April 25 issue

Senior Quincey Smith, co-captain of the Forensics Team, to speak at commencement on May 21.

Pg. 3

George Mason University’s Student Newspaper www.broadsideonline.com

April 25, 2011

Volume 87 Issue 22

Larranaga accepts coaching job at Miami Patriots crushed by departure of campus legend Cody Norman Sports Editor

File Photo

Men’s basketball coach Jim Larranaga has resigned to accept a job as head coach at the University of Miami.

Mason could expand to Tysons Corner NOVA also looking at space; part of plan to expand Tysons Corner

Rain tapped against the windows of Mason Hall Friday afternoon, cutting through a silent crowd of people sitting in anticipation with looks of curiosity and disbelief spread across their faces.

They exchanged somber nods as they shuffled to their seats, like family members at a funeral service.

Commemorative portraits of past George Mason University presidents stared down from each side of the room; shadows from spotlights cast upon their faces, making them appear gloomy.

This was a day few people within the Mason community thought they would ever experience.

Mason Athletic Director Tom O’Connor entered the far side of the room with press secretary Dan Walsch, who was dressed in solemn black from head to toe.

After accepting handshakes and hugs of sorrow from some of

Gregory Connolly News Editor Several schools in the Washington metropolitan area are discussing expanding within Tysons Corner.

Currently, preliminary talks are underway at George Mason University regarding the feasibility of opening an expansion at Tysons Corner.

Several businesses have approached Mason about opening a location at the heavily-trafficked business hub, said Daniel Walsch, Mason’s press secretary.

Walsch said Mason would rent space at Tysons Corner if the talks were to yield any kind of plan.

“There would be cost involved [with renting],” Walsch said. “All of those things have to be budgeted for.

There would have to be some kind of cost-benefit analysis because this would cost money, and we’d have to see what kind of interest [from] potential students.”

Mason is not the only school that has been approached. According to an April 19 TBD story, Northern Virginia Community College is looking at expanding to Tysons Corner. A NOVA facility in Tysons Corner would be its 11th location in the area.

If tapped to open a facility in Tysons Corner, NOVA would start with a small space that could grow to as much as 125,000 square feet, according to the TBD story.

Walsch said there is no timetable for the Tysons Corner expansion, with only “very preliminary talks occurring within the university.”

The talks come at a time when contractors are working on the Dulles Metrorail Project, which will connect Washington to Dulles Airport and Tysons Corner. The first phase of the project will be finished with revenue service up and running by late 2013, according to the Metro website.

Tysons Corner is now working under a 20-year plan passed in June 2010 by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors to turn the sprawling

See TYSONS, Page 3

“He could coach the Los Angeles Lakers if he wanted to. He’s that good of a basketball coach.”

-Tom O’Connor, Mason Athletic Director in reference to Jim Larranaga

in 2008, many believed that Larranaga would finish his career in Fairfax with the Patriots.

Even when The Washington Post reported on Thursday night that Larranaga was in serious talks with the University of Miami and would be speaking with university officials on Friday morning, Larranaga’s final decision still sent shockwaves through the university.

Just a few weeks earlier, following an impressive Final Four appearance from VCU, Rams coach Shaka Smart was able to strategically use offers from other schools as leverage, forcing VCU to offer a contract totaling more than $1.2 million per year.

Mason fans saw Larranaga’s talks as a similar ploy to force O’Connor’s hand in hopes of a much sweeter contract offer.

“We were able to put together a total compensation package that was, in a good year, a top-5 salary among mid-major coaches in the country,” O’Connor said.

ence in the country. In fact, most recently I told him he could coach the Los Angeles Lakers if he wanted to. He’s that good of a basketball coach.”

After turning down his alma mater, Providence College, back See LARRANAGA Page 10

Could return if conditions are right Asst. News Editor

Stock Photo

He frequently called Mason the best university in the nation and served as an ambassador for the green and gold.

“All along, Jim and I have had conversations about his ability to coach,” said O’Connor, who brought in Larranaga to coach back in 1996. “I have always said that he can coach at any confer-

Farmers market future in question Jeffrey Giorgi

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted last year to modify Tysons Corner so that it be er resembles a city. Part of that plan includes the desire to a ract higher educa on.

the attendees, O’Connor made his way to the podium to deliver the “eulogy.”

“At 9 o’clock this morning,” he said, “Jim Larranaga called. He said he would be accepting the head basketball coaching position at the University of Miami.”

Larranaga, who coached the men’s basketball team through 14 seasons, began talks with the Atlantic Coast Conference team about two weeks ago according to O’Connor.

Larranaga's contract at Mason ran through 2016, but according to O'Connor, Larranaga was granted permission to leave before his contract was up.

"We are thankful and respectful for Jim's decision," said O'Connor in an interview with Connect2Mason. "We’re thankful for all he’s done for the university and for the basketball program.

We respect his decision from a personal and a professional standpoint."

Dating back to 2006, Larranaga repeatedly told members of the media that he hoped to retire with the Patriots.

On Earth Day 2009, amidst blue skies, rain and even hail, the farmers market made its debut at George Mason University. Students and faculty were able to buy organic fruits, vegetables and various all-natural foods. Since then, the market has moved around campus, but now, they may be without a home for the future.

“We were only active for about a month before the students left,” said Jean Janssen, president of Smart Markets Inc. of the farmers market’s first appearance at Mason. “They put us in Lot K for the summer where we did very, very poorly. We didn’t have any way of letting the community

know we were there because they wouldn’t let us put any signs up.”

File Photo For Mark Kraner, executive While the farmer’s market is not currently going to appear at Mason, there is a posdirector of retail operations at Mason, the handling of the farm- sibilty that it will return in the future. ers market was a matter of logis- ket reappeared on the North reappear in spring 2010 but more Plaza, a spot that, while better, still issues arose and the re-opening tics. was delayed.

“One of the things we asked had problems.

“We decided not to open until “Almost every week when we was for it to be focused toward the people on our campus. Trying to arrived, there was something set last fall and then it would be a bring more bodies onto our cam- up,” Janssen said. “We weren’t year-round market,” Janssen said.

So the market made its repus that are not a part of [the plugged into the life of the univerMason community] is not always sity enough to know what was turn, this time just outside of Southside. With a plan to remain the best thing to do,” Kraner said. happening in the plaza.”

The market left Mason in Oc- on campus year round, things “We weren’t trying to get the neighborhood to come in, espe- tober 2009 after a successful and looked bright for the future of the market. cially since there are two farmers stressful two months.

“We came to an agreement “Everyone could see the pomarkets in Fairfax.”

Many of the vendors were tential to do well,” Janssen said. “It and came up with a space-use hesitant to come back after the ini- was just a matter of managing it. agreement for this year,” Kraner tial outing because of poor profits. Those two months all the vendors said. “[Janssen’s] request was that But in fall 2009, the farmers mar- could see a potential profit.”

See MARKET, Page 3 The market was supposed to

Police task force convenes again Turnout low; report coming in June Reuben Jones Connect2Mason News Editor The official university task force formed in early April by President Alan Merten to seek input on “interactions and experiences” with university police held its second open meeting on Wednesday, drawing a lower turnout than the first, and with fewer speakers than the number of people on the task force.

Six speakers spoke to the task force about their experiences with the George Mason University Police Department. Eleven people spoke at the first open meeting. Each speaker was allotted five minutes to make a brief statement.

Between the two sessions, a total of 31 speaking positions were left unfilled.

The task force is composed of 11 members with Peter Pober, chair of the Faculty Senate, and Rose Pascarell, associate vice president for University Life, as the cochairs.

“The focus is to get your experiences of university police,” Pober told the small crowd at the open meeting.

Chief of Staff Tom Hennessey said in his email to Mason that the university also hired Tomlinson Strategies, LLC, an external consulting firm specializing in institutional safety, security assessments and law enforcement issues, to “review the police policies and procedures that led to the arrest on a felony chare of student Abdirashid Dahir earlier this month.”

Five students and one faculty member spoke to the committee about their interactions with the police and described specific experiences. While most of the experiences described were negative experiences with the police department, the conversation was civil.

The committee received 30 written statements from students, faculty and staff and the statements will be made public after Merten sees the final report in mid-June.

The task force will now gather feedback from the two open meetings and written statements and compile a preliminary report for May and a final report to give to Merten by mid-June. Depending on the reports, the university will decide if any action should be taken as a result of the task force findings.

BOV secretary passes away William Soza had been member since 2005

Kevin Loker C2M Editor William Soza, secretary of the George Mason University Board of Visitors, passed away on Friday morning.

The cause of Soza’s death was unclear, though a colleague said he had been “struggling with an illness.”

