Issue 08 - October/November 2013

Principal's Note
I take this opportunity to welcome you all: new and
returning students as well as all staff members.
Initially, Speakout was launched to address issues
of importance to youngsters and to help students
express their views in a responsible way.
Unfortunately, Speakout stopped being published
for a while, until it was revived again two years ago
by a student pioneer group, under the supervision of
Mr. Chadi Nakhle.
BHS has been known for the importance it places
on character development, in parallel with
academic excellence. The appointment of a Dean of
Students this year came to reinforce this
perspective. Character development and improved
students’ life are enhanced this year by knowing
that almost every student is involved in extracurricular activities. In addition to community
service, we have drama, cinema, photography,
debate and at least ten other clubs fully active and
run by students. The prefect system has also been
reinforced, and the student council elections are the
next step for this year, in order to promote
democracy and leadership among our children.
Finally I congratulate Speakout’s team and advisor
for their continuous effort in the service of BHS
students and values.
I serve
Dr. Walid Khoury
Issue 8 October-November
A Word from the Adviser
I will tell you about a man...
An extraordinary man... One that few knew
about; not a public figure nor a celebrity...
A simple yet a great man...
He was a fellow colleague at school; a
hardworking and honest person...
He fell sick 2 years ago...
Despite his sickness, and the school's support
and understanding,
He kept coming to work everyday, defying his
sickness, trying to help in any way, and be
productive...
He wanted to earn his living...
His dignity prevented him to be a burden on
anyone...
He always greeted everyone with a smile, even
when he was in pain...
He always answered: "Thank God", when
asked about his health...
Few weeks ago my colleague passed away
while at work... His big heart stopped
beating...
He passed away while standing on his sick
legs...
He never kneeled, never surrendered...
This great man is Murad Abou Jaoude...
I pray for God to rest his soul... As I salute his
great spirit, finally free of the body and its
decay...
Respect!
Mr. Chadi Nakhle
A Word from the Manager
Welcome back everyone to a new, refreshing school year and welcome to the new Speakout members as well as the
returning ones! It has been a busy two months of school; with new clubs arising and new teachers and students
fitting in. Even so, Speakout is back to bring the latest news. So sit back, take a break out of your busy schedules
and read what we have to say. Thank you to Mr Chadi Nakhle, our advisor, Yasmina Aswad, our marketing
manager, Christina Farhat and Laudy Issa, our editors in chief, Zeina Chamseddine, our designer, and to all our
Speakout members. Thank you all for your hard work on an amazing first issue!
Nicole Helou
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BHS News and Events!
Celebrating Peace and Diversity!
International Day took place on Friday the 25th. It's a day to celebrate all countries
becoming one, for students who represented countries they’re not from to embrace
them with joy. A fashion show took place on that day, talents bloomed, and a few
countries presented their national dance.
4 stands won through teacher and secondary students’ voting.
Lebanon came in first place, while Canada came in second. Being in third place, Syria
was then followed by Belgium. The last event to take place was the Harlem Shake, and
it was quite enjoyable, for many students joined in on the dance. Thanks to every
student and staff member who made it possible, International Day turned out to be a
major success.
Lara Nahra
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Together We Walk!
The walkathon took place on Saturday the
26th. It is a day when people from school
–and out of it –come together and walk a
distance of either 6 or 10 km to raise
money to donate to saint Jude's Cancer
Center. Thankfully, it turned out to be a
great day and a successful one as well.
Lara Nahra
Activities reinforced at BHS; a Year of Change
Our school has always been home to a lively student body and interactive community. Though the
discipline is rigid, students are given a lot of room for creativity and expression to be able to realize
their visions. There is always, however, opportunity for improvement, and suggestions for ways to
advance our system and create a better ambience have been put forth. These ideas were taken into
consideration, but were slow to take shape...until now. This year, we have gathered the initiative to
really invest our efforts into making these changes come true. We have been able to build onto
Brummana to create a dynamic campus where grades are not the sole measure of your success.
The newly revived clubs and activities have been a great step in getting our students engaged and
in developing interests they may have never known they had. The renovated policies have also
given the students command over their school life, as well as more freedom. We have effectively
been able to create a tight-knit community. In general, students agree that the bringing about of
clubs has been a well-needed change, as it showcases different talents BHS students have and gives
them the chance to be involved in an activity they enjoy. However, as there always is with the
diversity of our student body, there are many different opinions.
