Thursday: Foggy December 24, 2013 -4°C / 4°C Friday: Foggy Volume 20 -3°C / 4°C Number 13 Saturday: Foggy -4°C / 3°C Sunday: Foggy bilnews.bilkent.edu.tr İLKENT EWS -5°C / 6°C B Weekly Newspaper of Bilkent UniversityN Marie-Henriette Bilkent Faculty Receive Mustafa Parlar Awards Gates Named very year, the Middle East This year, two Bilkent faculty members Technical University Parlar are recipients of METU Prof. Dr. Mustafa Joukowsky Foundation recognizes the Parlar Foundation Research Incentive achievements of scientists and Awards. Asst. Prof. Mehmet Baykara of the Lecturer by the Escholars from a variety of fields for their Department of Mechanical Engineering exceptional research productivity, in and Asst. Prof. Necmi Bıyıklı of the Institute AIA honor of the late METU professor, of Materials Science and Nanotechnology have received 2013 Parlar Awards. Mustafa Parlar. Mehmet Baykara Necmi Bıyıklı Turkish Literature PhD Student Essay Competition: Publishes New Book “My First Library new book by Turkish literature student, poet and editor Müesser Experience” Yeniay has recently come out. Entitled "Öteki Bilinç: GerçeküstücülükA ve İkinci Yeni," it is a publication of Şiirden Yayınları in İstanbul and has received praise from poets such as Hilmi Yavuz, Metin Cengiz and Yusuf Alper. A graduate of Ege University, Ms. Yeniay is a PhD student in Bilkent's Department of Turkish Literature. Her first book, arie-Henriette Gates, “Dibine Düşüyor Karanlık da,” was associate professor in published in 2009, and her second book, the Department of “Evimi Dağlara Kurdum,” is a collection Archaeology, has been of translated works from world poetry. s part of the GE 250-251 namedM a Joukowsky Lecturer for Her most recent poetry book is “Yeniden program, Bilkent University 2013/2014 by the Archaeological Çizdim Göğü,” published in 2011. Library is holding an essay Institute of America (AIA), North Ms. Yeniay has received the Yunus competition entitled “My America’s oldest and largest Emre (2006), Homeros Attila İlhan FirstA Library Experience.” archaeological association. Founded (2007), Ali Rıza Ertan (2009) and Enver Gökçe (2013) poetry awards in Turkey. The competition is open only to in 1879, the AIA today numbers 100 Her poems have been translated into several languages. (Continued on Page 2) local societies throughout the United States and Canada. The societies, based at universities, draw COMD Students Use Their Communication Skills to Help their membership from the interested public as well as Shelter Dogs academics in all branches of group of Bilkent students archaeology, classics, art history, taking COMD 461, Public history and anthropology. Each Relations and society offers a rich program of Communication Campaigns, lectures, fulfilling the AIA’s mission visitedA the Çankaya Municipality of informing the public about Animal Shelter in Mühye, one of the current discoveries in the many largest animal shelters in Ankara. fields of archaeological research. Erdal Kurttaş, deputy mayor and The annual Joukowsky director of construction affairs for the lectureships have for 20 years Çankaya municipality, guided the honored Martha Sharp Joukowsky, students throughout their visit and professor emerita of archaeology at gave them a thorough introduction to Brown University, past president of the shelter. The shelter currently the AIA and current excavator at takes care of hundreds of animals of Petra in Jordan. Two Joukowsky mixed breeds, some of whom suffer lecturers are selected each year by from various kinds of illnesses. the AIA's program committee, and Students are working on four each gives one or several communication campaigns for the presentations to 13 local AIA shelter, focusing on adoption, societies. Marie-Henriette Gates donations, volunteerism and fostering began her tour in October 2013 in positive feelings toward animals Montréal, Toronto and Omaha. In among children. Though the shelter January 2014, she will complete her assignment with lectures to 10 more does not accept monetary donations AIA societies, in Oregon, California, from individuals, enthusiastic animal New Mexico, Nevada, Oklahoma, lovers can still help through volunteering. Massachusetts, New York and Just taking old cardboard boxes or Ontario. She is offering a choice of newspapers can be a great contribution. four topics: three on different All the adorable dogs in the shelter aspects of the Bilkent-affiliated are eager to have your support and excavations she directed at Kinet attention. Please visit the shelter, Höyük, Hatay (1992-2012), and a especially during this cold winter season fourth on her reflections from forty when their needs are at their peak! years as an archaeologist in the Lik Yiu Wong Middle East. (COMD/Exchange Student) Bilkent News 2 NEWS EU Delegation Member Speaks at İD F M iddle School H olds H um an Monnet Seminar R ights and D em ocracy Panel

he first counsellor of the enlargement package and progress European Union reports. Third, he commented on the Delegation to Turkey, economic and social aspects of the François Naucodie, visited relations by pointing to the high level theT Department of International of bilateral trade and financial Relations on December 12 and cooperation despite the economic delivered a presentation entitled “EU crisis in the EU, as well as the success Enlargement Politics: The Case of story of the ERASMUS program. Turkey.” This event was one in the Finally, Mr. Naucodie listed some he Human Rights and Prof. İhsan Doğramacı, undertook its series of Jean Monnet Seminars positive developments of recent weeks, Democracy Panel, held establishment with the purpose of planned by the acting chair of the such as a new chapter being opened annually at İhsan educating the leaders and Department of International Relations, after three years, a package including Doğramacı Foundation entrepreneurs of the 21st century: Assist. Prof. Dimitris Tsarouhas. Dr. some agreements, Turkish PM Private Bilkent Middle School, took individuals of strong character who Tsarouhas holds the Jean Monnet Erdoğan’s upcoming visit to Brussels Tplace on December 12 and hosted would