Volume 5, Issue 5 The Student Newspaper of the American University of Kuwait February 2009 Black Box Repeats History with Trojan Women By Fatima Ibraheem hammed (PBUH) begs God for ing teams in the DRAMA 360 However, whether of Trojan or pproximately 2500 years help as the wailing women wittn class, were given the script on Muslim culture, these women Aago in 415BCE, the Ancient ness their husbands and sons the very first day, Professor Gottst proved brave in their ability to Greek poet Euripides wrote a being martyred, fatal thirst undt schalk gladly said “behind every extend the ‘natural, moderate’ tragic play set in the legendary der scorching heat never being theatre is a political agenda.” As strengths of a woman into what city of Troy. Hecuba, former quenched, baby Abdullah being for the ‘political agenda’ of Trojj we metaphorically describe as queen of Troy begs Zeus, the fatt savagely killed, and then the jan Women, it was valid and intt a mountain of patience, bravery ther gods at that time, for help as burning of the tents… tentional indeed: the universality and affection. the befalling royal family cracks Does history repeat itself? of women’s suffering over time They’ve also encountered beti into pieces. Weeping women Shall we consider such stunning and across space, which is what ing, figuratively, butterflies who smother the tragic district, baby similarities as evidence of the we tried to capture in that play. survived together with an injured Astyanax gets taken away for very nature of human beings; What does the ‘universality wing…the wing that had no masct Greek butchery, and the crash of that human beings, who are the of women’s suffering’ connote? culine support, whatsoever, by the citadel comes into play. source of such tragic events, Well, being forced to take care its side. The enemy was cunning Fast forward… can almost never learn from the of herself as well as the weepti enough to pinpoint a woman’s Approximately 1370 years past to avoid repeating the same ing females surrounding her in a weakest point by ‘stripping’ her ago in 680 CE, history repeats mistakes over and over again? catastrophic environment is a rets from that support. itself. A Muslim tragedy in Iraq’s Do we learn from such unforgettt sponsibility that possibly outpacte Again, history repeats itself. Karbala takes place. Zeinab, the table, indescribable stories? es a woman’s normal strengths. granddaughter of Prophet Moht When the production and actti Continued on page 

Pi Gamma Mu Honors Dr. Conerly Casey Remembering Gaza

By Walah Al Sabah Aleiwi and Ghina Al-Mutawa n Monday, 26th January for contributing to the preparatt O2009, the Pi Gamma Mu tion of the dinner. Deep thanks Chapter of AUK held a dinner goes to the SGA for the award ceremony in honor of Dr. Conte they presented to Dr. Casey and erly Casey, who will leave AUK to all the guests who enjoyed the after the fall semester. Dr. Casey night and united with Pi Gamma joined the ensemble of AUK factu Mu to make this dinner a succt ulty in 2005. She used to teach cess. And successful it was. anthropology courses at AUK Finally, the most sincere and has contributed greatly to thanks goes to the star of the its anthropological program. night: Dr. Casey. She has She has taught classes on psytc taught us a lot about anthropolto chology, genocide, ethnographti ogy throughout her four years By Farah Al-Shamali ic film, and many anthropology at AUK. Her genuine teaching nary citizens, we do not have the and psychology–related courses. of this discipline to the stutd he year of 2008 did not end necessary resources to influence Many of her dedicated students dents was the reason that many Ton “peaceful” terms. In fact, states. Therefore, we do what we and peers joined in on the night students did want to enroll in there is never really a moment of can by collecting donations and to celebrate her achievements at Al-Aleiwi and many others. The Obaid, entertained the guests her classes. She is a dedicated peace in the world. Rape, torture, expressing ourselves through metd AUK. The night was very emott buffet was provided by Ghina and Dr. Casey with her funny anthropologist and humanitarti murder, injustice, and all kinds of dia outlets. It may not be much but tional as many of her students Al-Mutawa for the day. speech and gave everyone at ian, and is one who respects atrocities happen on a daily basis it is something. and social science colleagues Dr. Casey was awarded the Pi the dinner a good laugh. people from all cultures, relitg and it is often difficult to realize The SGA organized an event gave speeches about Dr. Casey Gamma Mu medal, a souvenir Dr. Casey will be missed by gions, and races. She will not that there are many social obstructs entitled ‘Save Gaza’ that hosted and how she has impacted them with her name engraved on it, a all of us and the purpose of hostit be forgotten by her devoted that bar us from raising our voices renowned Kuwaiti personalities, on a professional and personal token from the SGA (presented ing the dinner in her honor was peers and students and her abts and influencing decision makers Mohammad Al-Awadhi and Ebrath level. by Norah Al-Hilaly), as well as to show her that there are many sence will be keenly felt by that are capable of changing the him Al-Muhannae, a Palestinian The dinner was organized by other gifts from other professors professors, students and alumni all those who love and respect current regional status quo. news reporter who has been tourit the executive committee of Pi and students. The atmosphere who deeply appreciate and rets her. We wish her the best in On December 27th, 2008, the ing the region, a representative of Gamma Mu, Abdulaziz Al-Most of the event was cozy, relaxed spect her, which was greatly her scholarly future and hope State of Israel began a ruthless the National Union of Kuwaiti sallem (President), Farah Al- and reminiscent of all the times accomplished and proven. Spect her path will be as successful military campaign on the Gaza Students (NUKS), poetry reading, Shamali( Vice President), Nada the guests of the dinner had had cial thanks to the president, vice as she wants it to be. She has Strip. No mercy was shown at all and a Palestinian Band that sang Al-Hudaid ( Secretary/Treasuret with Dr. Casey. However, the president, secretary and advisor given much to AUK and it is as hundreds of men, women, and songs of nostalgia and patriotism er) as well as Professor Christopt night was also full of humor as a of Pi Gamma Mu as well as the time, we as a whole, thank her children fell victim to these heitn pher Ohan, AUK alumna, Noura student of Dr. Casey’s, Faye Al- other students such as Noura Al- for all that she has given. nous acts of aggression. As ordint Continued on page  The Voice of AUK NEWS Volume 5, Issue 5  Paradigm Shift in Project Management More Than Meets the Eye

By Emad G. Salamah is an excellent prospect for stutd wo AUK students, Emad dents at AUK majoring in marketit TSalamah and Dina El-Zoth ing, accounting, and finance. In hairy, had the unique opportunt fact, it is perfect for anyone wishti nity to participate in the conft ing to improve upon their business ference “Dawn of a New Era: skills. What better way to do so Paradigm Shift in Project Manta than apply those skills in real life agement” that took place at the situations? Especially within the Gulf Hotel, Manama, Bahrain, realm of business administration, from 27th – 29th January, 2009. it is difficult to comprehend all that The conference was hosted by is entailed without experiencing the Project Management Ints it first-hand. Also, it is important stitute - Arabian Gulf Chapter that buyers be cordial, customers (PMI-AGC). eager to buy, and both willing to The theme was carefully compromise and negotiate a fair chosen to reflect the need to By Farah Al-Shamali price. In more ways than one, the do things more innovatively Management (PPM) is a key reacting to the crisis based on height of day, the AUK parking lot Car Boot Sale allows possible entt in light of the huge opportunitt method used to ensure the orgatn expectations and fear, and not n 10th January, 2009, the transformed into a bustling bazaar trepreneurs to get a feel of how a ties and challenges for projects nizing of requests and the manat based on supply and demand OMarketing Club hosted the of buyers and sellers. With music business is really conducted. in the region. According to the agement of work within a stratt for resources. Also, with Chitn second annual Car Boot Sale in blaring from all directions, the Car Aside from that, it is safe to program overview, the event tegic context are mapped onto na’s strong demand of oil, oil the AUK parking lot. As I was Boot Sale was both a recreational say that the Car Boot Sale was an served as “a forum for projte the needs of the organization. prices are still in the safe range. there from the very early hours and productive event. event for all. What helped to make ect management practitioners, PPM entails increased visibility However, the crisis is causing when everything was being set up, Other than having individual this so was the fact that prices engineers, planners, academitc into spending, more transparte a drying up of lending in bulk; it was noticeable that time and eftf students sell products, AUK clubs were very reasonable—items cians, and management to intt ency on selection, reduction therefore, as a recommendation fort had been put into it. Members and organizations and new small were affordable. Many members teract, share their experiences, of costs, risk management, and it was emphasized that owners of the Marketing Club were ready businesses also had the opportunitt of the cleaning and janitorial staff improve their knowledge and agility facilitation that enables should rationalize project costs to assist vendors by providing tatb ty to market themselves. This was at AUK visited the Car Boot Sale showcase their projects and businesses to make use of the and not rely solely on banks. bles, chairs, and wire extensions. a great opportunity for students at and I was happy to see that they best practices.” resources they have. In the abts This would allow for financial When the products to be sold were AUK to familiarize themselves enjoyed themselves as well the The trip was fully sponsored sence of PPM, incentives are flexibility. Furthermore, the neatly visible to customers, the with the various clubs and organitz products they bought. It was an by the Oil Development Comtp poorly linked to strategy with cost of having skilled labor is Car Boot Sale had officially comtm zations on campus. I also caught event for all. pany, one of Kuwait Petroleum little motivation to stick to core high, and therefore businesses menced. a glimpse of a few recently begun Frankly speaking, Kuwait, and Corporation’s ten subsidiaries. business