We asked Frederic Azar what he thinks of this year so far:
“The general atmosphere is much better and has definitely developed a better working ambiance.
The regulations are being applied but the students recognize that these rules don't necessarily
reduce the amount of fun we have.
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They instead funnel it through progress and positive action.
However, I don’t like that all the energy is being spent on creating extracurricular features, when it
could also be used to incorporate school material in clubs as well. Something to strengthen or
heighten our education.
Also, the community service, a requirement for graduation, should be transformed into something
even more interactive with the students just like this year's club scheme. It should also be more
efficient, as a lot of students still are very confused about the hours they have accumulated.
Another important point is that we lack something to propel our school. To give it a face. We are
absent on the ground, to the exception of sports probably. We had chosen a mascot last year but
the idea died away. We should organize events that reach out to other schools. Invite them in.
Create competitions. We don't know our level of competitiveness on the grounds of education, and
so the best way to find out is either to participate in the game or bring it to us.”
“Anything in particular you enjoyed?”
“Definitely the clubs. I got to meet many talents and great people. It's a social thing. I love it.”
“How are we compared to previous years?”
“I guess the answer to this question is obvious. It's an absolute step up to the better this year. All
the changes that occurred this year are proving to be well worth it. The school itself is functioning
even better than before. I'm sure the students feel it too.”
Mira Rawady’s answer was similar, “Mostly things are better seeing as activities and school spirit
are being considered as important as school grades. In addition to the new Dean of Students and
Head of Section who are working hard for our success.”
She has also related to us her experience in the MUN club:
“There was no better feeling than being picked to manage the MUN club alongside the three best
previous MUN delegates I know: Natasha Ghawi, Michael Abou Jawdeh, and Christina Farhat. We
really are a team and it's so easy to work together; our friendship helped make that happen. Each
of us has experiences and strong points that we bring to the table. Model UN is a passion I
discovered I had last year and I can't wait to have students we train this year discover it as their
own as well. It's an amazing program.”
However, she too believes there are some setbacks. When asked, “What are some of the
disadvantages of this year?” she said: “Probably what every senior disliked... village leave
cancellation. I don't think it's very fair for 10IP students to be able to leave campus during free
periods while 12LPs can't do so on breaks. Why did the tradition have to be cancelled for OUR
senior year?”
Elias Ghaleb believes that “more strict rules have appeared” but greatly enjoys being part of the
music club, “Im loving it actually. I've always wanted to be part of something I enjoy and music is
one of them. And being a one of the managers is an even bigger plus seeing that I also love helping
anyone who needs the help, and I enjoy organizing things”.
Our school has definitely undergone a radical evolution. With the introduction of clubs, the efforts
of the Dean of students, Mr Chadi, and of the school staff, and the input of the students, our school
is heading in the right direction. We have come a long way in only a few months. Despite this, there
are still many changes to be done in order to strengthen our school, its curriculum, and its place in
the wider community. Hopefully, we will see these challenges as the next hurdles to overcome.
Sarah Karam
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Interviews with…
Mr. Rizkallah, the new Director of Studies:
What do you like most about your job? Many things, such as interacting with students , providing
rightful service, and planning and executing projects successfully.
What do you aim to change about the system at BHS? Nothing specifically; we should improve what
we have and move on with it.
In your opinion, were the SAT results satisfactory? Yes, since they reflect a normal distribution.
In the future, would you consider introducing the IB system to our school? BHS is a British school,
while IB is an international program, therefore, this needs a lot of consideration.
Dr. Matta, the new Head of Secondary Section:
Were you in any other school before? Yes I was in many other schools, working as a principal for
several years abroad. As a result, I have gained experience, in addition to leadership and
management skills. I enjoyed working there, and have gained experience from each country.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time? In my free time, I usually read, do some research on
the Internet, write sometimes, watch TV, and take care of my little garden; gardening is one of my
hobbies. I also follow news about cars.
Is there anything you would like to alter at BHS ?
