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Outlook The American University of Beirut

Yearbook team release Volume 36

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Vol. XLIII, No. 11

Interview with Dr. Saouma Bou Jaoude

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|Wednesday, Dec 15, 2010| The Independent Student Publication Since 1949

Mashrou3 Leila and SCORA-LeMSIC shine light on AIDS Rachelle Helou Special to Outlook

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ast Thursday, December 9 the walls of Assembly Hall resonated with the sounds of the instruments played by the popular Lebanese band “Mashrou3 Leila.” The concert was organized by the Standing Committee On Reproductive health including AIDS (SCORA), part of the Lebanese Medical Students’ International Committee (LeMSIC) as the main fundraising event of their campaign entitled, “You Don’t Have to be a Doctor to Fight AIDS.” In support of a good cause, the venue attracted approximately 850 spectators reserving amongst its seats a place for AUB faculty

members, various members of the press, and no doubt the loyal fans of the rising local band.

The annual SCORA campaign is aimed at spreading awareness on HIV/AIDS in Lebanon, especially through peer education, and on fundraising for people living with HIV who cannot afford to pay for their CD4 counts.

The modest effort that began 12 years ago has culminated this year with a campaign that secured both SCORA and LeMSIC the biggest media coverage so far. SCORA’s National and Local Officers (Katia Khoury, Fadi HalaPhoto by Mohamad Al Medawar

Mashrou3 Leila Preforming at Assembly Hall

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Bliss Street closes for “Graffiti Exposed” competition Lara Traboulsi Staff Writer

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n Sunday, December 5, Bliss road was closed off, beginning from Zaatar w Zeit all the way to Universal. From 9 am till 10 pm, Bliss Street witnessed art being born as it hosted the Graffiti Exposed competition. People from all across Lebanon were invited to express their views and translate their perceptions of emigration into a tangible piece of art. Under the patronage of the Minister of Interiors, Ziad Baroud, Graffiti Exposed invited Graffiti artists from all across the country to come and express their views. This competition was Campus News Arts & Culture Spotlight Arabic Opinion Arabic News

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created and executed by Jessy Tadros and Joumana Abdel Hadi who recognized that Graffiti has become a way for young people to express the problems that they face and see daily.

Large white canvases were placed all across Bliss Street inviting artists to freely express their perception of emigration. Paint, spray paint cans, and brushes littered the sidewalks as artists clamored to get their budding ideas onto their “walls.” Each canvas was taken by graffiti artists and Photo by Mohamad Medawar

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Entertainment Letter to the Ed Ed & Opinion Out of the Box

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Campus News Ayadina fundraises for needy children

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

Campus News Entrepreneurship Competition

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Arabic News :‫بني املسيحية و اإلسالم‬ ‫من هو اهلل؟‬

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AUB Advising, Outlook investigates: Hate it or Love it?

AUB Student Advising Survey

Caterina Belardi Staff Writer

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ver the past few days, a survey has circulated throughout campus regarding students’ and advisors’ views concerning advising in AUB. The surveys showed that 47% of the students interviewed are satisfied with the current advising procedure, given that the advisor is rightly related to their major, answers questions and presents real help in assessing future plans of the advisees.

Out of all the faculties, the highest rate of satisfaction resulted among the students of FHS with 57% being satisfied. Of the 28% of unsatisfied AUBites, most are freshmen or majorless, with the highest rate of dissatisfaction coming from FAS, with 60.4% being dissatisfied.

This group feels that they are not guided well enough in respect to their questions about majors as well as the difficulties of the system and curriculum requirements; they feel the need for more thorough advising. Revealing data comes from the students

who have never sought advising; they represent 25% of students, 49% of those coming from FEA. The survey showed that students do not feel the need to seek advising as there is no follow-up from the advisors, and they do not feel like the faculty members can provide information relevant enough to their future plans.

On the professors’ side, results came from a very diverse group of faculty members, whose advising experience varies between 30 and two years. They focus their policies on being as informative as possible, knowledgeable, and empathic and, most importantly, dedicating as much time as possible. They appreciate spirit and the commitment of some students, but would like to see more from the rest. The main concern lies in the lack of interest from some advisees which becomes an obstacle in building ties with the students. Yet, just like students, they feel that AUB policies are confusing and ev-

200 participants (93 from FAS, 15 from FAFS, 43 from FEA, 34 from OSB, 15 from FHS) and 20 professors from FAS, HSON and FAFS filled in this survey

er-changing; as much as they have tried to submit changes and proposals for new policies, not much has been done yet.

Dr. Amal Bou-Zeineddine, Associate Director of the Cen-

ter for Teaching and Learning (CTL), is also speaking out about the issue, saying, “we see our place in an initiative that could develop a plan for advising, which would cater to the needs of AUB, com-

bining both advisors and advisees’ perspectives. But these are just initial and unsupported thoughts.”

AUB Entrepreneurship Club presents “Turning Ideas into Reality” Rami Panayoti Staff Writer

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UB’s Entrepreneurship Club hosted a massive event on Thursday, December 9 in Bathish Auditorium between 6:30pm and 8pm. The four influential speakers (Antoine Abou-Samra, Samer Karam, Rana El Chemaitelly and Joelle Yazbeck) shared their powerful insight in regards to business and entrepreneurship in general.

It began with Antoine AbouSamra, the managing director of Bader, introducing the organization and how it has and will continue to “help ideas and help develop them.” Abou-Samra stated, “Entrepreneurship fuels eco-

nomic growth, creating employment and prosperity.” He then proceeded to define the entrepreneur as the person who sees an opportunity and works on it. Throughout his speaking time, Abou-Samra was inspiring all of the audience into nurturing their ideas, and evolving them as soon as possible, especially with the support of Bader.

Next up was speaker Samer Karam, founder of ‘Seeqnce,’ an organization “by entrepreneurs, for entrepreneurs.”

It all started six months ago, when Karam had this idea to change, and build something by himself. He did not like being told what to do, and thus

created something alone. Seeqnce is basically about people’s startups. A startup is the first process an entrepreneur goes through, the first part of his imminent career.

Following Karam was Rana El Chemaitelly, ex-AUB student and current Robotics teacher, in addition to being founder of the company “The Little Engineer.”

She stressed on the fact that “when there is a will, there is a way.” Previously, she excelled at AUB and graduated earning a Penrose Award in 1993. Her direct advice to the audience was never to let opportunities go, but instead to grab every opportu-

nity possible, and to grab all knowledge we can grab from employers before thinking of becoming entrepreneurs.

However, she also advised people (and women in specific) to try and start working on achieving their dreams and turning their ideas into reality before it becomes an impossible task. Her company, The Little Engineer, teaches kids and teens about robotics and renewable energy. After an extremely inspiring talk, she concluded with the idea that whenever there is passion, we will surely reach our goals.

The final speaker was Joelle Yazbeck, who introduced

the Fourth MIT Arab Business Plan Competition. This competition gives the chance to the teams involved to win $50,000. It consists of four rounds. To compete in the competition, one must first assemble a team of at least three people, with at least two being Arabs, and apply before January 18, 2011.

This competition helps entrepreneurs develop an idea about what steps they should take and how they should take them.

Outlook

Dec 15, 2010

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Food Safety: What you don’t know might kill you Lynn Itani Staff Writer Heather Jaber News Executive

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n December 8 and 9, a series of events pertaining to food quality issues, specifically in Lebanon, were held. Two lectures were given in West Hall, as was a display of experiments testing food and water quality. The events were organized by the AUB Wellness program in an attempt to educate the public about the need to take action when coming across potential hazardous situations relating to food.

One session, entitled “Food Safety: When Eating Out,” was given by Dr. Zeina Kassaify, from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics.

She stressed that we, as a society, must be “smart consumers.” Although microbiological analysis of food in Lebanon is commonplace, the law does not allow for the names of places to be published, giving these companies leeway. Moreover, a consumer survey showed that when it comes to food-caused sickness, consumers do not complain and often return to the same place. Consumers, as a whole, do not know where to complain, and they do not trust that the system will respond adequately.

Kassaify stressed that a fancily-designed restaurant does not necessarily mean that the kitchen is clean or safe. She also indicated that wearing gloves may not mean proper hygiene be-

cause certain behaviors, such as handling money, touching clothes or hair and going to the toilet, may contaminate gloves. She advised on heating leftovers till steam is visible, rather than warming; as microwaves leave cold spots, homogenizing the food right before it has steamed is needed. When at a restaurant, Zassaify instructed that if food that should be hot is served cold or otherwise, then customers should return it.

Equally enlightening were the food safety experiment results on display in the Mahmoud Malhass room.

One experiment involved the testing of various types of popular sandwiches from restaurants in Hamra. The results were shocking; each

of the sandwiches tested positive for fecal coliforms and other bacteria. Water quality was also tested; samples of water that is used by the public were taken from the wells in various villages, and the results showed that fecal coliforms were also present.

This is due to cross-contamination of sewage and drinking water pipes.

Regarding food safety, there are various steps that the public can take to limit their chances of these risks. For example, if food that should be hot is served cold or otherwise, there is a risk of food poisoning, which explains why many people are becoming sick at events where buffets are served. The spores present in the food become immune to the heating pro-

cess. This occurs substantially in the case of reheating rice, which is done regularly in homes across Lebanon and restaurants with Asian cuisine. When dining out, checking that the toilets are clean, Kassaify said, is an important indicator of the cleanliness of a kitchen. Another tip is to look at the surroundings; for example, a dirty sink or any mold on the wall is a clear sign of dirtiness.

Reem Hamzeh, of the AUB Wellness program, believes holding these kinds of events are important due to the misconceptions regarding food poisoning and other related issues. “If it’s expensive, it doesn’t mean it’s clean…it’s about educating the consumers. It’s your right to complain.”

‘Yummy Waffles’ not just for your benefit Ayadina fundraises for children

Dalia Hosn Staff Writer

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ummy waffles were sold outside West Hall, Wednesday, December 8, with the proceeds going to the AUB Work Study Program and the Ayadina Association, which deals primarily with underprivileged children and elders. The event was well organized as AUB students got to choose a variety of toppings that left them wanting more.

The main aim of the event was “to raise money and involve students in civic engagement,” says Maya Najjar, the Funding President at Ayadina. This plan was executed quite well as a waffle and pancake sale is something that is easily accessible and enjoyable at the same time. It is hard to find anyone who doesn’t get excited about ‘Yummy Waffles.’ That being said, the event was definitely an overall success as students were more than satisfied with the desserts and sugar-filled sweets the Ayadina stands offered.

The Ayadina Association has been around since 1999 and is a non-profit, non-governmental association. Most of all, it prides itself on being a politically independent organization in Lebanon.

Working mainly in the deprived areas of Sin el-Fil, the organization is focused on improving the lives of children and senior citizens, and on a larger scale seeks to develop the community as a whole.

In particular, the waffle sale has become a yearly tradition mostly due to “the positive feedback that was received the first time around, and so we just answered the needs and demands of the students,” says Najjar.

In the past, this association has always worked closely with the Office of Student Affairs here at AUB, and the funds that they have raised have sometimes gone towards AUB’s Financial Aid system as well as supporting other groups and efforts such as the Braveheart Fund. Therefore, there really is a “spirit of participation on

Ayadina fundraise for needy children

both sides” says Najjar. She goes on to express how happy they are to collaborate with everyone and she “would like to send a big thank you to the Dean of Student Affairs and President Dorman.”

Furthermore, it is worth noting that the timing of this

(Photo by Nadi Nassar)

event was no coincidence, as it also serves as an advertisement for the association’s upcoming project. The Ayadina Fundraising committee will be hosting a benefit Christmas concert Wednesday, December 15, the proceeds from which will also be going to

underprivileged children and the Ayadina Center for Fine and Performing Arts.

