I 3, V 43

Outlook The American University of Beirut

MCAT Scam?

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Vol. XLIII, No. 3

Animal Day Page 3

| Tuesday, Oct 12, 2010 | The Independent Student Publication Since 1949

“Connecting the Academy” Clubs Day 2010 Marks a Successful Two Days Dorman Wishes AUBites a successful year Nader Al Ahmadieh Contributing Writer

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n Monday, October 4 at noon, a large gathering was held at Assembly Hall, attended by faculty members, teachers and students, in what has become a well-known activity at AUB. As tradition has it, the president of AUB meets with the AUB community at the beginning of each academic year to welcome them to the university, returning and newly entering students alike, and presents his wishes and goals for that year. After the honored faculty members entered the hall and those present stood in honor of the Lebanese National anthem, courtesy of the members of the AUB choir, all eyes were directed toward President Dorman as he stepped up to the microphone and addressed the attendees.

President Dorman welcomed the AUB community back after a “hot summer” in Lebanon. In Dorman’s words, it is

“a time of intellectual renewal and new opportunities,” a time many view as a fresh start to the usual routine of courses, exams and the rest of the events of academic life.

He then explained the principle at which the AUB system functions, where the aim is to work at a level combining both “theoretical and practical” aspects, an integration of both the material chosen to be taught to students and how effectively the material is taught. In terms of applying this system, Dorman finds AUB quite successful, as historical records and accomplishments of the alumni members have proven that the institution has managed to train the “leaders of the future.” This success, in the opinion of Dorman, is linked to a key factor, “connecting the academy.” This connection does not only imply a certain limited connection, the one actually most

Joseph Saba Nader Al Ahmadieh

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hen classes begin, so do clubs, which means recruiting members. The annual Club Days in AUB took place on October 5 and 6 in front of the normally crowded West Hall, where it became extra busy with all the club frenzy surrounding the building.

Cabinet members were ready before 9:00am to take their well-designed stands and tables from the Common Room to place them in front of West Hall, where more than 40 clubs and societies stacked the booths on two sides; one facing the benches and one facing the building itself.

The popular clubs were back, recruiting all the new freshman and sophomore students that seemed dazzled by the endless possibilities of fulfilling their interests. However, as happy as the clubs were

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such as AUB’s Online Collaborative (AUBOC), which seeks to promote the usage of online social media in AUB. According to Gino Raidy, Biology senior and PR of the AUBOC, “it is time to realize the full potential of social media and integrate it into university life. AUBOC are the people to do that, and I’m looking forward to a very successful year.” He also stated that the collaborative got positive feedback from not just students, but faculty and staff as well.

Another club that is hoping to enjoy some good success on its first try is the Students’ Rights Club (SRC) which is headed by Biology senior Fouad Badaoui. Badaoui says that the club will focus on the issues that should have been addressed long ago (15 Credit Policy, Financial Aid, AUB’s eco-friendliness) but were “ignored due to lack of interest or corruption.”

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AUB Annual Opening Ceremony

Campus News Arts & Culture Editorial & Opinion Spotlight

with the ability to recruit members (IMUN managed to recruit a stunning 136 members in two days), cabinet members complained about the lack of organization present. A representative of the Freedom Club said that “the event seemed to be kind of loose with regards to the fact that anyone can have a stand and open here,” which eventually led to the hectic type of crowding among stands.

A member of the Social Club also agreed that “there are drawbacks concerning organization” and that things are also going great for them as both clubs were able to recruit their desired number of members. The Jordanian Cultural Club and Palestinian Club g were pleased with the event, and the Red Cross was able to sign up a high number of newcomers.

New clubs were on the scene as well and are expected to have a productive first year,

2-4 One on One 5 Arabic News 6-7 Out of the Box 8-10

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Move Night Eat, Pray, Love

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AUB Club Week

Club Week Pictures Inside!

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Oct 12, 2010

Campus News “7 Sins & 7 Dreams” Brought to Life

Lara Traboulsi Contributing Writer

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n Thursday October 7, 2010 at 7 pm exactly the DVD production of “7 Sins & 7 Dreams” was shown in Auditorium B

in West. The performance art piece was put together by last year’s performance art students under the direction and supervision of their

teacher, Ms. Cornelia Krafft.

The shown DVD was a taped performance of the live show that was held on May 21st 2010 in the dome in downtown Beirut. Visitors, students and teachers flocked into the auditorium just before the DVD was played.

Current performance art students occupied the majority of the seats as they buzzed with excitement awaiting the work of their colleagues. Intrigued to discover what last year’s project was in anticipation of this year’s, the students created an air of exhilaration.

The play was a silent black and white interpretation of the seven sins. The silence that coated the play emphasized the movements that manifested the cardinal seven sins. As every sin was portrayed, it gracefully metamorphosed into a corresponding dream. The dream respective of the sin of wrath, for example, was a torch bearing entity that danced

and manipulated fire; a stark contrast against the dark background and compelling silence. All the actors wore a uniform costume that dispelled gender and difference as it unified them under the simple notion of humanity.

The fluid movements of the actors conveyed their message in a potent manner transporting the viewer into an otherworldly place. The background music lent an ethereal quality to the play, leaving you to wonder about the inner depth and workings of the human nature. Wavering between eerie and haunting, the music paired with the performance was enough to give you goosebumps and raise the hair on your neck.

The artful use of shadows and lights expanded the experience as it heightened the viewers’ senses. Making due with the few resources at hand, the performance art students proved themselves true professionals as they presented an act

of great caliber. Prepared in a mere eight weeks, the play surpassed everyone’s expectations. Krafft commended her students on the efforts they poured into the event.

She refused to take the credit saying that it was a collaborated effort that “needed the energy of everybody”. As the credits rolled up and the lights where turned back on, you could see the sense of satisfaction that passed through the room. Smiling faces turned to each other as they discussed in detail the show that they had just seen. The anticipation of the show yet to be put on swept the room as the current performance art students mingled with their experienced colleagues.

Hamdan Encourages Students to Become Activist AUBites

Courtesy of Maya Sfeir Maya Sfeir Contributing Writer

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n a lecture entitled “How to Be Activists and to Take Stand in AUB’s Student Life,” Nadine Hamdan,

vice president of the University Student Faculty Committee (USFC), presented some 50 first-year AUBites

with a comprehensive overview of the election processes at AUB. Hamdan’s presentation, which took place on Wednesday, October 6, at West Hall’s Bathish Auditorium, also introduced students to AUB’s two student committees, highlighting their significant role in enhancing the quality of student life on campus.

Hamdan initiated her lecture with a brief distinction between the two committees, the Student Representative Committee (SRC) and USFC. While the SRC is entirely elected by students, the USFC consists of an elected admixture of 17 SRC members and seven faculty members representing AUB’s seven faculties. Hamdan then explained the procedure of

“Ignorance is Bliss“

election candidacy, tipping prospective candidates about the significance of their electoral campaigns and the dynamism they must display on elections day.

Warning students that politics can be a drawback during elections, Hamdan realistically depicted the challenge of running as an independent candidate. “You must seek the support of political groups since these [groups] are knowledgeable in elections, but you must simultaneously maintain your objectivity,” she advised future candidates.

After briefing students about committee bylaws, Hamdan shed light on the SRC’s and USFC’s most recent achievements. In less than a year, the SRC had enhanced the

AUB grading system, and the USFC had accelerated the reopening of the Ada Dodge Hall Cafeteria, as well as, more notably, deferred the application of the recent credit policy with its increase in tuition.

Frankly admitting that the two student committees are not always able to find solutions to current problems at AUB, Hamdan nonetheless encouraged students to initiate change either by running for elections or by joining the numerous clubs and societies available at university.