procedures, underts need to choose between either The variety of items available businesses that may have decided not AUK, needs more of events Three students from GUST, standing strategy levels are low, cutting labor costs through was so vast that it would be imposts to participate in the Car Boot Sale related to the promotion of small Hind Al-Amiri, Nadeen Al- there is little discussion of true downsizing and keeping low sible to name them all—ranging to determine either the success or businesses. In a world where motn Rushaid, and Hamad Humoud, strategy and budgets are poorly skilled labor that will need from cosmetics, clothes, and jewte failure of their products and sertv nopolization by big business has formed the rest of the group of linked to it. training and other enhancement elry to games, magazines, books, vices in the real world. In fact, it become a frightening trend, it is students who were accompatn Another issue that was elabort methods to re-build human and edibles, even going as far as is exciting to think that non-AUK suffocating for small businesses nied by Mr. Abdulhamid Khajt rated upon during the conferet capital, or keeping high skilled selling animals! One of the many entities were interested in particitp to see the light of day. By giving jah. All stayed at the Crowne ence was the degree to which labor at a large cost. Hence, a accomplishments by the Marketti pating. This clearly signifies how them a point from which to start, Plaza, a ten-minute drive away Islamic banks were affected by coordinated effort is needed to ing Club related to this event was important this event is and how they could build more of a fountd from the Gulf Hotel. the financial crisis and the availta keep some workforce. A good the amount of advertising that crucial it is for it to become a tratd dation and be well on their way to Day 1 consisted of the openit ability of financial resources to example is, instead of having IT had been done to attract potential dition at AUK. competing with business tycoons ing ceremony, which the studt help achieve flexibility in busitn technologies and software suptp customers outside of AUK. At the Furthermore, the Car Boot Sale in a decade or so. dents missed due to a delay in ness operations. It was mentt plied from an outside source, the flight. They arrived in time tioned that Islamic banks currt have them produced and used for the last keynote addresses rently have more available cash internally. This would allow and the serving of dinner to than do western banks, and that for a more customized use of Remembering Gaza, from pg. 1 conclude the evening. they haven’t been affected as technologies and a reduction in Day 2 was the longest and seriously by the financial crisis costs. towards Palestine and the Dome of addressed his statements to Arab in donations to be sent to Gaza busiest day, starting at 8:30 am as they don’t use interest rates Day 3 included a closing ceret the Rock. Essa Al-Bloushy, SGA’s leaders and Israeli officials. In to alleviate the pain experienced and lasting beyond 6 pm. 12 to determine their cash flows. emony with a raffle draw for Public Relations officer hosted the his speech, Nizar called for what by its inhabitants. Mohammad technical presentations in parta Instead, they charge fees, and prizes such as laptops, mobile event and Norah Al-Hilaly, SGA many of us wish to see happen: Al-Awadhi and Ebrahim Al-Muth allel tracks were spread across they don’t allow for the resale phones and much more. Emad President ended it with closing an awakening to the massacres hannae commended SGA for the day and the conference of debts. The speakers on this and Dina would like to extend remarks encouraging students to and the gross violation of human organizing a rally in support of participants swiftly moved out topic also stressed the importt their fullest gratitude and appretc continue to donate in support of rights that occur in Palestine. We Gaza. With figurative language, of one hall and into another to tance of purchasing future raw ciation to Mr. Hashim Al-Refai, the people of Gaza. can only hope that these calls are they moved the audience. SGA make it to their preferred topic. materials and resources from Conference Chairman and CEO Nizar Mishal, President of the one day heard and acted upon. had dedicated an entire week to The topics addressed in the now to prevent adverse effects of ODC, for his keenness to extp Cooperation Club, offered to serve The NUKS representative gave a selling Palestinian merchandise conference revolved around resulting from changes in pricte pose students to such important as AUK’s representative during brief overview of how the various and collecting donations to be how project management and es. events by making this trip posts the event. He spoke with erupting colleges of Kuwait University sent to Gaza. They succeeded in execution take place among As for the financial crisis and sible, as well as Mr. Abdulhamt passion and fury about Gaza and have raised thousands of dinars raising well over 1,600 KD. current economic and financial the economy in the Gulf region, mid Khajah for his continuous situations. Project Portfolio it was expressed that people are support and patience. Trojan Women, from pg. 1 Editorial Board Members We do observe inhumane disastt 2009. These women live with us production teams. Each team Dina El-Zohairy ters and wars that are very much spiritually, if not physically. (Costumes, PR & Marketing, Nur Soliman parallel to the ‘old’ history. Do I would like to take this optp Lighting, Sets & Props) as well Farah Al-Shamali we not? Parallel, in terms of portunity to describe the co-opet as the Stage Manager Dana Walah Al-Sabah how woman can be easily beaten erative, family-like teams that Shamlawi and Production Lead Salma Tayeh emotionally and exploited in her made such an experience posts Salma Al-Mishwat were anxious Copyright ©2009 The Voice of AUK weakest points, yet she is victorito sible. As for the acting team, as to how well they had prepared ous in the end. It is very difficult consisting of Sukaina Ibraheem the actresses. Dead silent in analty he Voice of AUK weltc The views expressed in opinit tober, and in a signle issue for to categorise ‘old’ history form as Hecuba, who had to deal with ysis, each pair of eyes bulged at Tcomes contributions ion columns represent strictly the months of July and Autg ‘recent’ history, since the very constant misery throughout the the realistic stage…as if a pall from all registered students, the views of the author, and do gust. Special non-news suppt essence of the congruence is vivti entire play; Faten al-Kaderi as had fallen over the room. For my faculty and staff members of not necessarily reflect those of plements may be published id while the layered difference is Andromache who successfully own part, when I saw the perfortm the American University of the Voice of AUK, nor those from time to time. vague. drew out deep emotional rets mance of the first night, I examti Kuwait. Submissions should of the American University of For advertising information, Now, back to AUK of 2009! sponses from the audience; Nur ined each actress as if I hadn’t be emailedto [email protected]. Kuwait. send email to [email protected]. The actresses performing to autd el-Huda Abdelhalim, who played seen the rehearsals in advance kw. All submissions become kw. Advertisements for a givte diences over four consecutive the challenging role of being out whatsoever. It was an entirely All submissions must be aptp property of the Voice of AUK. en issue must be received on nights at AUK’s Black Box Studt of her “real” self by role-playing newborn performance to me. proved by the Editorial Board, The Editorial Board reserves or before the published deadtl dio were unable to fail to live that the insane Cassandra; and Mona The question “did they reat in accordance with the Editotr the right to edit all submists line for that issue. The Editort moment; that paradoxically old, K Hussein, portraying Helen as ally exemplify the spirit of the rial Policy. The Voice of AUK sions, including for grammar, rial Board reserves the right yet modern moment. They were the typical, spoiled woman we suffering women through histt offers no guarantee that any speling, style, and clarity. to accept or reject any adtv able, on the other hand, to share observe nowadays, yet making us tory?” is verbally unanswerat submission will be published. Writers have the right to withtd vertisement. Opitions and/or the secretive feminine instincts realise how old the character is. able, because they were succt To be considered for pubtl draw submissions at any time attitudes expressed in advertt ingrained in each soul. Their retv Furthermore, the six women of cessful enough to physically lication in the Voice, submisst prior to publication. tisements do not necessarily vival of some scenes of Trojan the chorus were triumphant not narrate a story and emotionat sions for a given issue must be The Voice of AUK is pubtl reflect those of the Voice of Women reminded the actresses of just in acting, but also in deeply ally chain the knowledgeable received on or before the pubtl lished in ten monthly issues AUK nor those of the Ameritc how worthy it is to feel for other role-playing the tragic surroundti to the ignorant. The women lished deadline for that issue. from September through Octt can University of Kuwait. weak women out there, whether ing women of Troy. taught us that history repeats in 415BCE, 680CE, or even Backstage were the worried itself…it is ‘blindly radiant.’ NEWS The Voice of AUK  February 2009 Brief Insights on the Road Yet to Be Traveled

