Broadside October 24 Issue

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Mason makes a debut on the popular website. NEWS • Page 3

Sustainable Living Roadshow shows students the benefits of an environmentallyconscious lifestyle. NEWS • Page 4

A Personal Account Former top 25 contestant on “America’s Next Top Model” shares the story of her experience. STYLE • Page 6

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

October 24, 2011

Volume 88 Issue 7

Exposure Outweighs Profits for Mason Athletics Athletics Used to Promote Community and Put on a Public Face schools out of more than 1,000 member universities generate more money than they spend. Mason is no different. George Mason University Only a handful of Mason has a knack for forward thinksports bring in revenue. And a ing. It established the first en- vast majority of that revenue gineering school in the country goes to pay for outstanding exthat focuses on information penses credited to the remaintechnology in order to meet ing programs that do not bring the need of an emerging high- in profit. “Intercollegiate at any unitech economy. It was the first university versity, especially at George in the country to offer doctoral Mason University, has a role,” programs for majors such as Tom O’Connor, athletic direcconflict resolution, bioinfor- tor for Mason, said. “And it is matics and information tech- an interesting role that is beyond economics.” nology. The role of intercollegiate Over the last five years, Mason has added more than 30 sports extends far beyond any graduate and undergraduate tangible monetary value. “If it was a strictly business degree programs. “I was driving around decision, there would be two campus and everything just sports,” said Tom Yeager, comlooks new to me,” said Lamar missioner of the Colonial Athl e t i c Butler, startAssociation ing guard for Intercollegiate sports, since its inthe 2006 however, have failed to ception 26 Final Four years ago. team. “This make money for the Interplace has university. In fact, less collegiate changed a lot than two dozen sports are in five years.” present at a schools in more than Butler university to was a vital 1,000 member promote a part of the univerisites generate sense of beCinderella more money than they longing story that within a took place in spend. campus the 2006 community, NCAA Touras witnessed nament. Since then, the university by the recent Mason Madness has undergone a magnificent event. They are present in order to give the university a facelift. More than $450 million recognizable name and allow has been poured into three people to formulate opinions Mason campuses, with a num- on campus life from their living ber of new buildings and resi- rooms. “We always say that athletdence halls being constructed ics is the front porch of the uniover a span of just five years. Mason is the largest uni- versity,” said Adam Brick, versity in Virginia; It is home to associate director of athletics more than 32,000 students and and external relations. “It is hosts over 200 clubs and or- what most people see. And it’s what draws people onto camganizations. Much of this growth is pus. So it’s an opportunity to unarguably, though indirectly, brand the university.” Mason athletics — espedue to the success of the athcially the basketball programs letic department. Intercollegiate sports, — have done an exceptional however, have failed to make job of branding the university. money for the university. In fact, less than two dozen See ECONOMICS, Page 12

Cody Norman Sports Editor

Photo by Grace Knight

Members of Mason Meals make peanut butter sandwiches for the poor. The new club looks to donate leftover meal plans to those suffering from poverty in the Fairfax area.

New Club Helps Curb Hunger in Fairfax

Delesia Watson Broadside Correspondent Members of Mason Meals, a new club on campus, are actively working hand-in-hand with Mason Dining to end hunger in the Fairfax area by donating students’ leftover meal plans at the end of each semester. “I noticed a lot of the food waste Mason goes through,” said sophomore Jordan Bivings, president and founder of Mason Meals. “If we can waste as much as we do, we can give as much as we do.” Mason Meals started as a cornerstone project for Bivings. Her class had the opportunity to work with FACETS, a Fairfax County organization that helps families and individuals suffering from the effects of poverty. Based on the feedback Bivings and her classmates received, Mason Meals was created in May. Bivings said she had no trouble assembling a group of students who wanted to make an impact as much as she did; she even decided to give the title and duties of vice president to two students instead of the traditional one. “They were the main two people who were really hands-on in organizing this. They are extremely passionate about Mason Meals and working with FACETS,” Bivings said. One of the vice presidents,

sophomore integrative studies stemmed from her understandmajor Andrew Lyon, lived on the ing of what it’s like to be without. “I understand kids when same floor as Bivings last school year, coincidentally along with they go to school without a lunch sometimes, and it’s hard. To go most of their executive board. “Within a short period of without food is completely differtime our floor grew into an ex- ent than going to school without tremely tight-knit family,” Lyon the most stylish clothes or the said. “So when Jordan presented coolest lunch box or the coolest backpack,” Bivme and most of ings said. “I the floor with “I noticed a lot of the know it’s tough this amazing food waste Mason for kids when opportunity, we goes through. If we you have to exjumped at the plain to people chance.” can waste as much as why your parTheir first we do, we can give as ents can’t pack drive was organmuch as we do.” you a lunch.” ized in just two To pay it weeks by setting -Jordan Bivings, president forward, Bivings, up a table at and founder of Mason along with her Southside and team of about 10 Meals reserving a members, curkiosk in the rently has two Johnson Center. They collected close to a thou- ongoing projects. The first is sand canned goods, fruits and Tummy Talk, which is held every other Friday. They enlist Mason other items. Lyon said this process of be- students to make sandwiches and coming a student organization, then travel to D.C. to donate which is not yet complete, has those sandwiches and water bothumbled him, inspired him and tles to anyone who is in need. In helped him to realize how fortu- addition, they spend time talking to the people they meet. nate he is. Mason Meals also has desig“Learning about the lives of the clients and the problems they nated collection days. Each face every day really shows how Thursday, students can donate minuscule the issues in my life their meal plan card swipes to get sandwiches from La Patisserie in are,” he said For Bivings, who lost her the Johnson Center or use their home to a fire when she was five, Freedom Funds to buy food from the creation of this organization other campus restaurants. These directly benefit is more personal than anything. It donations

FACETS. Bivings is actively donating as well. “Every week, I calculate [what] I’ve eaten, and I swipe [my Mason ID] for every meal I’ve eaten,” Bivings said. Tummy Talk funds go towards bread, meat and other supplies used to make the sandwiches, and comes out of her own pocket. Mason Meals’s short-term goals include becoming an officially recognized student organization and acquiring a machine that enables students to make donations by swiping their Mason IDs to access their Mason Money. Its long-term goal is expansion of the organization to other campuses in the area and across the nation. Bivings has already been in touch with peers from Howard University and the University of Maryland at College Park. Both Bivings and Lyon agree that Mason Meals provides any Mason student with the opportunity to gain a real sense of purpose here on campus. “Anyone who joins Mason Meals will be given ample opportunities to aid us in our efforts, especially as we continue to grow,” Lyon said. “Our projects will become larger and larger.” Mason Meals can be found on Facebook and reached at gmu.meals@gmail.com.

Task Force Concludes Mason Should Adopt 25-Foot Smoking Rule Rule Suggestion, Also a Commonwealth Law, Was Forwarded to Student Government and Faculty Senate Ahsan Zaman Asst. News Editor After much debate surrounding smoking on the George Mason University campus last year, the Student Government Smoking Policy Task Force has come to a decision regarding this contentious issue. “The ultimate conclusion was that most people agreed that a compromise was necessary and Mason should enforce the 25-foot rule,” said Chief of Staff Alex Williams, a former task force member.

“But after 25 feet, if a person wants to smoke, he or she may smoke.” Last year, the Smoking Policy Task Force held two town hallstyle meetings during which members of the Mason community were allowed to give their input. Students who showed up to the meetings were given an opportunity to speak with all three task force members present in order ensure that the varying views were represented. Upon gathering all necessary information from the community, the task force issued its final re-

port. “The report concluded that there were a few fringe elements; a few of those who were completely hands-off, ‘let us do what we want,’ and a few on the other side who [wanted] to completely ban it across campus,” Williams said. The task force’s conclusion was forwarded to SG and the Faculty Senate for approval. The task force stated that Mason should adopt the 25-foot rule, a state law that prohibits smoking within 25 feet of the entrance to any state building.

SG passed a resolution asking Mason to place signs all over campus, in front of the entrances to all buildings, to indicate that smoking is prohibited within 25 feet. The university administration has begun the process of designing the signs, which must be approved by the campus architect prior to their placement. In addition to signs, Facilities Management will move cigarette urns 25 feet from the entrance to each building to encourage compliance with state law. The signs will also bring signage uniformity to campus. Cur-

rently, there are a few signs around campus that communicate different messages concerning how far away smokers should stand if they choose to smoke. “The problems with the [current] signs are that there aren’t many signs and there is ambiguity, such as some saying 15 feet, 20 feet, and so on,” Williams said. “We want one common sign that says ‘25 feet’ around all the buildings.” The Smoking Policy Task Force was composed of three members: former Commissioner Matthew Short, Mike Schaffer and

Alex Williams. Although the task force has closed, students are encouraged to share input or ask questions about action regarding the smoking policy. “This is still an ongoing process, and what we don’t want to see is the assumption that we’ve had the discussion and therefore the issue finished,” Williams said. Students may email Alex Williams at awillil@gmu.edu with their comments or concerns.

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The record number of dogs that Michael Young transported at once

Monday, October 24, 2011

Event Calendar Monday, Oct. 24 Career Services Workshop: Resume and Cover Letter Writing Student Union Building I, Room 3400 5:30 – 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 25 AIDS Walk Kick Off Johnson Center, North Plaza 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. do Deutsch Week: Game Night The Hub (SUB II), Ballroom 7 – 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 26 High Heels for Hope Johnson Center, North Plaza 3 – 5 p.m. Career Services Workshop: Federal Government Job and Internship Search Research Hall, Room 163 6 – 7 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 27 Rocky Horror Picture Show Interactive Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall 11:30 p.m. Kyrmson Komedy Show Johnson Center, South Dewberry Hall 9 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 28 Big Man on Campus The Hub (SUB II), Ballroom 5 – 8 p.m.

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

Oct. 19

Oct. 18

Oct. 17

POLICE FILES Possession of Marijuana Krasnow Institute Eduardo Lopez, 18 (GMU) of Woodbridge VA was arrested for the above offense and released on a summons. (48/Surber) Theft from Building HQ Complainant stated that person(s) unknown stole his skateboard while it was left unattended. Estimated loss ($165.00). (20/Brudvig) Narcotics Equipment Violation. Carroll Hall Officers recovered narcotics equipment after offenders fled the scene. (31/Stampfel) Larceny Johnson Center Officers responded for the report of an unattended laptop that had been taken. (37/Radfar) Intimidation Johnson Center Victim reported their personal information was written on a restroom stall. Victim received numerous intimidating phone calls. GMUPD is investigating this incident. (16/Chandler). Breaking & Entering Student Apartments Victim reported wallet was stolen due to an unlocked door. Wallet contained $610.00 in cash. Other items were stolen from the wallet. (32/Guston).

Oct. 20

Medical Assist Aquatic Center A LT Service employee was. EMS arrived and transported an employee to Fairfax Hospital after complaining of severe stomach pains. (58/Duangrat)

Traffic Accident. Braddock Rd. / Roanoke Rd. Two vehicle accident with no injuries summons issued for violation of lane direction signals ( 49/Broughton ) Hit and Run Lot A Vehicle was parked and unattended when it was struck by another vehicle which fled the scene. (50/Issa)

Police Files are taken verbatim from www.gmu.edu/police. Broadside does not make any changes to public records.

