Volume 4, Issue 6 The Official Student Newspaper of the American University of Kuwait May, 2008

Students Wax Rhetorical on Changing Kuwait Reminiscences of a Friend Memories of Sheikh Sa’ad, beloved Father Amir

SGA president Sami Maan congratulates Haya Al-Qasar, Mahdi Al-Own and Qutaiba Al-Humood on their performances in SGA’s public speaking competition. By Farah Al-Shamali the winner of the competition “What is freedom?” Qutaiba moral development of individbu ne of the biggest fears harbb was announced. Coming into rhetorically asked the audience, uals. Diving straight into his Obored by AUK students is the final night of the proceedbi “It isn’t the right to do whatever argument, Sulaiman equated that of public speaking. Fear of ings, the four finalists Qutaiba you want.” Rules and regulabt the acquisition of knowledge getting tongue-tied, suffering Al-Humood, Haya Al-Qassar, tions can effectively restrict to the gain of value, stating temporary brain freeze, and bebi Mahdi Al-Own, and Sulaiman immoral behavior. Qutaiba that “a person with no value ing rejected by the audience are Al-Ateeqi each gave a speech clarified his point by citing the becomes obsolete in society.” common and may subsequently on the topic: With the upcomii example of Singapore, a nation Defining intellect as the capacbi lead to embarrassment, seclubs ing elections in Kuwait, there that is scarce in natural resourcbe ity to know and understand, he sion and feelings of worthlessnb appears to be a clear sentiment es yet by implementing laws logically asserted that the only By Nur Soliman ness. However, public speaking from the people that there is a has managed to rise as a world- way it can be furthered is by touched by the beloved Sheikh does not have to be stressful. need for massive developmenit class society. Qutaiba stressed schooling. To maximize the ears shine momentarily in Sa’ad, son of the noble Sheikh Toward the end of helping tal change in Kuwait. Pick an that respect for the law equals overall potential of students, Tthe serious, light-brown Abdullah al-Salem: students conquer this fear, Edbm aspect of Kuwaiti society you respect for the country and the society must take on the rebs eyes, and the white eyebrows “Oh yes, he was one of the mond Eid, Social Officer of the believe should be the central opposite is true. He used Africa sponsibility of training them knit in a spasm of sadness. noblemen of Kuwait, not just in SGA, organized the SGA’s first focus of this change, and why in the 1960s as an example of efficiently in their classes. The words are simple, yet lineage… no, but in behavior, Public Speaking Competition. you believe it is the most imip the absence of law implementabt The social development combp are charged with the pain of too. He was always conscienbt Over a period of three consecubt portant. tion, where people resorted to ponent encompasses the skills warm memories: “Sheikh tious and ever-hardworking… tive weeks, participants gave Qutaiba Al-Humood was first looting because they found no that pave the way to intellect. Sa’ad’s dead…” Though You know, word goes around three kinds of speeches: inforbm to present. After a vigorous higher authority to stop them. He then gave the example of Bahy el-Din Sulaiman is not that Sheikh Sa’ad is rather slow mative, impromptu, and persb stage entrance, he began his Most importantly, they didn’t the many functioning clubs particularly inclined towards when it comes to developing suasive. Their performance was speech with a general scope and possess the moral fiber to prebv and organizations at AUK that interviews, the writer of this policies and passing laws in the assessed by a panel made up of winded it down to more specific vent them from committing help hone social and leaderbs article was able to listen to Cabinet… well, that was true, professors Kathryn Kleypas, matters. Given the multitude of this illegal act in the face of ship skills. Finally, Sulaiman the retired Public Prosecutor but only because he was so mebt Don Prades, James McDougall problems Kuwait’s community desperation. In the case of Kubw touched on moral integrity, General and lawyer when unbh ticulous, so meticulous. He’d and Rawda Awwad based on suffers from, he voiced a need wait, lack of strict law enforcemb defining it as the conformity hurriedly reminiscing about care for the Kuwaiti people so believability of content and use for development and superbv ment results in corruption on all to rules of virtuous and righbt his times with Sheikh Sa’ad, much that he’d fear that a polibc of public speaking skills, such vised expansion that cannot be fronts. teous conduct, adding “Once showing him in a most kind, cy carelessly passed out would as eye contact and intonation. achieved without implemenit Next, Sulaiman Al-Ateeqi you have gained intellect, your noble light. affect them negatively, and so Persuasive speeches came tation, i.e. if the law is justly chose to focus on human capital Indeed, all words that had would research and debate the last and upon their conclusion imposed on everyone equally. and the intellectual, social, and Continued on page  poured out over the days of matter very thoroughly so as to mourning, from the evening present the best to the people.” of his demise up until today, “I remember he’d come out the cherished memory of the of his office, facing mine, and The Social Implications of Segregation Father Amir resounds deep in call out, in his quick manner, the hearts of young and old ‘Bahy!’ As Chief of Police alike as a beacon of all that and Chief Prosecutor, he’d be By Nuha Al-Fadli posed sixty seven percent of Kuwait Univb and shaking hands with men. Since these is brave, good, and refined of responsible for over-seeing he issue of gender segregation is not versity’s graduates and thirty two percent of codes are extremely difficult to adhere to, Kuwait. Kuwait’s papers over the beating of those who had Tsimply a subject of mass controversy the Kuwaiti workforce. However, women’s the Islamist party claimed that gender segrb those days, and indeed after committed minor offences. Of but a matter of great contradiction. As a civil gradual integration into the political, social regation in universities is the ideal solution the mourning period were rich course, he’d have to make sure society, Kuwait’s organizations, institutions and economical sphere is systematically obsb since it reinforces Islamic values and probt with condolences from famibl that the officer would not raise and policies are intended to facilitate awarenb structed and opposed by recent legislations tects the values of the future generation. lies, individuals, and companb his arm higher than his shoulbd ness and produce generations of informed imposed by Islamist MPs. Kuwait University executed the provibs nies, and dozens of columns der which is to make sure that citizens who make sound voting decisions. By the 1990s, the segregation controversy sions of this decree in 2001 by designating by those who had known or minimal pain was inflicted on Unfortunately, however, some political was opened for heated discussion. However, separate sections for males and females. met Sheikh Sa’ad, filling their the accused… Well, his heart groups are infringing on people’s individual this time, Islamist MPs managed to overbp Unfortunately, this still did not appease the lines with worthy praise of this was too sensitive to watch these rights and imposing their views under the power the liberal party by holding a greater Islamist party for its ambitions transcended “Knight of Kuwait,” whose practices day after day, so often umbrella of religion. In an attempt to uphold number of seats in Parliament. Hence, they the public educational system. Since the conscientious work, brave he would ask that I would alterbn Islamic values and past traditions, these parbt succeeded in ratifying new legislation in fabv demand for higher education exceeded Kuwb deeds, and real love for his nate with him to supervise the ties are willing to undermine the established vor of gender segregation in higher educatb wait University’s capacity, private universb nation and its people has fosbt practice, and ‘make sure they foundations of the nation. By opposing co- tional facilities and private schools. In 1996, sities were established to meet the society’s tered profuse feelings of pure do it right.’” education, the Islamist party is not simply the Islamist party pushed the National Asbs growing needs. While many hailed this love and affection in citizens “I remember, when the Iraqis violating the basic rights of the rising generba sembly to pass Law 24 which requires pubbl privatization as a movement towards liberba and residents alike. Below came in, and Sa’ad went right ation, but is hindering its ability to function lic educational facilities to be segregated by alization, diversity, improvement of educabt are snatches of Mr. Bahy el- to Dasman Palace to wake in the professional world and larger societal gender, thus annulling a government decree tional standards as well as a golden opportb Din’s words, translated from Jabir [d. 2005: the late emir of context where gender integration is part of that legalized co-education in 1990. It allb tunity for financial profit, others regarded his conversation in clear, old- Kuwait, God’s mercy be upon daily life. lowed a period of five years for educational it as a pending threat to country’s Islamic fashioned Egyptian, and evokbi him], lifted him from bed and During the 1960s and 1970s, Kuwaiti facilities to establish separate buildings, values. To avoid social conflict and tensb ing live memories of the great took him to the car where they feminists regarded segregation as a pending labs, libraries, services and activities to acbc sion between political parties, Parliament man in his day-to-day affairs drove away, without anyone threat to the women’s suffrage movement. commodate segregation. included Article 6 in the Establishment of as Chief Prosecutor at the Pubbl else there; he loved Sheikh Many asserted that gender segregated edubc To support and justify the validity of this Private Universities Law of 2000. This arbt lic Prosecution Department in Jabir so much that he went in cational institutes offered women a differeb decree, the Ministry of Al-Awqaf, the insb ticle requires private universities to be fully the capital which he develbo himself to save him, only minbu ent and detrimental form of education that stitution that regulates religious affairs, relb segregated and to observe “time- honored” oped, assisted by Bahy el-Din, utes before the invading troops confined females to the traditional roles. As leased a statement recognizing the fact that customs. prosecutor at the time. They arrived at the palace gates. this gender based curriculum faded with the gender integration is legal in Islam but subbj Gender segregation required by Article 6 are but few lines from the flow That was a man who loved his establishment of Kuwait University, women ject to certain stringent rules. For instance, would appear to contradict other provisions of memories, anecdotes, feelbi brothers and his country. Kubw began to rise in prominence. According to for appropriate gender integration, all wombe ings of one man whose heart, wait will miss him; they’ve studies conducted in 1991, women compb en should don the hijab, avoid eye contact Continued on page  like hundreds with him, was lost a beloved hero.” The Voice of AUK NEWS Volume 4, Issue 6 2 Cooperation Club Sponsors Success Workshop

By Dina El-Zohairy was Al-Ajmi’s message to the audience. “Be he Cooperation Club’s inaugural public an optimist,” he stressed. Furthermore, commb Tevent was held on Sunday, 11th May in the mitment is what keeps us going, no matter Multipurpose Room. Ali Al-Ajmi, founder of how difficult circumstances get. He also encb Rekaaz, was invited to give a workshop titled couraged flexibility on all fronts, or having Ten Keys to Success and How to Build an Effi a backup plan in case what you had in mind fective Media Project, based on his studies in doesn’t work out. “It’s not the end of the world Marketing, his success and years of experience if you don’t end up in your intended major,” he as an entrepreneur, and his numerous writings pointed out. Patience and discipline were the in the field of management. last two success factors. According to Al-Ajmi, being motivated is After a short prayer break, Al-Ajmi moved on the first key to success, and motivation stems to describe the mission, strategies and achievemb from a burning desire to accomplish a certain ments of Rekaaz, which once upon a time was task. On the road to success, maintaining a high just a dream. He also revealed to the students level of energy is the second key. Indigestion, Rekaaz’s upcoming campaign and asked for anxiety and stress are three major “robbers” their feedback on the slogan before ending of energy, which we should all try to avoid an interactive discussion, which the students through healthy eating and time management. seemed to enjoy thoroughly, especially those In contrast, deep breathing—which the studb who received a complimentary gift—Al-Ajmb dents collectively practiced—, proper nutrition mi’s newest book (Arabic) on the market, “181 and regular exercise boost energy levels. Cards to Being an Exceptional Manager.” Of course, lacking the skill to perform a task The Cooperation Club, according to its misbs will result in failure, like the employee who Al-Ajmi said. delivery company in the world, are bold enough sion statement, is “an independent, missionary mistook the shredding machine for the photb Having set a clear goal and acquired the neceb to stick to their dreams despite how irrational organization that aims to raise awareness and tocopier. Reading, listening and mixing with essary skills, it becomes time to take action. they may seem to others. In 1962, while attb reinforce compliance with Islamic principles, people are examples of everyday skill buildeb It may seem obvious, but many people have tending Yale University, Fred wrote a paper for morals, acts of devotion and values among the ers. With their eyes closed, Al-Ajmi asked achievable dreams yet their fear of failure or an economics class; his idea turned into reality students of the American University of Kuwb every student to envision themselves in ten even success, with which comes greater resb nine years later. wait.” The term cooperation refers to helping years’ time, thus illustrating the fourth key to sponsibility, locks their goals behind bars for “Usually, when people receive a call at two one another to benignancy and piety, and is insb success: a broad imagination. “Picturing where life. Others, such as Frederick Smith, founder in the morning, “catastrophe” is the first word spired from Allah’s directive in the Ever-Gloriob you want to be will help you get there quicker,” and CEO of FedEx, the first overnight express that comes to mind.” Always expect the best, ous Qur’an (005:002).

require an atmosphere that future of AUK: accreditation. who are virtually running this Public Speaking Competition is conducive to their intelbl AUK is locally accredited but country, leave, Kuwait will lectual growth. However, the failed to gain recognition by shut down. There is no inbn continued from page 1 exact opposite is taking place the New England Associabt novation and Kuwait’s future in some schools in Kuwait. tion of Schools and Colleges looks bleak at this point. Even at the most prestigious (NEASC). Moreover, Mahdi The winner of the competition institutions of higher edubc brought the shortage of scienbt was Qutaiba Al-Humood, who cation, there are limitations tific research to the forefront. will receive a free class or lapbt that hinder any expansion “Without qualifications, peobp top from the SGA. Congratulatb when students are “supposed ple cannot run this country.” tions, Qutaiba. It’s indeed reassb to be learning everything out In a nutshell, we do not have suring to see student initiatives there.” Next, Mahdi raised a a sound foundation for educabt culminate in events such as this critical point concerning the tion in Kuwait. If the expats, Public Speaking competition. Segregation continued from page 1