be conscientious, self-confident, Chair at Bilkent. (the first in four years), foreign policy Emine Ülker Tarhan, CHP productive and dedicated to improving Mr. Naucodie began his speech by cooperation in the Middle East, and (Republican People’s Party) deputy their community and the world. noting that the EU is not a static the Global Business Bridges initiative, from Ankara. This year’s panel, The students of the İhsan organization, but rather one that is also bringing Turkey and the EU dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the Doğramacı Foundation Private Bilkent always changing and moving forward. together in the Middle East. establishment of the school, was on Middle School are determined to fulfill He focused on three elements of the Mr. Naucodie’s speech was followed “The Violation of Human Rights in the this vision, and it is with that in mind multifaceted relations between Turkey by a question and answer session World and in Our Country.” During that they participate in the school’s and the EU: where we have come during which several questions were the panel, students from grades 6 and Human Rights and Democracy Panel from, how we are moving forward, and asked about the future of Turkey’s 7 gave presentations about the topic, each year. With the help of mentors where we are today. accession to the EU. Mr. Naucodie and Ms. Tarhan offered students and leaders like Ms. Tarhan, they, as First, he reviewed significant turning responded by observing that the enlightening insights based on her own the future leaders of Turkey, hope to points in the history of Turkish-EU accession process is not only a political experience and knowledge. advance the cause of human rights and relations. Second, he listed three pillars but also a technical route to be The founder of the school, the late democracy. of the relations as pacta sunt servanda pursued. He stated that Turkey’s 2013 (“agreements must be kept”); the progress report showed achievements gradual process concerning the 35 but also weaknesses; however, once Voting for Bilkent TV Awards Continues chapters of the acquis communautaire; Turkey completes the technical part of and communication through the the process, the rest will be easier. TBB President Speaks on “Democracy in oting for the 2014 Bilkent staff can vote on Turkey” TV Awards, organized by www.bilkenttvodulleri.com. Sanatsal Etkinlikler (Detailed information about the Topluluğu (SET) and the event can also be found on this MediaV Society, started last week. website.) Please note that after Voting will continue until January voting, you should go to your 3. The awards, to be given in 20 webmail and confirm your vote so categories, will be presented to the that it is counted. If you want to have winners between January 11 and a say in Bilkent’s choices for the best February 5. of television, be sure to cast your Bilkent students, graduates and ballot! Essay Competition: “My First Library Experience” (Continued from Page 1) students currently taking GE 250-251. Each competitor will earn 80 points. The essay can be written in either Turkish or English, and should be approximately 1,000-1,500 words in length. etin Feyzioğlu, “Democracy in Turkey,” Mr. The submissions will be judged by a jury of academics and librarians. president of the Union Feyzioğlu spoke about current Writers of the best three will receive certificates, and the author of the winning of Turkish Bar events in the country. Following his submission will also receive a 100 TL D&R gift certificate. Submissions should Associations (TBB), presentation, he answered questions be sent, as an attachment in Word document format via your own Bilkent e- recentlyM visited Bilkent to give a talk from students in the audience. At a mail account, to [email protected] by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, to students as part of the BilTED reception following the colloquium, December 31 at the latest. The prize-giving ceremony will take place at 12 Club’s lecture series. students had the opportunity to noon on Friday, January 10 in the Main Campus Library Art Gallery. During his talk, entitled meet and talk with Mr. Feyzioğlu. For more information, please contact: [email protected]. Bilkent News 3 NEWS How & Where They Write: Sandrine Berges BY ALP RODOPLU (HIST/MA) process, even though you have a Photographs by M. Furkan Akýncý (LAW/IV) Bilkent News plan, also a process of discovery? SB: I like planning, but that doesn’t mean Alp Rodoplu: Jean-Paul Sartre’s I like to stick to my plan. I first write a autobiography “Les Mots” has two proposal that has a summary of all the parts: “Reading” and then “Writing.” chapters prior to doing all my research. With two books published and a So, I have a vague idea. When the third in progress, are you now in the proposal gets accepted, then I plan it in writing chapter of your life? more detail. But when I get it written, it Dr. Sandrine Berges: If it’s about novels, often looks very different. Once I I’m still reading. If it’s about reading complete a chapter, it influences what the philosophy, well, I’m reading that too; but next chapter is going to be like. So, plans I spend more time writing now. always change. What doesn’t change are things like the time I initially allocated per chapter, per section or per revision -- that doesn’t change, that’s what I stick to. And the color-coding, of course -- that doesn’t change either. if it’s not my office hours, because time is don’t think I write differently, but very AR: Where do you write? really precious. One thing I’d really like to occasionally I think I have terms or SB: I have a nice office at home. I write do but can’t is write early in the mornings, phrases, or attitudes, that are a bit there, occasionally, when I can. I write because normally I’m a morning person, French. Bill points out to me that I say “of here [in the office]. Mostly at the table and my mind is clearest in the morning. I course” a lot when I write, and that it’s a and always on a computer. I take notes on also like the idea of writing when bit French. That’s like assuming that paper. everybody is asleep. Unfortunately, Max