A Step Forward in Fighting Diseases Mason Nanoscientist Named in ‘Brilliant 10’ for Developing Cutting-Edge Diagnostic Technology

Using Nanoparticles to Detect Disease

Monika Joshi Managing Editor Alessandra Luchini was used to studying ancient Greek and Latin culture at her small high school in northern Italy. When she attended her first a science lecture — a rare event at the literature-oriented school — she was immediately drawn in by the topic: nanotechnology in medicine. “It really opened up my eyes,” Luchini said. “It looked really cool and I thought it was something worth pursuing.” Luchini, now 34 and a researcher at George Mason University, has been named one of Popular Science’s “Brilliant 10.” The magazine’s annual list features some of the top researchers in the country. Luchini developed a method that could help detect cancer and infectious diseases earlier. In the initial stages of a disease, substances called biomarkers are released into the host’s bloodstream. These biomarkers are chewed up by the body’s enzymes within hours — sometimes even minutes — making them undetectable. Nanoparticles created by Luchini and her colleagues at Mason’s Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine can be mixed into a blood or urine sample in order to capture biomarkers before they are digested. This method of preservation allows for the biomarkers to be analyzed at a later time. For years, scientists have used nanoparticles to deliver drugs to specific targets in the body. Luchini applied this concept in reverse; that is, nanoparticles are used for capture instead of release. “The overall goal of this study is earlier diagnosis and also to better understand — at the molecular level — how the diseases work,” she said. Luchini has developed nanoparticle tests for Lyme disease and tuberculosis. Preliminary testing for several cancers and Chagas disease, an endemic in South America, are in progress. “Using Dr. Luchini's nanoparticles, it is now possible to discover an ocean of molecules in body fluids that were invisible in the past,” said Lance Liotta, co-director of CAPMM. “This is leading to improved diagnostic testing for virtually any current disease.” A ‘grueling’ selection process Popular Science’s hunt for its “Brilliant 10” begins months in advance, according to Senior Editor Martha Harbison. Reporters at the magazine ask a variety of sources including university researchers,

The disease releases biomarkers, oftentimes proteins or RNA molecules, into the host’s bloodstream.

Photo courtesy of Evan Cantwell Alessandra Luchini conducts an experiment at the Center for Applied Proteomics and Molecular Medicine in Manassas. The scientist was recently named in Popular Science’s “Brilliant 10.”

former candidates and professional organizations to weigh in on up-and-coming scientists under the age of 40. What starts as a list of about 50 scientists is narrowed down to the top 10 via a “grueling, multistep process,” Harbison said. “We’re looking for someone who maybe didn’t do the flashiest research but whose work is eventually going to upend their field in some way.” Harbison, who has been involved with “Brilliant 10” for eight years, said Luchini was chosen for the applicability and interdisciplinary nature of her research. “She’s able to take a lot of disparate ideas and roll them into one elegant package,” she said. Inspiring the brilliant minds of tomorrow Alongside her research at CAPMM, Luchini is a proponent of the university’s Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program. The program, initiated in 2007, gives high school and college students a chance to gain hands-on experience in laboratories at the Fairfax and Prince William campuses. “At first I was like, ‘What do you mean — high school students in the lab?’” Luchini said. “But then I realized how strong the motivation is for students to come and work here. And also how rewarding it is … having such young and brilliant minds working with you.” An ASSIP student mentored

by Luchini proposed developing the nanoparticle test for Lyme disease. Temple Douglas, now a sophomore at Princeton University, was named on the corresponding patent and paper. Luchini also teaches a course in HIV/AIDS at the Fairfax campus. Sahar Khan, a senior psychology major, said Luchini’s accomplishments are an inspiration for young women such as herself who are interested in the biomedical sciences. “I was fascinated after reading about her research and how many people it can help,” Khan said. “I’m glad that I have the opportunity to learn from her this semester.” ‘Pressure makes diamonds’ As is typical in science, Luchini’s work involves trial and error, which often leads to frustration. However, she remains motivated by the concluding words of the science lecturer who visited her high school: “Pressure makes diamonds.” Liotta, who nominated Luchni to the “Brilliant 10,” said she is a dedicated scientist with “non-stop productivity.” Luchini is currently working on deploying nanoparticles directly into the body, which would eliminate the need to first extract a blood sample. “Most of the time, the experiment doesn’t work,” she said. “My attitude is that (at the end) it’s going to work. It’s part of the method.”

A sample of the patient’s blood is drawn.

Nanoparticles are mixed into the fresh or frozen blood sample.

The nanoparticles bind to biomarkers, protecting them from enzyme digestion.

Biomarkers are separated from the nanoparticles via centrifugation or magnetic field. The extracted biomarkers are tested using conventional analytical techniques. Graphic by Lauren Ransom

Aviation Initiave: Dogs on a Plane Mason Professor Participates in Program to Rescues Pups from High-Kill shelters Justin Lalputan News Editor In addition to his duties as an adjunct professor and advisor to the aviation club at George Mason University, Michael Young has devoted his time to saving dogs since being introduced to Pilots N Paws, a website dedicated to the rescue, shelter and fostering of animals. Pilots N Paws works to connect pilots to organizations that rescue dogs from high-kill shelters in southern states and helps them find adoptive families in the north. The responsibility, in both time and energy, falls upon the pilot to transport the dogs from the southern states to the north. According to Young shelter dogs in the south outnumber adoptive couples. But in the north there are fewer dogs, so it is easier for organizations to find people willing to adopt. “What people have done is go to these high-kill shelters and pull the dogs from these shelters in these rural parts of the southeast and they have relationships with

receiving rescues in the northeast and they move the dogs up there,” Young said. Young participates in a relay system in which another pilot might transport the rescued canines from North Carolina to Virginia, whereupon Young would then finish the journey by flying the dogs to their destination somewhere in the north, such as Pennsylvania. The majority of the dogs are driven by truck, but then they are put in crates and the experience can be rough for the dog, so planes are also used in the process. “I generally don’t use crates,” Young said. “I let the dogs roam around. They sit on people’s laps. They sleep. It’s not a stressful thing at all.” The downside to air transportation is that pilots generally move only five to 10 dogs at a time. Many area pilots are unaware of the program. “They don’t know about it. How would they know about it?” Young said. Participating in these rescue flights is not cheap and carries costs for the pilots. “Flying these

Photo courtesy of Michael Young Michael Young with two rescued dogs he transported from southern kill shelters.

general aviation airplanes is not inexpensive,” Young said. Depending on plane size and speed, it can cost anywhere from $1.05 to $1.40 for each mile flown. On a typical 500-mile flight, a pilot would have to pay roughly $500 in expenses. Despite the price tag and difficulties associated with the charity work, Young enjoys what he

does. “What else am I going to do with my life?” Young said. “If you really love dogs — and I love my two dogs — the love for my dogs extends to all these other dogs. I look in their eyes, and they’re just amazing creatures. They’re just wonderful creatures. … I can give other people the joy of having these dogs.”

Broadside

News

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Student Creates a Dream New Organization Dedicated to Making Education Accessible for Everyone Michael Lagana Staff Writer

Photo by visual77/fotopedia

New ADHE Initiative

Program Entitled Alcohol + You pendent as in there is no set goal or agenda,” Viccora said. “Everyone comes in with where they are George Mason University’s at and whatever their goals are and Office of Alcohol, Drug, & Health then we weave the information to Education is starting a new pro- help give them support to achieve gram this semester called Alcohol those goals.” “The curriculum for the + You. Elaine Viccora, alcohol and other drugs assessment specialist, group is based on an evidenceis in charge of leading the Alcohol based model that has been used with substance abusers and other + You educational group. Alcohol + You is a discussion- people that have survived trauma,” based group that helps its volun- Viccora said. “The model that it’s tary participants talk about based on is called Seeking Safety, alcohol issues and how to resolve so it’s been studied a lot and been found to be very effective, so we them. Student interaction, reflec- thought we would bring it here to Mason and taition and dislor it to Mason’s cussion are all “Until something bad students.” major aspects happens, people usually Alcohol + of the educadon’t step back and say You participants tional support ‘Do I really want to will discuss difgroup. ferent strategies make this choice over “Alcohol + on how to use or You is a new and over again?’” refuse alcohol group that we use. Particijust launched -Elaine Viccora, alcohol and pants will also and it’s basidrug assessment specialist discuss the efcally aimed for fects of alcohol students who on the human aren’t happy with how their drinking is going in body as well as analyze situations their lives, and so they want to who may influence some people make changes,” Viccora said. “It’s a to drink more than others in variseven-week group and we are ous settings. Viccora said that Alcohol + going to meet every Wednesday and talk about different strategies You is targeted towards people and ideas and kind of get support that need some extra support to from one another about how to ei- make the right decision about ther stop drinking completely or drinking alcohol. “Until something bad haphow to reduce the amount that pens, people usually don’t step each person drinks.” This semester, the maximum back and say ‘Do I really want to number of people allowed to join make this choice over and over again?’” Viccora said. Alcohol + You is 10. When asked what advice she According to Viccora, who is also a licensed clinical social would give to students, Viccora worker, the reason for having such said, “Be aware of your limits, a small number of people in the know how much is too much, pace group at one time is to establish yourself and keep track of how much you are drinking.” trust among participants. According to Viccora, Alco“There has got to be a trust level that develops, because you hol + You is exactly what Mason are kind of talking about sensitive needs in order to promote alcohol stuff,” Viccora said. “So after week awareness. “It’s a kind of discustwo, the number of people we sion that really belongs on a colhave is the number we are running lege campus,” Viccora said. Students who are interested with. If there is a lot of demand, the plan is that we will offer it at in learning more about Alcohol + different times of the day, differ- You can email Elaine Viccora at eviccora@gmu.edu or visit the Ofent days of the week.” “It’s very much student-de- fice of Alcohol, Drug, & Health Education.

Ahsan Zaman Asst. News Editor

George Mason University freshman government and international politics major Abdullah bin Khurram, an international student from Pakistan, has spent the last three years managing a small non-governmental organization in his homeland. Devoted to making education accessible to all, the Mashal Foundation established a small schoolhouse in the village of Ghiyala, outside of the city of Faisalabad in northeastern Pakistan. Mashal means “shining light” in Urdu, one of the official languages of Pakistan. Bin Khurram founded the Mashal Foundation in 2008 with three friends who recognized the need for education in rural areas that are most vulnerable to illiteracy, poverty and crime. “The Mashal Foundation is an NGO based on [the] idea that education is for everybody,” bin Khurram said. The Ghiyala school is the

first one to be established there and the only one under the purview of the Mashal Foundation. The school teaches children in English through grade three, is co-educational and provides essential items to students, as well as things like uniforms. The school is sustained entirely through donations and is staffed by teachers who make $17 per month, but who are compensated in other ways such as through gifts of home appliances or products. In Ghiyala, families would ordinarily be working on their farms and tilling their fields. Since this is the first school in the village, parents donated their free time to build the schoolhouse where their children would be learning. The endeavor has not been without its challenges, as the Mashal School is highly dependent on parents and their cooperation in making sure the school continues to exist. Parental advocacy is essential because by fam-

ilies allowing their children to go to school they are losing important workers. “You have to fight against the opportunity cost of the children attending the school, which is them producing income from the [family’s] fields,” bin Khurram said. In addition to challenges faced by navigating traditional dynamics, funding is ever a problem. Since Mashal receives no government support, it relies on individual donations. However, the Mashal school is working toward self-sustainability in order to reach its goal of education for all. “We are working toward a self-sustainability cycle so that, once we have funds, we will build a sewing unit for the mothers to work where they will produce clothes which will be sold in the local markets,” bin Khurram said. “The revenues will be divided amongst their salaries and the school administration.” Since the founding of the

Mashal School, students have learned essential life skills such as etiquette, proper dress, good character attributes and civic duties of a good citizen like completing projects that propose solutions to village problems. “If you visit our school, you can tell the difference between a child who is educated in our school and one who is not educated,” bin Khurram said. The Mashal Foundation appreciates any assistance from members of the Mason community. The foundation can be reached through its website, mashalfoundation.org, and Facebook page. It has also posted a video to YouTube called “Mashal Foundation Video.” Students can also contribute by donating or scanning worksheets from their younger siblings’ schools and sending them to ideas.mashal@gmail.com. The Mashal Foundation maintains a presence at certain events on campus and everyone is encouraged to stop by their table.