of the law. Declaring that a private university the public’s freedom of choice, liberal MPs submb “aims at contributing to the promotion of the goals mitted a draft bill on February 5, 2008 supporting of higher education; in a manner optimally meetbi co-education. This action placed the issue of segrb ing all envisaged society’s developing needs,” the regation in the forefront of Kuwaiti politics and SGA’s Sami Maan and Edmund Eid with spseaker Sulaiman Al-Ateeqi. law attempts to harvest a healthy and productive created a deep rift between the Islamist and liberal morality guides you to utilize means of dreams and Freudbi a downturn when he returned learning environment. The inclusion of Article 6 parties. As a matter of fact, it is one of the main these skills to aid mankind.” In ian slips. Parents in Kuwait do to Kuwait. “Before the Gulf does violence to the sanctity of the educational exbp factors leading to the dissolution of Parliament on his conclusion, Sulaiman apbp not take a significant amount of war,” Mahdi pronounced, perience. Through limiting diversity, segregation March 20, 2008. According to His Highness the pealed to the audience’s emotb time to listen to their sons and “Kuwait was a collective sobc hinders competition, obstructs freedom of expresbs Amir, Sheikh Sabah, his actions were designed tions by describing the dismal daughters. As a result, they find ciety.” The pre-war period had sion and deprives students of a stimulating learnib to safeguard the country from internal turmoil: life of an Iraqi boy whose father other ways to vent their frusbt also been glorious in terms of ing experience that promotes personal growth. In “There is no place in this country for fanaticism or died a few years ago. Despite tration that culminate in eating educational facilities. Afterbw addition, sustaining a pluralistic classroom envirb allegiance to a sect, a tribe or a social class at the the gap this created, he continbu disorders, self-injury, and overba wards, “We became more indb ronment prepares students to thrive in multiculturab cost of the nation.” ued to go to school and worked achievement. Haya briefly expb dividualistic as families were al working settings. Hence, in implementing this As a university of liberal arts, the segregation in the afternoons to support his plained how her friend had been fragmented—we lost a conbn deleterious decree, educational institutes will no law undermines some of the stated goals of the ill mother and provide for his bulimic for four years “because nection that needs to be swiftlb longer play a prominent and dynamic role in the American University of Kuwait. Even though family—at only nine years of she did not know how to exbp ly reestablished.” The 1970s socialization of young citizens. AUK aspires to foster a “strong and diverse” learnbi age. press a feeling.” Eventually, her and 80s witnessed an upsurge Not only does segregation communicate a profb ing atmosphere that upholds “equal opportunity,” The next speaker, Haya Al- blood potassium levels rose to in the number of Kuwaiti stubd found mistrust in Kuwaiti youth, but it is a potent segregation will affect the quality of education Qassar, presented herself with dangerous levels and she died. dents going to study abroad. threat to the growing influence of women in socb students receive. In fact, it will dramatically alter enthusiasm and spoke with a Self-injury is also quite regular Presently, there is a shortba ciopolitical affairs of the country. In reality, it is classroom dynamics and create obstacles for the palpable sense of patriotism in Kuwaiti society but goes by age of qualified teachers and one of many various laws that could potentially registration process. While a liberal arts education towards her country. She apbp unnoticed. Lastly, Haya spoke many lack the proper ethics to lead to the gradual alienation of women from the promotes critical thinking and self-discovery by proached the question by diggb of overachievers like herself, teach because they were never liberal sectors of society and the business commubn exposing students to inter-disciplinary perspecbt ging deep into the mental who constantly feel the need trained. Public schools are nity. Before ratifying the segregation decree, Parlb tives and a wide range of activities, segregation constructs and psychological to perfect themselves to fit into known to employ authoritarian liament passed a bill in 2007 banning women from instills hypocritical indoctrinations, breeds passb misfortunes of Kuwaiti youth. Kuwaiti society and gain social teachers who do not promote certain vocations that are considered difficult and sive attitudes and advocates censorship. She argued that Kuwaiti adobl acceptance. Striving for perfecbt a free-thinking environment unsuitable for their gender such as industrial work The aggressive debate of segregation in the edubc lescents wait for opportunities tion often leads to poor mental and do not respect students as and forbade them from working beyond 8 pm. In cational institutions of Kuwait is but a symptom to come their way—a form of and physical health and fear of individuals. Having adopted a society where women aspire to join the ranks of of an underlying disease that has become prevabl nepotism. Furthermore, restricbt failure. a hands-off policy, the goveb men in holding parliamentary seats, segregation lent within Kuwaiti society; the disease being a tions are often placed on them The final speaker was Mahdb ernment has not intervened. presents itself as a great impediment since it enfb lack of trust and tolerance. If one lives in a counbt that suppress their ability to exbp di Al-Own, who articulated Elementary instructors firmly forces rigid tribal values that strongly oppose the try or region that is as diverse as the Middle East, press. “Repression,” Haya expb his points with dynamism believe that nothing should emancipation of women. then compromises are a must and a middle ground plained, “is a mental process— and vitality. Having lived in hold the child back, not even Although this statute has not yet been fully should be sought. For even if a single mentality taking thoughts and forgetting the United States for most learning disabilities. At high implemented, it has awakened the public to the were to enforce its ideologies upon everyone else, them.” Consequently, they of his educational career, he school, students undergo Islamist party’s growing authority. In an attempt sooner or later this will be met with resistance, or find their way to the surface by saw that education had taken changes in their mentality and to protect private educational facilities and defend worse, retaliation. NEWS The Voice of AUK 3 May, 2008 On the Way to the Chateau Portalès

Division of Business Led by tour coordinator, interesting lectures by Ann of the scrap steel to the prodb Germany and visiting the first dia market and is the second wenty American Univerbs Ms. Wiltrud Rösler (Willi), Zedler, Director of Strasbourg duction of steel wire coils. parliamentary building the largest software producer (aftb Tsity of Kuwait Business the AUK students spent the University on “Cultural Divb The group journeyed on Paulskirche. The group also ter SAP) in Germany. Even Majors spent their Spring next morning touring the versity” and Dr. Gregory Owcb Tuesday to Mannheim where visited the house of one of more surprising is the fact that Break 2008 traveling to Germb Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle. carz on “European Business they toured John Deere and Germany’s most famous men employees spend their entire many and France for a 10 day Built in the 12th century, the Ethics,” followed by a bus- saw the complete assembly of letters, Johann Wolfgang first year at the company in exploration of finance and Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle ride into Strasbourg to join line of that company’s secob von Goethe. training. The technology is so commercial operations in Eurb was the residence of members Catherine Mog for a guided ond largest, but most modern, From there it was on to Stuttgb complex and mistakes so costlb rope. At the same time, as Libeb of the Habsburg dynasty and tour of the Historical Museum assembly plant. Lunch was gart and the Mercedes-Benz ly that only fully trained empb eral Arts students, they made the German emperor Wilhelm and back to the Chateau for a eaten in Heidelberg and the museum with its examples of ployees are allowed out into sure to take in many cultural II. Disneyworld’s Cinderella BBQ. afternoon spent walking in vehicles from the invention the field, and proper training activities which are an integb castle could not compare with On Monday the group was pleasant rain round the castle of the automobile to the latest takes a minimum of a year. gral part of the commercial That afternoon, the group took lives of their European countb part in a special lecture given by terparts. Prof. Dr. Sangmeister of the facub The trip was the result of a ulty of Heidelberg on “Projectb decision by the American Unibv tions for the Global Economy versity of Kuwait’s Administb until 2020.” The talk was folbl tration to approve the idea of lowed by a class discussion with adding practical experience students from Heidelberg about of the work of multinational prospects for the future in which companies and the people many different perspectives who work for them, to the theob were explored on what would oretical studies taken up in the happen over the next 12 years. classroom. AUK’s aspiring business men After an early morning and women had the opportunity flight to Frankfurt, the twenty to study, create and explore the AUK students were welcomed world of commerce and finance by Citigroup where two recb outside Kuwait. They got the cent finance graduates from chance to see technologies not their Corporate Communicatb yet deployed in Kuwait and to tions division explained what AUK business majors strike a pose in front of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. realize how young Kuwaitis Citigroup were doing in corpb this fantastic fortification. unable to visit General Mobt and the town ending up at the visions of the next generation are held back by, for example, porate banking. They then led In the afternoon the studb tors as planned, but GM did Ibis hotel where the remainder of motor vehicles. Then a tour out-of-date Internet service the group to the bank’s trading dents discovered the Ecomusb send its Chief Engineer who of the stay in Germany was of the Daimler AG production and underdeveloped industry. floor to witness and have expb sée d’Alsace, the largest open showed a film describing the spent. facilities to see the test track, They also witnessed the beneb plained transactions in structb air museum in Europe with assembly of drive shafts for Wednesday morning saw a and learn all about the powertb efits of discipline, environmentb tured investment credits. its fully operational homes, special vehicles. They moved visit to the German Stock Exbc train of Mercedes cars being tal cleanliness, the absence of The group then traveled by barns, and workshops which on to Badische Stahlwerke change in Frankfurt, a modern assembled on the spot. piles of rubble, magnificent bus to Strasbourg and had a provide an authentic measure Gmbh (BSW) the most prodb bourse which uses the Xetra On Friday, the students visib architecture, and so much pride walking tour led by guide, of 19th century rural life in Albs ductive electric steel plant in computer trading platform, ited Heidelberger Druckmascb in maintaining natural countb Catherine Mog, before arrivib sace. Then in the evening they the world where, after viewib the world’s most efficient systb chingen and took a tour of the try landscapes. Now back in ing at the Chateau de Pourtb enjoyed a traditional meal as ing a short film, the students tem for electronic securities Print Media Academy. They Kuwait, these students have a talès (where they stayed for guests at the “Le Marronier” donned safety shoes and protb trading. The afternoon was discovered that Heidelberger better understanding of the possb 5 nights) in time for a French restaurant. tective wear to tour the compb spent discovering the history Druckmaschingen commands sibilities for development in cuisine dinner. Day 3 began with really plete process from the landing of elections and parliament in 40% of the world print medb Kuwait over the next 12 years.

Al-Suwaidan’s Personal History of Kuwait

By Nur Soliman would develop students’ charba of these “markers” with ease al-Suwaidan says with a gentle efore a good number of acters. and interesting detail, tying smile, “and this shows that a Binterested AUK students Al-Suwaidan proposed to them into the development of Kuwaiti can be a good example and some Social Sciences facbu discuss briefly the last 60 Kuwait in all its fascinating if he works hard, maintains high ulty sat a modest, unassuming years of Kuwait’s history, and twists and turns. For instance, ethics, and helps others,” thus man of about fifty-odd years, his role in that history as “a Al-Suwaidan discussed with eradicating any negative stereobt dressed neatly in a white dishbd student, a pilot, a leader, and warmth Abdullah Al-Salem’s types that people may have surrb dasha and flowing ghutra. Invb a citizen.” “Kuwait, as you excellence in spearheading exbp rounding these citizens. Professor Raymond Farrin and his students at the Al-Babtain Poetry Library. vited by Kuwait’s Alpha chaptb know, is small,” Al-Suwaidan pansion of Kuwait by buying This is one of the things that ter of the Pi Gamma Mu honor remarked, “small in geograbp the land within the First Ring Al-Suwaidan believes marks Students Visit Poetry Treasure Trove society to give “Advice For phy, population, and we’re Road at astonishing prices; today’s youth as different: he the Next Generation of Kubw about 300 years old, like the how he helped to develop the explains, that they have been By Fay R. Al-Basheer waiti Leadership” and discuss United States.” Al-Suwaidan nation’s infrastructure and fosbt born and brought up with great reading and e-search areas, and his life within modern Kuwaiti noted that one cannot compare ter real interest in education abundance of commodities and group of AUK’s female a reference desk. history, he spoke calmly, with different generations—his and establishing many schools, services—air conditioning, A students made a visit to The second floor is unique in excellent, flowing English, imbm ours—since “each generation most notably the Shuweikh cars, computers, different foods, Al-Babtain Central Library for that it accommodates rare and mediately drawing ease from is marked with something” Secondary School, now part of facilities, books, and so on—so Arabic Poetry with their Arabic valuable manuscripts and pubbl the audience. The man was Sabb that distinguishes it, usually as KU’s campus. He also encourab much so that they may have bebc professor, Dr. Raymond Farrin, lications. ber al-Suwaidan, retired Majb a function of the circumstancbe aged parents to send their childb come numb to the real privilege on Saturday 26th April. They Finally, the third floor is jor General of the Kuwaiti Air es that mark these stretches of dren to school by ensuring that of having these things. were welcomed by a female where the library administrabt Force, former Iraqi invasion time. Some such “markers of the schools offered free meals, Once Al-Suwaidan had conbc supervisor who showed them tion and staff offices are, which prisoner-of-war, and currently history,” as Al-Suwaidan put it, equipment, clothes, and books, cluded his eloquent talk, inqb around the place. mainly work to meet the probf a board member on the Advibs were 1940s with Kuwait’s first and employed excellent expabt quisitive students poured forth From the outside, the library fessional, technical, and adminib sory Council for Development export of oil; the 1950s where triate teachers from Egypt, Jorbd a series of intelligent, curiob looks like an open book and is istrative needs of the library. and Planning. the late Sheikh Abdullah Al- dan, Syria, and Palestine; “the ous questions related to many composed of four floors. According to its website, the Al-Suwaidan’s career is an Salem fostered a middle class best teachers producing the things, such as Al-Suwaidan’s The ground floor is designed library was established in 2005 illustrious one, having served in Kuwait and brought educabt best of students.” experience in Iraq, his opinion to give it a practical and dybn as the world’s first library bspec as a fighter pilot until 1992 in tion to great levels; 1961 saw Al-Suwaidan also stressed the on the importance of freedom, namic character that enables cializing in Arabic poetry. Its the KAF for 34 years, and as Kuwait achieve independence importance of values and work discipline, emphasis on educabt both movement and reading. It founder and owner, poet Abdubl Chief Commander until 1998. and greater strength; the 70s ethics “which, of course, are still tion, women in the air force, and includes a main hall, multi-purbp laziz Saud Al-Babtain, wanted it From 1998-2000 he was a Spebc where wealth was flourishing; good but have changed” he notbe national security. Al-Suwaidan pose hall, audio-visual room, to serve Arabic poetry and probt cial Advisor to the Minister of the 80s which were marked by ed diplomatically. For instance, answered all these with skill and internet room, photocopying tect the talent involved in poetry, Defense, after which he retired the Iraq-Iran war; the 1990s after returning from military adroitness, thoroughly enlightbe center, Diwaniya, café, and both classical and modern. from public service. He exbp which saw the Iraqi invasion training in the U.S. where he ening students and making them prayer room. The library is next to The plained that he was pleased to and subsequent liberation of had to work for over 17 hours a eager to learn more. Al-Suwaidab An ideal reading corner and Grand Mosque and the Minisbt be in an environment such as Kuwait; and finally, the currb day, he promised himself that he an was also kind enough to donb optimal place for preparing try of Planning in the heart of AUK that fostered real interest rent decade, wherein the world would maintain such determinabt nate copies of his book on the research and studies, the first Kuwait City. It is open to visibt in the community and learnbi has seen the collapse of Sadbd tion and diligence in his work, history of the KAF, the only one floor is characterized with wide tors Saturdays through Wednesdb ing, a place from which he was dam Hussein’s regime and the and encouraged his young pilots of its kind, to the AUK Library, windows that offer picturesque days from 8:30 am-1:00 pm and proud to have his son graduate, events that have ensued. to reach the squadron base by thus further extending his generbo views of the Arabian Gulf. It 4:30-9:00 pm, as well as Thursdb and a place that he believed Al-Suwaidan discussed each 6:30 am. “Yes, they were good,” ous sharing of knowledge. includes Arabic poetry books, day mornings. The Voice of AUK NEWS Volume 4, Issue 6 4 Rediscovering a Lost Literary Tradition

