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Outlook

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Jafet and AUB undergo maintenance Ali Kassem News Executive “Inefficient, concentration-thwarting, and crowded,” was how Hassan Al-Moussawi, AUB freshman student, described the outcome of Jafet Library’s constructions. Returning from the semester break, most AUB students were met with a rather shocking reality: a smaller computer lab in Jafet and deafening noise in Nicely. While most students interviewed for this investigation showed high appreciation for AUB’s work to improve the campus and our experience, the methods used were met with high demurrals.

In an attempt to convey students’ concerns, as well as reveal the motives behind what is going on around campus, Outlook interviewed Jafet’s head reference librarian, Fatemeh Charafeddine, among other members of the AUB community.

The computer lab has already shrunk and new offices are being built, but Charafeddine reveals that this is only part of a bigger plan. Jafet, she explains, is being rejuvenated. Soon we should all

be expecting signs that indicate several new regulations to be introduced in an attempt to make Jafet, “the student’s home,” a better place. For this to be successful, Charafeddine asks students to treat Jafet as a home by using it for studying and preparing for classes.

As for the computer lab, the issue on most students’ minds, Charafeddine reveals that it was a must-take decision. The microfilm readers, previously present in the same room as the computers, needed their own space. From the requirement of complete silence to that of darkness, the computer lab proved an unfit area. Charafeddine explained that these microfilms are of vital importance to Jafet as a “research library with people from all over the world” using the unique archives and collections that cannot be found elsewhere. Thus, the decision was made; the computer lab was divided in two.

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Photos by Tugce Coskun

Nemr Abou Nassar brings laughter to Issam Fares Hall Ghida Ismail Staff Writer Charlie Chaplin once said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” With this in mind, it seemed that no student in AUB wanted to waste their Friday evening. In fact, when the FEA, SRC, and the ESS (Engineering Student Society) joined hands to organize a comedy stand up show by the comedian Nemr Abou Nassar on Friday, March 2, students from different majors, not only engineering, couldn’t wait to get their tickets.

In a period of two days, 550 tickets were sold.

Due to this excessive demand for tickets, the event location had to be moved to Issam Fares Hall which could host more people. On the other hand, this was no ordinary show, but in actuality a charity performance. All the money will be donated to “ACSAUVEL, The Child’s City”, a Lebanese NGO whose goal is “to provide care for the child, every child of Lebanon” without any racial, political, or religious discrimination.

Continued on page 5 www.aub.edu.lb/outlook

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Campus News

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Page 2

Party rockin’ till tomorrow was today Tony Ayoub Staff writer When one has been starring at a laptop screen for thirty minutes, not knowing how to write a party critique, said person concludes that words pale in comparison to the event. The ADC, AUB Dorms Club, was formed just two weeks ago when the residents of the dormitories at AUB decided to stand together united. Subsequently, the club cabinet decided to introduce the club to the AUB community with a bang. The ADC’s first event was a well located and pocketfriendly celebration initiation, that is a “night to remember,” quoting the extremely fly Yasmine Agha, Junior at AUB. The party took place at G-Square, a new and up-beat club which opened a couple of days before the event. The partiers started showing up at 11 p.m., but the ambience was chill until 12:30 p.m. when the club became packed. Then the crowd embraced the heart-shaking bass and erupted into a party rocking mob. Drinkers and non-drinkers alike seemed to be having a blast.

Plus, there was not a moment’s wait with both D.J.s coordinating with the waiters in accordance with when to change up the beat and send in the next round of drinks, including champagne, vodka and shots with fireworks.

The excitement of the partiers held up for more than four hours straight, dancing with no care in the world, except for the organizers, who held down the fort by rotating shifts in management, interacting with the club staff and processing tickets at the doors; thumbs-up for a job well done. In conclusion, nothing more can be said, except for a quote acquired from one of the many people that stayed till almost 5 a.m., whom happens to be a fellow AUB Dorms Resident, Jessica Makhoul saying, “This is one of the very few parties that are worth staying up till dawn for.”

photos by Khaled Karanouh

Making Waves fundraiser hits all the right notes Tony Ayoub Staff Writer On Friday, March 2, disabled children all over Lebanon had a smile on their faces. The Making Waves club at AUB organized their first fundraiser of the year at Mrs. Robinson in Hamra in order to raise enough money to rent a pool for their charitable activities, which mainly consisted of teaching disabled children the liberating art of swimming. By the first day of ticket sales on Monday, the Karaoke Night was sold out.

The event eventually dumbfounded everyone after having a chaotic and, at the same time, slow start. The schedule for the night was thrown out the window, as the attendees were almost all “fashionably” late, as usual, so the organizers decided to wing it. Although the karaoke night had a plateaued and quiet start, it slowly transcended into an all-out ear imploding bash, where everyone, with or without a microphone, were singing with the sole purpose of having fun and being heard. English, Arabic and French songs alike, the crowd was on fire; Dabke, break dancing, or even guys trying to shake their hips to Arabic songs that were on at the time - the night definitely seemed like a prime success.

Moreover, attending AUB students seemed to strongly agree; quoting passionate singer and AUB student Anwar Dandachi, “Finally, I got rid of the stress I had since finals.”

In addition, commendation is in order for the organizers of this event, including fellow AUB

photo by Abedulrahamn Hajjar

students Jad Abiad, Sara Zeidan and Omar Daouk. They were seen running back and forth all night to keep everyone happy and enjoying themselves. There is even doubt that they themselves even had seats.

Overall, the event will be remembered all throughout the semester, and we will definitely see the Making Waves club preparing another hit soon. photo by Tala B. Azzam

Campus News

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Page 3

Welcoming “Spring Back” with liveliness Karen Sertin Contributing Writer The music was blaring; people were dancing, drinking, mingling and having fun… On February 24, the AUB Freedom Club set up a spring dance party at Palais Mailot in Dora. The room was packed with dolled up girls and boys who had cleaned up quite nicely. The lights were flashing in different colors around the room. The disco ball was twirling on a string held up on the ceiling. It was beautiful. People left all their stress and worries behind and all gathered in several groups just to simply have fun. What better place to unify with all kinds of students with different backgrounds?

A line was forming outside Palais Mailot. All that could be heard was the muffled noise of the music booming on the inside of the place. As the line moved forward, the music got louder and the beats could be felt through vibrations. Once inside, people started to go to the tables that they had reserved in advance with a bunch of other friends. Everyone got into their party mode as soon as they made their way in and began to move their bodies to the music as they searched for

their tables. After saying their hellos, they would disperse in all directions and begin mingling with the rest of the students on different tables.

The place was packed; people were stumbling over each other and barely had room to dance with their friends, but they all managed. Several individuals were walking across the room glancing around looking for their friends, and dragging them to dance or to grab a couple of drinks from the bar. Not one person was left sitting out and unhappy, everyone was up and smiling. As the night progressed, people became more hyped up and were no longer at their reserved tables. They moved from one side of the room to the other constantly, and everyone just had a splendid time. The party ended at about 4 a.m. and, as per usual, the majority of people has decided to continue their evening at Zaatar w Zeit for a delicious breakfast to top it all off.

According to one of the many of the people who went to the party, a former AUB student, Mohammed Bachir, claimed that the event was “lively and a lot of fun,” he continued to say with

a smile on his face, “I got to see people I don’t normally see outside of a serious atmosphere, and everyone was just having a great time! Including myself.” In addition to this positive feedback, there have been plenty of talks about just how great that night was and, of course, funny stories were told about that night. People who could not make it to the event wished they had gone after listening to all the stories their friends had filled them up on and what a great time they had. It was another successful event for AUB. It is rare to find such a massive group of people going out to a party and being so happy and having so much fun. This is one out of the many events in Beirut that make Lebanon so well known for its clubbing atmosphere. Despite all the problems this country faces, ranging from each person’s problems to local problems, people still know how to look past the struggles they face on a daily basis, know how to let it all go and how to have a spectacular time.

Entrepreneurship in the Middle East Ghida Ismail Staff Writer Dare to risk. These are the three words that describe entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is the act of making money and economic goods through risk, innovation, and business acumen.

On February 29, NDJ (Notre Dame De Jamhour) Alumni Society made it possible for students to better understand entrepreneurship in the Middle East by hosting a lecture by Joe Saddi, the global chairman of Booz&Co and a Notre Dame de Jamhour graduate, class of 1976.

Issam Fares Hall was filled with over 400 students eager to learn from this influential figure in consulting. Furthermore, the former minister Michel Edde, the deputy Salah Jebran and various important economical figures were present in the audience. Saddi started by stating that though Lebanon’s economy is growing, the young generations are also growing. More than 50% of the population is less than 30 years old, which means more jobs need to be provided.

While in the United States 3.3 million jobs are

provided per year, in the Middle East, whose population is almost equal to that of the US, 75 million jobs must be supplied by 2020. In other words, this equates to 7.5 million per year, which is double the number needed for the US. Hence this will not be an easy task.

One way to deal with unemployment, stated Booz&co’s chairman, is to start small and medium enterprises. Unfortunately, the government in Lebanon doesn’t encourage this, as its main focus is on infrastructures. Moreover, there is not enough funding and investments; Lebanon has yet to work on encouraging entrepreneurship in the country.

Once the presentation ended and before heading out for cocktails, Saddi took some time to address the attendees’ questions. When asked to choose between UAE and Lebanon for the initiation of a company, Saddi stood by his country of birth, answering that he is “convinced for good or bad that Lebanon is the best country in the world.” His

reply was warmly applauded and highly approved by the audience. Furthermore, Saddi reassured lost and undecided students when he responded to one of the questions with, “I had no idea what I would end up doing; I had no clue I would end up in consulting. You can find your passion after you graduate. What needs to happen is to expose students early on to different fields.”

Adam Bitar, a Mechanical Engineering junior, asserted that the lecture reminded him that, “Failure isn’t scary, but giving up and not even trying? That is pretty scary. Everyone in life, not only in business, must take a leap of faith.”

To sum up, Georgio Haddad, NDJ Alumni Society’s President remarked, “One of our goals is to expose students to beneficial academic events, and having Mr Saddi share his experiences was a good start. I hope it was as interesting as we promised it would be!”

Campus News

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Page 4

New NMR Machine in AUB? Rana El-Jarrah Contributing Writer NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) spectroscopy is extensively used in many research labs here at AUB. Through this technique, the magnetic properties of atomic nuclei are used to determine physical and chemical properties of atoms or molecules. NMR spectroscopy is based on the NMR phenomenon and provides details about structure, reaction state, and chemical environment of molecules. This technique is extensively used to identify organic compounds.

On Wednesday February 29 a presentation about the latest NMR technology was given

by Alain Hulot from Bruker Bio Spin in the chemistry department where several Chemistry professors and graduate students attended.

The lecturer explained various issues relating to NMR technology and use. Recently, there has been a lot of advancements in the NMR spectroscopy field. The efficiency of the technique relies on the resolution of the machine, which depends on

the frequency used. It took about 75 years to be able to improve NMR machine frequency from 60-300MHz. Nowadays the resolution range is between 60-1000MHz. There is only one 1000Mhz machine in the world; installed at the research facility CERN in France.

Here at AUB, in the core lab, there is a 300MHz NMR machine. It has been here for 12 years and it is used extensively. Dr. Kafarani, a professor of organic chemistry comments: “This is the only machine in the core lab that is not given a break. It is operating 24/7.” He also mentioned that five major research groups depend on this machine. However, due to its age, it is vulnerable to malfunctions. Such incidents would place the various researches depending on hold; a situation no one wants.

In an effort to avoid such incidents and consolidate AUB’s technological advancement a number of professors are hoping to buy a new

NMR machine that has a 400MHz frequency for better resolution and better results. Additionally, this new machine will provide additional features such as an automatic sampler changer.

Nevertheless, funding the acquisition of such a machine remains problematic. Yet, with upcoming grants, there is hope that AUB will be able to purchase the 400 MHz NMR machine by next year.

AUB has a highly equipped core lab with the latest machines needed for research. The machines are used by several research groups and are a result of grants and donations. AUB keeps the core lab updated and available for the members of research groups at all times. Research groups make use of the available machine as best as possible. There is always hope for getting new equipment when the time is right and the grant arrives.