Open Access Week at George Mason Articles Available for Free Download Ahsan Zaman Asst. News Editor International Open Access Week takes place Monday through Sunday and George Mason University will be celebrating on all three of its campuses. Open access is a relatively new phenomenon that grew alongside the rise of the internet in the late ‘80s and ‘90s. Open access is a worldwide movement that allows scholars to make their content free, immediate and available online for anyone to read, download, distribute or print. Open access articles can be accessed from anywhere by anyone with an internet connection. These articles do not require a username and password. Open access serves to benefit researchers, educational Institutions and businesses and is used for collaborative purposes. It allows people to get access to data and information that can be used in different ways such as for research and educating workers.

In an open letter to Congress, several Nobel Prize winners wrote, “Open access truly expands shared knowledge across scientific fields — it is the best path for accelerating multi-disciplinary breakthroughs in research.” People in developing countries or small colleges that may not have the money for databases can benefit from open access articles. “There are lots of very renowned publications that are available only online and have always been only available digitally,” said Claudia Holland, head of Copyright Resources Office. Open access is very important because it “allows access to content that is otherwise essentially barricaded by a price structure,” Holland said. One of the potential drawbacks of open access is the possible increase of plagiarizing, an ethical issue. Open access does not mean that people can use articles without citing the source from which the information was obtained. Students and other organizations that

use open access articles must cite references in appropriate APA or MLA format. International Open Access Week is a global event that has been in existence for four years. During Open Access Week, informational tables geared towards open access will be set up in the Johnson Center on Mason’s Fairfax campus, at the Mercer Library on the Prince William campus, and in Founders Hall at the Arlington campus. The George Mason statute on the Fairfax campus will be decorated on Monday morning, and all students and faculty are invited to take part in the event. The main event of Open Access Week will take place on Wednesday in Research I Room 163 from 1:30-3 p.m. at the Fairfax campus. A panel called Research Unbound Through Open Access will discuss what alternatives exist for people who are interested in publishing and how this is going to impact the understanding of how knowl-

edge is disseminated. Speakers from the economics department at Mason will give presentations and the Roy Rosenzweig Center of History and New Media will also give a talk on Wednesday. The panel is open to all Mason students, faculty and staff, and light refreshments will be served. “If you are not familiar with open access, I would hope that you would come and learn about open access, ask questions, have an opportunity to find out more about publishing and what kind of options are available to you, find out just how the industry is changing, and the effects that it’s going to have on our education and our ability to pursue research,” Holland said. “We would love to have students come.” For more information about International Open Access Week at Mason, students and faculty can visit the Mason open access wiki at openaccessweekgmu.pbworks.com.

r/gmu — How Some Students Harnessed Reddit Active Subreddit Brings Members of Mason Community Together Hannah Smith Staff Writer Where do you get your George Mason University news? Well, I get mine from Broadside — cough, cough — but for a growing number of students, it comes from the new GMU subreddit. This summer, computer science major Craig Haseler (usename cahaseler) found the page in a sad state with around 15 members and hardly any traffic. He decided to take up the position of the subreddit’s moderator. He had a friend draw up a Mason version of the Reddit alien and began posting any and all Mason-related stories he could find. After the word spread via Facebook, the site took off. Today,

the GMU subreddit has 268 active users and is growing. Haseler’s suitemate, computer science major Amar Sahai (username penultimatum) became the second active moderator. In addition to being essentially an aggregate of campus news and discussion, “We are also willing to help fellow Patriots who ask for help in whatever regard,” he writes in a post. The two have organized several successful Mason redditor meet-ups on campus with an average turnout of 15 people. Reddit is a social media website that allows people to post links. The posted links are then voted up or down by users. The newest, most popular posts show

up on a user’s front page. A subreddit is a page of aggregated content relating to a specific topic or

On Mason’s subreddit, you can find links to campus events, students’ blog posts, news and hot topics. It also offers a discussion forum for matters such as parking, plagiarism and campus police. group. On Mason’s subreddit, you can find links to campus events,

students’ blog posts, news and hot topics. It also offers a discussion forum for matters such as parking, plagiarism and campus police. “Mason needs ways for students to communicate about sensitive issues,” Haseler said. “We were discussing the ‘Free Abdi!’ police incident as it happened. We had a former student anonymously share her experience with the sexual assault services on campus. This kind of discussion can’t really happen anywhere else in our lives.” When asked about the strangest post ever on the GMU subreddit, “Mason gets blown away” was the overwhelming favorite. It linked to a photo of a female student committing, according to username hamban-

dito, “statue-atory rape.” Even though Reddit is a national company that makes money from providing this service, moderators work out of the goodness of their hearts. Similar websites like Patch, and applications like Foursquare, are growing in popularity because they help users to stay engaged in their local communities, which is rare in an age when people are constantly plugged into events that are happing all over the world. What’s the best thing about the GMU subreddit? “Anonymity,” said username Man-EatingSquirrel. “I can say whatever is on my mind whilst protected by the pseudo-anonymity of the Internet. It’s kind of like being Batman.”

Image by Razielim/reddit

Check out GMU’s Subreddit at reddit.com/r/gmu

Hookah Rules: What Students Cannot Do Mason Considers Hookah to be ‘Drug Paraphernalia’

Hannah Smith Staff Writer It’s hard to believe that at the turn of the millennium, oxygen bars were all the rage. But today’s social trend amongst collegians is far more hazardous to a person’s health. Hookah has grown (no pun intended) in popularity over the past few years. A 2006 New York Times article first documented the trend as Middle Eastern restaurants found a niche consumer base in college students. A 2009 survey done by the American College Health Associ-

ation found that of college students who knew what hookah was, 24 percent agreed or strongly agreed that smoking hookah was less harmful than smoking cigarettes. That may not seem like much, but it’s still easy to forget that when you smoke hookah, you are inhaling the same carcinogens even if the smell of the tobacco is masked by perfume. What’s the appeal? Many hookah users tout the fact that it’s cheaper than bar-hopping, and you don’t have to wait until you’re 21. There’s no hangover, and you can go out with your friends to a

hookah bar even the night before a big exam. Also, unlike cigarettes, smoking flavored hookah doesn’t make you smell like an ashtray. But if you’re thinking about taking your shiny new hookah pipe back to your dorm, you might want to think twice. It’s worth noting that it is still considered drug paraphernalia in the student handbook, even if it is only intended for tobacco. “That is a George Mason policy,” says Mason University Police Sgt. David Ganley. “The law is that they are not drug paraphernalia. … Hookahs are allowed on campus, but I believe they are not in the housing area.”

Hookah pipes can be used in designated smoking areas on campus, but students cannot take them into their residential halls. “There would be no reason for a student to have a hookah pipe in their dorm,” said Michelle Coleman, assistant director of community standards at the Office of Housing and Residence Life, “since smoking is banned from residential halls.” However, students who are smokers are still allowed to keep their cigarettes in their dorms. It seems that the lonely hookah pipe is much-maligned from its history as an exotic delivery system for marijuana.

Graphic by Lauren Ransom

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Monday, October 24, 2011

e Week in Photos

Photo by Stephen Kline

Left: Mason Cru held their “Love South Sudanâ€? event on Thursday. The main purpose of the event was to sort and pack seeds to be sent to families in the developing country of South Sudan. Above: On Tuesday the Students for Liberty Organization demonstrated against the proposed Mason parking plan by educating students on the plan and gathering signatures on a petition. Right: Mason’s OďŹƒce of Admissions held a Fall Preview for potential students on Sunday. Between the potentials and their families, the oďŹƒce expected 3,000 people to attend. Photo by Stephen Kline

Photo by Jake McLernon

Roadshow Teaches Eco-Friendliness

OHRL Brings Music to Pilot House

Appearance is First in Mason History

Styles of Conflict and 40Love First Groups to Perform

Courtney Bella

Janelle Germanos

Broadside Correspondent

Broadside Correspondent

The Sustainable Living Roadshow is a volunteer-based organization that travels the world to “empower communities and individuals to utilize sustainable living strategies for a healthier planet.â€? The SLR was founded in 2005 and on Wednesday made its first appearance at George Mason University. This year’s SLR at Mason featured several organizations such as Appalachian Voices, Compassion for Animals, Hemp for Humanity , The Human Revolution, the GMU Environmental Action group and many others. Yoga and meditation workshops were featured as well as various games, arts and crafts, a variety of tents and demonstrations, a dance performance, a film showing and a market. Also, Everlasting Life CafĂŠ, a vegan restaurant that will soon be opening a location on campus, served free vegan food. The SLR expressed views on all things harming the planet, from the mass production of animals to the removal of mountain tops.

With a growing number of students living on campus and looking for entertainment on the weekends, George Mason University has recently put greater emphasis on providing more activities and programs. The Office of Housing and Residence Life has added more events for the Mason community to enjoy on weekends. Residents and students alike have been offered a chance to enjoy a free live music concert series hosted by the Pilot House. “We just really wanted a chance to be able to showcase all of the wonderful talent that we have here at Mason,� said Lauren Mauriello, the resident student program coordinator for the Office of Housing and Residence Life. “There’s a lot of talent that we can support here.� The band Styles of Conflict, a hip-hop group based at Mason, performed at the series on Oct. 7. “It was really great being able to perform at this event,� said junior global affairs major

A booth at the event sold eco-friendly products including clothing and soap.

The goal of the show was to let people know that they have a voice and that they can do something to prolong the sustainability of the planet. “Sustainability is operating in a way that does not compromise the future,� said Margaret Lo, sustainability assistant manager for the Office of Sustainability. Her statement highlights the fact that one must be aware of the way in which the food we eat is prepared and created. “It’s important that people understand that animals have feelings, too,� said Holly Sternberg, a volunteer with Compas-

sion for Animals. The show was not just about events and matters on a local scale but a global one as well, like the cancer caused by the removal of mountaintops for the purpose of coal mining. “I want people to know that this act is not only destructive but people are dying,� said Kate Finneran, volunteer with Appalachian Voices. To find more information about the SLR and ways to be green on campus, interested students can visit sustainablelivingroadshow.org and green.gmu.edu.

Ealias Fekadu, a member of Styles of Conflict. “We really enjoyed the show and being able to perform.� Fekadu is happy that Mason is giving the opportunity for students to showcase their talent. He admits that the show did not bring out too many people because it just recently started, but still thinks it is beneficial that Mason has established an outlet for students to perform. “Being on stage and being able to perform what we’ve written was a great experience,� Fekadu said. “I’m hoping that there will be more chances like this.� 40Love, an R&B/pop acoustic group, performed on Friday. The series will then continue in the spring at Southside dining hall. “We’ve never done this type of event at Southside, so that will be interesting,� Mauriello said. “We are hoping to draw a large crowd.� Mauriello said she is hoping that even more talented students will find interest in these

events. “We’re expecting more people to come out to these events,� Mauriello said. “We are looking to build the brand.� Housing and Residence Life is continuing to create more events for students on campus. “We’re always looking to collaborate with students,� Mauriello said. “We always have stuff going on, and we always take inspiration from [the Resident Student Association].� Students interested in helping to plan events and giving feedback are encouraged to join the RSA. “We love to coordinate with other undergraduate events,� Mauriello said. “We are willing to also partner with other organizations.� Mauriello said that there is always something going on during the weekends at Mason. “Residence Life is always looking to plan things,� Mauriello said. “We’ve been focusing on providing events for the different neighborhoods to provide something to do for Mason students.�

Check out the new issue of Broadside every Monday! Distribution Points: •SUB II, Ground Floor •Southside •Johnson Center, by Barnes and Noble •Johnson Center, by Elevators (both sides) •Johnson Center, Ground Floor •Robinson A

•SUB I, Ground Floor •Bus Stop by Rappahannock River Deck Coming soon to: •Prince William Campus •Arlington Campus •Other locations at Fairfax Campus

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Style

A rough estimate, in millions, of the number of breast cancer survivors in the United States

Breastival Returns to Entertain, Educate Event Aims to Promote Safe Practices in Conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month How to Conduct a Breast Self-Exam

Dylan Hares Media Beat Writer Every October, the Office of Alcohol, Drug and Health Education hosts Breastival, an event which aims to educate students about breast cancer awareness with food, activities and prizes from various vendors and booths. This year, Breastival will be held on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Johnson Center North Plaza. It will be free and open to the public. In previous years, there have been popular games such as “Pin the Nipple on the Boob,” “Guess How Many Gumballs This Bra Can Hold,” “Breast of Show” and “Breast Fact Jeopardy.” As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, students learn about early detection and the warning signs of the deadly disease. They also learn how to promote awareness and healthy lifestyle habits for the future.

