Outlook The American University of Beirut
Ayadina Chrismas Concert
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Vol. XLIII, No. 12
Red Cross Blood Drive
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| Tuesday, Dec 21, 2010 | The Independent Student Publication Since 1949
AUB Choir and Choral Society Christmas Concert Rayane Zahreddine Staff Writer
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he Zaki Nassif Music Program in the Department of Fine Arts and Art History presented the annual AUB Choir and Choral Society Christmas concert, held this year in Assembly Hall on Monday and Tuesday, December 13 and 14 at 7 PM. The choir was conducted by Thomas Kim, accompanied by Kate Houssney on piano, Ramzi Sabra on the organ and the National Orchestra Christmas Brass. The concert was followed by the traditional carols under the AUB Christmas tree, leading finally to the lighting of the tree.
The concert featured works by Victoria, Shireen AbuKhader, Rutter, Pärt, Monteverdi and Boyer. It also featured a world premier by AUB’s Dr. Pierre Azoury, entitled “Going Home for Christmas,” sung by soprano Dr. Reem Deeb and accompanied by Olga Bolun on the piano. Christina Theokari, one of the audience members, described the song as a “lovely, heartwarming and sincere song.” The last part of the concert consisted of more popular songs, during which the conductor in(Photo by Wael Salem)
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معرض بيروت العربي الدولي – نظرة على54 للكتاب الـ اإلحصائيات
IASTE’s 12th International Conference Dalia Hosn Staff Writer
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INSIDE
ASTE, the International Association for the Study of Traditional Environments, held their 12th conference last Wednesday through Saturday, December 15-18 in AUB’s West Hall. The aim of this year’s conference was to study the way in which tradition inspires the changing conceptions of Utopia, from a theoretical and practical approach. While ‘Utopia’ is often Campus News Sports Out Loud Spotlight Arabic Entertainment
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thought of as belonging to the field of humanities under philosophy or political science, it actually extends beyond these limitations. As IASTE demonstrates, the concept of a Utopia is especially relevant today as many modern nations continue to use territories, architecture and graphic design to present an ideal outer image of a perfect community. The dreamscapes in the
الكتب حتت عنوان األعمال العامة معاجم مص ّورة و موارد ّ وأهمها املورد احلديث تأليف ّ منير بعلبكي و الدكتور رمزي أما الئحة دين ّ .منير بعلبكي فيتصدر الالئحة و إسالميات ّ الصراط املستقيم للشيخ عب ،د اهلل الهرري من دار املشاريعh ويليه سلسلة األثار الكاملة للدكتور علي شريعتي من دار ثم نهج البالغة ّ ومن،األمير لإلمام علي بن أبي طالب شرح املكتبة،الشيخ محمد عبده أما في كتب الفكر.العصرية
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11 تتم على ص
Arabic News & Op. 10-11 Entertainment 12 Letter to the Ed 13 Editorial & Op. 14 Out of the Box 15
Campus News Hind Hobeika grabs 3rd place in Stars of Science
اإلسالمية وحول الواقع اللبناني وحول الثقافة العربية والعديد من املواضيع األخرى في قاعة كما تضمنت نشاطات.البيال 150 املعرض توقيع أكثر من كتابًا جدي ًدا من مختلف الدور وهي روايات ودواوين،ا ّللبنانية شعر ّية وكتب سياس ّية .اجتماعية وغيرها لم ميلك املكتب اإلعالمي للمعرض إحصائية حول لكنه ز ّودنا،عدد زوار املعرض بإحصائ ّية حول عديد الكتب األكثر مبيعا ً وكانت اإلحصائية حينها حتى تاريخ التاسع من ّ ويتصدر الئحة ،الشهر احلالي ّ
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Bliss Street, West Hall 208 Tel: 01 350 000 Ext.3193
Campus News President Dorman’s letter to the AUB community
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مصطفى فضل اهلل كاتب صحفي
امتدت نشاطات معرض الكتاب في بيروت من54 الدولي الـ كانون األول وحتّى السادس3 من.عشر من نفس هذا الشهر حضر املعرض يالحظ دو ًما كما ّ والضجة الذي ّ الصخب ّ كل عام يثيره احلضور الكثيف جلماهير الثقافة والعلم ومح ّبي جمع شارك في املعرض.الكتب دار عربية مع52 حوالي دول عربية بصفة5 مشاركة رسم ّية ومن لبنان كانت الدور . دارًا175 املشاركة شهد املعرض العديد من احملاضرات حول الوحدة
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Arabic News معرض بيروت العربي 54 الدولي للكتاب الـ
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The Ayadina benefit Christmas concert Anis Kadado Staff Writer
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n Wednesday, December 15, a benefit Christmas concert was held by Ayadina Association, bringing the Christmas spirit back in place during this lovely and festive season. The Ayadina Association, in collaboration with the AUB Office of Student Affairs brought forth this charming event, involving the Ayadina children choir, the International College (IC) elementary choir, and Ensemble Da Capo. The proceeds of this event, as well those of other events also organized by the Ayadina Association, went to the “Ayadina Center for Fine and Performing Arts” for underprivileged children. Various clubs and societies of the AUB community, including the Red Cross Youth Club, Syrian Cultural Club, Green Peace Club, Environmental Club, Special Olympics Club, and the Business Student So-
ciety also helped in making this event possible. Excited children gathered with their mentors outside Assembly Hall, recited their songs and created a lively atmosphere around Jafet’s usually quiet perimeters. Parents began reaching AUB campus at approximately thirty minutes before the event’s scheduled start time, which was at 5:00 PM, with the aim of reserving the best seats possible. Members of the Red Cross Club guided the way for the youngsters as they walked down the aisle of Assembly Hall, greeted by friends and family. Just outside Assembly Hall, food and beverage including cupcakes by “Cupcakery” were made available. The concert began with the song “Sing Noel,” a folk song that was sung by all choirs together, only to be followed by the Ayadina Choir that presented an awesome performance starting off with a traditional African song “Funga
(Photo by Nadi Nassar)
Alafia,” then with the traditional Christmas song “Laylat al Milad,” followed by “The Giving Song,” and finally “Je suis fou de chocolat.” The IC choir was next to perform, singing lively and excitedly, beginning with “Minka,” a traditional Russian tune, “All I want is Nuttin,” “Noel Jazz,” “Hip Hop Reindeer,” “Santons de la Provences,” “I was born to shop,” and fi-
nally “Reindeer’s Jive.” The Ensemble Da Capo choir was last to perform, presenting songs that were known by most of those that attended, such as “Carol of the Bells,” “Deck the Halls,” “Jingle Bells,” “Cool Yule,” “Run to the Manger,” “Ding Dong Merrily on High,” and “Three Jazzy Bell Carols.” Christmas carols have been a way of celebrating this jol-
ly season for a very long time and each year, AUB does its part in hosting many Christmas concerts that please youngsters and elders alike. The Ayadina Association has been of great help to those in need, and this concert was one of the many ways by which the privileged were able to help the less privileged.
Computer Science Department Christmas lunch a sensation Outlook Staff
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nder a new chairperson, the Department of Computer Science (CMPS) in coordination with the Computer Science Student Society (CSSS) successfully organized the first Christmas Lunch Party for the department on Friday, December 17. With Christmas music in the background and the holiday spirit felt, the lunch party took place in the Bliss Hall’s entrance from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, after newly anointed chair George Turkiyyah took the initiative to host the event along with the CSSS in order to bring the students and faculty together. Despite the timing clash with the CMPS students’ classes, the party had more than a hundred undergraduates, graduates, faculty and
staff members of the CMPS department. The event was catered by La Cigale, and the lunch party also included a draw for three gifts, two USB Flash Drives and a stuffed animal. Turkiyyah said that the purpose of the Christmas Lunch party was to mix the faculty, staff and students in “a more relaxed setting, other than the typical classroom, as we discover a lot of hidden talents that way.” He was impressed with the turnout, noting how “energetic” the Computer Science students are and is looking forward “to have more social activities in the future.” He also thanked the CSSS and Ms. Rima Maalouf, the CMPS secretary, for doing a great job with the organization of the event. Well-known CMPS professor, Walid Keyrouz, agreed
(Photo by Nadi Nassar)
with what Turkiyyah said, stating that such an occasion makes students and faculty expect little of each other and “enjoy their time.” He added, “I am also of opinion that these social gatherings should happen more often especially with sophomore students at the beginning of the
academic year.” The CSSS cabinet considered this event to be another success for the society, and is looking forward to having more student-related events of the kind in the future, as this was the first occasion created by the society this year. Hisham Zahnan,
senior representative of the CSSS, said that the “party was a success, and that this will be one of many events to take place this year.” With that success, the CSSS expect to see a more active Computer Science department.
