Broadside February 6, 2012 Issue by Student Media George Mason University

Econ Rap George Mason professor Russ Roberts economics rap has developed a following on YouTube. STYLE • Page 5

Front Royal on Up and Up Construction has begun on George Mason’s Front Royal collaboration with the Smithsonian Institute. NEWS • Page 3

Homecoming 2012 The Patriots’ defeat of Old Dominion brought life to the theme “Where Magic Happens. Check out the photos from Saturday. SPORTS • Page 10

George Mason University’s Student Newspaper Volume 88 Issue 13

February 6, 2012

www.broadsideonline.com

Revolutions Per Mason Hardcore Punk Band Rise Against Electrifies Sold-Out Patriot Center

Mason Forensics Team Places First at Tourney Tournament Featured 17 of top 20 Forensics Programs Nationwide Michael Lagana Broadisde Correspondent

Hardcore Punk Band Rise Against took the Patriot Center by storm Sunday. Rise Against is known for their progressive politics, vegan diet and Straight Edge lifestyle. Their concert sold out and attracted people from outside the Mason Community. Check out more photos on page ﬁve.

Mr. Nichols Goes to Washington Mason Professor Tapped to Work on Medicare Panel the other applicants. Of the 73 people taking part in the Advisors program, Nichols is the only economist. “Most people are either physicians or nurses or Len Nichols, director of the Center for Health Policy Research and Ethics of the College of Health people who work in hospitals,” Nichols said. “I’m and Human Services at George Mason University, one of the few who come at it from a cost-first perhas been selected by the federal government to par- spective, but all of us are focused on a three-part aim: achieving better health, ticipate in the Centers for better patient care and lower Medicare and Medicaid Services costs simultaneously.” Innovation Advisors Program. “Right now nobody’s The way the Advisors Pro“The Innovation Advisors shown them the map gram works is that the 73 particProgram is part of a larger effort [in terms of health care ipants are broken down into by the Center for Medicare and groups. Medicaid Innovation to basically reform] and they Each member of the group engender change in the health haven’t seen it, and works on his own individual care delivery system,” said they don’t believe it. I’m projects or plans to improve the Nichols, who was selected alonghealth care system, but also side 72 other applicants from here to show them the keeps in touch with his group around the nation. map.”” members and lets them know There is widespread recoghis progress or any difficulties, nition that America has to spend Nichols said. less on health care, or at least -Len Nichols, George Mason Nichols’ personal project slow the rate of growth costs, University Director of the entails finding a way for physiNichols said. Center for Health Policy and cians to get paid which also alNichols, who is an econolows them to thrive in a world Ethics of the College of mist, says that the best way to rewhere people spend less on duce health care spending is not Health and Human Services health care, while improving paprice or benefit cuts, but rather tient care at the same time. through incentive realignment. “Right now nobody’s shown them the map [in Essentially, there has to be a link connecting the self-interest of clinicians and people who run hos- terms of health care reform] and they haven’t seen pitals to the social interest of reducing cost and im- it, and they don’t believe it,” Nichols said. “I’m here to show them the map.” proving patient care, Nichols said. Nichols believes that innovations need to be The program essentially infuses the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services with outside ideas, tailored to fit local conditions. “America is large and and the overall goal is to make the health care sys- diverse,” Nichols said. “The concept of one-size-fitsall is never going to work here.” tem sustainable and affordable. However Nichols is unique when compared to

Justin Lalputan News Editor

Home of the Brave Baird Walks Line Between Music, Basketball which he calls a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “We know our place as walk-ons, but just because you know your place doesn’t mean you can’t strive for something more,” Baird said. “I’m always working hard in practice, and you never know when they might need us and might put us in, so you just have to keep on Jordan Baird working hard. Overall it’s just been an awesome experience. With almost 9,800 pairs of The guys are great.” eyes pointed his way, Jordan After landing a record deal Baird, junior music major and last summer Baird released his walk-on for George Mason Unisingle “Grateful.” When basketversity’s basketball team, ball season started, he had to opened the Homecoming game choose between music and baswith the national anthem. ketball. Baird “Choosing ﬁrst started between music “We know our place as singing beand basketball fore kinderwalk-ons, but just was a decision garten, because you know your I had to take taking after time to make place doesn’t mean you his mother — but it wasn’t and older can’t strive for a hard one. brother. Bassomething more.” Playing college ketball was basketball is a another inonce-in-a-lifeherited tal-Jordan Baird, junior music time opportuent; Baird’s major, basketball team nity,” Baird father and walk-on said. brother both “I got to played. He is be on a Divithe ﬁrst in sion I team. his family to That’s the kind of thing little play at the college level. kids dream about. I didn’t think After high school, Baird it would ever happen to me. I didn’t immediately follow up on just put my music on pause for a his basketball career after a deal while.” with Shenandoah University fell through. However, he did end up as a walk-on for the Mason team, See BASKETBALL, Page 11