everybody knows, and if you don’t you’re AR: In the summer when you go off, [one of Dr. Berges’s children] wakes up an idiot -- and that is a bit French. I try do you write then? the second I do, so I can’t really do that. not to do that. SB: I don’t go off very much. We have the AR: Do you ever find it difficult to AR: Can you go without writing? kids, so when we go on holiday, we’re not start? Would you miss it tremendously? working. We don’t have retreats and write SB: I find it difficult to start a new piece. SB: I would. It’s habit now. I don’t think I for three months, which would be lovely. Bill will tell you that the first couple of would go without writing. Where we go in Wales would be perfect days of working on something new, I AR: Do you think your kids will for writing. usually have all sorts of existential drama pursue careers where they’ll have to AR: Do you enjoy writing? AR: Wales? going on: I can’t figure out how to start it, write? SB: Sometimes I do, sometimes I hate it. SB: Yes, because you don’t want too much I can’t get in the right mood for it, and I SB: Not Max; I don’t think he’ll want to AR: For me, it’s often a painful sun if you’re writing. You don’t want to be think I will never be able to write it. And write, plus he really likes to draw. process. thinking every five minutes, “I could go then it’s all right, it works out. It’s sort of Charlotte, perhaps; certainly she can SB: Yes, it’s horrible; it hurts. But and have a swim now,” and in Wales, like getting used to it, getting to know it write -- she can write in three languages. sometimes it’s very pleasant, and it can be you’re not going to think that. and getting into it. But that’s happening AR: Lastly, any advice to aspiring very satisfying. Since I started writing AR: Do you get distracted easily less and less. I really just get down and do writers here at Bilkent, particularly books, I’ve been enjoying writing a lot when you’re writing? it. If I get really stuck, I’ll go get some with regard to the writing process? more, because you have more control SB: Yes and no. I don’t stop myself from coffee or tea, and then I go back to it. SB: That you need not be discouraged; when writing a book. Once your proposal checking my email or going on Facebook; Usually it’s not about getting stuck, but you just need to sit down and do it. Sit at is accepted, you basically do what you like. but that doesn’t normally stop me from about getting brain-jammed -- when I’m your desk, and don’t stop and think it’s As long as it’s competent in the end, it writing. And because of the kids, I’m writing too many things that don’t make too hard -- it is, but you can still do it. will be published more or less as is, with quite used to writing and answering sense any more, I just have a little pause Keep a note of what you’re doing. Not to minor corrections but nothing crazy. I questions about Teletubbies. and start afterwards. lose stuff. Not to decide what you’ve also enjoy writing books because there is AR: When you sit down to write, how AR: I want to ask you about written is bad and to get rid of it. Just a lot of planning involved. I really like long do you normally spend? Your language, because you write in keep it, keep a version of it, even if you planning. With books you plan your time, “research day” really seems very English, and that’s not your native want to start again from scratch. Look at decide which chapter to work on, to read important. tongue. Do you encounter problems? it a few days later, go back to it. It might for and prepare, and keep it all neatly in SB: My “research hours.” Yes, and if I Or do you find it easier because it’s not be as bad as you think, and there are color-coded folders -- I love that. happen to be working in here, and not your native language? probably things you can reuse. And you AR: Do you know exactly what it is students come, saying, “Oh, you were SB: I really like the way English is simple have to be mechanical about it. It’s a you’re going to say when you sit here, so I thought I’d come in and see and deals with short and clear sentences. professional thing. It’s not just creative, it down to write? Or is the writing you,” I’m often not so happy to see them That is something I really enjoy doing. I really isn’t. leads to madness, and of a man who has A Little Success Story: “Sirens of Lachesis” never lived and events that have never or reasons of our own, we’re left their identities outside the door; taken place. walking to the FMPA Theater they resemble professional actors, When the play comes to an end, our in a state of excitement. We despite the little experience they have in appreciation is accompanied by some enter the building with quick the field. In Ceren’s stance, I can see a questions. We try to complete the steps, in a rush caused by our woman standing up for her play, which picture by comparing our different curiosityF -- for one among us is about to she has written and directed, and is perspectives and reach the conclusion accomplish something not so many performing in as the female lead. that we are satisfied with the play. manage to achieve. A playwright who is Though she hasn’t yet been married, Some of us, handicapped by a only in the senior year of her what gives life to her character is the language that is not our mother undergraduate studies is there at the impression she makes of a woman who play that has never been staged before, tongue, have failed to recognize the theater, eagerly waiting for us -- fellow is aware of what it’s like to be a woman. realizing characters who have never severity of the depression that the members of the Bilkent University While we’re still relishing the scenes been enacted before and living female lead has gone through before Literature Society. of the first act, which depicts a book through words that no one has our eyes. However, one thing we all Ceren Turan, all in a tizzy, is at the club meeting (in a rather tragicomic previously spoken, is something we all agree on is that one of us has door to welcome us to the performance way), the husband’s work environment think requires courage and