Outlook
Dec 21, 2010
campus news
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Hind Hobeika grabs third place in pan-Arab contest Stars of Science Jackie Daoud Staff Writer
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ind Hobeika is a name that has been reverberating everywhere recently, in the media and amongst friends. Hind is not only one of our very own AUB graduates, but she is also the third place winner of the pan-Arab contest “Star of Science,” an initiative of Qatar Foundation and Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), which aims at developing innovation skills of young Arabs everywhere. A swimming enthusiast since the age of five, Hind managed to integrate her hobby with her mechanical engineering skills, thus forming a unique piece of equipment she labeled “butterfleye”. Butterfleye, the intriguing and innovative product she developed, landed her third place in the competition. The model was a pair of goggles, with an in-
fra-red sensor attached that measures heart rate as a signal via the temporal artery in the head. The idea originated from her aspiration to revolutionize conventional heart rate measures that were adopted subsequent to exercises, which encompassed measuring pulse rates for 60 seconds and which often yielded inaccurate results. The name ‘butterfleye’ stems from her favorite stroke, the butterfly stroke, with the ‘eye’ representing the part of her slogan “keep an eye on your heart.” This slogan was created with the help of her marketing partner Nadim Antakri, an LAU student she chose to help her in the second stage of the prototype development. Hind mentions that “the leading parameter of swim training centers around maintaining a specific heart rate, depending on the stroke you are performing,” as some strokes
require a higher heart rate than others. The goggle emulates the concept of traffic lights, with the green light indicating that the swimmer’s heart rate is within the optimal range, the red light indicating a higher than ideal heart rate that should be slowed down and the yellow light indicating a lower than ideal heart rate that should be accelerated. The idea here is not to depict specific heart rates of individuals; rather it is to maintain a desirable range so the swimmer doesn’t become preoccupied with focusing on their specific heart rate. Out of 7000 candidates, Hind was shortlisted three times until 16 finalists were left, selections which were centered around their project ideas. The implementation of these prototypes took place in Doha over a period of three months, entailing five main steps for the evo-
(Photo from Ginosblog.com)
lution of the prototypes. Experts were present from AUB and other parts of the world to help put together these products and assist with the ordering of raw materials. During this intricate process, Hind claims, “AUB was very supportive, particularly my teachers who allowed me to complete my courses online and encouraged me during this fundamental period.”
The procedure included some publicizing of the product, where Hind provided the media with gifts such as neck floaters to promote the invention. Hind aspires to someday launch her product in the market, starting with the US which she believes would take the most potential interest in the ‘butterfleye,’ given their greater health-awareness.
IASTE’s 12th International Conference continued from page 1
Gulf region and the pristine houses of American suburbs are a clear example of this, as they are based on specific traditions and yet are cloaked in utopian language. In fact, utopian theories emerge from a complex mesh of both ideal notions and the traditions that gave rise to them. However, as Utopia and tradition are placed on opposite ends of the spectrum, problems arise, and the present economic crisis calls for a reevaluation of this dynamic. Indeed the concept of ‘Utopia’ and its application is highly relevant today. Furthermore, this conference discussed an emerging discourse that presents the concept of Utopia as a process of transformation rather than transcendence of the existing
condition. Lana Salman, a graduate student in Urban Planning at the Department of Architecture and Design here at AUB, describes the conference as being very interdisciplinary as it not only “has papers or presentations by people who write about the built environment, but from an urban sociology perspective, a planning perspective, from architecture.” Furthermore, there is a sense of unity in all IASTE conferences since the themes of each conference inspire the next year’s, making IASTE more like an ongoing project that constantly evolves and addresses the changing currents of all of the relevant disciplines. The three main tracks that this conference dealt with were ‘Utopian Ideals Versus Traditional Physical Reali-
(Photo by Rami Diab)
ties,’ ‘The Practices of Utopia and the Politics of Tradition,’ and ‘Utopia and the Space of Difference.’ The keynote speakers were noted scholars in their field, Michael Dear and Ananya Roy from the University of California, Berkeley, which is where the Association is based, Ghassan Joseph Hage from the University of Melbourne, as well
as David Pinder from Queen Mary, University of London. Over one hundred individual papers were presented and discussed with cross-cultural topics that spanned across the globe, including Ethiopia, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Cairo, Jakarta, Bosnia, Cape Town, Japan, Dehli, and Lebanon. This all goes to show that Utopia is not just an un-
graspable concept, rather it can be observed in economic and political struggles as well as environmental and economic studies all around the world. Perhaps one of the main achievements of this conference is that it has managed to at least present the concept of Utopia as an ideal within reach.
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campus news
Dec 21, 2010
AUB Christmas concert continued from page 1
vited the audience to join the choir to sing some Christmas carols like “O come, All Ye Faithful.” The crowd was so pleased with the music that they urged the conductor to perform an encore. Evangello Flouty, one of the attendees said, “It was awesome, it couldn’t go better!” Following the concert, the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree ceremony took place. The choir and the audience, accompanied by the National Orchestra Christmas Brass and directed by Kim sang Christmas carols such as “Joy to the World” and “Jingle Bells.” While the choir sang “O Christmas Tree,” the AUB Christmas
tree was lit. The result was a warm atmosphere filled with music, songs and Christmas spirit. Kim said, “I thought one thing that was very exciting was just how the choir got into the motion of every piece.” For the past ten years, the AUB Choir and Choral Society has been directed by Dr. Paul Meers. This year, and for the first time, Kim directed the Choir and the Choral Society. Yasmina Sabbah, a soprano and a soloist said, “I owe Dr. Paul Meers the way I sing and my confidence. As for Thomas Kim, he is amazing! They are both great in their own way.” Kim added new styles to the choir
(Photo by Wael Salem)
that have not been attempted before, such as gospel music that the audience adored. Ralph Yaacoub, a bass, said,
“Although their style is different, both are great and professional.” The transition from one conductor to anoth-
er was seamless, with the concert being just as enjoyable as it had been in previous years.
Yet another fruitful collaborative blood drive by Red Cross and AUBMC staff! Mohamad Al Medawar Webmaster Nader Ahmadieh Staff writer
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n Tuesday, December 14, 2010, AUBMC staff was setting up the donor beds and machines while Red Cross Members were setting up the tables and chairs, ordering the forms and questionnaires in West Hall Auditorium A for the second Blood drive of the fall semester. As some Red Cross members got into their uniforms, others were already dressed up and distributing flyers to AUBites passing by to inform them about this significant event. As the donors flooded in, the members got busy distributing the questionnaires for the donors to fill in. They included questions about the donors’ medications, vaccine shots, previous travel destinations and previous countries of residence, knowledge of certain blood-borne communicable diseases and whether they were infected
at a certain point in the past. Moreover, members made sure that the donors weren’t currently sick and had eaten in the last four hours. These strict policies about blood donation safety are followed by AUBMC to ensure security and well-being of both donors and patients receiving the units. After filling the forms, donors moved to the next station where questionnaires are reviewed for any suspicious information and the donors’ vital signs are checked by volunteering AUB Medical Laboratory students, Sara Abou Azar, Haroutioun Boyadjian, Jinia El Feghaly, Sawsan Allam, and Outlook’s very own Webmaster, Mohamad Al Medawar. Vital signs included checking the blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature and weight, and hemoglobin level. After passing all these checkpoints successfully, the donors moved to the last station to donate their precious blood. However, the donors who failed to fulfil the required criteria where un-
(Photo by Mohamad Azzam)
fortunately disallowed to continue further with the process and given a “Next Time Donor” heart-shaped sticker to encourage them to come back if it is possible for them to meet the strict criteria for blood donation by the next drive. Whereas the doners who successfully donated a full blood unit of 450 ml (450 CC) were given a souvenir key chain incurved with “I AM A BLOOD DONOR” and some sweets to help them replenish their blood glucose level.