Scenes from Hooda Qaddumi’s theatrical adaptation of tenth-century allegorical fable “Beware” at the Lothan Youth Activity Center. By Nuha Al-Fadli play masterfully interweaved members. The beautifully desb mance, the cast of “Beware” for his poetry and adventurob collaborated with Vanessa n May 3rd, the Shamiya elements of pop and contempb signed costumes contributed demonstrated the potential ous life. In fact, Antara’s poeb Hodgkinson, a British artib O Theater was transformed porary culture to revive this greatly to the overwhelming of youth drama as creative etry is well preserved in the ist, to illustrate the book into a battle ground between neglected tale. sense of magical realism. For outlet that builds young peopb Mu’allaqat or The Suspended with a series of color plates animal species and the humb The play is broached with instance, rather than adherib ple’s self-confidence, social Odes which is a collection of of original Persian ceramic man race during a spectaculb an artistic and musical prebs ing to conventional depictb skills and expands their horizb the greatest poems produced tiles. By merging a simple, lar musical performance. sentation of the animal’s tions of the jinn, the artistic zons. Although it is a strong during the pre-Islamic era, yet powerful collection of Through a unique blend of serene island. Even though costume designer managed testament to the rising geneb as a testament to his genius. verses with striking photogb Islamic folklore, traditional dialogue is not utilized in the to create an abstract represb eration’s talents and capacitb “The life of Antara combb graphs, Hooda successfully Kuwaiti music, jazz, pop and initial scene, the principal sentation of the supernatural ties, “Beware” represented bines all the elements of a creates an appealing work even the Lebanese debkha, characters introduce themsb creatures. Through the use something much greater for great story,” asserted Hoodb that resonates with readers the talented young cast of selves in a creative sequence of masks and black gowns Hooda Qaddumi. Her collb da. “It introduces children of various ages. Lothan Youth Activity Center of solo and collective dance imprinted with eye patterns, laboration with LoYAC’s to important themes such as After experiencing the (LoYAC) managed to bring performances. Unfortunatelb the costumes effectively incb Drama Club is simply one of chivalry, bravery and racial success of “Beware,” Hooda to life Hooda Qaddumi’s theab ly, however, the idyllic peace corporated Islamic mytholob her many efforts to inspire discrimination.” Hence, not wishes to publish another atrical adaptation of a tenth is tragically shattered with ogy to give the Jinn an omnb youths to rediscover their only does this story engage book for children based on century Arabic allegorical the arrival of humankind. niscient presence. As for neglected Islamic and Arabic children’s imagination, but it “The Case of the Animals fable, “Beware.” Although Shipwrecked after a violent the animals, their costumes literary tradition. acquaints youths to their cultb vs. Man.” She is planning the production was a visual storm, the new settlers begin consisted of detailed headdb Hooda is an award winning ture’s artistic achievements to weave a collection of feast and an entertaining expb to desecrate the harmony and dresses and matching attires. writer and a distinguished and influence in a direct and zoomorphic calligraphy, a perience for the audience, its balance of the natural world In addition, since the cast member of the AUK communb creative manner. form of script used to create ability to raise awareness, by hunting and domesticatib of six humans embody the nity. She is currently teachib While her first attempt at animal shapes, into her new communicate relevant messb ing the animals. Enraged by larger family of humanity, ing English as a Second Langb writing for children might book. In her next endeavor, sages, and engage young audb humanity’s hostility and oppb they were dressed in an array guage at Kuwait University have inspired her daughter, the aspiring writer wishes diences with a forgotten classb pression, the natural inhabib of cultural attire to highlight and is studying English liteb Hooda’s second book caught to “merge the visual aspect sical tale ensured the success itants revolt and plead their the negative facets of human erature in AUK. It is through the attention children of divb of something that is cultural of the performance. case to the wise King of nature like greed, arrogance her experience as an educatb verse backgrounds. In fact, and combine it with a medb This musical adaptation is the Jinn. After convening a and intolerance that are untb tor that Hooda awakened to she recieved the Sheikh Zayb dieval piece of literature in inspired by the work of Ikhbw council of Jinn, the King decb tamed by cultural tradition. the flaws of Arabic teachib yed Book Award for “The order to appeal to readers wan Al-Safa (The Brethren cides to hold a formal court Not only did the costumes ing methods. Unlike English Bird’s Journey to Mount today.” of Purity), a mysterious orgb for the disputing parties to give each order of creature which engages students’ creab Qaf.” Following the Medieb Even though her children’s ganization of Arab Muslim present their positions formb an air of artistic distinction, ativity through interactive eval tradition of Kalilah wa books are gradually being philosophers of esoterica in mally and democratically. but it added to the elegance projects, discussions, analysb Dimnah or Panchatantra, recognized for wide appb Basra, Iraq which was then By engaging in a compelling and fluidity of the actors’ indb sis and presentations, the Arab Hooda allows a contemporb peal, Hooda does not simply the seat of the Abbasid Calb clash of wits, the animals dividual dances. abic authoritarian classroom rary audience to relive a tale rely on her writing to reach liphate. Their theories are successfully indict humanity The visual images created promotes memorization ratheb of self-discovery that is narrb the young generation. Durib expounded in an epistolary of arrogance and cruelty. In on stage are an integral combp er than critical thinking. This rated in the tongue of birds. ing her collaboration with style in the Encyclopedia of an effort to reconcile the two ponent of any live performb rigid and traditional method Based on the twelfth century LoYAC, Hooda wrote three the Brethren of Purity, an factions, the prudent King mance and the lighting not of teaching grammar, dictatb Persian allegorical tale, “The plays for the organization’s extensive and highly inflube decrees that humanity should only illuminates, but sets tion, calligraphy and reading Conference of the Birds” by Drama Club. As a matter of ential compendium of fifty acknowledge its responsibilib the overall ambiance. When as isolated entities kills the the Sufi poet Farid ud-Din fact, she would like to see two epistles. LoYAC’s prodb ity towards the environment combined with the sound effb value of Arabic literature and Attar, “The Bird’s Journey AUK heeding LoYAC’s exab duction is based on a fable and treat the animals sensibb fects, costumes and acting, deters students from appreciab to Mount Qaf” chronicles ample by offering various in the twenty second epistle bly. the effective lighting allb ating and enjoying the langb the arduous journey of thirtb workshops that link Arab of the encyclopedia titled, While the plot is rather lowed the audience to fully guage. This sparked Hooda’s ty birds as they cross seven youths with their heritage “The Case of the Animals vs. simple, the costumes, lightbi immerse themselves in the interest in reviving Arabic valleys to find the secret outside the sphere of religb Man.” However, to appeal to ing, choreography and the fictitious and eerie magical literature and in restoring an land of Simorgh. Lead by gious dogma. In working modern audiences, the writer joint effort of the cast attb realm. appeal and understanding of a hoopoe, the birds’ philosb directly with young people, and director of the bilingual tracted a myriad of audience Through their fine performb fusha, classical Arabic. “We sophical quest serves as an Hooda wishes to send the don’t invest enough in our allegory for a Sufi master message that learning the tradition and heritage. It’s leading his disciples to the Arabic language is not as All submissions must be apbp Copyright © 2007 just as exciting as anything path of enlightenment. To difficult as it seems, and it proved by the Editorial Board, The Voice of AUK you’d read in the west.” accentuate the profundity of can in fact be an enjoyable in keeping with the Editorial By utilizing storytelling as her rhyming stanzas, Hooda and fulfilling experience. Policy. The Voice of AUK offb The Voice of AUK is publb a teaching tool, Hooda manba The news by students, for students. fers no guarantee that any lished in ten monthly issues ages to introduce the young submission will be published. from September through June, generation to prominent Editorial Board To be considered for publicb on or about the 15th of the Arab figures and literary cation in the Voice, submissb month, and in a single issue works through integrating Dina El-Zohairy sions for a given issue must be for the months of July and Aubg them into children’s stories. Fatmah Hussain Al-Qadfan received no later than the 10th gust. Special non-news suppb In fact, she states, “There’s Nur Soliman of the month in which the issb plements are published from very little Arabic literature Farah Al-Shamali sue is to appear. time to time. for children: nothing like Walah Al-Sabah The views expressed in op- For advertising information, Philip Pullman, Jacqueline Nuha Al-Fadli ed columns do not necessarily send email to [email protected]. Wilson or J K Rowling.” reflect those of the Voice of kw. The advertising deadline The first book she wrote was AUK nor those of the Americb for regular issues is the 10th dedicated to her daughter, “a Opinion and Editorial Policy can University of Kuwait. of each month. The Editorial horse enthusiast.” To familib All submissions become Board reserves the right to iarize her daughter with the The Voice of AUK welcb property of the Voice of AUK. accept or reject any adverbt literature and cultural contb comes contributions from all The Editorial Board reserves the tisement. Opinions expressed tribution of Arab and Islamic registered students, faculty and right to edit all material, includbi in advertisements do not necbe civilization, Hooda weaved staff members of the American ing for grammar, spelling, style essarily reflect those of the an enchanting tale about University of Kuwait. Subbm and clarity. Writers have the Voice of AUK nor those of horses with the historical missions must be emailed to right to withdraw submissions the American University of legacy of ‘Antara Ibn Shaddb [email protected]. at any time prior to publication. Kuwait. dad al-’Absi, a pre-Islamic Arab hero and poet famous OPINIONS & EDITORIALS The Voice of AUK 5 May, 2008 Dutch Demogogue Leads New Wave of Islamophobia

By Dina El-Zohairy wartime, not daily life. Between Does every imam necessarily communities or sects is wrong, ing the well-known fact that Islam his like tend to underestimate. t’s been over 1400 years, yet the verses are images from terrb think or speak correctly? If they as is the assumption that every is an integral part of a Muslim’s Ignoring Wilders and his goveb Iuntil the right-wing Dutch rorist attacks and statements did, we wouldn’t be consulting follower of Islam is a living exab identity. What a hypocrite. ernment’s policies, the only concb politician Geert Wilders (pronb made by frustrated imams, as if the Qur’an and sunnah regularly ample of the religion. Prophet The media should have purely cern is that many non-Muslims nounced Kheert) came along no putting the verse in practice. and would’ve simply copied Muhammad is the primary refbe ignored him, at least until the will continue to be brainwashed religious scholar had been able It is clear that Wilders made present-day imams. Islam calls erence on how a Muslim should movie had materialized. Howeb into thinking that Islam is an to enlighten Muslims about the no reference to an interpretative for a moderate lifestyle, but peopb conduct his life because he was ever, his movie was given intensb evil religion and that Muslims “real face of Islam.” Or so he source of the Qur’an in making ple are made to forget that extb guided by Allah. sive media coverage long before spend their free time scheming believes. the claim that certain verses of tremists exist in every religion, I sensed feelings of jealousy, it was launched. His popularity bomb attacks on trains, not becb According to The Observie the Qur’an incite Muslims to be not just Islam. alarm, and unrest on Wilders’ will encourage other desperate cause Wilders is smart or right, er, Wilders’ 15-minute movie terrorists, by today’s definition. Furthermore, the movie dispb part towards the growing numbb attention-seekers to do the same but simply because they allow Fitna (Arabic word meaning He is merely repeating what othbe plays gruesome pictures of femb ber of Muslims worldwide, but and fitna will then prevail. I’m the media to shoot Islamophobic “sedition” or “trials and tribulb ers have said in a more offensive, male genital mutilation as well especially in Europe and Hollb sure Muslims can think for bullets into their brain. lations that test one’s faith”) is attention-grabbing manner. as Shiites, who beat themselves land, where more mosques are themselves and should have the The contradictions surroundib the outcome of a crash course Statistically speaking, can five during the annual Ashura festb being built and Muslim immibg full “freedom” to pick their religb ing the movie and its maker are in Qur’anic study—a futile attb verses possibly offer an accubr tival that commemorates the grants welcomed. He ultimately gion and stick to it whether otheb too many to cover here and too tempt to establish credibility. It rate picture of Islam, when the martyrdom of Hussein, Prophet wants to outlaw the Qur’an, halt ers like it or not. trivial to discuss anywhere; I am was published on the Internet towb Qur’an consists of 6236 verses, Muhammad’s grandson. immigration from Muslim counbt I actually feel sorry for Wilders, merely exercising my critical wards the end of March 2008 aftb supplemented by the Prophet’s Clearly, Wilders has not done tries, and deport Dutch Muslims who made it onto the black list of thinking skills while attempting ter no Dutch TV stations would substantial collection of sayings his homework. There is no menbt after stripping them of their citibz extremists in vain. All the movie to shed light on more important agree to broadcast it. and tradition? tion of those practices in the two zenship—as if doing so would will do is widen the cultural gap furtb questions: How long will Islam In brief, the movie highlights The imams, as far as I’m conbc pillars which form the basis of stop Islam from spreading or ther; but it will also push Muslims continue to be attacked by the five deliberate, out-of-context cerned, are incorrectly portraybi Islam. There is a clear distinction make Muslims reject their faith. to learn more about their religion worthy and not? And what will verses from the Ever-Glorious ing Islam and generating hate on between tradition and religion. Despite his strong anti-Muslb to be able to respond to people like it take for Muslims to become Qur’an that are recited in Arabic. all fronts, when a call for coexib To hold Islam responsible for lim sentiments, Wilders claims to Wilders based on a sound knowleb constructive doers as opposed to Four of them actually relate to istence is what’s really needed. the traditions of certain Muslim “hate Islam, not Muslims,” ignorib edge—a reverse effect Wilders and offended watchers? An Open Message to Sally Kern Kuwaiti Elections: What’s in Store?

By Walah Al-Sabah have taught her to be politically correct, to respect By Farah Al-Shamali average of seven messages a day about candidate speeches. n the March of this year, a woman by the name of people of other beliefs and sexual orientations. And ith the dissolving of the Kuwaiti parliament comes It gets frustrating. Sadly, I can no longer fully trust any candidb ISally Kern appeared in the mediaout of nowhere. finally, she is the spouse of a pastor. Senator Kern, Wan arduous electoral process that is both time-conbs date. I may come close, but I always retain a sense of doubt. A Republican in the Oklahoma House of Represenbt where is your common sense? Where is your polb suming and dynamic. Although the majority of the Kuwb In this day and age, it is hard to find unselfish people who tatives, this woman made headlines by condemnib litical correctness and tolerance? Or did that B.A waiti population look upon it with optimism, I frankly do will work for their countries without expecting anything in ing homosexuality, which she believes is a factor in Sociology teach you nothing about respecting not. What with the frequent political blunders committed return. in making societies disappear. She considers it as people of other lifestyles and beliefs? by the Kuwaiti parliament, I have long since lost faith in We have all been pulled in by false promises and are more dangerous than Islam, which by the way, she Sally Kern’s statement appears to be nothing our government. Kuwaiti parliamentary candidates all doomed to suffer the consequences. The youth of Kuwait also sees as a “big threat”. The purpose of this artb more than a profit-oriented attempt to further her share an innate characteristic: they speak eloquently and suffers most in this case as our liberal ideals clash with consb ticle is not to defend either. Rather, my aim is to career in politics by condemning certain people. vocalize anxieties felt by the Kuwaiti public but are of servative ones held by these candidates. No matter how we stress how a person such as Sally Kern, who is a Nor should idiotic, narrow-minded, and ethnocb no use when it comes to implementation. They all claim exemplify our viewpoint, it will always be categorized as chair of Social Services, Education, Common Educb centric statements be dignified with a response. to know what is best for our country and would sooner insufficient and damaging. We cannot allow them to feed cation, and Human Services committees, could say However, I just wanted to take a moment and ackb stand against someone else’s viewpoint than find common these ideas into our minds, making us feel worthless. We are such a thing. Moreover, the woman is the wife of knowledge who this person is and what her mere ground from which to initiate groundbreaking movements the future of this nation and we must take charge of it before Steve Kern, a pastor of the Oliver Baptist Church, a four sentence statement says about her intolerant for the betterment of Kuwaiti society. Regrettably, avarice it falls in the hands of those that will lead to its demise. person is licensed to conduct religious worship, and personality. Generalizations, political incorrectness often prevails and steers the ship into raging waters. Voters I also predict that Kuwaiti women will not receive ample one of whose duties is to respect other religions. It and intolerance should not be the attributes of a themselves are also to blame for the governmental corruptb representation. Even when they do make it to parliament, is also noteworthy that Mrs. Kern has a Bachelor of person with her occupation in life. She should have tion in Kuwait. Instead of voting for candidates based on there is some sort of conspiracy that seeks to strip them of Arts in Sociology from the University of Texas. been the pinnacle of those three attributes: a politicb their merits and competence, they chose members of their their rightfully deserved status. Kuwaiti women need to be Wait a minute. The woman is a member in the cian, a pastor’s wife, and finally, a degree-holder in own tribes whether they is fit for the job or not. I do not empowered if this country is to enjoy human development. House of Representatives of the state of Oklahobm the field of Sociology. want to appear redundant for I am sure that we are all famb I speak with the voice of every Kuwaiti when I demb ma; she is married to a pastor; and she has a B.A If those three facts did not help her in becoming miliar with this unfortunate state of affairs. mand change from the core. I don’t know where these in Sociology, a field which is founded on the idea an open-minded person, I’m not sure if this article Yet again, the parliament has been dissolved beckoning elections are taking us but all we can do for the time of adopting a professional neutrality towards religb will. Nevertheless, a copy shall be sent to Mrs. the arrival of another wave of elections. It is incredible the being is wait and see. For now, I will remain an obsb gions, traditions, and lifestyles of all societies. She Kern’s email and any response will appear in a subsb amount of money put into the campaign funds of these candb server of Kuwaiti politicians, watching them from a is a politician, which is an occupation that should sequent issue. didates. I am certain that every Kuwaiti citizen receives an distance, and noting down their many flaws. Flirts, Gossips, and Divorcées: Arabic Women on TV