deserves accomplished something, and what we of the play she has written, in English, and the relationship between husband success. At this point, we are of the are feeling is pride. With this, a first at the age of 22. Wondering whether we and wife, we move on to the second act opinion that the applause should be play by a 22-year-old Bilkent student are more excited or she is more nervous to enjoy the monologues. During these divided evenly among all the members with a very heavy workload, Ceren has (although this is the second numerous and extended monologues, of the cast and crew, for one cannot achieved a unique place in our minds performance of her play), we find our even though one is aware the actors tell exactly how these lines have been and also in those of her friends on stage. seats in the theater, and the are not professionals, the fact that they written and made alive in front of us: We offer our congratulations to the cast performance begins. are performing in English in itself these beautiful lines that tell the story and crew of “Sirens of Lachesis.” Our friends on stage seem to have inspires admiration. Being part of a of inner struggles, of depression that By Serencan Erciyas (POLS/IV) Bilkent News 4 OPINIONS along with simple drumming in the performed by all three wind However, their music is not known as background. instruments. They have released a very ska in Turkey -- they are, rather, I think the way the brass instruments good “best of” called “Favorite regarded as a plain rock band. However, are used in this genre is very interesting. Noise.” It’s worth checking out, along I would define their music as ska-punk. The songs are generally based on with two of my favorites, “Cheer Up!” There are many mainstream ska-punk continuous short bass lines and frequent and “Monkeys for Nothing and Chimps bands on the scene, such as Less Than upbeat guitar strumming. The brass for Free.” Jake and Sublime. However, in terms of sections suddenly come into the Tomas Kalnoky formed Catch 22 in BY ALTUĞ KARAKURT (EE/II) foreground with short, fast parts, 1996 and then in [email protected] interrupting this setup, then go back to 2002. Throughout the following years, the background playing slower parts four members of Catch 22 played in ka 101 (and are sometimes even muted), until Streetlight Manifesto, and I really like This week my intention was their next interruption. With its creative the earlier stuff of Catch 22 that was to introduce to you my favorite rhythms, ska makes you swing your released by those members and ska band, Reel Big Fish. shoulders to the long, moving bass and especially Kalnoky. So I see Streetlight However, I realized that most of my shake your head to the sudden, fast Manifesto as a follow-up to Catch 22 and S appearances of the brass instruments wanted to introduce them as such. readers may have never heard of this genre, which is not surprising, and the upbeat guitar chords. Catch 22's most successful and popular considering how small the ska The first examples of ska were seen release is “,” which was community is. So, here is my brief in Jamaica in the 1950s. Historically, it is re-released by Streetlight Manifesto as a introduction to ska and a small list of my associated with reggae, blues and full-album cover. I appreciate both favorite bands in the genre. Caribbean music. The modern ska versions, and it is interesting to observe bands have shifted more toward rock the differences between them. sound, I think Athena is the most music, but the genres just mentioned Stylistically, both bands are similar to creative among them. Their strongest are still very influential. The sound of Reel Big Fish, except for the vocals and side is their talented guitarists Hakan the older ska bands is slower and mostly brass sections. Kalnoky prefers to and Gökhan Özoğuz. They manage to reminds me of Jamaican reggae and employ harsher vocals, and from time to compose very catchy and easy-listening afrobeat. However, when I study the time the band uses jazzy brass solos. I but also, rhythm-wise, very rich riffs. modern ska bands, I see more would suggest their 2003 release Check out their “Herşey resemblances to rock, punk and “Everything Goes Numb” and the first Yolunda” and “Tam Zamanı Şimdi.” occasionally to modern interpretations of three songs from “Somewhere In Mixtape #3 reggae. Between.” This playlist was planned to be funky Reel Big Fish consists of The music of the Skatalites, a band and groovy. Instead, it came out as vocalist/guitarist Aaron Barrett as formed in the early 60s, is an example of varying from funky to calmer songs. I frontman, plus a drummer, a the earlier interpretations of ska. Their like how the music goes its own way. trombonist, a trumpeter, a saxophonist sound reminds me so much of reggae !!! - One Boy/One Girl and a bass player. What makes them that I think they can even be categorized Bedük – Under Bright White Lights special is Barrett's creative musical as a fusion band of the two genres. Chromeo – Night By Night For a total outsider, I would define approach and the band's famously Their music is more relaxing than Miami Horror & Alan Palomo – Holidays ska (the third wave of ska, which has energetic live performances. Their rhythmic. I think the Skatalites are a Capital Cities - Center Stage been the most popular one recently) as musical style is very groovy, but still good example of the first wave of ska, Pompeya - 90 (Korablove Remix) the cheerful harmony of humorous closer to rock music than the other where the tempo is much slower and the Breakbot - Baby I'm Yours , shiny brass instruments, genres that ska is related to. They use sound is closer to afrobeat and reggae See you next time, with some hip-hop bouncing upbeat guitar rhythms and very creative and varied rhythms for the music. I recommend their live release and jazz fusion. I would also like to catchy bass lines that make you move, main guitar, which is very much in the from the Lokerse Festival in 2006. thank Ezgi Irmak Yücel for her amazing foreground, as well as rich brass sections Athena is a well-known Turkish band. contribution to the mixtape.