Up till 10:30 am, AUBMC staff explained that there’s “obviously less appeal than last time; less than 10 units have been collected so far”. Moreover, no unusual cases had been reported up till then. The reason for this low number of blood units collected was due to high deferral number of donors, either due to low hemoglobin levels, travelling to areas endemic with a blood-borne pathogen, or high body temperature indicating fever and therefore an infection. Fadi,
a Red Cross member, also commented on the low number of donors stating that “people who are usual donors already came to the first blood drive last month, so we don’t expect as much people coming in to this blood drive as the first one” considering that one can only donate two months after he/she has given a whole blood unit. Still, of the 90 or more donors that came in with the intention of helping others, over 60 donated complete blood units by the end of the day!
Outlook
Dec 21, 2010
campus news
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Dorman’s letters to the AUB community Sarah Al Dirani Caterina Belardi Staff Writers
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n Tuesday, November 9, Outlook held an interview with President Peter Dorman concerning his letters to the AUB community at the beginning of every semester. To what extent do you believe the Letters to the Community are truly useful? What is their main goal? Do you see them as a means to bridge stronger ties between the administration and the student body? It’s more than communicating with students, I have limited time and abilities to do that; they’re very few venues in which I can communicate especially in an informal manner. This is one way to have regular communication with the president’s office. The messages to the Community of course are addressed to students, alumni and staff. I think it’s important to tell alumni what is happening on campus, the kind of changes, so that when they come and visit they’ll feel connected. There’s a lot happening right now and I think it’s important to do it on a regular basis.
When you discussed the 15 credit policy what was your aim, was it to convince us of this new policy? We’re not here to convince you; we just want to put the facts out and want you to weigh this for yourself and would like the students to do the same [elaborating that his aim was to inform students about the different perspectives of this policy]. If you weigh all of those factors against the price increase, I hope you will change your minds.
political leaders refer to AUB as a “manara.” We want to get across the message that AUB is leading the region in areas of the expertise that we have because research is important.
Why is there a need to rebrand AUB? We did a survey about what people feel about AUB, what thoughts come to mind. The biggest responses were academic excellence and the campus. The one thing that didn’t come out so strongly was the importance of research and the connection to research and education, and we feel that there is a very important message that we have to get across to our community; people who are doing active research in their fields are at the cutting edge of what they do and they bring those experiences into the classroom, and it’s a measure of quality and excitement. AUB is at the forefront; I have heard number of
A series of services have been implemented this new semester (Cafeteria, Network Printers, new Moodle…), how do you see these services affecting student life? My first impression of the cafeteria is a positive one, I think it’s a great improvement, a very nice addition to student life, I know students use it more as socialization as much as food, which is terrific. Moodle and the printers, technological issues, I think are only the beginning, the tip of the iceberg. We have a new VP, Rita Khayat she’s very dynamic, and we are considering whole raft of issues to be placed online, including social media on our websites to make it more in-
How are you finding your experience at AUB? Has it fulfilled your expectations? It has more than fulfilled my expectations, I knew I was going to be busy but I had no idea how busy it will be. It’s wonderful to be here, it’s an exciting place.
President Dorman
teresting to students, more interactive also to make it easier for students to get the information they need, making it all pretty transparent. What topics are you going to discuss in your upcoming letter? We are going to put more responsibilities concerning the budgets in the hands of faculties and departments, so that they feel the sense of ownership and the kind of financing that is available to them. Are there any plans to ex-
IMUN’s second mock conference Maryam Hoballah Staff Writer
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he International Model United Nations (IMUN) Club at AUB held its second mock conference this academic year, on Saturday, December 18, 2010. The delegates, representing around 30 countries, gathered in Room 402 in West Hall from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm, to discuss the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). They were chaired by the President of IMUN, Nour Safa, a Senior Busi-
ness student and Vice President, Lana Yaghi, also a Senior Business student. While no resolution was passed by the IMUN General Assembly, a working paper was voted through. There is an annual international conference hosted by Harvard WorldMUN, which is held in a different country each year. The IMUN board at AUB planned this past weekend’s conference in an effort to allow delegates to gain a hands-on MUN ex-
perience, hone the members’ debate skills, and ultimately choose the travelling team for this year’s WorldMUN Conference, which is being held in Singapore. The IMUN board organized two conferences this year, in order to assess which delegates are most fit to represent AUB at the Harvard WorldMUN Conference. When asked about the process of organizing this event, Yaghi stated that she enjoyed the process of assign-
ing the different countries to the delegates because it involved ensuring that there was a perfect combination of countries, so that the debate would prove to be controversial and interesting for all. On the topic of the conference as a whole, IMUN’s Treasurer and second year Civil Engineering Student, Tarek Bilani stated, “I thought the [debate] was invigorating and fruitful … I believe that all the members showed vast improvement and hopefully
(Photo by Outlook Staff)
pand AUB, for instance as in establishing other branches around Lebanon? We don’t plan to open other kind of branch campuses of other facilities. We always come back to the issue of what is the AUB experience? I think the real strength of AUB is the unity of the campus, it provides wonderful diversity, it is kind of a magic mass of diverse students and diverse faculties. The risk of creating a smaller campus somewhere away, is that you are going to dilute that experience.
this is an indicator as to the future success of the club”. As a result of the discussions, debating, and hours of negotiating, the delegates of the General Assembly were able to vote on passing a working paper that was submitted by Bilani, who was the representative of Saint Kitts and Nevis. A majority of the delegates agreed that this resolution would be a step in the right direction to achieve peaceful nuclear energy programs across the globe.
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Dec 21, 2010
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Out loud
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“Out Loud” is brought to you by Outlook Staff Writers Edrees El Rashidi, Samer Bu Jawdeh, Emile Zankoul, and Wael Salem, giving you the opportunity to convey your opinions on AUB-related issues. Want to be heard? Find the Outlook team on campus, give them your thoughts and your picture and feedback just might be incorporated into Outlook’s next issue.
Left to right: Edrees Elrachidi, Samer Bu Jawdeh, Emile Zankoul and Wael Salem
What does Christmas mean to you?
“An excuse for major companies to have people spend disgusting amounts of money. Sad, but it’s all in the name of good fun and diluted pagan rituals” (B.B).
“Religion, love,forgiveness…” (Left to right: Rawad Saliba, Tony Abi Khalil).
“Christmas is a time people sit together. It’s a fun and cozy time of year. It’s nice to see people smiling”(Left to right: Noor Al Shurafa-Tasnim Chaaban).
“Work in the Syrian Club and with NGO’s. Organizing Christmas parties and charities. Ushering in choir and bake sales” (Dalia Akhras).
“Being with friends and family, helping others, and celebrating ones faith” (Left to right: Cezar Yasbeck, Ali Farhat, Roy Fattouh).
“Family celebration. Happinnes and love. Christmas is for everyone and not for any particular sect or religion; I’m glad this is so because we need this in order to bring people together” (Lama Katoul and Maha Ghanem).