Understanding Breast Cancer: Can we protect ourselves?

Dania Machlab Staff Writer Breast cancer has come to be the most common type of cancer in women, accounting for 16% of the cancer cases amongst females. It is the leading cause of death amongst all cancers in women which is why understanding this particular disease has become a topic of vital interest. Just in 2008 it was responsible for 13% of all deaths worldwide. Dana Bazzoun, PhD candidate at the Biology department in AUB, shared these facts on Friday, March 2 as she presented her interests in studying the cancer on a cellular level.

Students and professors attended the lecture that presented some studies the department had been working on in Dr. Rabih Talhouk’s lab, as well as their aims at newer ones.

Ms. Bazzoun explained the importance of understanding how breast cancer is initiated to begin with and that there is a wide gap of knowledge in that area. The breast is an organ that goes through several changes during growth, pregnancy as well as menopause. A great number of factors would thus be involved in regulating these roles, leaving the breast more prone to cancer. Ms. Bazzoun further emphasized the interest in considering cell-cell communication, as this plays roles in cell differentiation.

Understanding what’s going on at the level of cellular communication through gap junctions, tight junctions and adhesion belts provides an insight into how breast cancer may be initiating.

The lecture entitled “Context Dependent Role of Connexin-43 in Breast Carcinogenesis,” focused on the role of connexin-43, a protein that makes the gap junction, as well as that of b-Catenins which assemble on the gap junction with other proteins as a complex. Experiments conducted at Dr. Talhouk’s lab showed that in human breast tissue, conenxin-43 was present in the nucleus, rather than at its normal position on the membrane of the cell. Silencing connexin-43 allows the b-catenins, which are now no longer attached to the gap junctions, to go back to the nucleus and promote cell proliferation. In 2D cultures, the increase in proliferation was as high as 50%. Driving these cells to make more connexin-43, allowed them to appear on the membrane again, and resulted in the loss of some cancerous properties.

More studies aim at having a better understanding of cell communication through the junctions, as well as looking into cell cycle regulators and doing in vivo studies. The question is whether

connexin-43 can be rendered a biomarker for breast cancer. If so, then a breast tissue biopsy revealing low levels of conexin-43 for instance would be an early indicator of breast cancer.

High implications lie in detecting the cancer risks before tumor formation, and thus taking the necessary precautions.

Dana Bazzoun has received the 2012 International Fellowship Of UNESCO-L’OREAL for Women in Science, and will be using the fellowship to conduct further research at Purdue UniversityIndiana. Commenting on the interests in this research, Dana Bazzoun says: “Early detection of breast cancer is the most important aspect in decreasing the death rate from this disease. There are lots of risk factors we are bound by, but if we can develop strategies to detect potential risk of developing breast cancer we would still have the chance of protecting ourselves.”

Campus News

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Page 5

Jafet and AUB undergo maintenance Continued Ali Kassem News Executive Nevertheless, Charafeddine explains that the consequences are not as dire as many might think. Previously, there were 50 computers and by the end of the construction works there should be 38; “only 12 less.” Additionally, she revealed to Outlook the plan to increase the number of plugs, as well as plug accessibility, within Jafet.

This, she claims, is compensation, since “most students can use their laptops.”

Charafeddine also shared a proposed plan to transform the “audiovisuals room” into a “multipurpose hall.” This hall is to be used, under normal conditions, as a strictly quiet research room, designated for graduates and researchers.

This would allow better research and more organization within Jafet. She adds that the hall could be used, whenever needed, to host “events or ceremonies, such as book signings and review

events.”

Along with the actual construction, Jafet’s website is undergoing additions and the Jafet administration has launched new research guides. The first of these relates to the Arab Spring, an issue that is the most pressing in light of the high demand for scholarly resources, information, and history.

Jafet has also decided to improve access to information and resources not available in the library. Hence, the new office being built in the west wing of the library is to house the “Access Services Librarian,” who will facilitate resource sharing with other universities. Students have recently received an email about this, informing them that whatever AUB does not have, AUB can get.

Jafet and AUB as a whole are experiencing

extensive maintenance. From fixing the horrid Nicely 500 to installing new censor machines at the exit of the University Libraries, the work is already underway. Sacrifices need to be made and patience needs to be exercised by students, faculty and staff.

Photos by Tugce Coskun

Nemr Abou Nassar brings laughter to Issam Fares Hall Ghida Ismail Staff Writer When the long-awaited day finally arrived, Issam Fares Hall was hit by a wave of laughter.

Abou Nassar dominated the hall with his jokes, to which students couldn’t help but laugh their hearts out. In fact the audience became a crowd of smiles and laughter. It was the perfect escape from their studies, worries, and problems. “The show was very funny and entertaining. Nemr was very good with the audience” declared Nadine Nakad, ECE junior. “The crowd was amazing and very supportive,” added Haya Daawi, Civil Engineering student.

What distinguished the show was the interaction between the comedian and the audience. Indeed, the audience was part of the show and the jokes.

Towards the end of the show, Nemer had an idea.

He asked the specwwtators to remain silent, while he filmed himself talking, pretending he was home alone. And when suddenly he turned the camera toward them they exploded with clap and screams. To make the event even more memorable, he made it into a short movie and posted it on YouTube under the name “Coolest video EVER!” In the video Nemr writes “My life has never been so perfect as when I’m surrounded by laughter.Thank you.”

Wissam Bechara, the FEA SRC president stated, “I think this has been the best event in AUB so far, and I would like to thank the ESS.” Furthermore, Jad Sabra, SRC representative, described the event as a success and added, “It was a pleasure to be part of such an event.”

Photo by Mohammed B. Azzam

Continued

Sports Opinion: Mistimed call-up for Abbas Hassan could have cost us qualification Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Page 6

Hadi Mehio Sports Executive Theo Bucker is a great manager. The manner in which he transformed our national team is quite remarkable. Yet, one could say a thing or two about Bucker’s decision to start Abbas Hassan.

In a pre-match conference with goal.com, Theo Bucker explains his decision of benching first-team regular Ziad el Samad in favor of Hassan, “[Hassan] plays for a team that is in the top Swedish League so his background, his training, his experience is definitely a bit better than Ziad. There is nothing against Ziad as a goalkeeper but in this special moment, you have to take the best, end of story.”

Hassan might be a professional plying his trade in Europe, but a quick look at his recent run of form is not encouraging. His club, IFK Norrköping, is only three places above the bottom spot in a 16 club league. Abbas Hassan is not enjoying his best form this season,

conceding 29 goals in 18 games in the Swedish Allsvenskanliga. On the other hand, Ziad el Samad is arguably the best local goalkeeper since the retirement of Ali Fakih. To say the least, el Samad knows his defenders well and he can tell them who to mark without them questioning his judgment. This is an absolutely crucial factor in defense, especially on counter-attacks and set pieces.

In Wednesday’s match, the miscommunication between Hassan and the defenders was undeniable. Hassan conceded three goals from outside of the penalty box, two of which were from free-kicks. The free kick wall was poorly formed on both occasions, and the final score might have been different had the team practiced defending set pieces with Hassan between the sticks.

After Korea’s result ensured that Lebanon qualified despite the loss against UAE, the

only victim of dropping Ziad in favor of Hassan is Hassan himself. The weight of importance placed on the match-up put him under more pressure than ever, as his club in Sweden is already struggling. Under different circumstances, he might have pulled off great things for the national team. In the aftermath of the match-up, he became known as the man who could have cost us the qualification. As Lebanon conceded one goal after the other, the spectators in the Ada Dodge Cafeteria chanted, “Waynak ya Ziad, Waynak ya Ziad.”

Cabinet, Mohammad Raad.

To spice up the tournament, first prize was a whopping $400 for the winning team and a prize of $100 for the runners up. Twelve teams registered for the event by the end of the registration period. Unfortunately, one team withdrew from the tournament last minute.

A draw was held on March 2 to determine the groups, with team captains present. Teams were organized into two groups. Group 1 included five teams, two among which had female players (not to be underestimated) and Group 2 included six teams.

The competition was divided into four stages: The group stage, quarter finals, semi-finals and the final. The event was extremely organized thanks to the effort of Mohammad Raad, who worked on the rules of the tournament that covered every aspect of the game, and to BSS Officials Mhamad Kalot, court monitor, and referees Bilal Dariane and Ibrahim Halawi. “Although the rules are close to those of street ball in terms of scoring, clearing the ball and ball possessions, however, we added some rules that aimed to keep the game fair and exciting all together,” remarked Vice President of BSS Hisham Mansour.

Each game was 20 minutes long or till one team reached 21 points. The group stage, which took place on Saturday, March 2, featured an incredible and breathtaking showdown between

the competing teams. The atmosphere was electric with great plays on the offensive as well as the defensive end. Upsets took place as some teams stronger on paper fell short against underdogs. Every team gave it their best but at the end of the day only the first four teams of both groups qualified to the quarter finals. In Group 1, “Falafel” came in first place followed respectively by “[KN]2” “Team Remy” and “Absolute.” In Group 2, “Powerpuff Boys” came on top followed by “Venoms”, “CBL” and “Vipers”.

The stage was set for the quarter finals with the team ranked first in its group playing against the fourth team in the other group, second playing against third and so on; playoff style. Quarter finals, semis and the final were scheduled for Sunday, March 4. However, the BSS cabinet was forced to postpone the games as an act of precaution considering protests that were happening on the same day in downtown Beirut.

The tournament will resume on Saturday, March 10, with the remaining teams having the chance to rest and prepare for their rivals’ clash that promises to be sensational as no team has yet faced the other. At this stage it’s anyone’s game.

BSS plays B-Ball Michel Skaff Special-to-Outlook

photo by Michel Skaff AUB Biology students demanded a basketball tournament and the Biology Student Society (BSS) eagerly replied. After the success of its football tournament, the BSS cabinet organized a Basketball tournament hosted on March 3 and 4 at the CHSC Gymnasium.

Registration started a week earlier and the tournament was promoted on the BSS Facebook page, with stands spread around lower campus.

Registered teams had to include four players (including a substitute) comprising of a minimum of two biology students and the other players restricted to FAS. “We wanted to make sure the basketball tournament was mostly for Biology students” said President of the BSS

Sports

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Page 7

Football jocks have invaded AUB Rayan Sibai Special-to-Outlook Sports news this past week has been overshadowed by football. Congratulations to all for Lebanon’s qualifications in the Asian Cup. Congratulations are also in order for all AUBites though these, however, relate to a different type of football: American Football. To some, it overshadows “soccer,” to others it is an overly aggressive Americanized rugby knockoff.

Opinions aside, you should be proud that American football officially kicked off its first season for the first time at AUB with tryouts on Monday, February 27.

Team Coach Dr. Mohamad-Jamal Zeidan and a team of highly dedicated AUB students have been preparing for tryouts through bi-weekly trainings emphasizing physical fitness since last fall. The trainings were meant to nurture a team of capable football players worthy of being on AUB’s first football team. Endurance, speed and basic techniques in football were stressed upon to ensure a competitive edge for the tryouts.

Anyone was welcome to the trainings and similarly, anyone was welcome to the tryouts.

A regular trainer, Biology senior Michel Skaff,

expressed his excitement and satisfaction, “I’m impressed by how much everyone has improved.

I personally don’t believe I could have lasted the difficult four hour-long tryout at the beginning of last semester.”

Tryouts started at 3 p.m. and lasted till 6:30 p.m. . The team began with a quick stretch on Green Field. All the participants were judged on five different trials, the first of which tested speed and control by timed suicides - a person would run the field back and forth while increasing the distance at every lap. Following were the grueling and infamous push-ups and sit-ups. A certain number of both were to be completed with good form. Groups of six were then tested on the hundred-meter dash. Friendly competition, as well as morale, were high by then and everyone was racing for success. Little did everyone know that the next task was the timed mile. Not all tests were about physical fitness with the last assessment involving running simple plays and catching the ball. For those who aren’t savvy with the vernacular that might start to become more popular around campus, a play is the preplanned

route the offensive player runs on the field.