Ultimately, this waffle sale is only the tip of the iceberg, and there will be many more events in store.

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campus news Mashrou3 Leila at Assembly Hall continued from page 1

bi and Mario Fahed) were interviewed on prominent TV shows for Future TV, MTV and LBC, while other members of the team participated in an all-students commercial that recently aired on LBC. Various radio channels and magazines also gave publicity to the campaign, shedding more light on a topic still highly controversial and sensitive in Lebanon.

As part of their yearly ritual, the campaign was launched with the Free Hugs display that took place in front of West Hall last week in commemoration of World AIDS Day on December 1. This seemingly simple gesture was meant to demonstrate that HIV is not transmitted by any physical contact. The movement was followed up on the streets of Hamra and Gemayze as well as the vari-

ous branches of Roadster and Deek Duke, where SCORA members distributed educative flyers and condoms, sold tickets, and collected donations for the campaign. Needless to say, the fruit of these efforts was reaped by the massive success of the concert as all its proceeds went to the SCORA HIV/AIDS fund at the AUBMC, Hotel Dieu de France and Saint Georges Hospital.

The revolutionary ambiance of the concert accurately mirrored the nature of its cause, and manifested itself in the mesmerized listeners who instinctively moved with the intensity of the music. The mood was set by the dimmed lights that were to shine again at the end of the performance as a sign of enlightenment on HIV and Human Rights, part of the global Lights for Rights campaign.

Photo by Mohamad Al Medawar

“We are merely one link in the chain,” stated Khoury in

her introductory speech, “It is with your support that we

can grow… Students we urge you to be aware!”

Diet Center: Good nutrition for a healthy diet Aziza Khalil Staff Writer

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ow many times have you lost weight on a particular diet but then gained it right back?

Almost any diet can lead to short-term weight loss, even the cabbage soup diet. On Wednesday, December 8, Sawsan Wazzan Jabri, the chief dietitian and co-owner of the nutrition and diet center, organized a lecture at college hall auditorium B1 for AUB seniors to explain how to start dieting healthy and keeping up with it. With the place packed, Jabri started the lecture. She started off by asking “What’s healthy food?” Healthy food is low in fat and sugar, moderate in salt, high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and balanced in nutrients, although it can

also be full of taste. According to Jabri, eating healthy does not mean eating something that doesn’t have taste.

Although before we can start eating healthy we have to understand what happens to our body if we don’t. Jabri stated four harmful effects that can happen to us. The first is that cholesterol starts to build up in our veins. What’s cholesterol? It is a waxy fatlike substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body.

Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly.

But high levels of cholesterol in the blood can block arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. Another is that there is a great chance of getting diabetes. It’s a condition in which a person has

a high blood sugar level as a result of the body either not producing enough insulin, or because body cells do not properly respond to the insulin that is produced. Jabri showed slides on how insulin works properly and when it doesn’t work properly.

What happens to the arteries is that when sugar can’t go into the cells they start clogging up the arteries. There are two types of diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes the body does not make insulin. 5-10% of diabetics are diagnosed with this type of diabetes and it is usually diagnosed in children. They need insulin daily which must be balanced with a meal plan. Type 2 amounts for 90-95% of diabetes and is usually diagnosed in mid-

In Type 1 diabetes the body does not make insulin. 5-10% of diabetics are diagnosed with this type of diabetes and it is usually diagnosed in children. dle aged adults. They need to manage it by using a meal plan, being active, and sometimes taking medication. The third is high blood pressure.

It’s a condition when the blood flows through the blood vessels greater than the average blood flow of the population. The fourth is obesity. It’s a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/

or increased problems. Understanding all that makes it easier for us to understand why we need to eat healthy.

The rest of the lecture was involved in helping prepare the right diet. Everyone has a different diet. Once you’re ready to go on a diet call a dietitian and make a plan suitable for you. Antoine de Saint-Exupry, said “the time for action is now. It’s never too late to do something.” So what are you waiting for?

“The badness of the times frequently depends more on the those who govern the ship than the weather”

- Zimmerman

Dec 15, 2010

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The Business Student Society and the Entrepreneurship Club present the Entrepreneurship Competition Lana El Sahely Staff Writer

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he Business Student Society (BSS) and the Entrepreneurship Club organized an event on Friday, December 10 at Maamari Auditorium at 6:30pm to launch the Entrepreneurship Competition. In collaboration with Bader, a Lebanese NGO encouraging young entrepreneurs, and sponsored by Fransabank, the BSS and the Entrepreneurship Club want to encourage students from different faculties to team up in order to prepare and build a business plan based on an idea they have.

First of all, teams will have to register before December 17 (stands were set in West Hall starting Monday, December 13 for interested students to register or ask further questions about the competition). Then, two workshops will be held on the December 18 for the teams to learn how to build a business plan, how to communicate their idea to a jury, and how

to build many other important skills. Finally, on January 10, a clinic held by Bader hosting a wide range of experts (marketers, lawyers, financial experts, etc.) will help the candidates make their business plans more professional and innovative.

The deadline for the submissions will be on January 12.

Finally, the pitching of ideas to judges (from the AUB faculty, Fransabank and Bader) will take place on January 14. The winners will get $3,000 worth of prize money from Fransabank. This competition is intended to open the doors to other external competitions such as the MIT Enterprise Forum of the Pan Arab Region.

The MIT Enterprise Forum of the Pan Arab Region is one of the eight international chapters of the MIT Enterprise Forum. Launched in 2006 and headquartered in Lebanon, it serves the Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf. It aims to develop a culture of entrepreneurship across the region in order to become the most influential

Photo by Mohamad Alameh

entrepreneurial network in the Arab world.

In addition to speakers from Fransabank, Bader, and The MIT Enterprise Forum of the Pan Arab Region, winner of last year’s MIT competition,

Rana El Chemaitelly was present; she had won with her concept of “The Little Engineer,” which aims to introduce children to the world of engineering. El Chemaitelly’s speech, as well as the

speeches of representatives from the aforementioned organizations, aimed to encourage students to act on their entrepreneurial instincts.

What can you do with your PSPA degree?

Anis Kadado Staff Writer

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UB provides its students with the possibility of attaining degrees in various fields, ranging from the literature world of English, the mysteries of science through Biology, and the great projects of Architecture. But what exactly can students do with their degrees after graduating?

This is precisely what the Political Science and Public Administration (PSPA) society provided their students with on Monday, December 6. The reception provided a comprehensive introduction to the different career options after graduation, careers that

include human rights, law, international relations, and NGOs. Attendees included alumni and professors, who provided presentations and speeches that caught the students’ attentions.

The West Hall Common Room was packed with PSPA majors wondering whether or not their career was to be a successful one, waiting to be provided with more information by people that already passed through it all.

PSPA chairperson Dr. Innana Hamati attended and gave a speech to those present, alongside Dr. Nidal Jourdi, Dr. Thomas Haus, and PSPA society advisor Dr. Hiba Khodor. Alumna Randa

“...there is an official PSPA website under construction that is to have a PSPA society link on its home page, which provides students with information about future events and internship programs available”

Antoun provided the majors with a presentation, speaking of the company she started with and about how the PSPA majors should feel with all the possible careers they can delve into post-graduation. Also, it was made clear to all students that there is an official PSPA website under construction that is to have a PSPA society link on its home page, which provides students with information about future events and internship programs avail-

able.

Sabine El-Najjar, the society’s current president, stated that “we are hoping this year to make the PSPA society more active in AUB and bring our students what they need to enjoy university life and succeed in the future, starting off with small scale projects such as providing the stand for the Halloween party that took place at St.George, or this reception for PSPA majors.” She also claimed that “many stu-

dents came out wanting to join the society and confused students told me things were made clear.” It’s a great feeling knowing in what direction one’s future is headed, especially that there are so many careers to choose from.

Hopefully more societies will provide students of specific majors with such an event that not only was informative, but also motivational.

The PSPA society promises a fruitful and active year, making this only the beginning.

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Dec 15, 2010

campus news

Joint initiative to monitor particulate matter concentration on Lebanese roads Tala Kardas Senior Staff Writer

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n a unique venture that aims at placing the environment and human health as the first priority, representatives from AUB, Rasamny Younis Motor Company (RYMCO) and Bank Audi sal- Audi Saradar Group gathered in West Hall’s Common Room on Thursday, December 9 to launch a research van that will measure realtime particulate matter concentration on the Lebanese roads for a year.

Provost Ahmad Dallal, who welcomed this partnership, stated at the beginning of this press conference that “The initiative will have a direct and beneficial impact on society and it’s certain to have public policy implications.”

Abdo Sweidan, of RYMCO who are the distributers of Nissan in the country, highlighted the company’s responsibility towards the public to serves, noting that they are “ready and more than willing to raise awareness in the public sector under excellent execution.” Nissan, globally, is dedicated to having zero emissions in all their

manufactured cars and have been committed to such for several years.

Speaking on behalf of Bank Audi sal-Audi Saradar Group, Ibrahim Salibi stressed upon the bank’s role in the project, considering their role as major players in the society, with them being one of the leading banks currently. The bank views this initiative as a “key to the blooming of environment-friendly schemes which can only contribute to the well-being of the community.”

The technical aspect of the project was handled by Dr. Najat Saliba, professor of Chemistry and head of AUB’s Atmospheric and Analytical Laboratory (AAL), who came up with the idea of real-time particulate matter on her daily commute from her home in the Beirut suburbs to AUB. Before going into the project’s details, Saliba introduced the audience to the project coordinator, Carl-Joe Mehanna, an undergraduate premed student, who has been assisting in this study for around six months in be-

Press conference: Measuring real time particulate matter concentration in Lebanon

tween his heavy course load.

Accordingly, the fullyequipped Nissan Urvan, driven by a trained AUB personnel, will study 31 different types of particulate matter, which can lead to carcinogen-

ic or irradiative effects and report upon drivers’ and passengers’ exposure to particulate matter during their time out on the road. The results will then be used to put together a study on pollution

(Photo by Nadi Nassar)

resulting from traffic and its effect on human health, taking into account the lack of rules and regulations related to that sector.

Strong collaboration results in the publication of campus yearbook 2009-2010 Tala Kardas Senior Staff Writer

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he AUB community had much to celebrate on Wednesday, December 8, with the launch of the 2009-2010 Campus Yearbook, just months after the academic year concluded- the first to do so in several years.

The launching ceremony was held in Bathish auditorium in West Hall and was attended by Dean Talal Nizameddin, Dr. Rabih Talhouk, 20092010 yearbook members, and interested students.

In her welcoming note, one of the two Associate Editors for that edition, Nadine Ghaith, stated that this yearbook was dedicated to recently retired Dean of Student Affairs, Dr. Maroun Kisirwani, before leaving the floor to Nizameddine.

In light of the many obstacles they had faced in putting together the book, Nizameddine congratulated the team, headed by Maurice Salem, for their hard work, efforts, and dedication. He also emphasized on the important role that Talhouk, Dean Kisrwani, and the Office of Communication played in order

to make this all possible. He went on to conclude his word by stating that “the yearbook is a crowning result of a year’s effort which brings together shared experiences.”

Talhouk, a Biology professor and long-standing faculty advisor for the yearbook, also congratulated everyone who had worked on this book for their efforts, noting that the yearbook has returned to the way he “remembers it, as a true reflection of AUB’s image.” In his last year as advisor, he thanked the students for what they had taught him on teamwork and collaboration.

Recent Mechanical Engineering graduate and Editor-in-Chief Salem, who Talhouk stated was probably the inspiration behind the yearbook’s mascot, also thanked the team and administration for all the support they had provided as the book was being made. He emphasized on the many additions that make this edition stand apart from its predecessors such as the wildly popular frame concept, the mascot, and this being the first yearbook to be completely put together from scratch by students.