By Walah Al-Sabah villages, and in particular, those brilliant and worth being seen, abic Gulf programs make me feel opinion reinforced by watching did something wrong. As my eldom do I watch the televisb of women and their daughters. and denouncing it for its portb personally insulted as a daughter these intrinsically misogynistic father’s daughter, I feel offendeb Ssion. I might be branded as One woman was divorced from trayal of daughters and mothers and a woman. I have to change programs. Of course, not all Arab ed. As my brother’s sister, I feel the “book” person or “documentb her husband and went to live and women in general as either the channel or switch the televisb abs are like that. Actually, I persb offended. As a possible mother tary” person. And to be frank, with her brothers. The brothers flirtatious, divorced, gossipers, sion off altogether, as exaggerateb sonally believe that it is rare that in the future, I feel offended. In I am happy that I do not watch don’t want their sister to go back or dissenters of society. ed as it seems, to take a moment both genders think that women reality, I have the respect of my some of the series that have becb to her husband unless he does so To add fuel to the fire, all I to absorb the media madness that ought to be treated this way. I male relatives, and I walk with come so prevalent in the Arab and so. Her daughter is in love have to do is switch the channel is going on. Not only are women commend most of my Arabic my father, brother or cousin World, and in particular, serb with a man, but cannot marry to another Gulf program where a portrayed in such a negative way brothers and sisters for believib in the same row, never behind ries that portray daughters, and him, because the father of her mother is pushing and beating her in Arabic programs, but also in ing that women ought not to be them. I am not less human than women generally, as weak, secob potential suitor does not want his daughter because a man broke books. treated this way. In fact, it is one my male counterparts, and I am ond-class humans who are either son to marry a girl whose mother into the house while the daughter Some might argue that the of many chivalrous attitudes of blessed with an understanding beaten or married off. is divorced. The woman’s other was by herself. The mother, insb condescending portrayal in the Arabic man that he not lay a father who loves and respects During Ramadan, there was daughter did nothing but peak in stead of being kind and compassb some—and I stress the word hand on a woman. Why this is so his daughter and a brother who one program only that I used to a window, and was beaten by her sionate with her terrified daughtb some—Arabic programs actually is open to debate, but not in this reveres and appreciates his eldb watch regularly, to the point that father and dragged by her hair. ter who is shaking from tears, serves women. The rationale of article. I simply deem it shamefb der sister. But when I see how I used to rush home from universb There are many such incidents. screams at her daughter “Did he this argument is these programs ful that people around the world daughters, sisters, and mothers sity in order to see it. That progb I am a notorious feminist in touch you?!” So much for motheb are using reverse psychology: might turn on an Arabic channel, are portrayed in some programs, gram, shall I say, was and still is this university—at least that is erhood; so much for soothing that viewers will realize that it is and by chance, see a scene where I feel threatened—not because I in my opinion the best of the best. what I’ve heard people say—, but your shaken daughter, hugging wrong to treat their wives, daughtb a female is treated in such a mannb am subjected to such treatment, However, its portrayal of daughtb at the same time I am not so obsb her or even kissing her while ters, and sisters in such a manner ner. The media should aim to but because as an Arabic womba ters was what sickened me. I undb sessed with feminism that I cannb she’s in shock. I can understand and stop doing it. I shall admit rectify the image, not worsen it. an—not matter how westernib derstand the fact that this series not enjoy a movie or a program the father pushing his daughter that there may be some validity Sorry to say, but some of the Arabb ized—I fall into a category that was somewhat historical fiction, which portrays daughters and around in the house and grabbing to this argument, yet there will bic programs do just the latter. some programs characterize as which portrayed how a certain women as objects whose bodies her by her arms when he learned always be those who “just don’t I strongly disapprove of the nothing more than a tool or an Arabic country used to be durib are transgressed by their fathers, that a man had broken into the get it”. In other words, a person way women are treated in some object of men, worthy only of ing the days of colonization. The husbands or brothers. To tell the house—although the father’s actb who believes in beating up his Arabic programs. It is as if I am being beaten up. To conclude, program mostly centered on the truth, my soul was torn between tion is not right either—but the wife, daughter, or sister to “keep being made to feel that I ought let us be careful in this case that stories of different people in the acknowledging this program as mother? Frankly, some of the Arab her in her place”, might have his to be treated that way if I ever life not imitate art. The Voice of AUK THE ARTS Volume 4, Issue 6 6

Desert Cats Jazz Band of Kuwait – 2nd Annual Concert

By Nur Soliman sponse sequence between Powers and young Nick Thelonius Monk composition, “Round Midnight,” much-clapped for encore of Count Basie’s “April hough Jazz Appreciation Month, highlighted Kenrick; and “American Patrol” which would was played with sensitivity towards the avant- in Paris.” Powers was true to his word when he Tby the Gulf Jazz Festival, was over by the end have done credit to any Glenn Miller tribute with garde era, with the slow balanced, almost Ellingbt said that they would play it “á la Basie” as the of April, Kuwait’s jazz scene continued into May their faithfully tonian chords sparkling yet soft trumpets and lovely muted with the 2nd Annual concert of Kuwait’s own big 1939 Swing h i g h l i g h t e d trombones contrasted against the loud saxophones band, the now 2-year-old, 14-member Desert Cats spirit, as well with a beautibf was perfectly Basie, as was Don Graybiel’s spare, Jazz Band. Initially led by bassist Mike Khayat as the swift, ful, evocative almost rag-like piano chords, high, cheerful, and and clarinetist Donald Lee, the talented band is r u m b l i n g , solo by trombb perfectly measured. Indeed, so delighted were now headed by alto saxophonist Bob “Cannonbb jungle-Swing bonist Mike both audience and band, both viewer and performbe ball” Powers, and delivered a brilliant performb of Ellington’s Kempster, and er, that the encore was repeated 3 times with such mance on the evening of May 5th at the American flawless “Carba a fast, cheery passionate fervor, each ending more breathtaking International School. Though the audience was avan.” Another be-bop endbi than the previous. a good deal smaller than last year’s, they were a “favorite of our ing swelling It was pleasing to note that for a (small) big band dedicated one, and their enjoyment was evident Desert Cats out with near in a small country, the Desert Cats Jazz Band had from their wholeheartedly positive response to library” was c a c o p h o n i c already developed their own pleasing distinctive each piece played. This year’s concert was as the ever thrillbi chords. style, which survived strongly up until tonight and varied in its selection as last year’s, from Swing ing “It Don’t Other pieces which would surely have been on par with older classics, to avant-garde jazz, from favorite tunes Mean a Thing were more of bands. At any rate, it thoroughly pleased the audieb to well-known 60s melodies. [If It Ain’t Got the bossa nova ence with that originality, which one may say is Among the pieces played were some eternal that Swing]” Kuwait’s Desert Cats jazz band performs at AIS. i n c l i n a t i o n , the essence of Jazz in its unpredictability and sparkb favorites like “Stomping at the Savoy” made famb sped up to an energetic pace which was altogether such as a Desert Cats favorite, energetic “Salsa kling innovation. Indeed, most audience members mous by Benny Goodman and Chick Webb. The unusual and perfectly delightful. Another was the Amigo” or “One Note Samba” with its soft, Latin were vocal in their hopes of attending perhaps a piece was played with robust cheeriness and a sort incomparable “Blue Skies” played with rightfully piano chords and elegant drum beat keeping the third annual concert for Kuwait’s promising big of bright, swelling brass perhaps more familiar to passionate bursts of brass, and not accompanied easy trumpets in frame, almost like a big-band- band. Many may think that the arts and music mid-20th century Jazz than Goodman and Chick by Sinatra, of course, but spelled out by the saxopb rendition of a Herb Alpert Tijuana brass piece. scene of Kuwait is relatively behind the scenes. Webb’s time, though still memorable. The next one phonists. Others still were more modern, such as a renditb Dwindling marketing, advertisement coverage and was “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy”, made famous by What marked these pieces with a sort of Desert tion of Boney M’s “Sunny” or the nostalgic, pretty “little” awareness aside, the arts scene of Kuwait the Andrew Sisters, replaced by easy smooth notes Cats brand, perhaps, was the fact that their codas tunes of “Yesterday” and “Can’t Buy Me Love,” is persistently alive and flourishing for those who by the trumpets and tenor saxophones. This soft were remarkably be-bop, or Dizzy Gillespie-esque, studded with terrific solos by trumpeter Ra’fat Jamb will diligently search the newspapers, websites, 30s classic had a catchy rhythm, punctuated with maybe even like Miles Davis’. This did not detb mal and tenor saxophonist Kenrick who also had and magazines of Kuwait as well as pass on the happily lilting trombones Kempster, Scribbins, tract from the nature of their performance; in fact, a Swing-golden solo in the Harry James-like “All news to others. The 2nd Annual Desert Cats Jazz and Berresford, and highlighted by young Eliot it made it more individual to their style and thus of Me.” The night ended—with clearly audible Band concert is an excellent, praiseworthy addibt Miller’s short, brilliant trumpet solo reminiscent more memorable, as did their curious instrumental wistful sighs from the audience and tired, pleased tion to that robust, vivacious movement of music, of the silky style of Harry James. Other favorites arrangement, considering there were no clarinets smile of Powers—with the smooth, cool, and altb theatre, and art across the country as well as the were “In the Mood” with the famous call-and-resb or double-basses. For instance, a Williams and ternately robust, vivid “Chameleon,” then with the steadily growing Jazz scene and society.

Al-Sabah Collection, an Important Custodian of Mankind’s Art Heritage

By Nur Soliman geometric patterns and the art of jeweb fact read or recognize any Arabic, mosaic patterns. Muslim artists were was the well-known carved marble r. Manuel Keene had no troubb elry, particularly that of jade and otheb but moreso should they be able to. able to transform that knowledge into column capital from Cordoba of Mble in relating the importance er hardstones. A recent publication Among other examples of beautifb something spectacular, rendering it the 10th century, placed near one fabm of a collection such as the Al-Sabah is the documentation of the touring ful calligraphy was another lovely in many media, from wood to cerb mous Ummayad palace, Madinat Islamic Art Collection, as his audieb exhibition “Treasury of the World: Kufic Qur’anic manuscript done in ramic to cloth. One such example is Al-Zahra. There is increasingly ornb ence filled the whole of AUK’s Audb Jeweled Arts of India in the Age of Eastern Iran in the 11th century. Here, a fine facet of furniture with applied namental vegetal tracery, as it were, ditorium, ranging from attentive studb the Mughals” displayed first in 2001 the script was slightly more ornamb woodwork, or marquetry, inlaid with showing marks of Byzantine blendib dents, faculty, and staff to Mr. Keene’s in the UK, showcasing gold and jade mental, more cursive, but retained ivory, ebony, and other woods. Anob ing through the deep piercing of the colleagues from the office and many masterpieces, studded with rubies, the now-old script framework. The other example was 16th century Indiba marble for the carvings. dedicated members of Dar Al-Athar emeralds, diamonds, and enamels. striking highlight of the pages shown an marquetry, known in the region as An especially fine model of the Al-Islamiyyah’s Circle, all drawn into Mr. Keene began his talk by intb were, as Keene pointed out, the sura well as in Persia as khatamkari, this arabesque at its most refined was the world of Islamic art through the troducing four major categories of headings, or sarlawh, illuminated in particular example with exceptional LNS 249, a 12th century jade object unhurried, gentle eloquence of the objects that are known to have been gold and color and written legibly in inlay in dyed and pure ivory, as well of the East Iranian world, the earliest speaker and his clear enthusiasm and made with fine, singular skill by to be inlaid with gold in history and love for the discipline. Muslim artists: calligraphy in the indeed the earliest form of arabesque Invited and introduced by Dr. Arabic script, geometric art, partb on the said substance. The palmettes Marjorie Kelly of AUK’s Gulf Studbi ticularly in two-dimensional patterns and flower buds that were lightly ies Center, Keene has been curator of and developed to unparalleled levels, incised into the whitish-grey jade the Al-Sabah Collection since 1982, composition of formalized vegetal were simplified nearly to abstractb having studied in depth the history of patterns, known as “arabesque,” and tion, where the palmettes only bore the uniqueness of lesser-known but a suggestion of their furling fronds, existing representation of humans, and some of the buds were reduced animals, etc. in architecture, ceramib to simple dots in alternate compartmb ics, metalwork, and so on. ments, a charmingly spare rendition The first was calligraphy. Keene on the arabesque. more popular on paper or—unusuallb described this as a “most noble art” The fourth and final category of ly—on silk, as LNS77, the silk paintib in the eyes of many, “especially becb Keene’s talk was art “representative ing of 15th century Samarkand shows, cause it is used when recording the of our world,” best exemplified by depicting two exquisitely dressed Qur’an as it was related to the Propheb several items in the Al-Sabah Collb lovers blushing delicately in surprise et Muhammad in the 7th century.” lection such as the bronze incense at their encounter in a fantastic landsb This admirable discipline inspired burner of Iran, the form well-known scape, accompanied by elegant servb and encouraged hundreds of styles, beautiful flowing script. as elegantly dark wood. to many, with intricate openwork on vants. Although the real story of this Keene remarked as he displayed his The second category Keene discb Also, that innate creativity in Muslb the body to release the incense and is lost, Keene mentioned that it was first slide, showing a double-page cussed was one apparently most lim craftsmen, Keene explained, fragrance, the head and legs takib surely some illustration to a Persian of a Qur’anic manuscript on parchmb dear to his heart as he spoke of it with showed itself in the way they worked ing the form of a fierce quadruped. love poem which, Keene remarked, ment, said to have been done in the such fervor and warmth beneath his around spatial obstacles when trying Another item which depicted life- were often addressed—desired lady 7th century, the script used being fine, calm delivery. Keene explained to tessellate different forms or repeat forms was the large wooden panel aside—to God Almighty. described as “Kufic” because of the that it is in the field of geometrical certain patterns, one being the pentagb from Fatimid Egypt of the 11th or “In light of all of this,” Keene concb elegant angular style, and in this case designs that Muslim artists were gon as the finial shape, facilitating any 12th century, with graceful antelopes cluded, “it is important to see that this also called “ma’il” or slanting due most innovative and reached a calibb form of repetition on any side of the carved in high relief amid abundant is not just to highlight possessions [of to the sloping angle. Also, the Kufic ber of unrivalled sophistication and initial shape. It is also worthy to note, flowers and foliage. Indeed, human the Al-Sabah Collection]. It is world script is earliest, and usually omitted uniqueness. Their main source from when observing Islamic geometry, that representation was not regarded as heritage and is preserved for the future, any diacritical marks as the text was which their vast knowledge of geomb often the preliminary frame is a circle, forbidden except on sacred items or the way in which precious treasures usually for mnemonic purposes insb metric capabilities stemmed from triangle, or other regular polygon. places, such as mosques, madrasas are cherished and connect us with our stead of deliberate study. the Greek tradition, where Euclid The third category cherished and (religious schools), and tombs. One brothers and sisters of the past and their Keene also took the opportunity had studied all numeric possibilities refined in Islamic art, and one also exquisite depiction of the human aesthetic principles. It is a way into the to remark that the majesty of proporbt of form in three-dimensional space. inherited from the Iranian world is form is found on the ceramic body past,” he explained, a way to reach into tion and beauty of the shapes of the Picking up from the Greeks, the Romb vegetal ornament, or the “arabesque.” of a wine-flask with blue glaze, takbi the reality of the past in a much more letters is often sufficient to awe any mans further refined the technique in An early example that Keene used ing the form of a gentle wine-bearer. vivid way than any text can, but with beholder, whether or not they can in their own art repertoire, especially in to demonstrate the craftsmen’s skill Other human representations are real spirit, fashioning, and color. THE ARTS The Voice of AUK 7 May, 2008