By Nur Soliman standing of the Arab world’s positt fied bloc of opinion to resolve the Thoroughly researched working sues that affect us all, from the economy and resources, and aidti or someone who had virtually tion on the global economic crits then-mounting attacks on Gaza. papers were presented on topics environmental to the economitc ing the people of these nations. Fno experience in the way of sis, the economic development of For example, the presidents of like “The International Economic cal to the educational. Scientific Mr. Robert B. Zoellick, presitd economics, business, or politics, the Arab world, in terms of jobs, Syria, of Egypt, and Kuwait’s Crisis,” “Trade and Investment,” researchers from KISR, from dent of the World Bank Group, the Arab Social and Economic employment, education, health, Amir, among others, stressed “Food Security in the Arab World Kuwait’s Ministry of Agriculture made the following remarks on the Development Forum, held 17th energy, and natural resources, and the importance of resolving the and Agricultural Policies,” “Enertg and Investment, and delegates penultimate day of the Summit: and 18th January 2009, actually to reach definite points of agreetm Gaza issue with Israel, while UN gy,” “Transport,” “Water Scarcity from other non-profit organizat “The Arab World must be part of proved to be a fascinating expetr ment on the ceaseless attacks on Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and Climate Change,” “Educatt tions filled the auditorium and the this global response to crisis. It is rience. The forum preceded the Gaza that had been taking place asserted that both Hamas and Isrt tion and Science,” “Arab Youth, exhibition hall eagerly searching a region rich in natural resources, summit, which was held from 19th for over a fortnight. rael should put an end to further Employment, Immigration.” The for publications, reports, and patp but more importantly in history, – 20th January for the first time ‘Amr Moussa stressed the imtp attacks and violence. Other heads final two days consisted of the pers that the World Bank, OPEC, culture, and human potential. It is in Kuwait, and was attended by portance of the summit in his of state also presented lengthy, heads of state and the esteemed and OFID had published on envitr a region that can—and should— representatives of the 22 Arab play a larger role in the global states, UN Secretary-General Ban economy. This is necessary if the Ki-Moon, Arab League Secretary Arab World is to offer greater optp General ‘Amr Moussa, as well portunities to its own citizens— as representatives from different especially young people. But it international developmental orgatn is also necessary if international nizations such as the World Bank, partners are to make progress on OPEC, and OFID. shared challenges, from assisting As with any other international fragile and post-conflict states, to forum, the elegant, luxuriously promoting peace, to addressing furnished Arraya Ballroom of the climate change.” Marriott Courtyard Hotel in Kutw That push is what the Arab wait City’s fine business centre world needs to get back on its feet, was filled with hurrying photogratp and for governments to wake up phers, busy journalists laden with to an urgent discourse of change notebooks and microphones, pullti and improvement, to immediately ing cameramen behind them, and opening remarks, saying that it had informative speeches on other Ban Ki-Moon and ‘Amr Moussa ronment, gender, health, energy, make the most of its population, men and women, in dark suits, been a whole year since the sumtm pressing regional issues, all of delivering their speeches on the natural resources, and so on, and its promising citizens, and its dishdashas, or traditional national mit was conceived, and stressed which were well-received. unity of the Arab countries in the engaging in serious, interesting own rich lands and resources. The costumes. They had come from the value of creating of an Arab The first two days were devoted sense of their working towards the conversation with the delegates. way Mr. Zoellick puts it, it does all corners of the Arab world, “economic bloc” which would to speeches presented by representt resolution of the Gaza conflict, of As a volunteer at the World Bank not seem too implausible that the from within Kuwait to Saudi Aratb aid member nations in bringing tatives of various organizations, unity in an economic bloc, among stand, I witnessed the honest deditc Arab world will participate actt bia, from Egypt to Syria, Sudan different communities back to banks, and institutions, such as other pressing issues. cation and enthusiasm of so many tively as a member of the larger to the Comoros, from Lebanon to their feet, and work on successful Ms. Daniella Gressani, VP of the The speakers, as well as many different people from the very fartt global community in reaching out Morocco, Libya to Tunisia. They, developmental projects. He also MENA Regional Offices of the of their listeners, were dedicated thest ends of the Arab world and and making a difference. Let’s along with representatives of lotc remarked that the summit would World Bank, Dr. Kemal Darwish individuals representing organitz from our own peninsula so eager hope that the changes get out of cal or regional branches of rest be an ideal beginning point durti of UNDP, Dr. Anjilani of the Tutn zations that devoted energy and to make changes, some of these thick, colorful, and glossy reports search and development groups, ing which the representatives of nisian Union for Manufacturing, effort to developing programs impressive, some only minor, but into the streets and fields of Arab had all arrived to reach an underts the countries would form a unitf Trading, and Traditional Industry. in the Arab world to combat ists all with the goal of boosting up the nations in the near future. Bacharach on Conserving Middle Easter Cultures

By Nur Soliman the way that the soundness of the complete plan of action that antt and one would need to remove Cairo (Bayt al-Kritiliyya),” an ment of its scale, was to be the hen it comes to on-campus area of origin was being neglected ticipates all future steps in the as much of it as possible. The online catalogue of some 6, 500 site of a shrine to bury the rulers Wlectures, I always half-expt or destroyed. The later approach, process, then “document the curtr last step is the newest part of this various glass coin weights, ring of the first and second dynasties. pect that a lecture on Islamic art particularly that of the earlier 20th rent status of the place and the recent way of thinking, and this weights, and vessel stamps that Instead, Khasekhemwy’s son dect history and the conservation of century, was to restore neglected things there, with photographers, posed the question “how do you abound all over Egypt and Syria. cided to move north to Saqqara, Middle Eastern cultures would historic buildings, but then leave scientists, engineers, researchte use the restored building once Scholars and interested students near today’s Cairo, where the usually draw a small, though them to crumble away again in ers,” and so on, so that one has you’ve finished it?” This quest can now look up the objects, with very first stepped pyramid was dedicated crowd. Late afternoon the decades to come. Finally, the as much information as possible tion, Prof. Bacharach stressed, detailed colour photographs, and constructed. At any rate, the of 25th January 2009, I was very 21st century brought about somett as to what the place is like prior comes in tandem with the first information on provenance, date, huge enclosure was framed by much mistaken: Professor Bachart thing of a revolution in the way to action. The third step is to entf plan of action, since one needs inscription, size, and so on, in a thick walls of sun-dried mud- rach, Emeritus Professor of Histt people thought about and dealt force “minimum intervention.” to know the fate of the restored way not possible before. Bachart bricks, with remnants of temple tory at the University of Washit with heritage, architecture, and This is a crucial point for the 21st building and how it will be prets rach also mentioned the “Digitt or palace designs. Cavities in ington, spoke to an audience far historical objects. century, since in some parts of the sented to the public so that it is tal Catalogue of Islamic Coins the base of the walls were dug larger than expected, with class- Here, Prof. Bacharach stressed world, until today, the approach to guaranteed a secure, well-prets in Egypt: 1890 – 1975” and the out by Christian hermits looking sized groups of students from our that this new way of thinking restoration is often fiercely scrubtb served future. Bait al-Kritiliyya database, both for places to meditate. Because Islamic art history and Anthropolto about heritage and historic conts bing clean metal objects so that Part of the new work that these of which make readily accesst the mud walls were packed with ogy classes, and enthusiastic studt straw, bees were attracted to dents and faculty members alike, abandoned hollows and crevices including a previous student of to make hives. 21st century rest Professor Bacharach, our visitti storers visited Abydos and made ing Associate Professor of Histt sun-dried mud bricks in the tradt tory, Dr. Gholamreza Vatandoust. ditional manner. Of course, minit Hosted by the Gulf Studies Centt imal intervention was required, ter and introduced by the Director especially for the door and gatewt of the GSC, Professor Hesham way which needed to be strengthet Al-Awadi, Prof. Jere Bacharach ened so as to survive. Also, plastt was very well received. Everyone tic matter replaced the packing in the audience displayed evident straw so as to prevent any more interest and pleasure in listening intervention from bees. to Prof. Bacharach deliver his Particularly impressive were lecture on “Conserving Middle servation had to be delivered to the patina and rust is removed, scholars and archaeologists do sible information otherwise difft Bacharach’s clear love of the Eastern Cultures and National and understood by the younger or application of fresh paint to also includes documentation of ficult to obtain. Bacharach expt subject and his conviction of Heritage.” people, among others, of Kutw older buildings patched up with their new finds or newly restored pressed hope that more Middle its importance, as well as his Prof. Bacharach began with a wait and the rest of the Middle some thick cement. Although objects, resulting in the need to Eastern museums adopt similar very open, impromptu manner description of how different the East. They had to understand, in this restores some of the object’s catalogue and categorize. Bect approaches. of speaking. Walking about the approach towards heritage, artc their present time, the ability to or site’s original beauty to a detg cause publishing heavy volumes One example of the new appt front of the auditorium without chitecture, and cultural/artistic preserve their past and thereby gree, it also defeats the purpose on objects is costly and not necet proach given by Prof. Bacharach a microphone, and freely gesturit products was in the 19th century, strengthen their own present reta of keeping something precisely essarily popular outside the small was the site of Abydos, south ing with his hands, Prof. Bachart when the attitude was generally ality and situation. All of this as it stands, and risks altering its circle of museum staff, collectt of Cairo, close to the meanderit rach attracted attention with his that of “looting or stealing” pretc was to be realized through Prof. natural course of development. tors, and scholars, a way to make ing Nile River. Here stand the fine humor, clear enthusiasm and cious, attractive objects or fragmt Bacharach’s compelling plan of The fourth step consists of learnti it more accessible to the general magnificent, overwhelming ruit eloquence. mented architectural units from action. ing whether one can “reverse any public is through the Internet. ins of a huge wall, fortification, Prof. Bacharach succeeded in Egypt, Mesopotamia, Iran, and The five steps stated that one of those procedures,” since somett Prof. Bacharach gave the exat dating back 5,000 years and attt making us all realize the importt the Levant, taking them back to had to “research and figure out times the technology or resources ample of the “Complete Catalog tributed to Khasekhemwy, who tance of heritage, and the intellitg Europe and the United States to exactly what you want to do” used in restoring or strengthening [Sylloge] of the Glass Weights, ruled during the 1st Pharaonic gent care and documentation that be “put in museums” without any when it comes to a historical site part of a site might begin to cortr Vessel Stamps, and Ring Weights dynasty. This monument, the we need to undertake if we are to consequence or particular heed to and so on, and come up with the rode or damage it in the long run, in the Gayer-Anderson Museum, largest standing ancient monumt preserve national historic sites. The Voice of AUK THE ARTS Volume 5, Issue 5  Proustian Music: Eugene Ysaye Honored at the SAS