For all of those who made it on the team, Zeidan affirmed the following expectation, “You will be expected to provide your utmost in making this team a success. Carry the AUB flag with pride.” Despite noting multiple times during the tryouts that his eight-year old daughter could outperform a lot of the participants, Zeidan looked impressed by the exemplary turnout and the performances that surpassed expectations.

Little can be known about the future of American Football at AUB. Many have high hopes; hopes that this new sport at AUB will boost campus spirit and involvement, strengthen camaraderie, and continue AUB’s tradition of establishing a bridge of understanding between the West and the East. No longer is American football a sport confined to American T.V. shows; now it can be found closer to home on our very own campus.

World Cup 2014: Lebanon reaches final round of qualification despite losing to UAE Hadi Mehio Sports Executive

At a time when the Lebanese people were severely divided, it was quite remarkable that they united in supporting Jeita Grotto for its bid to the New Seven Wonders. Lebanon’s serious hope of qualification to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals in Brazil gave the Lebanese people the incentive to unite once again.

In AUB, the Ada Dodge Cafeteria was packed on the afternoon of February 29, where at least 50 students gathered to watch the game on the cafeteria’s television. While the final score was UAE 4-2 Lebanon, somehow Lebanon managed to come second behind South Korea to qualify for the final round of qualification before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Despite losing the game, Lebanon’s qualification into the next round was ensured thanks in no small part to the Korean win against Kuwait.

UAE were the first to score as Basheer Saeed’s free kick slipped through the hands of the Lebanese goalkeeper Abbas Hassan. But the Lebanese were able to score an equalizer within

three minutes when Mahmoud El-Ali put one past the UAE goalkeeper. However, the Emirates took the lead again when a throw ball across the box caught the Lebanese goalkeeper out of position as Ali el Wehaibi tapped in to give the lead to the Emirates 2-1. Just before the halftime whistle, Lebanon’s Hassan Maatouk made the score level once again with an exquisite finish of a well delivered cross leaving the result 2-2 at half time.

As the second half took off everything went downhill for the Lebanese team as the Emiratis took control. UAE scored their third goal 25 minutes into the second half when Ismail Matar’s well-struck shot landed in the top corner behind the bemused Abbas el Hassan. Ten minutes later, it was all UAE as Basheer Saeed made it 4-2 from outside the 18 yard box after his first attempt deflected off the Lebanese defense. Despite some controversial refereeing decisions, the result was earned by the relentless Emiratis who, unlike the Lebanese team, played for the full 90 minutes.

The Lebanese players looked out of sorts without the suspended Roda Antar whose dynamism in build-up play and physical presence in midfield were terribly missed. In a post-match interview Antar held the Lebanese Media responsible for the loss, accusing them of putting an exceptional amount of pressure on the players.

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Campus News & Viewpoint

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Page 8

Club Spotlight: Jazz Club Hashem Ramadan Special-to-Outlook Making its way through the diverse scene of AUB’s clubs and societies, the Jazz Club emerges with great ambition in promising to deliver much of what jazz fans and musicians love and adore.

In other words, everything jazz.

Throughout the past century, jazz has moved a long way. Evolving from the music played by African American communities of New Orleans, with beats inspired from African and European musical traditions, jazz has become a musical genre capable of being fused with any other type of music to create new and mesmerizing sounds.

After emerging from ragtime music in the early 1900’s, jazz took on an identity of its own and opened the door for talented African Americans, mainly from poor communities, to express themselves through musical composition.

Legends such as Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Duke Ellington and many more started creating tunes which became standards in the jazz scene in specific and the music scene in general. Many jazz legends went on to create their own styles which led to the emergence of styles such as bebop, gypsy jazz,

swing, cool jazz, and free jazz.

Later on, jazz inspired many new musical genres. Most notable of these are funk, rhythm and blues, as well as rock and roll. Musicians didn’t stop there - many regional musical styles were fused with jazz to create new genres such as latin jazz, soul jazz, oriental jazz, sufi jazz, and acid jazz, to name a few.

Then came the Jazz Club, a student club at AUB devoted to the promotion of jazz music and engaging jazz fans and musicians in many jazzy events. These will include but are not limited to:

Jazz Club and the jazz movement.

The registration for the club took place on February 21 and 22. So far, the club has 40 members. If you haven’t registered yet, you may do so by sending an email to aubjazzclub@ gmail.com for information on registration.You can also follow the club on twitter @aubjazzclub and like the facebook page at www.facebook. com/aubjazzclub

1 Concerts either by students or known jazz musicians 2 Lectures covering many aspects of jazz music 3 Screenings of jazz related music 4 Weeks dedicated for certain jazz Genres with related events 5 Jazz lessons by qualified teachers The club also intends to take part in Outdoors in an attempt to get more people involved in the

“You may say I’m a dreamer...”

Zeina Mhaidly Staff Writer We, as human beings, always tend to dislike our present situation and strive for what is better. But what is better? What is “good” even? Who defines the norms in our society? Is there a manual that we must refer to each and every time we need to perform an act? Or are there set regulations and rules that must guide us in our behavior? Even if there are rules, on whose authority were they based?

Well some people might answer these questions by referring to the “usual.” The usual that everybody is used to and that everybody adopts in order to fit in and in order to be part of the overall community. How many times do we hear people calling others “freaks?” But we never ask ourselves what makes this person a freak. As we all know, people do not like change and do not like to adapt to change. They find it difficult and unpleasant to do things differently and they find it hard to deal with something different especially when the change happens in a short amount of time. For this reason there might be outsiders in the society and there might be people called “freaks.”

This time however, let me offer you a different situation, a different case, a case that you and I have never thought about, a situation where the unusual becomes the usual and where the

unfamiliar becomes familiar. Suppose that one day you walk into a place, let’s say a park, to see everyone smiling, happy, and grateful. You see an old man talking to a younger man for hours without having the young man complain for a second; you see a child falling on the floor and everybody rushing to help him stand again; you see a woman helping a man walk; or you see a man guiding a blind girl. You talk to a stranger and he replies to you with a smile. You see people caring for the places they live in, caring for their neighbors, caring for other people’s properties, sharing their belongings with others and asking nothing in return. You see people throwing parties and celebrating life, celebrating the gift of being alive and the gift of having other people with whom they can share their lives. You see the rich giving to the poor. You see a clown entertaining and a kid laughing so hard they fall down on the floor. You see people hugging and dancing and sharing their joy.

Now let us move away from what you see and talk about what you don’t see. You don’t see hunger, you don’t see crimes, you don’t see murders or poverty or greed or violence or injustice. You don’t see a person in need, you don’t see a person alone, and you don’t see outsiders or people left out or prejudged or bullied.

Does this sound usual to you or do you see this as different? Would you like one day to go through this change or do you prefer to keep things as they are only because change scares you and things might not go according to plan?

You might not even have a plan. I’m sure that what I presented sounds crazy, but who knows, it’s still better than this. In the end, “you may say I’m a dreamer,” but I surely and absolutely am not the only one.

http://www.go-festival.com/fichier/photo/923/john-lennon2010-paix-1675.jpg

Spotlight

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

ESS Charity Fundraiser

Brings Laughter to Issam Fares Hall

Photo by Mohammed B. Azzam

Page 9

Outloud

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Page 10

What do you think of civil marriage in Lebanon?

Rayane Zahreddine and Ghida Ismail Staff Writers 1.

Amir Richani – Freshman “I think that we should have civil marriage in Lebanon because of the different religions present here.

People shouldn’t have to go to Cyprus to get married. I accept civil marriage because my parents did it in Venezuela.”

2.

Omar Hussein Safadi – Mechanical Engineering – Third year “I am against civil marriage in Lebanon; it will create conflicts and gaps between the couple in essential situations such as raising children because of their different backgrounds and basic ways of thinking.”

6. Zeina Habib – Civil Engineering “I don’t mind civil marriage. I wouldn’t want it for myself, but we have a lot of religions in Lebanon so why not let them marry?”

Eliana Bassil – Economics “I am with having civil marriage in Lebanon; in case the spouses don’t get along, they can divorce easily, and the woman has her rights preserved.

I would like to do both civil and religious marriage to guarantee my rights and to fulfill my faith.”

7.

Mohamad Al Medawar – Medical Lab – Senior “I am for civil marriage in the case of interfaith marriage. In Lebanon, we apply religion wrongly; religious textbooks don’t prohibit interfaith marriage, so why should we.”

3.

Marwa Hachem – Business Administration – Junior “Of course civil marriage should be implemented here instead of having to travel somewhere else. In our generation, we have a lot of people from different religions who want to get married.”

8.

Mohamed Mehanna – CCE – Senior “I’m with civil marriage firstly because it allows people from different religions to get married without converting, and secondly because not everyone follows or practices a certain religion.”

4.

Rassil Sayess – Research Assistant “Civil marriage should be a choice for everyone. People are going to do it anywhere, so why not let them do it here? For myself, I would still prefer a religious marriage because of the society here.”

9.

Weam Alawar – Civil Engineering – Third Year “The freedom to marriage is a basic right for a free human being seeking happiness, so having a legal but optional civil marriage is a basic right especially since it’s not against the law to do so elsewhere. It is being made a profitable business by agencies that provide the services to Cyprus and back.”

5.

Ines Al Sheikh Ali – Freshman “Civil marriage preserves your rights, so naturally I would prefer it.”

10.

Tina Sahakian – Psychology – Senior “I think that civil marriage is a good idea because it gives the opportunity for people of different religions to get married in case other forms do not allow it.”

photos by Nady Nassar

Outloud

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

11.

Samer Bu Jawdeh – Mechanical Engineering – Senior “Yes, I am with having civil marriage in Lebanon because it allows for interactions between different society members which is important for building a healthy society founded on a national basis rather than on weak religious grounds.”

12.

Maha Mrad – Civil Engineering – Third year “I am against civil marriage because of the different cultures of the families that will be married. Nothing remains the same.”

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16.

Oussama Hariz – ECE – Masters “I believe that we should have civil marriage in Lebanon because I am an atheist, and because I don’t think marriage should be based on religion, it should be based on love.”

17.

Christina Abboud – ECE – Masters “I think civil marriage should be implemented here. Although I am religious and I think that there’s nothing wrong with religious marriage, I think it should be a choice. The legal procedure should be civil marriage.”

13.

Malak Al Hattab – Civil Engineering – Senior “I am with civil marriage when two people respect and understand each other’s beliefs. Being religious, I wouldn’t go through with a civil marriage because to my religion it means I am not legally married, but I still accept civil marriage as a social idea.”

18.

Pierre Melki - Business Senior “I am with civil marriage because how is religion related to love?

Religion shouldn’t stop someone from getting married.”

14.

Abdullah Beydoun – Civil Engineering – Third year “As a religious person, I don’t believe that the state or government can offer anything wiser than what’s already delivered by my religion, that’s why I am against civil marriage.”

19.

Yara Abou Karam – Business -Senior “Marriage shouldn’t only involve couples from the same religion.

Civil marriage will maybe promote interaction between people with different religions”

15.

Mazen Faghouli – Civil Engineering – Second year “Civil marriage should be an option for everyone; it doesn’t negatively affect those who don’t want it.”

20.

Miguel Manglano - Business -Sophomore “Civil marriage isn’t a good idea because the commitment between the two persons wouldn’t be strong. The marriage should be done in front of God.”

photos by Nady Nassar

Arts & Culture Series Review: A Game of Thrones

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Page 12

Lojine Kamel Editor-in-Chief Camelia Harb Member-at-Large

http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/20100000/Game-of-Thrones-game-of-thrones-20131987-1680-1050.jpg

Screen adaptations of popular novels are nothing new to the entertainment scene. Whether it be the transformation of the tales of Hans Christen Anderson into Disney classics or the brought to life enchanted worlds of J.K. Rowling and J. R. R. Tolkien, audiences around the globe have been privy to experiencing the world beyond the words. In today’s media culture, this concept has brought to the screen not only feature films, but televisions series, many of which rank high on rating scales. Of them, the highly watched Game of Thrones series, adapted from the equally popular book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, has taken the realm of T.V. drama by storm.