Dar El-Cid Showcases Dresses of the Arab World Alphonse Mouzon Trio Concert By Nur Soliman By Nur Soliman Also dotting the white were altogether less adorned would wrap about her waist, striped robe catches one’s hall were glass-topped cabibn than their Palestinian counbt while the flowing sleeves were And if you can’t sing it, you simpb A attention when entering nets with some coin-covered terparts, though some of the also incredibly long, so much “ply have to swing it; I said swing the delightfully picturesque caps and hats, and samples of delightful folk-bright dresses so that, by aid of an accompabn it; Oh-oh-oh swing it!” Truer words Dar el-Cid Museum; dyed in charming embroidery patterns sported flowing ribbon-like extb nying photograph, visitors saw could not have been said of the Alpb purple, orange, green, and common to Palestine with tensions of the sleeves, embroidb that they were wrapped about phonse Mouzon Trio playing undb yellow, and bedecked with names made famous by the dered in almost South-Americb the head, though these were der rainbow-spotlights in the dark jewel-like stitches, trembling women who spent their afternb can style. Another Syrian dress later completely cut off so that excitement of the Radisson SAS slightly under the breeze bebf noons bent over needle-work no doubt was discovered in the the sleeves of her first dress Hotel’s Hashemi II Ballroom as the fore a printed canvas showing while exchanging the gossip mountainous region, for the showed amid the heavy folds closing celebration of the three-day the golden cap of the Dome of the day. One such example brown dress swelled with the of black. Gulf Jazz Festival. Feet tapped with of the Rock. Indeed, the cool is the “palm tree,” with elabobr thick white fleece lining the The rows upon rows of great energy and mesmerized heads ventilation makes all of the vobl rated palm leaves splayed out inside. Of course, the biting dresses with their brilliant swayed rhythmically to and fro. luminous dresses flutter gently, in cross-stitch, while another cold did not affect the design color-schemes were testimony Hailing from North Carolina swaying softly, almost rhythbm more complicated one combp of the Kuwaiti woman’s dress, to the creativity and profesbs and having played with the likes mically, displaying now plain, posed of little squares, diamb or dara’a, whose flimsy green sional skill of the Arab women of Miles Davis, Anita O’Day, and unadorned backs, now beautibf monds, and triangles, was the folds tastefully fell straight, through the course of history, Herbie Hancock, Alphonse Mouzb fully embroidered, decorated “pasha’s tent,” very different covered in delicate strings of presenting the visitor with a zon, the skilled, energetic drummer fronts. Suspended on clear wire in turn to the strange yet pretty gold tracery and lace adoring kind of geographic tapestry, and throaty singer teamed up with and lined up against the walls “road to Damascus” pattern. the throat, sleeves, and body of spanning such a large area Joe Bagg on an excited guitar, and of the generously spaced hall, Indeed, even some of their the dress in affectionately Gulf and showing the fruits of the Steve Gregory on a cool-sounding the dresses were organized favorite dyes had interesting tradition. Rajabs’ labor, avid collectors Hammond organ. Mouzon’s style according to nation, from the names, such as their blues and One of the older pieces in the for over 20 years, and always was somewhat unusual, leaning Gulf to the Levant, from Mobr deep-red for which Palestinian hall was the Empire-elegant ready to present their treasures towards a more avant-garde, modeb rocco to old Ottoman provib embroidery is famous. Also floral-decorated Ottoman coat, to curious passers-by and visitb ernized style such as that of Miles inces, from Oman to Palestine. known as hadeel, or the cooing with pearly pink floral and tors, most impressively so with Davis, almost bordering on chill- Backing Jehan Rajab’s exbh of doves, the embroidery covbe geometric motifs entirely covbe this exhibition. out music. Due to the lack of any haustive, admirable collection ered the long robes in rich profb ering the fitted coat in delicacy The “Dresses of the Arab brass or wind instrument, the musicb were evocative photographs fusion of deep gold, red, green, typical of Imperial costumes, World” exhibition lasted from cians were commendably creative or paintings—some by Tareq orange, creamy blue, indigo, even in Mughal India. One of the 19th to the 23rd of April at in using their instruments in unpb Rajab himself—of peaceful and purple. motifs, deep burgundy velvet the more extraordinary dresses the Dar el-Cid, and was open precedented ways; Steve Gregory Egyptian courtyards, colorful Of course, the Omani, Gulf, studded with twinkling gold- was the tent-like black dress to all visitors. Visit www.trmkb would shift smoothly from his role Moroccan markets, and wide- Syrian, and other dresses are and-blue or gold-and-red flowbe of Jordan, the skirt reputedly kt.com for information on the as “bass” and become the soloist of eyed women of Jordan, Syria, different. The flowing Omani ers like the gold blooms of Indb twice the height of a woman, museums and potential exhibiti the piece, his melody akin to that or Bethlehem. dress is reminiscent of Indian dian saris. The Syrian dresses the second half of which she tions, directions, timings, etc. of say, a saxophone. Indeed, after his flawlessly wrought solo, the orgb ganist would cue in Mouzon who would repeat his notes through- and-through, striking his cymbals and snare with such vivacity the Sulaiman Al-Dikan’s Al-Maraqey (Ascension) whole ballroom resounded with the sheer force of the beat. For the first session, Mouzon By Nur Soliman music. He writes that this “new” form of music is perfectly both are fiercely patriotic, and perhaps therein lays Al- stayed true to his role of “Funky” he blending of different musical styles from differeb evocative of Kuwait, where outside influences enhance and Dikan’s genius. musician, with rather abstract pieceb Tent cultures or the inclusion of exotic – non-native alter the original style to create something better expressive One of the especially beautiful pieces was the “Prebl es of his own composition, full of – instruments has been attempted and worked with for of the society and geography of Kuwait, always exposed to lude Henda”, the Kuwaiti musician’s deep, comforting hastily-flurrying scales and delightbf a good while, but perhaps not always to the extent that new and different frames of thinking and culture, as well as beats of the drums highlighted by their lilting voices fully pseudo-cacophonic flourishes. Kuwaiti composer Sulaiman Al-Dikan took it. To play the inherent pride in one’s identity. and heard alongside the powerful, moving march-like Among the pieces in his repertoire melodies intensely evocative of one culture voiced by All the pieces played were new even to them most dedibc melody of the orchestra, almost like a European Robm were “Anticipation,” “What You musical instruments of a completely different culture acbc cated Al-Dikan fan who for years listened to his classic albb mantic march though duly flavored with the Khammri Doing Later On,” and “Daddy’s companied by folk instruments to maintain the spirit was bums Al-Amal, or “Hope” of 1994; Sahra wa Sawahel, or rhythm of Kuwait. Little Girl,” all with a quirky persb his ambitious endeavor, and he succeeded tremendously “Deserts and Coasts” released in 1996; and his latest, Rud Another piece that was remarkably evocative of real sonal story of Mouzon’s to introdb judging by the enthusiastic response of the audience who scenery, as it were, was Al-Wasmi, or “The Early Rain duce it, eliciting laughter from the sat enthralled for an hour of Al-Dikan’s concert entitled Season,” which was begun by the strangely moving audience, who were so responsive Al-Maraqey, or “Ascension.” playing of the high, robust-yet-fragile sounding rababa that in the end, Alphonse thrust up “Music is the purest form of art, is most capable of accompanied by Al-Dhufeiry’s singing in a piping, his arms with a powerful, “Thank expressing beauty, and is the finest nourishment for the nasal, curiously moving voice. Following his perforbm you, Kuwait! Hope to come again soul.” So says Sulaiman Al-Dikan, and it appears that mance, the slow tempo reminiscent, perhaps, of the next month… or next year.” for him at least, his music can truly evoke most eloquent meditative tempo of a sitar composition, the orchesbt As a matter of fact, the audience feelings and sensations related to the changing seasons tra swelled into polyphonic splendour. Conducted by was even more responsive after the of Kuwait, patriotism, the Gulf Invasion, and the voice the shy Al-Dikan himself, the orchestra played these interval, when the guitar and organ of the Kuwaiti. Son of Ghannam Al-Dikan, a respected bright, hopeful sections with the moving violins, trumbp played a most charming “reggae- and much-loved composer in his own right, Sulaiman pet, and nay, punctuated then by the spare pizzicato blues” rendition of “Fly Me to the Al-Dikan was always known for his creative, brilliant plucking of the violins with the qanun and quiet, gentle Moon” which Mouzon crooned to compositions of Kuwaiti folk music, blended subtly with beating of the drums interspersed by the turning of a with a smooth bass voice, and in more modern melodies, instruments, or structures, but albw tall rain-stick. Thus flawlessly did Al-Dikan paint a which Joe Bagg had a spectacular ways intense with the voice of the Kuwaiti nomad, shepbh musical picture of the rain season, filled with the very solo on the guitar. Another more herd, sailor, or merchant. After earning his diploma from vividness of life and growth of little bright flowers and traditional piece, similar to some Kuwait’s Institute of Musical Studies, he completed his scrub, dotted with soft, sprinkling rain. of Miles Davis’ or Chick Corea’s higher studies at Ruh Al-Qudus University of Lebanon, This was in contrast with the melancholic “More than work, was “Blues for Emma,” earning his MA in 2001 and his PhD in 2005. 605” (number of POW’s in occupier jails), performed dedicated to Mouzon’s talented The 30-odd performers that stood before the packed solely by the piano, where the high, rippling scales of daughter Emma, infused with a audience hall hailed from a number of national and mubs the beautiful, fluid melody were weighed down by the catchy melody running through sical backgrounds, forming perhaps the largest number heavier, duller chords which accentuated the sorrow. the chords which were taken up of performers to gather on stage since November, which The final piece, Helwa Al-laban, was another brilbl alternately by the drums, guitar, or saw the traditional Bin Hussein Sea Band. Most of the liant orchestral masterpiece by Al-Dikan’s hand, swellib organ. members were part of the Orchestra of Ukraine playing ing with such bursts of feeling and robustness brought The night ended with “Daddy’s classical European instruments like the violin, trumpet, out by the drums and strings, very Arabian in voice and Blues” which saw Steve Gregory and so on. Others were more familiar local, talented artbi feel, yet seamlessly fused with the orchestra to create perform a wildly enthusiastic, ists playing similar instruments such as the flute, double Kuwaiti composer Sulaiman Al-Dikan something truly unique. long solo on his organ while bass, and harpsichord. Others were performing on tradibt Al-Hayat, or “Return Life” which was released in 2001. Al-Dikan also paid homage to some of his great Mouzon sung with a throatier, tional instruments such as the qanun, or variation on the Although still intensely reminiscent of his old style, the predecessors—his father and his contemporaries—in rougher voice, so energetic and zither, and nayy, or reed-pipe, while there were four fine compositions that were performed with beautiful profesbs the music of the Kuwaiti heritage, from Ghannam Al- upbeat was this final piece that Kuwaiti musicians who were performing on traditional sionalism and real feeling during Al-Maraqey were perbh Dikan himself, to Abdullah Al-Faraj, a part of whose the whole audience took to cheerib percussion instruments, as well as singing and clapping, haps more infused with a more international style, combb tune, Dhab Ruhi was played to the audience on an anbc ing and clapping throughout. The really keeping the sound of the band in real Gulf spirit. bining classical European instruments into the melody, cient gramophone before beginning his variation, and two-hour concert ended with that Also attending were two men dancing slowly and gracebf leaving the voices of the traditional instruments to prebs Ahmed Baquer, among others. brilliant flourish, guaranteeing for fully in their white dishdashas, sometimes accompanied serve the spirit of the music and to keep it more audibly Surely the gifted, productive Sulaiman Al-Dikan the audience that their evening by a third who had tied innumerable strings of quivering oriental, though this way by no means a shortcoming. deserves a title equal to his predecessors for revivbi had not been spent in vain but in sea-shells to his side. One could easily compare his older, moving Faz’aa to ing the beauty of Kuwaiti traditional music, from great pleasure, watching the “real Perhaps the best explanation for Al-Dikan’s insistence his more recent Baledi; the latter is more infused with the rhythms of the desert, to the sea, and the town, Jazz star” of Kuwait, as Witold on creating a new form of music can be found in the words Western-style structure and instruments, while the former all perfectly blended into today’s world to somebt Wnuk, KCP manager of the Festivb of Abdul Men’em Hasan when he describes Al-Dikan’s has none of this, but is only drums and chorus. However, thing wonderfully different. val, announced appreciatively. The Voice of AUK HEALTH Volume 4, Issue 6 8 What is Multiple Sclerosis? Prime Time Medicine Review