clearly not cut out for the task. embodiment of fire apparently isn’t create fifteen hundred more each morn Through trial and error, however, they good for anyone, gods included, and in return, and it is to him that we owe manage to fish out an island with their Izanami is burnt to death on the spot. both our mortality and our spear, erect a pillar on it and come up Izanagi immediately intervenes to save overpopulation. Thanks a bunch, Izanagi. with a ritual to bear children, which his last child from feeling lifelong guilt Izanagi then washes his face in order they learn from a pair of birds (as the over the event, by promptly cutting him to rid himself of the otherworldly existence of the Bennu-bird should tell into eight pieces -- these eight pieces taint, and like everything the couple BY ALPER ÖZKAN (MSN/PhDIII) you, birds predate gods). They perform then become volcano-gods, whom I ever do, this ends up creating more [email protected] the bird-ritual, and out comes their assume can combine back into Mecha- gods. From his left eye emerges first child, a boneless monstrosity that Kagutsuchi. During her death, Amaterasu, the sun-goddess and the ar East Genesis they promptly throw out upon the Izanami’s vomit, urine and feces also ancestor of the Japanese imperial line, ocean in a reed raft, where the become gods, and I don’t want to know while the rather subdued moon-god The Japanese creation pharaoh’s daughter finds him what these would combine back into. Tsukuyomi, whose only claim to fame myth, like many other genesis and...wait, wrong myth. Anyway, that’ll Izanagi is not very happy with the is killing the goddess Ukemochi (as Fmyths, starts with progenitor gods that teach you to trust birds with your state of affairs, and decides that it’s the goddess of food, Ukemochi could appear unbegotten from a shapeless genesis rituals. Their second creation time to descend to the underworld and create food from any part of her body, void -- and, like many other genesis is an exceptionally ugly island, which get his wife back (because that worked which unsettled Tsukuyomi to the myths, it all goes downhill from there. they also dismiss, and, noticing that so well for Orpheus, right?). He point of murderous rage once she The first gods, you see, were not very something’s amiss, they ascend back to performs remarkably well on the started vomiting fish and deer for a intent on creating the rest of the the heavens for advice. descent part, but soon notices that banquet), is created from his right. universe (I don’t believe that they were The problem, as it turns out, was Izanami has consumed the food of the And from his nose comes the storm- very intent on anything at all, given that the goddess Izanami spoke first dead and is therefore currently busy god Susano’o, who deserves a column how they went AWOL almost during the ritual, which was apparently being a maggot-ridden corpse, upon in his own right. Equipped with all the immediately after manifesting into blasphemous and against the natural which he does something of a double sensibility and patience of a hook- being) and so passed the job down to order of things (misogyny, too, take and bails right out while being lipped rhinoceros (he even has the the runts of their litter -- the last-born apparently predates gods). And sure chased by Izanami’s demonic same way of marking his territory -- of the first gods, a couple named enough, when they repeat the process underlings (at this point I can’t help one of the reasons that Susano’o got Izanami and Izanagi, who were handed with a reversed order of speaking, but hear Yakety Sax in the kicked out of the heavens was the a purportedly magical spear and told to Izanami successfully gives birth to background). He then seals up the whole defecating-into-irrigation- get to work. This week’s column will eight islands, which are certainly sane entrance to the underworld for good channels business), the storm-god follow their misadventures. and reasonable sorts of objects for a measure, and Izanami, now trapped would be right at home in the Greek The first of their many tribulations goddess to beget. Pleased by their and understandably angry beyond pantheon, and his placement in was to figure out how to get into this success, the couple subsequently go on measure, tells her husband that she Japanese mythology creates an awful “world creation” business -- the a god-creating spree that is cut short will drag a thousand men to the lot of entertainment. couple were then at around a pre-apple by the conception of the fire-god underworld in revenge for his betrayal. But that’s a story for another Adam and Eve level of innocence, and Kagutsuchi -- carrying the elemental Izanagi shouts back that he’ll just column. Bilkent News 5 OPINIONS How in the world am I going to feel the brilliance of life is because we stories feel like that when you are in alive? don’t want the responsibility inherent them. You are inside a very great Then I remember the book I’ve in the acknowledgement.” I'm ready story!” been reading and its description of to take responsibility and P.S.: My initial plan for this week what makes a story good and acknowledge the brilliance of life, was to write about the second part of meaningful: “A character who wants even when it doesn't feel that “The Hobbit” -- “The Desolation of something and overcomes conflict to brilliant. I decide to enjoy my role in Smaug.” I even had my title ready: BY MELEK CANSU PETEK (ELIT/II) get it.” It sounds simple and the story of mankind -- and I thank “The Desolation of Peter Jackson.” [email protected] reasonable enough. Now, another God for being a part of this story. As you may guess from my intended question pops up: what do I want in The epiphany takes a step forward, title, I did NOT like the movie. The he Desolation of my life? Instantly my mind starts to toward completion. first “Hobbit” movie was not one of wander around the different paths Finally, I think of Bilbo Baggins, my favorites either, but at least the Life and possibilities -- career choices to how he longs to be back at Shire yet additions to the storyline were not make, steps to take, jobs and schools has the courage to continue