Colleen Wilson Asst. Sports Editor

The George Mason University forensics team placed first at one of the nation’s largest forensics tournaments in Austin, Texas. Bradley University of Peoria, Ill., and the University of Texas at Austin jointly held the tournament, called Hell Froze Over, on Jan. 14–15 in Austin. The name of the tournament refers to the traditional rivalry between the schools that host it each year. According to Peter Pober, director of forensics, the tournament featured 17 of the top 20 forensics programs in the nation, making for an extremely competitive weekend. The competition was two days long, and it featured a number of events, including speeches, performances and monologues. The topics that were covered at HFO encompassed national and global issues ranging from American foreign policy toward Iran to the War on Drugs. Participants were allowed to choose which topic they wanted to present, but they were required to conduct an extensive amount of research before heading to the competition last month. Forensics teams view the HFO tournament as a warm-up for the national competition. This year, Mason’s team had to prepare intensely and arrived on campus one week before leaving. Describing the preparation for the tournament, co-captain Nick Cox, senior health science major, discussed the problem of getting the team in sync following winter break. “One of the biggest challenges that wasn't really unique to our team but was happening [to teams] around the nation was coming back from winter break,” Cox said. “We practiced for a week by ourselves while campus was empty to get our speeches together.” However, Cox and co-captain Michael Scott, junior geography major, also noted that coming back early worked to the advantage of the team. “One of our advantages was that we did show up a week early to start working hard on everything we had. We even showed up in Texas a day early and got a feel for the campus and the rooms we were going to be in,” Scott said. Members of the team representing Mason garnered numerous awards for making it to the final or semi-final rounds of the tournament. Bria Woodyard, freshman environmental and sustainability studies major, made it to the final round and placed second in of one of the more difficult events of the tournament, the CommunicationAnalysis event. Communication-Analysis involves studying a particular communication, such as a protest, and utilizing published methods to deliver an effective analysis of the effects of that particular protest or event. Becoming a finalist in this event is rare for a first-year student. “It was just a lot of me getting help from my teammates,” Woodyard said. “[Communication-Analysis] was one of the tougher events [of the tournament], but I said, ‘Hey, I’m going to do it!’”

Broadside

News

The number of applicants selected to participate in the Advisors Program

Monday, February 6, 2012

Event Calendar Monday, Feb. 6 Career Services Workshop: Planning for Graduate School Student Union Building I, Room 3311 4 - 5 p.m. Black and Queer Johnson Center, Bistro 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7

Black Live Museum Johnson Center, Bistro 7:30 - 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 8 Concert: The Tschaikowski St. Petersburg State Orchestra Prince William Campus, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Merchant Hall 8 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9

Women’s Basketball : Mason vs Northeastern Patriot Center 7 p.m. Love Jones Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall 7:30 - 10 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10

Vagina Monologues Harris Theatre 8 p.m. Virginia Opera: Orphee Center for the Arts, Concert Hall 8 p.m.

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

POLICE FILES

Mason Opens Spotsylvania Enterprise Center Center Sponsors Programs to Aid Small Businesses