My main goal is to review the academic program, especially the International Program. I was also
asked to assist with the Arabic program in school. As with the social point of view, BHS has already
introduced many activities and events. I think that there should be more involvement in
environmental issues, maybe a potential club. Also, awareness should be raised concerning
environmental problems; it can be included in courses or activities.
In your opinion, what are the best aspects about our school?
We have a friendly environment, it is open, and gives many opportunities for students to express
themselves through activities and events.
Interviewed by Elissa El Moufti
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Mr. Chadi Nakhle the Dean of Students
What is the role of the Dean of Students?
To assist the Head of Section with discipline and to work on enhancing student life through:
- clubs and activities
-academic and cultured events
-student council and prefect system
-community service
Why did you change from a teacher to Dean of Students?
Because I like the contact and communication with students and I feel that I have a positive
influence on them.
What are your expectations and goals for this year?
To continue the overall policies and projects that are already implemented and to develop more
ideas to re-enforce student life and to make this year a memorable one for all.
What are your hobbies?

Reading about astronomy, archaeology,
ancient religion and spirituality

Star gazing

Breeding birds

Do it yourself (wood work)

Poetry
If you were a student which club would you choose?
Debate club, drama club and Speakout
What is your favorite subject besides economics?
Economics isn’t even my favorite. I like Physics –to learn more about the order of the universe.
Amani Kmeid
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Articles
Breast cancer awareness
All around the world, women (and men!) alike are sporting pink for October, which has been
officially recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month. What was once seen as a terminal illness
has now become a highly curable one, with a survival rate that is still increasing yet. Over the years,
countless coalitions have been established by women to raise money that goes to research and
rehabilitation of patients, in addition to providing medical exams for those who cannot afford it in
their community. Despite the fact that one in eight women will develop breast cancer in their
lifetime, if the cancer is caught at an early stage, the odds of completely eradicating the cancer are
often more than 90%.
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer women can contract. The simple and
natural process of aging is one of the many risk factors, in addition to family history and hereditary
factors, as well as nutrition factors and even environmental ones. Once they’ve acknowledged the
facts, most women are struck with a sense of fear and worry about what lies ahead as they get older,
but it’s not the end of the world. In addition to annual self-checks and mammograms, other
preventive measures are becoming less taboo and are being practiced by multitudes of women who
have tested positive for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations, genes which increase the risk of
breast cancer by five times but still do not guarantee it. After the gene has been detected, many
women opt for hormone therapy or to have their breasts removed entirely to eliminate any chance of
breast cancer formation later in life – a procedure that leaves the patient “disfigured” if
reconstruction is not covered (as is the case in Lebanon), but is potentially life-saving.
Nicole Abou Samra
“I am Malala”
Malala Yousafzi started her fight for education in early 2009, when the Taliban banned all girls in the
Swat District, an area in Northern Pakistan, from going to school. The Taliban is an Islamist
organization, separated into about 13 groups, which rules many places, including Malala’s
hometown, Mingora. In an attempt to show the world how the Taliban’s rule affected ordinary
people, the BBC blog asked for a schoolgirl to take up the dangerous job of writing about everyday
life under Taliban rule. Nobody’s parents wanted their children to take the dangerous job, so
Malala’s father told her to, and she did. Malala continued to blog about education, the closing and
destruction of girls’ schools, and the changes around town caused by the Taliban’s restrictions.
Malala fought for the right to have an education. For her, for her classmates, and for the many other
kids all around the world who are denied an education. She made many appearances and gave many
speeches, fighting for her cause, and the Taliban finally allowed the education of girls, as long as
they wear a burqa. The Taliban threatened Malala for what she had done, but she ignored their
threats and they decided the best solution would be to kill her. In 2012, she was shot on a bus while
returning home from school in a failed attempt to take her life, and after many surgeries and
rehabilitation she was as good as new, and even more famous.
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Malala was nominated for, and received many awards for peace, bravery, leadership, and so on. A
petition, saying that by the end of 2015 all children will be getting an education, with the slogan “I
Am Malala” was made. On 12 July, 2013 Malala made her first public appearance since being shot
and the UN dubbed this day Malala Day. In her speech, she continued to fight for everyone’s right
to an education saying, “Malala Day is not my day. Today is the day of every woman, every boy and
every girl who have raised their voice for their rights.”
