Continuing with their tradition of Shakespeare at the
Oval, the Civilization Sequence Program along with the American
University of Beirut Drama Club presented Shakespeare's
renowned romantic comedy, "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The
open-air production situated at the Green Oval was one of
the largest AUB productions yet, it included six faculty
members, three professionals, students from two classes,
and the Drama Club, totaling over 85 participants. "This
year's production is far more complex than previous years;
it includes more elements. There are four distinct groups
of actors, singing with around 150 music cues, and choreography,"
explained David Kurani, CSP lecturer and the producer of
the play. more
Why
does everyone want to have power over someone else?
Why does most of the general population believe that
without power you cannot do anything? What is power?
Is the definition, "to be able to do everything?"
I donŐt think so. Edward Said would say power comes
with knowledge. I would say, "Knowledge is power,"
and there is a difference. Many people can be powerful
and have knowledge, but their knowledge would be put
to negative advantage like many of the wasta cases we
hear about happening in the country where people are
using their power to get jobs for people they know.
Many graduates, unless they have wasta donŐt get the
job they deserve. more
Candide: "All is best in the best of all possible
words."
By Ghia Osseiran
When
Israel escalated its military assaults on Palestinian
territories in April, students cast away their AUB identity
and renamed the University the Palestinian University
of Beirut. I don't know whether replacing American by
Palestinian was intentional specifically targeting the
word "American," or would the change have been made had
the University been the Iranian, Russian, or Cuban University
of Beirut. But whether intentional or non-intentional,
students were keen on affirming their solidarity with
the Palestinian people and the word "American" in AUB
seemed to have gotten in the way. more
Babylone II
By Sami Salameh
The
scene repeats itself: I get on a bus on Labban Street
after a long day at AUB. On my way back I have an hour
or so to meditate, to view life from different angles.
I mainly look at my fellow countrymen in the streets or
in the bus. I can see how tired they are, but also how
brave and resilient. Today, my thoughts dwell on Lebanon
and the turmoil we're in. How many friends and acquaintances
are leaving, day after day. Who are they leaving their
vacant ranks for? Soon, a young dude gets in the bus and
sits by me. more
A positive aspect of the Americanization of Lebanese
student society is the increase in the percentage of working
scholars, especially for those working in their own fields
of study. Although the country lacks proper statistical records
on this matter, one can easily notice the cultural and economic
changes leading to an early involvement of Lebanese youth
in the professional world. more
Abou Zeid, an ahlete of the first
degree
Maya Abou Zeid is a 20-year-old senior economics major,
who also happens to be an athlete of the first degree. Now
when we say "athlete," people might get the impression that
this person has mastered one specific sport, so let us rectify
this misconception. Maya plays not one, but six sports: tennis,
track and field, table tennis, basketball, soccer, and tae
kwon do, the latest addition to her athletic endeavors. more