--Anonymous

Oct 12, 2010

Outlook

campus news

World Animal Day

Photo Salim Batlouni Gino Raidy Staff Writer

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ctober 4, 2010 is World Animal Day when people around the world come together to push for animal rights and animal welfare in our homes, our busi-

activists and AUB students wearing animal masks and carrying banners with slogans such as “it’s their planet too” and “they have souls too.” Animal lovers were not disappointed though, for participants got to meet and play

mad Farran, and Dr. Elie Barbour from the Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department.

The presentations included different topics related to the role of education in animal welfare.

Mr. Bechara Hitti from the BETA team’s presentation had a profound effect on the audience. The facts and figures presented were deeply disturbing, with graphic images and heartbreaking stories of animal cruelty in Lebanon.

On a more upbeat note, BETA’s ever-expanding animal shelter provides some 300 dogs with the care and love they need. What’s encouraging is that the Lebanese Penal Code, article 672 and 673 safeguard animal rights and dictates fining an individual abusing his/ her or any animal a fine of 10,000 L.L to 20,000 L.L. It is not much, but at least such a law exists. Unfortunately, the law does not properly define abuse and thus would be difficult to contend in court.

Other proposed measures to help animals in Lebanon include properly enforcing hunting seasons and hunting permits and insurance.

The lecturers stress that the biggest hurdle animal activists face is changing Lebanese hunters’ mindset and properly educating hunters on the ethics of hunting. For example, not shooting a nursing fox, which will inevitably lead

“The lecturers stress that the biggest hurdle animal activists face is changing Lebanese hunters’ mindset and properly educating hunters on the ethics of hunting” nesses and of course in the wild.The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the American University of Beirut in collaboration with Beirut for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (BETA) joined forces to promote awareness on campus through two animal parades and a series of mini-lectures in the FAFS department.

The event was full of surprises, most notably that the “animal parade” was in fact BETA

with Fifi and Sonya, two lovely dogs who were the only two that got onto campus.

The attendance included people from the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture, the private animal sector, the Lebaenese Syndicate of Veterinarians, students and a dozens of animal lovers. The speakers were Associate Dean of FAFS, Dr. Jad Chaaban, who welcomed the participants and visitors, Dr. Fawwak Sleiman, Dr. Shady Hamadeh, Dr. Moham-

to the death of its pups and the next generation (photos of which were featured in the BETA presentation).

At the end of the series of lectures, a generous reception was given and an abused, 12-year-old Siberian Husky, Diva, was adopted by one of the participants in perfect signoff for an event that promises to be an annual success at AUB.

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Identity Theft in the Biology Department Deceives Premed Student

Fouad Badaoui Staff Writer

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group called MCAT Central sent an email to Junior Biology Premed students to advertise their MCAT packages by impersonating a professor and a student representative.

The email was allegedly signed

by Ali Haidar, the Biology Students Society’s (BSS) Junior Representative for the previous academic year and seemed to have been forwarded by the BSS faculty advisor at the time Khouzama Knio. Neither Haidar nor Knio were aware of the email or that their names were being used until Friday, October 8. BSS members usually sent emails to Knio so that she may forward them to the entire BSS community. This time, however, the email, sent on July 9, from a Gmail account with the name ‘Khouzama Knio’ and the subject ‘Message from Ali Haidar,’ was only meant for some Junior students. MCAT packages are a collection of photocopied books, practice exams and notes destined to provide students with a cheap alternative to the costly original prints of MCAT books.

The content of the email gave the impression that Haidar encouraged students to buy their packages from MCAT Central as he had “gone to check the quality of the kit” and decided that he “cannot but say that it is a good kit and has nothing wrong in it, quality wise and content wise” for “ a fairly good price of $140.” Several Juniors bought the package, thinking that Haidar had indeed inspected it and approved of it.

They would then receive another email, this time from “mcatcentral@gmail.com,” instructing them to pick it up at “The depot […] in Sanayeh Area, Buhtory Street, facing the Communist Party building.” A group of 2 to 4 people from MCAT Central would talk to interested premed stu-

dents in areas around campus (West Hall, the Hostler cafeteria and the Physics Building).

Although most members of MCAT Central are unknown, one was identified by several buyers (including FAS premed student Mohamed Zalzali), as DM who sold packages under the pseudonym MCAT Wizard last year and is now a first year medical student at AUB. “I trusted him because he’s a med student” claimed one anonymous buyer. DM denied any connection to MCAT Central or any knowledge of the email, claiming he hadn’t sold packages since last spring semester. Yet both MCAT Wizard and MCAT Central instructed their customers to retrieve their packages from the same place on Buhtory Street.

Knio said she was “saddened that such cases can happen at AUB” and that “we are here to help students, not for profit.” She added that the conduct of MCAT Central was “definitely unethical.” Chairman of the Biology Department Colin Smith described the email as being both “really outrageous” and a form of “criminal activity.” He also wondered how MCAT Central had procured the Imail addresses in the first place. In addition, Smith criticized all forms of lucrative exploitation of exams like the MCAT and the SAT. “These things are designed to help people spoof exams” he said about MCAT packages, be they from students on campus or international companies like Kaplan. But he also added that he was not expecting any repercussions on behalf of the law, since absolute proof is nearly impossible to provide in such cases.

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Outlook

campus news

Oct 12 , 2010

“One goal we may attempt is to recognize and accept the necessary chaos of unfettered connectedness...” continued from page 1 focused on in the teacher-student life, but also connection internally, externally and with “the chaotic chatter of the world beyond.” Of course, as every functional path has to be tested for consistency and effectiveness, Dorman believes that it is “an exercise in formal assessment” to examine how the different techniques are being applied and whether it is leading to the expected positive result. As a result of that belief, there will always be a state of constant development in the university in order to work towards it betterment. President Dorman went on to introduce different additions and developments taking place in the university, where “revamping the internal connections” is occurring through studying and learning outcomes, and developments in academic computing, teaching and learning centers. Dorman also highlighted certain external developments, shedding light on the new office for international programs which aims to establish connection between AUB and different universities around the world. As a result, the community would benefit from different cultural experiences and developing the university on global standards.

President Dorman also introduced another addition to university life, the new position of Vice President of Information Technology, and went on explaining the various benefits of the IT. Whether in areas such as making a secure storage system for data, digitizing patient records, making work easier in domains such as financial aid, business and financial systems, or at the academic level, the benefits of the IT are many and share the basic principle of connecting the academy together. Next, President Dorman explained that this process of assess-

ment is not a new one and was recorded in many past events, starting from the days of the Syrian Protestant College. Dorman stopped at a particular important event, the Lewis affair, and the assessment that occurred from encountering this event led to the establishment of “A Declaration of Principles.”

This was the deciding factor in choosing English as the main language of teaching at AUB; therefore Dorman illustrated the importance of assessments, good or bad, stating that “the Lewis Affair is not the kind of self-assessment we would like to undertake anytime soon.”

Afterwards, Dr. Doorman tackled the issue of connectivity, referring to Dr. Mark Taylor’s article “End University As We Know It.” The article gave the idea of the “zones of inquiry” and using these zones to connect different areas of study. In the essay, Taylor points out the lack of flexibility in university, explained by the famous quote used by Dorman, “beliefs shape practices as much as practices shape beliefs.”

This led Dorman to highlight various established centers such as the Center for Arab and Middle Eastern Studies and on the road to creation, the importance of such centers is illustrated using the work of three professors: Stephon Alexander, Jonathan Haidt and Elaine Howard Ecklund. The importance of cooperation and connectivity from what these professors have accomplished clearly shows the need to pay special care to facilities such as the aforementioned centers Dorman stressed that connectivity also exists on a global basis, referring again to the “hot summer” that has just passed, and uses real-life examples using the changing world climate and geographical details to show how things are connected in infinite aspects of our lives. Dorman illustrated that connec-

tivity exists everywhere, it just have to be realized and utilized. Moreover, Dorman emphasized the importance of paradox, utilizing several examples from his real life, and explained that asking such questions is part of the work of “a great university.”