After Salem’s speech, a short, yet fun, video was displayed and showed team members during the various production phases as well as commentary by members, students, and faculty on the effort.

One kind gesture that the members undertook was seen at the conclusion of the ceremony, as a copy was left open to the dedications page near the entrance of the auditorium where those in attendance could leave messages for Dean Kisirwani since that book is to be shipped to Australia where he is currently based.

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campus news The white ribbon campaign

Aziza Khalil Staff Writer

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he “White Ribbon Campaign” basketball tournament in AUB was held to promote gender equality and the concept of gender partnership. The event was held at the Charles Hostler Sports Center on Thursday, December 9.

Women have been fighting for equal rights for hundreds of years, but only since the nineteenth century have women been recognized as equals. They have won the right to vote, work, etc. In order to strengthen women’s fight for equality, gender equity is necessary in sports.

One can see this inequality present in the amount of benefits each gender receives, in monetary problems that arise, and with gender equality laws. There is a widespread belief across many communities that in order for a boy to become a successful man, he must excel at sport.

At the same time, girls com-

monly grow up with the notion that sports does not fit in with an image of femininity.

Even today, women face being labeled as ‘lesbian’ if they show an interest in competitive sports.

In 1991, a handful of men in Canada decided they had a responsibility to urge men to speak out about violence against women. Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge to never commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women and girls. Wearing a white ribbon is a way of saying, “Our future has no violence against women.” With only six weeks of preparation, 100,000 men across Canada wore a white ribbon, while many others were drawn into discussion and debate.

Teams for the AUB “White Ribbon Campaign” were made up of one female and male. This was to promote them to learn to work togeth-

er in a team and to show the men that women can also play sports. A total of seven teams showed up for the event. The teams played games for a total of fifteen minutes each, with each team getting the chance to play against all the rest. Once all the teams got to play against each other, the four top teams went on to the semi finals. The two teams that won went on to the final. Nadine Arab and Khaled Ghattass won by a total of eighteen points to nine points.

The event was a success and everyone enjoyed playing.

Rim Mechabauy, one of the members in the semi final, said, “It was fun; we showed that women can compete with men and even be better!” Khaled Ghattass, one of the winners, said “The event was successful, it elevated team spirit between women and men, the message behind the event reached the AUB community.”

(Photo from Facebook.com )

Tradition and innovation

Solidere’s new project presented at department of design Yumna Ghandour Staff Writer

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nother construction project by Solidere was presented at the Architecture Lecture Hall by Monica Mazzolani on Friday, December 10. The lecture was called “Building in Historical Context” since the construction site will be built over Roman remains recently discovered on Bab Idriss Street.

Mazzolani is an Italian architect who practices in Milan but has been working on this project since it started in 2002.

The construction is of several buildings built around the discovered Roman baths, resembling a sort of ‘residential community.’ The buildings will be constructed over more remains, since the de-

velopers decided to keep only the baths. Mazzolani started with giving examples of cities other than Beirut, such as Venice, in which renewal and reconstruction have taken place in accordance to old or damaged spaces. In Beirut, according to the project’s situation, Mazzolani asked this question: “What can be given by architecture in order to find new and meaningful configurations representing such social stratifications?”

The project claims its goal as one of tradition meeting innovation, with architecture being responsible to find a balance between the two, in this case, the remains of a

shared history and the construction of new, luxurious apartments. Intentions were to ‘integrate’ the archaeology into the construction project.

Mazzoloni further described the process in which the project was developed. The architects looked at buildings from the early 20th century as inspiration for their constructions.

The replication of old window designs as well as the stone arcs are used on the facades. The apartments were designed to try and individualize each building to avoid aesthetic conformity. The buildings appeared as collages from old and contemporary

architecture fused together to create complex designs. Of course, the apartments were not created merely for the façade’s attraction for Mazzolani believes the project has beneficial social intentions too.

“If spontaneous social relations are discouraged, social life does not improve,” she said, then continued in describing the pathways that connect the entire block of buildings and the archaeological site which should encourage the interactions mentioned above. This point was debated on as the floor was open to critics in the audience.

Some individuals in the audience believed that Solidere’s project discourages social relations, for the space is not completely public. The archaeological site then is claimed for a select group of people, the buyers. The debate went on to discuss rights of the public to such historical spaces. Such a residential community was compared to Saifi Village.

“It is just like the Saifi Village gardens that were supposed to be open to everyone, but you go there and you can’t enter because there is a lock on the metal gate,” said Robert Saliba, a professor in the design department.

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arts & culture

Dec 15, 2010

CNS 101 Problems and aspirations

Amor Ben Azooz Special to Outlook Fouad Badaoui Senior Staff Writer

I

n a follow up interview, Operations Manager at the Computer and Networking Services (CNS) Rabih Itani revealed the source of the problem with the Penrose Internet connection, cleared the myth of Jafet’s superior connection and provided Outlook with more details on Internet at AUB and the CNS counsel.

Contrary to popular belief, Jafet Library does not provide faster Internet. If anything the connection is slower due to congestion: it’s common to find 40 users simultaneously connected to an AP that should normally accommodate 25. The entire campus is equally covered, so in many areas, APs are underused while in some, they are overloaded. Itani said more computer friendly areas similar to Jafet are greatly needed throughout campus. He hopes to one day see students enjoy the same surfing and studying experiences in other buildings. All it takes is a few comfortable seats and some wall sockets.

The Penrose problem arises from a phenomenon referred to as co-channel interference.

Wireless networks function on channels and, according to Itani, the Lebanese Ministry of Communications imposes a limitation on wireless channels commissioning.

The law prohibits the licensing of more than 3 channels out of the 11 available: only 3 of those are actually nonoverlapping. Consequently, an Access Point (AP) on a certain floor would operate necessarily on the same channel as one on the upper or the lower level. With 6 APs per floor, it is not the coverage that is an issue but rather the building’s challenging architecture that makes signal collisions inevitable, engendering disconnections and de-

lays. Despite the governmental technical limitation, CNS effectively engineered workaround solutions to improve the quality of the reception in Penrose. The number of unsatisfied users has decreased, yet certain residents are still reporting bad connections.

On the other hand, the Kerr dormitories suffer a coverage problem as opposed to the cochannel interference in Penrose. Itani said new APs with improved capabilities are to be installed.

When asked why CNS did not deploy the wired network which already exists in the building, Itani explained that, despite its higher stability, wired networks require its higher maintenance and energetic expenses compared to the more mobile wireless one. He also confirmed CNS’ intentions to replace the wired network with wireless wherever mobility is required.

Itani also announced that AUB currently purchases a 58/32 Mbps connection. This means, that at any time, the total AUBnet users’ transfer cannot exceed 58 Mbps for inward communications and 32 for outward. Itani’s statistics indicate that the bandwidth is nearly always fully used, which is why AUB’s bandwidth is increased every year.

In the previous article, we mentioned the CNS counsel responsible for several decisions pertaining to the network. This counsel holds bimonthly meetings and counts 5 members: The Internet Routing Administrator who ensures packets are routed properly, and is responsible for the physical layer of AUB’s connectivity, the Proxy Services Administrator, takes care of the proxy server and the cache server the Service Desk Supervi-

Photo Courtesy of CNS

CNS Helpdesk

sor who supervises the help desks and analyzes the numbers and types of requests received to escalate incidents to the level of problems, the Network Administrator who runs the Local Area Network (LAN), and, the Operations Manager who makes sure the strategies deployed are indeed effective and beneficial.

It is noteworthy that AUB holds the position of a pioneer of the Internet in Lebanon. It manages the domestic web domain registry whose administrator is none other than Nabil Bu-Khalid, head of CNS. Also, its WiFi received the Best Wireless Network Implementation Award in 2005, at the Network Middle East Innovation Awards.

Only future challenges, however, will test CNS’ eagerness to remain a leader in the field of the Internet in the Middle East. This position is contingent on AUBnet users’ cooperation, in the opinion of Itani who stressed the importance of students’ fair and efficacious usage of AUB’s resources.

CNS Data Center

Photo Courtesy of CNS

Outlook

Dec 15, 2010

9

campus news

Interview with Dr. Saouma Bou Jaoude

Professor appointed as fellow in the academy of sciences for the developing World Nader Al Ahmadieh Staff Writer It’s not unfamiliar news to hear that a member of the AUB community, whether faculty or student, has earned a special achievement or has made a special contribution to his or her community. In fact, many examples have been recorded over the years, where AUB members have stood out and shined in various fields, having fulfilled the statement of living life more abundantly. Recently, another one of these achievements has been added to the records, where Education professor Dr. Saouma Bou Jaoude has been elected as a fellow in the academy of sciences for the developing world. Outlook had the opportunity of meeting with Dr. Bou Jaoude to discuss his newly earned position.

Dr. Saouma, congratulations on your newly appointed position. Can you give us a small overview of this?

Thank you. Well, I have been elected as a fellow in the academy of sciences for the developing world, also known as TWAS. TWAS is an international organization, which was founded in 1983 by the Pakistani Noble prize winner Abdus Salam and is now based in Italy. This organization aims to promote scientific excellence and develop education in the South; it’s powered by the joint collaborative efforts of its fellows who work in different countries of the world and constitute almost 85% of the members.

TWAS has strong associations with organizations

like UNESCO and ICTP and works on objectives such as responding to the needs of young scientists, encouraging scientific research and others.

What things did you do or what kind of work did you accomplish for you to get accepted into this worldwide organization?

The funny part is that I was not expecting to be elected in TWAS, although a couple of years ago I won an award from them, the regional prize for material and school science curriculum. The method to get in is that someone nominates you for the position, and then would ask for your CV, and they would take a look at the work that you’ve been doing over the past years. Afterwards, they would decide whether to elect you or not, so it’s an electionbased membership. So, after I was nominated, I sent my CV, and after a while I got a letter from Jacob Palis that congratulates me for being elected as a fellow in TWAS. Since election is based on work in the past years, as you said, can you give us a brief summary of your work over these past few years?

Well, my work over the past years can be categorized under three titles: research, teaching and service. My recent research over the years was related to the teaching of evolution and its methods.

As for teaching, I teach education courses here at AUB,

Photo by Nader Al Ahmadieh

science education courses in particular, and I have master’s students working on their thesis. With regards to the service, and that means the service you do for your career, I review magazine articles [and] conduct teacher workshops. I am a member of the executive committee of supreme education, which is based in Qatar. Also, I conduct teacher workshops in Egypt, Oman, Qatar, Lebanon and Jordan.

Concerning TWAS, what are your future plans or work projects with this organization?

Actually, no work is planned yet; my fellowship position is still new and I am waiting for my initiation first, which will take place next year in a conference in Morocco. Then, after that is done, I would see what plans I would have.

Dr. Bou Jaoude, what is your personal impression or feeling after having accomplished this achievement, which is like an award, considering the importance of an organization like TWAS? It feels good to know that your

work is being recognized and it gives you more incentive to keep working as hard as usual. Being appreciated is like a validation of one’s work; you feel like you’re doing something right, and in academia you don’t usually have that kind of thing.

On behalf of myself and Outlook, I would like to thank you for your time.

Congratulations again, and we wish you more great achievements in the future.

You’re most welcome.

“Being appreciated is like a validation of one’s work; you feel like you’re doing something right, and in academia you don’t usually have that kind of thing.”

- Professor Saouma Bou Jaoude

10

Outlook

arts & culture

Dec 15, 2010

End of life care: To care is to dare! Ethics matters initiative at AUB-FM Mohamad Medawar Staff Writer

T

he Ethics Matters initiative, which is part of the Salim El-Hoss Bioethics and Professionalism Program at AUB-FM, organized a lecture entitled “End of Life Care: To Care is to Dare!” by Dr. Salah Zeineldine on Thursday, December 9.