By Dina El-Zohairy By Dina El-Zohairy to as relapsing-remitting MS response to external stimuli. imply put, MS stops people (RRMS). Attacks are frequently Similar to AIDS, in which oppb en-year olds don’t simply get heart attacks, do Sfrom moving. It is a chronic, referred to as relapses or exacbe portunistic infections defeat the Tthey? often disabling disease that attb erbations, and the first attack is HIV-weakened immune system, As she jumped the rope in physical education class, tacks the Central Nervous Systb called a clinically isolated synid MS usually does not directly dimb Jessica started complaining from chest discomfort tem (CNS), which is made up of drome (CIS). minish life expectancy. The devb and pain in one arm—before falling to the ground. your brain and spinal cord. Most RRMS patients eventuba velopment of secondary complicb Her heart wasn’t getting enough blood and oxygen The term multiple sclerosis rebf ally enter a progressive phase cations such as pneumonia may so it stopped pumping. fers to two characteristics of the in which attacks and remissions lead to a shorter than expected At Princeton-Plainsboro Teaching Hospital, Dr. disease: the numerous affected are generally indistinctive. This life span. House and his young staff come up with different areas of the brain and spinal is referred to as secondary-proig Although MS was first desb hypotheses. Chase is convinced her morbid obesitb cord producing multiple neurobl gressive MS (SPMS), in which scribed almost 130 years ago, ty—BMI above 40—explains it all. Foreman turns logic symptoms that accrue over disability tends to accumulate the cause remains a mystery, to genetics, suggesting Metabolic Syndrome, a clustb time and the plaques or sclerb more significantly. and a cure is still unavailable. ter of risk factors—increased blood pressure, elevateb rosed (scarred) areas that are the About 15% of patients never Effective treatment strategies ed insulin levels, excess body fat around the waist hallmark of the disease. have acute attacks and remisbs are available to modify the or abnormal cholesterol levels—that occur together, MS is thought to be an aubt sions but have progressive diseb disease course, treat exacerbabt increasing a person’s risk of heart disease, stroke and toimmune disease—a catchall ease from the beginning—priim tions, manage symptoms, impb type 2 diabetes. term for the group of disorders mary-progressive MS (PPMS). prove function and safety, and Minutes into the insulin resistance test which Jessb whereby the immune system Finally, a small percentage of provide emotional support, sica undergoes to confirm Metabolic Syndrome, to the treatment of warfarin-induced necrosis and mistakenly attacks “self” tissues. patients may have a mixture of since depression is common in she starts flailing, screaming and cursing in a bout more and more skin cells die. Her only chance of In MS, the victim is myelin, the progression and relapses, refb MS and may pose the risk of of psychosis. Had her blood glucose level dropped? survival is to have her breasts amputated—aka fatty substance that forms a protb ferred to as progressive-relapsii suicide. Not according to the lab, it didn’t. What caused her mastectomy—where fatty tissue is being attacked. tective sheath around nerve cells ing MS (PRMS). Interestingly, the greater the uncontrollable rage then? Her mum reluctantly signs a consent form. and fibers, causing nerve injury Most patients with MS will distance from the equator, the Back to the whiteboard and the Socratic method At the last minute, just before the patient is to and inflammation. Eventually, present with nonspecific compb higher is the prevalence of the of solving tough medical cases, Chase is quick to go through major surgical repair, in one of those this damage can slow or block plaints, including visual and gait disease. And having failed to suggest a blood clot—a possible complication of “but doctor, if you’re wrong the treatment will kill the nerve signals that control problems, speech difficulty, and prove scientifically that MS is some over-the-counter diet pills. While Foreman the patient” moments, House hits on the diagnosb muscle coordination, strength, sexual dysfunction. MS is a diab contagious or can be transmitbt plays Sherlock Holmes, Jessica is given two anticoab sis. Looking at the tall, slightly heavy mother, the sensation and vision. agnosis of exclusion; a number ted via blood, American Red agulants, warfarin and heparin, to prevent new clots recorded height of the father, then back to Jessica, People with MS, usually diab of disorders can mimic MS, Cross donation centers recently from forming. who’s obese, short for her age, and hypertensive, agnosed between the ages of 20 therefore various tests are perbf lifted the ban on accepting dobn When Foreman returns from Finley Elementary, it clicks. and 45 years, can experience one formed to confirm the diagnosis nations from MS patients. the girl is confronted and admits taking the diet pills Jessica has Cushing’s syndrome due to overprodb of four clinical courses. About such as MRI, cerebrospinal fluid Sources: Pharmacotherapy: she had picked up at the store. Now the pieces fit duction of the hormone cortisol by the body. Since 85% of patients have attacks folbl (CSF) analysis, and evoked pobt A Physiologic Approach 6th ed. together. Diet pills can cause blood clots, which in her tests do not support the diagnosis, House reqb lowed by remissions at the outbs tential (EP) tests—recordings of (Joseph Dipiro et al); National turn gave her a heart attack. Jessica would be kept quests an MRI—an imaging technique used to take set of illness, the course referred the nervous system’s electronic MS Society Website. overnight for observation. pictures of internal body structures in detail, and the Peace of mind is shattered by a tuneful combinatb enemy of claustrophobics—to check for hypercortb tion of beeping sounds in House’s office, where the tisolism. team is gathered to discuss a cancer patient who refb Surely enough, the scan reveals a tumor on the fuses to have her benign tumor removed so as not to pituitary gland—a small yet vital gland attached by be “just skin and bones.” a stalk to the base of the brain. The tumor caused “She’s bleeding!” Jessica’s mum frantically says. Cushing’s, which messed up the production of hormb Cameron lifts the neck of Jessica’s gown to rebv mones, which control growth, weight, etc. It had veal open, bleeding lesions on her chest—referred to be surgically removed through an incision made to as skin necrosis, or death of skin cells. If left to under the lip and the insertion of a fiber optic micb spread, they’ll land her in the morgue by the end of croscope. the day. “Is that really you?” “You look fantastic!” Chase House blames her necrosis on an accidental exclaims in disbelief, upon seeing a much thinner warfarin overdose. However, she doesn’t respond Jessica a week or so later. Student Dietician Offers Nutritional Tips

By Dina El-Zohairy responsibilities? celebrities including Eva Mendes foods; not all are healthy but you snack you crave. For instance, you cholesterol—usually shown as a ebah Al-Duaij is a certibf We, my colleagues and I, are in and Katherine Heigl follow this can still make healthy choices. can go to chocolate bar and order percentage of the total daily allb Hfied clinical nutritionist who charge of the diets that are served diet. Also, the Extreme Fat Smash The first step to losing weight is a salad. lowance. works at Al-Amiri Hospital. She in the wards on a daily basis, makib is another diet designed for those to never blame your extra weight Why is it important to ask about What do you encourage all holds a degree in Nutrition and ing sure every inpatient receives a who want to lose weight very fast. on anything; instead of ordering a the ingredients used to make meals your clients to include as part Food Science from the Faculty of diet that suits their health conditb However, if you go off-track after caramel frappuccino with whipped served in a restaurant when you of a healthy diet, both while on Health Sciences, Kuwait Universb tion. In addition, we have clinic reaching your desired weight, you cream and extra caramel, go for a eat out? (for example, what should a diet and after reaching their sity, and is graduating from AUK hours where we meet our patients can gain it back easily. The most fresh, chilled orange juice. you try to avoid or look for) desired weight? this summer with a second Bachelb according to their appointments. popular diet is the Organic Diet, Can you give more specific exas For one thing, it is important First, I take a 48-hour recall to lor’s degree in Public Relations & Apart from that, I write in several which is 100% natural. Lastly, the amples of healthy food options to know the type of fat that is learn all the clients’ eating habib Advertising and a minor in Natural publications about latest diet topib Detox Diet helps remove excess available on campus? used in cooking. For example, its, and then I teach them how to Science. ics, and I have given lectures at toxins from the body as well as I know Starbucks offers a variety Hardee’s and KFC use shortenib follow a healthy diet. I pick their She has completed rotations in schools to promote healthy eating. makes you lose weight. of salads and fresh juice. The diner ing which is unhealthy and must diet based on the foods they several public hospitals around What do you think are the Do you see a need for increased also offers salad, steamed vegetabb be avoided. The healthy cooking prefer and their general health Kuwait, including Al-Sabah, Al- causes of poor nutrition in Kusw health education in Kuwait? bles and protein-rich food (broiled oils are: canola oil, flax-seed oil, condition. Most importantly, I Razi, and Mubarak. In addition, wait? Yes, Kuwait definitely needs to chicken or fish), as well as juices olive oil (not at very high cookib persuade everyone to exercise she is certified to train mothers on The income in Kuwait is high promote health and fitness more and smoothies. Lastly, Le Gourmet ing temperature), and corn oil. at least 3-4 times a week for children’s nutrition. Hebah also and a wide food variety is available than ever, because statistics of diabb diner in the library offers many Try to choose foods that are rich 30-45minutes to strengthen and gives seminars, lectures at schools, but the problem is the lack of educb betes and other diseases are rising club sandwiches and salads. You in antioxidants, like green leafy tone their body, speed up weight and is involved in the promotion of cation about healthy food selectb rapidly, which indicates a lack of must make sure the food is fresh, vegetables. Try consuming fish loss and beat stress. There are so health and fitness in mass media. tions. Unfortunately, propaganda knowledge. because buffets tend to keep food three times a week and other seafb many workouts to choose from: Hebah hopes to start her own clinic is geared towards fast food. What is the connection bets displayed for hours, which may redb food because it is rich in omega- cardio, Tae Bo, salsa, yoga, joggb in the near future. What are the top reasons your tween diet and diabetes? duce its nutritional value and taste. 3 fatty acids. On the other hand, ging, Pilates…the list never Why did you decide to purss clients want to go on a diet? Lifestyle, especially lack of Keep in mind that a tablespoon of try to cut down on canned foods ends. sue a career in nutrition and Most simply want to have a exercise and poor eating habits, dressing is worth 90 calories. or foods containing preservatb What do you do to stay in dietetics? healthy body, gain self-confidence, genetics and environmental factb What is your position towards tives, additives, or any artificial good shape? I decided to take this path becb and of course look good. Some tors all play a role in diabetes. the Red Bull craze at AUK? coloration. I maintain my ideal body cause I believe there is nothing want to lose weight very fast before The risk of any disease is loweb Limited consumption is advisab Why is it important to read weight by following a 1,115- more important than a human’s a special occasion, others want to ered when a person maintains a able since it is rich in caffeine and food labels when grocery shopsp calorie diet based on my weight body and health. My patients are become body builders, and the rest healthy lifestyle which consists of sucrose. It should definitely not ping? (Again, what should you and height. I got used to keepib not only thankful when I help them are just afraid of getting obesity-relb exercise 3-4 times a week, sleeps to be consumed on a daily basis, look out for?) ing a diary. In fact, you’ll occb reach their ideal body weight; they lated diseases. 7-8 hours/day, drinks eight cups since it does not have a high nutritb When grocery shopping, casionally find me sitting in also gain confidence and a compb What are some of the latest of water per/day, and follows a tional value. watch out for the total fat perbc Starbucks with my notebook, pletely new outlook on life through trends in diet regimens? low-fat, low-salt diet. What is your advice when dinis centage as well as the type of salad, and sister—also very the modification, which makes me The latest trends include the 5 How can AUK students follow ing out? fat. For example, monounsaturb weight-conscious. We both proud at the end of the day. Factor Diet which claims to keep a healthy diet given the food opst I never deprive myself of anytb rated fat is preferred over saturb make sure we fit our daily What exactly do you do in you lean for life like a healthy tions available on campus? thing, once a week it is okay to rated fat. Make sure the item is workout into our schedules regb your field? What are your daily balanced diet with exercise does; AUK provides a mixed range of treat yourself to a teaspoon of any not high in sodium, sugar and gardless of how busy we are. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY The Voice of AUK 9 May, 2008 Possibly The World’s Largest Environmental Remediation Program in Small Kuwait

By Farah Al-Shamali debts but to date appears not to wish to waive the ugust 2nd 1990: the Kuwaiti landscape was environmental debts. In this sense Iraq is financb Ain shambles following Saddam Hussein’s oppb cially contributing to this project. Iraq appointed portunistic military occupation. Homes were debm a Minister of Environment but their detailed positb molished, families displaced, and a great number tion on many items it is not public knowledge at of people killed. The mayhem existent during and present. after the war was detrimental to the infrastructure What is to be said to say to those that say that of Kuwait and ruled out any possibility of curing the United States is in fact stealing Iraqi oil to it quickly. Yet, it was only after the war had ended satisfy their own economic needs? that the Kuwaiti public realized that the situation There is no evidence for this. Press reports tell was much worse than they had feared. The burnib us that Iraqi is selling its own oil in the markets, ing of the oil wells propagated long term ailments but the same press also reports the frequent desb that Kuwaiti society would suffer from for many struction of pipelines, which does not help the years into the future. Many Kuwaitis now endure Iraqi position. chronic respiratory troubles such as asthma, broncb Are foreign enterprises involving themselves chitis, and pneumonia. For almost twenty years, in the project or is it predominantly controlled we have been fraught with these problems. Nearly by Kuwaitis? eight hundred oil wells were set ablaze by Iraqi The environmental studies to date have been forces, which led to an immediate reduction in air mainly performed by Kuwaiti scientists working quality—furthermore, the air we breathe is still with international specialist contractors. PAAC / contaminated partly as a result of this occurrence. KNFP is a Kuwaiti organization. Since most of the burning had taken place in the In summary, the commencement of this deserts of Kuwait, this led to the immediate death project is an unparalleled step in the care for of vegetation. NFP project focuses on the remediation of the include the right to conduct environmental studies the Kuwaiti environment. Kuwaiti students at The purpose of this article is not to regurgitate oil lakes and terrestrial surfaces, the repair of the and later implement technologies for rehabilitatbi AUK who had been present at the time of the the problem for we are all familiar with it but to desert ecosystems which directly affect flora and ing the affected areas. The latest phase of this is war were too young to understand what was offer solutions to it. There is a current project that fauna, the cleaning of contaminated groundwatb project is scheduled to begin sometime this year, happening let alone to absorb the magnitude will substantially remediate Kuwait’s environmb ter aquifers, and mitigation of the damage to the and will include the cleaning of the soil surface of this felony on the Kuwaiti environment. But ment from the consequences of the oil burnings, coastal and marine environment. and offshore and fresh water reserves. now that we know about this effort, it is our job controlled by PAAC—the Public Authority for After the occupation, the United Nations formed Some other significant issues are raised in publb to celebrate it. After all, this is your country Assessment of Compensation for Damages Resb the UNCC—the United Nations Compensation lic from time to time are the following: and requires your undying support at all costs. sulting from Iraqi Occupation and specifically the Commission. Over many years Kuwait has won Has Iraq offered to provide humanitarian aid I truly hope that this endeavor will reshape the Kuwait NFP – the Kuwait National Focal Point, much success in a program of claims to the UNCC or any form of assistance? future of Kuwait for the better and secure bettb which manages the whole project. The Kuwait for aid regarding this concern. Claims submitted Kuwait is sparing Iraq of ordinary business ter lives for this generation and those to come.

Dr. Osamah Al-Sayegh of KISR’s Environment and Urban Development Unit

By Farah Al-Shamali basic step of admitting that we the Advanced Systems Departmb times because of their advanced sector in Kuwait. rial more seriously. I also like he Arab World is plagued have one – pride and resilience ment and oversees the provision studies and findings. This is certb What had KISR done to the environment there—it is Twith a deficit in scientific bars us from moving forward. of advanced equipment for the tainly something to be proud of. bring about closure to the very much alive at any part of research. Although we might Especially with the development Ministry of Electricity and Watb Furthermore, they are equipped electricity problem that had the day. At KU, it is most often be satisfied with the level of of international politics that has ter. with high-tech civil engineering grown strong during the summs empty in the afternoon and turns scientific advancements in Kuwb not been in the Arab World’s favb The very first issue that I confb and chemical-analytical labs. mer of 2007? into a ghost city. wait, they do not meet global vor, many regional governments fronted Dr. Sayegh with was that Most often, they are endowed A committee was formed with Do you think that AUK will standards. During the rise of have assumed a stance of resistb a very small percentage of the with support divisions. representatives from KISR and ever accommodate a major formidable civilizations in this tance to foreign innovation and Kuwaiti community is knowleb I asked a series of questions to Kuwait University. Colleagues that deals with environmental region, scientific discoveries discoveries. We, the youth, must edgeable about the work being Dr. Sayegh that further informed and I investigated what really sciences? were attributed to Arab scholars. suffer this stubbornness. done by KISR. He wholehearteb me of the nature of his profession happened from a technical persb The environment is a hot issue However, I do not wish to dwell Shifting to the local arena, edly agreed adding that they and some projects sponsored by spective and submitted a report worldwide. It is requested but upon this lamentable mentality Kuwait has been an Arab counbt recently launched a new manab KISR to provide solutions to the about it. we are living in Kuwait where that Arabs adopt so often. There try that has been to pioneer a agement department that has admb current problems of electrical How do you contribute to business and finance are highly is an apparent problem within movement for revolutionizing mitted to a problem in public relb power and water shortage in Kuwb the scientific advancement of demanded much more than envb the minds of Arab individuals: Arab scientific research. An orgb lations. However, much of their wait. We also get a glimpse of Kuwaiti society other than by vironmental sciences. It would we are relentlessly nostalgic of ganization that may be familiar work can be witnessed in many his opinion regarding the highly research? not be feasible for AUK. the past and wish to reclaim it by to some is KISR—the Kuwait sectors of Kuwaiti society. Desb debated issue of segregation. Every summer, we host trainib What is your take on the any means necessary but never Institute for Scientific Research. spite the enormous popularity How is it that you came to ing programs for high school segregation law that is to be take the time to lay out the founbd I was surprised to come across of their accomplishments, there assume this vocation? and college students and introbd implemented in Fall 2008? dations to successfully do so. this institution because I had are still some restrictions on the When I started, I was a progb duce them to our facilities and It is ridiculous. The relationsb We do a very admirable job of formerly been told that there information yielded from scientb grammer and created a word research programs. ship that I see between young speaking of our desires but neveb was no such initiative in Kuwait. tific research. This confidentialib processing system for the blind. What do you like about men and women at this univerbs er set about materializing them. When I arrived there, I was met ity is comprehendible but may After that, I continued my graduab AUK? sity is extremely healthy. I do Even when there is an outburst by Dr. Osama Al-Sayegh, an adbj exacerbate the fact that KISR is ate degree and invented an intelbl What I find to be appealing in not understand the argument that calls for rapid change, it is junct faculty member at AUK. not very well known in Kuwait. ligence system—artificial neural AUK students is that they are made by those with segregatb met by indifference and extingb He primarily works as a research Dr. Sayegh asserted KISR’s impb networks—to manage and contb analytical thinkers. I also teach tion. They obviously do not guishes any light of hope. Our assistant at the Environment and portance by stating that scientific trol energy and electrical power at Kuwait University. The studb trust our students to conduct dilemma begins with the very Urban Development division in personnel in Gaza call them at systems for the electric power dents [at AUK] take their materb well-mannered behavior. The Voice of AUK COMMUNITY Volume 4, Issue 6 10 AUKer of the Month: Dr. Craig Loomis The Legend Continues...