Soza had been a member of the BOV since 2005.

“He’s somebody who was a real asset to the university,” said press secretary Dan Walsch.

“He was a real advocate and a leader. We appreciated the support he’d given us all these years.”

See BOV, Page 3

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News Event Calendar Monday, April 25

Broadside

5 Monday, April 25, 2011

Prepare for the real world University Career Services works to help students connect with employers Gregory Connolly News Editor

Ice Cream for Mason Week Johnson Center, North Plaza Noon – 1 p.m.

High Five for Off-Campus Students Parking Lot A 1 – 4 p.m.

Tuesday, April 26 Mason Week 2011: Tuesday Jam Johnson Center, North Plaza Noon – 2 p.m.

Baseball: Mason vs. Georgetown Spuhler Field 3 p.m.

Wednesday, April 27 Mason Week 2011: Totes-m’gotes Johnson Center, North Plaza Noon – 4 p.m.

Film: Poster Girl Johnson Center, Cinema 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 28 PEP Film U.S.A: Inception Student Union Building I, Room 1400 8 a.m. -– Noon Mason Week 2011: Comedy Show Johnson Center, Cinema 9 – 10 p.m.

For more events and activities, check out: today.gmu.edu

The number of years Mason has held Bike to Mason Day.

Sifting through graduation, senior classes, internships and future jobs is a monumental task. Fortunately for George Mason University students, University Career Services is available to help.

“I don’t resolve confusion,” said Finian McGaffey, a career counselor for University Career Services. “My job isn’t to resolve it. My job is to help you resolve your confusion. I don’t do it for you. I’m full of resources, information, guidelines, tips and tricks, but the actual process itself belongs to the student.”

Career Services offers counseling to any Mason student who seeks it, though some — such as those in the School of Law, the Institute for Conflict Analysis and Resolution and some of the professional programs — are better suited to go to a more specialized career services offered by their program.

“Students can start [using Career Services] at any point within their career,” McGaffey said. “You show up, you’re a freshman and you don’t know what you want to do. We can help provide tools.”

McGaffey said there are three transitions classes to help students make the most out of college: University 200 looks at selecting a major and career; University 300 is aimed at transfer students and juniors who are looking at landing an internship; and there are two different versions of University 400. One is focused on a successful experience in trying to find a graduate school while the other is job and career-oriented.

“If you’re really on your A-game and you know where you’re going when you’re a freshman, there’s no such thing as starting networking too early,” McGaffey said.

ICAR boasts one of the more specialized career services on campus.

“As an interdisciplinary field, there are often not the clear-cut career paths that other academic disciplines may have, and the students recognized a need for support in learning how to job search specifically for conflict-related careers,” said Julie Shedd, associate director for administration at ICAR’s career services, in an email.

Shedd said it is important for students to look to develop their career within a timeline of 10 to 15 years.

“Few students achieve their perfect job right after graduating,” Shedd said.

“What is important is to identify the kinds of jobs you want to have in the future and evaluate current opportunities in terms of the learning, skill development and experience you will be gaining from that job that will make you a better candidate for your ideal job.”

McGaffey said he recommends that students look for an internship before committing to a certain career path.

“For many people, it can be an invaluable experience,” McGaffey said. “I’ve received significant feedback on this in terms of either affirming or denying a decision. Isn’t it better to have a decision where it’s five to 20 hours per week before you dive in and it’s your full-time job and you find out you hate it?”

University Career Services has walk-in hours for students who want anything from advice to résumé touch-ups Monday through Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m., with additional slots at 5 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday and 10 a.m. to noon on Friday. Individual appointments can be made by calling 703-9932370.

Bike to Mason Day a success

April 21

April 20

April 19

April 18

POLICE FILES Two Vehicle Accident Pariot Circle/Rivanna River Lane Vehicle 1 was charged with Hit and Run after striking Vehicle 2 and fleeing the scene. (50/Issa) Protective Order HQ Victim notified GMUPolice regarding an active protective order against her ex-boyfriend (non-GMU).

(50/Issa)

Possession of Marijuana Rt. 123 and University Dr. Justin Dubois 19 of Haymarket, VA Clint Ledford 18 of Suffolk, VA Nikhil Bali 18 of Arlington, VA (GMU) were issued summonses and released. (29/Capizzi)

Possession Of Marijuana/Schedule 1 Drug Dominion Hall Eric Remigino, 19, of Avon CT (GMU) was for the above offenses and taken to Fairfax ADC where he was held on a $2500 bond. (29/Capizzi)

Shoplifting.

Southside Dining Hall Complainant advised that an unknown female was stealing food. Estimated loss $5.00. (53/Colson)

Destruction/Damage/Vandalism David King Hall Complainant reported graffitit in one of the building restrooms. Estimated damage $100.00. (38/Rourke)

Destruction/Damage/Vandalism of Property University Townhouse Complex Complainant reported that an outdoor air conditioner unit was damaged. Estimated damage $750.00 (53/Colson) Theft From A Building Blue Ridge Victim reported a unattended items stolen. Estimated value $900.00. (45/Arnold)

Police Files are taken verbatim from www.gmu.edu/police.

Broadside does not make any changes to public records.

Photo by Gregory Connolly

Mason has hosted a 5k for Vic ms’ Rights Week for the past 15 years.

Faculty and staff show support for going green Nathan Dorfman Staff Writer About 100 students, faculty, staff and community members traveled via bicycle to George Mason University in celebration of Bike to Mason Day on Thursday.

Participants biked to Mason for numerous reasons.

“It’s a great stress relief,” said Nancy Bagwell of Arlington. “I’ve been on a bike since I was 6 and I’ve never stopped riding. My 68th birthday is coming up next month.”

For others, money played into their decision.

“Gas is almost $4 a gallon, but it didn’t cost me anything to get here today,” said Rick Holt, a human resources trainer at Mason and member of the Mason Bike Advocate Council. “I get my workout right there in two hours and have more energy.”

By biking, you save money and help the environment at the same time, Holt said.

“I support the campus efforts for this,” said Bethany Usher, associate director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at Mason. “We biked on a multi-use path from Burke Centre.”

The Washington region hosted a Bike to Work Day for a long time, but it always fell on Mason’s commencement weekend, said Josh Cantor, director of Mason Parking and Transportation. For this reason, Mason started its own Bike to Mason Day in 2007.

The League of American Bicyclists has named Mason a bicycle-friendly university.

Mason earned this status through five E’s: engineering, education, encouragement, enforcement and evaluation, Holt said.

Cantor said he seeks to make biking a more accessible means of commuting to Mason, by adding bike lanes, racks and shelters around campus.

Students interested in biking can get involved with the on-campus Bike Village program, which repairs bicycles and provides bicycles at a reasonable price.

“I hardly ever bike on the road with cars,” said Bagwell, who primarily cycles on trails and sidewalks. “There are plenty of trails around here.”

Commuters can also use a multi-modal approach by biking part of the way and then taking a shuttle or the Metro.

A lot of people think they cannot bike to campus, but doing it once a week, or even once a month, is more reasonable and more impactful than people realize, Cantor said.

“It’s not an all-ornothing proposition,” Cantor said.

The transportation office is also looking for a bike intern, Cantor said.

Faculty and staff interested in biking can join the Bicycle Commuter Benefit Program. Members of the program can earn two free parking passes from the transportation office and a $20 voucher for use at local bike shops.

The Bicycle Commuter Benefit Program may be available to students in the future.

“Biking is a continual effort and part of a larger transportation program,” Cantor said.

The transportation program at Mason, which also incorporates shuttles, carpooling and walking, discourages driving alone.

“We’re always open to feedback,” Cantor said.

For more information, you can visit transportation.gmu.edu

Teaching with video games Mason professors, students work with area students Laura Bolt Administration Beat Reporter For the past four years George Mason University’s College of Education and Human Development has been working with McKinley Technology High School in D.C. to host a program that welcomes middle and high school students from the Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington metropolitan areas to build their knowledge of technology through computer game design.

The project, funded through a grant from the National Science Foundation’s Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers program, is known as Game Design Through Mentoring and Collaboration, and was created by Mason Associate Professor Kevin Clark, who is also the Instructional Technology Program Coordinator for the CEHD. Kimberly Sheridan, assistant professor of educational psychology and art education, is the co-principal founder.

Clark said one of the benefits of this project is that it exposes students to both educational opportunities and to careers in technological fields they otherwise would not have been aware of, like game design.

Those who work in the program believe in video games as a teaching tool. Clark said the students have taken positively to the experience and shown interest in creating their own games.

