead single off the album, is magnificent –driven by an upbeat synth and electric guitar on all its high notes, it’s a soaring kind of song that reminds you of a breezy, golden Friday evening in the middle of May. The album plunges deeper in with Martin predictably “Ohhhhh”-ing his lungs out in a myriad of ways, from the urgent and harsh-sounding “Major Minus,” a suitable depiction of the aforementioned “dystopian society,” to “Princess of China,” a track unexpectedly featuring Rihanna.

The pace slackens towards the end with “Charlie Brown,” which presents those aforementioned Lost Boys. It’s a slow, piano-driven, unnoticeable song beyond its interesting title, and has nothing, on the surface, to do with the kid from Peanuts.

Despite being the least catchy, it’s got some of the most wholesome lyrics in the whole album.

The next few songs blur together unimpressively until the final song, “Up With the Birds,” catches the spirit of the entire record and brings it, musically at least, to full-circle. “Up With the Birds,” though the fourteenth and very last track, doesn’t sound like an ending song. You’re swept back up into something that has the distinct perceptions of

a beginning. “Good things are coming our way” is declared towards the close, as sanguine as any beginning.

Ultimately, this album is packed with all the classic clichés and the lyrics are ever- so-often unclear, which is what Coldplay is infamous for at any rate.

It’s got some sad songs. And some happy. Some solemn, some subtle, some striking. But if it really is one big love story, Coldplay’s captured the heart of it far truer than most: Like the wandering, occasionally doleful, and at-times airy Mylo Xyloto, love is a sometimes-confusing, ever-colorful, always-emotional part of life that ebbs just as it flows, with no real beginning or end.

OUTLOOK TEAM CHAIRPERSON EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR ARABIC EDITOR PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR LAYOUT EDITOR WEBMASTER PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER BUSINESS MANAGER DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

TALAL NIZAMEDDIN LOJINE KAMEL NOUR JANE KACHICHO NOUHAD AWWAD MOHAMMAD B. AZZAM NADINE RAZZOUK MOHAMAD AL MEDAWAR EMILE ZANKOUL TIMMY MALKOUN EDRESS EL RACHIDI

PROOFREADER

CAMELIA HARB

MEMBER-AT-LARGE

TRACY DARIANE

LAYOUT TEAM

ANNEGRET FUNKE NABILE SALEH

NEWS EXECUTIVES

DALIA HOSN ALI KASSEM MONA AYOUB

PHOTOGRAPHERS

TUGCE COSKUN LARA SAAB

STAFF WRITERS

CARTOONISTS

AMER SARE MOHAMAD ALAMEH NADER AHMADIEH JAD SHAMMSSEDDINE MADA DIBS MOHAMMAD YAGHI HEATHER JABER RAYANE ZAHREDDINE HADI MEHIO LAMA ZAKHARIA RAMI PANAYOTI ZEINA MHAIDLY SARAH AL-DIRANI KARIM ZAHED RIDA DAHER SARAH ZAYTOUN LOULWA KALACHE DEEDEE EL JILANI GHASSAN NASSAR JAD JARI

OUTLOOK IS A WEEKLY PUBLICATION OF THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY 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 ARE ASKED TO PLEASE INCLUDE THEIR FULL NAME, MAJOR, RANKING, AND CONTACT INFORMATION FOR VERIFICATION. NO PART OF THIS PUBLICATION MAY BE REPRODUCED 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 AU.THORITIES. OUTLOOK RESERVES THE RIGHT TO EDIT ALL MATERIAL OF

ARTS AND CULTURE

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2,2011

PAGE 13

"The bitterness of studying is preferable to the bitterness of ignorance."

Filipino Proverb

Lojine Kamel Editor-in-chief Midterms, exams, and drop quizzes, how I loathe thee! It’s the time of year again when books are painful to the touch, while the world becomes an ever salient temptress. “Study, study, STUDY!” My mind often commands me, and yet I find myself drawn to playing guitar, watching old episodes of “Friends” and staring blankly at walls. Anything !but opening that chemistry book, please

Revise everything multiple times, and yes, shut off facebook and youtube. We are what we spend our time doing, and I regret to say that I am too often . unproductive

I do not believe that grades define us, for some exams are, in all honesty, ridiculous. However, if you are ill-prepared and complain about flunking, well, that’s another case entirely. We must always Yet in the back of my mind (the way, way back try our best, and if even if we do end up failing mind you), I realize how terribly guilty I would (ever taken Bio 201?), at least we can take comfeel if I didn’t revise. So I use all eight of my high- fort in knowing that we truly studied hard. Or the lighters, a dozen post-it notes or so, and underline .huge raises paragraph after paragraph so that I may feel pre.pared Three and a half years of college life has taught me to never ever enter an exam feeling like you’ve missed something, because chances are, you have.

Movie Review: In Time Ragheed Naimi Contributing Writer In Time’s story takes place in the future, where the saying, “Time is money,” and Darwin’s theory of evolution have been merged together. This produced a new financial system as well as a new lifestyle; no one ages above 25 biologically, but one can live forever as long as he/she “have time”. Time has become the currency everyone uses, once anyone turns 25 years-old, their time starts counting down, and in order to gain more time to live, they have to work, steal, and maybe .even kill To survive becomes a game, but a really dangerous one, where your life is at the stake. Your time is your money; when you want to buy coffee, it costs you five minutes of your time; a bus ride costs you one hour of your time, maybe even two; where the valuable things can cost you months or years. These transactions drag on in every aspect of your life, and if you waste your time and it comes to an end, you simply .drop dead This extremely capitalistic economic system has generated a big gap between the rich and poor in time. The rich who have stolen other people’s time or have inherited it from their

families who “come from time,” have created their own “time zones” to live in, away from the poor who don’t have all that time to waste; the rich do everything so slowly because they have all the time to waste, while the poor are always running. It is almost the modern equivalent of living a communist life where we all have equal opportunities in life to waste time or to make .use of it This complex economic system imitates our capitalistic global system, and even takes it a step further. Throughout the movie, Will Salas (Justin Timberlake), tries to give back the poor their time to live, Robin Hood style, to give them hope of life again. However, the moral of the movie wasn’t about justice or the appreciation of time, (the concepts have been majorly emphasized upon throughout the movie which makes us take them into consideration) but only appears at the end of the movie. The movie will leave your mind hanging, but at the same time, .will get you thinking

januvia

/ /

‫اوﺗﻠﻮك‬

.ext

:tel

Bliss Street, West Hall