Even though it might seem weird, doing a breast exam on yourself is an important part of early detection, especially if you have not started getting mammograms. If done monthly, it might save your life.

Did You Know? •About one in eight American women will develop invasive breast cancer sometime during their lives. •Currently, there are about 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.

•A woman’s risk of breast cancer doubles if she has a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Nevertheless, about 75 percent of diagnosed breast cancer cases are not hereditary.

Life in a Day

Documentary Uses Global Montage of Film Clips to Capture Human Experience Becca Norris Asst. Style Editor “Life in a Day” is a uniquely constructed documentary that uses the concept of peer production to create a global montage of one full day of human experience. Oscar-winning director Kevin Macdonald worked with executive producer Ridley Scott and YouTube to create this global picture of the day July 24, 2010. Thousands of people all over the world were prompted to film moments on this particular day in their lives and upload the clips to YouTube. Macdonald then sorted through more than 80,000 videos — 4,500 hours of footage — to create a roughly 95minute film. Macdonald hadn’t always aspired to be a director. He had dreamed of being a journalist, but after failing to find work as a reporter, he decided to become an English teacher, which eventually led him to travel and make films. Macdonald has made several documentaries, most notably “One Day in September,” which won an Oscar for Best

Documentary Feature in 2000. After spending nearly 20 years in the filmmaking business, he decided to take a different approach to compiling scenes in “Life in a Day.” "I always knew this would say something fascinating about who we are as a species and what we value," said Macdonald in a press release. "But I never realized how emotionally affecting the result would be." There are many compelling, deeply emotional scenes woven through a wide tapestry of ordinary life scenes. These scenes come from the most remote corners of the globe, as well as from the Earth’s most populated metropolises. The film aims to visually represent a typically observable day on Earth through the lenses of joy, humor, pain and heartbreak. People driven to create and upload their films were intrigued by the opportunity to have a story of their lives travel to the future as in a time capsule, helping to define what a historical day on earth was like. Few may have guessed that the production would get so many accolades. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival Jan. 27. — YouTube streamed this premiere live — and had a second special screening in New York a year after all of the footage was filmed. “Life in a Day” opens to the general public Friday.

Journalism is a tough business. This man has what it takes. Do you? Visit the Office of Student Media on the first floor of Student Union Building II for more info!

•Besides lung cancer, breast cancer death rates are higher than any other cancer for women in the U.S. •Although breast cancer in men is rare, a man’s lifetime risk of developing it is one in 1,000.

Standing Up: 1. In a well-lit room, stand undressed from the waist up in front of a mirror. Relax your arms by your sides and look at your breasts. Make sure to pay attention to any changes in the size, shape or color of your breasts, along with looking for any skin dimpling, puckering or sores. Check your nipples for discharge. 2. Put your hands on your hips and press down firmly so that your chest muscles tighten. Turn to each side and inspect the outer part of your breasts. 3. Bend over while rolling your shoulders and elbows forward so that your chest muscles tighten again. Look for any

changes in the contour of your breasts. 4. Raise your arms above your head and inspect the skin border underneath your breasts. Lying down: 1. Place a pillow under your right shoulder and put your right hand behind your head. Place your left hand on the top of your right breast. 2. Imagine your breast as a clock. Use your index and middle finger to move around the clock in small circular motions, starting at 12. Make sure to keep your fingers flat and continue to move 1 inch inward after each clock rotation until you’ve felt your entire breast. 3. Repeat with your left breast. If you feel any lumps or are concerned with the texture, color, size or shape of your breasts, contact your doctor immediately.

The Internet Has Revolutionized Fashion Blogs, Online Magazines Have Made Fashion More Accessable to General Public Kaitlyn Reitz Broadside Correspondent New technology has made the fashion industry much more accessible. The Internet is full of fashion blogs, online fashion magazines and stores that allow the public to get their fashion fix without ever having to leave the comfort of their homes. Fashion blogs have completely changed the face of fashion. Designers now have a new way to market their products and receive extra publicity from wellknown bloggers who post pictures of their runway shows. New, upand-coming designers have a platform to showcase their designs to the public, something that wouldn't easily be done on their own. Tavi Gevinson of Style Rookie and Rumi Neely of Fashiontoast, along with a handful of other bloggers, have now become frontrow staples at New York Fashion Week. Why exactly are bloggers so popular? For one, they are able to reach the public with just one click, something that magazines aren't able to do. Before a fashion show is even over, bloggers are posting pictures, videos or comments on the show. Before fashion blogs and online magazine content was created, the public would have to wait close to a month be-

fore they could get the same information in most magazines and newspapers. Each blogger's unique perspective on the fashion industry also intrigues their audience. Whether the blogger focuses on street fashion, as does Scott Schuman in The Sartorialist, or focuses on individual style and inspiration, as does Gevinson, there are so many points of view on the industry that almost everyone is sure to find an appealing one. Along with personal style blogs, there are also community fashion blogs such as Lookbook and Weardrobe where people can post pictures of their own outfits and share them with a larger audience. In this format, users are able to share their sense of style with others and get inspiration and feedback from stylish people around the world. Many Lookbook users even have blogs of their own. It's not only blogs that have helped to increase the availability of fashion to the public; online magazines and stores have also had a hand in the process. ASOS is an online fashion magazine that allows readers to click on an item's picture which automatically redirects them to a store where they can buy it. Add in the fact that every major clothing store has an

online shop, along with websites like eBay, fashion combined with the Internet is every fashion lover’s dream. There are thousands of blogs on the web that serve as an outlet for personal style and inspiration to others. Bunches of online stores make it as easy as a click of the mouse to purchase items, and hundreds of online fashion magazines reach people around the world. We no longer have to wait a month for fashion news in magazines; fashion is at the tips of our fingers.

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Style

How far is too far? In the Quest to Look Good, Where Do We Draw the Line?

Ryan Weisser Sex Columnist

Photos courtesy of Krista Germanis

America’s Next Top Model Tell-All Contestant Shares Thoughts on Experience Krista Germanis Broadside Correspondent When I tried out for “America’s Next Top Model,” I had no idea how far I would go or what kind of connections I would make. To this day I don’t even really know why I tried out. I had never seen the show before and just happened to hear about the D.C. tryouts. I told my mom about them and she encouraged me to go and give it a try — after all, it would be a fun experience. What did I have to lose? To prepare for the tryouts, I filled out paperwork that featured a long series of questions. I printed a few photos I had lying around and included them in my application. Then I laid out my skinny jeans, a black T-shirt and my nose-bleed high heels to get ready for the next day. When I arrived at the tryouts, I was shocked to see a line wrapping around the entire venue. There were thousands of girls waiting to try to become “America’s next top model.” Nevertheless, I had come all this way, so I figured I’d give it a shot. When I finally reached the front of the line I was hurried to the stairs approaching the catwalk. I looked out in the crowd and realized everyone was waiting for me to walk down the runway. I had never done anything like this in my entire life! How do I walk? Am I supposed to smile? What kind of questions are the judges going to ask me after they evaluate my walk? My mind was going a hundred miles an hour. I had watched

some girls before me do their Model” congratulating me on walk, but frankly I thought they making the top 25 of the competilooked rather silly strutting down tion and asking me to come to the stage. New York City the very next day. It The rest was a blur. I was re- was unreal; this competition was lieved after I did a 180 at the end the last thing I was thinking of the runway and my back was to about. To be honest, I hadn’t really the judges, but that relief was given it a second thought since the quickly gone; I now had questions day I tried out. I told her I would to answer. be there and she proceeded to give They asked me a few ques- me a long list of things to bring. tions about myI arrived self — my in New York There were thousands height, weight, late the next of girls waiting to try my favorite day to check to become “America’s thing about myinto my hotel self. The last and get ready next top model.” question, howfor the compeNevertheless, I had ever, caught me tition. On the come all this way, so I off guard. train ride there figured I’d give it a “Which I had done a ‘Next Top little research shot. Model’ do you on the show think you are and what to exmost like?” asked MTV celebrity pect. Nevertheless, I still felt kind Paul Wharton. Remember, I had of in the dark about everything. never seen the show before. My After a very short night’s heart was racin as my mind scram- sleep, I began to get ready to meet bled to find an answer. the casting director and final “Well,” I said slowly, “I don’t judges. For this casting, we were think you’ve ever had a girl like me told to wear minimal makeup and on the show before, which is why I form-fitting clothing. In addition, would be a great addition.” they required us to bring a swimI walked off the stage feeling suit. It was much more intense a sense of relief flush over me and and in-depth. We had to walk the found my mom. We went out for runway in front of a camera many hamburgers to celebrate and I did- times while listening to tips from n’t give “Next Top Model” another the casting director. Most of the thought. Three months later I was girls were extremely pushy, trying out shopping when I received a to be the center of attention the phone call from an unfamiliar entire time. We then walked in number. I figured it was a tele- groups of fives and the girls would marketer and almost didn’t an- elbow each other to try to get to swer, but curiosity got the best of the front. There were girls with atme. titude who swung their hips back It turned out to be the casting and forth while keeping a fierce director for “America’s Next Top look on their face, while other girls

were more professional and knew how to work the runway. I felt so out of place in the group. While we were waiting we had to fill out applications that asked personal questions including, “When is the last time you got in a fight?” “Have you ever hit someone?” and “Have you ever been in jail?” “Never,” “no” and “no.” My answers were dull compared to everyone else’s. One girl had a toddler with her and said she was so glad to have made it this far because her boyfriend was in jail. Another began talking about her drug and alcohol issues. I think this definitely plays a large role in the selection process for making it on “America’s Next Top Model.” Although I didn’t make it on the show, I have gained a lot since the experience. I have befriended Paul Wharton and been to many of his parties as well as a filming of “The Real Housewives of D.C.” I’ve also done a little bit of modeling since my audition, and I recently had the opportunity to interview photographer Nigel Barker. My dream was never to be a model, but this was a valuable experience I wouldn’t trade for anything. I learned a lot about myself and the entertainment industry that I want to eventually break into as an entertainment reporter. The main lesson I learned from this experience, however, is that there is no harm in trying something because you’ll never know how much you can accomplish unless you try.

Last week I read a Cosmopolitan article that said women are bleaching their anuses. You didn’t misread, I promise. According to Cosmopolitan’s “The Scary New Butt Beauty Trend,” for $100 or more you can get “an acid applied to your freshly waxed anus and rubbed in.” And apparently ladies, for almost no extra charge, you can get your you-know-what bleached as well. Doesn’t that sound delightful? Women go through the already painful routine of waxing, tweezing, styling, manicures and pedicures, but I did not think that we had come to a point in society where we have to have our nether regions bleached in order to look sexy for a guy. Every time I roll up my hair in curlers and peel off one of those painful pore-strips, I have to think to myself, “Why am I putting myself in so much pain just get a guy to notice me?” I mean, could you imagine getting your anus bleached? I don’t even think it’s safe to use that chemical when I’m cleaning, let alone using it on my back side.