Hannah Smith Asst. News Editor George Mason University is helping to support small businesses in Spotsylvania County. The Spotsylvania regional office of the Mason Enterprise Center opened Thursday. Like the Fairfax Mason Enterprise Center it will serve as a small-business incubator, offering both office space for lease and crucial business counseling programs. “There’s a lot of movement of people and business up and down the I-95 corridor. It made a lot of sense to open up a facility in Spotsylvania because there are a lot of businesses that do business with the military,” said Keith Segerson, executive director of the Mason Enterprise Center at the Office of Research and Economic DevelopPhoto Courtesy of Spotsylvania County Government ment. Carl Ingrebretsen, Chair of the Spotsylvania Economic Development Authority, and Dr. Roger Stough, Vice The Spotsylvania MEC is the latest of several regional offices to President of Research and Economic Development cut the ribbon at the opening of the new Mason Enterprise open in Manassas, Woodbridge, Center in Spotsylvania County. and Springfield. “We have opened jobs than other businesses in gen- where aspiring entrepreneurs and to “Friends of Mason,” a network up regional oferal.” start-up companies can access of professional consultants that fices strategiAlthough Mason’s academic resources to work with the university, accord“Businesses that work cally around they operate help get their business off the ing to their website. Virginia in with the Mason Enterunder strict ground. For now, the Mason Enterareas that have confidentiality It also offers Mason students prise Center in Spotsylvania is opprise Center tend to strong business and cannot a chance to get practical business erating as an incubator, leasing grow faster and create growth potenname the com- experience. office space to companies that tial,” Segerson more jobs than other panies they “We don’t put students di- meet its requirements. According said. work with, rectly in front of companies, but to Keegan, business counseling businesses in general.” “We have Keenan said they support our full-time profes- from the university is available a good track that over 30 sional business counselors,” upon request. record,” said - Jody Keenan, s u c c e s s f u l Keenan said. “We [also] get a lot of The MEC in Spotsylvania is Jody Keenan, b u s i n e s s e s inquiries from students, recent also receiving support from Germanaging director of the managing dihave gradu- graduates or alums who are look- manna Community College and MEC. rector of the ated from the ing to start a business.” University of Mary Washington, Fairfax MEC. MEC. Most of the programs, such as according to their website. They “Businesses The orig- legal guidance and business plan- will be willing to assist with busithat work with inal Mason Enterprise Center ning, are free or require a nominal ness advice and support, and to the Mason Enterprise Center tend opened in 1995 on University fee. get counseling programs started to grow faster and create more Drive in Fairfax. It is a center Participants also gain access on the premises.

Patriot Green Fund Goes to Work Recipients of the Patriot Green Fund Reduce Mason’s Carbon Footprint Hannah Smith

Jan. 31

Jan. 30

Asst. News Editor Theft From a Building Research Hall A A 50” Sony TV monitor and Mac mini were stolen from the lobby. Total items estimated at $4500. (47/ Bietsch).

Theft From Building University Hall Victim reported theft of their wallet and fraudulent use of credit cards. Case under investigation. (59/Soccio Rappahannock Parking Deck Hit and Run. Vehicle 1 was parked and unattended when it was struck by Vehicle 2 which then fled the scene. (60/Stahl)

Feb. 2

Feb. 1

Verbal Altercation Lot J Two GMU students fot into a verbal altercation. Case reffered to Dean of Students (60/Stahl)

DUI/Refusal. University Dr. Serrita Farnsworth, 23, of Falls Church, VA (GMU) was arrested for the above offenses and taken to Fairfax ADC where she was held. (44/Somerville) Warrant Service Mattaponi Ln. Donell Brown (Non-GMU) 29 of Alexandria VA was arrested on a bench warrant out of Fairfax County. He was held without bond. (59/ Soccio)

Possession of Marijuana. Braddock Rd. / Roberts Rd Mallory Taylor, 25 (Non-GMU) of Annandale, VA was released on a summons for the above offense. (37/Radfar) Medical Assist David King Hall Subject was transported to Hospital. (36/Gannon)

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

George Mason University alumna Danielle Wyman was walking through Whole Foods in Vienna when she spotted the recycling centers at the entrance. She thought, if a grocery store can have something like this, why can’t Mason? So, after receiving permission from the store, she took pictures and did an in-depth examination of the bins. When that particular Whole Foods location underwent renovation, the management team remembered Wyman and how curious she had been about the recycling center. They offered to donate it to George Mason University. Wyman partnered up with Intergrative Studies major Jen Beidel, an undergrad who was recently hired as an intern at the Office of Sustainability, to build more of the recycling centers. To fund their project they applied for a grant from the Patriot Green Fund. They will use the grant to build 10 additional recycling centers in the Johnson Center and The Hub. “It’s not only important that we increase recycling on campus, but also that students and staff can take what they learn here and be able to put it into action at home,” Beidel said. “It’s about both environmental impact and teaching good habits.” Of the 22 proposals that were submitted in October 2011, the Patriot Green Fund Committee approved seven projects for grants, according to the PGF website. They share the $50,000 en-