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Outlook
Spotlight
PSPA fundraise for Live & Share NGO (Photo by Rami Diab)
AUB Club Children of Adam fundraise for SOS (photo by Rami Diab)
AUB Red Cross gather for a group picture after second blood drive for this year (Photo by Mohamad Al Medawar)
Dec 21, 2010
Biology Student Society holds money, gits and donations drive (Photo by Rami Diab)
Guy Manoukian live in concert at AUB Bathish Auditorium (Photo by Zaven)
Economics Student Society campaign for annual Christmas dinner (Photo by Rami Diab)
Outlook
Dec 21, 2010
arabic entertainment 9
شخصية األسبوع ..الدكتور شفيق املصري
سارة الديراني كاتبة صحفية
ولد الدكتور شفيق املصري في 1942/3/31في املريجات – البقاع ،ألبوين كرميني هما السيد حسن املصري والسيدة شريفة الهاديّ . تنقل في العديد من املدارس وال ّثانويات حتى أنهى دراسته ال ّثانوية في العام .1961 ثم إلتحق باجلامعة األمريكية في بيروت ونال شهادته األولى السياس ّية عام في العلوم ّ .1964ثم تابع دراسته في اجلامعة ال ّلبنان ّية ونال إجازة في احلقوق عام ،1967ثم نال الدراسات العليا، شهادتني في ّ األولى في القانون الدولي 1970 السياس ّية وال ّثانية في العلوم ّ عام .1978وحصل في 1982 على شهادة دكتوراه دولة في العلوم السياسية من اجلامعة اللبنانية. املهام العملية واألكادميية. الدكتور في وظائف عديدة تد ّرج ّ الدكتوراه قبل حصوله على ّ
أهمها :رئيس املصلحة اإلدار ّية واملال ّية في مركز سالمة ّ الطيران املدني .وبعد نيله الدكتوراه تو ّلى مهام أكادميية ّ عديدة وهي :دكتور محاضر في اجلامعة اللبنانية األمريكية منذ العام ،1983وكلية احلقوق في اجلامعة اللبنانية منذ العام ،1985واجلامعة األمريكية في بيروت منذ .1987ومن ثم محاضر في كلية القيادة واألركان في اجليش اللبناني منذ العام .1993ومت ترفيع إستنا ّدا إلى أبحاثه األكادميية املهمة إلى رتبة أستاذ من الفئة األولى في اجلامعة اللبنانية منذ العام .2002كما وهو محاضر في اجلامعة اإلسالمية في لبنان منذ العام .2007 األعمال املنشورة والنشاطات األكادميية .له العديد من الكتب املهمة، السياس ّية والقانون ّية ّ ّ وكان أ ّولها كتاب” اجلامعيون رجال لبنان اجلديد “والذي نشر
عام ,1970أي وهو طالب في الدراسات العليا في القانون الدولي .وكان آخرها كتابه” لبنان والشرعية الدولية “والذي يعد من أهم الكتب احلالية التي تناولت اخلالفات السياس ّية ال ّراهنة في لبنان ّ وناقش مضمونها وأبعادها في ضوء القانون الدولي .كما وله العديد من املقاالت واحملاضرات األكادميية ،وقد شارك في العديد من املؤمترات الدولية واحملل ّية. أسئلة عامة .ملاذا ال تعمل في امليدان السياسي “؟ بس إشتغل سياسية ما بيقى إلي عني ع ّلم سياسية ”.ما هي األفكار واآلراء التي تؤمن بها ؟ “ أؤمن بالعلمنة الكاملة ،أي إلغاء الطائفية بكافة وجوهها. وأؤمن باإلشتراكية الديقراطية أي التي ّ بشر بها (Fabian “اجملتمع )Society فابياني”الذي كان في أساس احلزب العمالي البريطاني.
الدكتور شفيق املصري
كما وأؤمن مبا أورده الدستور عربي اإلنتماء اللبناني “ :لبنان ّ والهو ّية ”.وأح ّبذ املوقف الذي
إعتمده آباء اإلستقالل “ :نحن مع العرب إذا إتفقوا ،وعلى احلياد إذا إختلفوا”.
كاتب من هذا الزمان :زاهي وهبي ..ابن ّ الطبيعة نهاد غازي عواد مساهمة صحفية
الس ُ هل املمتنع هو أسلوب زاهي ّ وهبي .يوحي َ لك بالبساطة لتغرق في كلمات شعره العذبة ال ّرقراقة .صديقه االول، تفجر في غرفته النّبع الذي ّ الصغيرة ،ليصبح نهرًا من ّ ّ الشفاف ّية والنّضارة املنحازة لألنوثة .فيكتب عن املرأة وللمرأة وبلسانها ويغوص في بحر العشق دون ان ينسى هواء فلسطني التي ال تغيب عن قصائده الوالهة .هو أول شاعر لبناني يمُ نح اجلنس ّية الفلسطنية .يتغ ّزل باألالم اجلميلة أي ببطن الزوجة احلامل ،ينعى عطر األصدقاء في قصيدته “أقالم محمود درويش” ويطبب أالم آخرين كما في “سجائر بول شاوول” .حتى االن 16كتابا ً بني نثر وشعر.
متجددًا، كان فيهما شاعر احلب ّ يكتب بغزارة عن األنوثة التي ما عادت جس ًدا بالنّسبة إليه بل ّ تشققات روحا سيبقى يعشق ً س ِّن السبعني .نثره في قدميها ِ ينبض باحلياة ،وينساب على والصاخبة األنغام الهادئة حينًا ّ ّ يرسم مشاهده أحيانا. بخفة ُ ّ الشعرية املمتلئة باجلمال ويعرضها بحيوية جتعلك تعجز عن التقاط األنفاس .متم ّرد، ال يشبه اح ًدا ،ميزج بني اخلاص والعام ويواكب تط ّوراتهما كما كان جل ًيا في ديوانه األخير. يعشق احلر ّية حتّى في ّ أدق التّفاصيل .تضحكه ّ الطرفة اللماحة وال يغفر اذى من الذكية ّ قدم له العون .طفولته اجلنوب ّية، ّ وصباه البيروتي ،وقهوة احلمرا مبا ومحن وأيام اختزلوا من جتارب ٍ حلوة وم ّرة اكتوت بنيران احلرب، اسا ،مره ًفا، جعال زاهي ّ حس ً
شاعرًا ،عاش ًقا ،اعالم ًيا الم ًعا، مخلصا ،وطن ًيا كات ًبا صحفياً، ً وفلسطيني الهوى ،عروب ًيا، ّ والهو ّية .وتقديرا ملوهبته وعطائه نال زاهي العديد من اجلوائز منها جائزة سعيد الدولية عقل ،درع الكل ّية ّ للمملكة املتّحدة-لندن ،املركز الكاثوليكي لالعالم ،كل ّية اإلعالم في اجلامعة اللبنانية، هيئة دعم املقاومة االسالمية، جامعة البتراء في األردن،اجمللس الوطني للفنون واآلداب في الكويت ،كما اختارته مجلة نيوزويك العربية من بني 43 شخصية عربية هم األكثر تأثيرًا في العالم العربي مشير ًة الى إعتقاله من قبل الق ّوات اإلسرائيلية وعدم وقوعه في شرك النّجومية .لم تبهره ّ الشاشة الفض ّية وبقي يعشق رائحة الكاز والفتيل .قليلون
زاهي وهبي
امثالك يا زاهي .قليلون من عرفوا جوهر احلياة يا ابن حقول
اجلنوب.
“ اجلمال هو العذر الوحيد الذي يغفر للمرأة ّكل تفاهتها وحماقتها”.
توفيق احلكيم ( 9أكتوبر 26 - 1898يوليو )1987كاتب وأديب مصري
Dec 21, 2010
Outlook
arabic Opinion
10
ما بني دموع كربالء وإبتسام املسيح...موطن آخر
مصطفى فضل اهلل كاتب صحفي
يكمل القمر دورته األخيرة، ّ بالشمس ،كأ ّن ويكاد يلتقي التّقوميات حتاول أن تتصافا في لقاء عن بعد.إلتقيا ،لم يخب ضوء الشمس ولم يخفت ضوء إندماجا بال القمر .يعترك الزمن ً صراع ،فتتداخل التواريخ ما بني هجري وميالدي ،ما بني محمد وعيسى ما بني إستشهاد احلسني ورمز ّية هجرة الرسول ووالدة املسيح ،فعالً بينهم يسكن موطن...موطن آخر. تلتقي دموع الفرح بفرح دموع، احلب واحلزن فتشتبك مفاهيم ّ حتى يستوي البحر على هدوء عواصف األيام احلال ّية ،وتبسم الوجوه. هو لبنان ،ذلك املوطن حيث يكون الفرح مقسو ًما على شفتني ،وتقتسم الدموع
مسيحي لبنان عيون .بني ّ ومسلميه قصة مصقولة بالوحدة ومرفوعة بأيادي احلرب والغضب.تلتقي مناسباتنا لنعود إلى أنفسنا من خالل إستذكار التاريخ واستشراب وتوجهاته، عصارة أفكاره ّ وأخذ الدروس منطلقا ً لواقع جديد .قد تختلف األشجار في ثمراتها لكن منبع احلياة واحد متأصل ،فالهواء واح ٌد ،وينابيع ّ امليا ٌه مختلفة ،واألرض واحد ٌة وثمرها مختلِف وهذا التّراب ال يحمل إال احلب حينما ينطلق بتوزيع العطايا على زهوره وثمر أشجاره. علينا أيها األحبة ،أن نعمل معا ً ليكون ذاك الوطن ،موطنا ً أفضل ،وبقعة أجمل للحياة. علينا أن نرفض الوقوع في شرك
اخلالفات املذهبية والطائفية ،وأن ال نختلف على اهلل حني يسعى املستكبرون لزرع بذور ال ُفرقة بيننا .أن نكون املستقبليني الذين يرفضون اخلوض في حجرات التاريخ الضيقة ويجدون ّ اللذة في صنع حاضر أفضل ومستقبل ذي أفق أرحب وصدر أوسع باحملبة .لنلتقي على املعاني واألفكار التي تصنع واقعا ً أقوى ،واق ٌع يصنع الق ّوة من وحدة الفئات القليلة، ويصنع التّاريخ من خالل صناعة املستقبل و احلراك في صلب السياسة الواقع .ما كسرته ّ لن يج ُبرَه إلاّ والد ٌة جديدة مع السالم على األرض إقتراب حلول ّ تفهم ووالدة املسيح .والد ٌة ُ معنى احلياة ،وتعرف أ ّن العيش ميوت بال حر ّية .وتلك احلر ّية ال
يولد جميع النّاس احرارًا متساوين بالكرامة واحلقوق .تشكل هذه العبارة املا ّدة األولى من اإلعالن العاملي حلقوق أي حقوق؟ فهل االنسان ،ولكنّ ، جنح هذا اإلعالن في حتقيق مساواة بني املرأة والرجل؟ وهل تنعم املرأة في لبنان بحقوقها وواجباتها كامل ًة دون أدنى تفرقة بينها وبني العنصر الذكري؟! أم الضعيف أنّها ما زالت العنصر ّ املهمش؟ ّ تشكل املرأة في أيامنا هذه عنصرا ً فعاال ً أساس ًيا في حتريك عجلة البالد اإلقتصادية، واإلجتماعية. السياس ّية ّ ولكن ،على الرغم من هذا التط ّور امللحوظ الذي توصلت إليه ،فهي لم حتقق ،ولالسف، مساواة شاملة مع الرجل.