Why in the world are women doing this to themselves? Do men really care if our buttholes are supposed to be white? Every guy I’ve talked to doesn’t care if we have one stray eyebrow hair or if our pores are too big, so why are we throwing down major bucks and putting chemicals on our bodies to please them? It’s frustrating to see completely beautiful women do these things to themselves and then make it seem like it’s normal. It’s like they’re saying all women should be getting their buttholes bleached while they’re getting their nails done at a salon. Oh, and right after, it’s okay to get a chemical peel on our faces. Because it’s all for a guy. I’m not saying we shouldn’t try to look good for men. I’m still tweezing my eyebrows, applying mascara and coating my lips with candy-apple-red lipstick so a guy will notice my best facial features. I may even wear a shirt that screams out “Sex!” and my favorite pair of rear-enhancing skinny jeans. But will I ever get my anus bleached? Let’s just say that my new mantra for beauty is “Bleaching is Bogus.”

Paranormal Activity 3: Check it Out

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Jeff Giorgi Opinion Editor I was unable to attend the “Paranormal Activity 3” screening that happened in the Johnson Center, but from what I heard through the grapevine, everyone seemed to enjoy it thoroughly. And with an estimated recordbreaking opening of $54 million, it’s safe to say that like me, the rest of the world enjoyed the newest installment in the trilogy. When I saw the first “Paranormal Activity” back in 2009, it was via the “Demand It” campaign that gained the movie it’s notoriety. The experience was perfect. No talking, no cell phones. The only noise came from the occasional scream, and the collective inhale that came every time a night sequence started. Then the second one came out and even though it had some good moments that made me jump — namely the cabinet scene, it already felt stagnant and stale. It really was almost like a pasted copy of the original, with too few original ideas. Not so with the third one, though I do think they’re going to have a hard time coming up with reasons to continually have a cam-

era running during the events that are happening in whatever obvious sequel we’ll see next year. Seriously, the introduction of the “Fan Cam” added such a wonderful layer of tension. I had read about it before seeing the movie, and it did not disappoint. Another thing this film had going for it is the fact that unlike the first two films, it saved all it’s money shots for the movie itself. If you go back and watch, almost none of the scenes in the trailer make their way into the final movie. Genius marketing strategy. With the “Saw” films finally done owning the box office after a seven-year win streak (seven years, wow!), it’s safe to say that the “Paranormal Activity” franchise is only just getting started, and I’m actually very excited to see where this series is going to go. And considering what the horror genre has been offering lately, that’s saying quite a bit. It goes without saying, but if you haven’t seen this one yet, go see it. Just don’t be a jerk, pipe down, put the phone away, save the chit chat for afterwards, and let yourself be scared.

Broadside

Monday, October 24, 2011

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Clothing Line Promotes Awareness of Climate Change Sunburned Clothing a Fresh Take on ‘Conscientious Apparel’

Follow These Tips to Keep Your Hair Looking Fresh

Becca Norris Asst. Style Editor Over the past century alone the global temperature has risen by one full degree Fahrenheit. To illustrate the implications of rising temperatures, we may note that during the last ice age the average global temperature was only nine degrees lower than it is now. Many people do not realize the negative effects of their lifestyles on the environment. Scientists generally agree that without proper education leading to widespread awareness and behavioral change, the Earth may become uninhabitable. As a reaction to this global climate change, Estee Seward created the “conscientious apparel line” Sunburned Clothing. Seward grew up in D.C. and at 21 moved to Manhattan to work for fashion designer Betsey Johnson. Four years later, Seward was back in the nation’s capital booking a comedy club. As the comedy scene became more centered in Hollywood, Seward moved to the west coast to work as a personal assistant for comedian Bill Maher, the host of “Politically Incorrect” and “Real Time.” Working with Maher, she had many opportunities to learn about different causes. Having always been involved with fashion and comedy, Seward wanted her clothing line to present the idea of global warming through a comedic light. Her concept of lightly portraying this pressing environmental issue in a hip, fashionable way can be seen through the burn holes that adorn all her shirts. The holes are a graphic attempt at visually explaining what will happen if we don’t change our ways. Through her clothing Seward hopes to convey the idea that we as buyers have the power to change our

Hair Care 101 Sana Bhatti Broadside Correspondent

Photos by Gregory Connolly

Sunburned Clothing, launched in July, aims to promote awareness of climate change through fashion. Visit sunburnedclothing.com for more information. future. It is essential that we become conscious 2011, could be the next big thing in conscienconsumers and take part in greener lifestyles tious apparel. All it takes is a few enthusiastic in order to support life in the centuries to people to start donning the environmentally come. friendly clothing for a new fashion trend to Being an environmentalist and a lover of begin. The timing is right for Sunburned geology, Seward is not only concerned about Clothing, as its message is one that easily sticks the effect of global warming on humans, but in the minds of consumers who have become on animals and landscapes as well. As temper- more and more aware of the looming problems atures rise on earth, ice caps are melting, ani- of global warming — and the designs are very mal species are becoming extinct and habitats unique! are being altered, all of which leads to reduced To buy your very own sunburned shirt, crop production. visit sunburnedclothing.com Sunburned Clothing, launched in July

Look for Broadside’s Employment Guide on Nov. 7 Featuring: -Hire Mason -Columns -Internship Information -Career Center Information

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Over the course of centuries, the roles and ambitions of women around the globe have changed drastically. However, the one thing that has remained consistent throughout time has been the undying love women have for their hair. Dating back to ancient times, women of all ages have spent great amounts of time formulating concoctions that will make their hair look healthy, strong, shiny and, of course, better than everyone else's. For women, these strands of fiber are not just another feature of their anatomy; they are an expression of their personality and a characteristic that defines their style to the world. Women today are willing to spend a fortune on their hair, even if a particular treatment damages it or contains hazardous chemicals. Last year alone, women around the world spent close to $1 billion on hair services and products. Type: Before you start forming your hair care regimens, you must first be fully aware of your hair type and know whether it’s curly, straight, frizzy, chemically treated or heat damaged. You should also know how your hair behaves when it is exposed to water, color, heat, humidity and different types of styling products. This knowledge will prevent you from partaking in measures that could potentially leave you with no hair. Color: Some women color their hair merely for gray coverage; others do it to change their looks. Before coloring your hair, you should be completely certain of what you want and should consult with a professional because they have better knowledge about the color and the process. Shampoo: If you have color-treated hair, to preserve color and moisture, make sure you use color-care shampoo. If your hair is damaged and porous from overprocessing, then you should consider using a good repairing sham-

poo that contains the protein keratin. Look for shampoos that address other hair needs such as frizz, curls or flatness; there are plenty of shampoos out there that satisfy these needs along with providing color care. Try a purifying shampoo to get rid of product buildup and to help your hair absorb conditioner better, ultimately making your color look more vibrant. Make sure that the shampoos you use are always sulfate- and paraben-free! These chemicals slowly dry out your hair and, over time, cause it to split and break off along with fading your color. These shampoos are a bit pricier than brands like Pantene, but they’re worth the extra dollars. Conditioner: Get a conditioner that suits your hair. Use a repairing conditioner with protein if your hair is extremely damaged, a lightweight conditioner if your hair is fine or a heavy conditioner if your hair is normal to thick. Treatments: A good deep-conditioning mask left on for 5-10 minutes or more once a week can really make a difference for all hair types, making hair noticeably softer and more manageable. Leavein conditioners can help your hair retain moisture even when it’s dry. There are several leave-in products on the market to help keep down frizz and provide sun protection and thermal protection. Lifestyle: Along with using the right products for your hair, it is important to have a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, nuts and dairy can encourage the growth of healthy hair. Drinking plenty of water and exercising will also help your hair become strong and shiny.

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Broadside

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Opinion Monday, October 24, 2011

Broadside

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down

George Mason University’s Student Newspaper

Thumbs up to watching scary movies every night because it’s almost Halloween.  If you’re not doing that, then you’re doing it wrong.

Gregory Connolly, Editor-in-Chief

Monika Joshi, Managing Editor Jared Barrale, Copy Chief Justin Lalputan, News Editor Ahsan Zaman, Asst. News Editor Jeff Giorgi, Opinion Editor Allison Smith, Asst. Opinion Editor Erin Powell, Style Editor Becca Noris, Asst. Style Editor Cody Norman, Sports Editor Pat Carroll, Asst. Sports Editor Stephen Kline, Photography Editor

Benjamin Shaffer, Copy Editor Xavia Warner, Copy Editor Jacquelyn Rioux, Copy Editor Lauren Ransom, Designer Michelle Buser, Designer Sana Bhatti, Designer Dylan Hares, Staff Reporter John Powell, Collegiate Athletics Liaison Jacques Mouyal, Business Manager Kathryn Mangus, Faculty Adviser David Carroll, Associate Director

Thumbs up to Batman Arkham City.  If you’re a gamer and haven’t picked up this game then you’re out of your mind. Thumbs down to a war that went on for eight years longer than it should have.  It’ll be nice to have a lot of our troops home soon. Thumbs down to Joe Buck commentating the World Series.  Because hearing him commentate football with Troy Aikman wasn’t bad enough.

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

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

Le Reader Rage

Letter to the eDitor Mason to Metro Needs Work I applaud Mason’s past efforts to encourage public transportation by providing, and then fortifying, shuttle bus service to the Vienna Metro. Unfortunately, a recent decision was made to route all Mason-to-Metro shuttles through campus congestion from the Mason Inn to Rappahannock. This decision has, in effect, thrown Mason’s public transportation commuters “under the bus”; the very people who are part of the solution to vehicular traffic on campus end up suffering the most. (Should it really have to take

commuters an extra 45 minutes to get home whenever there’s “an event” on campus?) We all know that the key to successful public transportation is efficiency. A direct route from Rappahannock to the Metro is common sense. The current quagmire is not. The Mason community can do better. Sincerely, Jim Lepore Professor

The Princess Who Quit Disney Learn to Rescue Yourself Hala Numan Opinion Columnist Everything changes when we see a handsome man. Sitting on the subway, staring out of the window into the fleeting darkness. We take a second longer to look, hopeful that he might glance our way and smile. Then, the entire ride and our happiness is solely based on whether or not he looks over, smiles and thinks of some cute line to introduce himself. It’s quite sad, actually. A woman’s life almost revolves around this chance of meeting the hopeful bachelor who wants to be in a committed relationship and will one day want to settle down, have children and be wealthy enough to have a pool in his backyard. And where exactly is this okay? Yup: in the fairy tales we grew up reading and the movies we become old watching. So, you’re at the local coffeehouse reading the paper as your attention slowly fades and enters another dimension where only he exists. You feign amusement in the paper just to show that you’re engaging enough to pique his interest. He finishes his cup, attention directed to the keystrokes of his laptop, and then he quickly gets up to leave, as if he was never there, a figment of your imagination. You take a left hook to the ego and a right jab to the heart, thinking that you weren’t “this” or “that” enough for him to take notice. If only you had paid attention to the damn paper you wouldn't have felt so bad.

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At one point, women needed men to provide everything for them. Well, we have reached a point in our metamorphosis as individuals where we can be holistically independent. Therefore, we should feel confident enough not to need a man to be the center of our happiness. Rather, the simplicities of life should be what make us content. It is the time we take to live for ourselves, whether it is one hour of yoga in the morning or a good book right before bed. If we direct our focus on heightening our sense of self-worth and fulfillment, we begin to feel complete and integrated and that is where true happiness is sourced, not in the arms of some man in the confines of some bed. A man becomes aware of a woman who values and respects herself down to her painted toenails. She should always allow space for that great man to stand next to her. Regardless if that man wants to be a part of your life or not, continue to merrily skip down the paved sidewalk on your way to work. Unfortunately, many women are content with living in a delusional cloud, where there is a perfect prince who will ride along and rescue us princesses from this terrible life. They console themselves thinking, “If we just wait, if we just place all our hopes and dreams in the cradle of a relationship, we shall prosper romantically.” Well, we have been misled by Disney and their flawless characters. We no longer have to live in a world where blue birds and black kettles talk to us.

Look for Broadside’s Employment Guide on Nov. 7!