By Nur Soliman ed in kind, performing a beautiful Chopin’s Nocturne t would not be an exaggeration to say that the pieces which fluctuated from Chopinesque melancholia to Iperformed by Olga Guy on violin and Luc Devos beautiful cheeriness, higher keys tripping over deep on piano were nothing short of perfect, and that Martc chords. They resumed their duet with Ysaye, dedicatet cel Proust could easily have had famed Belgian violt ed to Carry, his daughter. Les Neige D’Antan showed linist and composer Eugene Ysaye (1858 – 1931) in Devos’ delicate, rippling staccato notes, evocative mind when he described, early on in “Swann in Love” of falling snow, while Guy’s violin was evocative of of Remembrance of Things Past, Vinteuil’s andante childhood memories of early snow, punctuated with movement of a sonata for piano and violin. I say this happy, flourishing trills. on account of how the music tapped into an eternal, The final sonata, dedicated to Ysaye on his marrt age-old essence of musical expression and of human riage, was by Cesar Franck, a real tour de force with feeling, in a performance that affected listeners in a which to end the evening. It was not just a symphonic way unlike any other concert at the Radisson SAS. poem relating stages of married life, but it seemed as This special chamber concert of the 30th of January though it spoke to stages in any ordinary life, with a was dedicated to Eugene Ysaye—pronounced ižayi— cheery, light Allegro moderato, the sparkling, bright on his 150th birthday, and was organized with the elegance of Guy’s melody coinciding with the rustt honorary patronage of the Ambassador of Belgium tling, deep chords of the piano running fluidly. What to Kuwait, H. E. Gilles Heyvaert, who explained in was remarkable about this Franck piece was the call charming, heavily Belgian-accented English that and response of the incredibly beautiful, poignant “we are happy to celebrate the 150th anniversary of melody, from the longing of Guy to the quiet of Devt the great Belgian composer, [making a] habit for me vos. Her ringing tone lifted his deeper one. It was to promote friendship and peace through music, with theatrically melancholy, the plaintive cry of the violt these fantastic young musicians who will play a tribut lin rising ever higher, so high it was inaudible, while ute to Ysaye.” the piano continued to escalate softly, gliding along This concert, the first for the Kuwait Chamber Philth ing on tip-toe as she performed with an intensity and violin, with Celtic—or Breton—strains, where suddt with sensitive, deep notes, his harmony immediately harmonic in 2009, was well-attended by familiar faces a marvelously fluid ease that captivated her audience. denly, Devos shifted to a more earnest tone, a lovely, touching. It had the audience captivated, so much so of Kuwait’s music-lovers’ circle, lovers of Classical Devos, an equally accomplished Brussels pianist, also melodic tone, with harder, more intense notes that intt that my notes barely made sense as I scrawled them music, teachers, as well as the usual diplomats from kept us rapt listening to his fluctuating, emotionally troduced Guy’s breathtaking little phrases, a remarkat quickly. In the very end, I gave up writing notes altogt various countries. What was not familiar about the light scales and flawless harmonies. able bumble-bee like rushing of scales, a very passt gether to simply enjoy the music. concert, though, was the nature of the pieces selected The first piece, Claude Debussy’s Sonata for violin sionate phrase that she executed without flaw, making For Proust’s M. Swann, Vinteuil’s sonata, “with a for the repertoire—lesser known pieces by Debussy, and piano, dedicated to Ysaye, impressed us from the it sound like she was playing two instruments. slow and rhythmical movement … led him here, there, Chausson, Saint-Sans, Cesar Franck, and of course, onset of the performance with the unusual dynamics Saint-Saën’s Introduction et Rondo Capriccioso everywhere, towards a state of happiness noble, unintt compositions by Eugene Ysaye himself. These were between violin and piano, where the soft, gentle touch had typical, anticipated rhythms or melodic phrases, telligible, yet clearly indicated. And then, suddenly … composers whom Ysaye had striven to make better of the piano keys coincided brilliantly with the rushing, transformed into a profound melody, a theatric solt it changed its direction, and in a fresh movement, more known and appreciated in his home country and who plaintive melodies of the violin, almost tinged with the liloquy in its poignancy and its joy, recalling Swann’s rapid, multiform, melancholy, incessant, sweet, it bore had in turn composed marvelous pieces dedicated to echoes of Michael Nyman and George Winston for its evenings at the Verdurin’s, accompanied by Devos’ him off with it towards a vista of joys unknown.” Simti him or in honor of his marriage, and so on, paying tribtu poignant, rather modern elegance. Guy’s fragile arm talented hand, the high, staccato chords mingling with ilar feelings coursed through the audience, including ute to the man whom violinist and student Natan Milst rose and fell with her bow in perfect ease in the second her own notes. myself and my companions, speechless with the thrill stein called “The Tsar of the violin.” I had never heard movement, “Intermede Fantastique et Leger,” an astt Guy then played a solo, the first Ysaye composit of it for the remainder of the evening. It is not often of Ysaye before, but early on in the evening, I was tonishing amount of energy reverberating through the tion, Sonata No. 3, Ballade. This was more abstract, with the KCP that one feels so elated, as beautiful as very glad I had come to know him, a great composer beautiful poetic melody with Devos echoing her with almost like 19th century Philip Glass, Guy all alone the music is, simply because occasionally the concerts in whose name great works were dedicated. Judging the graceful weight of his ivory keys. as the single sound of her violin resonated in the hall, becomes an overt movement of positive image martk from their performance, the two musicians did great Chausson’s Poème was even lovelier. The gentle now soft, deep, and intense, now accelerated with the keting among sophisticated, well-dressed diplomats, justice to Ysaye. Guy proved a wonder on stage, a real chords of the mellifluous piano echoed sensitively brilliance of Vivaldi in minor, and then like a warm, but not on this night. Let’s hope that the next concert “little Menuhin” as she was called, her spare figure risti the slow, almost tragic notes that Guy drew from her gentle country ballad, a field melody. Devos respondet will be just as rewarding. Image and Genre in Medieval Arabic Manuscripts

Nur Soliman to gloat over his victory in once more t is always an interesting experience duping his crowd. Ito finally get to see the author of art Prof. Roxburgh did a remarkable job ticles and book chapters you’ve read, of forcing us to challenge limits we had annotated, and discussed in classes. established on the relation between illt Sometimes, it may prove a perfect detl lustration and text, of the content of a light, while other times, it may be a painting versus its ontological meanti little disappointing. For several memtb ing and versus the visual elements that bers of the Dar Al-Athar Al-Islamiyyah make it up. We saw how, through only audience, including the reviewer’s coltl illustrating stops in the stories where we leagues, students of Prof. O’Meara’s knew as much and as little as Ibn Al- Art385, “Art of the Persian Book,” Harith about the mysterious Abu Zayd, listening to David J. Roxburgh, the the illustrations picked up on truth and Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Professor deception, opacity and transparency, vert of Islamic Art History at Harvard Unitv racity and illusion, obscurity and unveilit versity, was a mixture of both. While ing, anonymity and identity, and so on. the lecturer’s erudition and knowledge They show us “what is meant to be real” was unmistakable, Prof. Roxburgh detl literature. In a discussion of everyday lines indicating the earth, bright, polytc markably brought to light exactly what but not quite, making them a visual “extt livered his lecture in a way that left life and the almost Pickwickian adventt chrome color schemes, basic positions it was Prof. Roxburgh had taken well tension and resonance” of the text. even an earnest, careful listener a little tures of Ibn Harith and Abu Zayd, Al- of sitting and standing, animated bodti over 45 minutes to explain. Abu Zayd One wished Prof. Roxburgh had bewildered. Hariri weaves into his rhyming prose ies, particularly those of the illustrated and Ibn Al-Harith both attend a weddt devoted at least half the lecture to the The subject of the talk, on the eve of complex metaphors and imagery, as speaker and audience, all lend more ding where their caravan stops. Sudtd same subject, and explored the fastc 5th January 2009, was “Image and Genre obscure and sophisticated as the wily, significant meaning, rather than being denly, in viewing the series of paintit cinating new ideas further. He could in Medieval Arabic manuscripts,” with Alfred Jingle-like trickster of 1230’s only visually pleasing. ings, one realizes that Al-Wasiti has also have expanded on the comparison a particular focus on the maqamat Abbasid Baghdad. The charming and Suddenly, the aesthetic in these Arab very clearly and vividly depicted the between the paintings and contempotr composed by Al-Hariri in the late 11th clever recounting of such tales was aptp paintings was an intelligent one that scene as it was—and as it was not. rary shadow-theatre, which he mentt – early 12th century, especially