Dorman ended his speech by stressing the importance of absorbing the information from the chaotic outside

world and wishing the attendees “a productive year, with all the paradoxes and conditions it may bring.”

As another year knocks on our door, President Dorman’s words guide the faculty members, teachers and students to the new goals and purposes set to live in an ever-developing, ever-evolving AUB. Connectivity is necessary in the age of global-

ization, where the transfer of information and experiences is crucial for the development of the world as a whole.

Yet in a world full of discrimination that is struck by an obvious separation between the worlds, President Dorman’s words will hopefully be engraved in the brains of the AUBites, who might actually become the “true leaders” of the future.

President Dorman Confronting Students and Administration at the Open House Ceremony

Oct 12 , 2010

Outlook

arts & culture

5

The Ladies in Pink Treat Us Out to Eat, Pray and Love!

Caterina Belardi Contributing Writer

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n the evening of Wednesday, October 6, the screening room of the Dunes movie theatre in Beirut was garnished by a certain elegance, as the guests glided through the doors excitedly looking forward to the premiere of “Eat, Pray, Love.”

The event was hosted by the Women’s Auxiliary who, since 1950, has been an important contributor to the welfare and caretaking branch of the AUBMC. This highly respected and selffunded organization was founded by Mrs. Nelson, wife of the Dean of the School of Medicine at the time, Mrs.

Nina Jedijian, Mrs. Shorey and Mrs. Keatings, and has been active ever since. The volunteers, referred to as the Ladies in Pink, manage the Coffee Shop daily, the Bargain Box, the Gift Shop and cater services to the AUBMC. This industrious and entrepreneurial group of 70 women is able to collect funds for more than just one cause.

They are further joined by premedical students wishing to voluntarily partake in medicine-related activities.

The “initial purpose was to raise money in order to cover the expenses of the patients in need, and to help develop community awareness through meetings. This further branched out into pro-

viding two scholarships and yearly awards to the most prominent nursing students in AUB as well as two of our best employees at the AUBMC,” the current president of the Women’s Auxiliary explained. “We wanted a movie that could appeal to a general public, so they can enjoy a night out. What attracted the decision committee to this particular movie was the fact that it is based on a true story and honest experiences, while also including the extra edge of a travel adventure,” the current president revealed.

“Eat, Pray, Love” initially came to life under the pen of Elizabeth Gilbert, and rose to stardom as it was listed as

a New York Times bestseller.

The movie, directed by Ryan Murphy, retraces the adventures of this autobiography as Liz, the main character, leaves behind her seemingly perfect life as a divorcee, to find herself on a journey around the world, eating, praying and loving! The starstudded cast sizzles, as a never deceiving Julia Roberts flashes her emblematic smile, eating spaghetti in Rome, praying to a guru in Indian ashram, and falling in love once again in Bali in the arms of the Spanish hunk, Javier Bardem.

The movie is presented as a composition of snapshots of breathtaking scenes from world wonders, offering for

each lay-over a good deal of life lessons. When in Italy, you learn not to bother too much, you enjoy “il dolcefarniente” the sweetness of doing nothing…and if you do eat a bit too much, you can always get yourself a bigger pants size! When in India, you come to believe that “God dwells in you,” therefore, “you have to learn to forgive yourself” even if it might seem the hardest task. And, finally, when in Bali, you learn that one “can believe in love once again.”

All in all, it was an evening in which the women stole the show, from the screen to the audience, with the dashing Ladies in Pink!

Conservation of Biodiversity at its best: Protecting the Flora and the Fona Mohamad Al Medawar Staff Writer “

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he greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated,” said Ghandi, one of the wisest men that roamed the earth.

On September 9, 2008, a small group of dedicated people created ‘Animals Lebanon’ with the mission to “improve the way animals are treated in Lebanon” through “legislation, education, and direct action,” reported Safa Hojeij, Founder and Secretary of Animals Lebanon. A series of accomplishments followed, such as developing partnerships with leading companies and organizations in Lebanon, participating in the Spring Garden Show as well as being a partner NGO with the Beirut Marathon Association. Animals Lebanon has also successfully rescued more than 350 cats and dogs, spayed and neutered 700 stray animals, introduced a ‘Trap Neuter Return’ vouch-

er program for the first time in Lebanon, and exposed and closed down a circus for cruelty against the animals.

On Sunday, October 2010, Animals Lebanon made yet another firm step towards achieving their mission in collaboration with IBSAR, Nature Conservation Center for Sustainable Futures

son to plant all 1000 just yet, and a hike around the reserve followed.

“The International World Animal Day and the efforts of Animals Lebanon fall within the successive campaigns sponsored by the Ministry of Environment to preserve biological diversity in Lebanon,” announced Minister Rahal on

“People depend on Nature for ecological services and livelihoods; and the loss of biodiversity equates to a deterioration of the livelihoods of countless societies as well as the quality of life for everyone.” at AUB. Volunteers with Animals Lebanon, IBSAR, and AUB flocked in three buses to Al Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve to inaugurate the location where a thousand trees will be planted, and rescued animals will be released. After the opening ceremony, only 15 trees were planted, considering the fact that it wasn’t the appropriate sea-

the occasion of WAD. Whereas Lana El-Khalil, the President of Animals Lebanon and the Lebanese Ambassador to World Animal Day (WAD) since 2008, declared that “through replanting efforts and increased protection, the forests of Lebanon can flourish and once again support a diverse range of wildlife.”

She added that “as we con-

tinue to rescue animals from substandard facilities we look forward to being able to safely reintroduce them into protected areas such as the Al Shouf Reserve.”

As for IBSAR Mr. Khaled Sleem, Field Coordinator of IBSAR, announced in the ceremony that “People depend on Nature for ecological services and livelihoods; and the loss of biodiversity equates to a deterioration of the livelihoods of countless societies as well as the quality of life for everyone.” Mr. Arbi Sarkissian, Outreach Program Coordinator, who collaborated in the tree planting, was interviewed about Sunday’s event and asked about an assessment of the event. He enthusiastically stated, “It was a successful event, a lot of people volunteered.” He also explained that “the event was well organized, and IBSAR, in collaboration with Animals Lebanon, succeeded in raising awareness, encouraging local involvement and civic engagement. Mr. Sarkissian

also hoped to be able to mobilize Animals Lebanon’s network of volunteers to finish planting the 1000 trees assigned for the preserve.

Also noteworthy is that this event marks a turning point for IBSAR since it’s the first event that aims to protect both animals and plants directly. Moreover, from this point on, IBSAR will start to devote more efforts for research on Fona and encourage advocacy groups to conserve animal biodiversity in Lebanon.

On November 7, Animals Lebanon will be participating in the Beirut International Marathon as they were chosen by Beirut Marathon Association (BMA) to be one of the nine partners in 2010.

In that context, they are trying to register as much participants as possible to run with so that enough money is raised to continue the conquest of saving the biodiversity of animals in Lebanon.

Contact Safa Hojeij (safa81@ gmail.com) for more details.

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Outlook

Editorial & Opinion

Empty Your Mind

Rami Diab Editor-in-Chief

I

Oct 12 , 2010

t’s no crime not to be perfect. Truth be told, last time I checked, this quality of imperfection seemed to be everyone’s reality - myself included. What am I talking about? As the new semester comes to a full-pledged beginning, we students can’t but help drench ourselves with the din and commotion of it all. From registration troubles, to academic responsibilities, to side commitments - most particularly in relation to joining new university-based clubs and societies - our fast-paced lifestyles seem to become all the more frenzied with time, only adding to the scores of thoughts already endlessly multiplying in the back of our minds.

Did you know that the human brain processes an estimated 60,000 thoughts a day? It’s a workhorse! With such a staggering number of mental progressions going on in tandem, our minds are sure to backfire, leaving the glimmer of our priorities stamped out under the rubble of a ruptured mind - too much of anything can kill us you know.