السياسي، أوالً ،على الصعيد ّ تتمثل املرأة اليوم في مجلس الوزراء اللبناني ،كما أنها فعاال ً في اجمللس تشكل عض ًوا ّ ا ّلنيابي وامنا بشكل غير كاف ليطغى اللون الذكوري على ياسي في الس أكثر التّمثيل ّ ّ لبنان ،هذا عدا عن ذكرنا التمثيل اخلجول في البلديات ورئاسة النقابات واحلقل القضائي. السبب في ذلك؟ هل هو وما ّ عدم تكافؤ القدرات بينها وبني ال ّرجل؟ وعدم متتّع املرأة بالصالحيات املناسبة؟ حتما ً ال، ّ السبب يكمن بعدم النظر وانمّ ا ّ إلى املرأة حتى اليوم كإنسان قوي بإمكانه خوض مغامر السياسة والنّجاح في ذلك. ّ أما على الصعيد العملي ،فقد جنحت املرأة في إحتالل مراكز
إدارية مرموقة في اجملتمع كرئاسة شركات وادارات رفيعة ّ تشكل احمل ّرك املستوى .كما أنّها األول للحقل التّعليمي في لبنان لتساهم في نشأة جيل املستقبل .وجتدر اإلشارة هنا إلى التط ّور امللحوظ في املستوى العلمي للمرأة اللبنانية، لتقصد،وبالتساوي مع الرجل، أهم املدارس والكليات ،لتصبح مثاال ً أعلى جلميع الدول العربية التي ما زالت تضعها على هامش أي تفاعل حي احلياة ،بعيد ًة عن ّ مع اجملتمع .عسى أن حتصد ثمرة عملها وتنخرط كما تستحق في اجملال العملي بتكافؤ. الصعيد اإلجتماعي، وعلى ّ حاولت املرأة في لبنان اخلروج من القوقعة التي وضعها فيها اجملتمع ،فترأست جمعيات
في :1985-11-16 تبا ً آلالم احلرب وأوجاعها التي متنعني من التع ّلم والعمل .كم اشتقت لك يا أمي واشتقت يدي والدي .ولكن ال لتقبيل ّ أستطيع فعل شيءّ . كل ما ميكنني أن أفعله هو التمني والدعاء النتهاء هذه املصائب وعودة السالم لكي أرى أهلي رب استرنا إننا ساملني غامنني .يا ّ صابرون فانصرنا وبعد احلرب من نعمك ارزقنا. في :2005-2-13
احلمد لك يا رب ّ جنيتنا من املصائب وبدأنا العمل بعد جهد .اآلن أدعو إلى بقاء استقرار الوضع ألستطيع إستثمار القرض الذي استلفته في محل؛ لع ّلي أبني عائلة قبل أن يفوت األوان. في :2005-2-15 تبا ً لهذا البلد التافه الذي ال يستطيع فيه املواطن إال أن يبكي ويصرخ .ما إن بدأنا العمل إلى أن ُه ّز كيان البلد .يا ربي افرج هذه املصيبة لكي نعود إلى العمل.
في :2010-12-17 ال أدري أين أقف ..مع من ...ولكن إن شاء اهلل ستُفرج- وقبل أن يستطيع االنتهاء من فكرته سمع صوت الضمير: يا لبناني أما زلت في نفس احلالة منذ أكثر من 20سنة؟ اللبناني :بلى ولكن ماذا أفعل؟ صوت الضمير :وماذا فعلت إلى اآلن؟ اللبناني :الصبر والتمني والدعاء. صوت الضمير :عفاك اهلل،
تصان إال بالتّضحيات وكذا كان احلسني ،وال تنطلق في الهواء ّ الطلق إال بالعمل وكذا كانت هجرة ال ّرسول .لنعمل على أن نكون ّ صفا ً واح ًدا كالبنيان املرصوص ،ويكون لقائنا أبعد من شاشات التّلفزة ولقائات السياسي ،ليكن لقائنا النفاق ّ لقا ًء يعقد بني األجيال عقد احمل ّبة ،ويفكفك عقائد ال ُفرق ِة والتنابذ. ُنعمل عقولنا في أ ّيامنا لن ِ وفي حركتنا في هذه األيام، ليمضي لبنان على منطلق السالم ولينمو بحقائق احمل ّبة و ّ التّضحية والعمل .عاش اختالفنا حرًا واع ًيا ،وعاش لبنان.
املرأة :بني املساواة والتهميش
ماري نخول كاتبة صحفية
عدة ،وانخرطت في إنسانية ّ اجملتمع الكبير مظهر ًة قدرتها وعطاءاتها التي ال تنتهي .إال أنّها ،وعلى ال ّرغم ،من ذلك متنع عن حق إعطاء اجلنس ّية ألوالدها .فما السبب في ذلك القانون اجلائر؟ أال تتمتّع املرأة اللبنانية بالوطنية املناسبة لتمنع عن حق بات من أبسط احلقوق املدن ّية؟! بإختصار ،لقد قطعت املرأة اللبنان ّية شوطا ً كبيرا ً في ما يتعلق بحقوقها ،إال أنه ما ً عدة عليها زال هناك اشواطا ّ اجتيازها لتحقيق املساواة. فلنتم ّثل ،ولو في هذا اجملال، باجملتمع الغربي الذي إحترم املرأة وأعلى من شأنها.
لبناني ألكثر من عشرين سنة...
خضر أبو دية كاتب صحفي
ولكن ماذا فعلت غير ذلك؟ اللبناني :أههههه... وظل يقول اه لعشرين سنة أخرى .أي إلى أن أصبح يقول غرلغرلغرلغرلغرل ...فقد مات من الغرق بفعل ارتفاع مستوى البحر األبيض املتوسط.
11
Outlook
Dec 21, 2010
arabic News & Opin.