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Bullying Regulations Go Too Far

Editorial Board: Gregory Connolly, Editor-in-Chief Monika Joshi, Managing Editor Jared Barrale, Copy Chief Jeffrey Giorgi, Opinion Editor

New Laws Add New Strain on  Already Exhausted School Programs Alan Moore s e n i o r

Opinion

Columnist

Earlier this year New Jersey enacted the toughest anti-bullying law in the country. The aptly named Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights was put in place after the death of Rutgers freshman Tyler Clementi. It also stemmed from a handful of other high profile bullying-related incidents across the country. While instances of this type of harassment are tragic, they absolutely do not require an across-the-board government solution. According to the New Jersey law, “Each school must designate an anti-bullying specialist to investigate complaints; each district must, in turn, have an anti-bullying coordinator; and the State Education Department will evaluate every effort, posting grades on its website. Superintendents said that educators who failed to comply could lose their licenses.” The added costs to this government overreach are putting already financially stressed school districts in dire straits. As a result, in East Hanover, New Jersey, lunch-line bullies can be reported to the police anonymously through a Crime Stoppers hotline. Additionally, localities must appoint a safety team to review bullying complaints. Administrators and teachers have to attend training seminars and children must attend workshops and put up with posters, programs, and cheesy role-playing exercises to increase awareness. These overreaching regulations teach kids to snitch on their classmates, whether justified or not, and puts a strain on school employees. Sadly, the ridiculousness of this law is not confined to New

Jersey. According to watchdog orginization Bully Police USA, 47 states have bullying laws on the books. Regardless, the calls for more stringent mandates and tougher penalties have been magnified excessively in recent years. In fact, a national anti-bullying law was introduced last year and you can be sure it will gain steam eventually. But what’s next? Are we supposed to outlaw teasing and childish taunts? Maybe a $500 fine for anyone caught sticking their tongue out in an insulting manner? How about jail time for any perp caught making a derogatory comment about someone’s mother? Society often demands a knee-jerk response to isolated problems. The government, always ready to pander to the public, will be happy to comply with legislation on par with the killing of a fly with a bazooka. In the case of anti-bullying legislation we need to look at the problem rationally and realize the easiest solution is not always the best. Instead of enacting a Crime Stoppers hotline or creating an anti-bullying task force, parents should work with their children to help them understand bullying is not acceptable. If someone is a bully or being bullied then their parents need to step in and correct the situation. Teachers and administrators have been dealing with this issue on a case-by-case basis since the beginning of time. Those are the only effective solutions. It makes no sense whatsoever to ask the government to combat bullying. The federal and most, if not all, state governments can’t competently run a single department or bureaucracy under their purview. Do you really think they can police school yards? Maybe, as a society, instead of bellyaching to the government we should put more emphasis on personal accountability by teaching our children to treat each other with respect.

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Broadside

Monday, October 24, 2011

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Western Powers Would Do Well to Examine the Past Colonialism, Western Meddling the Cause of Strife in the Middle East William Rose S o p h o m o r e

Opinion

Columnist

Muammar Gaddafi is no more. And that’s all well and good; now Libya has one of its many barriers to democracy out of the way. It’s certainly a step forward for Libya, but I have to restrict myself from celebrating. There’s a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that reads: “Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” And with that quote in mind,

by reading outdated and mostly East. You can watch all the FOX, conservative literature concerning MSNBC and CNN you’d like, but the Muslim world. The reality is the fact is that we have a disgustthat all of these assessments are ing bias against the Arab world crap; in no way is a lack of democ- and it’s precipitated by a distinct racy in the Middle East a function ignorance of facts. of Islam. In fact, it is no more inIn fact, the U.S. had excellent fluential there, and as ridiculous relations with al-Qaida and the to cite as being a determinant in Taliban … We were the ones who politics as sent troops into it would be Saudi Arabia in the Let’s go further into first place, against to relate the discussion by the will of al-Qaida, everything we do in with whom we had recalling the single the U.S. to positive relations at most influential Christianthe time. Of course these organizations ity. cause of violence in went crazy. What if By the Arab world: reading the Chinese sent colonialism. the pretroops into Alabama ceding to “protect their forstatements eign investments”? you may think I’ve digressed from What do you expect will happen? Al-Qaida and the Taliban my original argument, but in fact my point is to show just how un- went far beyond reasonable poliinformed we are when it comes to tics, but it’s not because they are the background of political deci- inherently crazy; it’s because sions and debates in the Middle they’ve been pushed and prodded

I’m sure we can all remember Osama bin Laden’s death and the gross overreaction in front of the White House that followed. These leaders were thugs and, possibly, the world is a better place without them, but how does that give you the right to celebrate their death? Better yet, do you know why I’m contesting that right? Let’s go further into the discussion by recalling the single most influential cause of violence in the Arab world: colonialism. The British and the French colonized the Middle East — at least what has been determined to be the Middle East — and created false unity by drawing states’ borders around groups of people who were otherwise unrelated. And furthermore, we have ridiculous Orientalist literature that looks at a lack of democracy in the Arab world as being a function of Islam or because the area is some sort of exception to the rules. People come to conclusions

Aborting Abortion Who Are We Really Protecting? Allison smith s e n i o r Last Thursday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Protect Life Act.” By doing so, they limited the subsidies that health care previously provided for abortion costs. The religious, personal health and economic aspects of the bill are now facing each other head on. The House showed an overwhelming support for the bill, while Obama and others, concerned with job opportunity and women’s health, took a solid stand against it. House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi publicly expressed her disgust with the passage of the bill. “[House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer] made a point and I want to emphasize it. Under this bill, when the Republicans vote for this bill today, they will be voting to say that women can die on the floor and health care providers do not have to intervene if this bill is passed. It’s just appalling.” Had she not sounded slightly deranged, her point could have at-

tracted more positive attention and concern from her audience. However, regardless of the ridicule Pelosi’s extreme depiction in her strongly worded sentiment received, her concern is valid. The “Protect Life Act” inhibits healthcare providers from assisting a woman with a health risk — that could be resolved by the termination of a pregnancy — thus proving to be quite the contradiction to its name. What kills me (and it’s not looming baby doom) are the economic and religious motivations behind the bill. If, from a fiscal point, the government is trying to curtail excessive spending to alleviate the deficit (not that I really think this is a driving point but just theoretically), why would they presume subsidizing a procedure that would cost, on average, approximately $500 at Planned Parenthood?”-? Sans emotional countenance, would the financial obligations that came with raising a child to the age of 18 while being on welfare and food stamps not prove to be a more strenuous expense? I say again, strictly logistically and economically speaking, this is a far higher tab to pay out than a procedure that costs a few hundred dollars. Furthermore, when Roe v. Wade concluded with the legalization of abortion, crime rate in the U.S. dropped significantly. Un-

wanted, abandoned or ill-cared for children were a force on the scene prior to the legalization — but just for survival. Irresponsible or financially disadvantaged adults were bringing children into the world that they couldn’t support, forcing these children to fend for themselves, which unfortunately often lead to illegal or violent activity. As far as the religious convictions behind the bill, where is the separation of church and state? If it would be more economically astute for the country to help provide this service, then shouldn’t that become the main issue examined? I understand that anyone pro-life would grit his teeth at handing over tax dollars to a cause he didn’t support, but as I stated above, the price of substantiating the existence of those who are otherwise not cared for is far greater than subsidizing the service provided. If that is something you are capable of then that’s fantastic, but since we’re on the verge of bankruptcy, it’s just not logical. I swear I’m not the Tin Man, but I do think there are monetary elements of bills that Congress passes that should be taken in to account. Pro-life or pro-choice opinions can co-exist but the condition of our national bank account shouldn’t be affected by emotionally charged actions.

until they’ve got no reason to be diplomatic. And people watch “Aladdin” or Indiana Jones and think “Wow, what a magical mystical place” when in all reality half of the people in Cairo have never seen a camel. It’s racism that wouldn’t be tolerated against blacks or Asians, but for some reason is now. I want to reinforce, so as not to be poisoned on campus, that Gaddafi and bin Laden are, without a doubt, people who have killed thousands of innocent lives and brought hatred and terror to the world. But they aren’t inherently evil monsters driven by Islam or oil or whatever other crap FOX news tells you. Rather, they’re people who just lost it. So the next time you cheer for someone’s death, regardless of if they were a political thug or how many people they hurt, remember to first ask yourself why they did it. Do not assume it to be “because they’re Muslim” or “because

they’re backwards.” Think about the things you say before you speak. Think logically about scenarios. Don’t let CNN tell you how it happened. These are people who we’re dealing with and, regardless of your opinions, the fact is that these leaders did not all start out evil. They were populists who really did hope to repair their wounded identities from the thoughtless colonialism of Britain and France. These leaders — Gaddafi, Mubarak and Hussein — have killed obscene numbers of people, but they have also been stepping stones towards democracy. They were the better alternative to colonialism. Don’t celebrate the deaths of people when the rest of the ignorant world could easily be the reason they went crazy.

When One is Worth More Than a Million Celebrity Deaths Receive Too Much Attention ERIN POWELL s e n i o r

STYLE EDITOR

The death of Apple billionaire Steve Jobs earlier this month garnered attention from people all around the world. Millions mourned his passing and paid respect to his life’s work, calling him an inspiration and genius to technology and innovation. A similar thing happens with most celebrities and others in the spotlight — Michael Jackson, anyone? When someone of public recognition dies, the media is all over it, and continues the coverage well after his death because he is “important.” Granted, most of the time it’s well deserved coverage. These members of the spotlight have made enormous contributions to society through things like the arts, technology and leadership. If this is the case, however, then why do other prominent figures of society seem to be left out of this “death coverage?” When a Supreme Court justice dies, you don’t see reporters in a

frenzy over the details of his death, or similarly with the passing of government leaders, Nobel Prize winners, etc. Something is out of balance. Even if these types of public figures were covered more after their death, problematic issues would still exist. According to the Population Reference Bureau's 2010 World Population Data Sheet, about 156,000 people die each day. The United Nations states that 25,000 of these people die of hunger or hunger-related causes. Why is no one paying any substantial attention to their deaths? These individuals may not be important because of their contributions to society, but they are important because they are human beings. You might not see their names on the Internet or printed in the latest tabloid, but their deaths demonstrate a greater problem with our individualistic society — the fact that so many are still dying of preventable things like hunger and infectious diseases, and how we just don’t seem to care. I’ve heard many times that a society is judged on how it treats its weakest members. How can we continue to ignore the deaths of so many that could have been simply prevented through awareness and relief efforts?

Instead of focusing on the deaths of those who we’ve already lost, even if they created a strong legacy as in the case of Steve Jobs, we should focus on preventing the deaths of those who are most at risk. You might think that these people are nobodies, that their lives and deaths don’t deserve to be covered; after all they are just regular Joes. But they’re regular Joes who are ignored by society. In this day and age, we have the technology to help alleviate and eventually eradicate poverty and some common diseases. Sure, it’s never fun to focus on the downfalls of society and the nitty-gritty, but isn’t it better than constantly following those in the spotlight? Isn’t it better than ignoring true problems and, instead, settling for superficial celeb information? If the right resources are used for the right efforts, poverty could significantly decrease and many deaths could be avoided. People who have been cast away and left to be ignored could be saved. By even preventing just one unnecessary death, society can benefit. These people aren’t any less important than you, I or any individual in the spotlight. Who knows? Perhaps the next great innovator is among one of them.