the mantu preciated, though what was not particutl made use of the inextricable link bett During the course of the celebrations, tioned in the lecture. Also, it would uscripts illustrated by calligrapher and larly well-received was the absence of tween word and image. The elements a beautiful glass bowl was presented, have been good for him to explore in painter Yahya Al-Wasiti. This manust any explicit connection to the thesis of of the paintings made indirect reference filled with “perfumed comfits with even greater depth the composition of script is now in the Bibliothèque Natt the lecture. to concepts at play in Abu Zayd’s distc the scent of tasneem.” Abu Zayd then the paintings in a way similar to his tionale de France, and Prof. Roxburgh After refuting the opinion of Richard course, fluctuating between the certain leaps up and attempts to flee the wedtd work with Persianate miniatures that put up some excellent reproductions of Ettinghausen who treats the manuscript and the uncertain, truth and illusion, ding. When asked for an explanation, we had studied and discussed. But the illustrations to help illuminate his illustrations as nothing more than pictt knowing or identification and the lack Abu Zayd says he cannot eat anything perhaps Prof. Roxburgh was aiding talk. The case study of the maqamat tures to accompany the text, Roxburgh thereof, and—one particularly interestti in such a transparent vessel as it recalls us to understand the basics of a pretl of Al-Hariri that was the focus of the introduced his thesis that we need the ing point—the dynamic relationship the tragedy when he revealed his beautt liminary study with which he intended evening’s talk was but one of many sectt paintings to clarify our understanding between transparency, opacity, light tiful, delicate beloved to a friend who to conjure up something as insightful tions of Roxburgh’s upcoming book on of the text; the succession of paintings and darkness in regards to truth and then tempted the young girl away, now and thought-provoking as his article the subject, although it took the audite through the book highlights the subtler deception. exposed and away from the hidden ‘Micrographia,’ or his book, Prefacij ence a while to realize this. themes of the stories. An examination Let us take the final maqama retold obscurity that was Abu Zayd’s home. ing the Image. In a year or so then, The maqamat as a genre are briltl of visual features supports this thesis. by Prof. Roxburgh, the 18th in the setq To appease the man, the father of the with the publication of the book he liant feats of language and literature, Strong, basic profiling of faces, tachar quence, set in a stop during a caravan bride disposed of the bowl, compents announced during the lecture, we all making them some of the outstandti acteristic, recognizable gestures of journey from Damascus to Baghdad, sating Abu Zayd with a precious metal have the answers to all our questions, ing masterpieces of medieval Arabic anger, surprise, supplication, ground fortuitously the final story since it retm tray with which to return home, only and perhaps more. THE ARTS The Voice of AUK  February 2009

Coffee’s Conquest of Public Space CD Reviews: The Latest in Jazz

By Nur Soliman By Nur Soliman Western Europe. All over these n the coffeehouse, Turkish places, coffeehouses easily bect wo albums released this year have proved popular on the jazz Ohistorian Pecevi wrote in the came new social institutions for Tand pop charts around the US and Canada, both albums by 1630’s that there is “no place like men. female jazz vocalists, both barely into their twenties, who have it for pleasure and relaxation.” Suddenly, Dr. Kafadar began proved themselves very sophisticated and gifted young musicians Switch medieval Istanbul cofft to challenge our traditional idea on the jazz scene. These are great CDs to listen to through these feehouse for downtown Kuwait of a history of coffee by suddenly cooler months to keep you warm and smiling! Starbucks, and one would not be making brilliant links to art, entertt too far off. One would have to tainment, literature, society, societ Esperanza – Esperanza Spalding go a little back into the season etal norms and traditions, as well to remember how many times as trade, economic industries, all a lecturer incited such genuine leading finally to that “conquest of laughter and quiet remarks of the night,” since it is at this point surprise—even excitement—with in time that people found pleasure his or her subject. On the subject in staying up late and going out of “Coffee and the Conquest of for entertainment purposes (hence the Night in the Early Modern the crowds at our local malls on Era: From Yemen to Istanbul to plained that bearing this in mind, its popularity, resulting in hundt weekend nights). He proceeded London,” Dr. Cemal Kafadar, the “social beverages” are not often dreds of coffeehouses in Istanbul to detail how bureaucrats and well-known Vehbi Koç Professor taken very seriously. Instead, Dr. alone, there began to emerge a politicians looked with appreht of Turkish Studies in the History Kafadar proposed that he would dissenting voice to this marvelous hension at these coffeehouses, Department of Harvard Universt demonstrate that the history of drink. In the time of Sultan Murad where news spread like wildfire, sity, and Director of their CMES coffee is “fun,” entertaining, “but III, pious ‘ulama and other figures and any public opposition to govet (Centre for Middle Eastern Studit will also open windows” for us protested that coffeehouses were ernmental decisions could easily ies) from 1999 to 2004, intellectt in thinking about “cross-regional houses of “evil deeds” and that transform into revolutions and rebt tually excited his eager audience dynamics of society, culture, they drew people away from the bellions. Dr. Kafadar showed this with a new, critically thought-out economy, and so on.” mosque and so on. When coffeeht with the aid of a beautifully done commentary. At the same time, Dr. Kafadar began with a slide houses began to spread in Europe, monochrome lithograph showit he amused them with anecdotes showing a Turkish miniature similar issues began cropping up ing an Ottoman coffeehouse, and they could relate to on the topic painting, a delightfully coloured, with members of the church, Dr. the theatric horror and dismay of coffee and coffeehouses being crowded painting completed Kafadar noted at a later stage. on men’s surprised faces as they an accompaniment to medieval in the 1580s and housed in the However, this phenomenon of cofft circle around one who tells of the phenomena that challenged nott Chester-Beatty Library. It was an fee grew to an extent that, Pecevi conquest of Acre, or ‘Akka. tions of sociability, and enlarged illustration of the activities at a writes, “Among scholars of religt Also, entertainment became his album is a real pleasure fluent, infectious cheer through public spaces and forums. Among medieval coffeehouse, or kahveht gion, the sheikhs, the viziers, and a staple for these coffeehouses; Tto listen to, particularly if the catchy, Brazilian percusst the members of the evening’s hane, with men in colorful costt the great, there was nobody left their cherished status as forum you are not accustomed to sion and the samba piano. Her audience, one could easily note tumes and turbans holding porct who did not drink it,” and dignitt for the public drew musicians, Diana Krall’s gravelly, langt “I Know You Know” is truly several AUK faculty members celain cups of coffee to their lips, taries would even become patrons actors, and shadow-puppeteers. guid vocals, and if you like enjoyable, almost like if Ella and new, interested students who or to one side as they read from and build coffeehouses! “Recitation of books, epics, romt your jazz mixed with R&B, Fitzgerald were still with us have begun to make their way to books, or bent over a wooden This fascination with coffee mances spread over many nights pop strains, or even Brazilian and picked up a few tips from the Dar. board for a game of backgammt eventually led to its being a compt like modern soap operas,” flaut beats. Esperanza’s voice is a few modern vocalists; very Author of “Rebels Without a mon. Later on in the lecture, Dr. panion to the major changes that tists and violinists would play light and sparkling, bubbling upbeat and quick, toe-tapping Cause? Janissaries and Other Riffrt Kafadar noted that red smears on came along with it, “sociability in in the evening, and shadow and up when she scats to her own tempo. The classic “Cuerpo y raff of Ottoman Istanbul,” a work the large white turbans of certain the early modern era; secularizatt puppet theatres (karaköz) also entt bass rhythms or Genovese’s Alma (Body and Soul),” simitl praised for its easy, fluid delivery men represented the roses or carnt tion of public space; literary activit tertained delighted audiences. Dr. piano, or belting out enthusita lar to “Precious,” takes on a and fresh, engaging dialogue with nations which were inserted into ity; novel sites for the formation Kafadar showed colored engravit astically in real R&B fashion, distinctly more Latin rhythm the reader on this unique class the folds of the turban of the elite. and manipulation of public opinit ings of coffeehouses in London recalling the style of Aretha than Benny Goodman might of Ottoman citizens, Dr. Kafadar This indicated that along with the ion; tensions with the authorities; where art would be auctioned at Franklin or even Janet Jackts have anticipated, but Esperantz encouraged his audience, through “pleasure-seekers, idlers, literati coffee as a commodity, driven to the same institutions, all of these son. However, Esperanza goes za takes it on with real zest and his lecture, to look back on histort and men of letters,” richer more significance by growing demand in the hope of drawing in more back to her jazzy sensibilities, energy. Esperanza is a must for ry while stretching wide the limit noble men would also frequent and supply, and the coffeehouse customers. racing across her notes with any eclectic-jazz lover. its of thought and different fields the coffeehouse. He would later as an investment.” It all started The advent of coffee and the and phenomena, truly looking at also demonstrate that men of all in Yemen, where coffee was const coffeehouse, accompanied by Worrisome Heart – Melody Gardot the subject from multiple dimenst ethnicities, religions, and classes sumed far earlier, reportedly by the desire to socialize in these sions. He did all this with an easy would spend hours in these cofft Sufi mystics. At the beginning of public spaces in the night, led flair and charming expression, feehouses. the 1500s, news reached Egypt, to an exponential increase in the quoting easily from important In 1554, during the reign of detailing that coffee