Graduate research assistant Neda Khalili, who started working with the program as a doctoral student in the Instructional Technology Program, thinks that video games are an excellent way to introduce students to science and technology careers.

“Our students come to the program already interested in playing video games,” Khalili said. “Working on pieces of games and even creating their own fully designed 2-D games through Game Maker, students are exposed to technology in new ways, and we hope that they will start to consider [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] fields for their careers and college choices.”

According to the project’s website, success is achieved through establishing a relationship that facilitates learning between students, teachers and professionals, providing access to information technology resources, creating learning opportunities and making content relevant to students’ everyday lives.

In addition to learning about career opportunities in the fields of science and technology, students learn important leadership skills.

Asia Williams, a doctoral student in education and current program research assistant, said that one of the most impressive aspects of the project is the mentoring model it embraces.

“What has been the most interesting aspect of the program for me is the leadership pipeline that has developed over time,” Williams said.

“We currently have several assistant instructors [who] were once peer mentors and a group of students [who] are mentors-in-training.”

Williams said the peer tutoring is what separates the program from other technology programs in the area.

The sessions are held on Saturday mornings at Mason’s Arlington campus and, according to the project’s website, “serve urban, traditionally underserved students from Washington, D.C.” The participants are local and voluntary.

The project’s creators are currently investigating its sustainability and plans for the future. The summer session is scheduled for July.

Broadside

News

Monday, April 25, 2011 | 3

Senior Quincey Smith to deliver commencement speech

Students present research projects at CHSS symposium Students involved in a supervised research project were eligible to participate Monika Joshi Copy Chief Students in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences showcased their research projects in the Johnson Center during the third annual Undergraduate Research Symposium on Tuesday.

The majority of participants presented posters, but a handful of students gave oral presentations. All CHSS students who were involved in a research project that was supervised by a faculty member were eligible to participate in the symposium.

“The research symposium is definitely a highlight of the academic year for the college as we get to engage with students about their research and share in their enthusiasm,” said Jamie Cooper, associate dean for undergraduate academic affairs for CHSS and the College of Science.

An awards ceremony following the presentations recognized

cidal self-injurious behavior. “Research is such an important part of psychology as well as other fields for the advancement of knowledge and information.”

Bethny Scheuerman, a nontraditional individualized studies major, said she was not familiar with the CHSS symposium until one of her professors forwarded her an email about it last semester. Doubtful at first, Scheuerman decided to give it a try. “[The symposium] is so heavily represented by psychology majors, I just thought nothing much would really come of it,” Scheuerman said.

For her study, Scheuerman investigated gender bias in court cases involving domestic abuse.

The topic occurred to her while she was taking a women’s studies course and it was also one to which she could personally relate.

After numerous sleepless nights scouring LexisNexis and Google for relevant cases, analyz-

students in five categories: poster presentation, oral presentation, overall research and scholarship, project involving language and project involving information technology.

For most participants, the research process involved picking a topic, which was often suggested by a faculty member; collecting data, whether it was their own or came from previous studies; analyzing and drawing conclusions from the data; and suggesting how the findings could be used in the future. Project durations ranged from a month to over a year.

“I think being involved in a research project is something that not a lot of other undergraduates have the opportunity to experience, and I have loved every moment of the research process,” said senior psychology major Sarah Waldron, who was awarded Best Overall Research and Scholarship for her study on non-sui-

Smith thankful for opportunity

ing the rulings and creating an effective poster, Scheuerman was ready to share her findings with others.

As someone who had previously never conducted a research project, Scheuerman said winning Best Poster Presentation took her by surprise.

“They were calling my name and I was standing there like an idiot,” Scheuerman said. “I was not expecting it at all.”

Even for students who were not recognized at the awards ceremony, the CHSS symposium was a gainful experience.

“I got to spend time talking to people about my study who seemed to be interested in research, and just getting positive feedback for something I had worked on for so long felt great,” said senior psychology major Philip Gibson, whose findings suggest use of nicotine can have a significant impact on behavioral preferences.

Quincey Smith

Gregory Connolly News Editor Senior communication major Quincey Smith has been selected to deliver a speech at commencement on Saturday, May 21.

Smith, who recently was named top speaker in the nation at the 2011 American Forensic Association’s National Individual Events Tournament, will discuss Mason students and the university.

“The over-arching metaphor is climbing a

mountain and persevering to accomplish dreams,” Smith said.

Smith is enrolled in Communication 440: Special Occasion Speaking this semester. The last project in the class was writing and delivering a commencement speech, and a selection committee chose Smith to deliver this year’s speech.

“I’m really excited,” Smith said. “I’m really thankful for the opportunity. It’s going to be really cool to share a message with so many people.”

Smith said the class was full of talented people who had great messages to share.

“It’s an honor to be the one selected,” Smith said. “I feel very thankful, but appreciative for all the other people in the class who helped and encouraged me throughout the process.”

Search continues for Bethany Decker

Skullcandy hosts headphone trade-a-thon

Photo courtesy of Gabby Styles

Authori es con nue to search for missing George Mason University student Bethany Decker. Decker was last seen at her apartment in Ashburn on Jan. 29. Anyone with informa on on Decker is encouraged to call inves gators at 703-777-1919.

Photo by Gregory Connolly

Photo by Gregory Connolly

Skullcandy came to campus on Thursday to trade headphones with Mason students. In exchange for a pair of old headphones, representa ves from Skullcandy gave students a brand new pair of headphones.

Soza influential in Northern Virginia

Mason also looking to open campus in Loudoun County business district into a walkable city, according to a Washington Post article.

While the plan will not convert Tysons Corner to a municipality, it will become even more of a community than it is now.

The development plan for Tysons Corner requires developers to include space for public facilities. Colleges and universities fall into that category, according to the TBD story. Other public services that will be installed include fire stations and libraries.

Other plans currently being discussed to expand Mason include a campus in Loudoun County.

“We’ve requested planning money from the state,” Walsch said. “It’s a priority for us. The money was denied this year.”

Walsch said groundbreaking in Loudoun County was years away, so the specifics as to what purpose the campus would serve are not available.

“Right now we offer classes [in Loudoun County] in rented office space,” Walsch said. “We’d be looking to cater to thousands of students. It would perhaps be a campus the size of the Prince William campus. We really want to grow and be a significant presence in that part of the region.”

they not be located on the plaza and we worked out a space for it, and it was by Southside. It was a mutual agreement as to location. She chose the day and time which she thought would be best.”

However, what looked good on paper did not pan out, and a drop in profits ultimately caused the market to close again.

“We just didn’t get the foot traffic,” Janssen said. “On this campus you don’t have students crossing through large parts of the campus throughout the day.

They park and go straight to their classes, and foot traffic was so bad that all our vendors dropped out.”

Janssen added that the process was part of the problem.

“If we were a part of the university where we worked with a committee, or a working group, we would be hearing the voices that tell us that location is a bad idea,” Janssen said.

Only speaking with one part of a community can make planning difficult and a lack of community can create problems where there might not otherwise be any if multiple factions were involved, Janssen said.

“That is why I’ve always felt we lost the opportunity to do on this campus

what other markets are doing on other college campuses,” Janssen said.

On Thursday at 1 p.m. a meeting will be held to discuss the farmer’s market at Mason.

“We’re going to be looking at the market in general,” said Dan Waxman, professional and alumni development

“When you think about it logically, [Mason] may not be the best thing for a farmers market.”

-Mark Kraner, Executive Director of Retail Operations at Mason

manager. “Things like a desire to have a market here on campus and if the community will want it because there is an express interest from people on campus.”

Whether the farmers market will return remains undetermined.

“Why [Janssen] hasn’t come back this spring, I’ll be honest,” Kraner said.

“I have sent her a letter asking when she’s going to return and she has not

replied so I can’t answer the question, because she hasn’t communicated that to me.”

The Prince William campus hosts a successful farmers market on Thursdays. Prince William focuses on attracting the surrounding communities, and Mason focuses solely on drawing its students and staff.

“When you think about it logically, it may not be the best thing for a farmers market,” Kraner said. “That’s what we think is happening, but we don’t know for a fact.”

But according to Janssen, the potential for return still remains, under the right circumstances.

“We wouldn’t try to come back in the summer unless … you actually get the Skins here,” Janssen said. “And if the traffic circle is no longer in need of construction … I don’t see why we can’t just set up for three hours a day.”

Some feel the market has provided the opportunity for students to have a healthier diet and to help the community.

“Our farmers market has provided a great addition for university life here at Mason and served as another resource for learning about the planet and the value of food,” Waxman said.

Free Tickets for Mason Students!

TONIGHT!