Zaynah Kmeid
The Amazing Cirque du Soleil!
Cirque du Soleil has come back to Lebanon once more! The astounding show
graced the stage of Forum de Beyrouth from Thursday 10th October till Sunday
20th October. The show was extended because of its rapid sell out and
fortunately; I got myself a ticket to witness the phenomenon that everyone was
talking about. I was not disappointed. The DRALION show feature four main
characters, each with their own performers who take over the stage at given
points of the show. An outstanding show of colour, dance, and acrobatics, the
audience is left gaping at times, gripping the edge of their seats, as they fear
anything going wrong with the performers intricate moves. Dralion, with its Far Eastern theme, has
been Cirque du Soeil’s top grossing touring shows. If it were to come back again next year, I would
buy my ticket without a second thought – and so should you.
Nicole Helou
Smartphones – The New Microscope?
Smartphones have become a necessity in the lives of the 21st Century generation. Containing
applications, high-tech cameras, Internet and email, these bite-sized phones (however, becoming
larger by the second) has turned into the ultimate gadget for anyone. However, the craze has come
to a new phase where the technological world has collided with the scientific world – smartphones
are becoming the new microscope! All you need to make is a DIY10$ smartphone microscope stand
and voila, you have yourself a microscope in the comfort of your own home! Having the correct
tools, the stand should only take around 20 minutes to make in an easy, stress – free way. What
better than to do your science experiments at home? However, it does raise the question; have
smartphones become too dependable that we can’t use the traditional means of science, for the
microscope was a technological discovery as well as a scientific one. Is it taking away the focus
from other, more important things in life? However interesting it is, the controversy surrounding
smartphones continues.
Nicole Helou
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Bizarre Food from Around the World
You might consider our food culture to have some strange aspects to it, but a trip around the world –
or a trip to your internet browser –will change your mind about that. Bizarre foods you might never
consider eating are considered delicacies in some countries. In fact, you’ll come across some that
you would have never considered to be possible to eat without a gun held against your head.
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Nest Soup: This is literally cooked bird spit. Swiftlet birds use their saliva to harden and build
up their nests. A single nest could cost you up to $100 because this meal is considered highly
rich in calcium, iron, potassium, and magnesium.
Snake Wine: Yup. Snake Wine. It is rice wine. With an actual snake inside. Traditional
Chinese medicine considers it a curative that reinvigorates the human body. They take a
venomous snake and let it dissolve in the liquor for months, until its venom becomes inactive.
Balut: No, this isn’t an Arabic word. It’s the name of a delicacy eaten in the Philippines, a
fertilized duck egg boiled alive and eaten in its shell.
Chicken Blood Cubes: It looks like barbequed meat, but in fact it is clotted chicken blood,
grilled and skewered. It is cheap and common on the streets of Philippine, where it is
commonly called “Betamax” after the black, square VHS tapes made by Sony in the 70s.
Fried Tarantula: What would this list be without an edible creepy crawler on it? During the
Khmer Rouge rule (1975-1979) in Cambodia, desperation led people to frying tarantulas when
food was scarce. Modern days have witnessed the transformation of the tarantulas into a
touristic attraction described as a cross between chicken and cod.
Tuna Eye: No explanation needed here. Your food stares at you, and that’s a bit upsetting,
frankly. Those who have tried this Japanese meal before have related it with boiled squid.
Herring under Fur Coat: This meal comes from Russia with Love. One word sums it up: pink.
It’s very pink on the outside. The Herring under Fur Coat, as its name implies, is a cake that is
layered with salted herring, cooked vegetables, grated beets, and mayonnaise.
Aborted Fetuses: Ding ding ding! We have found a winner to end the list. This was a delicacy
in Japan and China, and reports have claimed that doctors in Shenzhen hospitals were eating
dead fetuses after carrying out abortions, saying that the aborted babies were good for the
health and skin.
Laudy Issa
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A Cedar has Fallen
The 13th of October was a black day for Lebanon, as our
immortal voice passed away. Wadih El Safi made his
debut on 21 November 1921 in Niha. He started his
artistic journey at the age of seventeen, by taking part in
a singing contest held by the Lebanese Radio where he
was crowned as the winner between fifty other
competitors.