The story is set in the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros and centers around the dynamic relations of various families who are all connected by the bids for power in the kingdom. The noble family of House Stark, led

by Eddard Stark (played by Sean Bean), is tied to the royal family of House Baratheon, led by King Robert (Mark Addy), through the strong friendship between the King and his appointed Hand, Eddard. While it may seem that all is well in the kingdom, across the sea on the eastern continent reside the remaining and exiled members of the House Targaryen planning their return to power. As the story progresses and the true sides of the characters and their ambitions

are revealed, the plot leads to an all out struggle for control of the Iron Throne of the kingdoms.

However, power struggles are not all that plague the land as an unmentionable threat also creeps down from the frozen and mysterious North, where both history and legend are hidden from the rest of the world.

With only one season out and the second due to premier in April 2012, Game of Thrones has quickly become a highly anticipated drama.

Created by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss for the HBO network, the series features a talented cast and crew and is joined by none other than the author of the series himself. The script of the show is true enough to that of the book, with an excellent balance of less emphasized parts and added scenes, the latter serving the purpose of bolstering the complex personalities of the characters and the multiple faces of the plot.

The show does feature a more risquĂŠ side to it though, so it is up to the comfort levels of the viewers in more than one scene to determine how much to watch. However, there is no doubt that, mature scenes aside, the setting, characters, and plot line have been beautifully woven together to create a series that deserves to be continued.

Originally written in 1996, the series A Song of Ice and Fire only recently reached worldrenowned fame with its debut on the New York

Times bestseller list, landing the number one spot in July 2011. Though the HBO series may present a more condensed version of the epic, the series itself delivers a riveted tale of dragons and kings, wars and sorcery. Author George R.R Martin envelops the reader in the mysteries of the past, with a writing style reminiscent of Tolkien himself.

Time flies and pages turn as readers are easily lost between the descriptive scenes and intense dialogue. Martin’s characters are a medley of personalities: a wise-cracking dwarf, an honorbound lord, a damsel in distress, an evil queen.

Lovers of fantasy and action alike will find enjoyment in this series; indeed, it seems the rest of the world all ready has. Many a reader will attest to the fact that books are often much better than their movie or show counterpart.

The same is true of A Game of Thrones, albeit only slightly. One can enjoy the series without having read the book, yet the novel brings with it a lively and enriched background that only enhances viewing experience. Characters are better developed, plots further thickened, and character relationships all too complicated.

Should you have time, a healthy dose of both book and series is best, though book precedes the show in terms of fantastical masterpiece.

And it has been much too long since the literary world has been granted a masterpiece.

Arts & Culture

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

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Movie Review: Carnage Joe Riggs Contributing Writer

According to film critics, online reviews, and the film’s trailers, Carnage is a must-see comedy. The film opens with a schoolyard fight between two children, one of whom is struck with a stick. The Cowans (parents of the striker) meet the Longstreets (parents of the child who was struck) at their home to resolve the conflict in a responsible, adult manner. What should ideally be a short conversation and resolution becomes a drawn-out, overdramatic affair as the four parents realize how much they despise each other. Director Roman Polanski attempts to critique the façade of middle-class, suburban civility by using a talented cast and witty

dialogue. However, making it through the entire film almost feels like an effort. The audience is held hostage in a living room by four of the most pretentious, self-absorbed characters to appear in film.

Despite this review’s negative intro, the cast members give great performances. John C. Reilly and Jodie Foster play Michael and Penelope Longstreet, an everyman hardware supply salesman and an overbearing pseudointellectual writer, respectively. Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz are Nancy and Alan Cowan, a whiny investment banker and a workaholic corporate lawyer. As the movie progresses, we see manners and courtesy shatter and the inner misery of each character emerge. Michael, who on the surface is a welcoming host and easygoing husband, is pretty much miserable as a married man. Penelope wrestles with the fact that despite her wanting to make a difference in the world (especially with the Darfur crisis), she is more or less a waste of space. Nancy seems to feel the need to smooth over the situation with the children, but then comes out much more cold hearted. She is also miserable because her husband Alan is not as involved in family matters

as he is with his work. Alan seems indifferent to the whole situation, which is obvious because he is glued to his BlackBerry throughout the duration of the film.

In spite of good performances by the cast members, the film’s humor doesn’t really come through until about halfway through the movie when Michael produces a bottle of scotch. At this point, the audience could use a drink as well. From here on out, the characters proceed to get drunk and bicker even more. Marital ties become null and void as the men bond and gang up on the women, and vice-versa. By the end of the movie, the characters see each other for who they really are and the original conflict is resolved. The characters, while well-played and deep are too unbearable for the viewer to enjoy any knee-slapping comedy moments. If most people want to listen to married couples argue for 88 minutes, they’ll just go home (which a few filmgoers in the theater opted to do midmovie). There are films and comedians that skewer marriage, courtesies, family life, and suburbia quite perfectly. Carnage however, isn’t one of them.

Movie Review: Act of Valor Ian M. Gibson Copy Editor

An early-model Dodge pickup truck filled with eight navy seals and a wounded CIA operative speeds down a Costa Rican dirt road. A luxury yacht crewed by bikini-clad babes and AKtoting baddies cruises with a false sense of immunity in the South Pacific. A submarine off the horn of Africa blows its ballast during a high-speed, mid-ocean helicopter rendezvous.

These immense set pieces of action movie warfare are viewed by the typical movie-goer with a reaction of normality, even boredom. But in Act of Valor, the latest military bravado flick in a long line of similarly-themed American movies, presents these scenes in light of a startlingly unique concept: veracity.

As the first feature-length film by newcomers Mike McCoy and Scott Waugh (who title themselves “The Bandito Brothers”), Act of Valor is an admittedly flawed but nonetheless refreshing movie. The story is the standard post-9/11 fare; two Russians, one an armsdealing Jew and the other a reformist Jihadi,

plan to smuggle 16 high-explosive vests into the United States. After US intelligence gets a whiff of their plot, they send in a platoon of highspeed, low-drag Navy Seals to take out the bad guys. There’s shooting, explosions, and highfives across a myriad of international locations, all set to a tear-jerking background score and endless patriotic quips.

It doesn’t sound like much, save for the fact that the stars of the film are active duty Navy Seals. And they’re firing live rounds. And all those elaborate action pieces, where Chinook helicopters drop-off patrol boats in the middle of a South American river and an abandoned sugar factory in Mexicali, Mexico is assaulted by two operator-bearing dump trucks, are real. At least, as real as they can get given the fictional nature of the film.

What “The Bandito Brothers” have done with this project of theirs is create the most realistic, Navy-supported action movie ever made. It may have bad acting and cheesy plot points, but you can’t deny the intensity of the cinematography. While stale at times, the implementation of enthralling point-of-view shots and real gunpowder and guns gives Act of Valor an immensity that moves beyond CGI and pyrotechnics. The tactics are real, the guns are hot, and the guys shooting aren’t acting so

much as doing their dayjob in front of a camera.

Disregarding documentaries like Restrepo and Armadillo, this is as close to realistic modern warfare a movie can get.

That being said, there is an inherent conflict between the action on the screen and the background info in the viewer’s noggin. The merits of this film come from facts that are not represented within the film itself. When viewed as just another movie, it is undeniably subpar.

But when experienced in light of the realism behind its production, the movie stands-out as an innovative cinematic experience. In blurring the boundaries between fact and fiction, production and presentation, Act of Valor becomes an immensely puzzling cinematic experience. Beyond the great action pieces and bits of gripping dialogue, Act of Valor deserves to be seen simply because of the questions about filmmaking it inadvertently raises.

Viewpoint

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Page 14

No Soap, No Stink kanzi Kamel Staff Writer The typical first reaction to the words “I don’t use soap” is a cringe, and probably an involuntary “ew.” Ever since birth, we have been conditioned to stay as clean as possible as often as possible— wash your hands before eating, after using the bathroom, whenever you touch a doorknob, etc.

But what if that was entirely unnecessary?

In 2008, Sean Bonner, a blogger, read a science article extolling the benefits of giving up soap and shampoo. The basic concept behind the theory is that the body is designed to regulate itself. Covering it with chemicals unbalances the pH levels, and messes with body’s natural processes. Bonner’s rationalization: “It seemed silly that we would have evolved into creatures that needed a bunch of corporately produced and marketed chemicals smeared all over our bodies everyday just to get by.”

Admittedly, the concept seems strange. Every day we are bombarded with reminders to wash up—from the hourly television Pantene commercials, to notes hung on bathroom walls in every fast food chain. But could this all be another commercial ploy to get us to buy more?

After six months off soap and shampoo, Bonner blogged that he felt better than ever. He no longer had any dandruff, his hair and skin

were never oily, and various family members (and randomly asked strangers) verified that he did not stink at all. Even when exercising and sweaty, he writes, there is absolutely no smell.

After one year without soap, Bonner writes that he “can’t imagine ever going back.”

Following in his footsteps, other bloggers have boycotted soap and shampoo products. All reaffirm Bonner’s results with great successes of their own. The downside? One blogger laments the first two weeks off soap—“[there’s] a brief transition period after giving up shampoo where hair becomes greasy for a while until it figures out how to look after itself and gets all its natural oils working.” After two weeks, though, all accounts say they feel cleaner than ever.

The benefits? The fad saves a surprising amount of money. On average, each person spends about $20 on soap and shampoo products a month.

That’s $240 extra cash a year. Bonner also enjoys lighter travel (without the hassle of carrying around shampoo bottles).

Some bloggers admit that they can’t give it up entirely, and still use deodorants or conditioners.

Even Bonner writes that he uses soap after using the bathroom and before preparing food. While the results of this experiment can’t exactly be

refuted, stopping the use of soap products isn’t the easiest thing to do. Breaking the cycle of washing your hands hourly, or washing your hair every day is no doubt difficult to do. But, if one has the willpower, it seems to be as good as a practice as any.

Source Credit: http://www.good.is/post/could-you-quitusing-soap-and-shampoo-for-an-entire-year/ http://boingboing.net/2011/01/04/i-haventused-soap-i.html http://freetheanimal.com/2009/12/paleo-idont-care-i-like-no-soap-no-shampoo.html

Roleplaying university Camelia Harb Member-at-Large Scenario 1: It’s your first day of university.

Stepping foot on campus among the throngs of people literally feels like challenging an entire army of Orcs at the gates of Mordor. Others don’t seem to have the same problem as you and instead are going about their business with ease.

You spot a few other newbies but, as they are surrounded by their companions, you decide it’s better to stay away. Scattered around are groups of more definitively intimidating people, exuding airs of importance. You glance down at your schedule and, seeing that you have quite a bit of time, decide to explore the new found territory. With some hesitation, you choose a direction and proceed on your way hoping that your behavior doesn’t get noticed by these experienced players of the game. The rest of your day goes much the same way, moving quickly and quietly from one destination to another, picking up skills, advice, and even fellow players along the way. Maybe it won’t be so bad after all.

Scenario 2: You scoff at your surroundings, wondering what all the hullabaloo about this place was about. After traveling far and wide on recon missions, gathering information about

this place and its inhabitants, you honestly don’t understand why anyone would feel apprehensive about starting a life here. Deciding to explore this unintimidating land, you scan your surroundings, picking out some areas that would serve as good watch spots. Among your choice spots is the infamous West Hall, at the moment teeming with members of the student body. Deciding that it being the first week and all, and classes are not all that important, you select a bench and watch the hoards go by. You happen to notice a few others who you assume are much in the same position as you, some of them having even formed groups. You also happen to notice figures lurking in the shadowed areas of the buildings hoping not to be noticed.

Yeah, defeating this place would be easy.

Scenario 3: *Sigh*. More school. Better get on with it.

Scenario 4: “TAKE ON UNIVERSITY!” is all that rings through your mind as you walk through Main Gate. You know that the people sitting on the steps are only staring at you because of how jealous you make them feel. Seeing an

unsuspecting soul staring at College Hall with some apprehension, you bound over to them, effectively scaring them in your excitement to make a new acquaintance. Not giving your new found “friend” much of a chance to figure out what is going on, you babble on incessantly about how awesome life is about to become and how they shouldn’t dally around staring at old buildings. Convinced of your actions, you leave the dumbfounded soul and, after choosing a direction, all but skip off to find other people and things to focus your attention on. In this new place full of chances and exploration, you set off on your adventure.