and face, completely alien to the the universe TLoneliness leaks in, and I question to apply for/to -- and I feel choked one by one, the conflicts he could Tolkien created. I was one of those life, my life. Maybe it’s all in vain. again. No! That can’t be what the have easily avoided. I often consider people who gave Peter Jackson the Maybe I’m wasting my time again. It author is talking about here. What myself to be a hobbit-like person, and benefit of the doubt after the “Lord surprises me to realize how often I do I really want in my life? If there just like Bilbo, I long to be back of the Rings” movies and the first come back to this point. Am I not were only one choice to make, what “home,” but there is a journey to take “Hobbit” movie, assuming that he strong enough to get through these would that be? Suddenly I beforehand. I find courage when I respected Tolkien despite the moments of weakness and understand but refuse to think of my literary hero, Tolkien -- changes he chose to make. However, vulnerability? Shouldn’t life get easier acknowledge it for a while. It is the man who inspired me to start Peter Jackson seems to have bowed as the days I’ve survived through simple, too simple: I want to live -- creating my own fictional world, the down to fame and the Hollywood accumulate in a corner? This happily. The problem is, though, it’s writer whose very soul taught me mentality after all. All I could think seemingly rhetorical question slaps not merely a state of being; it’s a how to saturate my writings with my after seeing this movie was that me in the face. If I go on with my life daily choice, a fight to be fought own soul. I read what he said to his Tolkien would be terribly sad to see only to survive one more day, pass every single day. It’s a battle I can’t son, Christopher, who was having a his story ruined for the sake of box one more exam, get one more thing win if I simply accumulate days by hard time in an army camp. Tolkien, office gross. Jackson’s attempts to done, how will it ever be easier? I surviving instead of living in them too, refers to life as a story, and outsmart Tolkien simply enraged me; realize that putting myself in the and looking for the opportunities of though they were not spoken for me, no longer will he be regarded with shoes of an unwilling victim of life happiness and exploration. Another his words tug at my heartstrings: respect by Tolkien fans. He is a will never ever help me to be alive, sentence from the book catches my “Well, there you are: a hobbit butcher, and I only want him to stay feel alive. That little epiphany doesn’t eye: “I’ve wondered, though, if one amongst the Urukhai. Keep up your away from the Tolkien books he sweep away the problem, though. of the reasons we fail to acknowledge hobbitry in heart, and think that all hasn’t touched yet.

Faces on Campus By İrem Gürses (MAN/III)

Name: Şenel Kolaoğlu (MAN/III) Name: Khatidzhe Kandymova (IR/II) Name: Murat Safa (ECON/IV) What's your favorite triple? What's your favorite triple? What's your favorite triple? a) Movie: The “Ocean’s” Trilogy a) Movie: “The Shawshank Redemption” a) Movie: “Hunger Games” b) Book: “Confessions of an Economic Hitman” b) Book: “Crime and Punishment” by Fyodor b) Book: The Sherlock Holmes books by Sir by John Perkins Dostoevsky Arthur Conan Doyle c) Song: “Hush Hush” by the Pussycat Dolls c) Song: “You’re So High” by Eli & Fur c) Song: “Nothing Else Matters” by Metallica Can you describe yourself in three words? Can you describe yourself in three words? Can you describe yourself in three words? “Outgoing, incomprehensible, realistic” “Funny, smiley, open-minded” “A mystic, a leader, curious” If you could be anyone from the past, who If you could be anyone from the past, who If you could be anyone from the past, who would that be? would that be? would that be? “Madame Coco Chanel” “Yuri Gagarin” “John Forbes Nash” Who is your favorite cartoon character? Who is your favorite cartoon character? Who is your favorite cartoon character? “Mickey Mouse” “Carlson” “Sid in ‘Ice Age’” If you were a superhero, what super power(s) If you were a superhero, what super power(s) If you were a superhero, what super would you have? would you have? power(s) would you have? “Time traveling and mind reading” “Time traveling” “Being able to have an out of body experience” The place on campus where I feel happiest The place on campus where I feel happiest The place on campus where I feel happiest is... “the Faculty of Business Administration” is... “Coffee Break” is... “Coffee Break” I have never... “lived without coffee” I have never... “fallen in love” I have never... “taken notes in class” What would be your last message on earth? What would be your last message on earth? What would be your last message on earth? “See you in heaven” “What a wonderful world!” “Crème de la crème” Bilkent News 6

BY NAZ AKYOL (IR/IV) “Sports as a Way of Life” Racket Sports Festival Bilkent News he “Sports as a Way of Life” fall 2013 racket What’s It Like to Be sports festival takes place this week! Tournaments in at Bilkent? Tfour sports -- badminton, squash, table tennis and tennis -- will take place at the Sports Center and the new indoor tennis courts. All students and personnel, regardless of skill level, are welcome to participate in these tournaments. You’re sure to get some exercise and have fun -- and who knows, you just might win a trophy! Dates: Tuesday and Wednesday, December 24-25 Time: 5:30-10 p.m. Place: Sports Center and Indoor Tennis Courts Fee: Free trophies, t-shirts and more [email protected] Registration: At any Sports Hall More Information: Sports Center https://www.facebook.com Name: Suna Johanna Voss Awards: Special gifts, medals, [email protected] /BilkentSporYasamdir Age: 22 Department: Philosophy Home Country/University: Ayva Cup Sports Ad... Sports Ad... Germany/University of Dundee, Scotland Interuniversity Looking For: I am looking for a tennis partner for weekends. Contact İsmail First Word in Turkish: Baba at (539) 463-3951. What is your experience of Basketball spending time in Ankara and at Tournament Sports Ad is an ad column for all Bilkenters Bilkent University? who play sports. If you play