Wadih El Safi saw music as a form of expression and –
in a way –a science of its own, always striving to perfect
his craft. He was a classically trained tenor, having
studied at the Beirut National Conservatory of Music.
The greatest muse for Wadih El Safi was his country, its
people, its culture, its history, and its beauty.
El Safi began composing and performing songs that drew upon his rural upbringing and love of
traditional melodies and that were blended with an urban sound, creating a new style of modernized
Lebanese folk music. Wadih El Safi has written over 3000 songs. He is well known for his
mawawil, and Abu el Zuluf. He has performed and recorded with many well-known Lebanese
musicians, including, Fairouz, and Sabah.
Before, during, and after the Lebanese civil war, Wadih El Safi’s songs brought solace in times of
grief, hope in times of despair, strength in times of weakness and unity in times of division. He sang
in a way that spoke directly to the heart of the listener. His voice is the driving force behind the
memories of thousands of Lebanese; he has always been the pride of the Lebanese people and their
voice to the world. Wadih El Safi was not only a musical genius, but, also, one of the pillars of
Lebanese culture and history. He will always be treasured and remembered.
Yasmina Aswad
The Nobel Prizes 2013
The Nobel Prize Ceremony was held on October 7 in Sweden, where prizes were distributed among
the 6 categories: Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, Peace and Economics.
The prize in physics was given to François Englert from Belgium and Peter W. Higgs from the
United Kingdom, on the basis of their theory, which describes how the world is constructed – a
“theoretical discovery of a mechanism that contributes to our understanding of the origin of mass
subatomic particles.”
The three Americans, Martin Karplus, Michael Levitt, and Arieh Warshel, were awarded the prize in
chemistry. They were recognized “for the development of multi-scale models for complex chemical
systems.” They layed the foundation for the powerful programs which are now used to understand
and predict chemical processes, making computer models mirroring real life vital for most
progresses made in modern chemistry.
.
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Moving to the prize in physiology or medicine, the winners are the two Americans James Rothman
and Randy Schekman and the German Thomas C. Suedhof . They plotted how cells transfer vital
materials such as hormones and brain chemicals to other cells, thus the development of certain
diseases such as Alzheimer's, autism and diabetes.
Moreover, the literature prize went to the 82 year-old Canadian writer Alice Munro who was too ill
to attend the Nobel ceremony. She is considered one of the greatest short story writers in history.
Her prize-winning collections of short stories reflect her keen observations of human behavior and
concise, effortless explanation of the complexities of women’s relationships.
In addition, the Nobel peace prize was won by the “Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical
Weapons (OPCW)”, for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
And finally, the Sveriges Riksbank (The Central Bank of Sweden) Prize in economic sciences was
awarded to Eugene Fama, Lars Peter Hansen and Robert Shiller, from the United States, for their
work on the pricing of financial assets.
Masara Touza
Jazz is Still Alive!
By merging African-based music of the pioneer African Americans
with certain European harmony and form elements, a new genre of music
was born in the United States, referred to as the “word of the twentieth
century” and later known as jazz. Clearly defining jazz may be almost
impossible, just as defining philosophy according to Mrs. Mira Bachir.
However, it is agreed that jazz is the music that includes qualities such as improvisation, group
interaction, swing, development of an individual voice and openness to different musical
possibilities. This genre of music has developed and spread all around the world since its
establishment, giving rise to almost 30 distinctive styles and forms. Beginning with the early blues,
which is my personal favorite form, songs were structured around a repetitive call-and-response
pattern but also highly improvisational, although classical European music had nothing to do with
improvisation. After World War II, and with the development of bebop, the role of jazz shifted from a
popular style of music for dancing, to a high-art, intellectual musician’s music in which the melody
of the song would be stated briefly at the start and end of the piece and the core of the performance
would be a series of improvisations.