While there are no doubt more scenarios to describe the character types of university students new and old, this was meant to lighten the load of the new semester. University isn’t meant to be thought of as a game in the sense of it being playtime; it can be thought of as a game that you enter at a ‘start’ point and eventually win, complete with challenges, risks, and prizes.

So choose your path and roll the dice; good luck this semester, whatever it may bring.

Viewpoint

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Page 15

The college experience Assaad Khoury Staff Writer We’ve all been through that awkward and annoying sophomore (or freshman) phase when we first entered AUB thinking we were going to rule it like nobody’s business. Some of you are actually experiencing it right now.

It all starts with that first week of registration.

You wake up three hours early on the first day of registration, make sure everything is in order, and implement those minor changes (minor being the understatement here). Then it all comes down to those thirty-or-so seconds right before the system opens so you can finally register. But little did you know that AUBsis had other plans in mind; if you’re one of the lucky ones, you get all your courses right then and there; otherwise, you’re in trouble. Let’s say you didn’t get those courses you wanted or that aweinducing schedule you’ve been planning for days that makes everyone else’s schedule leap off a bridge in envy, what now? Now it’s time to buck up, snap back to reality, and reassess your schedule. You better hope it works, because if it doesn’t, that means one thing: a trip down

Petition Road.

Petition Road is paved with the tears of the innocent and the blood of those who survived.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, going through the whole petition process isn’t exactly pleasant; your advisor has to sign off on it, then the teacher whose class you want, and then, the Bowser to your Princess Peach, you submit it to the registrar’s office (or corresponding Faculty). Don’t worry now, it all usually turns out well, despite what may have been mentioned previously.

After you’ve been down Petition Road, the real journey begins, where you first encounter your teachers and other students in their own natural habitats (i.e. the area behind the cafeteria, the so called “Zoo,” West Hall, etc). “But where do I fit in?” you ask yourself. Based on experience, one doesn’t fit in at once; but then again, it all depends on your friends and newly made acquaintances.

Speaking of newly made acquaintances, the issue of lab partners comes to mind. Pray to Zeus (you may want to sacrifice a lamb) that you get a competent and nice lab partner because you’ll

be stuck with them for the semester. You will, for sure, meet people whose face you’d want to high five, but on the other hand, you will end up making beautiful friendships that will sail across the ocean of benevolence for years and years to come (pardon the cheesiness).

University life changes a person; no one is ever the same person after three or more years of undergrad. You make friends, come across new experiences, and the education isn’t half bad either. The moral of the story here is that even though there’s a lot to digest, we have survived, with the help of our friends, teachers, and even those irritating creatures who think they know it all and the opportunists who stick to you like a leech on an open wound (admit it, you’re going to miss the little vermin).

Besides, what’s a college experience without all this anyway?

Editorial:Survival of the Fattest Lojine Kamel Editor-in-Chief fitness and strength, women for child bearing capabilities. We relied on brute force and quick wit for good measure, surviving in an age where the survival of the fittest was as real as anything else.

“The survival of the fittest is the ageless law of nature, but the fittest are rarely the strong. The fittest are those endowed with the qualifications for adaptation, the ability to accept the inevitable and conform to the unavoidable, to harmonize with existing or changing conditions.” Dave E. Smalley.

Nowadays, money is our means of survival.

The presidents and prime ministers in our era are made of funds and rule by funds, and a first class ticket to good offspring is, undoubtedly money. Financial security takes precedence over beauty, and it is not uncommon to meet an older, unattractive rich person married to their opposite.

Good genes come in handy when regarding intelligence and social skills, and the rest is arguably unimportant. Grades are our ticket to good universities, our diplomas, the ticket to good jobs. Jobs lead to marriage, and marriage, offspring. We no longer must have good looks and superior skills, and an “average” person may A thousand years ago, men were bred for find as much success, albeit with a little more

hard work, as his “superior” competitor. So the question remains: what defines the “fittest?”

It seems that the fittest has become the one with the most money, resources, property and success, the fattest pockets bringing the best results. In a world where adaptation means survival, it is often unfair that entire countries are unable to meet global demand. “Adaptation,” namely the ability to gain wealth and power, is bound by gold and money, a barrier broken only by the intellectually genius, the morally corrupt, or the unbelievably lucky.

Though money is the currency of change, it is only the current currency. Change should be begotten through strength and willpower, and it is not too farfetched to predict that perhaps, one day, it will be.

Outlook Team Chairperson Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor Arabic Editor Photography Editor Layout Editors Webmaster

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Talal Nizameddin Lojine Kamel Nour Jane Kachicho Nouhad Awwad Mohammad B. Azzam Nadine Razzouk Layla Smaili Jad Shammsseddine

Public Relations Manager

Emile Zankoul

Member at Large

Camelia Harb

Business Manager Business Executives Proofreader

Timmy Malkoun Amer Farhat Marc Ziade Ian Gibson

News Executives

Dalia Hosn Ali Kassem Mona Ayoub Heather Jaber

Photographers

Tugce Coskun Nadi Nassar

Staff Writers

Cartoonists Deedee El Jilani Ghassan Nassar Jad Jari Assaad Khoury

Amer Sare Mohamad Alameh Robert Isaf Dania Machlab Mada Dibs Mohammad Yaghi Heather Jaber Rayane Zahreddine Hadi Mehio Lama Zakharia Rami Panayoti Zeina Mhaidly Sarah Al-Dirani Karim Zahed Rida Daher Loulwa Kalache Hrag Vosgerichian Gregoire Dugueyt Ghida Ismail Edward Abou Jaoude Jon Martin Cullell

Outlook is a weekly publication of the American University of Beirut (“aub�) and represents the voice of the student body. It is an independent, non-affiliated publication that favors no ethnic, religious, or political group. All columns, articles, and reports are the property of Outlook and do not necessarily represent the views of Outlook or the AUB community. Outlook welcomes all contributions. Authors are asked to please include their full name, major, ranking, and contact information for verification.

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No part of this publication may be reproduced in any way, shape, or form without the written consent of Outlook and/or higher authorities. Outlook reserves the right to edit all material.

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‫صفحة ‪17‬‬

‫الثالثاء‪ 6 ,‬اذار‪2012 ,‬‬

‫توحدنا‪..‬‬ ‫عندما ّ‬ ‫الزهراء ماجد‪ ،‬كاتبة �صحفية‬

‫ون�شاهد منتخب لبنان واملباراة احلا�سمة التي ت� ّؤهله للمونديال‪.‬‬ ‫ولكن عبث ٌا‪ .‬كدنا ن�صطدم ب�سبب كرثة االزدحام الطالبي‪ .‬مل‬ ‫تكن حرارة الطق�س املنخف�ضة هي �سبب �إجتماع الطالب بعيدا‬ ‫عن حرم اجلامعة‪� .‬إمنا كانت كرة القدم �أوال وت�شجيع منتخب‬ ‫لبنان ثانية ال�سببني يف توحيد ال�صفوف الطالبية على هدف‬ ‫واحد‪ ..‬االنتماء للوطن والتحفيز على اال�ستمرارية الوطنية‬ ‫اللبناين عاليا يف العامل‪.‬‬ ‫بهدف رفع العلم‬ ‫ّ‬

‫انتهى �شهر �شباط ب�سنة كبي�سة وعا�صفة الوداع ال تزال قائمة‬ ‫تفتك بنا من ناحية‪ ،‬و تلف الأر�ض بو�شاح العر�س الأبي�ض من‬ ‫ناحية �أخرى‪ ..‬متام ٌا كمنتخب لبنان يف االمارات‪ ،‬نهار التا�سع‬ ‫والع�رشين من �شباط‪..‬‬ ‫كانت حرارة الطق�س تناهز ال�صقيع املميت‪ ،‬ف�أ�صبح حرم اجلامعة‬ ‫خالي ّا من احلركة الطالبية خا�صة عند حلول ال�ساعة الثانية‬ ‫نح�صل الدفء‬ ‫ظهراً‪ .‬ق�صدت و�صديقتي نادين الكافترييا لكي‬ ‫ّ‬

‫ها هي �رصخات الطلبة تتعاىل وته ّز �أعمدة الكافترييا متاما‬ ‫كالرعد يف اخلارج‪ ,‬و�إ ّنه على الرغم من �صغر ال�شا�شة وكرثة‬ ‫لربا كانت‬ ‫ال�ضجيج‪ ,‬ولكنني �شعرت ب�شيء خمتلف حقّا‪ ..‬مّ‬ ‫الروح الفريدة من نوعها التي تواجدت ب�أ�صوات زمالئي الطلبة‬ ‫املرات القليلة �أو النادرة التي‬ ‫وهتافاتهم‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫املوحدة‪ ..‬تلك كانت من ّ‬ ‫�أجد نف�سي يف رحاب موطني والنداءات واحدة‪ ,‬لأجل لبنان‪...‬‬ ‫لن �أ�ستطيع تف�سري ما حدث �أثناء املباراة‪ .‬ف�صدمة الهدف ال ّأول‬ ‫املهدئة للغ�ضب املفاجئ ‪،‬وتتابع اخل�سارة الأوىل‬ ‫وال�رصخات‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫فعمت الأ�صوات‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫بهدف بعده‪ ،‬بعث الروح احلقيقية فيما بيننا‪ّ .‬‬ ‫وكرث ال�ضجيج االيجابي كذلك‪ ..‬ان�سحبنا ذاهبني ل�صفّنا ويف‬

‫قلبي �أمنية واحدة‪� ,‬أن يربح لبنان لوحده‪ ,‬بدون احلاجة لل�شحادة‬ ‫تعودنا عليها‪ .‬ولك ّنه متلّكني هاج�س غريب‪ ,‬مل‬ ‫اخلارجية التي ّ‬ ‫ولكن ما‬ ‫�أكن �أ�شعر �أننا �سرنبح‪ .‬ل�ست �أدري م�صدر هذا الت�شا�ؤم‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫اعتدنا عليه منذ طفولتنا‪� ,‬أن يبقى لبنان يف املراتب البعيدة‪ ,‬ومل‬ ‫يتغيرّ احلال كثرياً‪ ,‬للأ�سف‪.‬‬ ‫النهائية والت� ّأهل الذي ناله املنتخب‬ ‫على الرغم من اخل�سارة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫كوريا‪� ,‬ألوم الكثريين الذين هتفوا «�شكرا كوريا»‬ ‫بف�ضل فوز‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بدل من «مربوك لبنان»‪ .‬لعلّ هذا الأخري هو ّ‬ ‫حظ جديد لبلدنا �أو‬ ‫لعل هذه النقطة ال�صغرية على خريطة‬ ‫فر�صة جديدة �أو نه�ضة‪ّ .‬‬ ‫العامل حتدث املزيد من االجنازات يف العامل‪ .‬ال ينق�صنا �سوى‬ ‫املثابرة‪ ,‬ال ينق�صنا �سوى �أن نتفق على كل �شيء ك�أ ّنه مباراة‬ ‫لكرة القدم‪ ,‬علّنا ننه�ض للأف�ضل ون�صري حديث العامل حولنا‪.‬‬ ‫ولكن يبقى ال�س�ؤال‪� ..‬إىل �أية مدى �سنبقى ننتظر مباراة لكي‬ ‫هدف واحد‪� ,‬أن نحزن ونفرح لهدف واحد‪ .‬كم‬ ‫جنتمع على‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫ي�ؤ�سفني حالنا‪ ,‬نحن اجليل ال�صاعد‪ ,‬ال ندرك ماهية وطننا‪ ,‬وال‬ ‫نتعاطف معه �سوى بالأوقات التي جتربنا �أن ُنري العامل �أننا‬ ‫الوطنية غلبت امل�صالح وتكاثرت الأقنعة‪.‬‬ ‫«وطنيون»‪ ,‬حتى يف‬ ‫ّ‬