What we need is a break from it all, wouldn’t you say? Why, placing a self-imposed ban on all our stray thoughts may very well prove to be a surefire remedy for cleansing our cluttered up conscious.

No doubt, there exists no better currency for tomorrow than today, for only with the present do we purchase our futures, yet how may we do so if we but dwell in a jum-

bled and secluded world of our own? Doesn’t some mental R&R sound like a promising and much needed endowment? I’m not suggesting we relax to the point of no return (if we lose sight of where we’re headed, any road will get us there), but only to the point of mental clarity and accord.

Here’s an analogy, we can think of our minds as infinitely large chest boxes and our thoughts as dense gas particles invading and bouncing of their interior in a chaotic spectacle of action. This scurried motion of gas (our thoughts) grows only faster, larger and thus more malicious under stress thereby summoning into creation a regrettable gradient of self-destructive thought. The greater the number of thoughts, you guessed it, the greater the state of entropy our minds assume. Whereas if we made sure only a finite number of thoughts ever filled our chest boxes on the other hand, wouldn’t we be able to process and execute them much more clearly and effectively?

No doubt, the benefits of such a practice are endless!

Whatever it is we desire during our temporary abode here at AUB, be it academic distinction, social gratification, or nothing more than a good time (and especially if we’re after a good time), rest assured, sharpness of vision recognized through clarity of mind is our one royal road for the ultimate fulfilment of these desires. So come, let us slough off our worries and be born anew and let us summon up the courage to puncture our conscious minds and watch their cargo ships of mental strain sink deep down into the abyss of our unconscious, for only in so doing are they sure to perish and are we sure to prevail.

A Social Leap Into Cyber Slavery

Mohamad Al Medawar Staff Writer

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n the year 2010, people wondered how, up till three years ago, “Blackberry” and “Apple” were mere fruits! I bet in the year 2020, people would recall how “Blackberry” and “Apple” were just mobile smart phones.” Although my friend’s comment helped a chuckle or two escape my throat, I couldn’t help but contemplate how our current social behavior is changing drastically and probably for the worst. We’ve become slaves to small electronic devices that keep us on alert 24/7. Whenever that squeaky, annoying “bling” of a new “BBM” is heard, it’s definite that in less than a sec-

ond, clicks will follow, massively, then another “bling!”

It’s almost as if communications technology, ironically, was developed to weaken our verbal communication abilities. To top that, people don’t even use proper English or Arabic in these conversations, or use verbs and adjectives higher than the second grade level. I just can’t believe how hard it is nowadays to maintain a conversation for more than one minute!

I sit at a table of 10 people, eight of which have their heads bowed, eyes pointed at a two-by-two inch screen, fingers snapping at those tiny, numerous buttons crammed next to each other.

Although staying in constant contact is very helpful for businessmen and people whose jobs depend on social interaction and availability, engaging in constant conversations just for the sake of “chatting” shows severe intellectual dryness among highly educated students.

Not to mention the fact that people start to run out of topics to talk about in real life!

It’s frustrating to repeatedly have that awkward silence with someone you usually

text infinitely everyday!

I’m starting to believe those theories paranoid people come up with about how global communication companies, encouraged by the “developed” countries, are targeting Middle Eastern and Arab societies in order to deviate people’s priorities in a way that luxuries become more essential than food and water! A perfect example, one that we all give when debating such topics, is how a Lebanese guy would recharge his phone, buy ”pirated” DVDs and get concert tickets, before buying food and paying the rent!

The point is, our lifestyles, social life and intellectual powers are being threatened by “BBs” and “iPhones!”

More importantly, you don’t have to follow the trends and buy the same phone everybody is buying so that you don’t become the odd one out.

Don’t be a slave to your possessions! And for God’s sake let’s go back to using our MOUTHS!

Things Change

Yahia Hamade Senior Staff Writer

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was awestruck as I sat down, gulping my cup of java after a full day of classes. I still could not be-

lieve how difficult it was to get around such a small campus.

As I sat on a bench in an area whose name I still don’t know watching people pass by, I realized I was running late. I had to be at two places at the same time, a skill I acquired after four years of being an undergraduate.

As I raced traffic, on foot of course, I finally reached my destination; the newsroom.

The unrecognizable space was transformed yet another time since my editorship.

As I paced the soulless room, my eyes scanned the place for something familiar, but to no avail. I could not even recognize my own name on the staff list. Something was missing. I could not hear the profanities

that echoed through the walls when missing a deadline, nor see the fastfood menus we used when working late.

Even yesterday’s issue looked like something published by another university. It was not my newsroom anymore.

I sat on the conference table, also known as our “dining table,” thinking. It is all different now.

Outlook

Oct 12 , 2010

Opinion

7

Welcome to Outlook. (Just kidding!)

Edrees Elrachidi Staff Writer

S

o I finally made it! I have joined Outlook.

Apparently, it is the media, and only the media that has the capacity to chisel peoples’ minds, and now that I am part of the media, I have wielded the power to be-

gin executing my world domination plans (well, maybe not the world, but perhaps AUB).

With Outlook, I can influence the community that is AUB: thousands of students, hundreds of faculty and staff members, hundreds more employees, and many visitors. I have many topics up my sleeve that I plan to write about in the future: events on interfaith dialogues and debates, the progress of ABET (Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology) accreditation at AUB, random socioeconomic aspects of the university, interesting club events, and last but not least, the courtesy of fellow citizens allowing their dogs to drop their brownish black works of art (a.k.a. feces) on

the sidewalks of AUBMC. But maybe it’s time to wake up from such a pleasant dream because I (and everyone) should realize that written forms of the media are quickly losing power when it comes to their influence on people. It’s not that journalists are writing bad articles, it’s simply a matter of people not reading them. In fact, I can almost guarantee that aside from a few Outlook staff members and editors, only about 20 people will read this editorial, half of which will be faculty members, five of which will be friends that I will have begged, and five other students who actually read Outlook. Maybe the figures might look slightly more promising than that, but you

get the idea. People simply don’t see the importance of reading the news anymore, and who’s to blame them? After all, people would much rather have a visual image flashed right in front of their face; people find it easier if the news is brought to them while they’re drooling on their couches in the comfort of their home, instead of bringing themselves to read the news. Although there’s some falsity in that because a newspaper, newsletter, or bulletin can be delivered right to the door, reading the news requires more effort than simply watching or listening to it. I feel encouraged joining Outlook, but at the same time I’m discouraged because I know that even if I

write something really great (which is highly unlikely), I know that hardly anyone will read it. The biology and engineering majors out there will still be stuck in their respective realms and probably won’t take the time to open the curtain to know what’s going on outside their scope of interest.

It might be the case that I’m writing so I feel good about myself, but writing articles or editorials serves a larger purpose, and that’s serving the community; it’s bringing what the writer feels the community needs. That in itself is serving the community. On another note, I come in peace. And on a third note, read the news!

No Smoking in Indoor Public Places?

Lynn Itani Staff Writer

E

stimated at around 40.3% of the population, Lebanon has one of the highest smoking rates in the world along with one of the weakest tobacco control policies. An important element within the new proposed tobacco law calls for a total ban on smoking in indoor public places including restaurants and bars. Besides protection from second hand smoke, this ban will encourage smokers to quit or to decrease their intake of this poison. Studies on air quality in indoor places in Lebanon reveal that tobacco smoke levels are twelve times the acceptable limit - this calls for drastic action! We are all placed at the risk of cardio-

vascular diseases and cancers among other health dangers – children and pregnant women are most vulnerable.