The Death of a Dictator is Not a Victory for America America is Losing at Home Daily Paul Panasiuk S o p h o m o r e

Opinion

Columnist

“In this case, America spent $2 billion total and didn't lose a single life. This is more of the prescription for how to deal with the world as we go forward than

it has been in the past.” Vice President Joe Biden spoke these words soon after the death of Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi was confirmed last week. If you listen close enough, you can almost hear the slow beat of the war drums as you read Biden’s victory call. You need not be clairvoyant to see these words as fanciful language for more perpetual war. The newspaper headlines will ring out in triumph over the death of a human being in a far off land

instead of focusing on the death and starvation of Americans at home or the impending debt crisis threatening to destroy Social Security and Medicare. So when Biden says, “America didn’t lose a single life”, he is absolutely right. But his inability to acknowledge another life as being just as valuable as one that happens to be born an American is simply intolerable. There is no doubt Gaddafi was an evil dictator, but regardless of his own lack of respect for human life, he was still a human

being and deserved a fair trial as all Americans rightfully expect for themselves. People are people whether they are civilians, Gaddafi security forces or American soldiers. The human race lost thousands of lives in the several-month war illegally supported by the U.S. and NATO forces. A country is now ravaged by war, families are torn apart and displaced, and anger towards the Western world has grown stronger. Our actions may have eliminated one man, but who will re-

place him? And with what type of government? The revolutionaries with al-Qaida among their ranks show no signs of establishing a peaceful and socially equal democracy. The U.S. will intervene once again, and the $2 billion spent thus far will likely blossom to $4 billion and then $10 billion. The money, of course, will be borrowed from China or taken forcefully from the pockets of hurting Americans. Don’t expect the hurt to go away as most foreign intervention nowadays done in the name

of compassion and social justice, is nothing more than a facade for the transfer of wealth to the military industrial complex for the protection of resources. It is unfortunate so many Americans sit back and say nothing when the truth is so clear. Perhaps the people will one day overcome the mindnumbing euphoria acquired by watching “Dancing with the Stars” and “Jersey Shore,” and instead band together and demand fundamental changes to our foreign policy.

Under Pressure What is the Breaking Point? I wear a lot of hats on campus. I’m a senS ior studying English E and journalism. I’m N president of our school’s chapter of CirI cle K International and O I’m the opinion editor R Opinion here at Broadside. I Editor love everything I do, but the truth is sometimes I wonder if I’ve undertaken more than I can handle. I’m not here to start complaining about the weight of the world and all that stuff, trying to claim that my life is hard. I’m sure that my daily struggles and dealings pale in comparison to what many of you

JEFF GIORGI

face on a daily basis. Bare with me though, if I don’t get all this out I might explode. I transferred to George Mason University in the fall of last year. Since that time I have been enrolled in classes every semester — including each of the summer ones. My class schedule is always packed and, as is the case with everyone else, all of my professors convene weekly to ensure that my assignments are always due within 24 hours of each other, and that they’re all exceptionally in-depth and long. I’ve been sitting right around a 3.0 GPA since the spring and I’m not happy with that. Yet, I just don’t have the time to invest the way I want to. When I was in high school, and I first started dating a girl, my father said to me, “Something’s got to give.” He was referring to the fact that I was a stu-

dent and an athlete, that I worked and had a girlfriend. I never believed him then, but the older I get, the more I realize that eventually something will give. I juggle all of the things I mentioned earlier, plus trying to see friends and family who are three hours away, and I’ve recently started seeing someone exclusively. I feel the constant weight of all the things that depend on me, and lately, I’ve been thinking about how easy it would be just say eff everyone and everything and just worry about myself. But then, someone had to go and say something really encouraging to me, that bastard. The person basically asked me if, come May 19, when I’m crossing the stage to collect my fake diploma, do I want to look back and say, “Yup, took the easy way out.” Or do

I want to cross that stage and finally breathe easy because I made it, because I achieved more than I thought I was capable of. And that’s the point isn’t it? To test ourselves, to see what we are capable of; that’s what it’s all about. If every time the world gets tough we decide to quit and give up, then we’ll never be satisfied with ourselves and we’ll never achieve anything. Maybe that’s my whole point in sharing this, because I know I can’t be the only one. I really hope that all of you struggling with everything you’ve chosen to take on see the finish line. I know I do; now I just have to get there. Fingers crossed.

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Broadside

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Monday, October 24, 2011

Steve Jobs, Occup Wall Street, and the Virtues of Capitalism Corporations Have Enriched Our Lives Through  Material Innovation  Madeline Eldridge

Opinion

Columnist

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This past week, America lost one of the most prolific entrepreneurs of our time. A rarity is the person whose life was not in some way transformed by the creative ingenuity, keen business acumen and computer engineering genius of Steve Jobs. To quote President Obama, “The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve’s success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented.� Jobs is the embodiment of the American dream. He started a small company in his parents’ garage and, within a decade, transformed it into a multibilliondollar corporation with thousands of employees. Steve Jobs wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth, but he was born with a brilliant mind and a disposition toward hard work. Steve Jobs sought to channel these talents into a successful business and, in so doing, changed the way we live and, to again quote the president, “the way each of us sees the world.� But Jobs embodies much more than the American dream. He embodies the virtues of the economic system that makes the American dream possible. This economic system is currently being affronted by growing numbers of protesters in cities across the nation. To be fair, the Occupy Wall Street movement is by no means ideologically cohesive. There are many among the farrago

of protesters who don’t believe that capitalism is a failed economic system. But there are also many who do. Capitalism generates wealth by protecting private property rights and, thereby, incentivizing the acquisition of wealth. In order to acquire wealth, people must create wealth in the form of goods and services; hence, capitalism incentivizes wealth creation, or productivity. As Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Every man is a consumer, and ought to be a producer. He is by constitution expensive, and needs to be rich.� Jobs didn’t transform our society because he was a self-sacrificing altruist; like all individuals, he sought to increase his wealth and thus channeled his innate talents into profitable enterprises. The same goes for the venture capitalists who facilitated Apple Computer’s incorporation in 1977. Driven by the profit motive, these investors enabled Apple to expand and advance and become the company it is today. This is not to say that Jobs was not charitable — or, for that matter, that the aforementioned venture capitalists were not philanthropically inclined — nor is it to say that a desire to make money was the only driving force behind his many accomplishments. It is simply to point out that the vast majority of individuals are driven to work hard and invest in entrepreneurial ventures largely by a desire to increase personal wealth, and rightly so. Were this not the not the case, Apple would not be charging upwards of $199 for an iPhone 4S, it would be giving iPhones away for free. To quote Emerson again, “Doing well is the result of doing good. That's what capitalism is all about.� Steve Jobs is the quintessential example of a businessman

who did well by doing good. Over the course of his lifetime, Jobs accumulated over 300 patents. In 2010 his company employed nearly 50,000 people worldwide, and in 2011 it briefly surpassed Exxon Mobil as the largest publicly traded company in the world. Through his profit-seeking, Steve Jobs generated a tremendous volume of real wealth and transformed our world in ways most people could never have imagined. Steve Jobs reshaped industries, increased labor productivity on a global scale and cultivated economic growth from New York to Shanghai. Jobs took years of cumulative scientific research and knowledge and, using his creative genius and acute business sense as catalysts, transformed that stock of intellectual capital into tangible devices that many of us use on a daily basis. Any individual who has ever owned an iPhone, iPod, iPad or a MacBook owes a debt of gratitude to Steve Jobs. But we also owe a debt of gratitude to the capitalist economic system that made the success of Jobs possible. As protesters flock to Wall Street, deriding the greediness of multinational corporations and the selfishness of rich folks, they ought to remember the many ways in which their lives have been enriched by corporations like Apple and rich folks like Steve Jobs. These protesters ought to remember that we do not derive utility from little green pieces of paper with pictures of old white guys on them. We derive utility from stuff, from things, from the consumer goods and services we voluntarily pay for because they add value to the quality of our lives. It is people like Jobs, people who create things, who are responsible for our nation’s wealth and high standard of living. Is it really so bad that we live in a country with an economic system that rewards them?

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Sports

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The number of shots on goal by the men’s soccer team in Saturday’s 4-1 win against the Northeastern University Huskies.

Monday, October 24, 2011

Replacing a Campus Legend

Patriots Playoff Hopes Hang in the Balance For Women’s Soccer, Final Week Will Decide Playoff Contenders John Powell Collegiate Athletics Liaison

Photo by Stephen Kline

Photo by Stephen Kline

Coach Paul Hewitt (right) has a tough task on his hands in replacing former coach Jim Larranaga (left) at the helm of the Patriots.

With Season Fast Approaching, Paul Hewitt Begins Filling  Void Left by Jim Larranaga’s Offseason Departure Joseph White AP Sports Writer (AP) — A few days before the start of practice, there was still bubble wrap in Paul Hewitt's office. Art work that would eventually go on the wall was still on the floor, including prints of "Skins and Shirts" by Ernie Barnes and "Short Stories" by Joseph Holston. It had been five months since Hewitt took the job as coach at George Mason University, but a nonstop summer of moving, recruiting and settling into new surroundings had put office decor way down on the priority list. It's still a bit jarring to walk in and not be welcomed by Jim Larranaga, whose smiling face sat behind the desk for 14 seasons. "Coach L" became a local legend and a national mid-major hero, taking the Patriots to the Final Four in 2006 and winning a school-record 273 games. But Larranaga is gone, having made the jump to Miami of the Atlantic Coast Conference. Taking his place is Hewitt, who made the reverse trip, having been fired by Georgia Tech of the ACC before Mason hired him in May. Whoever the new coach happened to be, he would be standing squarely on Larranaga's shoulders. Hewitt is no exception. When Hewitt was invited to speak at a Chamber of Commerce event in July, he took his wife and kids and wasn't expecting much

of a crowd. He found himself welcomed by 300 people "fired up about Mason basketball." He's been "surprised, definitely surprised" at how frequently he is recognized as Mason’s new coach, even when he ventures into Washington, D.C., to take in a baseball game. "That caught me off guard," Hewitt said, "because being in a city area, if you will, a pro sports community — and I've always worked in pro sports communities — I'm pleasantly surprised at how much people are into and follow Mason basketball." "Jim did obviously a tremendous job here. ... They all respected and loved Jim for what he did," Hewitt said. "But it's like, 'Hey, you're the coach now. Let's go. We're behind you.'" And so his task is to sustain Larranaga's momentum and take the Patriots even further. Hewitt had a solid 11-year run at Georgia Tech, although the won-loss record tailed off over the last few years. He received a $7.2 million buyout from the Yellow Jackets and hadn't expected to take another job so soon, but the suburbs of the nation's capital have a lot to offer for a 48-year-old coach who's always been an East Coast, big-city guy. Not to mention the fact that the program is in pretty good shape. It's one of the best in the Colonial Athletic Association, which has recently sent two teams to the Final Four — Virginia Commonwealth in April in addition to Mason in '06 — and last season sent three teams to

the NCAA tournament. "Is it hard to win a national championship anywhere you are in the country? Yeah." Hewitt said. "But can you win a national championship from George Mason? Yeah. And so, I thought to myself: 'Where I like to live, where my wife likes to live, the type of players you can recruit here, it's pretty good. There are a lot of things I like to do. It's all here." The Patriots are coming off of an NCAA tournament season and might have been a preseason Top 25 preseason pick if Larranaga had stayed. But forward Luke Hancock transferred to Louisville, and the natural getting-to-know-you period expected under a new coach has diminished expectations. Even so, Mason was picked to finish second in the CAA at the conference's annual media day. "I think we have a good team. Will there be an adjustment process? Probably," Hewitt said. "But it's like Howard Cosell used to say, that's why they play the games." To really get Hewitt talking, just bring up anything having to do with NCAA rules. Take the case of Hancock, whose transfer will cost the Patriots on the Academic Progress Report that tracks graduation rates. "He got an opportunity to go play at another school. His brother lives in that city," Hewitt said. "He was, like, if I'm going to go do something different and new, at least go someplace where my family is. There's nothing

wrong with that, and I really wish that people who make the rules in our game would really come down to our level and see what it's like day to day for our studentathletes, for our coaches, so when they pass these rules they have a better understanding that Luke Hancock did nothing wrong. My coaching staff and I did nothing wrong. He just decided it's time to go. But because he leaves, we're going to be penalized for it." Hewitt also weighed in — with harsh words — on the dizzying pace conference realignment sweeping the country, even though Mason is mostly a spectator to it all. "I really find it comical, the conference-shifting stuff," Hewitt said. "If a college coach makes too many phone calls, we're call unethicals, we're scoundrels and this and that, but yet you have major decision-makers, highranking officers, giving their word to one conference and then in the middle of the night changing their mind and going to another conference and not telling anybody until the announcement is made." "It's really hypocritical," he added, "and it's really a shame to see how these decision-makers and these people who are supposed to be examples for our student-athletes and coaches operate. ... It's bush league." That's one thing that hasn't changed about the Mason coach's office. The new occupant, just like the old one, isn't shy about giving an opinion.