Photo Courtsey of Danielle Wyman

Danielle Wyman, Jennifer Beidel and Tyler Orton (three on the right) with the recycling center donated to them by Whole Foods. They hope to build similar recycling centers with the money from the Green Fund. dowment for this semester between them. The goal is to make the campus more environmentally friendly and to educate students, faculty and staff on sustainability. “A lot of these things are at the interface of operations and academics,” said Dann Sklarew, fellow of sustainability studies and member of the PGF Committee. The PGF was approved last year by the school administration. It is the result of a joint effort between the Environmental Action Group and the Office of Sustainability at Mason. It will give $100,000 each year to fund student and faculty projects that support sustainability research and projects. “The Patriot Green Fund is contributing to the facilitation of my efforts to combine teaching with research,” said Changwoo Ahn, associate professor of envi-

ronmental science and policy, who received a grant from the PGF to build a model wetland. Ahn will use the funds to educate his students on the role wetlands have in reducing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. He will also be able to research how man-made wetlands can be constructed to make up for those that have been lost due to overdevelopment and pollution. Another beneficiary, Kathleen Curtis, executive director of the Dean’s Office in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, is working with engineers from campus planning to construct beehives. “The coursework is focused on the scientific and practical management of honey bee hives in an urban setting,” Curtis said. The beehives will be used for edu-

cational purposes and to improve the diversity of the local landscape. The PGF is helping Mason get closer to the goals of the American College & University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, which President Alan Merten signed in 2007. This was an agreement that Mason would be climate-neutral by 2050. “We have a second round of proposals which will be submitted later in the semester,” Sklarew said. “It was actually kind of lucky … we thought we would fund all the proposals that seemed to meet our goals. And that worked out to be about half.” The remaining $50,000 will be awarded to the winning proposals from the second phase of selection. They will be chosen in April.

Broadside is looking for a Graphic Designer. Interested parties should vist us in the Oﬃce of Student of Student Media in SUB II.

Broadside

News

Burger King Delivers

Monday, February 6, 2012 | 3

Mason Majesty

BK Latest Restaurant to Deliver to Campus Rob Cooper C2M Reporter Burger King has begun offering delivery service to select locations in the Washington D.C. area as part of a test-market initiative, and the Fairfax Campus is one of them. Students are now able to place delivery orders online or by phone. The website states there is a $10 minimum for delivery orders and an additional $2 dollar delivery charge that is added to all orders. Mason has its own on-campus Burger King franchise in the Johnson Center but Ram Nabar, Sodexo resident district manager, said that he’s not worried about the effect the delivery service might have on the on-campus venue. “Competition comes from outside in various forms. It’s about convenience and location,” Nabar said. “There’s all kinds of people sending food to campus.” Burger King currently delivers from 10 locations in northern Virginia and southern Maryland, with plans to offer the service from six more Virginia locations in the near future. Delivery to campus is available from the Lee Highway location. There was a mixed response

Photo by: Jake McLernon

Burger King now delivers to Mason’s Fairfax campus. Students interested in ordering should call (703)673-3725. from students who were asked if they would consider using Burger King’s delivery system. Three of ﬁve students who were asked said that they didn’t think they would use the service. Sophomore Steven Bennett said he’s intrigued by the idea of fast food delivery and will probably try it out at some point. “It’s interesting, I’ve never heard of a fast food place that delivers,” Bennett said. “Eventually I’ll try it just to see what it’s like.” Customers can place orders

on bkdelivers.com, but must ﬁrst register an account to enable online ordering. If you don’t want to register, you can call (855) 6733725 to order over the phone.

Story taken from Connect2Mason Photo by: Stephen Kline

George Mason University Senior Anthropology major Kevin Loker was crowned Homecoming 2012 Mason Majesty Saturday during halftime. Loker, the executive editor of Connect2Mason, was sponsored by Catholic Campus Ministry.