Jazz has had a great impact in music on rock, soul and funk, which can be seen as an antecedent
of hip-hop and R&B. Some African-Americans believe that it has helped in bringing attention to the
black history and culture, while others consider that it has increased the racism and restrictions on
their artistic visions. Nevertheless, this genre will still be one of the most influential and prominent in
music history. Unfortunately, in Lebanon, and “thanks” to our ignorant radio stations, jazz is barely
listened to, although we do have some great, distinguished Lebanese jazz players such as Ziad AlRahbani. Join the music club for a change! :P
Daniel Hilal
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Reviews
Movie Review
Book Review
Jill Mansell - To the Moon and Back
To the Moon and Back tackles the hindrances
one faces trying to move on after the death of a
loved one. The main character, Ellie, loses her
beloved husband Jamie and has a tough time
moving on with life as she still imagines him
with her and talks to him. The meeting another
man and how she overcomes the hard battle of
accepting someone's death shows the true
meaning of accommodation to dramatic life
changes. The writer uses comic relief and
makes the ghost of the husband, Jamie, a
hilarious character. She shows the couple as a
fun and light pair but simultaneously stresses on
how moving on and acceptance is important in
life. This book has readers feeling happy, sad,
sympathetic, and enlightened all in one
Mira Rawady
Chronicle
Chronicle is an unbelievably intense movie
that introduces three very different teenagers
who are accidentally exposed to some sort of
radioactivity. The movie is filmed from one of
the character's home cameras and is seen
through the manual filming of anyone holding
that camera. That type of filming allowed
viewers to believe events more and feel
involved. Viewers discover the teenagers'
powers along with them and see how they
practice and gain more control and power. The
power of the radioactivity soon turns one of
them into an obnoxious over-powering
individual and things quickly get out of hand.
What is most striking about chronicle is it's
rapid shift from fun pranks to intense and
dangerous events.
Mira Rawady
Video Game Review
Gaming: Battlefield 4
In the beginning of October, Frostbite Games launched the fourth game in the Battlefield series,
BattleField 4. Overall the game’s story line takes a minimum of fifteen hours until fully
completed.
SINGLE PLAYER: Within the single player campaign you will find many elements from past
installments the same, plus they will be taking place in numerous locations across the world. All
levels are now built in sandbox-style environments, which allows players more freedom to
complete objectives. Also Players are now able to spot enemy targets to notify the AI of
Tombstone squad. Furthermore the single player campaign also features three separate endings
based on the choices made with in the final mission.
SETTING: Incase you’ve been wondering the games single player campaign is set in the year
2020, six years after the events of the previous game. even though the Iranian- American war has
ended, tensions between the United States and Russia are at its peak. Meanwhile Admiral Chang,
an antagonist,who seeks to overthrow the Chinese government with the assassination of Jin Jie; the
country's future leader and the voice of its peace. If the assassination is to be a successful, Russia
would easily gain China's full support, which would then result in an all out war against America.
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MULTIPLAYER OVERVIEW: DICE announced at E3 early this year that, just like before, currentgeneration copies of the game will have a limit of 24 players due to the hardware restrictions while
PCs and next-generation consoles will support up to 64 players. It was also announced that the
game would run at 60 FPS (frames per second) on next generation consoles and that squads would
now have a maximum number of five players per squad. Multiplayer progress is transferable
between current generation and next generation consoles (example PS3-PS4).
Also according to Frostbite games Battlefield 4 is set to be shipped with a total of ten maps upon its
release, which will consist of seven different base types. Also two new game modes have been
added: Obliteration and Defuse, these game modes will be putting further emphasis on team play
amongst players.
However for those of you who are disappointed due to the lack of maps more shall be added in
future expansions and the same rules apply for game types.
Kai Koenye
… of the Month
Teacher of the Month
Mrs. Agathe Lahame
When did you join brummana high school?
I came to Brummana High School in 1986
What is the subject you teach?
I teach Arabic literature and I am also head of the Arabic department.
Which University Did You Attend?
I attended The Lebanese University where I majored in Arabic literature.
What career would you have liked to pursue if you hadn’t chosen Arabic?
I would have liked to have been a pharmacist
What do you believe Arabic provides to students?
In my opinion Arabic is another way for students to express themselves , it also allows students to use
their mind, emotions, and imagination all in their own style of writing and expression and in
consequence there is a richness to Arabic that is not seen in other subjects .
What are you most proud of?
Many things make me feel proud but mainly what I achieved and where I have reached in life,
pursuing my PHD, and my family and kids who bring me the greatest joy in life and the make my
heart swell.
What is BHS to you?