The lecture tackled questions such as: Is there good death and bad death? How can we, health care professionals, improve the inevitable death experience for patients and families as well?

What are the barriers? Can it be taught to young trainees?

“A subject so dear to me!”

This is how Dr. Zeineldine started his lecture. This is because, back in 1997, his uncle was dying from a terminal

lung cancer and he was left with the decision as a doctor to let him die in peace instead of suffering the horrible pain during the useless treatment. From that day on, he wondered every single day whether he made the right decision, which made him realize the burden families have to live with when making such decisions and decided to research the “End of Life Care” (i.e the best way to deal with terminal patients and their families).

After this anecdote Dr. Zeineldine rhetorically asked “can we talk about death in the context of patient care?”

According to him, it’s rare and considered a taboo by many doctors, because as one of the doctors following suggested, “[they]refuse to deal with death because they don’t want to admit defeat”.

Still, “Good Health,” as Dr. Zeineldine explained, is that when dealing with terminal cases, it’s preferable to “avoid inflicting pain, give the patient a sense of control over his current status by deciding his fate, give him a sense of completion, and most importantly, strengthen the value of the patient as a human being, and not just another case.”

However, when “medical futility” is encountered, “it is stated by the Lebanese law that physicians have the right to refuse treatment of the patient if treatment is futile and the patient is over mastered by the disease,” Dr. Zeineldine explained, on the condition that two physicians agree on the decision. However, this doesn’t include aborting ongoing treatment.

Moreover, the challenge lies

in communication with the patients and their families who often feel distance, grief, guilt, and face disagreements. These issues can be dealt with by giving information in small pieces, repeatedly, with little medical terminology to them, and most importantly, by not providing false hope. Questions should be encouraged and inviting specialists to discussions with the family shows devotion and care. Moreover, doctors should take ownership of the situation; they should make the decision and get the family to agree with that decision.

Another law has been passed also to give physicians the right to order a “DNR,” which stands for “Do Not Resuscitate,” in two conditions only, which are: if the patient will have a poor quality of life af-

ter resuscitation, or if the patient has minute chances of survival prior to resuscitation. In these cases, the patient receives the care needed but if an arrest occurs, the patient isn’t resuscitated.

What’s more interesting is that young residents and nurses are being enrolled in “Death Round Exercises,” where they form teams and discuss cases of patients who passed away and asses their cases.

Finally, the most important solution is early interference with palliative care that will increase survival and ensure an acceptable quality of life of the patient, not to mention cost saving on the patient, family, and insurance companies.

AUB Choir Performs in carnegie hall Nasri Salti Hadi Fakhreddine Special to Outlook See page 12 for picture

T

he American University of Beirut (AUB) Choir and Choral Society was one of the eight choirs that were selected to participate in the choral performance of Mozart’s venerable Vesperae Solennes de Confessore (K.339) in the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City on Sunday, May 30, 2010 at 2:00 pm.

The performance was led by Dr. Joanna Nachef and hosted by MidAmerica Productions. The 14 choral singers from AUB Choir and Choral Society; Nadine Abi-Younes, Yara Abu Er-Rubb, Rasha Abu Hamad, Jeffrey Ayache, Ralph El-Hage, Hadi Fakhreddine, Nisrine Kawa, Shadia Kawa, Lara Kays, Ehab Saad Aldin, Rabih Saa-

deh, Yasmina Sabbah, Nasri Salti, and Karl Yaacoub; were generously supported by AUB, Cimenterie Nationale, and Solidere. They also received special support from Ms. Marty Ammar, Mr. Nemr Abou Nassar, and Mr. Vartan Agopian.

The choirs that performed with the AUB Choir and Choral Society members are the Antonine University Choir and Notre Dame UniversityLouaize Choir from Lebanon, and the California Academy of Math & Science Choir; the El Camino College Chorale; the El Camino College Concert Choir, the Los Cancioneros Master Chorale, and Voce Angelicus from California, USA. Other key performers included the New England Symphonic Ensemble, and the soloists: Laquita Mitchell, soprano; Nina Yoshida Nelsen, mezzo-soprano; John

Rodger, tenor; and Daniel Mobbs, bass.

The performance, as described by Dr. Nachef, celebrated the harmony between Lebanese, American, and other international professionals in music. The successful performance also served as an example to pave the road for similar outcomes for talented Lebanese artists.

Joanna Medawar Nachef is the first woman conductor from the Middle East.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon, she moved to Los Angeles in 1977. She is the Director of Choral Activities at El Camino College. She earned a B.M. in piano performance from California State University, Dominguez Hills; and a Master of Music degree in choral music and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree, both from the University of Southern Cal-

ifornia. She is on the faculties of California State University at Dominguez Hills, California Academy of Mathematics and Science, and is the artistic director for Los Cancioñeros Master Chorale.

She has also served a long tenure as Minister of Music at Peninsula Community Church. Dr. Nachef was selected as one of the Outstanding Young Women of America in 1986, and was named to Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers in 1996, Who’s Who Among America’s Women in 2008, and Who’s Who in the World in 2010. The City of Torrance Cultural Arts Commission honored Dr. Nachef by selecting her as the recipient of the 2005 Excellence in Arts Award in music. In May 2008, the United States Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., selected Dr. Nachef to participate in the Global

Peace and Security Seminar for community college faculty. During her recent sabbatical, Dr. Nachef traveled to Lebanon where she compiled Arabic choral music for publication in the United States.

On July 26, 2009, she made her conducting debut in her native land, Lebanon, at Al Bustan Summer Festival, in Beit Mery. MidAmerica Productions, Inc., was founded

by Peter Tiboris in 1984. As an independent producer of classical concerts, MidAmerica presents soloists, choral, and instrumental ensembles from around the world in New York’s Carnegie Hall, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, and Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Hall. MidAmerica also presents concerts in Europe and, since 2000, in Syros, Greece, as Festival of the Aegean.

Outlook

Dec 15, 2010

11

Arts & Culture Who is to pay?

Marketing 210 students question case study fee Khodor Abou Daya Staff Writer

R

ecently, Marketing 210 students posed complaints on the imposition of an added fee required to complete the marketing course. This fee is three dollars per student and it covers the cost of a case study. However, the main question is who, in principle, should pay for the case? The students or the department?

The students based their stance—the department should pay—on the fact that they had already paid $1700 for the course, bought the textbook which includes some case studies, and were not aware that they would have to pay for the case. One student describes the situation stating, “[It is] outrageous. There are 216 students taking the course, this translates to $648 for the whole case… the department can afford that kind of money.”

In response, the Dean of

OSB Dr. George Najjar stated that “the OSB is currently effecting a change of delivery style towards greater emphasis on student centered and team based approaches.” This translates into “greater reliance on case studies.” However, he admits that there was a “transition period when we [OSB] provided cases free to undergraduate students.” Yet, the department was not obliged to pay for the cases at that time. Professor David Standen, who is giving the course, explains that “there is a split practice; European schools usually pay for the cases while American schools do not.” Dr. Najjar asserts that “this is normal practice at the international universities we [OSB] are familiar with.” He adds that the school has provided many “paid for opportunities” such as business plan competitions and invitations to major conferences.

With regards to including the cost in the tuition fees, Dr. Najjar sees that the case is part of the course readings just like the textbook. However, Professor Standen argues that since the students had to pay for the textbook the department should have paid for the case.

Also, Professor Standen shows that it is absurd to include the cost of the case in the tuition fees since courses with case studies would then have a different cost for each credit. Assistant Dean of Student Services Dr. Hanin Abdallah notes that “sometimes universities get a collection of cases and sell them at the bookstore.” This costs the students even more.

On the other hand, students argue that there are cases in the textbook that are not being utilized. Professor Standen responds that the cases are mediocre. Dr. Abdallah adds that they do not pose

real life conditions as the cases bought from companies and universities. In fact, the case studies are built by faculty members of universities and companies on a real business unit. “Some of the cases are even from the Middle East” says Dr. Abdallah. So considering the fact that, the OSB is proclaimed to be the Harvard business school of the Middle East, the highest quality is always expected and actually is what the students are asking for. As one student puts it, “We do want the case studies!”

From all the discussion, it is evident that the students are not aware ofthe fact that they are not paying for the case study in itself but for the electronic copyright to view and utilize all data in the case for analysis. During the transition period when the department paid for the cases, OSB was making sure that no violations of electron-

ic copyrights occur. Had the professor provided the case study for free to the students, he would be in clear violation of a well established honor code.

Yet, at the end, the students do have the right to complain since as Dr. Abdallah says, “the electronic copyrights might not have been explained well although it is included in the syllabus as case analysis.” Both Dean Najjar and Dr. Abdallah applauded the students for raising concerns and questioning.

Also, Dr. Abdallah stressed on growing “the culture of accountability.”

Professor Standen acknowledged the right for students to complain and admitted that the students were perhaps not clearly told upfront about paying for the case.

Graffiti exposed continued from page 1

as a result, a myriad of different interpretations of emigration erupted in full color. Madonna Rammal, a 23 year old graphic design student from AUCE, decided to paint “hajertouna bas ma hajartouna.” Her message was directed to the Lebanese government saying that it has abandoned the youth of Lebanon, but it has not yet achieved to make them emigrate. Rammal was determined to convey the idea of hope in her message saying that the youth of Lebanon still believe that there is hope and potential in Lebanon and as a result they are not planning on emigrating.

Another graffiti artist drew an old lady with a coffee tray and spray painted the words

“la wein?” on his wall. This artist, who goes by the name of Phat-2, has spray painted his designs all across Hamra streets. Hearing about the competition he decided to enter it to have an even more public platform to express his ideas. When he found out the competition was about emigration, the first image that came to mind was the Lebanese saying “la wein, ma el khawe al narr.” He decided to take this image, and enlarge it to include the big picture targeting all the emigrating students. His message asks students, “Where are you going?” Lebanon’s potential is still brewing and getting ready to be served.

As artists focused intensely on their brush strokes and spray cans, their work was scrutinized and admired by

passersby who were curious about the ongoing event.

University students and children alike were there to watch the vision of the graffiti artists evolve. The lively atmosphere was completed with the blasting music and the generous food courts that were open on the sidewalks.

Lama Dabbous, AUB’s physical therapist, was there to help manage, promote, and oversee the competition.

She expressed her happiness with the amount of talent that showed up to participate, saying that Lebanon has so much talent that is being repressed and discouraged rather than celebrated.

Graffiti is just another means of expressing yourself and making your issues heard.

When you spray it, you say it loud and clear.