Mason, Smithsonian Build New Facilities Opportunities to Work with Endangered Animal Species Offered to Students Justin Lalputan News Editor George Mason University’s Mason Center for Conservation Studies is working alongside the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute at its facility in Front Royal to help save endangered species and offer students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on conservation experience working with endangered species. According to SmithsonianMason Global Conservation Studies Program Executive Director Alonso Aguirre, construction on an academic center containing offices for faculty and staff, classrooms and laboratories got underway in late June 2011 and is projected to be finished by August 2012. In addition, student dorms with 60 bedrooms housing up to 120 Mason students enrolled in the program. Aguirre believes that students will benefit greatly from participating in the partnership, which began with a 2010 agreement to initiate the SmithsonianMason Global Conservation Studies Program. “This has been a life-changing experience for most of the un-

dergraduates that have taken a semester,” Aguirre said. “They come in not knowing what they want to do … and after taking a semester, it really opens up a new world to them.” Aguirre added that this is a

Construction on an academic center containing offices...classrooms and laborities got underway in late June 2011 and [will] be finished by August 2012. very unique opportunity for undergraduate students, saying that there are few, if any, universities in the world that oﬀer these types of experiences to undergraduate students. The Smithsonian facility at Front Royal houses a wide range of animals, including about 25 species of endangered animals, such as black-footed ferrets, Mongolian horses and clouded leopard.

“[Students can gain] handson experience in feeding a crane, running a blood test on a panda in a veterinary clinic and doing hormone tests on urine matter from a leopard. It’s a very unique, handson experience,” Aguirre said. Students are able to get very close to the animals with the assistance of an animal keeper or veterinarian and, with the appropriate protective clothing, can even touch the animals and aid in their care. Students who are interested in subjects such as conservation biology, ecology and veterinary science are usually most interested in the collaboration. Aguirre encouraged any student interested in these topics to consider participating in the program. According to the Mason Center for Conservation Studies website, students wishing to apply for the fall 2012 semester must submit an online application by March 2012. Students will receive notiﬁcation of their admission by April 1 and will have to pay an enrollment deposit of $500 by July 1. Interested students should contact mccs.gmu.edu for more information.

Photo Courtsey of Creative Commons

The Smithsonian Institute facility located in Front Royal is home to roughly 25 endangered species. Students who spend a semester at Front Royal can interact with endangered animals, such as the snow leopard above.

Your Ad Here Want to reach out to George Mason University students through the university’s official student newspaper? If so, it sounds like you’re ready to place an ad in Broadside. For information on rates and sizes, please call 703-993-2947.

Broadside

Q& A

Police Clear Occupy DC Tents Look to Rid Park of Tents Banned by Park Rules Eric Tucker Associated Press Dozens of U.S. Park Police officers in riot gear and on horseback converged before dawn Saturday on one of the nation's last remaining Occupy sites, with police clearing the grounds of tents that they said were banned under park rules. That move left large swaths of open space and raised questions about exactly what would remain of the encampment once the enforcement was over. Still, police said they were not evicting the protesters. Those whose tents conformed to regulations were allowed to stay. The police used barricades to cordon off sections of McPherson Square, a park under federal jurisdiction near the White House, and checked tents for mattresses and sleeping bags. Some wore yellow biohazard suits to guard against diseases identified at the site in recent weeks.

Police by mid-day had arrested about a half-dozen people, including four protesters who refused to move from beneath a statute. The National Park Service, which has tolerated the protesters for months and protected their First Amendment rights, has said it will give protesters notice if police decide to clear the park. Police on Saturday were careful to say they were not evicting the protesters or closing the park. Regulations allow protesters to remain onsite at all hours with tents, they are not allowed to camp out or lay down on things like blankets. The park service had said it would start enforcing the ban last Monday, and though protesters had braced for a confrontation, it wasn't until Saturday that police cracked down. Police said tents that broke the rules would be seized and their owners threatened with arrest. Some protesters said they

considered Saturday's enforcement a major step toward eviction. "This is a slow, media-friendly eviction," said protester Melissa Byrne. "We're on federal property, so they have to make it look good." The oﬃcers poured into McPherson Square around 5:40 a.m., some on horseback and others wearing routine riot gear. They shut down nearby streets as a helicopter hovered overhead. They turned their focus to dragging out wood, metal and other items stored beneath a massive blue tarp — which protesters call the "Tent of Dreams" — that had been draped around a statue of Maj. Gen. James McPherson, a Union general in the Civil War. Protesters agreed to remove the tent. Later, in a lighter moment, Park Police used a cherry-picker to remove a mask of 17th-century English revolutionary Guy Fawkes that had been placed on the McPherson statue.