TYSONS, from Front

MARKET, from Front

The Vision Series: Thomas Lovejoy, speaker A Wild Suggestion for Climate Change Mon., Apr. 25 at 7 p.m.

Free/Ticketed CH Faculty Artist Series: Anna & Friends Mon., Apr. 25 at 8 p.m. Free/Non-ticketed HT Opera Gala Concert Tues., Apr. 26 at 8 p.m.; $20 adult, $15 student/senior HT Limited Free Student Tickets Available Now Mason Wind Symphony & Symphonic Band Thurs., Apr. 28 at 8 p.m.; $15 adult, $10 student/senior CH Limited Free Student Tickets Available Now Ten-Minute Play Festival Apr. 29 & 30 at 8 p.m.; Sat., Apr. 30 at 2 p.m. $ 15 G.A., $10 Student/Staff/Senior/Groups TS Limited Free Student Tickets Available Now ppd

=Pre-performance Discussion

ff

Chorale Broadway Showcase Sat., Apr. 30 at 8 p.m.; $15 adult, $10 student/senior HT Limited Free Student Tickets Available Now Trisha Brown Dance Company Sat., Apr. 30 at 8 p.m.; $22, $36, $44 CH Limited Free Student Tickets Available Now

ppd

Thomas Brawley Memorial Concert Sun., May 1 at 3 p.m.; Free/Non-ticketed HT Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel 1911: A Century Celebration!

Sun., May 1 at 7 p.m.; $38, $30, $19 CH Free Student Tickets Available Now

ff

ppd

Mason Vocal Jazz: A Cabaret Evening Fri., May 6 at 8 p.m.; Free/Non-ticketed DL Mason Dance Company: May Concert May 6, 7 at 8 p.m.; $15 adult, $10 senior, $7 student HT Limited Free Student Tickets Available Apr. 26

=Family Friendly BB=Black Box CH=Concert Hall DL=de Laski/3001 GT=Grand Tier III HC=Hylton Center HT=Harris Theater TS=TheaterSpace OR TH E RF

Call 703-993-8888 or visit cfa.gmu.edu/students

AR TS

Center for the Arts

E

Peter Pober, the faculty representative to the board, echoed Walsch’s sentiments.

“This is just very, very sad,” Pober said. “William was a kind and gentle soul. He cared immeasurably for the students and faculty of this school. He always had a kind word and a smile, was always willing to help. He wanted to make sure people benefited from the work of the board.”

Soza was influential not only at Mason but in the wider community.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce named him the most influential Hispanic businessman of the year in 1998, and in 1999 Hispanic Business Magazine listed him as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the U.S. Soza was the founder of Soza & Company, Ltd. an accounting, management, and technical consulting services firm, and he also sat on several boards in the Northern Virginia area.

CENT

BOV, from Front

Meeting to be held on Thursday to discuss future of farmer’s market

20 YEARS 19

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The number of episodes of “Malcolm in the Middle” Frankie Muniz has starred in. By the way, he’s going to be at Mason Day!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Continued traditions Students prepare for this year’s annual Mason Week celebrations, which include concerts, a comedy show and a Kings Dominion trip Erin Powell Asst. Style Editor With the arrival of spring comes George Mason University’s highly anticipated Mason Week celebration. The week is a series of entertainment events for students, leading up to the annual Mason Day concert.

Mason Week provides an outlet for students to let loose and have fun while enjoying the spring weather. Some of the events this year include free ice cream, a Tuesday Jams show, free airbrush tote bags, the comedy show featuring Nick Thune and a Kings Dominion trip with discount tickets.

“Students are always excited just to get away from classes,” said Celia Cannon, president of Program Board. “There will be giveaways, free food, it’s all so worth it. I think the Comedy Show will be the big standout [event].”

With the exception of the Wiz Khalifa concert, all of the week-long events, including entry into Mason Day, are free with a valid Mason photo ID. Program Board worked hard to plan the multitude of events and often collaborated with other uni-

versity organizations to bring more variety to the Mason Week celebration.

“We usually don’t have a spring concert,” said Cannon. “We worked with University Life and the Office of Student Involvement [to set up the Wiz Khalifa concert].”

Last year, turnout at Mason Day was huge as students lined up to participate in theme rides, games and activities with a chance to win free prizes. The week-long events and celebratory day continue to make an impact on the student body.

“Mason Day is the oldest standing Mason tradition,” said Cannon. “It’s older than commencement.”

To make up for long lines last year, Program Board plans to incorporate more vendors so that students are only left waiting for a short amount of time.

Pop band Cobra Starship performed at the end of 2010 Mason Day, while band Plain White T’s will headline this year.

Looking into the future, Program Board hopes to continue Mason Day and Mason Week’s popularity with fun, innovative entertainment ideas.

“We are building and getting bigger and better every year,” said Cannon.

file photo

Mason Day brings a variety of op ons for entertainment from funnel cake to live bands.

file photo

Students pack lot L for the Cobra Starship show at last year’s Mason Day.

Jared Leto’s so-called band 30 Seconds to Mars to perform at the Patriot Center Dylan Hares Staff Writer “I don’t remember a moment I tried to forget,” croons 30 Seconds to Mars lead singer Jared Leto in the opening seconds of their latest single, “Closer to the Edge.”

Since the release of their 2009 album “This is War,” 30 Seconds to Mars has rocked nearly 2 million fans in 30 countries across the globe during their high-energy tours.

The L.A. trio came together in 1998 and released their self-titled studio album in 2002 which did poorly according to sales charts.

Their 2005 sophomore effort, “A Beautiful Lie,” eclipsed their past failure, selling 3.5 million copies worldwide and becoming certified

platinum in the United States.

The title single of their third album, “This is War,” reached number 1 on the U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs chart along with the single “Kings and Queens.”

Fresh off the plane from Santiago, Chile, the band recently performed at the inaugural international expansion of Lollapalooza with Kanye West, Deftones and The Killers.

On Wednesday night at 7 p.m., the eclectic rock band will perform hits from their three albums at the Patriot Center. Tickets are on sale starting at $32.50.

Dare to resist the war on drugs Mason Students for Liberty give out free brownies on 4/20 Pat Carroll Asst. Sports Editor When people are given brownies on April 20, they may be curious as to what the brownies really contain.

Even though there were no “special” ingredients in the Ghirardelli brownies that the Mason Students for Liberty handed out in the Johnson Center on Wednesday, the Mason Students for Liberty had a special message to get across to students as they passed out free treats.

“The brownies are kind of an irony to bring people in because it is 4/20 and people familiar with 4/20 will maybe have a greater understanding of the war on drugs,” said senior individualized study major Terra Arret, president of MSL. MSL partnered with the Students for a Sensible Drug Policy to run the third annual Dare to Resist the War on Drugs event.

With drug cartels gaining more and more power, especially in South America, the war on drugs has become less necessary over the years. The event was meant to inform students about the cor-

Photo by Ramy Zabarah

Mason Students for Liberty hand out brownies on 4/20.

ruption and failures of the war on drugs and to call for an end to the prohibition of drugs.

“We want to make students aware of the failure of the war on drugs and to realize it’s up to the individuals to choose to use drugs and that it’s not the governments,” said junior economics major Alex Willruth, president-elect of MSL. Students passed by the kiosk with many different reactions.

“Most people are supportive but we have had some people show their disagreement,” Arret said.

“We want people to have a place to go and talk about individual rights, limited government and that government has no right to interfere in your life,” Willruth said.

MSL holds events throughout the year, educating the Mason community about their rights and the government’s influence on them.

Photo by Ramy Zabarah

Broadside

Style

Monday, April 25, 2011 |

5

A quick run down of upcoming festivals to help you decide which one best suits your budget and musical tastes “For those who can’t afford bonnaroo�

“the hippie fest to end all hippie fests�

When: July 14-17 Where: Masontown, W.Va. Headliners: Furthur featuring Phil Lesh and Bob Weir, Primus, Pretty Lights, moe., Umphrey’s Mcgee, STS9, John Butler Trio, Dark Star Orchestra, Warren Haynes Band, Yonder Mountain String Band, Keller, SOJA, Galactic, Toots and the Maytals, JJ Grey & Mofro, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, The Bridge, Big Gigantic, Donna the Bualo, The Infamous Stringdusters, Beats Antique, Papadosio, Toubab Krewe Why you should attend: Though All Good has less hype and doesn’t pack all the big names in that Bonnaroo does, it promises the same hippie heavy environment and the camping experience you’re looking for. For those that want to forego the rap artists, but still get drug happy on a beach towel under the sun, this festival’s for you.

When: June 9-12 Where: Manchester, Tenn.