معرض بيروت العربي الدولي للكتاب الـ – 54نظرة على اإلحصائيات تتم من ص ١
والفلسفة وعلم النّفس فيظهر كتاب تاريخ أوروبا وبناء أسطورة الغرب للدكتور جورج قرم من دار الفارابي ويتبعه كتابي السلفي اليتيم تأليف الساقي ثم حازم األمني من دار ّ كتاب موقع تركيا ودورها في الدول ّية تأليف أحمد الساحة ّ داود أوغلو الدار العربية للعلوم ومركز اجلزيرة للدراسات .في السياسة ظهر كتاب فلندفن ال ّثأر – قدر لبناني تأليف غسان تويني مع جان فيليب دوتنوك من دار النّهار للنّشر .ويبرز كتاب مشروع لبنان اإلقتصادي تأليف مازن سويد على صعيد أما في كتب علم اإلجتماعّ . ّ فيتصدر ديوان مدن الشعر ّ األخرين للشاعر شوقي بزيع من دار األداب ويتبعه ديوان حروف من نور ملنى الشرافي ت ّيم من الدار العربية للعلوم ناشرون .على تصدرت رواية 32 صعيد ال ّرواية ّ للكاتبة سحر مندور إضدار دار األداب ثم مرايا إبليس للكاتبة
مرمي العلي محررة
مني ّ الشرافي ت ّيم الدار العربية أما عباس للعلوم ناشرونّ . فتصدر كتابه مرايا بيضون ّ فرانكشتاين من دار الساقي الكتب ااملصنّفة بعنوان أدب. تصدرها كتاب كتب التاريخ ّ شيعة جبل عامل ونشوء الدولة ا ّللبنان ّية 1943 – 1981 ّ تأليف متارا الشلبي من دار النّهار يليه كتاب تاريخ لبنان احلديث من اإلمارة إلى اتفاق ّ الطائف تأليف د .فواز طرابلسي من دار رياض الر ّيس .أما املفاجأة الكبرى فهي على صعيد العلوم والفنون .فتصد ّر كتب العلوم كتابي كارمن واألبراج 2011 حتديات وثورات طبيعية إصدار ّ أكادمييا انترناشونال و يتبعها كتاب ماغي فرح ،2011سنة الصاعقة إصدار دار اخملاطر ّ )صورة (Alraimedia.com : امليم توزيع دار الكتاب ا ّللبناني. وتصدرت كتب سلسلة الطبخ ّ العاملي من دار العلم للماليني الئحة الكتب املصنّفة فنون. وسفرة أناهيد الشه ّية من فنعم العلوم ونعم الفنون .أما فتصدرت اجمل ّلة أكادمييا إنترناشونال وألف باء كتب القانون ّ الطبخ من دار العلم للماليني القضائية ،من مطبعة صادر،
املنشورات احلقوقية يليه صادر بني التّشريع واإلجتهاد ثم أصول احملاكمات املدنية وهما من نفس الدار. ّ
وهكذا إختتم معرض الكتاب دورته لهذا العام ،فهل من قارئ يقرأ ؟
الثورة احلسين ّية...كما يراها الشيخ شفيق جرادي
حشد الشيخ شفيق جرادي، بعمامته البيضاء الواحدة، سواد اللون األسود في اجلامعة األميركية في غرفة واحدة عصر االثنني املاضي .وكان طغى لون احلداد اجلماعي على مرمى بصري وأنا أرقب من ّ خلفي صف ّ من يروحون ويأتون ،وفي أيديهم هواتفهم اخللوية (السوداء)، يسألون عن الشيخ الذي أخّ رته رمبا زحمة سير احلمرا ،املكتظة في ّ كل األوقات .واحلاضرون ،في فراغ الوقت ،ميلؤون الكراسي تبا ًعا ،وفي عيونهم ملعة االنتماء إلى اللون واألصحاب واملناسبة ّ وكل شيء .جلسوا وصاروا يحكون ،بأصوات متفاوتة، كثيرون راقبوا الوجوه ،من أتى يأت ،على أ ّن اللون ومن لم ِ صعب التع ّرف األسود م ّرة أخرى ّ على هذا وذاك ،يتشابه اجلميع صدقوني ،حملت شابًا واح ًدا ّ ّ التف من اخللف ،ولم فقط، يبذل في التع ّرف على صبية يعرفها جه ًدا ،وشوشها بصوت حتسي حالِك سمعته أنا“ :ما ّ محجبة”. غلط ،حتى لو مش ّ محجبة ،لكني بطرف لم تكن ّ
التفت إلى وجهها .كان عيني ّ خال ًيا من “الفونديشن” الذي محجبات ح ّول وجوه صبايا ّ كثيرات إلى صفحة بيضاء مز ّيفة ،في إطار احلجاب األسود أيضا .لكن الشيخ عندما ً وصل ،وبعد قراءة قرآن طويلة دارت في فلك املناسبة بصوت فتي راح يتلو“ :وال شجي ّ ّ لشاب ّ نب الذين قتلوا في سبيل حتس ّ اهلل أموات ًا بل أحياء ،”...عندما وصل لم “ميك ِّيج” موضوع محاضرته .لم يساعده أحد باجللوس ،وهو املتوكئ على عصا ،ق ّرب امليكروفون من فمه وقص حكاية اإلمام احلسني*. ّ فما هي تلك الثورة التي كان من مقتضياتها القتل والسبي واخلروج إلى الالعودة؟ بفلسفة عاملية وجودية ألقى الشيخ شعاع ضوء على شخص احلسني بن علي ،مستعيرًا كلمات زيارة وارث التي ير ّددها ز ّوار احلسني“ :السالم عليك يا وارث آدم...يا وارث إبراهيم... يا وارث عيسى...يا وارث محمد” .الرجل وارث لرساالت ّ السماء إذن ،وثورته الطافحة بالدم“ ،رفض إنساني للقاتل”، القاتل الذي يعني السكوت عن
ظلمه املفضوح نهاية اإلسالم، باملطلق .وهكذا ،فللثورة احلسينية مبفردات الشيخ ّ يتخطى جرادي ،بُعد إنساني الشيعة ،ورسالة متف ّلتة من حدود الطائفة الواحدة ،ممن يلبسون األسود ،لتحرير اإلنسان ومده بالقدرة على من الظلمّ ، وسم الباطل بأنه باطل ،مهما ّ قل مناصرو احلقّ .احلسني الوارث لألنبياء ،ترك إرثًا سياس ًيا مبن ًيا على أساس أخالقي واجتماعي ّ لكل من تصله حكايته وديني من بعده .تلك احلكاية التي يحفظها ّ كل من كان حاضرًا، لكنهم بدهشة املتع ّرف على ما يجهلون ،استمعوا بصمت إلى الشيخ شفيق جرادي كلمات الشيخ جرادي ،صمت لم يخرقه غير ضحكاتهم التي واألصل -كما قال -ليس الغلبة، احلس في وفيك ّ استثارها فيهم الشيخ بأطراف بل كيف يحيا ّ حديثه البعيد عن التك ّلف ،وهو اإلنساني الرفيع ،الذي يصل الذي عزل قاعة احملاضرة ساعة باجلميع إلى اخلالص الوجودي املؤسس ليوم اخلالص من الزمن عن خارجها مق ّل ًبا املتكامل، ّ الوجع اإلسالمي بالتحليل املهدوي األخير. أيضا باملناسبة، واملهدي املمنهج ،لكنه بذكاء احملنّك في ً اخلطاب ،قفز عن عتبة القرن سيحمل راية سوداء .ال تسألني صدقني أو ال الهجري األول ،فق ّلص املسافة كيف عرفت؟ ّ تصدقني ...إلى حني احلكاية التاريخية بني رجال احلسني ّ ورجال املقاومة ،أو املقاومات ،القادمة. املقاتلة اليوم بعد 1400عام* .احلسني بن علي هو حفيد
(صورة :خضر أبو دية)
النبي محمد عليه صلوات اهلل .خرج على حكم يزيد بن معاوية عام 61للهجرة ،بجمع قليل من الرجال ،فواجه في صحراء كربالء -كربالء املدينة في العراق اليوم ،جيش عد ّوه، متجاوزًا تخاذل أهل الكوفة -في أيضا ،وكانوا هم من دعاه العراق ً إلى اخلروج ليقاتلوا معه ،ف ُقتل ومن معه في املعركة جمي ًعا. وقتله مظلو ًما هو ما يحييه الشيعة في عاشوراء ّ كل عام.