was being manufacture and consumption anthropological texts or 17th Suleyman the Magnificent, two drunk by these Sufi sheikhs to of candles and oil-lamps with century Ottoman sources, while Syrian merchants by the names stay awake for “devotional practt which to illuminate one’s path lecturing to the audience with of Hakm and Shams from Aleppt tices,” as they found it an aid in and with which to light the dark an eloquence that lent itself well po and Damascus, respectively, dispelling fatigue and bringing sky. Strings of lamps tied across to his clear enthusiasm and love opened up their first shops in the about a stimulating, sober effect. minarets would cast a cheery for the subject. The audience was district of Taht-i-Qal’aa (‘Bent Al-Chadhilliyy, leader of a Sufi glow on the Ramadan festivities more than usually receptive to the neath-the-Citadel’) of Istanbul. order in Egypt, then claimed that below, which also became a poput lecture, and several murmured in Quoting at length from Pecevi, a the drink “promoted wakefulness ular event and memorable part of surprise or amazement at what Turkish historian of the 1630’s, for performance of religious devt the year. Dr. Kafadar had to say. Laughter Dr. Kafadar described the daily, votion,” all linking back to Yemt The coffee industry also too rippled frequently through the everyday scene at a coffeehouse men in the 14th century. Mood- brought about shifts in trade balat crowd as they listened eagerly to in 17th century Istanbul: “These altering substances like opium ances, the dynamics between difft the story of what has now become shops became meeting places of and alcohol were increasingly ferent nations, the cost of travel so important in many of our lives: a circle of pleasure seekers and popular in the late medieval era, over sea, and colonization. To coffee, Turkish or otherwise. idlers, and also of some wits from and coffee was one of these. The save on expenses accrued by But what was brilliant about Dr. among the men of letters and litt difference, though was that coffee purchasing Ottoman coffee (othet Kafadar’s lecture was that it was terati, and they used to meet in “survived … never having the soct erwise known as Turkish coffee), not simply the story of coffee, but groups of 20 or 30. Some read cial stigma” as associated to wine the Dutch began growing the also on the phenomenon of early books and fine writings; some and opium, since these put their beans in Java and selling them modernization that spread over were busy with backgammon and consumers into drunken, lazy stupt back to Europe, while France here Esperanza is efft pop themes, throwing in the odd the medieval world in the most chess; some brought new poems pors, while coffee was known for proceeded to grow coffee in the Wfervescent and cheery, saxophone motif, but not so fascinating ways, branching out and talked of literature. Those its stimulating effect, and thereby West Indies and even selling that Melody is soft and quiet, like a Melody—her voice sails with into trade, economics, art, crafts, who used to spend a good deal linked to sobriety. back to the Ottomans! very sweet Norah Jones, withto confidence and true jazz sensibt and in our case, “social beveraget of money on giving dinners for Dr. Kafadar then noted that with Dr. Kafadar truly shed light out Jones’ lazy, modern sway, bilities, comfortable with riotous es.” The institutionalization of the the sake of convivial entertainmt the introduction of this new, black on how a simple beverage can making music critic Michael G. trumpets over a 2/4 percussion coffeehouse in cities across Anatt ment, found that they could attain “social beverage,” a new “trend serve as a catalyst for fascinating Nastos describe Gardot as “part beat, in an enjoyable regale of tolia, the Balkans, Arabia, and the joys of conviviality merely was indeed set, as coffeehouses changes in public space, sociabilit sophisticated chanteuse, college polyphonic bebop. A traumatic even Europe, accompanied the by spending an asper or two on spread like wildfire all around ity, arts and entertainment, and sophomore, and down-home accident left Melody injured a move towards the socialization the price of coffee.” It is in this the empire.” He then proceeded trade, all part of the remarkable girl next door.” Her gentle, unat few years back, forcing her to and opening of public spaces, and love of sharing conversation, of to verbally trace the map routes shift to modernization, suddenly assuming soprano takes on a walk with a cane, wear dark- the democratization of these same providing a public literary forum, of coffee as it travelled from Yemt becoming “part of the story of charmingly sweet tone in “Wortr shaded glasses in sunlight, and spaces. Dr. Kafadar quoted great and a place for entertainment, as men to Cairo, and to Mecca and modernity … [that] is still unfoldit risome Heart,” a sparkling, fresh use a device to control painful French historian Fernand Braudel well as a milieu for good, friendly Medina, and then how it travelled ing” for us who experience these song performed beautifully, the muscular spasms. Despite this, as saying “there is a danger that nights in “convivial” company, through Syria and bilad al-Sham same remarkable changes. The louder, more passionate “Sweet she transcended what could have the history of coffee may lead us out in the public space of town to Istanbul, Constantinople, and reviewer can safely bet that many Memory” or the lovely “All I been a paralyzing experience by astray. The anecdotal, the picturet square, port city, and elsewhere. other cities of the Ottoman Empt of us paused for a moment to think Need is Love.” Some singers using her vocal gift to offer us an esque, and the unreliable play an Of course, with the introduction pire, finally spreading over to the before sipping our Starbucks cofft fall into the trap of suspiciously authentic jazz repertoire. enormous part in it.” He then expt of coffee and the wild spread of Balkans, Hungary, and over to fee or our paper-cup of tea. The Voice of AUK COMMUNITY Volume 5, Issue 5  ٌعائدة إلى غزة Intelligence, Innocence, Creativity By Nada Al-Hudaid horse breeding farm and have بقلم عمرو سرحان hen knowledge is her own race horses. Her Wmixed with innocence childhood dream was to have and good manners, a unique a caravan and a gipsy pony! positivity is diffused into the Out of all animals, bears are غزة تحت النار غزة تحت النار رسالة بعنوان .surroundings, affecting the her least favorite غزة تحت الحصار غزة تحت الحصار حرب على اإلرهاب living souls in it. I am happy To Rasha, the most impt ماذا تنتظرون يا أجزاء الغبار؟ ٌوانهيار يتلوه انهيار to have seen such a blend at portant thing in life is to be غزة تحت النار وغزتنا المريضة ماذا يفيد ُالقول؟ AUK and it gives me great comfortable, stress-free, and غزة تحت الحصار تبكي على الظالل وأمتنا ٌمزروع في رحمها pleasure to write a little about do things that she enjoys. Her ُ ,a wonderful person named well-done work, paintings ونحن نتجرع ُسَّم اإلنتظار ونعواها المعلقة آالف الحراب Rasha Abdul Al-Najjar. or problem-solving are her ٌأيام يا غزة على جدران بيوتنا آسف يا غزة She is majoring in Graphic means and sources of satistf ونجوم السماء تبكي وجدران قلوبنا ال تسألني أين نحن Design although she would faction and happiness. A list like to have to majored in iltl of some of her artwork can be وأشجار الشتاء تبكي وجدران ِالحرمان وال تصرخي في وجهي وانت تنادين وفي أسفل النعوة قد جمعت لغات الدنيا :lustration or animation had found at the following link they been offered at AUK. http://sleyf.deviantart.com. هل من مزيد؟ ٌتوقيع ٌوتصريح من ٍّعربي لغات الواقع والخيال ,Her biggest dream is to work Rasha’s delightful, funny هل من جرح جديد؟ كان لقبه.....إنسان ولم أقدر أن أجد حرفاً on special effects in movies, kind, and intelligent personalti في هذا العام الجديد يحمل في طياته الجواب such as the Muppets or Story Teller, and work at ity is a blessing and a rare gift to this community ال تحزني يا حبيبتي أرجو أن تقبلي مني Jim Henson’s Monster workshop. Among her hobbt because it is exceptional to have these qualities asts فخير أمة أخرجت للناس قصيدة اعتذار غزة تحت النار bies, drawing, writing, and playing video games sembled in one person these days. She is a lively ً are her favorite—not to mention playing with her young woman who is full of positivity and humorot لن تتركك...علك تنتظرين فلست أملك طائرة غزة تحت الحصار rabbit “Hoshi the Brat”! ous remarks that keep you smiling whenever you ً ألف ٍعام جديد وال سالحا وال جمرة نار وسأقولها باختصار Although she is a wonderful young artist, she think of her. Her wit and intelligence can be sensed ال أملك سوى قلمي نحن أمة السراب has not yet participated in exhibitions except for through her comments and openness to discussing غزة تحت النار و بعض األوراق ٌأمة اعتزلت الكبرياء .the ones that took place at AUK after the graphic anything rationally ِ غزة تحت الحصار أكتب لك.....سامحيني َوقب ْلت بفتات الرمال design classes and her final GCSE Fine art class Through Rasha’s work that can be seen online ً at school. She envisions herself as a master in art, though the link provided, one can see how rich her شكرا للعرب الكرام فأنا منذ الصغر فماذا تتوقعين يا غزة؟ and has a secret pride of her knowledge of folklore mind is, coated with an innocent personality and فبعضهم يندد ٌ ضعيففي فن األعذار وكرامتنا تسيل مع كل قطرة and myth. an outgoing attitude. I hope this rare beauty will ُ وبعضهم يستنكر ال أدري ما أقول ِ والعروبة تبحث عن سبيل Making a shift from the world of tools to the be preserved well because soon she will be disct والبعض األخر قد وصلني خبر اغتيالك ٌفأجدها...... عائدة إلى غزة world of animals, Rasha has a huge passion for covered as an extraordinary talented person. Keep كأنه ال يعرف في رسالة من نار horse breeding farms, despite being an art-oriet up the good work Rasha; your work is a reflection ٍ !ented person, and wishes to someday open a race of your beautiful mind Computer Addiction SGA’s Spring Agenda By Andrea Al Adwani, Student Government 8. Deny there is any problem and justify the amount of make important announcements, tional and Liberation Day celte Counselor SSC Association time you are on the computer when other people say there announce prayer times, news, ebrations. ost students try to start each semester by putting is a problem? he following are some of the etc. Although these might take Upcoming Events M“their best foot forward.” They start new classes 9. Have mixed feelings of euphoria (a “rush”), combined Tthings SGA hopes to achieve time to install because of the 15th Feb: SGA presents with new notebooks, a new day planner, and a renewed with feelings of guilt over the amount of time spent on the during the spring semester. complications and technicalities, Betaqati Discount Cards to studt resolution to get good grades. Unfortunately, many stutd computer? We plan to continue workit we are pushing for them as much dents. (15th to 24th Feb 2009) dents also start each new semester holding onto old habit 10. Feel depressed, irritated or anxious when something ing on the constitution, parking as we can to help with commutn 17th Feb: SGA at Clubs/Orgs its that continue to interfere with academic success. One interrupts your plans to use the computer? problem, anti-segregation, and nication. We plan to hold more Fair. Come learn more about such habit that lingers from semester to semester is an over 11. Think or talk about the computer and its activities the general assembly (see above Open Meetings, Townhall meetit SGA and find out how you can indulgence of computer time. Computer games, online while away from the computer? for further detail), among other ings, start the General Assembly get involved. chatting, downloading and then watching lots of movies 12. Find yourself using the computer at times when you issues. Our main emphasis will and provide students with intf 24th Feb: National and Liberatt or anime all can contribute to excessive computer use. If are feeling uncomfortable, irritated, or sad about somett be on the General Assembly and formation on SGA every week tion Day Celebration this sounds like you or someone you know, please read thing happening in your life? the constitution that will leave through SGA Weekly emails. 