The ethical debate also relates to the fact that smoking in public places exposes others to toxic substances possibly without their own consent thus presenting an infringement of their own choice and freedom. Also, having separate smoking and nonsmoking areas has proven to be an ineffective strategy for reducing levels of smoke according to scientific experiments. Only recently, Spain will shift to a total ban after the latter has failed. In addition, the common excuse that tobacco control laws lead to economic loss does not hold as shown by the experiences of other countries. The high

smoking rate in Lebanon is burden on our economy as the substantial expenses related to healthcare needs, absence from work and environmental forest burns and street waste cleanup outweigh other revenues. Tobacco farmers in Lebanon do not sell their products locally, so their profit is not affected by local tobacco control policy.

Also, experiences from other countries show that such a ban does not affect or actually increases revenue for restaurants and bars. For example, in Turkey, revenues in the hospitability sector increased by about 5% after implementing the ban in 2009.

Yet, a major barrier to such a law in Lebanon is that tobacco companies, driven by profit, interfere in the pol-

Read, Share, Recycle

icy-making process. They weaken attempts for policy change and appeal to the political interest within the government. The nonsmoking movement started in the West by employees working in such public places such as waiters, bar tenders and flight crew who were exposed to dangerous levels of tobacco smoke and suffered the consequences. As young people, I think it is our responsibility to speak up about this issue as it is related to our current and future health as well as our country’s economy. Change and support are needed regarding the high rate of smoking in this country as soon as possible, or else the matter will only become worse.

8

Outlook

Spotlight

Oct 12, 2010

The Student Rights Club

International Model United Nation (IMUN)

The Civic Welfare League (CWL)

Outlook AUB’s Independent Student Newspaper

The International Students’ Club

The Social Club

Outlook

Oct 12, 2010

9

spotlight

The Music Club

The Lebanese Armenian Heritage Club

The Insight Club

The Palestinian Cultural Club

The Communication Club

The Photo Club

10

Outlook

Oct 12 , 2010

spotlight

Toastmasters

The Red Cross

The Camping and Hiking Club

The Freedom Club

The Latino Dance Club

All Photos by Mohamad Alameh and Samer Bu Jawdeh

The Unesco Club

Oct 12 , 2010

11

Outlook

one on one

Dorman discusses the hiring of two new VPs and goes over the 15 credit policy “No one should have to stop coming to AUB for financial reasons” Fouad Badaoui Staff Writer

I

n a recent interview, AUB president Peter Dorman explained the objectives of Richard Brow and Peter May, two new additions to AUB’s senior administration, and shed some light on a few of the main points of the tuition policy to be implemented in the fall of 2011.

Peter May is AUB’s first ever Vice President (VP) for Legal Affairs and his job description is basically that of an inhouse lawyer. His international trips and work with World Learning (an NGO that focuses on education) make him, according to Dorman, “very well versed in US tax law” and “flexible” to new posts. His hiring is a consequence of AUB’s expansion.

As it grows, an institution switches from private firms to in-house counsel. May will keep the university updated on the ever changing regulations that apply to educational entities, like AUB, that are exempted from taxes. He will also give his legal input to much of the policy mak-

Source: www.aub.edu.lb

ing in AUB. The idea of a VP for Legal Affairs is one that has hovered around College Hall’s fifth floor as far back as the days of Waterbury.

As a legal expert giving advice from the inside, May will count as a means of saving money, since outside firms are more costly. He will nonetheless be cooperating with two Lebanese firms on syndicate and insurance issues.

Richard Brow, the new Vice President (VP) for University Advancement will allocate most of his time to fundraising, but will also work on rebranding the university. According to Dorman, Brow’s fundraising activities in the Middle East and his work in the Carter Center make him a compatible candidate who will “be able to adapt very quickly” to new cultures and already seems “fascinated with the Lebanese setting.”

Brow is supposed to “bring AUB to the notice of the public at large” as well as continue his predecessor’s legacy of alumni relations. His predecessor, retiring VP for Development and External Relations Stephen Jeffrey, undertook the Campaign for Excellence that raised 171 million dollars for AUB. Dorman said that a similar campaign will take place, as most “universities are in constant campaign mode,” although a date has not been set up yet.

Upon being asked if the new VPs were hired as a reaction to AUB’s need for more funds and last year’s class boycott, Dorman replied that “AUB has a very sound financial footing.” He also denied any connection between the VPs and the 15 credit policy as well as the ensuing student protest. The 15 credit policy is a reform of tuition payment aimed, according to the administration, at increas-

ing the financial aid account.

Upon its announcement last academic year, it was met with a campus wide boycott.

Dorman confirmed that it will be implemented next fall semester and that an Oversight Committee (including students) will be present to handle appeals and to review the changes for the sake of transparency.

Dorman stated that the 15 credit policy’s role was to “enhance academic excellence” and improve libraries, laboratory facilities and research.

It will also allow AUB to continue attracting the “best minds in Lebanon” as faculty members. The ultimate goal of the policy, however, is “unrestricted financial aid.” Currently, 70% of the financial aid comes with conditions from the donors while only 30% is “unrestricted.” Dorman stated that the new policy will allow the university to keep its “academic edge.” In addition, it will “more than double the amount of unrestricted financial aid.” The desired result, for the administration, would be an increase in student diversity and AUB’s capacity to accept the “best minds regardless of where they come from,” thus countering AUB’s image as an “elite institution” for the rich. On another level, AUB received several banks’ trust in giving loans to students regardless of their majors. The number of students on loans is expected to rise from 600 to 1500-1800. Dorman also announced that the added price of the tuition will be covered thanks to the loan and financial aid changes, although he did admit that the screening process for financial aid applicants in Lebanon is hindered by the lack of proper tax statements and guidelines.

‫‪12‬‬

‫‪Outlook‬‬

‫‪Oct 12, 2010‬‬

‫‪arabic news‬‬

‫برنتر في مكتبة جافة‪ :‬حكاية األلف نطرة ونطرة‬

‫مرمي العلي‬ ‫احمل ّررة‬

‫كان يا مكان‪ ،‬في قدمي الزمان‬ ‫بلد اسمه لبنان‪ .‬فيه جبال‬ ‫كثيرة ومدن‪ .‬وكانت فيه مدينة‬ ‫سميها الناس بيروت‪ .‬فيها‬ ‫يُ ّ‬

‫أحياء كثيرة وناس‪ .‬وكان لبيروت‬ ‫رأس على البحر‪ .‬فيه أبنية‬ ‫كثيرة‪ .‬على رأسه تقف اجلامعة‬ ‫األميركية‪ .‬ذات األبنية الكثيرة‬ ‫أيضا ً‪ .‬في اجلامعة كانت مكتبة‬ ‫نعمة يافث التذكارية أو ‪Jafet‬‬ ‫على طريقة أهلها‪ .‬فيها اّ‬ ‫طلب‬ ‫كثيرون‪ ،‬وكتب كثيرة‪ ،‬وطاوالت‬ ‫كثيرة‪ ،‬ومساحات فارغة كثيرة‪،‬‬ ‫رخامية ومب ّلطة‪ ،‬وأبواب كثيرة‪،‬‬ ‫ونوافذ زجاجية عمالقة‪...‬‬ ‫وكثيرة‪ ،‬لكن ‪ Jafet‬لم يكن‬ ‫فيها ‪ printers‬كثيرة‪ .‬فعل‬ ‫“كان” من ضروريات احلكاية‪،‬‬ ‫لكن هذه احلكاية تنفلت من‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫املاضي‪ Jafet .‬اليوم ليس‬ ‫فيها الكثير من ال ـ �‪print‬‬ ‫‪ .ers‬فيها ‪ printer‬عن‬ ‫اليمني‪ -‬ميني الداخل إلى املكتبة‪،‬‬ ‫وأخرى عن الشمال‪ .‬وما بينهما‬

‫“تق ّبل األخر”‬

‫مصطفى فضل اهلل‬ ‫كاتب صحفي‬

‫ندعي تق ّبل األخر‪ ،‬لكن‬ ‫ك ّلنا ّ‬ ‫فلنمارس عملية نقد ذاتي‬ ‫ألنفسنا‪ .‬ليأخذ ّ‬ ‫كل منّا بأطراف‬ ‫نفسه ويحاول أن ينفض الغبار‬ ‫من على عل ّية اآلخر‪ ،‬إذا استطعنا‬