Around this time of year, things start to change. The air gets colder, trees change colors and holiday shopping begins. On the Mason women’s soccer team, Head Coach Diane Drake saw some changes unfold with her team as well. Sophomore goalkeeper Lyndse Hokanson was the first to turn her season around. Playing the Old Dominion Monarchs in Norfolk, Va. for the first game of the conference schedule, senior goalkeeper Alex Bodenschatz allowed three first half goals. When Hokanson came in, she allowed one late in the second half, but with a 4-save performance as her minutes increased in overtime, Hokanson solidified a starting job without a split in minutes. Over the next nine games, she only allowed eight goals, compiling four clean sheets along the way. “Everybody makes her look better and she makes other people look better,” Drake said. “It has been very good, very positive, peaking all at the right times.” The Patriots needed some strong goalkeeping down the stretch. After allowing seven goals in the first two conference games — four at Old Dominion and three at conference leader William & Mary — Mason allowed a mere three goals over the next seven games. “It’s just much more cohesion on our back line,” Hokanson said. “Once we were able to get our back line sorted out, together, they’ve just been getting better and better every game.” In addition, they found a breath of fresh air in their forwards. After Omolyn Davis, who did not know how not to score, left the Patriots, Drake had a scoring gap that needed to be filled. Tiana Kallenberger, in her junior year, stepped up. She has 17 points on five goals and seven assists so far, but even those numbers don’t give her the goal lead. The team’s senior forward, Zoe Doherty, in her second year with the Patriots after playing at Dublin City University in Ireland, has that title. She has tallied six goals in her final season with Mason and coupled it with two assists. Between Doherty and Kallenberger, they have posed a great double-headed scoring threat to conference opponents.

Capital Challenge Cup Cody Norman Sports Editor The stage was set. More than 150 fans piled into the bleachers and two teams, the Rams and the Patriots, were ready to compete in the inaugural Capital Cup challenge in Prince William. The cup was to serve as the equivalent to the Little Brown Jug, fought for between Minnesota and Michigan, in one of the oldest rivalries in college football. It was to promote a quality match between two teams that seemingly always produce close, hard-fought performances. “We play [VCU] once a year and it has always been a one or two goal game,” said Steve Hyjek, the ice hockey team’s coach for the last two seasons. “They

seemed like a logical choice, so we decided to go with it.” Hyjek and his team put together the event, inviting the Rams into the Prince William Ice Center to kick off the inaugural match. VCU came out strong, jumping ahead 4-2 after just one period. Mason, however, responded with a dominating second period performance and tied the game just before the zamboni took the ice to prepare for the final 20 minutes. “We had them on their heels heading into the final period,” Hyjek said. “We got a couple of good shots but couldn’t put the puck in the net.” The Rams responded, netting two goals in the final period to win the match and take home the first ever Capital Cup.

But the surprise of the year is freshman forward Liz Hodges. While her scoring totals are not quite on par with the upperclassmen — two goals and two assists — her moves force the team to play with a little more chutzpah. Her finishing moves are good, but opportunities are scarce for the freshman. That was good enough for a second-place tie in the conference standings. The ranked Tribe in Williamsburg worked wonders with a 10-game unbeaten streak to clinch the top seed and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, but the rest of the conference was up for grabs. The Patriots were in perfect position, tied with VCU for second in the conference with a 4-2-3 record, 15 points. But coming in to Sunday, only four points separated the middle 10 teams in the conference, proving that another shakeup could be in order heading into the final week. At halftime of Mason’s 1-2 loss to Drexel, the conference games with a 1:00 p.m. start time were finishing up. Over the PA system, players, coaches and fans, already angry with a 0-2 deficit, listed as VCU, Northeastern, JMU and Delaware were winning, with Hofstra finishing a 20 rout playing the Seahawks, who were in the conference basement. “We were in a really good position coming in to today,” Hokanson said. “And we just didn’t bring what we should have today. It’s unfortunate because our seniors really deserve more.” Everyone realized, if the scores held, that Mason would fall from second all the way to a tie with Hofstra for fifth. Six teams go to the tournament this year, rather than the four teams that the conference sent last year. The Patriot women (7-6-5, 43-3) return to action as they host Towson (9-9-0, 4-6-0) at 5 p.m. in the first game of a women-men doubleheader. A win clinches a playoff berth, but a loss or a tie could throw a wrench into the whole process. “No pressure, just more energy,” said forward Nicole Peters, who scored the lone goal Sunday. “We’re excited to play. Towson’s a good team. We’re ready for them. We’ve got a whole week to get ready, train hard. We want it, I know we want it, so I’m not worried.”

Wounded Warriors to visit Mason NOV.

12

2:10 p.m. Prince William Ice Center Ticket Prices: $10 Target Goal: $20,000 raised for the Fisher House Foundation, a unique privatepublic partnership that supports America’s military in their time of need.

Photo by John Powell

The VCU Rams claimed the first-ever Capital Cup Classic trophy after winning Friday night’s game 6-4.

Special Events: Honorary puck-drop ceremony with President Alan Merten and a highranking government official.

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Monday, October 24, 2011

Economics: Intercollegiate Sports Aren’t about Dollars and Cents ECONOMICS, from Front After the Final Four run in 2006, the university experienced a 350 percent increase in admissions inquiries. There was a 150 percent increase in admissions web hits and out-of-state applications went up 54 percent. “March of 2006 was the best public relations month that George Mason the person ever had,” said Alan Merten, president of the university since July 1996. The admissions office began raising university standards, bumping the average GPA for incoming freshmen from 3.4 to a 3.51, making the university a more prestigious and desired campus.

Mason merchandise sales rose exponentially, as the Barnes & Noble bookstore was forced to sell T-shirts out of their boxes. Through the entire 2004-05 academic year, the bookstore made $625,000. In March 2006 alone, the store made over $800,000. And it hasn’t dipped below that number since then. “Once we started making that $800 thousand, we never lost that money,” said Barb Headley, manager of the campus Barnes & Noble bookstore. “There was an increase over the next few years and, I think, that’s due to the enrollment spike and the notoriety that came along with [the Final Four].” For the Fairfax community,

Asst. Sports Editor For George Mason University’s men’s basketball radio announcer Bill Rohland, the game is his life. Rohland started his radio career working for WGMU radio as a student in 1989 and has been in the business ever since. “I had friends from high school who were older than me who were working at the campus radio station and they were calling the men’s games for the campus radio station,” Rohland said. “I said I wanted to get involved, but of course it’s kind of a hierarchy thing. The upperclassmen were doing it and freshman and sophomores weren’t really allowed. So I said, ‘Well, what about women’s games?’ So I started doing those.” Rohland began calling games for the women’s basketball team on the campus radio station. They played their home games in the old Linn Gym before moving to the Patriot Center.

Attendance: •2005–06: 4,533 average fans per game •2006–07: 6,834 average fans per game NCAA Licensing Revenue: •Increase of $100,000 Fundraising: •Six month period starting on July 1, 2006 •540 donors, $325,000 New Positions: •Senior Associate Athletic Director of External Affairs

•Director of Major Gifts •Coordinator of Special Events Exposure: •Broadcast Media •5,000 AP radio/TV outlets •1,000 AP Radio Network affiliates •Print Media •1,700 AP newspapers •Front page of ~100 newspapers after UCONN victory. •Sports Illustrated cover •Electronic Media Total Exposure stemming from Mason athletic program in 2006 alone:

$677,474,659.25 All numbers and information obtained from NCAA Final Four Impacts on George Mason University report done by Dr. Robert E. Baker.

Looking to upgrade your view of the upcoming basketball season?

Rohland enters twelfth season as announcer “It was one of those things where if someone was shooting a free throw, you couldn’t talk because there was maybe 50 people in the place and everyone could hear you talking.” Through calling women’s games, Rohland gained the experience and the connections needed to call men’s basketball games. His passion for sports and writing were also influential in his career choice of sports radio. “I wrote for my high school paper when I was in school and loved it and I always thought that I wanted to do that,” Rohland said. Rohland’s love for sports and writing were the primary motives for his shift to radio. “At the time, you couldn’t just write something, hit send and it was suddenly up on your blog or website for everybody to read. You had to wait to see what people think of it. I fell in love with the immediacy of [radio],” Rohland said. After graduating from Mason, Rohland spent time as a

Ticket Sales: •2005–06: 1,262 season tickets sold •2006–07: 2,500+ season tickets sold

However, the 2006 March Madness alone gave the university exposure that is estimated to value more than $677 million. Athletics have helped pave the way as Mason becomes a more recognizable, more prestigious institution. They fit into the overall mission of the university to be inclusive and to provide community opportunities within the university. And athletics is the reason that Butler, a campus hero and former cover-boy for Sports Illustrated, can look back and say, “You’re welcome.”

annual revenue for longtime Mason supporters, such as Jim McKay Chevrolet and Brion’s Grill, has steadily increased as campus recognition has flourished. Local businesses — such as restaurants and hotels — depend heavily on the traffic induced by the success of the Patriots. Yet, through the years of success, Mason athletics have not directly increased revenue for the university. It receives an annual budget valued at around $16.7 million. Fundraising, corporate sponsorships and ticket sales help the department to break even. “Fans tend to think [we] make a lot of money,” O’Connor said. “But that’s not necessarily the case.”

Voice of the Patriots Pat Carroll

The Effect of Intercollegiate Athletics

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game-day producer, analyst for the Washington Wizards and a Sports Talk 980 anchor. He also worked as a sports anchor for CBS Sports. In 1999, Rohland caught his break and started calling games as a color analyst for the Patriots and was selected as the play-by-play announcer soon after. He had obtained his dream job as the voice of the Patriots. Rohland, who has a radio show on 106.7 The Fan, said that he would love to continue working at Mason for another 20-25 years before handing over his job to someone else. “It’s such a different feel here at Mason having been involved with school since ’89 in one form or another,” Rohland said. “It’s a big school but it’s a small school in the sense that [it has that] kind of family connection when you’re involved in the athletic department and the program. I can’t imagine calling games for another school.”

Courtside Seats at the men’s basketball game on Nov. 30 and the women’s basketball game on Dec. 1.

Editors’ Picks Cody Pat John Powell Norman Carroll Staff Writer Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor

Greg Connolly Editor-inChief

Monika Joshi Managing Editor

Justin Erin Powell Jeff Giorgi Lauren Jared Lalputan and and Becca Opinion Ransom Barrale Ahsan Norris Section Design Editor Copy Chief Zaman Style Section News Section

JAC @ HOU

HOU

HOU

HOU

JAC

JAC

HOU

JAC

HOU

JAC

HOU

ARI @ BAL

BAL

BAL

BAL

ARI

ARI

BAL

BAL

BAL

BAL

BAL

IND @ TEN

TEN

TEN

TEN

TEN

TEN

TEN

TEN

TEN

IND

TEN

WAS @ BUF

BUF

BUF

WAS

BUF

WAS

WAS

WAS

BUF

BUF

WAS

NO @ STL

NO

NO

NO

STL

NO

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Season Record

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10-12

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13-9

10-12

TWEETS OF THE WEEK Each week we collect the best tweets by Mason athletes and compile them for your enjoyment.

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