‫حماية احلقوق الفكرية يف لبنان‬ ‫نهاد غازي عواد‪ ،‬حمررة ق�سم اللغة العربية‬ ‫وتطرق ال�سيد �إميل للإجنازات القانونية للمكتب‪ ،‬فقد تلقى‬ ‫املكتب ع�رشين �شكوى من �أ�صحاب احلقوق بحق ب�ضائع‬ ‫مقر�صنة ومقلدة‪ .‬وقد قام املكتب مبداهمة الأماكن ذات الب�ضائع‬ ‫املغ�شو�شة و�أحيل �أ�صحابها �إىل النائب العام‪ .‬وقد ورد املكتب‬ ‫عام ال‪ 2011‬خم�سة و�سبعون حالة من اجلمارك اللبنانية و‬ ‫�إثنان وخم�سون حالة يف ال‪ ،2010‬وجميعها �أحيلت اىل النائب‬ ‫العام‪ .‬وبني العام ‪ 2009‬و‪ 2010‬قام املكتب ب�إتالف حوايل‬ ‫مليون قر�ص مدمج مقر�صن‪ .‬فم�شكلة الأقرا�ص املدجمة هي‬ ‫م�شكلة خطرية يف لبنان وما زلنا نعاين منها حتى الآن‪ .‬وقد‬ ‫مت �إن�شاء موقع على النت و قاعدة بيانات للعالمات التجارية‬ ‫وو�ضعها يف متناول اجلمارك اللبنانية‪ .‬وهذا �سي�ؤدي �إىل تعزيز‬ ‫حماية امللكية الفكرية وتدابري الإنفاذ على احلدود اللبنانية‪.‬‬ ‫وعمل املكتب مع هيئات �أخرى على حل ق�ضية القر�صنة التي‬ ‫يعتمدها �أ�صحاب الكابالت‪ ،‬وقد جنح مكتب املدعي العام يف‬ ‫�إبرام اتفاقية الرتخي�ص بني �أ�صحاب احلقوق و ‪ ٪85‬من مزودي‬ ‫خدمات الكابل‪.‬‬ ‫ثم مت عر�ض لأهم الإجنازات بني ‪ .2010-2008‬حيث اقيمت‬ ‫عدة خطوات منها‪ :‬حملة طالب بحقك وارف�ض الب�ضائع املقلدة‪.‬‬ ‫ودرا�سة �أقامتها املنظمة العاملية للملكية الفكرية عن امل�ساهمة‬ ‫الإقت�صادية يف حقوق الطبع والن�رش يف ق�رص الأوني�سكو يف‬ ‫�أيلول ‪ ،2008‬واالجتماع الإقليمي اخلام�س لر�ؤ�ساء مكاتب‬ ‫امللكية ال�صناعية وحقوق الت�أليف والن�رش‪ ،‬التي ا�شرتكت‬ ‫يف تنظيمها املنظمة العاملية للملكية الفكرية وجامعة الدول‬ ‫العربية‪� .‬أكتوبر ‪ ،2009‬و املنتدى الإقليمي لر�ؤ�ساء مكاتب‬ ‫امللكية ال�صناعية يف �أمريكا اجلنوبية والدول العربية‪ ،‬التي‬ ‫نظمتها املنظمة العاملية للملكية الفكرية بالتعاون مع جامعة‬ ‫الدول العربية‪� .‬أكتوبر ‪ .2009‬و�أقامت املنظمة العاملية للملكية‬ ‫الفكرية ور�شة عمل تدريبية حول امللكية الفكرية للق�ضاة يف‬ ‫بريوت ‪ .2009‬ومت تو�سيع برنامج الأكادميية املناف�سة يف‬ ‫عام ‪ 2010‬لتغطية املدار�س اللبنانية الر�سمية واخلا�صة‪ ،‬مع‬

‫الرتكيز على مو�ضوعني رئي�سيني‪« :‬املوهوبني من لبنان! من‬ ‫يحمي مواهبهم «و»التلميذ املبتكر واملبدع»‪.‬وقد �أقيم ور�شة‬ ‫عمل حول دمج امللكية الفكرية يف خطط التنمية‪ :‬جدول �أعمال‬ ‫املنظمة العاملية للملكية الفكرية ب�ش�أن التنمية املنظور‪ ،‬بتنظيم‬ ‫م�شرتك من قبل املنظمة العاملية للملكية الفكرية (الويبو)‬ ‫ووزارة االقت�صاد والتجارة‪.2010 .‬‬ ‫ثم قام ال�سيد �إميل بعر�ض �إجنازات �سنة ال‪ .2011‬حيث �أقيم‬ ‫املنتدى القومي العربي للجرائم احلا�سوبية وحقوق امللكية‬ ‫الفكرية والذي نظمه منتجي برامج الكمبيوتر التجارية‬ ‫بالتعاون مع وزارة الإقت�صاد والتجارة يف فندق فيني�سيا‪،‬‬ ‫‪2011.‬‬ ‫وندوة وطنية حول حماية الربجميات وقواعد البيانات والتي‬ ‫نظمتها املنظمة العاملية للملكية الفكرية بالتعاون مع وزارة‬ ‫الإقت�صاد والتجارة وجمعية �صناعة الربجميات اللبنانية‬ ‫(‪،)ALSI‬كانون الأول ‪ . 2011‬وندوة عن دور حقوق امللكية‬ ‫الفكرية يف تعزيز القدرة التناف�سية لل�رشكات وال�صناعات‬ ‫التي نظمتها املنظمة العاملية للملكية الفكرية بالتعاون مع‬ ‫وزارة الإقت�صاد والتجارة واجلمعية اللبنانية االمتياز (‪)LFA‬‬ ‫يونيو ‪ ،2011‬وور�شة عمل حول «حماية العالمات التجارية‬ ‫وامل�ؤ�رشات اجلغرافية يف �شمال لبنان ‪ -‬املنظمة العاملية للملكية‬ ‫الفكرية و وزارة الإقت�صاد والتجارة نوفمرب ‪.2011‬‬ ‫ثم كانت خامتة العر�ض بالتطرق اىل نظام براءات االخرتاع يف‬ ‫لبنان الذي هو كنظام وديعة‪ .‬وبغية احلد من املنازعات القانونية‪،‬‬ ‫وت�سجيل براءات االخرتاع «الغري �صاحلة» يف لبنان(انتهاء‬ ‫تاريخ ال�صالحية‪ ،)...‬تتم الآن درا�سة �إمكانية التعاون مع‬ ‫املكتب الأوروبي للرباءات‪ ،‬من اجل ا�ستخدام املكتب الأوروبي‬ ‫للرباءات كمكتب للتحقق من فعالية و�صالحية الإخرتاع‪ .‬و�أهم‬ ‫الرباءات امل�ستهدفة هي براءات االخرتاع املتعلقة بالأدوية‪.‬‬ ‫بعد ان انهى كلمته‪ ،‬كان الغداء‪ .‬ثم بعد ها فتح املجال للأ�سئلة‪.‬‬

‫كان ال�س�ؤال الأول من الدكتور ندمي ديجاين الذي �س�أل من الذي‬ ‫�سيحمي املواطن اللبناين؟ واعطى عدة �أمثلة منها‪ :‬انه احتاج‬ ‫لربنامج لإحدى �صفوفه حيث ال يقوم ال�صف بعدم وجود‬ ‫الربنامج وقد رف�ضت اجلامعة �إح�ضاره ب�سبب كلفته العالية‪،‬‬ ‫فقام �أحد التالميذ باحل�صول عليه ب ‪� 10‬آالف لرية‪ .‬ثم �أو�ضح ان‬ ‫الكثري من �أفراد ال�شعب اللبناين لي�س له القدرة على دفع مئات‬ ‫الدوالرات على حا�سبوه من �أجل احل�صول على التطبيقات‬ ‫الأ�صلية‪ .‬كما تطرق اىل �أ�سعار كتب التالميذ الباهظة والتي‬ ‫ي�صعب على البع�ض �إبتياعها‪ .‬و�أجابه ال�سيد �إميل قائال‪« :‬اننا‬ ‫نركز يف تطبيق القوانني ملتعلقة بالربامج املقر�صنة على‬ ‫ال�رشكات ولي�س الأ�شخا�ص فمن غري املقبول ان تقوم �رشكة‬ ‫ب�إ�ستعمال تطبيقات غري �رشعية‪ .‬كما انه يتم مناق�شة مو�ضوع‬ ‫الأفراد مع �رشكات متعددة منها مايكرو�سوفت لت�أمني الربامج‬ ‫والتطبيقات ب�أ�سعار مقبولة لأغلبية �أفراد ال�شعب اللبناين‪ .‬ثم‬ ‫قام �أحد احلا�رضين بعر�ض الواقع التجاري يف �أمريكا وتطرق‬ ‫اىل قيام ال�صني بالتقليد والت�صنيع الغري قانوين‪ .‬و�أردف قائال‬ ‫�أن املتحايلني على القانون �سيجدون طريقهم يف ت�سوية الأمور‬ ‫و�أن عمليات الغ�ش �أ�صبحت �شيئا ي�صعب ال�سيطرة عليه‪.‬‬ ‫و�س�أل �أحد احلا�رضين عن ا�صحاب امل�س�ؤولية يف ق�ضايا الكتب‬ ‫املن�سوخة؟ و�أردف قائال ان ادارة اجلامعة تطلب منهم (الأ�ساتذة)‬ ‫الإنتباه للتالميذ الذين يح�رضون كتب من�سوخة بينما هناك‬ ‫الكثري من املحال يف احلمراء تقوم بالن�سخ الغري قانوين لكتب‬ ‫التالميذ فلماذا ال يقومون مبالحقتها‪ .‬وكان اجلواب �أن متابعة‬ ‫هذه الكتب هي م�س�ؤولية �أ�صحاب احلقوق ولي�س املكتب و�أنه‬ ‫من واجب كل �شخ�ص �أن يعمل ح�سب موقعه على حماربة‬ ‫أمل بوالدة القوانني من رحم‬ ‫القر�صنة‪ .‬وانتهت اجلل�سة على � ٍ‬ ‫املجل�س النيابي و�إمكانية تطبيقها قريبا‪ .‬فيم�سي لبنان منارة‬ ‫املنطقة يف احلماية الفكرية‪.‬‬

‫صفحة ‪18‬‬

‫الثالثاء‪ ٤6 ,‬اذار‪2012 ,‬‬

‫«�شو عم حتكي؟ ‪�...‬سيا�سة»؟‬ ‫غدير نوفل م�ساهمة �صحفية‬ ‫يف جامعتنا «العزيزة»‪ ،‬حداقة غريبة ب�سيطة! ثلّة من املعلمني‬ ‫والطالب من خمتلف الأديان والطوائف والأطياف احلزبية‬ ‫ال�سيا�سية «العظيمة» مب�ضمونها‪ ،‬املتخلفة (املتباطئة) بعملها‬ ‫ومردودها عليهم وعلى وطنهم‪ .‬ثلّة تكرر م�شهداً يومي ًا ما‬ ‫عدت �أ�ستغربه �أبداً‪ ،‬بل على العك�س متام ًا‪� ،‬أ�صبحت �أه�ضمه‬ ‫و�أ�شبع منه مبتغاي وف�ضويل ال�سيا�سي من املتكلم‪ .‬ابت�سامة‬ ‫�صفراء تك�شف لنا عن ب�ضعة �أ�سنان �أمامية متال�صقة‪ ،‬وملعة‬ ‫القا�ص تنم عن ذكاء حمدود و�سجية ب�سيطة جداً‪ .‬يبد�أ‬ ‫يف عني‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫حديث ًا مطوال ال منا�ص منه برفع يديه بحركة دفاعية مفاجئة‪،‬‬ ‫تعتقد يف بادئ الأمر ب�أنه ي�سحب عليك �سالح ًا فتاك ًا‪ ،‬ويحرك‬ ‫�إ�صبعني يف كل يدٍ �إىل الأ�سفل حركة «متكررة»‪ ،‬ويقول بلهجة‬ ‫م�ست�ساغة‪« :‬م�ش عم �إحكي �سيا�سة‪ »...‬ثم يدوي علينا بكل‬ ‫�آراءه ال�سيا�سية و�أطيافه ومرجعياته‪ ،‬ويحدثنا – �ضمني ًا – عن‬ ‫�سيا�سته الداخلية اجتاه الآخرين من الأحزاب الأخرى‪ ،‬واجتاه‬ ‫بقية الإخوان العرب املقيمني يف الداخل‪ ،‬بالإ�ضافة �إىل �سيا�سته‬