3rd Mar: Town hall Meeting this short questionnaire adapted from Dr James Fearing. 13. Experience financial concerns because of money beti a long term benefit for future SGA will be attending an Intt 8th Mar: International Week Do you ever: ing spent on computer hardware, on-line charges, or any SGAs. ternational Student Government 5th Apr: SGA Election Annt 1. Feel unable to stop or limit the amount of time spent on other costs associated with computers? To better help communicate Conference in Rome Italy to nouncements the computer? If you said yes to one question you may have a problem to the students, SGA has put totg meet with other student govte 7th Apr: Townhall Meeting 2. Break promises to self or others to quit or cut down on with computer addiction. gether a proposal to get screens ernments around the world to *Refer to SGA Weekly E- computer time? If you said yes to two questions, there is a good chance around campus to post flyers, exchange SGA views and to distc mails for SGA Open Meetings 3. Lie about the amount of time you stay on the computer, you do have a problem with computer addiction. events, information, etc. We are cuss major Student Government throughout Spring Semester. or lie about what you are doing on the computer? If you answered yes to three or more, you are demonts also working on getting a PA topics. SGA hopes to also hold a ** Dates are subject to change. 4. Have negative consequences for self, friends, or famti strating a pattern of behavior which would suggest that sound system around university local conference. More events to be announced! ily members as a direct result of time spent on the compt you are addicted to your computer and/or the activities on that will allow SGA and AUK to We also plan to organize Natt Stay tuned! puter? it. 5. Participate in high risk or normally unacceptable beth Using time on the computer is one way to avoid facing haviors when using the computer? what is happening in your life, and the feelings that build 6. Feel that the computer is an important part of your up inside yourself. If you want help addressing a possible life? computer addiction and the issues that led to an addiction, SSC Welcomes Cheryl Bunzenmeyer 7. Defend your right to use the computer as much as you please stop by the Student Success Center on the 5th floor want, regardless of the fact that people in your life are feelti of the Liberal Arts Building for referral to professional heryl joins AUK from Canada where she disabilities, family violence, and crisis interventt ing left out and neglected? counselors on or off campus. Cearned a Masters of Social Work degree. tion. She has also developed healthy lifestyle Cheryl has worked as a therapist in a variety of programs. clinics and hospitals as well as in private practt Please drop by the SSC on the 5th floor of the Student Ambassadors Needed tice. She has experience working with many isst Liberal Arts Building to welcome Cheryl to sues such as anxiety, anger management, social AUK, and let her know if you would like to talk Student ambassadors assist the University in recruitment and outreach activities. Working through the problems, family issues, addictions, learning about any problems that are bothering you. Office of Admissions and Outreach, they provide both prospective students and the community with intf formation on AUK programs. There are eight volunteer student ambassador positions available. Volunteer work looks impressive on student’s resumes and in some cases, may lead to paid positions. Ahh, the beauty of a new spring day... A new spring semester, not so much! Qualifications Duties Assist with admissions office and outreach events Be a college credit, degree seeking student. Lead campus tours Maintain a 2.5 minimum GPA with at least 9 credit Contact prospective and first-time enrolled students hours each fall and spring term. Assist with orientation, registration, open houses and Devote a minimum of 10 hours per week with flexit special events ibility in schedule as needed (especially during outrt Promote campus service learning and volunteer optp reach events). portunities Provide own transportation. Assist in marketing activities Must portray a high level of energy and AUK spirit Assist in recruitment efforts Be familiar with campus resources. Participate in college wide Ambassador trainings

To Apply: Contact Rama Sabano at 1-802040 ext 206 or stop by the Office of Admissions. OPINIONS & EDITORIALS The Voice of AUK  February 2009 A Response to the Article SGA: A New Chapter “What Can SGA Do Anyway?” Student Government Quiz. representative body will consist By Damian Medina, Association the administration to hopefully programs and services that fotc SGA Day and Townhall of multiple representatives from Director of Student Life, find a solution or at least make cus on social integration into the he Student Government Meeting: SGA Day included various sections at AUK (e.g.: Advisor to SGA sure the issue has been made campus community based upon TAssociation is closing one providing students with a brotc representatives from year groups s this article was focused aware to the decision makers. the traditional American model chapter, and beginning another. chure of SGA and our role, and – senior, junior, etc, and majors, Aon a personal interview (as At times, students are not aware of service. As many of you might have read also, we held a Townhall meetti e.g. business, social sciences, the advisor to SGA) regarding of university processes or protc The Office of Student Life, in the previous issue of the Voice, ing on which allowed students etc.) that will improve SGA’s what SGA can do, I would like to cedures. SGA can play a role an office within the Division some students were concerned to place their concerns to adtm goal to represent the students further clarify points and better in communicating those to the of Student Affairs, focuses on about SGA’s performance. First ministration directly. Topics and provide students with the explain the American Model of students. Although SGA is here the holistic development of stutd and foremost, it gives us great discussed: Parking Problem, chance to meet regularly with Student Government. As our univt for the students, students must dents through activities that take pleasure to announce that SGA Segregation, Food at AUK, and SGA to discuss student issues. versity, SGA is based upon The work with SGA and voice their place outside the classroom. By has met with representatives BBA Double Major Issue. Anti-Segregation: SGA held American Model of Student Govet concerns and work together for working closely with students from the proposal and the result IEP Students: SGA decided an Anti-Segregation Week in ernment. Its role differs from the the betterment of the issue(s) outside the classroom there is of the meeting brought positive to place more emphasis on IEP which administration helped traditional role of student governmt on hand. Working together is more of an opportunity to untd outcomes. We are happy to antn students and involve them more us prepare a form that students ment or unions in Kuwait. the main reason why SGA’s top derstand their needs and serve nounce as well that SGA is ready with SGA. SGA talked to IEP and their parents will sign to American models of Student priority is to create a general asts as more affective advocates on to move forward and work with Classes about SGA and gave be presented to the Ministry of Government are the leading adtv sembly. The assembly helps to student related issues. All are the AUK community to fulfill out surveys. Results will be Higher Education to demonts vocacy group for the students ensure that SGA truly represents initiatives designed to enhance SGA’s roles with the support of communicated to other student strate AUK’s stand against the who attend a university by reptr the collective voice of the AUK learning. In order to effectively the proposal signatories as well. clubs and organizations and the law of segregation. The forms resenting the interests and conct student body. enhance student’s learning and We understand that there was administration to help commutn are being sent to the Ministry cerns of the student body. SGA This brings up a point that development, AUK employs some miscommunication and nicate IEP concerns and issues. of Higher Education as soon as often serves as the official stutd needs further clarification. The trained professionals to develop, misunderstandings and they were Parking Survey and Parking possible. dent body voice. Through the article mentioned having SGA’s implement, and manage a varite gracefully cleared up and now issue: SGA is currently working BBA Double Majors: The collective voice of the student constitution not being ratified ety of programs and services. awaits a new chapter for SGA. on the survey results with adtm issue has now been settled – body, compared to individual after 4 years, which is actually This affords students to be stutd This being one of the elemt ministration to see what can be please refer to e-mail by Dean voices, there is a greater opportt inaccurate. To state this correcttl dents. Students involved with ments contributing to closing concluded and what can be done. Nizar Hamzeh for further dett tunity to influence decisions that ly, each year SGA, along with Student Life programs focus on up a chapter and beginning anto Also, SGA discussed the issue tails. impact student life. SGA serves all organizations, must ratify leadership development, comtm other, one other major