I like Bilkent, but there’s something tennis, squash, badminton, table tennis or any missing on campus. In Dundee, we kind of sport needing two or more players and have a student union, bars and other can’t find a partner whose schedule fits yours, then places as meeting points; you just go Sports Ad will help you find a sports partner. All there and meet everyone. I have you need to do is send an e-mail containing your found Bilkent decentralized in that schedule and contact information to sense. Another thing is a lack of food [email protected]. We look forward to options on campus; for instance, I’m hearing from you. a vegetarian, and I get bored eating pasta every day. When it comes to Ankara, most “Seçki” Opens in Library Art Gallery people say Ankara is a boring city, but it’s what you make of it. There are a great variety of bars and places to go in Ankara, as well as cultural activities. I live with a Turkish flatmate in the city center, with three cats; we’re like a family right now, and this makes me so happy. If you compare the education systems at Bilkent University and your home university, what are the differences? It’s difficult to compare them. I live in an English-speaking country. At Bilkent, people are not native BY ÖZGE TÜRKOĞLU (EEE/III) speakers, but their language of Bilkent News education is English, and therefore n exhibition entitled “Seçki,” it’s not fair to make a comparison. I featuring the paintings of think the engineering departments Osman Akbay, has opened in are harder than the humanities and the Main Library Art Gallery. politics departments. By the way, I TheA works on display in the exhibition should say that I’m taking Turkish present the artist’s view of a world that classes, and it’s progressing so slowly. is not an imitation of nature. Do you think that the student Wednesday, December 25 Mr. Akbay, born in 1935 in Trabzon, network for Erasmus exchange Bilkent University Sports Hall graduated from the painting students at Bilkent works effectively? 3 p.m. Başkent - Hacettepe (Women) department of Ankara Gazi Etimesgut The student network works very well. 4:30 p.m. Bilkent - METU (Women) School. He taught painting and the They’re always organizing parties, 6 p.m. Başkent - Hacettepe (Men) history of art until retiring in 1984. His and they take really good care of 7:30 p.m. Bilkent - METU (Men) first exhibition opened in 1995; he has everyone. It’s not a job for them; had 20 exhibitions since then. they’re doing it because they really Friday, December 27 Mr. Akbay’s paintings are want to be friends with everyone. METU Sports Hall characterized by “plainness,” expanses Where do you most enjoy 3 p.m. METU - Başkent (Women) of flat color and asymmetric balance, and offer a visual reality different from spending time on campus? 4:30 p.m. Bilkent - Hacettepe what is seen in nature. In his view, art is not an imitation of nature -- it is not I like spending time at Coffee Break (Women) what you see, or what has been done before. Rather, art is the reflection of the on the top floor. (I think that place 6 p.m. METU - Hacettepe (Men) unknown. hasn’t been discovered by everyone -- 7:30 p.m. Bilkent - Başkent (Men) The exhibition will run until January 15, 2014. that’s why I like it.) Bilkent News 7

Work for Bilkent News! Calling All Clubs and Departments! e need eager, energetic, it! dedicated student Available positions: reporters, writers and Arts & culture reporter Please send Bilkent News your schedule of upcoming photographers to cover Sports reporter events, seminars, lectures, meetings, activities, yourW campus! Report on events, Diplomacy reporter exhibitions and outings. No matter what’s on, if you news, arts and culture, music, Photographer, general want people to attend, let us announce it. concerts, sports, campus life, what’s assignment cool, what’s not, what’s happening, Make Bilkent News YOUR Attention Bilkenters: what’s being said and what’s being newspaper. Check Bilkent News every week for news of upcoming done. Learn to pitch stories, write Contact us at: the events. articles, take photos and edit your Communications Unit in the [email protected] work. If it’s going on at Bilkent, we Engineering Building, Room G-22 / want everyone to be in on it, and we Ext. 1487 or 2421 / need people like you to write about [email protected]

PUZZLE... PUZZLE... PUZZLE... Connect with Games Editor: Nesrin Dönmez (IE/IV) Bilkent via: SUDOKU Facebook: BilkentUniversitesi Here are three puzzles: a Samurai Sudoku and two Jigsaw Sudokus. Twitter: @BilkentUniv The Samurai Sudoku puzzle is made up of five smaller Sudoku puzzles: one in the center and the other four YouTube: BilkentUniversitesi overlapping the corner grids of the central one. Each of the smaller puzzles has the same rules as a classical Sudoku: each Google+: Gplus.to/BilkentUniv row, column and 3x3 grid must contain all of the digits 1 to 9. Instagram:@BilkentUniv To complete the Jigsaw Sudoku puzzles, fill in the numbers so that each row, column and jigsaw piece contains all of the digits 1 to 9. Submit the contents of the diagonal going from the top left to bottom right of each puzzle to win a prize. Good luck! Last Week's Answers: Samurai Sudoku: 739 378 198 791 123 213 452 Jigsaw 1: 138 628 575 Jigsaw 2: 986 119 235

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Bilkent Üniversitesi Prizes will be: dessert and coffee Adýna Sahibi: from Mozart Cafe (one each for Prof. Dr. Kürþat Aydoðan three winners); coffee from Coffee Sorumlu Yazý Ýþleri Müdürü: Break (two each for two winners); Hande Seçkin Onat hot chocolate from Cafe Fiero (one each for five winners); and Yayýnýn Türü: Yerel Süreli Yayýn chocolates from Bind Chocolate (two Yayýn Kurulu: Kürþat Aydoðan, winners). Reyyan Ayfer, Mehmet Baray, Hande Seçkin Onat, Kamer Rodoplu Editör: Diane Ewart Grabowski Yönetim Yeri: Bilkent Üniversitesi Rektörlük, Ýletiþim Birimi, 06800 Bilkent, Ankara Basýldýðý Yer: Meteksan Matbaacýlýk ve Teknik Sanayi Tic. A.Þ. 1606. Cad. No:3 06800 Bilkent, Ankara Bilkent News (ext. 1487) welcomes feedback from readers. Please submit your letters to [email protected]. The Editorial Board will review the letters and print them as space permits.