12
Outlook
entertainment
Album Review
H
ip-hop’s answer to an era dominated by songstresses such as Ke$ha and Lady Gaga, for whom eccentricity and ‘quirkiness’ seems to be the norm, is Nicki Minaj. Having recently sampled on and added ‘hip-hop credibility’ to many singles including those of Christina Aguilera and Sean Kingston, the Trinidad and Tobago native has released her own album, titled “Pink Friday,” prompting the question of whether she can stand as a musical act on her own. Keeping true to what has come to define the rap/hiphop genre, many of Minaj’s tracks are self-professed tributes to her own greatness, littered with allusions to expensive brands and ‘the haters,’ that seem as common to rap music as bacon to breakfast. Upon first hearing songs such as “The Best” and “Did It On’em,” one is faced with the ridiculousness of Minaj’s claims; most notably, one cannot but wonder how it
is that a relatively new artist can go on about her massive success on her debut album. This cockiness is not without grounds, as, much like many of her pop and hiphop predecessors, Minaj’s “Pink Friday” is aimed at being a self-fulfilling prophecy. And, given all the attention she has drawn with her interesting multiple personae and wild get-ups, not to mention her music, it is likely that the prophecy is nearing its fulfillment. Minaj has cited her music being influenced by what she claims are her multiple personae. Like Beyonce’s “Sasha Fierce” and Eminem’s “Slim Shady,” Minaj has created a slew of alter-egos that she applies to different verses. Whether this is Minaj’s actual method for creating music or a marketing gimmick geared towards gaining media attention, one cannot deny the highly schizophrenic nature of her sound. For instance, on the album’s second track, “Roman’s Re-
Movie Review
A
fter the Bourne Identity and Mr. & Mrs. Smith, director Doug Liman tackles a somewhat different genre with his latest release, Fair Game. Based on a true story, this film is less action-oriented (with no gun or fighting scenes) and more dialogue-driven than his previous two blockbusters. Set between 2001 and 2003, this political thriller follows the story of CIA agent Valerie Plane (Naomi Watts) and her husband Joe Wilson (Sean Penn), a United Nations Ambassador. At the beginning of the film, both Plane and Wilson are portrayed as highachieving, career-oriented individuals, who still manage to have a loving relationship and a happy marriage. The couple appears to be relatively non-political, until the Bush administration decides to invade Iraq. One of
the reasons most marketed to the world at the time was that Saddam Hussein was building nuclear weapons. President Bush’s government relied on the existence of a uranium trade between Niger and Iraq to justify the presence of weapons of mass destruction. When Ambassador Wilson publicly criticizes the White House’s flawed claims and accuses the Bush administration of divulging false information, his wife’s identity as a covert CIA agent is made public, and she is fired from her job. The rest of the film focuses mainly on the couple’s reaction to the media harassment and the deterioration of their relationship. The strongest aspect of this movie is the brilliant performances by both Naomi Watts and Sean Penn. Sharp, fierce and compelling, they manage
Pink Friday venge,” Minaj channels Roman (yes, she has named her alter-egos), who she claims is her in-your-face, hardcore persona. This theatricality is expected considering Minaj’s drama background. The track sees an angry Minaj with her trademark quivering almost-vibrato, hauntingly scream-rapping, “Rah, Rah, like a dungeon dragon.” Roman makes another appearance on a similar track, “Massive Attack,” that again features the in-your-face Minaj. We see the ‘angry’ Minaj on “Did It On’em,” which is arguably the album’s most sonically audacious track, straying away from the common bumps and thumps that have become intrinsic to radio-played hip-hop music. However, it is highly unlikely that this track will get much, if any, radio play, considering its explicitly lewd content, detailing using one’s excrement to mark a conquest. On other tracks, we see a more feminine Minaj, Barbie, one of her other egos. In
Fair Game to make up for the film’s minor defects: a cheesy feel during the second half when the story is mainly about the relationship between the two protagonists and a black and white depiction of the world of politics. In addition, even though the story is mainly dialogue-driven, it still manages to maintain a swift and brittle pace. Fair Game also carries a subtle didactic dimension, by reminding us how a handful of men in a power position will stop at nothing in order to achieve their desired goals, even if this means illegally abusing their power, manipulating others and bluntly lying. As enlightened citizens, this movie shows that it is our duty to question our leaders and their incentives, and to hold them responsible whenever they breach our trust.
Dec 21, 2010
Timmy Malkoun
(Photo from facebook.com)
parts of “Check it Out,” and most of “Your Love,” we see a more laid-back and less angry Minaj. Following edgier tracks such as “Blazin’” and “Here I am,” Barbie adopts a more tame role, both vocally and lyrically. The creation and use of different identities is rather unnecessary, con-
sidering that many before Minaj have been able to convey an even wider emotional and musical palette without marketing themselves as different people. Then again, it is this superfluousness and ridiculousness that is essential to the phenomenon that is Nicki Minaj.
Christine Saliba
(Photo from facebook.com)
Finally, it’s worth noting that Fair Game portrays a woman in a very intelligent and complex leading role, unlike many mainstream Hollywood productions, which often stereotype women as
stupid and sexy or simply relegate them to the cute girlfriend act. This movie is refreshingly different, allowing women’s theatrical talents to shine and allowing the audience to see them as intricate, authentic characters.
Dec 21, 2010
Outlook
letter to the editor
Counter number three
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Amina Jaafar Harb
“ اذهب الى كاونتر رقم ثالثة120 البطاقة رقم,” that monotonous voice percolates my stream of conscious. I look around and I can see that it’s not just getting to my nerve. It’s getting to everyone’s. Perhaps because the voice announces turns so slowly, no one really wants to hear it and be reminded of the long wait they still have ahead of them. My ticket’s number is 151. When I came an hour ago, the employee at counter #3 was attending the owner of ticket number 101. The room is crowded; I can feel a strong tension in the atmosphere. The lady who just sat next to me has a ticket number 192. Good luck with that. How long have I been here? Unbelievable. I have been waiting two hours at the Cashier’s office to get a single Printing Card. What a mess. It’s obvious that at least 90% of us are here to do some kind of payment. And these transactions, to my knowledge, are carried out only at counter #3. As you all know by now, the system at the Cashier’s Office has recently been renovated. But whether the new system has improved the flow of transactions in this office is still questionable. It is possible that one of the factors that has not let the Cashier’s Office serve more efficiently even after its renovation is the new Network Printing System at AUB. Previously, most students who wanted to print using AUB’s facilities usually bought printing cards available at several libraries. However, with the current Network System, payments for printing services should all be done at the Cashier’s Office. And this has had significant consequences. To illustrate this, let us consider some rough figures. If barely four thousand students are purchasing at least two printing cards per semester, then the employee at counter #3 has to attend eight thousand additional transactions per semester. And these are only approximate figures. My turn has finally arrived after waiting two hours and forty minutes (I’m definitely late for my next class). I look at the employee attending me; he is obviously overworked and exhausted. Both, the counter at his left and the one at his right, are empty. True, the system at the Cashier’s Office has been revamped. However, even the best of systems will not replace the job that at least one extra employee can do.
Promoting research at AUB the undergrad research experience
Carl-Joe Mehanna
During my junior year, I contemplated various areas of work in a research lab in either the Biology or Chemistry departments to enrich my working experience; but nothing had prepared me for what lay ahead of me. As I was readying myself for a laborious summer of studying for finals and MCAT preparation, Dr. Najat Saliba, professor at the Chemistry department, offered me an opportunity to be part of one of the most innovative research projects to be undertaken at AUB and in Lebanon. The task was daunting but the challenge and the countless learning opportunities led me to acquiesce. Leading up to the launch date of the project on December 9 (which has been presented in the previous Outlook issue), there have been numerous sleepless nights and countless stressful days; my schedule was often juggling classes, meetings, researching price quotes and articles, and assembling machines and laptops. Nevertheless, I am most appreciative for partaking in this research and for what I’ve accomplished so far; it has been the most gratifying hands-on learning experience as an undergraduate. Research does not only involve reading scientific jargon/articles/journals/papers and conducting a rerun of trial and error experiments. Among the aforementioned, I have spent the past six months delving into new methods to measure and understand particulate matter, exploring companies that would benefit the project, seeking financial solutions that are both efficient and cost-effective to get this project up and running in the best way possible, and brainstorming with highly qualified personnel – engineers, designers, planners, administrators, staff, etc. – to ensure a high-quality end product. I am now in the process of collecting and analyzing the data in order to publish a paper upon completion. AUB has among the best research facilities in the region, but there is always room to grow and improve. Aside from graduating top students, AUB should encourage more students to enlist in research. This can be done by increasing, facilitating and advertising research and research opportunities, either through more grants or through crediting the undergrads that are enlisted. Research is beneficial to all aspects of the learning spectrum; it allows the student to have a clearer and more solid grasp of what awaits them after graduation, be it graduate school or the work force. It also gives the student the chance to discover new territories that might have been previously unknown to him, or to go deeper in a subject in which he is interested. Last but not least, being involved in research teaches two very important things that are crucial to success in any enterprise and that will be more than advantageous later in life: responsibility and time management.