‫أساسا ً أن نلمسها! فلنح ّلل‬ ‫هذا الغبار سنجد أنه غبار‬ ‫ثقافة عمياء بعضها من رمال‬ ‫اجلاهل ّية وعصبياتها‪ ،‬بعضها‬ ‫من تفتّت األخالقيات اإلنسانية‪،‬‬ ‫وبعضها من ثقافة احلوار من بني‬ ‫احلفر‪ .‬حوار احلفر‪ ،‬ذاك احلوار الذي‬ ‫ال ميضي إال بالصراخ وبالعيون‬ ‫املغمضة والقلوب احلاقدة‬ ‫والكالم املنفعل‪ ،‬ألفناه في‬ ‫أما إذا‬ ‫لبنان حتّى صار طبيعيا ً‪ّ .‬‬ ‫نظرنا إلى رفوف عقائد أنفسنا‬ ‫فسنجد إهتمامنا بتفصيالتها‬ ‫وشكل ّياتها إهتماما ً غريبا ً‬ ‫متشعبا ً ملتهبا ً ال ينظر إلى‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫غيره إلاّ بعني ملتهبة ولسان‬ ‫مشتعل‪ ،‬واألسوأ‪ ،‬عقل منغلق ‬ ‫املشكلة ا ّلتي نتش ّربها يوما ً‬ ‫بعد أخر من دون أن ندري هي‬ ‫ثقافة وكالة “قالوا”‪“ .‬كيف‬ ‫عرفت؟ فالن خ ّبرني!”‪ ،‬هي‬ ‫اإلجابة ذاتها‪ .‬فمهومنا عن‬ ‫غيرنا مرتبط مبا أخبرنا البعض‬ ‫ممن قد ال نثق بصدقهم لكنّهم‬

‫يروح ويجيء اّ‬ ‫طلب حت ّركهم‬ ‫العجلة ويسكنهم التوتّر‪.‬‬ ‫ويغيظهم أكثر ما يغيظهم‬ ‫االنتظار في طابور املشتاقني‬ ‫إلى ورقة مطبوعة‪ .‬يحملون‬ ‫تعد‬ ‫البطاقات البيضاء‪ ،‬التي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫لهم من األوراق ما أنفقوا وما‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تبقى‪ ،‬مي ّيزون أنفسهم بهو ّية‬ ‫“املنتظر”‪ .‬ملاذا ال يوجد في‬ ‫املكتبة غير آلتني غ ّبيتني اثنتني‬ ‫تبتلعان البطاقات البيضاء؟‬ ‫وملاذا تسخر منّا ‪printers‬‬ ‫كثيرة خربة‪ ،‬متأل فراغ مساحة‪،‬‬ ‫تلتصق بها بعناد ورقة مكتوب‬ ‫عليها ‪out of order‬؟ ال‬ ‫تسألوني‪ .‬صحيح أنّي أروي‬ ‫احلكاية لكني ال أعرف ّ‬ ‫كل شيء‪،‬‬ ‫علي‬ ‫يجب‬ ‫ويبدو لي هنا أنه كان‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تعديل احلكاية األولى‪ ،‬فاملكتبة‬ ‫فيها ‪ printers‬كثيرة‪ ،‬ولكن‬

‫ليس فيها ‪ printers‬كثيرة‬ ‫صاحلة للطباعة‪ .‬يا سالم! هل‬ ‫يخطر على بالكم السؤال‬ ‫البديهي الصعب نفسه‪ ،‬والذي‬ ‫ير ّدده كثير من املنتظرين في‬ ‫حلقاتهم اجلماعية‪“ :‬وين عم‬ ‫يروح القسط؟”‪ .‬جواب هذا‬ ‫السؤال ال أعرفه أكثر من غيره‪ .‬ال‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫تفكروا فيه كثيراً‪ ،‬خذوا قسطا ً‬ ‫من الراحة بني أفواج املتجمهرين‬ ‫حول الـ ‪ printer‬الفريدة‬ ‫من هذه اجلهة أو تلك من باحة‬ ‫املكتبة‪ ،‬واستمعوا إلى الكالم‪.‬‬ ‫ال تنظروا في الوجوه الغضبانة‪.‬‬ ‫استغ ّلوا هذه اجلمهرة الغريبة‪.‬‬ ‫أل ّن وجوه الواقفني لن تتقارب‬ ‫في مكان آخر من العالم إلاّ‬ ‫وانضموا إلى‬ ‫في تلك البقعة‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫املتعارفني! ستالحظون أ ّن‬ ‫يعمرون زمالة أو صداقة‬ ‫كثيرين ّ‬

‫ّ‬ ‫األقل يحفظون من وجوه‬ ‫أو على‬ ‫الواقفني وجها ً واحداً‪ ،‬يس ّلمون‬ ‫عليه فيما بعد‪ ،‬فيما بعد زمن‬ ‫االنتظار واألزمة! تك ّلموا أنتم‬ ‫عندما تسنح لكم الفرصة‪،‬‬ ‫وافعلوا معهم أي شيء في‬ ‫االنتظار‪ ...‬ر ّددوا األسئلة‬ ‫املتذمرين‪،‬‬ ‫وتذمروا مع‬ ‫ذاتها‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫عال إذا استطعتم‪ ،‬ال‬ ‫بصوت‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫تكتفوا بالتنهدات التي تهدر‬ ‫أنفاسكم الغاضبة في الهواء‬ ‫لتختفي‪ ،‬بل احكوا ألف كلمة‬ ‫وكلمة‪ .‬إذا انزعج أحد‪ ،‬أشيروا‬ ‫إلى الطابعة اخلرساء‪ .‬ألم يُشر‬ ‫إبراهيم إلى كبير األصنام وقال‬ ‫لقومه اسألوه!‬ ‫مبح ّبة‪ .‬‬