‫اخلارجية اجتاه الدول املعادية و ال�صديقة �أو «ال�صديقة واملعادية»‬ ‫على حد �سواء‪ .‬ال �أدري �إن كان املتحدث يعقل �أنه بتلك اجلملة‬ ‫ال�ساذجة يهيء ال�سامع لأن يح�ضرّ �أطروحة عن �شخ�صيته‬ ‫ال�سيا�سية و�أفكاره‪ ،‬وال �أعلم �أبداً ما يعتقده من وقع لتلك اجلملة‬ ‫على �أ�صدائنا‪ .‬ولكن بغية تقريب امل�شهد �إليك عزيزي «املمتنع»‬ ‫عن احلديث بال�سيا�سة‪ ،‬تخيل معي ب�ضعة م�شاهد ب�سيطة‪:‬‬ ‫مذيع ن�رشة م�سائية يت�أنق بب ّزة ر�سمية‪ ،‬يفتح فمه البت�سامة‬ ‫عري�ضة ويحرك «�أ�صابعه» على ال�شا�شة‪ ،‬قائ ً‬ ‫ال‪« :‬م�ش عم �إحكي‬ ‫�سيا�سة‪ »...‬ثم يفجر خرب مقتل �أو «ا�ست�شهاد» �ألوف م�ؤلفة �إثر‬ ‫انفجار �صاروخ حديث ال�صنع من دولة معادية �أو «�صديقة»‬ ‫يف دولة �أخرى يقطنها بنو الب�رش‪ .‬وبعدها ت�أتي زميلته؛ مذيعة‬ ‫وت�رصح‬ ‫موردة الوجه ح�سنة املظهر‪ ،‬على ثغرها ابت�سامة خفيفة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بكل كيا�سة ولطافة‪ ،‬قائلةً ‪ »:‬م�ش عم �إحكي �سيا�سة‪ »...‬ثم تطلق‬ ‫مريخية يف العقول‬ ‫قوى‬ ‫بعدها خرباً مدوي ًا عن زلزال �أحدثته‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫العربية‪ ،‬نتج عنه ناجيان توفيا من هول ال�صدمة‪ .‬وبعد هذا كله‪،‬‬

‫دماء ب�رشية‬ ‫تقرير �صحفي ال يتكلم يف ال�سيا�سة كذلك‪ ،‬ي�صور ً‬ ‫ت�سفك‪ ،‬وممتلكات حقوقية ت�سلب‪ .‬رمبا ما زال امل�شهد �ضبابي ًا‪،‬‬ ‫ولكن تخيل معي مثا ً‬ ‫ال ينطبق متام ًا على جامعتنا «العزيزة»‪،‬‬ ‫جل�سة قمة يف جامعتنا العربية‪ ،‬جمموعة من رجال ال�سيا�سة‬ ‫مي ّثلونك ووطنك يف اجلل�سة‪ ،‬يتناوبون دلّة القهوة العربية‬ ‫و�صحن املك�سرّ ات‪ ،‬ويفتتحون اجلل�سة ب�ضحكة ه�ستريية من‬ ‫�أحدهم يقول‪� »:‬أنا م�ش عم �إحكي �سيا�سة‪ »...‬ويثني على كالمه‬ ‫اجلال�سون‪ ،‬ثم ير ّد عليه �آخر مقهقها‪ :‬وال �أنا «م�ش عم �إحكي‬ ‫�سيا�سة‪ »...‬فيختتمون القمة بقرار عربي بالإجماع‪ ،‬ميحقون به‬ ‫الأمة عن بكرة �أبيها‪ ،‬وي�سلمون مفاتيح دولهم للعامل الآخر‪ .‬كل‬ ‫هذا وهم ال يتكلمون �سيا�سة‪ ،‬ويا �أخي يا ليتهم ال يتكلمون بها‪،‬‬ ‫لكانت الأمور �أو�ضح‪...‬وعلى فكرة‪� ،‬أنا �أي�ض ًا «م�ش عم �إحكي‬ ‫�سيا�سة‪!»...‬‬

‫عندما تتك ّلم ال ّدموع‪..‬‬ ‫هيا الأتا�سي‪ ،‬م�ساهمة �صحفية‬

‫ال�سمرة‪ ،‬ق�صري القامة‪ ،‬يف ال ّثالثني من العمر‪،‬‬ ‫رجلٌ �شديد ّ‬ ‫عيناه �سوداويان تلمعان‪� ،‬شعره �أ�سود قامت‪� .‬أوقفني يف منت�صف‬ ‫الطريق‪ .‬و قبل �أن يتكلم �أو ينطق ب�أي حرف �أح�س�ست بالب�ؤ�س‬ ‫عما اذا كنت من ّ‬ ‫�سكان بريوت‬ ‫واملعاناة من تعابري وجهه‪� .‬س�ألني ّ‬ ‫والتو ُّ�سل‪ .‬مل �أعرف ما �أفعلُ‬ ‫ثم ما لبِ ث � ْأن بد�أ بالبكاء‬ ‫َ‬ ‫ف�أجبت ُه بنعم‪ّ .‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫ا�ضطررت‬ ‫ال�سبب و ْ‬ ‫بعدما ر�أيت رجال يبكي �أمامي‪� .‬س�ألته عن َ‬ ‫ّبناين‬ ‫ات ح ّتى �أجابني‪ .‬قال يل �أ ّنه من اجلنوب الل‬ ‫مر ٍ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫�أن �أ�س�أله ّ‬ ‫عدة ّ‬ ‫يريد �إخراجها و�إعادتها ملنزلها يف‬ ‫و� ّأن � ّأمه كانت يف امل�شفى وهو ُ‬ ‫يدفع به �أُجرة‬ ‫ما‬ ‫معه‬ ‫يتبقى‬ ‫اجلنوب ولكنه انقطع من املال ومل‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الطريق‪ .‬ذهلت ومل �أعرف ما �أفعل‪ .‬هل �أعطه ما يريد �أم �أتركه‬ ‫و�أم�شي ؟ نظرت �إليه ون�سيت كلّ �شيء حويل‪� .‬‬ ‫أح�س�ست ب�أنيّ‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫�سماع �أو ر�ؤيةِ � ّأي �شيء �آخر‪.‬‬ ‫فقدت القدرة على‬ ‫عامل �آخر‪.‬‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫يف ٍ‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫يقبل يداي‬ ‫جل ما �أراه هو �صورة رجل كان على مقربة من � ْأن ّ‬ ‫هويته‬ ‫إعطائي‬ ‫يق�سم ب�أ ّنه على ا�ستعدادٍ ل‬ ‫يحلف يل و‬ ‫‪ .‬رجل‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫معلومات عنه‪ .‬فما كان م ّني �إ ّ‬ ‫ال �أن‬ ‫وا�سمه وكل ما �أطلبه من‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫�س�ألته كم يريد من املال فكان جوابه‪ :‬الكثري‪ .‬قلت له‪ :‬ف�سرّ يل‬ ‫ما هو الكثري الذي تتحدث عنه فلي�س لدي �أدنى فكرة عن كلفةِ‬ ‫�شدة ارتباكه‪ ،‬ارتبط ل�سانه ومل يجبني‪.‬‬ ‫ال�سفر �إىل اجلّنوب‪ .‬ومن ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫فقد كان يقف �أمامي وهو ينظر حوله ويناجي ربه النقاذه من‬ ‫امل�صيبة التي وقع بها‪� .‬أعطيته تقريبا ن�صف القيمة التي كان‬

‫يحتاجها فنظر �إيلّ طالبا املزيد فاعتذرت منه لأ ّنه مل يكن معي‬ ‫نظر �إىل الأ�سفل و�شكرين ودعا يل‪ .‬ثم ذهب وهو يبكي‬ ‫املزيد‪َ .‬‬ ‫و ي�رضب نف�سه‪.‬‬ ‫بعد �ساعة ون�صف تقريبا عدت اىل نف�س املكان الذي التقيته فيه‬ ‫وراجيا � ّإياهم‬ ‫لأجده يدور على ال�سيارات طالبا العون من النا�س‬ ‫ً‬ ‫يتكرم عليه‬ ‫يرق قلبهم عليه ب�أقلّ ما ميكن‪ ،‬فمنهم من كان‬ ‫� ْأن ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫بب�ضع اللّريات ومنهم من كان يطرده‪ .‬وقف يف منت�صف الطريق‬ ‫قبعته وبد�أ ي�رضب نف�سه بها ويدور و يكلّم نف�سه بدونت‬ ‫وخلع ّ‬ ‫�أن يدري ما عليه فعله‪.‬‬ ‫ال ميكن و�صف �شعوري �آنذاك فقد اختلطت م�شاعري باحلزن‬ ‫والأ�سى والقهر والظلم‪� .‬ألي�س هذا مواطن ذو كرامة وع ّزة نف�س؟‬ ‫�صبية ذو‬ ‫لرجل يف ال ّثالثني من عمره �أن يبكي �أمام‬ ‫كيف ميكن‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يكون كاذب ًا ؟‬ ‫عام و�أن‬ ‫الرجل كانت �أبلغَ‬ ‫َ‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫ت�سعة ع�رشة ٍ‬ ‫دموع هذا ّ‬ ‫أف�صح من كلّ‬ ‫الكلمات التي كانت لي�صف بها حالته‪� .‬إ ّنني‬ ‫و�‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫َ‬ ‫النا�س يف املنطقة من الّذين لديهم‬ ‫�أُجزِ ُم �أ ّنه كان هناك العديد من‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫القدرة على دفع كلفة �سفره ب�أكملها‪.‬‬ ‫ال�شعور مبعاناةِ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫لكن تدنيّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫أنانية هو ما يجعل النا�س ال يكرتثون ملا يعانيه غريهم‪.‬‬ ‫الغري وال ّ‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫وكدت �أجن فكيف لو كنت يف‬ ‫ُ‬ ‫الرجل ْ‬ ‫و�ضعت نف�سي مكان ذلك ّ‬ ‫موقفه فعال ؟‬ ‫وظلمهم‪.‬‬ ‫القدر‬ ‫عليهم‬ ‫جار‬ ‫ن‬ ‫مم‬ ‫الكثريين‬ ‫كحال‬ ‫جل‬ ‫الر‬ ‫ِ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫َ‬ ‫َ‬ ‫حالُ هذا ّ‬

‫لبنانية‬ ‫ف�أنا مل �أكن اعرف هذا الرجل‪ ،‬ل�ست من اجلنوب ول�ست‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ولكن هناك �شيء دفعني مل�ساعدته‪ .‬يجب علينا �أن ّ‬ ‫نفكر‬ ‫ا�صال‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ً‬ ‫و نت�ساءل‪ ،‬هل يا ترى قمنا مب�ساعدة من هم بحاجة للم�ساعدة؟‬ ‫هل ّ‬ ‫فكرنا يوما بالنعم التي نعي�ش بها؟ امل يخطر ببالنا � ّأن هناك‬ ‫ماليني الب�رش ميوتون جوع ًا وعط�ش ًا وبرداً؟ هذا حال الكثري من‬ ‫قوة‪.‬‬ ‫�ضحايا قدرٍ ٍ‬ ‫قا�س مكتوب عليهم وهم ال حول لهم وال ّ‬