Photo by Mohamad Al Medawar

12

Outlook

Spotlight

Car Accident facing Charles Hostler Student Center last week (Photo by Rami Diab)

Yearbook launches its 36th volume (09-10) (Photo courtesy of Yearbook)

Handball League tournament that took place between AUB and USJ last Wednesday, December 8 at USJ University that ended with a tie of 24 -24 (Photo courtesy of Sportkello.com)

Decorating the Christmas Tree near Main Gate

Dec 15, 2010

(Photo by Nadi Nassar)

AUB Choir performs at the prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York City on Sunday, May 30 at 2:00 pm – See bottom of page10 for news article (Photo courtesy of AUB Choir)

AUB Wellness Program Lectures on Eating Safe

(Photo by Nadi Nassar)

‫‪13‬‬

‫‪Outlook‬‬

‫‪arabic Opinion‬‬

‫‪Dec 15, 2010‬‬

‫مشروع حل ‪ :‬إنتخابات على صعيد اإلختصاص‬

‫مصطفى فضل اهلل‬ ‫كاتب صحفي‬

‫نكثر جمي ًعا من تنظيرنا‬ ‫بشأن اإلنتخابات في جامعتنا‬ ‫ومفهومها وكيفية إصالح‬ ‫اّ‬ ‫الطلب املنتَخبني‬ ‫توجهات‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫اّ‬ ‫املرشحني‪ .‬إذن لنكن‬ ‫والطلب‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫احلل ليس حلظ ًيا‬ ‫واقعيني‪،‬‬ ‫ألن األزمة أزمة وطن وقلوب‬ ‫مشحونة وثقافة مفتتة وأمة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫لربا يحتاج‬ ‫بال هو ّية‪.‬‬ ‫احلل مّ‬ ‫خلطوتني كأضعف اإلميان‪ .‬أوالً‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫احلل وأن‬ ‫أن نؤمن بإمكانية‬ ‫نعمل للوصول إليه‪ .‬ثان ًيا‪ ،‬أن‬ ‫نتجمد‬ ‫نكون واقعيني من دون أن‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫في نظرياتنا ومثال ّياتنا‪.‬‬ ‫اإلنتخابات تدور كاملطحنة‪ .‬كم‬ ‫شخصا ً تعرف ممّن إنتخبت؟ كم‬ ‫شخصا منهم عرفت بعدها؟‬ ‫ً‬ ‫دو ًما ننتخب من ال نعرف وال‬ ‫نفهم ملا هؤالء هم في موقع‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫املرشحون‬ ‫الترشح أصالً‪.‬‬

‫يتح ّركون دو ًما بال مشروع وال‬ ‫برنامج معينّ بل مبج ّرد أسماء‬ ‫مد ّونة على الـ”يستا” املع ّينة‬ ‫للحزب أوالت ّيار املعينّ ‪ ،‬مما يعطي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الطائفي‬ ‫اإلنتخابات جمودها‬ ‫والسياسي اللبناني أو يح ّركها‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫في مواقع الفتنة‪ .‬األهداف‬ ‫اإلنتخابية غير واضحة وغير‬ ‫واقع ّية وال تالمس يوميات‬ ‫الطالب‪.‬‬ ‫السؤال هو ماذا يريد الطالب؟‬ ‫هو‪ ،‬لديه مشاكل مع هذا‬ ‫األستاذ أو تلك املع ّلمة‪ ،‬يزعجه‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الصف‪ ،‬يعترض على نظام‬ ‫هذا‬ ‫معينّ ‪ ،‬يشكو من مادة مع ّينة‪.‬‬ ‫وبشكل عام تدور هذه األسئلة‬ ‫واإلقتراحات حول إختصاص‬ ‫كل منّا‪ّ .‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫والطالب يعرف ك ّليته‬ ‫أكثر من جامعته‪ ،‬ويعرف‬ ‫قسمه (‪)Department‬‬

‫أكثر من ك ّليته (‪،)Faculty‬‬ ‫وإهتماماته وقضاياه وطلباته‬ ‫تبدأ من هذا القسم أو هذا‬ ‫اإلختصاص‪ ،‬وإمكانية عطاء‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الطالب وأفقه األوسع ينطلق‬ ‫من هذا املكان ا ّلذي يفترض أن‬ ‫يعطي فيه أكثر من غيره بسب‬ ‫فهمه وإطالعه وشغفه بهذا‬ ‫اإلختصاص املعي‪ .‬والفكرة‬ ‫أن إتّساع مساحة املعرفة‬ ‫في إطار عدد أصغر في ّ‬ ‫كل‬ ‫اإلختصاصات يفرض على‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الطالب أن يكون فعالً حامالً‬ ‫لرسالة مع ّينة فهو معروف‬ ‫هنا أكثر‪ ،‬وس ُيسأل هنا أكثر‪،‬‬ ‫وس ُيطالب هنا أكثر‪ ،‬وسيكون‬ ‫لديه دور واقعي ملموس‪ ،‬ويجب‬ ‫أن يشتمل قانون اإلنتخابات‬ ‫حتميل مسؤوليات مع ّينة لكي‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الترشح لإلنتخاب مبثابة‬ ‫ال يكون‬

‫إمتياز طائفي أوسياسي‪.‬‬ ‫اخلالصة هي أنني أطرح‬ ‫تغيير نظام اإلنتخاب ليكون‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫مرش ًحا عن قسمه‬ ‫املرشح‬ ‫أو إختصاصه بحيث ينطلق‬ ‫ليتحمل مسؤول ّيته أمام‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫املرشح‬ ‫الطالب‪ ،‬ويجب أن يكون‬ ‫طالبا ً في السنة الثاني ة ‪uJ‬‬ ‫ً‬ ‫مدركا‬ ‫‪ nior‬لكي يكون‬ ‫لتفاصيل العمل اجلامعي‬ ‫ومتفه ًما لواقع ّيتها وعارفا ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫اّ‬ ‫بطلبها ورغباتهم‪ .‬وهكذا‬ ‫كل طالب‪ ،‬وإن ّ‬ ‫يضط ّر ّ‬ ‫ترشح‬ ‫مسؤوليات‬ ‫يتحمل‬ ‫سياسيًّا‪ ،‬أن‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫مع ّينة ضمن واقع اإلختصاص‬ ‫األضيق من واقع الكل ّية‪ .‬حديثنا‬ ‫هو طبعا ً عن الـ ‪ SRC‬وليس‬ ‫عن ال ‪ . USFC‬هذه الفكرة‬ ‫بشكلها البسيط ضمن اإلطار‬ ‫العام والتّفاصيل للنّقاش‪.‬‬

‫الفيسبوك‪ :‬داء أم دواء؟‬

‫ماري نخول‬ ‫كاتبة صحفية‬

‫يقال عنه “موضة العصر”‬ ‫ولكنه أكثر من ذلك‪...‬إنه‬ ‫عالم خاص‪ ،‬يفتح أبوابه لتمتد‬ ‫وتشمل العالم بأسره‪ ،‬وفي‬ ‫بحث‪،‬‬ ‫جميع األقطاب؛ إنه ألة‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫بل جتسس؛ إنه الوسيلة األولى‬ ‫للتواصل‪...‬إنه الفيسبوك!‬ ‫يقضي معظم الشباب في‬

‫أيامنا هذه أوقاتهم على‬ ‫االنترنت‪ ،‬وينعزلون عن العالم‬ ‫اخلارجي ليدخلوا عاملهم‬ ‫اخلاص‪،‬عالم أضحت سماءه‬ ‫شاشة صغيرة‪،‬حتولت أرضه‬ ‫للوحة مفاتيح و صار شعبه‬ ‫مجرد صفحات إلكترونية مزودة‬ ‫بصور جافة ومجردة‪ .‬نعم‪،‬‬ ‫ولألسف‪ ،‬هذا هو عالم الشباب‬ ‫في أيامنا هذه‪ ،‬إنه عالم االنترنت‬ ‫الواسع‪ ،‬وعلى رأسه يقف‬ ‫الفيسبوك طارحا ً أسئلة ال‬ ‫تنتهي‪...‬‬ ‫هل تساءلت يوما ً عن مسيرتك‬ ‫اليومية مع الفيسبوك؟ في‬ ‫كل صباح‪،‬تستيقظ لتتسمر‬ ‫على شاشة الكمبيوتر‬ ‫لتتفحصه… تذهب إلى‬ ‫اجلامعة‪ ...‬ثم تلتقي صديقك‪،‬‬ ‫تستوقفه قائالً‪ “ :‬هل رأيت ماذا‬ ‫ارسلت لك على الفيسبوك؟”‪،‬‬ ‫ٌ‬ ‫وكل‪ ،‬يكمل طريقه دون‬ ‫أي تواصل حي! وفي أوقات‬ ‫فراغك‪ ،‬تفضل الذهاب إلى‬ ‫قاعة الكمبيوتر لتطمئن على‬ ‫صديقك العزيز ‪،‬تاركا ً اصدقاءك‬

‫خارجا ً‪ .‬وتعود بعدها الى املنزل‪،‬‬ ‫ومن جديد‪ ،‬صديقك الفيسبوك‬ ‫ينتظرك في عرفة نومك لتبحر‬ ‫من خالل صفحاته متفقدا‬ ‫أخبار العالم‪،‬أصدقاؤك كما‬ ‫أعداؤك‪ ...‬وما الفرق؟ فليس‬ ‫هناك من يدرك على من أنت‬ ‫تتجسس‪..‬‬ ‫إضافة إلى ذلك‪ ،‬يعتبر‬ ‫الفيسبوك وسيلة ترفيه مهمة‪،‬‬ ‫من خالل الصفحات الترفيهية‬ ‫واأللعاب واألسئلة املتنوعة‪ ،‬وفي‬ ‫أغلب األحيان ما تكون تافهة‬ ‫فاقدة ألدنى املعلومات الثقافية‬ ‫والواقعية! كما أنه “وسيلة‬ ‫الفضائح األولى “‪ .‬إذ أنه‪ ،‬من‬ ‫خالل دخولك إلى صفحات‬ ‫أصدقائك‪ ،‬ميكنك معرفة‬ ‫أهم املعلومات الشخصية ‪،‬‬ ‫وبشكل فاضح ‪ ...‬وبإمكانك‬ ‫الصور والدخول‬ ‫مشاهد أالف ّ‬ ‫إلى حياة صديقك الشخصية‬ ‫و معرفة ّ‬ ‫أدق التفاصيل‪ ،‬وبشكل‬ ‫مخيف! وهنا‪ ،‬يأتي السؤال‬ ‫ليطرح نفسه‪ “ :‬هل صارت‬ ‫حياة الفرد ّ‬ ‫الشخصية ملكا ً‬

‫للجميع؟”‪ .‬واجلواب‪ ،‬بال شك‪،‬‬ ‫نعم! فالفيسبوك يشكل ألة‬ ‫والدقة‪.‬‬ ‫جتسس شديدة التط ّور ّ‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يشكل‬ ‫إضافة إلى ذلك‪،‬‬ ‫الفيسبوك وسيلة لهو خطيرة‪،‬‬ ‫فكم من مرة أوقفت عملك‬ ‫لتطمئن على صديقك العزيز‬ ‫؟وكم من مرة سهرت طويالً‬ ‫لتعوض عن الساعات التي‬ ‫قضيتها س ًدى وأنت تتصفح‬ ‫صفحات وصور ليست بهذه‬ ‫األهمية؟‬ ‫وانتشرت في الفيسبوك مؤخرا ً‬ ‫حمالت توعية ‪ ...‬منها ضد‬ ‫العنف ضد الطفل‪ ،‬ومنها‬ ‫ملكافحة سرطان الثدي‪ ،‬وغيرها‬ ‫من احلمالت التي تقتصر على‬ ‫تغ ّير صورة معينة أو كتابة‬ ‫كلمة ال عالقة لها مبضمون‬ ‫التوعية‪ ...‬وكأن بناء مجتمع‬ ‫بأسره يقتصر على بضعة صور‬ ‫وكلمات بسيطة وفي أغلب‬ ‫األحيان تافهة ! فكيف للعالم‬ ‫أن يوقف العنف عن طريق صور‬ ‫فعال‬ ‫كرتونية عوضا ً عن حترك ّ‬ ‫على أرض الواقع!؟؟‬