Headliners: Eminem, Arcade Fire, Widespread Panic, The Black Keys, Bualo SpringďŹ eld featuring Richie Furay, Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Rick Rosas, Joe Vitale, My Morning Jacket, Lil Wayne, String Cheese Incident, Robert Plant & Band of Joy, Mumford & Sons, The Strokes, The Decemberists, Ray Lamontagne, Bassnectar, Iron & Wine, Girl Talk, Beirut, Florence + the Machine, Matt & Kim Why you should attend: This year’s diverse line up will satisfy your rap-loving side, quell your desire to see ‘60s prodigies like Neil Young and Robert Plant and give your indie hipster self something to look forward to. If you’re looking to connect with mother earth and forego showering for four days or are generally bummed you weren’t around for the original Woodstock, Bonnaroo is the next best thing.

“The Eclectic festival�

“river-side indie Rock oasis�

When: May 27-30 Where: George, Wash.

Headliners: Foo Fighters, Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, Wilco, The Flaming Lips, The Decemberists, Bright Eyes, Iron & Wine, Rodrigo Y Gabriela, Bassnectar, Death from Above 1979, Robyn, Flogging Molly, Pink Martini, Cold War Kids, Old 97’s, Ratatat, MSTRKRFT, Wolf Parade, Chromeo, Guided by Voices, Yeasayer, Beach House, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Local Natives, Matt & Kim, Deerhunter, Trailer Park Boys, Sleigh Bells, Major Lazer, Fitz & The Tantrums, Archers of Loaf Why you should attend: You can’t stop listening to Local Natives, you can name all of Conor Oberst’s side projects and you like Matt & Kim — but not just because of that song “Daylight.�

This year’s Sasquatch line-up is a dream come true for indie fanatics who also happen to love the woodsy feel and mountainside location of Sasquatch’s Gorge Amphitheatre venue.

When: Sept. 16-18 Where: Austin, Texas Headliners: TBA

When: June 29-July 3 & July 5-10 Where: Milwaukee, Wis. Headliners: Kanye West, Katy Perry, Kid Cudi, Hall & Oates, Meatloaf, Toby Keith, Kid Rock, Sheryl Crow, Def Leppard, Heart, The Black Keys, Sugarland, Peter Gabriel

When: May 27-30 Where: Silverado, Calif.

Headliners: Pretty Lights, Thievery Corporation, Lucent Dossier, Beats Antique

When: July 15-17 Where: Chicago, Ill. Headliners: Animal Collective, Neko Case, Destroyer, The Dismemberment Plan, No Age, Fleet Foxes, James Blake, Das Racist, TV on the Radio, Cut Copy

When: August 5-7 Where: Chicago, Ill. Headliners: TBA Why you should attend: Though Bonnaroo really stole the show this year as far as eclecticism goes, Lolla is generally known for its diverse genre-spanning line-up. This year marks Lollapalooza’s 20th anniversary, so you know they’re not going to slack when it comes to the line-up. Rumored acts include Foo Fighters, Eminem, Muse, Crystal Castles, Deftones and Cee-Lo. Expect big names and a massive celebration in Chi-town’s Grant Park that will rival any prior Lollapalooza blowouts.

When: July 7-9 Where: Mariaville, N.Y. Headliners: The Disco Biscuits, Cut Copy, Wiz Khalifa, Bassnectar, Pretty Lights, Death From Above 1979, MSTRKRFT, Ghostland, Observatory

When: Aug. 5-7 Where: Oxford, Maine Headliners: Thievery Corporation, STS9, Gregg Allman band, John Butler Trio, bob Weir, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeroes, Ghostland Observatory

When: May 27-29 Where: Chillicothe, Ill. Headliners: STS9, Widespread Panic, Girl Talk, The Avett Brothers, Future Roc, moe., Umphrey’s McGee, Bassnectar, Yonder, EOTO

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6

Broadside

| Monday, April 25, 2011

Style

‘Poster Girl’

Cheap Eats

Award-winning documentary to premiere at JC Cinema Ramy Zabarah Style Editor

with Monika Joshi In the mood for some authentic Indian food, but not willing to empty your pockets for it? This week, “Cheap Eats” brings you two simple yet appetizing recipes that can zest up your usual diet.

Vegetable Cutlets 1 medium potato 1/2 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, green beans, corn, etc.)

1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped 1/2 cup breadcrumbs 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste) 1 finely chopped green chili (adjust to your taste) Olive oil

Mango Lassi

Optional: 4-6 salty crackers Makes about five cutlets Cooking time: 30–35 minutes

First up are vegetable cutlets, which make a great snack or side dish with ketchup or a variety of Indian sauces called “chutneys.”

Vegetable cutlets can also serve as a flavorful substitute for burger patties.

Though you may not have all the ingredients at hand, it will probably only cost you a few bucks to go out and get them. And believe me, the trip to the grocery store is well worth it.

Microwave the potato for two minutes or until tender. Once it cools, peel and mash into a large bowl. Mix in the thawed mixed vegetables, cilantro, salt, chili and breadcrumbs. Shape into round patties about 1/2-inch thick. For extra crunchiness, you can crumble up the crackers and roll each patty in the crumbs.

Meanwhile, heat the oil on medium-high flame in a frying pan.

To test if the oil is hot, drop in a small morsel of batter and if it bubbles to the surface right away, it’s ready. Once the oil is hot enough, slip in the patties. Fry a few cutlets at a time until they are goldenbrown on both sides. Eat them while they’re hot.

This is a basic vegetable cutlet recipe, but there are ways to get more creative. You can substitute fresh veggies for the frozen mix or change the shape of the cutlets!

1/2 cup mango puree or half of a fresh mango, chopped 1/2 cup plain yogurt 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar Several ice cubes Makes one glass

A cross between a milkshake and a smoothie, mango lassi is the perfect refreshment to cool you down on a scorching summer day. A popular summer beverage that originated in Punjab, India, it requires only a few ingredients and takes just three minutes to prepare.

Wise word of warning: Lassi can often make you dozy, especially after a meal (don’t ask me why), so it might be a good idea to try this after finals.

Mix all ingredients in a blender for about two minutes or until smooth. If the consistency appears to be too thick, add water as needed. Add ice cubes and blend until crushed. Pour and drink.

Bon appétit! Swad lo!

Photo courtesy: http://www.postergirlthemovie.com

CLASSIFIEDS Help Wanted

Miscellaneous

Spokesmodels needed for a new social website part-time, call Chris no experience necessary (703)655-7273

Donate blood to support AIDS research in Dr. Yuntao Wu's laboratory at Mason! Donating 100 - 150 ml (1/2 - 3/4 cup) blood. Donors must be HIV negative, healthy, non-pregnant, weigh over 110 pounds, 18 years & older. $20 compensation. Email: aturne11@gmu.edu or call 703-993-8548; 703-993-2831, leave contact information.

Lifeguards/Pool Operators, FT/PT, VA/DC/MD, flexible schedule, free training, competitive pay, must be able to swim, call 703-996-1300 ext. 128.

Child Care Sitters Wanted. $12+/hour.

Register free for jobs at student-sitters.com

Everyone on campus wants cheap eats, movie tickets, 2 for 1 and free stuff. Get yours too.

Text Patriots to 41242

This year’s Academy Awards honored many talented artists and recognized various rising stars in the film industry.

Among those nominated for best documentary, short subject, was “Poster Girl,” a piece by first-time filmmaker Sarah Nesson. It documents the life of a high school cheerleader-turned-soldier and her struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in the Iraq war.

Mason’s Film and Media Studies program along with Art and Visual Technology, Cultural Studies, English, Film and Video Studies, Global and Community Health, History, Psychology, Women and Gender Studies and University Life will be showing “Poster Girl” on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

Nesson and the film’s subject Robynn Murray will be present for a question and answer period after the showing.

Post-traumatic stress disorder affects many U.S. veterans and has lead to multiple suicides among soldiers, active

and retired. The film seeks to observe one soldier’s recovery and transformation.

“My goal for making this film was to break through the cultural disconnect between veterans and civilians,” Nesson said. “I wanted to bridge that gap by showing the struggle and healing journey of one person.”

The film will be shown at this year’s Hot Docs Festival in Toronto, the Athena Film Festival at Barnard College, the One World International Film Festival in Prague, the Women's Film Festival in Brattleboro, Vt., and New York's Stranger Than Fiction Winter Series.

The showing will be free of charge and seats are on a first come, first served basis.

On Thursday at 4:30 p.m., the Film and Media Studies program will also be showing the HBO documentary “Living for 32,” a film that follows Virginia Tech shooting survivor Colin Goddard’s efforts to recover after being shot four times in his French class. The showing will be followed by a question and answer segment with the film’s subject.