By Farah Al-Shamali By Aukaeologist Quarterback? gize, it’s been fifteen years; I’ve ers had to say about you in your fined artistic sense that he himbs f the many professors here at No, what they call a fullback. I forgotten a lot of it. I took a look at days as a student? trangely enough, J was in the self could ever have. OAUK who have been present went there to play but little did I know the British influence, and the city of Nothing outstanding: just motivb SRegistrar’s Office during the Back home—that is, back at since its very first days is Dr. Craig that the other players who were there Hong Kong itself as a character. vated, interesting fellow, may go far last week of April, which, you the house he lived in with his Loomis. Over the years and as the were not only larger than I was but Have you considered conductis in life but we’re not sure. Nothing will recall, was Advance Regisbt parents and brother, they had had university strives to establish itself faster and that I might break every ing further academic research? that I can recall and say “wow, I’m tration Week. Apparently every a perfectly-maintained garden. J as a contender in the competitive nabt bone in my body. So I lasted about I discovered also that I enjoy not all that.” I do remember this: when time he was there he caused Aubt and Adnan called it Mount Everbe ture surrounding Kuwaiti society, Dr. one or two practices. I then spent so much the academic side of it. I I was getting ready to do PhD work, thorization to Enroll forms to get est… not so much because of Loomis has specifically contributed three years in the military—air force. mean I did like the research involved I asked my director in Malaysia to mixed up all over the place, albt its mountainous aura as the Zen to the enhancement of the Departbm Then finally, after doing MA work but I enjoyed the fiction where you write me a letter of recommendation though why is anybody’s guess. their father practiced in it. The ment of English Language and Liteb in California and then between finbi can use your imagination and get and she wrote one that was – it was J isn’t spiteful. Just know if man had a temper as irritable as erature proving to be a crucial asset. ishing MA work and finishing PhD away with it. Also, you don’t have a joke because she had two. She had you’re an Economics major or the next guy, but everyone in the Having been with him in two classes the one that she was going to give me an English minor, or even an house knew that he took it out on so far, he instructs the class in such that said “what a creep, how dare he” Economics minor or English the plants, trimming, watering, an exemplary way that leaves much and she also had the other one which major, since he still shares your and smothering them with care to the discretion of the student. By was much better of course. She low-level courses, that he might to perfection. He made a point this, I mean that class participation is showed me the one, “the creepy guy, be there with you next semester. of it, saying that he didn’t want greatly encouraged. Also, his lively don’t even think about it.” She walks Although J has recently been to be like his father (that is, J’s presence is truly enough to make in with a straight face and gives it to absent from the soccer field, varibo grandfather), who would yell any class enjoyable. During class, me. She said: “I had to be honest” ous people have noticed some dispb and/or beat them when angry… he is not so much a moderator but and finally, she started snickering but play of his piano-playing skills. If such were old-fashioned parents. a participant in the environment of it was kind of fun. you were fortunate enough to have The point is this: J took that to learning. When we come to discuss You didn’t buy it, did you? heard him play, you might benefit university as well. The grassy the thematic elements of a novel, he Well I did because she was so from having an interpreter with area where the tent currently is agrees and disagrees with our viewbp straight-faced about it. you. While his verbal communibc was empty back then, and J, along points and provides his own. It is a How did you end up in Kuwait? cation is rather lacking, J’s music with Tanner, an American boy rarity to find a professor that is so How did you hear about AUK? relates long fanciful tales—or who had transferred to AUK for greatly engaged with his students. It must have been an advertisemb whining and complaining, the Aubk one year, had placed some plantbi We all consider him to be a sincere ment in the Chronicle of Higher kaeologist is unable to tell—that ing pots there. They managed to friend for his warmth and genuine, Education and it talks about, well, veterans have learned to comprebh grow baby tomatoes, mint, thyme, humble nature. higher education in all of its aspects. hend. Be that as it may, he only got and basil, and even had a mini- Could you tell us about your They have a section in the back about there after hours and hours of endbl sale for some of the harvest, since university years? jobs and there was something about less practice, as those unfortunate it was too much for their respecbt When I began my collegiate carb the American University of Kuwait enough to have heard can confirm. tive households. Some say they reer, I was like a lot of students in starting up. A life lesson if ever there was one. were planning on starting a garbd that I had no idea about what to mabj work, I did some teaching in Japan, to worry about citing so and so. So You’ve been here since the begs If one mentions the fine arts, drawbi dening club, though how far that jor in. This was bothersome because, Malaysia, and South Korea. I really enjoyed that part of it. As a ginning. ing cannot be left out. Judging by got is anyone’s guess. It probably as you know, once you’re finished How did you find Japan and matter of fact, backing up a notch, That’s true and I’ve seen it happb general observations it would seem helped that J’s English was in with high school, you’re supposed to South Korea? Exotic? my MA was in creative writing. I pen. I sent in my papers and didn’t that J avoids new places on campus, the in-progress stage and having know what you want to do in life. I Yeah. You should go some time. had written some huge novel that I hear anything for a long time. Then, which is fairly understandable since conversations with Tanner (often had no idea so as a failsafe I decided In Japan, the mind-set was very inbt would be embarrassed to look at. It out of nowhere, the very first Dean he is unfamiliar with them; however, about gardening) helped improved to major in Business. Then I realbi teresting. Everything is very precise was a four-hundred page monstrosbi of Academics gave me a call one rumours have appeared that he has his language skills. Conversation ized that courses like economics and with that society. It was nice and after ity. It was published in the university day and I went to an interview in been visiting the fifth floor of the mostly. He was never that great finance were not difficult but duller living there for three or four years—it and it’s probably in one of the stacks Georgetown in Washington D.C. liberal arts building whenever new in writing. Have you ever seen than dirt for me. I decided that I want must have been five years—I moved at the library, all dusty. They ended up talking about thembs student art is displayed there... hopbi those badly-written notes lying to shop around for something a little to Malaysia where I taught with the There’s only been one publicats selves and I was like: “Hi, remember ing to have his own work displayed around classes? There’s a good more provocative and I switched University of Maryland (1985-87) tion of the book? me everybody!” They offered me alongside his peers, perhaps? You chance some of them are J’s, still gears to education. At that time, there and the University of Indiana (1992- Well it was the sort of publication the job eventually. see, when J was a wide-eyed freshbm insistent on practicing. You can was something called Oriental Studbi 95), both of which have campuses that the university does because you Looking at this more generally, man with many free electives to tell it’s him since he usually writes ies—Middle Eastern Studies—and there. have your MA. They publish it and I’ve always thought that Westse fill out, he had taken art, as—mind in blue or black; ballpoint or ink. then, of course, last but certainly Moving on to your PhD disserts then you put it in the stacks. erners are very interested in the you, this is the author’s phrasing; J Sometimes he even skips a line... not least, English. Also, in the mean tation, what was is about? I’m sure it wasn’t that bad. Middle East and that it’s a really knows neither such big words nor this is as of yet unconfirmed, but time, I was jumping around from Let me see what it was. It was on It was. Now, if I were to look at hot topic back there so would you the theoretical concept—a creative they say that if you write between California State University and the the Hong Kong novel. I like Hong it, its four-hundred pages, I can usuba say that this is accurate? outlet for his grief. After all, his his lines, he might chat with you. University of Arizona and finally Kong and I thought why not write ally cut it in half. So that’s what I Nowadays it is. It’s interestib family had only recently died at Call it a quirk, but although he doing PhD work at the University about something I enjoy? I decided had done for an MA and I wanted ing, provocative and all that. that time, and he found a peculiar had no problem leaving papers lybi of Toledo. I went to the University to investigate what I meant by the to go back and do more writing after I have to say that Americans calm in the feel of charcoal fading, ing around, J would apparently get of Arizona to play American footbb Hong Kong novel, and to talk about that—more creative writing, more are very ignorant towards what slowly, steadily, scratch, scratch, worked up about cigarette stubs ball. I was your basic hero in high certain formulas involved in the fiction. goes on here but you know that. scratch until the drawing was combp lying on the floor. Research shows school… Hong Kong novel. Again, I apolobg Do you remember what teaches That’s really too bad. plete. He switched to music afterwb no logic behind this, though one wards, but perhaps he was feeling might want to consider that while nostalgic with the mention of the art he had an obsessive personality, it displays? seems he also had some kind of Speaking of J’s family, the built-in resistance to addiction. AUK Opens Doors to Community few people who knew them have He tried smoking a few times, and noticed that he seemed to be found it as easy to stop as it was to By Farah Al-Shamali come to AUK and interact with students. tion booths, which covered all of the variob keeping them alive in himself. start; possibly because he stopped hen I first became acquainted with This brings me to the topic of this article: ous programs and services of the university: On one hand, he was purposebf after only a few. He’d been chalbl Wthe American University of Kuwait, the Taste of AUK held on 26th April, 2008. Admissions, the Intensive English Program, fully keeping busy to keep from lenged to prove it afterwards, and it was done the traditional way so to speak. Under the slogan of “Taste the Sweet Life the Student Success Center, and the Center thinking of them; on the other, could still stop just as easily, inbs Mr. Sean Dollman, Dean of Admissions at AUK”, the Division of Student Affairs for Continuing Education. he was—consciously or unconbs sisting that it was not addictive. and Registration, came to my high school hoped for high school graduates in the Kubw To capture the fascination of individuals, sciously—taking interest in eveb Considering that he spent most of frequently and gave lectures about the new waiti community to get a taste of collegiate seeing often goes a long way than just hearbi erything that they liked. Soccer his day in campus and still manba university and what it had to offer. Over the life at AUK. By bringing them to us, we ing about something. The Division of Studb is perhaps the only passion truly aged not to smoke, some people course of a year, he had come to us so many give them a much deeper understanding of dent Affairs had obviously taken advantage his. His mother, enchanted by think that that just might be true. times that I memorized his presentation by the facilities and services we have to offer. of this creating a memorable experience for the status of classical music, Another life lesson, perhaps? heart. I believe that this method of introbd This event was not only meant to pave the all. The first annual Taste of AUK was an had nagged him endlessly about Don’t litter with cigarettes but feel ducing students to universities is crucial in way for wandering students in search of a unprecedented event that opened everyone’s taking piano lessons, or violin free to throw papers around? On terms of understanding grading policy and university; it was designed to bet enjoyable eyes to what this institution has to offer. Debs lessons, or flute, or something. a personal note, the Aukaeologist rules and regulations. However, it is not for them too. Perhaps the most successful spite rumors that find their way across to the Drawing? He stopped because considers this a double standard, very helpful when it comes to such things aspect of the event was the beautiful balba Kuwaiti community that consistently bash at he wasn’t any good (he thought, and recommends that you do not as student life and the many clubs and organb ance it struck between familiarizing guests AUK’s ideals and values, we remain “one although word has it that he manab follow J’s example. nizations affiliated with it. Needless to say, with life at AUK while also ensuring that family”—I still recall Dr. Carol Ross-Black aged to produce a masterpiece Keep campus clean until the AUK has been graced with the emergence of they had a good time. If it had been an event saying that during my first day at AUK. or two) and even with practice it end of the semester, keep a lookbo these vibrant clubs that give it life. What’s in which one person were tasked with the Looking back after two years, I can safely wasn’t something held his interbe out for J, and see you next issue more, they are many variations including role of explaining every detail about AUK, say that we are a family and will remain so est for any longer than it took to with more information on the social, cultural, theatrical, national, and pobl people would not likely have stayed long or for quite a while. complete a drawing. He started, eternal learner! litical organizations. If this says anything even shown up for that matter. I would like to thank the Division of Studb however, because it was somebt Dear readers, have you seen J in about the students of AUK, it is that they are Many AUK students also participated in dent Affairs for their effort and hard work thing that his younger brother, your classroom or around campus? quite fixated on applying what they learn in the games and activities. This too served to and for elevating AUK’s appearance. I, for whose name was Adnan, had alwb Do you know something about him class to the outside world. Herein lays the create a welcoming atmosphere, as visitors one, am proud of what has been put in and ways enjoyed, and was by contb that we did not mention? The Aukaeio satisfaction of professors who undoubtedly would probably feel more comfortable discb hope that this convention is continued. I am trast far better at. Even though ologist is continuing to conduct his resi enjoy watching this unfold as their students cussing AUK with students as opposed to sure every student at AUK shares my sentibm he was only seven at the time search; any information you have can make use of what they study in class. These professors. Such informal interaction was ments and expresses gratitude for the sensatb of the accident, J would always help! Send whatever you learn to the dynamics can only be witnessed if people perfectly complemented by the informabt tional Taste of AUK! maintain that he had a more refb editor at [email protected]. ARABIC CORNER The Voice of AUK 11 May, 2008 فوضى العزف املنفرد لدى ّعلوية ُصبح في حكاياها