‫ولكن‪ ،‬وعلى الرغم من هذه‬ ‫املساوئ التي تنعكس نتائجها‬ ‫مباشرة على شبابنا اليوم‬ ‫‪ ،‬يحمل الفيسبوك بعض‬ ‫االيجابيات التي أصبحت اليوم‬ ‫من الضروريات في عصر السرعة‬ ‫في أيامنا هذه‪ ...‬فمن خالل‬ ‫الفيسبوك‪ ،‬بامكانك معرفة‬ ‫أوقات احملاضرات واالحداث‬ ‫واملشاريع التي تنتظرها‪،‬‬ ‫فينظم حياتك‪ .‬كما أنه يزودك‬ ‫بأعياد امليالد جلميع أصدقائك‬ ‫فال تنسى املعايدة ‪.‬واألهم‬ ‫من ذلك أنه يعيد لك اإلتصال‬ ‫بأصدقاء طفولتك وأقرباء لم‬ ‫حتلم يوما ً بالتواصل معهم‪،‬‬ ‫ويشدد االواصر بني العائلة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫واألسر الكبيرة املشتتة!‬ ‫باختصار‪ ،‬هذا هو الفيسبوك‬ ‫طارحا اسئل ًة‬ ‫يقف امامنا‬ ‫ً‬ ‫وعالمات إستفهام عديدة ‪...‬‬ ‫فبالرغم من س ّيئاته‪ ،‬إال أنه ال‬ ‫ميكن للمرء اإلستغناء عن بعض‬ ‫خدماته ليبق معلقا ً لكونه دا ًء‬ ‫ودواء!‬

‫“االنسان كائن متعادل ماديا ً و روحياً‪ ،‬هذا سر حياته‪”.‬‬ ‫توفيق احلكيم (‪ 9‬أكتوبر ‪ 26 - 1898‬يوليو ‪ )1987‬كاتب وأديب مصري‬

‫‪Dec 15, 2010‬‬

‫‪Outlook‬‬

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‫‪arabic news‬‬

‫التهجير القسري للفلسطينيني ‪ :‬املفاوضات في عصر‬ ‫االحتالل واالستعمار والفصل العنصري‬ ‫مصطفى فضل اهلل‬ ‫كاتب صحفي‬

‫الثقافي‬ ‫النادي‬ ‫نظم‬ ‫الفلسطيني بالتعاون مع‬ ‫منظمة الشباب الفلسطيني‬ ‫محاضرة بعنوان التهجير‬ ‫القسري للفلسطينيني في‬ ‫فلسطني ‪ :‬املفاوضات في عصر‬ ‫اإلحتالل واإلستعمار والفصل‬ ‫العنصري‪ .‬احلضور خجول‬ ‫ومؤسف فهو لم يتجاوز الثالثني‬ ‫نتحدث عن فلسطني!‬ ‫ونحن‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يبدأ العرض بعبارة “فلسطني‬ ‫إستمرار النكبة‪ ،‬إستمرار‬ ‫املقاومة”‪ .‬يصعد احملاضر‪،‬‬ ‫وهو حازم جمجوم‪ ،‬طالب‬ ‫الـ”ماسترز” في دراسات الشرق‬ ‫األوسط في جامعتنا‪ .‬النشاط‬ ‫يعرض قضية الفصل العنصري‬ ‫في فلسطني‪ .‬هو ليس فصال‬ ‫عنصريا ً محدودا ً مثل الفصل‬ ‫في احلمامات أو الشواطئ‬ ‫بني السود والبيض هو فصل‬ ‫بحجم الوطن!‬ ‫محاولة احلديث عن الفصل‬ ‫العنصري في أفريقيا يوصلنا‬ ‫إلى قض ّية إستغالل اليد‬ ‫العاملة للسود عبر تشغيلها‬ ‫بكلفة ال تذكر في مقابل‬ ‫اجلهد املبذول في ساعات‬ ‫العمل وعددها أيضا ً‪ .‬بينما‬ ‫في فلسطني تختلف القصة‪،‬‬ ‫فهناك محاولة إلبادة شعب‬ ‫ومحو تاريخ وثقافة‪ .‬وهذا طب ًعا‬ ‫كما نعرف بسبب دخول اليهود‬ ‫ومحاولة إقامة دولة إسرائيل‬ ‫وفرضها وجودا ً تاريخ ًيا‪.‬‬

‫بدأ اليهود قبيل احلرب العامل ّية‬ ‫األولى مبحاولة شراء أراض في‬ ‫فلسطني وخاصة في القدس‬ ‫ليحققوا نظرية األرض الفارغة‬ ‫ا ّلتي إستعملت أثناء إستعمار‬ ‫األمريكيتني ومناطق من‬ ‫أفريقيا‪ ،‬ولكن لم ينجح اليهود‬ ‫هذه امل ّرة ألنها كانت محاوالت‬ ‫ضعيفة‪ ،‬وأيضا ً كانت فكرة‬ ‫صعبة على اليهودي حينها في‬ ‫أوروبا ‪ ،‬برغم تأسيس مجموعة‬ ‫الـ ‪Jewish Nation‬‬ ‫‪ Fund‬لتأمني األموال لهذه‬ ‫املشاريع‪ ،‬ولكنهم إستطاعوا‬ ‫أن يتحكموا ب ‪ %6.7‬من األرض‬ ‫في ذلك الوقت‪.‬‬ ‫وبعدها منذ صعود الفاشية‬ ‫والنازية بدأ اليهود بالسفر‬ ‫بأعداد أكبر إلى فلسطني وهو‬ ‫ما ساعد الصهيونية بشكل‬ ‫كبير في تلك الفترة فوصل‬ ‫عدد اليهود داخل فلسطني إلى‬ ‫‪ 608000‬يهودي عام ‪ 1947‬ووصل‬ ‫عددهم إلى الثلث من أغلبية‬ ‫السكان‪.‬‬ ‫وحضرت النكبة‪ .‬قتل الصهاينة‬ ‫‪ 13000‬فلسطيني و متّ تهجير‬ ‫‪ 750000‬أخرين‪ 531 .‬مدينة‬ ‫دمرت بني عامي ‪1984‬‬ ‫وقرية ّ‬ ‫و ‪ .1966‬من أمثلة التدمير‬ ‫احلضاري حتويل مسجد اجلندل‬ ‫إلى مقهى و حتول ‪ 3‬مساجد‬ ‫البصة إلى أماكن‬ ‫وكنيسة في‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫لشرب اخلمور‪ .‬املسكة قرية‬ ‫أزيلت أثارها كل ّيا ً‪.‬‬ ‫ثم مت اإلنتقال إلى فترة احلكم‬

‫العسكري بيم عامي ‪1966‬‬ ‫و ‪ .1986‬إذا كنت فلسطينيا ً‬ ‫فيمكنك أن تعيش داخل‬ ‫األراضي احملت ّلة لكن ال ميكن أن‬ ‫تتح ّرك إلى أي مكان بدون إذن‬ ‫عسكري‪،‬إال إذا كنت يهود ّيا ً‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫متأصالً‪ .‬اليوم هناك معدل‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يهجر‬ ‫‪ 5‬إلى ‪ 15‬فلسطيني‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫يوميا ً‪ .‬أما حينها كانت بداية‬ ‫حركة اإلستيطان بحيث بدأت‬ ‫فكرة تركيز املناطق فيطرد‬ ‫الفلسطينيون من قراهم‬ ‫وبيوتهم الصغيرة وتقام عليها‬ ‫املستوطنات‪ .‬وكانت عمل ّية‬ ‫تتم بإنذار العائلة‬ ‫التّهجير‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫املستهدفة بأن تهدم منزلها‬ ‫حتى تبقى بخير! وإذا لم‬ ‫ستتحمل تكلفة‬ ‫تفعل فإنها‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الهدم ودفع هذه التكلفة إلى‬ ‫“دولة إسرائيل” على أساس‬ ‫أن هذه املنازل غير مرخّ صة‪.‬‬ ‫مثال جامعة تل أبيب مبن ّية‬ ‫على مدينة الشيخ مونّس‬ ‫وقد مت حتويل منزل اخملتار إلى نادٍ‬ ‫للجامعة!‬ ‫السؤال عند الصهاينة يطرح‬ ‫بدأ ّ‬ ‫نفسه‪ ،‬كيف نتحكم بالسكان‬ ‫الفلسطينيني املقيمني حتت‬ ‫السلطة اإلسرائيل ّية فكانت‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الضفة إلى‬ ‫الفكرة تقسم‬ ‫قسمني وتفصل غ ّزة عن مصر‪.‬‬ ‫بدأت تسمية املستوطنات في‬ ‫عهد شارون أساسا ً عام ‪1981‬‬ ‫وظهرت حينها منظمة التحرير‬ ‫الفلسطيني كعقبة في وجه‬ ‫هذه اخلطوة ولكن متّت إزالتها‬

‫(الصورة من النادي الثقافي الفلسطيني)‬

‫بإتفاق ّية أوسلو!‬ ‫مجددا ً و األمثلة تفرض نفسها‪،‬‬ ‫تصدر‬ ‫قلقيلية التي كانت‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الفاكهة واخلضار عاشت‬ ‫مجاعة لعديد الفترات‪،‬‬ ‫فالفلسطيني يسمح له أن‬ ‫يزرع ومينع من احلصاد‪ .‬ولكن‬ ‫املقاومة تستم ّر‪ ،‬فسلوان‬ ‫حي على ذلك مبنع‬ ‫شاهد‬ ‫ّ‬

‫الشباب الفلسطينيني للجيش‬ ‫اإلسرائيلي من الدخول وتدمير‬ ‫املنازل حتى اليوم‪ .‬وتستمر‬ ‫املقاومة ثقافيا ً من خالل أبطال‬ ‫كالفنان ناجي العلي وغيره من‬ ‫الفنانني الفلسطينيني وهناك‬ ‫املقاومة اإلقتصادية التي ترفض‬ ‫أن تشتري من سلطات اإلحتالل‬ ‫وطب ًعا‪ ،‬لن ننسى مقاومة‬ ‫احلجارة والنار‪.‬‬

‫بني املسيحية و اإلسالم‪ :‬من هو اهلل؟‬ ‫منى أيوب‬ ‫مساهمة صحافية‬

‫من قال أنّه ال ميكن ألصحاب‬ ‫الديانات و العقائد اخملتلفة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫االلتقاء؟ من قال أنه ال ميكن لهم‬ ‫التّحاور حول نقاط التقائهم‬ ‫كما نقاط اختالفهم؟‬ ‫لقد أثبت “ نادي حوار األديان‬ ‫السنة‬ ‫“ ‪ ,‬الذي بدأ نشاطاته ّ‬ ‫املاضية ‪ ,‬أ ّن اإلختالف ال يعني‬ ‫بالضرورة النّزاع‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫و أنّه يحقُّ لكل طرف التعبير‬ ‫بحر ّية عن معتقده و يجب على‬ ‫االخر احترام هذا احلق‪.‬‬ ‫السنة ال ِّدراس َّية‬ ‫منذ بداية‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫احلال ّية‪ ,‬أقام النّادي سلسلة‬ ‫حوارات حول العقائد األساسية‬ ‫بني املسيحية واالسالم‪ .‬اخرها‬ ‫كان يوم ‪ 2010/12/8‬في الوست‬

‫هول حيث كان النّقاش حول‬ ‫واحد من أهم املعتقدات ‪ “ :‬من‬ ‫هو اهلل؟”‬ ‫عن املفهوم اإلسالمي هلل‪،‬‬ ‫حتدث نائب الرئيس علي حرفوش‬ ‫فقال ‪ ”:‬يؤمن املسلمون أ ّن اهلل‬ ‫اخلالق هو الوحيد الذي يستحق‬ ‫العبادة‪ ،‬وهذه العبادة تكون‬ ‫مباشر ًة دون أ ّية وسائط‪ .‬اهلل‬ ‫هو الكمال املطلق‪ ،‬وله صفات‬ ‫وأسماء ال تنسب إال له‪”.‬‬ ‫أضاف حرفوش ‪ “ :‬محمد هو‬ ‫مؤسس اإلسالم ‪ ،‬وهذا‬ ‫ليس‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫الدين ال ميكن اختصاره في‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫أمة ‪ ...‬رسالة اإلسالم‬ ‫شخص أو ّ‬ ‫هي نفسها رسالة كل األنبياء‪،‬‬ ‫تعدد األديان إال إنحراف عن‬ ‫و ما ّ‬ ‫ال ّرسالة األساس”‬ ‫وعن كيفية التّع ّرف على اهلل‬