You only have a few a more chances to attend one of Student Media’s Outreach Events. Don’t miss out!

Tuesday, April 26 VoxPop Poppin’ 1-3 p.m.

SUB II Room 1014 Friday, May 6 Mason Cable Network Viewing Party 6 - 7 p.m.

SUB II Room 1014 Friday, May 6 Open Mic 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.

JC Atrium

Opinion Broadside

|

7

Monday, April 25, 2011

Broadside

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down

George Mason University’s Student Newspaper Emily Sharrer, Editor-in-Chief Sonya Hudson, Managing Editor Monika Joshi, Copy Chief Gregory Connolly, News Editor Jeffrey Giorgi, Asst. News Editor Justin Lalputan, Opinion Editor Ramy Zabarah, Style Editor Erin Powell, Asst. Style Editor Cody Norman, Sports Editor Pat Carroll, Asst. Sports Editor Peter Flint, Photography Editor

Thumbs up to Skullcandy for giving away free headphones. Finally, we get something free with no strings attached.

Benjamin Shaffer, Copy Editor Marine Jaouen, Copy Editor Jared Barrale, Copy Editor Liz Milligan, Designer Michelle Buser, Designer Dylan Hares, Staff Reporter Scott Miller, Advertising Director Jacques Mouyal, Business Manager Kathryn Mangus, Faculty Adviser David Carroll, Tech Adviser

Thumbs up to Mason Day coming this week. We can’t wait to hang out with our friends while ignoring the Plain White T’s.

Thumbs down to coach Larranaga for taking his talents to South Beach. I guess the green and gold here wasn’t enough.

Editorial Policy

Thumbs down to BOV secretary William Soza passing away. He will be missed.

The letters, columns and views expressed on this page are solely those of the writers. They do not reflect the views of Broadside or its staff, unless otherwise noted.

Broadside is a weekly publication printed each Monday for the George Mason University and surrounding Fairfax community. The editors at Broadside have exclusive authority over the content that is published. There are no outside parties that play a role in the newspaper’s content, and should there be a question or complaint regarding this policy, the editorin-chief should be notified at the information given above.

Diversity and its impacts on nations

Broadside is a free publication. Limit one copy per person. Each additional copy is 25 cents.

Immigrants should conform to societies they join, not isolate themselves

© 2011 by Broadside. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the editor-in-chief.

Straight edge on 4/20 The experience of someone who never smokes Justin Lalputan S o p h o m o r e

Opinion

Editor

Wednesday was just an average day to me. I woke up, went to class, played soccer and hung out with my friends.

In other words, I did nothing outside of the ordinary.

But for many people in the world, and a lot of students on campus, it was 4/20 — a day to smoke weed.

For some reason, the thought of smoking weed never appealed to me.

Smoking weed, cigarettes and drinking alcohol: I can’t say that I’ve ever done any of these things intentionally.

That seems strange for a college student, but it’s not so strange for me because I’m straight edge.

For those of you who don’t know, being straight edge means that you abstain from drugs alongside a slew of other debated rules.

However, the one thing that those of us who ascribe to the straight-edge mentality all agree on is that if you are straight edge, you don’t do drugs.

I’ve debated my mentality with my friends many times. In fact, on 4/20, I got into numerous debates about it.

The idea that someone doesn’t smoke or drink seems to astound them. But is it really that bad?

I’ve heard hundreds of sad stories about people who were killed or badly injured because they were drunk and either drove recklessly or picked a fight.

I’ve never heard of anyone getting into trouble because they didn’t drink.

While the same argument can’t be made for weed, I simply choose not to put anything into my body that affects it in the manner that marijuana does.

On Wednesday, while

many people were busy lighting up (and hopefully reading the weed culture section in last week’s Broadside), I was working out and having drug-free fun.

Why do you need drugs?

I know that people take drugs for a number of reasons: as a way to deal with problems, just to relax or have fun, because their friends are doing it or, in the worst case, because they are addicted.

Are any of these really good reasons to do drugs, though?

I’m not trying to change anyone’s mind about drugs — I honestly doubt that I can.

But as I watched students anxiously dodge the university police while they were high (which, by the way, is absolutely hilarious), I asked myself, is it really worth it?

I can have fun, relax and deal with my problems in far healthier ways.

Are drugs really that important that you feel the need to take them without a medical reason?

The effects of marijuana can differ from person to person, and there is conflicting research on the drug (though some facts, such as the negative impact on lungs, are indisputable), so you have no clue if smoking weed will lead to dire consequences later on in life.

Once, I had some guy tell me that I thought I was better than him because I was straight edge, which is not the case.

I simply don’t see the point in purposely poisoning your body. Life is short and I don’t see any reason to cut it any shorter.

So I hope you all had a great 4/20, and if you smoked weed, just keep this in mind: Your way isn’t the only way.

I’ll do my thing and you’ll do yours.

The only difference is my thing keeps me alive and healthy while yours costs money and slowly destroys your lungs and possibly even other parts of your body.

Just something to think about before you light up the next blunt.

Alan Moore S E N I O R

Opinion

Columnist In October 2010, German Chancellor Angela Merkel lit a firestorm when she claimed lax immigration policies, group differentiated rights and identity politics were causing her country to lose its national identity.

“This [multicultural] approach has failed, utterly failed,” she boldly declared. Merkel wasn’t alone — British Prime Minister David Cameron echoed the same sentiment in February: “Under the doctrine of state multiculturalism, we have encouraged different cultures to live separate lives, apart from each other and the mainstream.”

The criticism didn’t end there. Joining the chorus was French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who was perhaps the bluntest in his assessment: “If you come to France, you accept to melt into a single community, which is the national community,” he stated. “And if you do not want to accept that, you cannot be welcome in France.”

In his statement, he summed up the real problem

Americans are proud to be Americans while 6 percent don’t call themselves patriotic.

By comparison, 51 percent of Brits, 51 percent of Spanish, 36 percent of French and 21 percent of Germans are proud to be from their respective countries.

That might lead you to believe our country is immune to such problems.

However, there is cause for concern. Many believe the great melting pot should be replaced with political correctness that celebrates what divides us more than what unifies us.

Many believe tolerance must be achieved even to the detriment of our country.

There is a difference between understanding and accepting someone else’s heritage or lifestyle and letting a belief system dominate and fracture our national identity.

Immigrants who come into this country often feel culture shock. They’re afraid they might lose their identity and it can be a difficult process.

This can result in immigrants staying in their comfort zone, refusing to assimilate.

In Europe and other parts of the world, this has led to radicalism and a bitter divide amongst the masses.

We do not, nor should we, tolerate government-imposed segregation.

We also should not accept self-segregation.

Immigrants have a duty to assimilate when they decide to become Americans.

In turn, Americans also have the duty to help that process. We should celebrate our diversity and through our differences use our unique skills to perpetuate the idealism of the American dream.

Free speech, freedom of religion, equal rights, blind justice, American exceptionalism and other democratic values are the bedrock of our national identity.

If you refuse to buy into those values then this is not the country for you.

There are those who believe multiculturalism is the answer and that a country divided can survive without community or national identity.

They believe there is no need for a glue like the belief in democratic ideals to keep an otherwise fractured society together.

They turn their back on ethics and morals, desecrate tradition and preach tolerance for the intolerant.

We must be a unified people in order to survive because the U.S. is the last, best hope for universal freedom.

Europe is learning this lesson the hard way. Let’s learn from their mistakes before making them ourselves.

The issue with Christian Rock Repetition and being overly straight forward ruins otherwise good music Ben Shaffer Copy Editor On the topic of religion, interests of fairness require me to disclose a few items up front. Although I neither describe myself as religious nor regularly attend church, I do believe in God. I further acknowledge that should I ultimately subscribe to a particular faith, it would likely be to some branch of Christianity.

Having grown up around it, it is the shortest psychological distance I can travel from my isolated berg of self-directed communion to a structured doctrine.

I must also state that I believe Christians today enjoy a routine and unfair denigration in a manner that practitioners of other major faiths do not.

And to Christians’ great credit, I’ve not seen them use those slings and arrows as leverage, but rather accept the abuse with the proverbial turning of the cheek.

Having laid down those markers, I feel better about laying into the music genre of Christian

Want to share your opinion?

Submit your letter to the editor or artwork to: opinion@broadsideonline.com

Note: Letters to the editor are welcome and are printed on the basis of space, quality and timeliness. All submissions are the property of Broadside and may be edited for brevity, clarity and grammar. Material containing libel, racial slurs, personal attacks or obscenities may be edited or rejected. The author’s name, class year (and/or title where appropriate), major and daytime phone number must be included for verification of authenticity. The deadline for submission is Thursday by 10 p.m.

with state multicultural policies: “We have been too concerned about the identity of the person who was arriving and not enough about the identity of the country that was receiving him.”

Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard, Dutch politician Maxime Verhagen and Spain’s former Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar have also recently been outspoken critics of multiculturalism.

These concerns stem primarily from the growing fear of the Islamization of Europe.

More radicals are beginning to believe in Jihad and are attempting to destroy the West from within by imposing their belief system on others.

Secondly, concerns over the balkanization of these once proud and strong countries address fears that nations will disintegrate into fractured ethnocentric communities.

Thirdly, the only real way to effectively boost marginalized groups is to restrict freedoms of other groups of people, causing a paradox where everyone is repressed.

Europe and other parts of the world clearly have a problem; otherwise high profile world leaders would not be speaking out as harshly.

This begs the question — is multiculturalism a problem in the U.S.? Seventy-six percent of

rock.

For years I’ve tried to ascertain what I find so repellant about it (can I get a witness?).

My dislike has nothing to do with the music or musicianship itself since — if I’m being fair — the major Christian players of today hold their own against the secular mainstream.

No outside influence poisoned the well, so to speak; my wariness was instinctual.

And yet I didn’t — and don’t — disparage Christianity. If I had a beef with the church then naturally I wouldn’t want to be reminded of it by the music I listen to. But no such bone of contention exists (you’ll have to take my word).

So why this reaction? At last, I struck upon it.

Perhaps three years ago, a close friend who was “getting into [his] Christian side” asked if I would like to go to “this cool church” with him.

My policy on such matters is simple: Go. Keep an open mind.

The church, located in Rosslyn, was a youth-oriented, kind-

Editorial Board: Emily Sharrer, Editor-in-Chief Monika Joshi, Copy Chief Sonya Hudson, Managing Editor Justin Lalputan, Opinion Editor

of-hipster gig to which area 20somethings flocked.

Service was held in an auditorium, complete with stage, and was presided over by two pastors, a guy and a gal, both sufficiently youthful and hip.

I don’t think it’s possible to raise an objection to anything that transpired over the next hour, but nor does any bit of the experience remain in my memory apart from the Christian alt-rock band that played a few numbers at key points.

The band was killer, I won’t lie. But by the fourth tune, it finally hit me: Every song was about Jesus, which brings me to my beef with Christian rock.

It’s the exhausting singlemindedness that gets me, like a teenage boy singing about his girlfriend Mandy all the time, without a break.

But he’s not just singing about her vaguely so listeners can imagine themselves in the scenario.

He’s singing about Mandy by name, so you positively know this ain’t your girl.

All unsigned staff editorials are written to represent the view of the Broadside staff, a diverse set of opinions determined by the members of the editorial board. Letters to the editor, columns, artwork and other commentaries strictly represent the opinions of the authors and do not represent the official opinion of the newspaper.

You might hope at some point he’ll sing about — oh, I don’t know — anything besides. But no, he’s got Mandy on the brain and that’s where he’s steering his ship.

First song: Mandy, Mandy, Mandy. Next song: The changing times and how it pertains to Mandy, Mandy, Mandy.

Next song: All about temptation but at the end there’s a surprise visit by Mandy, Mandy, Mandy.

Next song: Stuff that Mandy likes to do. Next song: How Mandy has made him a better man. Next song: Waiting to be nearer to Mandy. And so on.

For the record, Mandy is totally awesome. But it wouldn’t hurt to get off-topic for awhile, if only to clear the air and get psyched up for another round of Mandy.

My sense is this preoccupation will forever cause mainstream audiences to turn their noses up at Christian rock.

But I also get the feeling that devoted fans are fine with that.

That’s kind of their cross to bear.

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Phone: 703-993-2950 Fax: 703-993-2948

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Broadside

Monday, April 25, 2011

Opinion

Allergies exist Sometimes, you have to walk in someone’s shoes to understand their pain

Sub-par is too kind of a description for Mason’s wireless network Doesn’t it piss you off every time you have to log in to access wireless internet here at Mason?

What’s even worse is when you have to re-login after you already logged in an hour or two ago.

Just the other day a friend and I were working on on-line Spanish homework. He finished 35 questions on part of the assignment, and when he hit submit, it directed to the log-in page and all of his work was deleted.

He logged into the system less than two hours before this happened. What sucks is that this isn’t unheard of and it’s extremely frustrating. It’s ridiculous that you have to keep logging in just to maintain access to the Internet. It actually just did it to me now when I went to refresh my Facebook page.

I understand the whole idea for logging in is to provide

safety and security to those on the network, but the network doesn’t even support the latest version of Windows, Windows 7; at least that’s what it says half the time I login.

The IT department at Mason doesn’t seem to communicate well to the students, either, just like many other offices here on campus. When there was a cable television outage that affected over 1,000 on-campus students for almost three days, there was no communication for over 48 hours on what the problem was.

I had to play phone tag to try and find out who in IT was actually responsible for on-campus cable networking. I did that for two hours. When I contacted one of the top people in the IT department they responded and followed up on the matter.

He even responded to me on a Saturday, which was great.

So it was fantastic that I could get one of the top people in the department to respond to me about what was actually going on, but no one had an answer for me on a weekday. I shouldn’t have to go to the top every time there’s a problem to find someone competent.

To give the IT department some credit, they are diligent on following up with some matters.

We had wireless connection issues in my dorm room. Half the time it wouldn’t work. They sent a ResTech over who told us the same thing that I’ve been telling ITU: the Internet connectivity was spotty and it sucked.

I shouldn’t have to plug in through an Ethernet cable like its 1999 when I’m paying over $8,000 to live on campus per academic year. They sent a couple of guys out who determined there were not enough routers/repeaters installed and

that we were in fact not crazy, the Internet connection did suck. ITU proceeded to hire a contract to fix the issue and they were able to install more repeaters, etc. within a month. It was fantastic. Now the wireless works and I can use my iPad in my own dorm room.

Besides that, the IT department really needs to get its stuff together. Up until the beginning of this academic year, we were using an email program that was circa 1995 when every other comparable university was under a real email service with a bit more than 50MB of storage.

I think my first Hotmail account in 2002 had more email storage. I believe they were in discussions for at least two years deciding what email client they were going to switch over to. So come on IT, why can’t this stuff just be easy?

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Praise for Lalputan In response to the article called “Cruelest Show on Earth Returns,” which was printed last week, I would like to send high praise to Justin Lalputan for shedding light on what truly goes on behind the scenes at circuses.

Animals used in traveling acts, such as circuses, are treated like equipment, hauled around the country in poorly ventilated trailers and boxcars for up to 50 weeks per year in all weather extremes.

Laws protecting animals in traveling shows are inadequate and poorly enforced. Animals do not naturally ride bicycles, balance on balls or jump through rings of fire, so trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks and other painful tools to force them to perform.

In order to get animals such as elephants to stand on their heads, handlers must essentially instill enough terror in them so that they will be afraid not to do these things.

Ringling Bros. in particular has an exceptionally egregious history of animal abuse and neglect. People are shocked to learn that the U.S. Department of Agriculture currently has numerous open investigations into Ringling and that the company’s USDA inspection reports are riddled with instances in which inspectors found that the circus

had failed to comply with federal laws.

Ringling has been cited for causing animals unnecessary trauma, behavioral stress, physical harm and discomfort, and for failure to provide animals with veterinary care, exercise and sufficient space.

Thankfully, a growing number of cities and countries worldwide are restricting or banning the use of animals for entertainment, including the U.K., Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Switzerland, India, Bolivia and China. Children and adults alike are extremely saddened and disturbed to learn that circuses aren’t any fun for the animals involved.

Please boycott this extreme and unnecessary cruelty and opt for cruelty-free shows such as Cirque du Soleil, in which the performers are humans who actually choose to participate. For more information on animals abused in the name of entertainment and to learn how you can help them, please visit peta2.com.

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Brandon minster G R A D S T u d e n t

Opinion

Columnist I used to be unsympathetic towards allergy sufferers. These are the people whose eyes always look like they just broke up with their long-time partner and whose nasal passages are as constricted as a boa (the snake variety, not the feathery kind).

“Oh, it’s ragweed season,” they’d complain between sneezes. I’d sneer and think, “That’s not even a real plant.” I mean, when was the last time you saw ragweed on a salad bar or listed on a weed-killer commercial?

Ragweed is the bogeyman of allergies, useful as a scapegoat for every ailment from swimmer’s ear to tennis elbow.