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Bilkent CALENDAR

December 29-30: New Year's Concert, Antonio Pirolli, conductor / at the Bilkent Concert Hall, 8 p.m. G. Rossini | A. Ponchielli | J. Strauss II | J. Offenbach | P. I. Tchaikovsky

SEMINARS Friday, December 27 Fabrication Process Using İskender Okeev’s Class, at Wednesday, December 25 “New Approaches to Wire Electro-Discharge Ahmed Adnan Saygun Music Research and Education Submission “Effects of Uncertainty and Classical OR Problems Grinding,” by Ali Can Ergür (Time-Sensitive (Bilkent University), at EA-409, Center, 3 p.m. Learning in Humanitarian Guidelines for Applications),” by Bahar 10:30 a.m. Organized by IE. Saturday, December 28 Supply Chains: An Çavdar (Georgia Institute of Damla Kaya’s Class, at Application in Post-Disaster CONCERTS Bilkent News Technology), at EA-409, 1:40 Ahmed Adnan Saygun Music Debris Clearance,” by rticles or p.m. Organized by IE. FMPA Concerts Research and Education Melih Çelik (Georgia Center, 5 p.m. announcements Friday, December 27 Saturday, December 28 are to be written Institute of Technology), at Friday, December 27 Gamze Kırtıl’s Class, at Adilhoca Aziz’s Class, at in English, no EA-409, 1:40 p.m. Organized UNAM - MSN Seminar: Ahmed Adnan Saygun Music longer than 200 words and by IE. Ahmed Adnan Saygun A related to academic, social “Computational Methods in Research and Education Music Research and or cultural events at Bilkent Nanobiotechnology,” by Asst. Center, 4 p.m. Education Center, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 25 Prof. Ersin Emre Eren (TOBB Friday, December 27 or the activities of Bilkent “‘Take It or Leave It’ Offers ETÜ), at FS, SA-240, 3:40 Muhammedjan Turdiev’s EXHIBITIONS students, faculty members in Negotiations,” by Selçuk p.m. Organized by UNAM. Class, at Ahmed Adnan or administrators. Until January 15 In order to be considered Özyurt (Sabancı University), Saygun Music Research and Painting Exhibition by at FEASS, A-228, 3:30 p.m. for inclusion in the Monday, December 30 Education Center, 7:30 p.m. Osman Akbay, at the Library following Tuesday’s issue, Organized by ECON. “Modeling of a Microtool Saturday, December 28 Art Gallery. submissions must be handed in by 10 a.m. on Wednesday. Exam Period at the Library Short event Final examinations are almost upon us, and students need a quiet place to prepare. Starting this week, from December announcements and Bil-Ad 23 until January 10, 2014, the three reading rooms in A-Block of Main Campus Library will remain open until 3 a.m. each items may be submitted as day, except on December 31, when the library will close early, and January 1, when we will be closed all day. There will be late as 5 p.m. on no reference or circulation services after 11:30 p.m. We hope these extra opening hours will help students when preparing Thursday. for their finals. The library will not serve outside users (except protocol users) during this period. The Editorial Board of Bilkent News reserves the right to make changes or to Classifieds reject any submissions. ABBREVIATIONS Submissions should be Bilkent News will print classified ads, space permitting. Ads can be placed only BCC: Bilkent Computer Center e-mailed to by current Bilkent University faculty, students and staff. Ads should adhere to BUSEL: Bilkent University School of English [email protected]. these general guidelines: Language Please do not crop digital For Sale items must be secondhand items. Ads of a commercial nature will not FADA: Faculty of Art, Design and photograph submissions; be accepted. Architecture send high-resolution photos Only one ad per person per week will be printed. A new request must be FEASS: Faculty of Economics, Administrative with at least 200 dpi. submitted for each issue. and Social Sciences Photographs must be clean Ads are limited to 20 words, including phone, fax and e-mail. FHL: Faculty of Humanities and Letters and sharp. Deadline is at noon Wednesday, one week prior to the edition in which the ad FS: Faculty of Science For further information, is to be run. FMPA: Faculty of Music and Performing Arts call ext. 1487. Classified ads should be e-mailed to [email protected].