BHS is a haven to me, for had it not been a comfortable environment to work with I would not have
been able to acquire all that I have and I would not be striving to achieve a PhD, and also I may not
have had the luxury to have the family I do.
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You Are currently pursuing your PHD what do you feel is being the most challenging aspect of it?
Time. I have a substantial lack of time during the day for between teaching and being head of
department as well as a wife and mother and pursuing my PHD, time is a lacking factor and I
always say I wish the day had 30 hours rather than 24.
What is your favorite movie?
I will watch anything and everything that has Richard Geer in it.
What do you like to do in your free time?
When and if I have free time I love to read and cook and sing for fayrouz.
Interviewed by: Yasmina Aswad
Mr. and Miss October/November
Mr October/November Andreas Maalouf
What are your hobbies?
Playing tennis and the bass, and gaming.
What superpower would you give yourself if you had
the chance, and why?
X-ray vision, so I can see all people as equals.
If you could pick a reason for being famous, what
would it be?
I would like to be famous for playing music.
Miss October/November Nour Asmar
If you could live anywhere, where would you go and why?
I would definitely choose London because I really love the
country, especially the British accent, also for its beautiful
environment and shops
Name a quality about yourself that you like the most.
I like the fact that I’m friendly and able to make friends easily,
and also the fact that I’m tall (most of the time a good thing; it
helps with sports…).
Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
I see myself working in the field of design, as an interior or
fashion designer, something related to my artistic abilities.
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Interviewed by Nicole Helou
Entertainment
Sports: The Barclays Premier League
By Joseph Helou
After a long summer, the English Barclays Premier League restarted on the 17th of August. Many
fans waited for the opening day of the Premier League and were overwhelmed when it finally
began. Newcomers Hull City, Cardiff City, and Crystal Palace were promoted from the second
division, whereas Wigan Athletic, Queens Park Rangers, and Reading were relegated to it. Also,
Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City looked to do as well as possible with their new
managers coming in. After only nine games played, Arsenal are showing to be the strongest side of
the league so far, winning most of their games, and topping the table with 22 points, and the
weakest team is looking to be Crystal Palace with only 3 points. Chelsea and Liverpool, also, are
looking solid as they come just behind Arsenal with 20 points each. The biggest disappointment so
far would be Manchester United, who as winners of last year’s league, now currently ranked in 8th
position with only 14 points. With just a point more than Crystal Palace, Sunderland are also
suffering at the bottom, with both these teams having already sacked their managers. Overall, the
league so far has been excellent with many ups and downs, as fans watch on for many more weeks
to come of one of the best leagues in the world.
Fashion: Smells Like Teen Spirit
2013 has been known for the return of the teen spirit.
Ripped jeans, combat boots and knapsacks are all the
rage for back-to-school items.
During fashion week, the haut monde designers were able to visit their favourite era… The 90’s.
Indeed, grunge has been revived from the dead. Throughout Fashion Week, we took a trip back to
the days of Nirvana, Courtney Love and Dr Martens. Perhaps designers have felt a wave of nostalgia?
Parents and teachers might think they have to shield their eyes for the upcoming fashion extremes,
but they really do not have to worry! We still want to look beautiful in our clothes, rather than harsh
and tough. So how about we transform this idea of punk rock and dirty boots to a sort of... soft
grunge? How can we revamp ripped jeans, dirty boots and fishnets in our own way so they can be
worn appropriately for school during Fall? According to the student handbook, we all know ripped
jeans are a big no-no. Luckily, they can be replaced by wearing faded denim jeans instead.
How about the dirty boots? At first, Doc Martens were worn by construction workers. Nowadays, it
is all that is in demand! Heck, Kylie Jenner and her Misfits post dozens of pictures wearing their
trendy Docs. Let’s not forget the tartan shirts, people. Try pulling off red and black or red and white
tartans with your punk denim jeans and Docs.
Until we have a blasé but awakened attitude, get your denim jackets, boyfriend T-shirts, flannel
shirts, and high-waisted denim shorts. Gather round all your rings, bracelets and necklaces. Wear a
lot of make up or no make up at all. Be intent on originality and innovation. After all, isn’t that what
grunge is all about?