‫قال ‪ ”:‬ميكن ّ‬ ‫لكل إنسان معرفة‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫التفكر‬ ‫اهلل بالفطرة‪ ،‬عدا عن‬ ‫في الكون والطبيعة الذي يقود‬ ‫اإلنسان حت ًما إلى اإلميان بوجود‬ ‫اخلالق”‬ ‫مفهوم ها ٍّم في‬ ‫علي‬ ‫أوضح‬ ‫و‬ ‫العقيدة االسالمية ٍ‪ “ :‬ال إله‬ ‫إال اهلل هي ليست مفهو ًما‬ ‫إميان ًيا فقط ‪ ،‬بل لها تطبيقات‬ ‫الصعد‬ ‫عمل ّية على مختلف ّ‬ ‫‪ :‬اإلجتماعية و اإلقتصادية‬ ‫والسياسية” ثم أسهب في‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫إعطاء األمثلة على ذلك‪.‬‬ ‫عن املفهوم املسيحي ‪ ،‬حتدث‬ ‫‪ ،Kevin Schiltz‬رئيس‬ ‫النادي فقال ‪ “ :‬اهلل هو الكمال‬ ‫املطلق‪ ،‬وليس كمثله شيء‪.‬‬ ‫جتلى اهلل لإلنسان في ثالثة صور‬

‫مختلفة ‪ :‬اهلل األب‪ ،‬ويسوع‬ ‫املسيح‪ ،‬و ال ّروح الق ُدس‪ّ .‬‬ ‫كل من‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫مستقل بذاته‪،‬‬ ‫هذه الصور هو‬ ‫والثالثة معا ً هي اهلل”‬ ‫‪ Kevin‬لم يخف أنه من‬ ‫الصعب تصور هذا الثالوث‪ ،‬لذا‬ ‫دعا إلى تواضع اإلنسان وعدم‬ ‫ً‬ ‫شروطا مسبقة حول‬ ‫وضعه‬ ‫ثم تال مقاطع عديدة‬ ‫ذات اهلل ‪ّ .‬‬ ‫تتحدث عن النّقاط‬ ‫من اإلجنيل‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫السابقة‪.‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫وعن مفهوم اخلالص‪ ،‬قال‬ ‫إنسان ّ‬ ‫‪ُّ “ : Kevin‬‬ ‫خطاء‪.‬‬ ‫كل‬ ‫ٍ‬ ‫أي حلظة ّ‬ ‫شك باهلل أو عصيان‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫له هي خطيئة‪ ،‬و وبالتالي فإن‬ ‫عدالة اهلل املطلقة تستوجب‬ ‫محاسبة اإلنسان على كل‬

‫ولكن رحمة اهلل‬ ‫خطيئة‪،‬‬ ‫ّ‬ ‫أيضا ال تشاء معاقبته‬ ‫املطلقة ً‬ ‫على كل ذلك ‪ ،‬فتج ّلى اهلل‬ ‫بصورة املسيح ليموت على‬ ‫الصليب‪ ،‬و مبوته هذا‪ ،‬يكون قد‬ ‫خ ّلص اإلنسان من كل اخلطايا‪.‬‬ ‫يسوع املسيح إذا ً هو إجتماع‬ ‫عدالة اهلل ورحمته في صور ٍة‬ ‫واحدة ‪.‬يسو ُع املسيح هو‬ ‫اخلالص األبدي‪”.‬‬ ‫بعد هاتني احملاضرتني ‪ ،‬إجتمع‬ ‫الطالب في ثالث مجموعات‬ ‫للتعارف واخلوض في التّفاصيل‪.‬‬ ‫غلب على كل النقاشات الهدوء‬ ‫قي واإلحترام املتبادل‪.‬‬ ‫وال ّر ّ‬

Dec 15, 2010

Outlook

entertainment

Movie Review

W

ho ever thought that knowing too much may be a problem, and possibly a life threatening concern? Frank, Joe, Marvin, and Victoria were once the CIA’s top agents and the secrets they hold now classify them as the agency’s most wanted targets. A perfect mix of action and comedy, RED combines the acting expertise of Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich and Helen Mirren to make a truly one of a kind movie experience. Not forgetting Mary-Louise Parker’s role as phone-operator Sarah, this all-star cast definitely set its standards as a best of the year so far.

Playing a rather unusual romantic role, Bruce Willis as Frank would rip up his checks just so he could talk to Sarah, who was working in a different state. Realizing they were being tracked, Frank forcibly leaves his home after an attack by the CIA and moves on

RED: Released Extremely Dangerous

to save Sarah, whose life was now in danger, by kidnapping her; yes, a rather ironic way to start off a relationship but also a thoughtful thing to do. Frank was a solitary, serious, lonely ex-CIA operative, who needed someone in his life and that person was exactly Sarah, who was a phone-operator that needed change and excitement.

Morgan Freeman as Joe was smart, sly, crafty, and ahead of everyone else. Fooling even Frank by making everyone believe he was dead, Joe is definitely the most mature of the group of old-retirees, even giving up his life to save the rest of the gang.

Malkovich’s crazy attributes were in perfect place for a perfect Marvin, starting off by surprising everyone with the house he was living in, having the trunk of a car as the entrance to his home.

Believing that the government was doing mind control experiments on him, it turns

out that instead, they were force-feeding him LSD. Marvin plays his hilarious role in a scene whereby he fakes a terrorist suit and runs towards police officials, giving them a good scare and his viewers a great laugh.

Hellen Mirren portrayed Victoria, who is seen as a bit of ironic in character, the type that loves and cares for her friends but would also put three bullets in the chest of who she loves. Dressed up beautifully, Victoria lets out a whole lot of bullets at the vice president’s limo, giving viewers the other side of her womanly figure.

Nowadays, rarely is there a movie that is full of flying bullets and fist fights, funny, has a suspense-filling mystery behind it, and a romantic couple, making RED the best pick for a movie night, whether out with the guys, a date, or the family.

Double Sudoku

15

Anis Kadado

16

Outlook

Dec 15, 2010

letter to the editor

Odd semester scheduling at AUB

Naziha Abou Ezzeddine

AUB students miss out on exchange programs and other enriching opportunities each year due to semester scheduling, which differs from the majority of American and international universities abroad.

Students at the American University of Beirut voiced their concern claiming that not only did they miss out on study abroad programs; but also that the scheduled breaks did not work towards their favor.

AUB begins the fall semester each year between the last week of September and the first week of October, ending at the end of January; therefore, the spring semester begins in early February and ends in mid June. Most American and international universities begin a month earlier, ending the first semester before Christmas break; then begin the second semester in January, ending in mid May; therefore important dates such as examination periods, breaks, and start and end dates never match.

This off-putting incongruence in semester scheduling is caused by Lebanese tradition.

“It is Lebanese tradition to have a late summer,” that is why universities begin later than usual; many Lebanese families spend the month of August in the mountains in an attempt to escape the scorching heat, according to Moueen Salameh, the registrar.

An informal poll conducted on the AUB campus and at nearby cafes sampling 65 AUB students between November 15 and November 26 showed that only 20 percent of the students liked the current scheduling.

“As an international student, it is not our culture or tradition to have a late summer, I end up stuck doing nothing for two months, I would prefer a longer Christmas break instead,” says Nadine Dahleh, a 19-year-old philosophy major from Jordan.

Students mainly preferred alternative semester dates, dates that correspond to those of most international and American universities, because it made study abroad programs more convenient and possible.

The number of AUB students studying abroad is currently around 80 students, according to the director of international programs at AUB, Katherine Yngve.

Although Yngve did not believe that the scheduling incongruence was the main obstacle that impeded AUB exchange opportunities, she said that it was definitely a setback and that it would “certainly make things easier,” if AUB semester dates corresponded to the dates of the majority of international and American universities.

Dalal Haidar, a 20 year old Lebanese senior, majoring in business administration, is currently studying abroad at the American University in Washington DC. She said that she faced difficulties this summer before travelling because she was enrolled in summer courses at AUB and had to ask her teachers to give her the finals before the scheduled date, since she was travelling before the end of the summer term at AUB, in order to start the fall term at AU on time.

In addition, the poll showed that over 80 percent of students disliked having fall semester finals after Christmas break.

Professors argued that having finals after Christmas break did not help students.

“It is disruptive because it takes time to get back on track,” said Maya Kesrouany, professor of English literature.

Most students believed that the semester AUB scheduling had a negative influence on their university experience.

Many students, professors, and administrators hope that the AUB scheduling system will change, and Salameh says, “I have been aiming for this for 10 years, and it will happen!”

‘As an international student, it is not our culture or tradition to have a late summer, I end up stuck doing nothing for two months, I would prefer a longer Christmas break instead’

The jungle of politics

Omar Nawfal

The hyenas hunt in packs. Before attacking, they patiently isolate their prey—the weakest, slowest and “dumbest” from its herd. They have been watching their poor victim, scrutinizing its every movement, and hoping—no, making sure—that it falls into their trap. And when this gazelle (the prey) commits that fateful mistake of dancing—ever so stylishly and swiftly and gracefully—away from its flock, the only possible ending involves it being savagely devoured by the pack. The vultures come next, looking for the remnants of meat and blood on the bones of that poor and not so “intelligent” gazelle. Here, no lion—often described as “king of the jungle”— can establish order in this jungle where only the fittest survives. Why can’t this “king” rule properly? It is simply because the jungle comprises many different species and also because this lion can have a brother which would seek to supplant him and seize this illusion of power.

Civilization and intelligence allowed us humans to adapt to new situations and to enhance our chances of survival against any potential predator. We grew so strong that we became masters of our “beloved” earth and were placed on top of the food chain. As our bank of knowledge increased with the flow of information, so did our greed and egoism. We have succeeded to suppress our animosity but not to abolish it. When there was no predator from another species for us to fight against, humans fought each other. We became the most self-destructive species ever to rule this world. Our survival instinct used to unite us but it couldn’t anymore for it has lost its purpose. And so we became divided and searched for other ways to unite because we are social beings and no human can survive alone in this world. We tried to gather ourselves around empires and nations. We tried to seek comfort in faith and religion. However, a main problem resides: as much as we try to organize our world, we fail to unite its pieces and complete the puzzle. Politics and the constant seeking of power ruined us. Some leaders rose from the people and others simply inherited this power. Even worse are the leaders who rose to power by the spilling of their own people’s blood!

Unfortunately, Lebanon is a striking example of how the jungle of politics reigns over our heads.

Civil war is followed by some “peace” due to some deal which could last for 15-20 years and civil war could break loose again. I name it the circle of life and death in Lebanon. How can this cycle be broken? Political sectarianism should be contained, and the reasons which led to this civil war should not be forgotten but dealt with. Students of AUB, I hope all of us are not willing to relive the dark times that our fathers barely survived. Beware of the hyenas and the vultures!

“As our bank of knowledge increased with the flow of information, so did our greed and egoism. We have succeeded to suppress our animosity but not to abolish it.”

“He who falls for love of God shall rise a star” - Ben Johnson

Dec 15, 2010

Outlook

opinion

17

Op-ed

A cartoon profile picture does…what?

Lynnn Itani Staff Writer

W

ith over 90,000 people joining the Facebook group, the cartoon campaign against childhood abuse has definite-

ly attracted attention. Campaigns usually involve a good cause, such as raising funds or creating awareness. The objective of this campaign was to “raise awareness,” yet I could not help but wonder what type of awareness was being created? The profile pictures of cartoons might as well have been complemented with a certain message such as: what could be done to prevent, detect or solve such an issue? What are the most prevalent types of child abuse? What have people done in the past to help?