If ragweed were to appear in a political cartoon, it would look like the Capitalists of Communist propaganda posters: well-dressed, overweight, jowls dripping with the nasal discharge of the exploited.

Allergies are more widespread than ever before, despite industrialization’s noble attempts to kill all living plants.

When I was a boy, every school kid ate peanut butter by the quart.

Now, setting foot on the spreadable lunch-stuffs aisle for some is akin to taking their lives in their own hands.

This is easily explainable: Allergies are a big business.

Those with weak minds can be convinced by advertising that their eyes are watering and their bronchial tubes are closing, just like ads con-

vince the weak-willed that they need to eat a Subway Steak, Egg and Cheese sandwich (that thing looks delicious!).

My wife claims to suffer from allergies, but I’ve been too wily to fall for her ploys.

When she greets me at the door complaining of sinus pressure, I tell her to get back outside and finish mowing the lawn.

All of this changed, however, when I recently experienced my first allergic reaction.

After using a medical skin-care product, my legs became covered with a horribly itchy rash. My fingernails were not up to the task, so I began carrying a shiv-like letter opener with me.

I thought it lent my persona a much-needed toughguy edge, but my wife said it was “just weird.”

She decided I needed an itch-reducing lotion, but lotion and leg hair don’t mix well.

And this was how I came to cutting my leg hair. Notice I did not say I shaved my legs. I did not shave my legs. I just used a hair trimmer to give my legs a buzz cut.

My wife does not like the result. I think she’s just jealous that my legs now rival hers for silky smoothness.

She treats my legs like shameful abominations, using her body to block them from our children’s view when I wear shorts.

Evidently children being raised in a home with a hairless-legged father can expect a future filled with hefty counseling bills.

The lotion goes on much better, which was my goal, and it seems the itching is abating.

As for the original problem that required the medical remedy, I don’t know what started it, but I suspect it might be caused by ragweed.

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Broadside

Monday, April 25, 2011 |

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The number of Mason baseball players to ever record a hit in 20 consecutive games. Junior Brig Tison joined that elite class of players in Saturday’s 14-0 loss to Old Dominion.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Larranaga: leaves behind legacy LARRANAGA, from Front Unfortunately for Mason, that wasn’t enough.

According to USA Today, Larranaga was set to make about $700,000 for the 2011-12 season at Mason, depending on bonuses.

The position at Miami is expected to pay over $1 million annually. ". . . In the end run, Miami’s an ACC school, a football school, [and] we really can't compete with the amount of money they can use for their program, or for compensation for a coach," said O’Connor in an interview with Connect2Mason.

Larranaga followed the lead of LeBron James, taking his talents to South Beach and leaving the Mason basketball program scrambling to find a quality replacement. O’Connor said the position will be filled within a month.

"We will begin a national search to find a good strong coach, so we can continue to be successful in the CAA and move forward in the NCAA tournament," said O’Connor. “We’re going to get a really good coach. This is a hot, hot job for somebody right now. And it’s a great job.”

BY THE NUMBERS

14 Seasons

Replacing a legend on the court and in the minds of Patriots fans

246-157 record -Most wins in school history

Cody Norman

-Most wins in CAA history

Sports Editor

Two time CAA Coach of the Year 2006 Clair Bee Coach of the Year 1 Final Four

With numerous sources saying that George Mason University Athletic Director Tom O’Connor will not be considering any coaches within the Jim Larranaga coaching tress (i.e. assistant coaches for the former Patriot boss), Bill Courtney seems to be out of the equation.

Who does that leave on the table for O’Connor?

Here is a list of my top choices: No. 1: Tommy Amaker, Harvard Crimson Amaker comes from the coaching family of Duke legend Mike Krzyzewski, holding a career record of 243-189. He is 6651 at the helm of the Crimson.

He was a head coach at Seton Hall and Michigan before taking the job with Ivy League Harvard. After leading the Crimson in to the postseason for the last two seasons, Amaker’s services were coveted by the University of Miami — the same university that stole Larranaga from the Patriots.

The Ivy League is not a desirable position for any coach because it makes recruiting extremely difficult, as schools are not awarded scholarships for athletics.

Should Amaker come to Fairfax, he brings an established reputation for being a people’s person, as he helped the Crim-

son attract some of the country’s top student-athletes. Imagine the recruits he could bring into the CAA with all of the contacts he has built up over the years.

No 2: Mike Lonergan, Vermont Catamounts Lonergan may be an even more realistic option to replace Larranaga. He has ties to the area, as the former Maryland assistant – working under legendary coach Gary Williams – and Catholic University head coach.

In 17 years as a head coach, Lonergan has topped 20 wins in 11 occasions, most recently leading the Catamounts to a 25-10 record, their best in school history. His familiarity with the area could pay dividends in recruiting in the greater D.C. area, as a majority of his recruits at Vermont hail from Northeast United States — New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.

Lonergan’s resume is equally as impressive as Amaker and he may be more willing to return to the area to coach the Patriots.

No. 3: Mike Rhoades, Virginia Commonwealth Rhoades, who is just 36 years old, would be an extremely valuable addition to the Mason coaching staff. After spending 10 successful seasons with Randolph-Macon, he joined the staff of Shaka Smart

last year and helped lead the Rams to the Final Four this season.

Rhoades knows the conference a little bit and has some valuable experience recruiting within the area.

And at such a young age, Rhoades could add a different dynamic to Mason basketball.

His youthfulness may introduce an entirely different culture within the program and allow players, both current and future, to let loose and achieve more in the process.

A sleeper: Kirby Dean, Eastern Mennonite For the last eight seasons, Dean has been the coach of Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, Va. He led the Runnin’ Royals to the Elite Eight of the NCAA D-III National Championships in 2009 and has been a master recruiter, bringing in untouched talent to develop a strong team in a tough conference.

Dean, too, is familiar with the area — he spent eight years as an assistant coach at Virginia Military Institute — and could provide the Mason bench with an entirely different dynamic, bringing an up-tempo offense that would flourish in the CAA. If Dean is not offered the position as head coach, he should get serious consideration to join the new coach’s staff as a high-energy assistant.

Mason Scoreboard

IN THE ZONE Some great pitches and some misses

4/23: Softball vs. Drexel L, 1–2

OUTTA HERE Larranaga pulls a LeBron and takes talents to South Beach.

4/23: Softball vs. Drexel W, 4–3

LIVIN’ ON A PRAYER Final Four member Lamar Butler will make appearance on WGMU at 8 a.m. Tuesday.

BYE BYE BALLY Kaila Conlon smashed walk-off grand slam to give Mason 4-3 win.

THAT ONE SLIPPED At 4-17 in the CAA, Mason baseball ranks 11th in the conference out of 11.

NICE PITCH Tom O’Connor told The Washington Post that Larranaga’s name should be written on the Patriot Center court.

4/23: Baseball @ODU L, 0–14 4/23: Volleyball (M) vs. NYU W, 3–1 4/22: Lacrosse (W) @Hofstra L, 7–16 4/22: Baseball @ODU W, 10–8 4/20: Baseball vs. Rider L, 6–9

Broadside

Sports

Monday, April 25, 2011 |

Silas VanSky, a senior from Lawton, Okla., of the men’s golf team finished third place overall last weekend at the CAA Championship.

VanSky was tied for first after shooting 72 for the first round on Friday.

After shooting 74 on Saturday during the second round, VanSky slipped into second place. However, VanSky managed to pull it back together and shoot 72 again for the final round, which earned him a share of third place with Nyasha Mauchaza from Towson.

FACES in the

CROWD

Eric Lucas, a senior from Ellicott City, Md., helped lead Mason’s second-seeded men’s volleyball team to a victory in the Eastern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association tournament on Saturday at the RAC. The Patriots handled the New York Violets, winning 3-1. Lucas delivered a great performance with 15 kills on 25 attacks without a single error. The Patriots will move on to the next round of the tournament, which will take place on Thursday against third-seeded Springfield at Penn State.

GET

On Saturday, the women’s softball team faced off in a double-header with the Drexel Dragons. The women split the double-header, losing the first game 1-2, but going on to win the second game 4-3 thanks to Kaila Conlon’s lateinning heroics.

Conlon, a freshman from Vienna, Va., stepped up to the plate with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 7th inning and hit a walk-off grand slam to take Mason from being down 1-3 to winning 4-3.

MASON NATION

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Brig Tison made history on Saturday as a member of Mason’s baseball team. Tison, a junior from Vienna, Va., became just the fifth Patriot in school history to record a hit in 20 consecutive games. Unfortunately, this achievement came in the midst of a very lopsided loss to Old Dominion in which the Patriots were shut-out 14-0. Next, the Patriots face Georgetown on Tuesday at Mason.

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