Sleeping beauty
Ali Faraj
The anti-smoking policy at AUB has been recently enforced, and only a few specific areas welcome smokers and their friends. Although AUB is to be commended for this effort toward creating a relatively smoke-free environment, a more serious issue needs attention and enforcement. The administration may or may not be aware of the smoking of hash and marijuana on the AUB campus, in the so-called “forest.” I am embarrassed to have to write about this issue in AUB’s student newspaper. It’s highly implausible that nobody knows about the existence of this “forest,” but what’s more shocking is why nothing has been done so far. Perhaps this has never been a public issue, or maybe the AUB community never wanted to think about this phenomenon because it undermines its efforts to look healthy before the world. Regardless, we should give our administration the benefit of the doubt, and I hope this letter will send a message: There is an urgent need to do something about drug use on campus. This is not solely the administration’s responsibility. I’m fairly certain that students who go to the forest to smoke hash and weed have been seen by many AUBites. As selfish as this sounds, these students are actually jeopardizing the reputation and social status of their other friends, who may unwillingly be associated with drugs because of their surroundings, even though they are not drug-users. Drug-users at AUB do not seem to care about what their habits to do their friends on campus, as long as the charming prince kisses them and stimulates their nerves.
14
Outlook
editorial & opinion Op-ed
Editorial
What we give we get back
Rami Diab Editor-in-Chief
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Dec 21, 2010
o the time for merry cheer is approaching with Christmas holidays just around the corner. Everyone is out shopping in frenzy and university and school students are on cloud nine getting ready to celebrate. But before we run out to purchase that perfect gift, I’d like to turn our attention to an excerpt titled “The Value of a Smile on Christmas” from Dale Carnegie’s all time best seller, “Making Friends and Influencing People.” “It costs nothing, but creates much. It enriches those who receive, without impoverishing those who give. It happens in a flash and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever. None are so rich they can get a long without it, and none are so poor but are richer for its benefits. It creates happiness in the home, fosters good will in a business, and is the countersign of friends. It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and Nature’s best antidote for trouble. Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is no earthly good to anybody till it is given away. And if in the last-minute rush of Christmas buying some of our salespeople should be too tired to give you a smile, may we ask you to leave one of yours? For no one needs a smile so much as those who have none left to give!”
I’d like to emphasize that last line, “it is no earthly good to anybody till it is given away.” This sentence, in a nutshell, sort of summarizes the human condition. How it is difficult for us to attain joy if our joy is restricted to the bounds of our separate lives. Indeed, only in sharing our delight does our delight expand. Joy gained by ownership of possessions follows the same principle. Only is sharing the gifts of the earth do we find the most value in them and reap their benefits to the fullest. Our economy follows a similar trend as well. Have you ever asked yourself just what it is that gives our money value? I mean, at the end of the day, were it not for its purchasing power, money would be no more than worthless paper right? This Christmas, let’s take some time off to give to others for that is one sure fire way of giving back to ourselves. This Christmas, let us part from our belongings, let go of our desires and forget our responsibilities, aims and desires. This Christmas, let us be givers first and foremost, for what goes around comes around and what we give we get back.
The Ghosts of Migrant Workers
Jackie Daoud Staff Writer
A
bused, humiliated and deprived of the most basic human rights, domestic workers in Lebanon and the Arab world have lived through a unique type of torture even the Nazi’s would have been impressed by. The past 20 years has seen a large influx of private household workers into Lebanon, but I prefer to call this a ‘slave contract,’ given what little legal protection they have in this country and in many Arab countries, leaving them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. In addition to psychological, physical and sexual abuse, they are often treated like animals with their contracts being labeled by many as ‘legal fiction,’ with the sole purpose of concealing the poverty of their living
circumstances. The biggest misconception in the Arab world by employers is that these workers are their property and, therefore, they can do whatever they please to them. It appalls me that despite the civilized era we are living in, with the majority of us completing high levels of education, there are still people among us who adopt such a backward mindset and are desensitized to the idea of inflicting harm on another human being. What gives anybody the right to endanger another human being’s life? The bottom line is that nobody is entitled to do so, regardless of the ignorance of Arab law; we as righteous individuals have a moral obligation to be the best that we can, and that primarily begins with treating others as we would want to be treated ourselves. It is no wonder there has been a rise in balcony suicides in the past ten years, that have conveniently been labeled as accidents every time, but is it really a coincidence that we have the highest domestic worker suicide rate? This is aside from the portion of them who have been beaten to death, another substantial contributor to their climb-
Op-ed
Change begins with choice
Aziza Khalil Staff Writer
“
Be the change you want to see in the world” said a very wise man, Ghandi, but how do we see this change if we haven’t actually opened our eyes upon the truth that’s
stripped from underneath our eyes. Change starts with realizing our faults. Make the choice to change your bad habits before wanting to change everyone else’s. You have the ability to totally change every area in your life and it all begins with your very own power of choice. If you don’t like how things are, change it! Racism, hypocrisy, and prejudice are some of the things we all want to change in life. However many of us still practice them. We complain about the way we are, the way things are, and the people around us, but we still carry on living
our lives that way. As Shakespeare once said, “The fault is not in the stars, but in ourselves.” We create the way we live by the choices we make. We have the choice to make better decisions starting today. We shouldn’t allow our errors in judgment, repeated every day, to lead us down the wrong path. Even the most basic choices can make the biggest difference in how our life works out. Looking at the glass half full is a start. Be positive and think positive and it will rub off on others. Don’t be discouraged by what other peo-
ing death rate. On Thursday, August 19, 2010, as in many previous cases, a 29-yearold Ethiopian worker, Sirek Ogapy, threw herself off the 10th floor of her employer’s house, with many bystanders watching her plummet to her death. Later accounts by witnesses also showed that they had heard quarreling and screaming before she was thrown off the balcony. However, given that the employers were a politically influential family, the investigation was naturally halted and, to no one’s surprise, was labeled a ‘suicide’ before being closed, ensuring nothing was ever heard of it again. This is a typical case in Lebanon except what the label should have said was ‘murder’ rather than suicide attempt. Should we really place less of a significance to a person’s value based on their ethnicity? The answer is no; it’s ridiculous that anybody could even consider this an issue, because what it comes down to is that each and every one of us is valuable, through factors that make us unique, our integrity and our ability to share ourselves with our loved ones. That applies to every single individual among us, migrant worker or not.
ple think if you know you’re doing the right thing go for it! Despite your past your future is still unwritten. “Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending” (Maria Robinson). A lot of people don’t like to let go of the past but there is nothing wrong with change if it’s in the right direction. However, change doesn’t happen overnight. You may face obstacles through the way but with perseverance you can always succeed. Don’t just sit there and wait on something to happen. Make it happen!
Dec 21, 2010
Outlook
out of the box
15
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
Mohamad Al Medawar
Business Managers
Sally Khalifeh Lara Traboulsi 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
idays, this week’s cross word
Heather Jaber Maya Sfeir Mostafa Fadlallah
Web Master
Staff Writers Khodor Abu Daya Nader Al Ahmadieh 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
In celebrating Christams holpuzzle has adopted a Christmas theme. 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 lunch for two at The Food Gallery, hosting Last week’s winner: Congratulations Rana El Jarrah, you won a complimentary lunch for two at Koi Japanese Sushi AUB‘s upper campus cafeteria. bar
Psyched Out
Rita Obeid
Social Phobia
A phobia is a constant, unreasonable and illogical fear of a specific thing or situation that obliges one to avoid it. Social life is very important in a society like ours, and social phobia (also known as Social Anxiety Disorder) is a type of phobia characterized by great anxiety and extreme selfconsciousness in everyday situations. This type of phobia can be limited to only one situation, for example, fear of eating in front of others, to its most severe form, the fear of being around other people. If left untreated, this phobia can lead to severe consequences. Symptoms of social phobia include: intense anxiety experienced due to exposure to social situations, recognition that this level of anxiety is excessive by the individual, and avoidance of the feared situation, among others. It is important to note that physical symptoms commonly accompany social phobia and include excessive sweating, trembling, nausea and other anxiety-related symptoms. These symptoms increase the fear of disapproval and become additional focuses of fear thus leading to a vicious cycle: the greater the worry of experiencing the symptoms, the greater the chances of getting the symptoms. Some research shows that the amygdala in the brain, which controls fear responses, is responsible for the symptoms of this phobia. Other studies suggest that this disorder might be inherited, however, the effects of one’s environment also play an important part in the development of such a phobia through modeling. Social phobia seems to emerge before adulthood and treatments that have shown considerable efficacy are cognitive-behavioral therapy and behavioral therapy, both with or without medication, which include SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors).
AUB’s latest latest Campus Yearbook Volume 36 is out! Grab your copy from West Hall front desk before they run out!
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