رؤية بخصوص )مرمي احلكايا( ّوكأن احلرب ليست سوى انعكاس للتخلّف الذي َّيعم ّويتمثل ذلك بزواج “الغصيبة” الذي َأحال الدولة والشرع وكيفية تطبيقه كحالة ّمسطحة بقلم: اسراء الشمري اجلنوب اللبناني –ضمن السياق الروائي-. حياة أم مرمي إلى حياة تراتيبية ملؤها الظلم تستنزف املرأة ككيان له حاجات وحريات ال تُ ّلبى في حالة التباس وفوضى هي رواية )مرمي احلكايا( هذا العدم الذي ّيغطي املدينة، ّالظلمة التي واجلهل والرغبة في االنتقام من العم الذي مجتمع ُيتقن ّكيفية تشييئها. ّلعلوية ُصبح الصادرة عن دار اآلداب، بيروت. حالة تسودها، والثقوب التي ّشققت األبنية...انعكاس حلال أرغمها ولم يُ ِود اهتماماً لصغر ّسنها وبالتالي شخوص الرواية تتداخل إلى ْأن تتماهى حكائية أكثر منها سردية؛ ذلك كون االرتكاز على مواطنيها: مرمي، ابتسام، ّوعلوية كنموذج. كل ذلك كان حترمي زواجها. فتصبح رؤية للواقع. فال تعود الذاكرة قادرة على الفكرة يطغى على نبش ُسرى اللغة اجلمالية. هي سبباً في ّشق األنا عن أناها لتصبح آخراً. فالوطن هذا في القرية، ّأما في املدينة فذات متييز هذا من ذاك وهذه من تلك. وذلك تكشفه رواية ّجتسد حيوات كثيرة، تدور كلّها في ُفلك اخليبة مبثابة حياة بالنسبة لشخوص الرواية والذي من أجله النظرة قائمة ولكن الصيغة تختلف. استباحة )مرمي احلكايا( كرواية ِسيَ َّرية تقف على عتبة عالم واالستفاقة على انكسار ُاحللُم. كانت ابتسام ذات رؤى ّثورية ّتتنفس احلب، الوطن، اجلسد واحدة. فزميل مرمي في العمل، الكتابة احملكية وفعل الكتابة كوتيرة متتابعة. من ّ بدءلعل الرواية باملاضي ّاملعتق املُشار إليه ّاحلرية، واحلياة. وبالتالي ًالفظة لكل أشكال التغريب يخترق ُحرمة جسدها ًسامحة له بدورها. ْإذ ضمن الشخصيات التي يلتبس عليها األمر إلى جانب بـ”املسألة انتهت بالنسبة ّإلي” )ص5(، يعتبر ًمدخال القسري، ومؤمنة بخصوصية حياتها. ولكن ّكل هذه تقبل ْأن تكون “رفيقة املشاوير” متى ما ضاق ّعلوية الشخصية الروائية، يكون الكاتب املسرحي لصفحات ُطويت ولسنني َخلَ ْت. هي اشتغال على القناعات تتهاوى بعد الزواج والغرق في مسؤولياته. جسد احلبيب، كانت هي ًاحتواء له وهو ذلك رفيق ّعلوية حاضرا.ً يستقي احلكايا التي سمعها من نبش الذاكرة عن طريق اتباع اسلوب توالد القص فبعد النور ُظلمة. وحضور مرمي، كرفيقة روح، ما عاد املتزوج بامرأة لديها من اجلمال الكثير إذا مرمي مع ّعلوية ّويفندها ّ ويبثاحلياة إليها بصورة املُستقى من صمت شهرزاد عن الكالم املُباح. تتحدث ضوءاً ّيبد ُد عتمة. فليس ّتهربها من التواصل مع مرمي ما ِقور ْنت مبرمي التي ال تتمتع بصفاء وجه لر ّ ا بمكانت أكثر انفعالية قائمة على احلركة األدائية الرواية عن ثالث شخصيات محورية: مرمي، ابتسام، بعد االنعتاق-الزواج- سوى تأكيداً على ّأن الروح ما زوجته. بَيْ َد ّأنه يرى ّأنها أجمل. ولكن يبدو واحتراف ّاملؤد ّي/املمثل. يدخل هذا الكاتب في حال ّوعلوية. عادت قادرة على ّحتمل أوجاع احلياة وخيباتها. ّأنها ال تتعدى كونها جسداً. فهي تضيع في من التشكيك ولر ّبما الهلوسة. فهو ّيشكك بصديقته تكاد تكون ذاكرة ّعلوية، احلاضرة ضمن السياق فخضعت للتغريب القسري في عالقة ملؤها الشك جسده، هربا ًإلى عالم خاص تنسى خالله ّعلوية ّها بأنوراء تخريب مشروعه املسرحي؛ كي الروائي، أقرب إلى الذاكرة املثقوبة. حكاياها التي ّواملادية القائمة على تكسير القيم الداخلية والتي بشاعة محيط املدينة املنذورة للخراب. تتيه يطفو عملها الروائي على السطح، حيث يصل به كانت قد كتبتها ّلتضمنها روايتها بعد االنصات تتنافى مع حاالت الضوء والثورة، ّد التمر واحلياة. فيه كحالة مثالية ال رديف لها، رغم عدم ّمتتعه األمر إلى اتهامها ّهابأن املسؤولة عن تغيير الزمن لصديقتيها مرمي وابتسام، باتت ُملْتبسة. لم ْتعد قادرة لر ّ ا بمزواج مرمي وقبولها للتغريب ضمن املدينة، مبميزات كتلك التي كانت تراها فيه ويراها والتفاصيل في ّ هنص وأنها تتعامل مع املخابرات. ّلعل على معرفة صاحب/صاحبة كل حكاية. من ُهنا، تبدأ يعتبر صورة من صور التعويض عن أشكال اخلراب بها. ّوكأن احتاد الرؤى في مكان ما، قادر وراء هذا التداخل بحيث تتم إضاءة انتماء احلكايا بوضع الرواية على مقصلة الغياب، وتأخذ مرمي دور ّجراء احلرب وخوفاًمن البقاء بال رجل بعد حبيب على احتواء انعتاق جسديهما ّلبث احلياة في ألسماء معينة وتغيير الزمن في حكايا أخرى لدى الراوي صوتا ًال كتابة. فالكتابة ْشأ ُن ّعلوية ال مرمي. مضى والذي كان قد ّصرح لها ّبأن “ ّالشرش” يعيقه عدم اخلارج. فلقد ّ متتوظيف اجلنس ُكم ِّغيب كلمن الراوية واملسرحي ضمن )مرمي احلكايا( انقالب األدوار هذا، تأكيد على الفوضى. باإلضافة من االرتباط بها. لثقوب املدينة. فكرة ما. ميكن أن يكون مفادها ّ أناحلكايا ليست إلى التأكيد على ضرورة نبش الذاكرة وتسجيلها رغم يالحظ على تقطيع الرواية، تباين األصوات. فوضى مرمي بحكايتها ًخاصة حينما اسماً أو زمناًما، كون هذه احلكايا ُخلقت لعرض األلم. التساؤل ُهنا هو: ملاذا رغم التمام مرمي على فالبدء ملرمي، ثم تأتي ابتسام، وبعد ذلك يتخلّل صوت يختلف نسق اخلط عن فصول الرواية ككل، حال املدينة/الوطن الذي ْوإن اختلفت ّمسمياته يبقى كلّها من كثرة الوجع تسعى في البحث عن صفة ّعلوية ّعلوية املدى. ملا ّكانت مرمي حتكي بدءا ًباملاضي ّاملعتق سوى ّصب غضب و”قرف” من الواقع التعيس الذي تبدو كأنها إضاءة أكثر على وجع مرمي. ومرمي ُهنا حالة كتبها الوجع. ّا فلميضيع الوطن/املكان/املالذ/ الكاتبة أكثر من الصديقة؟ ً مازجةاملستقبل املعلوم-كونها الرواي العليم- بحاضر كانت بذوره في القرية مرورا ًباملدينة. حالة رمزية إلعالء رفض الغنب الواقع على املرأة في الذاكرة، يتساوى املوت واحلياة. وتطغى ّالسلبية. تعددية أشكال حالة ّالال ُدنيا تتعالى كمفهوم عدم معرفة طريق ّعلوية، مضت في حيرة عن ما إذا بني ثنايا حكاية مرمي، ُهنالك تعرية لواقع مجتمعها. هنالك إفصاح من بني ثنايا الكلم بضرورة )مرمي احلكايا( عرض ألناس أموات على قيد عند السواد األعظم من شخوص احلكايا: املنام، كان ّحرياً بها ْأن ّتودعها أم ال. ّثم العودة إلى ماضي املرأة في اجلنوب اللبناني. ّ فأممرمي ّمتثل شريحة قد تفعيل القوانني ّاملدنية التي بدورها ستحفظ ّحقها احلياة، يأملون ٍبغد أفضل رغم الفوضى، ّلكنهم ال العتبة، العتمة، واالجهاض. هاكلّ تكثيف ملفهوم املوت املاضي. حياة والدتها قبل ْأن تُخلق. وما إغراقها مورس عليها الظلم ً متمثالبنمط املعاملة في مجتمع املستباح سواء من قبل األهل، الزوج، تبعات الزواج يلبثون تغمرهم النوستاجليا...لذلك، كان بدء الرواية واخلراب الذي ّ يعماملدينة-بيروت- وأرواح ساكنيها. بالتفاصيل وإفراد مساحات بيضاء ّمشوهة ليس ُسلطوي ذكوري، يعتبر املرأة جسداً ُخ ِل َق لالستباحة: من أبناء وانغماس في املسؤوليات الالمتناهية، ٍمباض ّمعتق. ْوهل بعد ِّشم ِالوريقات ورد “.. يا رمي حنا؟“ نادي التعاون ...... واالنتخابات

بقلم: اسراء الشمري حب ما بني “جالل” و”نيسان”. ًإضافة إلى داللة شاحبة دافئة في بقلم: جمانة الطبيخ قدوة صاحلة يقتدى بها بعد الرسل والصاحلني . يأبى الوجع إال ْأن يكون حاضراًفي نصوص رمي ّحنا، فهو عربي ٍآن معها مع بدء كل حلقة مكتب “جالل” وكرسيه وآلة كتابته تتهاوى تعجبني فكرة نادي التعاون الذي افتتح مؤخرا في اجلامعة االمريكية وتعجبني األجواء التي تسود اجلامعة في هذه الفترة أال وهي أروع مشاهد بامتياز تتقن فيه كيفية العزف على وتره وكتابته دمعاً، ،احتراقاً وأملاً. في البحر ّملتمة على كلها، كمعانقة لألرض من ّشدة التعب. ، والذي يهدف إلى تعزيز الكثير من القيم الدينية في نفوس الطلبة الدميقراطية والتعبير عن الرأي ، فنحن اآلن منارس أروع أدوارنا ألننا في مسلسل “رسائل احلب واحلرب” يتلمس املتلقي معالم خيبة في ّ مربي صوت جوليا بطرس احلزين الذي ملؤه شجن يسحق الروح والطالبات ويوحد هويتنا املسلمة ويرتقي بنا كمسلمني ويحررنا من من نختار األفضل ممن ميثلنا في جلان احلكومة الطالبية التي متثلنا جيل شهد قيام ثورات وحروب. بحيث نشهد حالة روحانية تتعالى في رائعتها “ملاذا” عندما كان جالل يشتم عبق جدائل نيسان مللنا التي ننتمي إليها سواء كنا “ شيعة أو سنة “ فكلنا واحد يوحدنا نحن كطلبة ، فأنا أؤيد كل من له نظرة مستقبلية عميقة فيما يتطلع إليه ، حلقة ِتلو األخرى، تتميز ًبغنى على مستوى رفيع. جاءت الصورة الشقراء املنسابة بكثافة على كتفيها، ذلك العاشق املعانق ألناه دين واحد عقيدة إسالمية واحدة . وإننا كطلبة وطالبات مند يدنا للمرشحني جميعا لنكون عونا لهم ، فنحن فيها ّمكثفة جتمع ما بني الصفاء والغبش برمزية للواقع العربي –نيسان- بكل حنان ودفء يبث سروراً بالنفس.. تقول: “وهل بعد “وتعاونوا على البر والتقوى” وانطالقا من اآلية الكرمية السابقة أنطلق وحكومتنا الطالبية الرشيدة يدا بيد لتحقيق األهداف املنشودة واالرتقاء منذ السبعينات ًوصوالإلى حرب متوز. ملء األحداث خوف ال يلبث ّشم الوريقات ورد؟” نتساءل ّحقاً هل بعد ّشم الوريقات ورد؟ عن نادي التعاون ليتعاونوا الطلبة فيما بينهم على إذابة الفروقات واحلواجز باملستوى الثقافي واالجتماعي ، ولذا فرسالة مني إلى جميع املرشحني يتنامى ندركه بتأمل لنظرة “نيسان” تلك الفتاة التي ملء عينيها نفسي، ال أعتقد فاحلال موغل بحزن شفيف يلّف العالم ويتخذ من فاملؤمن قوي بإخوانه كما أن يد الله مع اجلماعة . أقول فيها “ أجعلوا مصالح الطلبة نصيب أعينكم واحلكومة الطالبية ّترقب ملجهول، بعد ُعن الطمأنينة، وانتظار احلصول على إجابة األرواح الصافية مستقرا ًإلقامته الدائمة. فأماني الهوى تظل باقية فمني إلى نادي التعاون رسالة اقول فيها أعانكم الله على توصيل املتحدة هو هدفكم ، وابتعدوا عن املصالح الشخصية فهي ستهدم جميع ّ ماذالتساؤلي بعد وملاذا. روح ذلك اجليل ميأل عبقها املكان. مع انطفاء يتخللها. ال شيء يكتمل، متاماًكما احلب األول! يبقى رسالتكم التي تطمحون إليها ، ووفقكم الله على دروب اخلير ، وجعلكم ما بنوه مؤسسني هذه احلكومة “ ، وبالتوفيق للجميع انتقلنا لروح مغايرة بال تكلف ما بني أروقة يشوبها احلذر، تتنامى حاضراً حتى مع فقد الذاكرة ْوإن أصابها غبش مع مرور األيام، كل فيها أفكار قومية عربية اشتراكية، وتتداخل مع شخوص سلطوية شيء يصير ضبابياً. ببساطة يدخل في حالة العادي الصامتة. فـ متمثلة بـ “العقيد ناظم” والذي يكون كابوساً يخنق أصوات الناس “العقيد ناظم” يخطف تلك النيسانة التي ّتغنت بها فيروز وعززت بحكم منصبه. القلق صديق مصاحب لغالبية الشخوص. يلفت من مترد روحها عليها جوليا. ُم ِرهق هو األدب العميق ّخاصة ْوإن انتباهي ذلك التمازج ما بني عذاباتها املستمدة من احمليط القائلة ىحتلّ بحروف صوفية البن عربي، واختزال ذاكرة ّةأم بهذه ّاحلرفية !Congratulations بأنالذاكرة املكانية هي ذاكرة مزامنها بكل تفاصيلها، حتى نكاد العالية التي ال تخلو من األمل احلذر. ّ ُ Please join us in congratulating Spring 2008 ننصت لصوت األنفاس ّاحململة بلذة حذرة ذات سواد كما ذلك : صدقاًملاذا ال منلك من رمي ّاحن اثنتني؟ لر ّبما لتكون استثنائية كما السواد املنسكب في قعر فناجني القهوة الذي يبقى لسبر أغوار هي. أتوق ملعانقة ّنصك على ورق ّألتلمس مواطن النبض في ليلة (Peer Academic Leaders (PALs الـ “ماذا بعد!” مع خلفية فيروزية إلى جانب الدخان املختلط بعبق ما... ُفهنالك برودة تغلّف “ ّجواي”. املكان ككل. يذكر أنُ املسلسل من بطولة سالف فواخرجي، سلّوم حداد، العمق اإلنساني حاضر بكم كبير ّمكثف بصمت “أم النور” ّجدة وقصي خولي. وكان اإلخراج للفذ باسل اخلطيب. ومن إنتاج “نيسان” والتي تكتفي بوضع غطاء شفيف لر ّبما ليدل على ذلك سورية الدولية لالنتاج الفني. ومن اجلدير بالذكر ّأن “رسائل القلق املالزم لها كشقيق روح يرفض ممارسة الغياب. استخدام احلب واحلرب” قد حصل على جوائز ّعدة منها اجلائزة الفضية الرموز في أحالم “أم النور” كحال املطر املنسكب بغزارة على في مهرجان القاهرة لإلذاعة والتلفزيون 2007، ومؤخراً حصل أحدهم وقنديل الزيت مع سلّم خشبي وجديلة تسقط تلتهمها نار. على اجلائزة الذهبية كأفضل عمل درامي لعام2007 في مهرجان ُهنا، دالالت غيابية يشير فيها السلم اخلشبي حلال من احلزن والهم اخلليج العاشر لالنتاج اإلذاعي والتلفزيوني الذي كان قد ُعقد لرمبا ّسيطوق حال العائلة برماد بعد حال عنفوان ملؤه اخلضرة من في البحرين.

Dana A. Taqi, Dana Shamlawi, Heba Rashwan, Leen Taha, Oula El-Khatib, Reham Ibrahim PALs will offer support and advice to freshman students in the areas of educational planning, course selection, and the utilization of academic resources. They serve as mentors and leaders to the AUK student body.

The Peer Academic Leaders program was created and implemented 2007 by the Student Success Center. The SSC is responsible for supervising the PALs program. For more information contact Bibi Al-Ghanim, PALs Supervisor at [email protected]. The Voice of AUK Volume 4, Issue 6 12

Annual BlSSd Drive It’s in you to give! Monday 26 May 2008 Noon to 4 pm Liberal Arts UAuditorium