‫من “جماعتنا”!‪ ،‬أو أن مفهومنا حملاولة فهم األخروسؤاله عن فثقافة احلب في احلوار‪ ،‬أو ثقافة‬ ‫حتمل اآلخر وتق ّبل أفكاره بروح‬ ‫مفهوم أسالفنا وأجدادنا‪ ،‬أو نفسه‪ ،‬أن نعرف “إخواننا” من‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫أنه مرتبط بواقع إجتماعي خالل أنفسهم وكلماتهم ال رحبة وعقل متح ّرك‪ ،‬تستطيع‬ ‫أن تث ّبت األرض من حتت أقدامنا‪.‬‬ ‫أن نطلق العنان لعقلنا لكي‬ ‫أن نصل إلى ق ّوة اجتماع ّية وطن ّية تستطيع أن تفرض‬ ‫ننقد مفاهيمنا الفكرية قبل‬ ‫أن نهاجم غيرنا‪ ،‬ليكون احلق‬ ‫السياسي املريض‪ ،‬قد يبدأ من خالل‬ ‫نفسها على الواقع‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫هو املرتكز‪ ،‬واحملبة هي األرضية‪،‬‬ ‫والعقل هو ّ‬ ‫الطريق‪.‬‬ ‫اإلنطالق حملاولة فهم األخروسؤاله عن نفسه‪ ،‬أن نعرف‬ ‫نحب من‬ ‫نحب اآلخرين‪ .‬أن‬ ‫أن‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫“إخواننا” من خالل أنفسهم وكلماتهم ال من خالل غيرهم نتّفق معهم لنتعاون معهم‪،‬‬ ‫نحب ا ّلذين نختلف معهم‬ ‫وأن‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫لتنفتح قلوبهم علينا ولنقدر‬ ‫ممن قد يحملون الفتنة واحلقد في كلماتهم‪.‬‬ ‫أن ننشئ جسرا ً من اإلحترام‬ ‫ثم نأتي نحن من خالل غيرهم ممن قد يحملون اإلنساني واحلقيقة الفكر ّية‬ ‫سياسي معينّ ‪ّ ،‬‬ ‫لننطلق من هذا ك ّله لنعمم الفتنة واحلقد في كلماتهم‪ .‬بيننا‪ .‬أن تكون لدينا حكمة‬ ‫اخلاصة هي محاولة لكسر قوالب اإلمام علي بن أبي طالب حينما‬ ‫بعض املشاكل واحلاالت‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫على اجلميع‪ ،‬ونسقط حتّى لو اجلليد ال ّثقافية املفروضة قال “إحصد الش ّر من صدر‬ ‫آمنّا بالتغيير‪ ،‬أمام واقع اليأس علينا‪ .‬فليكن حوارنا بال حدود‪ ،‬غيرك بقلعه من صدرك “‪.‬‬ ‫فلتكن قناعاتنا ثابتة ولكن لربمّ ا كلماتي فلسف ّية حاملة‪،‬‬ ‫املستشري‪.‬‬ ‫أن نصل إلى ق ّوة اجتماع ّية متح ّركة في مجال احلوار‪ ،‬ليكن تالمس املثالية أحيانا ً كثيرة‪،‬‬ ‫وطن ّية تستطيع أن تفرض حوار احلقيقة ال حوار اجلدل ّية‪ .‬لربمّ ا أنني أناقض واقع اليأس‬ ‫الدين من دون أن اللبناني‪ ،‬لكن لربمّ ا ينكسر‬ ‫نفسها على الواقع‬ ‫السياسي فلنتحاور في ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الضوء‪.‬‬ ‫املريض‪ ،‬قد يبدأ من خالل اإلنطالق ترعبنا رمال الطائفية املتح ّركة‪ ،‬اجلليد‪ .‬ولربمّ ا ينتفض ّ‬

‫من لم ميت بالسيف مات بغيره‪ ،‬تعددت األسباب واملوت‬ ‫واحد (املتنبي)‬

‫(‪ ٢٣ - ٩١٥‬أيلول ‪)٩٦٥‬‬

‫‪13‬‬

‫‪Outlook‬‬

‫‪arabic news‬‬

‫‪Oct 12 , 2010‬‬

‫السد ا ّللبناني يحصل على ّ‬ ‫الذهب اآلسيوي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫مصطفى فضل اهلل‬ ‫كاتب صحفي‬

‫السد ا ّللبناني لكرة‬ ‫أثبت فريق ّ‬ ‫اليد أنه فريقُ الطموح العالي‬ ‫والبطوالت للعام الثاني على‬ ‫التوالي‪ .‬فبعد أن حصل على‬ ‫املركز الثاني في بطولة األندية‬ ‫األسيوية لكرة اليد العام‬ ‫املاضي‪ ،‬استطاع هذه السنة‬ ‫يوم اخلميس الواقع في السابع‬ ‫من شهر أكتوبر أن يفوز بهذه‬ ‫البطولة كأول فريق لبناني في‬ ‫تاريخها‪ ،‬وهو إجناز آخر يُضاف‬ ‫إلى إجنازات الرياضة اللبنان ّية‬ ‫آسيو ّيا ً وعامل ّيا ً‪ .‬وقد وصل فريق‬ ‫السد اللبناني إلى املباراة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫النهائية بعد فوز رائع على فريق‬ ‫السد القطري العريق بتف ّوق‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫واضح للقريق اللبناني على‬ ‫مدى الشوطني وانتهت املباراة‬ ‫بنتيجة (‪.)30-27‬‬ ‫أما في املباراة النهائية فقد‬ ‫التقى السد بفريق مضر‬ ‫السعودي املتأهل بفوزه على‬ ‫ذوب آهان اإليراني‪ .‬وكانت املباراة‬ ‫قوية وحماس ّية منذ بدايتها‪.‬‬ ‫وا ّلذي أعطى الفريق اللبناني‬

‫الفوز هو التأ ّلق الواضح جلميع‬ ‫أفراد الفريق‪ .‬فقد أظهر‬ ‫ثالثي الهجوم ستويانوفيتش‬ ‫(“ساشا”) وبطوليا وأحمد‬ ‫األحمر إلى جانب جناحا‬ ‫الفينيق اللبنانيان محمد‬ ‫الصد‬ ‫وماهر همدر مع حائط‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الصلب ذو الفقار ق ّوة هجوم ّية‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫متدفقة على طول ّ‬ ‫الشوطني‪.‬‬ ‫واستطاعوا أن يحرزوا اللقب‬ ‫تقدمهم في ّ‬ ‫الشوط األ ّول‬ ‫بعد ّ‬ ‫بنتيجة (‪ )19-12‬واستم ّر‬ ‫التقدم حتى نهاية املباراة‬ ‫هذا‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫جدا ً بنتيجة (‪33-‬‬ ‫اجلميلة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫‪ .)28‬نبارك مجددا ً ل ّلبنانيني‬ ‫السد اللبناني على أمل‬ ‫ولفريق ّ‬ ‫أن تُعطى هذه اللعبة إهتماما ً‬ ‫إعالميا ً أوسع وأن تستحصل‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫حقها من إجنازاتها على األقل‪،‬‬ ‫وعلى أمل أن تستطيع الرياضة‬ ‫اللبنان ّية والعبوها أن يجبروا ما‬ ‫قد ّ‬ ‫حطمته السياسة‪.‬‬

‫يوم النوادي‬ ‫مصطفى فضل اهلل‬ ‫كاتب صحفي‬

‫أُقيم يومي الثالثاء واألربعاء‬ ‫بتاريخ اخلامس والسادس‬ ‫من أكتوبر احلالي يوم النوادي‬ ‫السنوي في اجلامعة األمريكية‬ ‫في بيروت‪ .‬هو يوم يحاول فيه‬ ‫املسؤولون عن النوادي ومن‬ ‫املسجلة‬ ‫يهمه األمر من النوادي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫في سجالت اجلامعة أن يجمعوا‬ ‫أكبر عدد ممكن من األعضاء‬ ‫في سجالتهم (علما ً أ ّن العدد‬ ‫األقصى ألعضاء النادي الواحد‬ ‫هو ‪ ،)72‬لكي يشاركوا في‬ ‫النشاطات ولكي يستطيع‬ ‫النادي أن يتواصل معهم‪ .‬بدأت‬ ‫املراسم في التاسعة صباحا ً‬ ‫يوم الثالثاء‪ .‬الشباب يهرولون‬ ‫صعودا ً ونزوال ً على درج الـ‬ ‫“وست “‪ ،‬يجلبون الطاوالت‬ ‫والكراسي وألواح العرض التّي‬ ‫يتفن ّ‬ ‫نّ‬ ‫كل بتزيينها‪ ،‬ثم يبدأ‬ ‫السوق! “شباب و صبايا”‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫قد ال تعرفهم‪ ،‬يبتسمون في‬ ‫وجهك يدعونك بكلمات جميلة‬ ‫لتشترك معهم في النادي‪،‬‬