important with MP Ahmad Lari. MP Lari Finding Classes for Busins as a vital link to helping ensure a and submit a constitution to be munication skills building, and element can be concluded from gladly agreed to help and immetd ness Students: SGA has voiced positive learning environment. active, in which SGA has done event planning to name a few, as it – is that SGA can improve diately called a contact person the concerns of Business Major The American model of SGA this. The part that has not been part of the learning process. Stutd on communication and this is at the municipality who we will students who were struggling to is based upon the premises that ratified and completed after 4 dents are guided by experienced something that we acknowledge be working with to see what can find classes. We communicated SGA helps to develop and enth years of work is the component professionals who have “been and is something we are workti be done to solve the problem. their information to administratt hance new experiences and relt of the general assembly within there, and done that.” ing hard on achieving. Closing Constitution and General Asss tion which has aided add classet lationships such as leadership the constitution, not the constitt The Student Government Asst the chapter of Fall 2008 means sembly: For the past four years, es/sections to assist as many opportunities, working in parttn tution as a whole. As mentioned sociation, a Student Life progt that we, as SGA, can learn from previous SGA’s have worked to students as possible. nership with college administratt above, SGA has made this their gram, is a learning organization. our mistakes and also look fortw create a strong constitution. This Open Meeting: SGA held an tion, serves as the student voice priority due to the nature and Its leaders have taken on the ward to working better. And year, one of SGA’s main goals is open meeting allowing students in college decisions and protv importance of creating this reptr challenge of how to most effectt beginning a new chapter for to create the strongest constitutt to come to SGA informally in vides service to fellow students. resentative body for the AUK tively serve as the voice of the the Spring Semester, we would tion yet with the help of experts the soccer field to speak to us Being the voice of students student body. student body. It is supported by like to share with you some of and opinions from active stutd about their concerns. and sustaining partnerships are AUK is very unique in many professionals who not only want the things we have been able to dents. So far, SGA has created Sponsorships for clubs/orgs critical aspects of SGA. SGA aspects. Our Division of Stutd the organization to succeed, but achieve/prepare so far: a much improved draft and are ganizations: SGA has sponts plays a role in identifying and dent Affairs is a unique model will teach them how to best utitl SGA IEP/Freshmen Day: currently continuing to improve sored and continues to sponst addressing issues concerning of service within Kuwait. No lize the available resources to We welcomed new students to sections of the constitution, estp sor clubs and organizations at the student body. SGA can gathte other institution of higher edutc enhance their success. When AUK by holding an IEP/Freshtm pecially the section concerning AUK. SGA now has an official er facts about the issues, advice cation in Kuwait has a Division the mission is student success men Day that included raffles, the first General Assembly in sponsorship application form about how many students it aftf of Student Affairs and an Office and students stand together, the brochures on SGA introducing AUK that will focus on a large available to all registered clubs fects, and work cohesively with of Student Life that provides possibilities are endless! the organization, and a Trivia scale representative body. This and organizations. Response to the Open Letter to the Dean of Student Affairs

By the Office of Student Life of Student Affairs. Whether it is were declined, efforts to reach recommendations as could creta tion and their leaders, but as a practice with many institutions, his letter is to respectfully athletics, activities, club sponts a compromise failed. It is the ate a conflict of interest due to university wide with all leaders not only AUK and educational, Trespond to the open letter sorships, fiscal matter, voting, Voice’s belief that the distributt the Editorial Board already retc and organizations receiving stitp but also private sector. to the Dean of Student Affairs etc., it is the responsibility of tion of funds is their call. Howte ceiving stipends and this allowti pends to make it equitable and 10. No Willingness on the to points that relate to the Office the Office of Student Life to enst ever, even though the Office ing for 2nd form of stipend paytm fair as these funds and the protc Part of Student Life to take Into of Student Life. sure that the programs are impt of Student Life is committed ment. In many other university cess were created on the basis Account the Different Needs It is foremost to note the Oftf plemented by the standards set to working with all clubs and newspapers, Editorial Board’s of leadership and responsibility of Different Student Organizatt fice of Student Life is here to by professional student affairs organizations, the ultimate actc writing for newspaper is part of to the university. tions: Please refer to reasoning provide guidance and advice associations. countability for the distribution their responsibility (when stotr 8. Not Receiving Written listed under #7. to all student clubs and take The accusation(s) of the Voice of funds rests with the Office ries needed). Guidelines: This process is After assessing the request(s) into consideration the well-beti stems from a disagreement of Student Life. The decision 5. Stipend Bonuses: Some based upon requests and comtm of the Voice, it was deemed the ing of all as a whole than just about how stipends should be made takes into account the Approved with Conditions. munication to make reasonable stipend allocation would be each club individually. It is with allocated to the Editorial Board. overall well-being of student Some bonuses were approved adjustments to individual orgatn unfair to the other clubs and every intention to have open Each year, the university allotc clubs and organizations receivti on the basis of the mission and nizations due to their uniquent organizations. Student Life has communication with all clubs cates funds to various campus ing stipends. purpose of the Voice and it’s ness. If written guidelines were and will always advocate and about decisions being allowed entities based upon resources In an effort to provide resolutt Editorial Board, but with contd given, it would not allow for represent the needs of students for input by organizations as and requests. The Division of tion, Student Life offered the ditions so as to not fall under flexibility for reasonablet adj and student clubs and organizatt appropriate. It also must be Student Affairs, in this case, Voice options; however these the category of bonuses not aptp justments, thus items #1 , #2 , tions as a whole. Open communt noted that with all decisions, provides the Office of Student were rejected (as per the Open proved. Bonuses not approved #3 , #4, #5 would have not been nication and continual feedback not every club or every person Life with the authority to structt Letter to the Dean of Student were due to being seen as either approved as the original stipend and input with the entire AUK is always satisfied. Student Life ture the stipend process from Affairs): a conflict of interest or unfair. process structure did not intc campus, but more importantly provides a structure that is fair the allocated funds to clubs and The following items were retq 6. Stipends Paid on Monthly clude these. In addition, these the students and student clubs and reasonable with high extp organizations. The distribution quested by the Voice and had Basis, Instead of End of Semestt items requested and approved and organizations, will always pectations and accountability of funds (in this case, stipends) the following outcome and imtp ter (Due to Voice being printed are unique to only the Voice at be at the forefront of all decits standards for all student clubs is based upon requests, resourcte pact: Monthly): Not Approved as stitp AUK and no other student club sions. Student Life always takes and organizations. In addition, es, equitability, and sustainabilti 1. Equal Payments to Editotr pend process is an accountabilit or organization receiving stitp into consideration all issues and it provides an avenue for activitt ity to name a few. The role of rial Board Members: Approved ity standard based on leaderst pends due to the unique nature everyone involved, but at times ties and programs designed to Student Life is to consider retq 2. Amounts Paid Reflected on ship and responsibilities for the of the organization. being in a role of leadership enhance the social integration quests and the impact of such Per-Issue Basis: Approved semester for all student clubs 9. Reallocation of Stipend puts one in a position of havti of students. Our goal is to enst requests on the entire program 3. Freelance Writer Stipends and organizations receiving Amounts from the Student Labt ing to make the most fair and sure a balance of academic and (all student clubs and organizatt Paid on Monthly Basis: Appt stipends. How an organization bor Line to the Special Events best decision for the betterment social integration because that tions receiving funds/stipends), proved functions does not reflect when (student activities) line: AUK of the group, not one specific is what enhances the collegiate not just one organization. 4. Voice Editorial Board Memtb the stipends are paid. Finance Department policy organization or individual. It experience. The dialog between the Office bers Paid for Articles Printed in 7. Adjusting Amounts Paid does not allow any office or is our hope that this provides The accountability for clubs, of Student Life and the Voice the Voice: Approved with Contd (considering other stipend leadet department, in this case student clarity to the issue and that is a organizations, and activities Editorial Board stagnated. After dition and Recommendations ers within other organizations): organization, to move personnel better understanding of the role rests with the Office of Student emails, meetings, personal contt for the Future. Not approved as Stipend process is measured (labor) funds to non-personnel/ and responsibility of the Office Life as designated by the Dean tacts, and even meetings that originally requested and made against not only each organizatt labor lines. This is a common of Student Life. The Voice of AUK IMAGES OF FALL 08 Volume 5, Issue 5