Dima Al Hugail
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Mind Blowing: Bizarre Overdose
Overdose is a word most commonly linked to drugs and alcohol; yet it is inconceivable to discover
that overdoses can be initiated by the most bizarre substances from our everyday lives.
Water overdose –yes, you read it correctly –hyper-hydration, can cause a fatal disturbance in the
brain when the electrolytes in the body are thrown off their normal balance. A woman who was
participating in a radio contest "Hold Your Wee for a Wii" drank as much water as possible without
going to the toilet; the young woman collapsed and died right after the contest.
Tea overdose: this may come as a shocker to the British, but drinking too much tea can develop a
rare bone disease known to the scientific community a Skeletal Fluorosis, which basically means
stiff joints, bone pain, and easily breakable teeth. No worries, this disease can only develop after the
consumption of great, nonstandard amounts of tea throughout the years.
Cola overdose: basically, everyone is aware that coke is not the healthiest beverage out there, yet to
actually die because of it is quite bizarre. A woman that used to consume about 24 cans of coke a
day suffered from severe health conditions and eventually died. The doctors blame her condition on
her coke consumption.
Caffeine powder overdose: a 23-year-old British man died after ingesting two spoonfuls of caffeine
powder, which have the same potency as 70 cans of energy drinks.
Soy sauce overdose: how far are you willing to go to win a dare? A young man was dared into
drinking a quart of soya sauce; he luckily escaped death and severe neurological disorders after his
sodium levels shot up.
Guess you truly can overdose on anything.
Nour Nader
Riddles
1) It occurs once in every minute. Twice in every moment and yet never in one hundred thousand
years.
(Answer: M)
2) With pointed fangs it sits in wait. With piercing force it doles out fate, over bloodless victims
proclaiming its might. Eternally joining in a single bite.
(Stapler)
3) Often held but never touched. Always wet but never rusts. Often bites but seldom bit. To use it
well you must have wit.
(Tongue)
4)What goes through a door but never goes in. And never comes out?
(Keyhole)
5) What is it that given one, you'll have either two or none?
(Choice)
6) I bubble and laugh and spit water in your face. I am no lady, and I don't wear lace.
Fountain)
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Brought To You By Sarah Karam from ‘A Year Of Riddles”
By Rony Andrew Georgi
By Mira Rawady
Top tumblrs
Photo of the Month
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Poem By Laudy Issa
Sometimes, you breathe it all in as quick as you could,
To savor every last bit, as you should.
One little breathe isn’t going to do,
Next thing you know, it’s got a hold on you.
It burns inside your chest,
Never lets you rest,
It haunts you,
Taunts you.
And you stay up, smiling, tempted, slowly falling,
Until, one day, your knees give in and you’re crawling.
You’re alright, the fall wasn’t so bad,
It was the best kind you’d ever had.
There’s something to fall on, and you’ve come to find,
It’s alright to let go, to put the past behind.
There is no storm, it is the calm that you fear,
It is the echo of your own voice in your ear.
It is your own mind you question and doubt,
You fear what is inside more than what is out.
But, though you doubt, one little breath did not do,
It already has a hold on you.
Hyde Park
• No village leave for seniors when it has been an upstanding tradition in Brummana High
School
• Students are overwhelmed with intense workloads on certain weeks and no workload at all
in others, instead of having the work given out to them be balanced throughout the term.
• With decreasing temperatures outside, no solution is being found as to creating a warm
place, or a sort of common room, for IPs to spend their free hours in, rather than outside in
the cold.
Yasmina Aswad
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Halloween Themed Caricature
By : Rawan Deeb
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School Related Caricature
By Nour Harfouche
A conversation with Mr. Rizallah
Advisor: Mr. Chadi Nakhle – Manager: Nicole Helou - Marketing Manager: Yasmina Aswad.
Editors: Christina Farhat And Laudy Issa - Designer: Zeina Chamseddine .
Caricaturists: Rawan Deeb And Nour Harfouche.
The Team: Amani Kmeid, Daniel Hilal, Dima Al Hugail, Elissa El Moufti, Kai Koenye, Lara Nahra,
Massara Touza, Mira Rawady, Nicole Abou Samra, Nour Nader, Rony Georgi, Sarah Karam, Zaynah
Kmeid.
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