‫وإذا وقعت في حبال أحدهم‬ ‫سيكون عليك أن تتحاذق في‬ ‫الهروب فالشباب اللبناني‬ ‫بشكل عام “متعوب علسانه”‪.‬‬ ‫بسمات وضحكات وصيحات‬ ‫من هنا ومن هناك بني أعضاء‬ ‫النوادي يرمون بعضهم ببعض‬ ‫كلمات املزاح واملالطفة‪ .‬قد‬ ‫جتد طالبا ً ممن تعرفهم ميسكون‬ ‫بك‪ ،‬يحاولون أن يكسبوك في‬ ‫ناديهم‪ .‬نواد كثيرة‪ ،‬ثقافية‪،‬‬ ‫اجتماعية‪ ،‬فنية‪ ،‬تنومية‪،‬‬ ‫وغيرها مما يتصل يقضايا معينة‬ ‫كحقوق املرأة وقضايا حقوق‬ ‫محددة‬ ‫اإلنسان ونشاطات‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫أخرى‪ .‬الزحمة خانقة معظم‬ ‫فترة الصباح إلى الظهيرة أمام‬ ‫وتخف تدريجيا ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الـ”وست هول”‬ ‫حتى تتالشى عند العصر‪.‬‬ ‫عروض غريبة أحيانا ً وخطابات‬ ‫حادة قد تالقيك في الزحام بني‬ ‫من يدافع عن قضية ناديه ا ّلتي‬ ‫من املفترض بشكل عام أن ال‬ ‫تتصل بالسياسة تفصيل ّيا ً‪.‬‬

‫‪Photo: Dima Hajj‬‬

‫يتراشقون بالكالم‪ ،‬هادئا ً تارة‬ ‫ومنفعالً تارة‪ ،‬وبحيوية تار ًة‬

‫اّ‬ ‫الطلب أن‬ ‫أخرى‪ .‬ويبقى على‬ ‫يستطيعوا في خضم هذا‬

‫الضجيج انتقاء مرادهم‪ ،‬ال مراد‬ ‫غيرهم‪.‬‬

Outlook

out of the box

Restaurant Review

A

Oct 12 , 2010

Lara Traboulsi

El Molino: The Adelita of Restaurants

n AUB teacher once said that we students are being packaged for export. We are educated and then shipped abroad to find a suitable job. Oussama Mehanna, Khaled Mehanna, and Mansour Azar were no different. After they finished their education in AUB they parted ways and went abroad to set their career paths in Saudi Arabia and France.

However, what is remarkable about these young three AUB alumnae is the fact that they returned and started their own business. Because of a dream they shared and held on to, El Molino in

Hamra was born. After having saved up the capital they needed, these three young men came back to Lebanon and opened a franchise of the Mexican restaurant El Molino, a mere walking distance from AUB, the place where they learned to dream.

El Molino, a five minute walk from AUH, welcomes you with its earthy colors and inviting ambiance. The warmth of the restaurant is communicated by the beautiful portraits that grace its walls. A collection of paintings done by the great Mexicans artists Freda Khalo and Diago Rivera lend an air of authenticity

to the Mexican atmosphere that engulfs you. You’re journey into Mexico is then heightened with the food that is delivered. Pure Mexican dishes served with a famous El Molino twist leaves your palate dancing with the blend of tastes that come alive in your mouth. With the food you are given what is promised but with a surprising and extremely pleasant kick that leaves you wondering about their secret ingredients. The only thing that surpasses the food is the staff themselves. Made of a variety of students, some of which are AUB, the friendly staff

promises the customers a pleasant and engaging time.

Tala Saab, the floor manager, says that aside from offering their customers a pure Mexican experience, El Molino goes above and beyond to make sure that the customer is taken care of and enjoys his time in their cultural haven. All the staff were given rigorous training and told to simply be themselves. The fact that they are all hardworking student ensures an added bonus of smart conversation to be shared with the customers.

La Adelita is the story of a strong and rebellious young

woman who, as myths say, fell in love with a sergeant and fought side by side with him during the Mexican revolution. She graces the menus of El Molino as she symbolizes the strength of the young graduates and the rich culture that the restaurant plans to add to melting pot of cultures that is Hamra. Mr. Azar says they chose her to represent the young and rebellious spirit of all students that are looking for their strength. When you visit El Molino you not only experience Mexico but you get to witness the living dream of three young AUB graduates.

Question of the week Which NBA team won the most NBA Championships?

Boston Celtics won 17 times!

14

Oct 12 , 2010

out of the box Psyched Out

The Outlook team Chairperson

Maroun Kisrwani

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

Layout Director

John Hajjar

Layout Editor

Joelle Haddad

Member at Large

Giovanny Reaidi

News Executives

Heather Jaber Lojine Kamel Mostafa Fadlallah

Web Master

Mohamad Al Medawar

Business Managers

Sally Khalifeh Lara Traboulsi

Staff Writers

Fouad Badaoui Edrees Elrachidi Yasmin Fansa Maryam Hoballah Lynn Itani Tala Kardas Sherif Maktabi Rita Obeid Yasmine Saab Joseph Saba Amer Sare Ilijia Trojanovic’ Emile Fares Zankoul

Cartoonist

Deedee El Jilani

www.wunderground.com

Mohamad Alameh Tariq Buhilaigah Dima Hajj

Tuesday Wednesday H:30 L:20

Rita Obeid

Dependent Personality Disorder

Photographers

H:28 L:20

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Outlook

Dependent personality disorder (DPD) is usually evident in early adulthood and is characterized by an excessive need to be taken care of, which in turn leads to clingy behaviors and fears of separation. Such behaviors arise from the belief that one cannot function adequately without the help of others. Individuals with DPD show great difficulty in making everyday decisions and need the constant reassurance of important people in their lives. Such people also show difficulty in expressing disagreement with people probably because of the fear of losing support and approval of their loved ones (i.e. a family member or spouse/boyfriend).

The causes of DPD remain unknown. However, more women than men have been found to have DPD. Additionally, people with DPD do not trust that they can make good decisions and feel that others are better at it. Some symptoms of this disorder include: -Passivity -Avoiding personal responsibility -Preoccupation with fears of being abandoned -Willingness to tolerate mistreatment and abuse from others DPD might be accompanied by many complications and other disorders and these include: depression, substance abuse, and vulnerability to physical, emotional and sexual abuse.

As for the treatment of DPD, Cognitive-behavioral therapy is the preferred form of treatment.

This form of therapy focuses on maladaptive patterns of thinking and aims at resolving symptoms or traits that are central to this disorder, such as the inability to make decisions alone.

Medication can also be helpful for the treatment of co-morbid conditions that accompany this disorder, such as depression.

Reference: Dependent Personality Disorder. (2008.). In Psychology Today online. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/dependent-personality-disorder

Food for Thought

Rami Diab

Hydrating with Food Occupying over two thirds of planet earth (and counting), constituting some 60% of the human body, and present to up to 95% (by weight) in some plant species, I believe we can all come to terms with fact that water is the one indispensable biological molecule vital for shaping life as we know it. Why is water so essential to life? I’ll mention a few points. Water is involved in all sorts of metabolic processes, cellular functions, and even thermoregulatory processes. Water participates in enzymatic digestion, internal sanitation, and even evaporative cooling (sweating to cool us off). We wouldn’t think twice about hosing-off when feeling undeniably filthy on the outside; why then do we hesitate when it comes to our insides (which I imagine are in a far more drastic state of aesthetic distress)? If we are looking for a good water-containing food sources of, our quest stops here, for what better source of water is there than raw fruits and vegetables? In fact, the water extracted from freshly consumed fruits and vegetables is of greater value than normal drinking water in that it acts as a medium shuttling the many nutrients (vitamins and minerals) of the aforementioned food groups to and fro nourishing all portions of our bodies in exchange for their waste matter. Moreover, this water moistens the semisolid aggregates of food undergoing digestion in our stomachs (chyme) thus maintaining them longer, producing an early sensation of satiety. Dumping half a litre of drinking water into our stomachs on the other hand dilutes our digestive juices and forces our bodies to expend more energy in excreting additional digestive juices in efforts to sustain digestion. In addition, a deficiency in fresh fruit and raw vegetables has many a time been linked to the acquisition of obesity and its respectively derived disorders. Any wonder why obesity in America is steadily on the rise? Fast food restaurants seem to outweigh the number of fresh grocery stores by a ton! No doubt about it, if we desire hale and hearty living, then water is key, making not starches, but fresh fruits and vegetables the ultimate settlers at the bottom of our food pyramids.

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

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H:30 L:21