19 ‫صفحة‬

Cultural Club of the South celebrates the Prophet`s Birthday

2012 ,‫ اذار‬6 ,‫الثالثاء‬

‫جزء ‪ ،44‬عدد ‪14‬‬ ‫الثالثاء‪ ٤ ,‬اذار‪2012 ,‬‬

‫حماية احلقوق الفكرية يف لبنان‬ ‫نهاد غازي عواد‪ ،‬حمررة ق�سم اللغة العربية‬

‫حماية احلقوق الفكرية يف لبنان كان مو�ضوع ندوة �أ�رشفت‬ ‫عليها وحدة النقل التكنولوجي يف مكتب العقود والأبحاث يف‬ ‫اجلامعة اللبنانية‪ .‬وقد مت فيها عر�ض املمار�سات احلالية حلماية‬ ‫احلقوق الفكرية يف وزارة الإقت�صاد والتجارة‪ .‬هي ندوة كان‬ ‫يجب �أن تكون لأكرب عدد من الطالب وتتبع بحمالت توعية‬ ‫للجوار ملا لها من الأهمية وملا تتعر�ض له احلقوق الفكرية‬ ‫من الإنتهاكات يف و�ضعنا احلايل‪ .‬فكثري من اللبنانيني وحتى‬ ‫التالميذ يقابلون املو�ضوع بالإ�ستهزاء‪.‬‬ ‫حا�رض يف اجلل�سة ال�سيد و�سام �إميل املخت�ص يف احلماية الفكرية‬ ‫والذي يعمل يف وزارة الإقت�صاد والتجارة اللبنانية‪ .‬ومن‬ ‫موقعه تكلم عن دور مكتب امللكية الفكرية و�أبرز مهامه من‬ ‫ت�سجيل حقوق امللكية الفكرية لرباءات الإخرتاع وحقوق الطبع‬

‫والن�رش والعالمات التجارية ومن اقرتاح قوانني جديدة و�ضبط‬ ‫املخالفات يف هذا املجال والأهم زيادة التوعية بني املواطنني‪.‬‬ ‫قال ال�سيد و�سام �أن ت�سجيل احلقوق الفكرية هو النظام القائم‬ ‫حاليا‪ .‬ولفت اىل �إزدياد عدد العالمات التجارية امل�سجلة بني‬ ‫‪ 2008‬وال ‪ 2011‬حوايل الإثنا ع�رس باملئة‪ .‬لكن �أغلب‬ ‫�أ�صحاب امل�شاريع الذين قاموا بالت�سجيل هم من اجلن�سيات‬ ‫الأجنبية‪ .‬و�أ�شار اىل ان عدد براءات الإخرتاع �آخذ بالتزايد م�شريا‬ ‫اىل �أن �ستة باملائة من الرباءات هي يف جمال الأدوية الذي‬ ‫انتع�ش يف الفرتة الأخرية‪ .‬لكن الإزدياد يف ت�سجيل حقوق الطبع‬ ‫والن�رش بطيء جدا لأنه لي�س �إلزاميا‪.‬‬ ‫ثم مت عر�ض اجنازات مكتب احلماية الفكرية والتي هي خف�ض‬ ‫اخلطوات البريوقراطية من �سبع اىل ثالث خطوات‪ ،‬وخف�ض‬ ‫معدل الوقت الالزم اىل اجناز املعاملة اىل ا�سبوع كمعدل‬ ‫و�سطي‪ ،‬وتطوير وتنفيذ ا�ستعمال االلكرتونيات‪ .‬وهم الآن‬ ‫ب�صدد اعتماد نظام املنظمة العاملية للملكية الفكرية ونظام‬ ‫التنفيذ التلقائي للملكية ال�صناعية يف ال‪.2013-2012‬‬ ‫وقد عدد القوانني املعتمدة يف مكتب احلماية الفكرية والالفت‬ ‫�أن البع�ض منها يعود ل�سنة ‪1924‬و‪، 1946‬و�أحدثها �أ�صدر‬ ‫يف ال‪ .1999‬و�أردف قائال �أن عدد من القوانني هي ب�صدد‬ ‫الت�صديق والتنفيذ ومنها‪ :‬قانون العالمة التجارية‪ ،‬وقانون‬ ‫الإ�شارة اجلغرافية‪ ،‬وقانون ال�صناعات اجلديدة‪ .‬ومر�سوم جديد‬ ‫عن الإدارة اجلماعية‪ ،‬وتعديل قانون حقوق الطبع والن�رش‪ .‬وهي‬ ‫قوانني ما زالت يف جمل�س النواب تنتظر الت�صديق من ‪.2007‬‬ ‫وطلب عدم ال�س�ؤال عن ال�سبب لأنه �سيا�سي‪.‬‬

‫ثم تطر�أ اىل املعاهدات املوقعة من قبل املكتب وهي �إما معاهدات‬ ‫تتعلق باحلماية الفكرية ‪ :‬اتفاقية باري�س‪ ،‬اتفاق مدريد‬ ‫‪ ،‬اتفاقية برن‪ .‬ومعاهدة قانون العالمة التجارية للحماية الفكرية‪.‬‬ ‫و�إما معاهدات عن الت�صنيف كمعاهدة ني�س‪ ،‬واما معاهدات‬ ‫احلماية العاملية‪ :‬معاهدة التعاون ب�ش�أن الرباءات‪ ،‬بروتوكول‬ ‫مدريد‪ .‬ومعاهدة التعاون ب�ش�أن الرباءات هو اجناز لأن ال يوجد‬ ‫هناك نظام ت�سجيل لرباءات الإخرتاع دوليا‪ .‬فعلى املخرتع‬ ‫�أن يقوم بت�سجيل �إخرتاعه يف كل بلد مما يتطلب الكثري من‬ ‫املعامالت و�إنفاق املبالغ الطائلة‪ .‬وقد �أتاحت هذه املعاهدة تقدمي‬ ‫طلب واحد اىل املنظمة وي�صبح الإخرتاع م�سجال يف جميع‬ ‫البلدان املوقعة عليها كما انه ال يدفع اي ر�سوم قبل ت�سجيلها‬ ‫ببلده �أي لبنان‪ .‬وامل�ضحك املبكي �أن جميع هذه املعاهدات تنتظر‬ ‫من ال‪� 2007‬أن يقوم جمل�س النواب بالت�صديق عليها‪.‬‬ ‫وقد ا�ستقبل املكتب العديد من البعثات املخت�صة يف‬ ‫ال‪ .2011‬ومنها بعثة تق�صي احلقائق التابع للمنظمة العاملية‬ ‫للملكية الفكرية ملراقبة �إعادة هيكلة مكتب احلماية الفكرية‪،‬‬ ‫وبعثة مكتب امل�ساعدات الأمريكية ملراجعة تعديل قانون احلماية‬ ‫الفكرية وقد �أر�سلت املراجعة اىل املجل�س النيابي‪.‬‬ ‫وبني ال�سيد �إميل �أن م�س�ؤولية مكتب احلماية الفكرية يف لبنان‬ ‫هي يف انفاذ قوانني حماية امللكية الفكرية والعمل على تطبيقها‪.‬‬ ‫وعملية التطبيق غري قائمة الآن ب�سبب نق�ص املوارد الب�رشية ‪.‬‬ ‫وقد قامت جمعية حقوق امل�ستهلك ال�سنة الفائتة بار�سال خم�س‬ ‫موظفني اىل املكتب للعمل على تطبيق قوانني امللكية الفكرية‪.‬‬ ‫يتبع �صفحة ‪16‬‬

‫قوي ارادتك و عي�ش حياتك‬ ‫جاد �شم�س الدين كاتب �صحفي‬

‫ان ت�سمع بان �شخ�ص ًا ما قد قتل او قتل نف�سه(انتحر) هو امر غري‬ ‫طبيعي ولكن ميكنك ان تتقبله‪ ،‬ففي كال احلالتني ميكنك فعل‬ ‫اكرث من احلزن والأمل والرتحم‪ .‬ولكن ان تعلم بان �شخ�ص ًا ما‬ ‫يقتل نف�سه يومي ًا ‪ ،‬بل ويدفن �شبابه يف حياة ا�شبه بقرب مظلم ال‬ ‫هواء فيه وال روح‪ ،‬فيما يظن �أنه ي�ستلذ يف احلياة ومي�ضي فيها‬ ‫اجمل االوقات ‪ ،‬هو امر غري طبيعي وال ميكنك تقبله ‪.‬‬ ‫انه ال�سم‪ ،‬ال�سم الذي اذا دخل ج�سمك �سيطر عليه وعلى عقلك‬ ‫و حياتك في�ستملكك بل وي�صبح مدير اعمالك ‪،‬‬ ‫في�صبح �إالهك وانت عبده‪.‬‬ ‫انه ال�سم الذي يخدعك بلذة م�ؤقتة ‪،‬نعم انه‪ :‬املخدرات من اي‬

‫نوع كانت فكلها تقتلك يف حياتك‪.‬‬ ‫انت‪،‬هي‪،‬انا ‪ ...‬كلنا معر�ضون الن نكون عبيداً لإله ال�رش هذا‪.‬‬ ‫�شيء واحد مينعنا هو االرادة‪.‬‬ ‫االرادة هي جي�شك الذي يحميك من هذا الوح�ش الغدار ‪ ،‬فما‬ ‫عليك فعله هو تدريب جي�شك وت�سليحه لكي يكون قادراً على‬ ‫حمايتك وذلك من خالل االقتناع مبدى �رشا�سة هذا الوح�ش و‬ ‫قدرته التدمريية الهائلة‪.‬‬ ‫فعلى ال�صعيد ال�شخ�صي �شاءت الظروف بان يعر�ض علي و‬ ‫الكرث من مرة هذا ال�سم الفتاك اال انني كنت قد دربت جي�شي‬ ‫و�سلحته فكان االقوى وا�ستطاع حمايتي من �رشه‪ .‬رف�ضته‬ ‫لي�س الن بيئتي االجتماعية �أو قيمي او اهلي يرف�ضون ذلك‬ ‫فكل املجتمعات و قيمها واهلها يرف�ضون املخدرات‪ .‬و مل‬ ‫�أرف�ضه لأن احلالة االقت�صادية متنعني‪ ،‬بل �إن الدرا�سات اثبتت‬ ‫بان الفقراء معر�ضني اكرث من غريهم الن يكون من �ضحايا هذا‬ ‫ال�سم‪ .‬االرادة وحدها التي منعتني ‪ ،‬التي يديرها عقلي املقتنع‬ ‫اقتناع ًا تام ًا مب�ضار هذا ال�سم الفتاك‪.‬‬ ‫‪ .‬تعلقك بهذا ال�سم يدل على �ضعف �شخ�صيتك وجبنك‬ ‫وتهربك من مواجهة امل�شاكل احلياتية و�صعابها‪.‬‬ ‫‪3193 .ext 000 350 01 :tel 208 Bliss Street, West Hall‬‬

‫ميكنك التخل�ص من هذا العدو املحتل جل�سمك وعقلك‪ ،‬فاملراكز‬ ‫املخت�صة بالعالج من االدمان بانتظارك‪ .‬ذهابك اليها قوة ولي�س‬ ‫�ضعفا‪ .‬حتد نف�سك‪ .‬اذهب واطلب امل�ساعدة ‪ .‬هذه امل�ؤ�س�سات‬ ‫ت�أ�س�ست من اجلك ‪ .‬بالتعاون معها �ستحمي نف�سك وحتررها‬ ‫من هذا العدو املحتل‪.‬‬ ‫ميكنني ان اكتب مو�سوعات عن هذا ال�سم الفتاك اال انني‬ ‫�ساكتفي بهذا القدر ‪ .‬فما امتناه هو ان تكون ر�سالتي قد و�صلت‬ ‫وفهمت بالطريقة ال�صحيحة‪ .‬انا من ال�شباب لذا �أنا افهمهم‬ ‫واعلم ما اقول‪.‬‬ ‫احلياة جميلة بوعينا وادراكنا الفعالنا وتخطيطنا لها‪ .‬ال تدع‬ ‫ال�سم يدفنك يف حياتك‪.‬‬ ‫االوطان ال تبنى اال ب�شبابها الواعني املثقفني‪ .‬فلم ال يكون هذا‬ ‫ال�شعار �شعارنا يف حملتنا لتوعية ال�شباب على املخدرات؟؟‬ ‫«قوي ارادتك و عي�ش حياتك»‬