If this was an effort with the purpose of raising funds, then the organizers of such a campaign should have been identified and yet they have remained anonymous! It was

great to see everyone united about a cause. As this is happening I could not but question- exactly what is it that they are united about? Social media has the power to create change as people follow trends simply because “everyone is doing it,” but such change might as well have a true, clear objective. This is besides the following mystery: what is the logic behind the association between cartoons and childhood abuse?

I see that as rather simplifying the social issue and stupidly connecting it with what is supposed to be innocent and happy! If I was an abused child, I would get offended by the level of stupidity that my issue has become associated with. Adding to

“The objective of this campaign was to “raise awareness,” yet I could not help but wonder what type of awareness was being created?” this idiocy, are the even more idiotic rumors that were created about such a campaign.

Such rumors are based on a “conspiracy theory” explaining that “pedophiles are behind” the campaign. The claims report that kids are more likely to accept friends who have a profile picture of a cartoon. Moreover, pedophiles can identify children based on how recent their depicted “favorite childhood cartoon character” is. Yet, these rumors are unjusti-

fied, disgusting and disturbing to hear about. They are a true indication of the campaign’s failure. Indeed, it is a useless campaign and it is disappointing that the internet is full of adult, mature people who somehow believe that changing their display picture would prevent child abuse. It is necessary to be smart about the messages that are being transmitted through social media, given the potential amount of attention it can create!

Op-ed A Letter from the Heart

Lara Traboulsi Staff Writer

L

ebanon prides itself on being a country of diversity. It brags about housing 72 sects, each celebrated proudly. Amidst the myriad of sects present however, we claim that we have

one pure Lebanese identity that we all belong to. We are taught to be proud of being Lebanese, and that regardless of our religion, we are all one. That sadly is not the practiced truth. It seems that within Lebanon, all sects bound themselves and restrict their interactions with the ‘others.’

I’m in love with a boy named Adrian Rieck. He is smart, funny, sweet, and caring… and he’s Christian. I’m Muslim. That seems to be a taboo subject in Lebanon. When you’re growing up in school you are not told to play only with certain people. Religion is not even an issue when you’re young. I was blissfully unaware of religion till I was 11. As I grew older I began to recognize religion, but not the grave implications

bound to it. The serious matter, however, begins to materialize when you start engaging in serious relationships.

Then, the boundaries and limits that you cannot cross are highlighted with flashing neon lights. “He’s a nice guy, but you know he’s not the right religion,” becomes something parents start to gently tell their children. After years of not clearly seeing these flashing lights, I was hit over the head with them. Civil marriage is illegal in Lebanon. But to me and many others this law does not quite make sense. Cross religion relationship is not the exception in Lebanon, but it seems to be the rule. Out of 10 loving couples I know (all dating between eight months to four years) only one is a same religion relationship.

I’m in love with a boy named Adrian Rieck. He is smart, funny, sweet, and caring… and he’s Christian. I’m Muslim.

That seems to be a taboo subject in Lebanon.

The sad matter is that most of these couples think that their relationship is doomed.

As much as they are in love, they believe that their future together is not a secure one.

Rather than stick together, go against the outdated rules, and make some change most of the couples break up. In the beginning I was one of those people. I thought that my relationship was doomed for failure. Now I’m convinced otherwise. I have found the ‘one’ for me, and religion (and

the government) should not stand in the way. Ultimately it is your life and it is your choice. If you find the one for you, stand up for your belief and fight for your choice. In my opinion, the ultimate celebration of Lebanon’s diversity is civil marriage. So how about we take a stand, put Cyprus behind us and make our voices and choices heard.

18

Outlook

Dec 15, 2010

editorial & opinion Op-Ed

Editorial

Lebanese soccer

Duality & Delusion “Your happiness and your unhappiness are in fact one. Only the illusion of time separates them” (Eckhart Tolle).

Rami Diab Editor-in-Chief

I

f I could attach a corporal meaning to Tao (stemming from Taoism) that meaning would be “nature,” And if I could attach a spiritual dimension, an incorporeal meaning to Tao, that meaning would be “One;” for that’s all that Tao really points to, the infallible and undeceiving unity of our universe.

The principle tenet of Taoism expresses Yin and Yang as two illusory and totally opposing forms of any one phenomenon which are none the less locked in wholly matrimony never parting from each other. In short, Yin and Yang can’t live with each other, nor can they survive apart.

If that which brings us joy is also that which gives us sadness, then can we not safely assume that the feeling is in fact solitary at heart? Have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, opposites are in fact a reflection of a single phenomenon?

If we are to consult our imagination we may come to believe that the significant other in any dual relationship is in fact a product of its other extreme. Albert Einstein explained this by saying that darkness doesn’t’ exist as it cannot be studied, where as light does exist as it can be separated into its individual components, and studied with reference to numerous experiments (diffraction, interference etc.) Therefore, we can think of darkness as a dearth of

light but not light a dearth of darkness. This brings up the concept of truth regardless of appearances; to believe that only good can come of this world despite the horrors that may be made visible to us day after day.

Why all this jabbering? To reach a simple conclusion; life is not good or evil, but simply the scene of good and evil and inherently good – if we believe it to be. There is good in every act, joy in every disappointment and life at the heart of death. It’s up to us however, to read in between the lines, to avoid getting caught in the dual illusion, and to choose our one reality – choose wisely.

Mohammad Yaghi Staff Writer

Y

es, it was that time of year; the campus was littered with Real Madrid and Barcelona football jerseys, AUB Barcelona fans felt the necessity to pronounce the “ç” in “Barça” because of some abnormal paradox that for the next ninety minutes they will turn into Catalans, while Real Madrid fans had the same old feeling that this was going to be “their” year. Of course, everyone knows the result of

the match, a humiliating defeat for Real Madrid. But, I began thinking after the match and stumbled upon two questions: What if I was a player in the Lebanese Premier League (LPL) watching this match? How would I feel? Well, the answer would be, extremely depressed.

The recent blockade of fans to attend matches has severely affected the popularity of the LPL. This was done in order for a few people to understand that politically charged violence because of soccer is unacceptable. To add burden to all of this, soccer in Lebanon is heavily politicized with political parties/leaders actually buying teams and sponsoring them.

“I think football is dying,” Bilal Arakji a board member of Nejmeh was quoted as saying in an article in The Guardian, and unfortunately it is.

Additionally, the claim that some players are paid huge sums of money to not perform well in certain matches is defiling it evermore by ruining

its recognition globally and domestically. Disappointing?

Definitely, but the truth is that the LPL is in this situation because of the Lebanese public who barely support it.

Some are even unaware of its existence.

The LPL is not one of the most intensive or glamorous of soccer leagues on the global stage, but it serves Lebanon well. Ansar and Nejmeh both are respectable teams globally that harbor talent from Equatorial Guinea to Lebanon and can attempt to recruit major soccer stars like Robbie Savage. Nejmeh at one point signed the legend Pele. It’s our duty to support these teams because it’s with backing from the Lebanese public that these teams will grow and flourish. Forget the political mongering behind the scenes and instead of looking forward to the next “El Classico” match, mark your calendars for the next match between Nejmeh and Ansar.

Op-Ed

Let’s take a chance to give back

Caterina Belardi Staff Writer

I

t’s Christmas season once again, and as much as the cold weather has kept us waiting on tenterhooks for its appearance, it’s time to get

into the spirit! Hot coco and gingerbread cookies or traditional “buches de Noel” with “éclairs” are always musts, and soon we’ll all be frantic over finishing our long Christmas lists! But in true Christmas spirit let’s take a moment to think about the others who may not have the chance to celebrate the holidays in the fun and bliss we do. Around AUB, several associations, organizations and clubs are lending a hand to make a difference this Christmas, so let me try and hopefully inspire an AUBite or two!

First off, the AUB Lebanese Red Cross Club is always as involved as ever in making a difference for our community, and will remain just as helpful

for Christmas! Card-selling stands and “Clean Out Your Closet” events are kicking off this week until we break for Christmas and are expecting great participation from generous AUBites. I am sure we are able to pull out great effort in rallying as many donations as possible!

Also on campus is the SCORP initiative, in association with LeMSIC, which fundraises and promotes the purchase of a light bulb decoration to dedicate to someone who lights up our life! The gathered funds will be devoted to the Hadanet Ittifel orphanage in Zahle and, as for us, an ornament on AUB’s Christmas tree will be lit to commemorate the lights of our lives.

St Jude’s Cancer Center at AUBMC, is certainly a Mecca for the many unfortunate children affected by life-threatening diseases. This is important particularly at this time of the year, so they are calling out for volunteers to come and put a smile on a child’s face, bringing gifts, donations or just a little time to dedicate to these children who, on Christmas more than ever, need to feel at home.

This a mere list of the many initiatives that call out for our help this season, but whether it’s an international organization or a little child on the street begging for a piece of bread, let’s remember that it’s Christmas and we should take a chance to give back.

Dec 15, 2010

Outlook

out of the box

The Outlook team Chairperson

Talal Nizameddin

Faculty Advisor

Cleo Cacoulidis

Responsible Director

Antonios Francis

Editor-in-Chief

Rami Diab

Associate Editor

Timmy Malkoun

Editor at Large

Yahia Hamade

Arabic Editor

Mariam El Ali

Photography Editor

Salim Batlouni

Layout Director

John Hajjar

Members at Large

Samer Bu Jawdeh Giovanny Reaidi

News Executives

Heather Jaber Maya Sfeir Mostafa Fadlallah

Web Master

Mohamad Al Medawar

Business Managers

Sally Khalifeh Lara Traboulsi

Staff Writers Khodor Abu Daya Fouad Badaoui Caterina Belardi Amir Bitar Jackie Daoud Sarah Al Dirani Edrees Elrachidi Mark Francis Dalia Hosn Elie El Khoury Aziza Khalil Yasmin Fansa Yumna Ghandour Maryam Hoballah Lynn Itani

Anis Kadado Tala Kardas Wajiha Jurdhi Kheir Sherif Maktabi Marie Nakhoul Rita Obeid Rami Panayoti Yasmine Saab Joseph Saba Amer Sare Mohammad Yaghi Emile Fares Zankoul Rayane Zahreddine Lama Zakharia

Photographers Mohamad Alameh Tariq Buhilaigah Dima Hajj Nadi Nassar

Lotfi Al Salah Wael Salem Antoine Salloum

Cartoonist

Deedee El Jilani

Outlook is a weekly publication of the American University of Beirut (AUB) and represents the voice of the student body. It is an independent, non-affiliated publication that favors no ethnic, religious, or political group. All columns, articles, and reports are the property of Outlook and do not necessarily represent the views of Outlook or the AUB community. Outlook welcomes all contributions. Authors please include full name, major, ranking, and contact information for verification. Outlook reserves the right to edit all material. © Outlook 1949

19

Cross Word Puzzle

This week’s cross word puzzle has adopted a yearbook theme in honor of the Yearbook’s latest release (Vol. 36, 2009-10). Grab the Campus Yearbook from West Hall in order to solve this week’s crossword puzzle. Once you’re done, scan your solutions and send them into readoutlook@gmail.com before the end of the week for a chance to win a lucky dinner for two at Koi, your safe getaway for Japanese (sushi) cuisine, located at Gemmayzeh, Beirut.

This week’s cross word puzzle has adopted a yearbook theme in honour of the Yearbook’s latest release (Vol. 36, for the year 2009-10). Grab the Campus Yearbook from near the West Hall Front Desk in order to solve this week’s Crossword Puzzle. Once you’re done, scan your solutions and send them into readoutlook@gmail.com before the end of the week for a chance to win a lucky dinner for two at Koi, your safe getaway for Japanese (sushi) cuisine, situated at Gemmayzeh, Beirut.

OUTLOOK’S NEW WEBSITE IS OUT! Check out our new website home to pictures and news coverage on several of your very own AUB-related events

www.aub.edu.lb/outlook