With Mason Dining’s Ram Nabar

Broadside Sits Down to Discuss Dining Options on Campus and What We Have to Look Forward to Colleen Wilson Assistant Sports Editor

Photo Courtesy of: Ram Nabar

1. What do you look for when choosing a new campus dining spot? What are your main concerns? The decision is really driven by three factors. First, student choice and preference, what do they want to see. Second, how does that fit into the overall mix. And third, what is the value of that concept to all the different sides; student body, faculty, financial perspective.

2. How is a new restaurant chosen? Do you go to them or do they come to you? Typically we'll approach them, since they dont know George Mason has an interest. We have a retail brand group that Sodexo manages. My contact person will get in touch with a company and open the door to start the conversation. Certain brands want to retain more control and vary how they pay GMU. We pay them royalties if they’re a reputable brand.

3. Who else weighs in on the process? The administration, students, employees of Mason Dining all have a say. The name for Second Stop was decided at the meeting of our managers,. Everyone pitched in on what to call it. One Stop is closer on campus, so the convenience store in Rogers got named Second Stop. I thought it would be cool to name it Metro Stop, but there were concerns people would think it was an actual metro stop.

4. Do you consider special needs eating when choosing a new dining facility? There’s a vegan option at Southside. The vegan restaurant is going to be independent. Right now in University Hall there is retail space. The strategy is to charge rent and open businesses there. I believe there’s a Panda Express in the works, and there will be an Einstein Bros Bagels operated by Mason Dining. Einstein’s will accept cash and Mason Money.

5. How do you name new restaurants? We typically take a poll out of students or employees. This one [HotSpot, located in SUB I] we had to name during the break, and no one was here. We'll bounce it oﬀ the faculty and the student dining committees, we have a huge representation of students in dining. We talk to resident advisors and resident directors on site, and get student opinion.

6. How do you decide which dining locations use meal plans or Mason Money versus real money? The reason Subway has meal plans is because you have 600 apartments ﬁlled with freshmen with little or no access to food. We are planning to build more dining halls to facilitate their needs. We're looking at expanding Shenandoah and plan to eventually build in the Aquia neighborhood, with 600 more apartments there. We need something more robust to support them. We need to decide whether we’re going to build there or closer to campus at the Johnson Center. Right now we’re looking at several diﬀerent designs from the architects.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

7. Aside from Southside, what has been the most successful dining spot on campus? Retail brand wise, our Chik-ﬁl-A, from a food stand point, is the best. We also do very well with La Pat and the Starbucks. In Fall 2012, we will open another Einstein Bros Bagels in University Hall In August 2014, Ikes will expand to become a 375 seat dining hall. It will actually be an anytime dining place, a 24-hour location. In housing 8b next to Rogers and Whitetop, we are possibly going to include more of a dining hall and deck for parking. The projected goal for that is around 2014.

8. What are your goals for Mason Dining? To be number one in college dining services. There’s no tabulated form, but I want us to be the benchmark for dining. When people ask, “How’s college dining done right?” I want the answer to be, “Go check out George Mason.”

9. What jobs have been created through Dining Services? Are there still openings We currently have around 550 employees for Mason Dining. Last we checked, we employed about 145 students, and we’re growing every year. Last year, it was only at 97. The year before that we employed 60 students. Every year we increase that.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

NEW LATE HOURS

10. What can we expect in the future? We have a lot of stuﬀ brewing: On March 19; Einstein Bros Bagels in Engineering Building. Freshens at JC will soon include crepes. I wanted an option for students to have a portable breakfast. Taco Bell will expand out of the JC to a full Taco Bell in May 2012 in SUB I. In July of 2012 Southside will start construction to build and open up the patio. We’ll have to knock down a wall to create some more doorways.

Sunday - Thursday until 1 a.m. Friday - Saturday until 2 a.m.

Now online at Dominos.com

Free Tickets for Mason Students! TSCHAIKOWSKI ST. PETERSBURG STATE ORCHESTRA Feb. 8 at 8 p.m.; $30 $38 $46 FreeStudent Tickets AvailableJan. 24

ppd

SOWETO GOSPEL CHOIR

Faculty Artist Series

LISA BERGER & PATRICIA HUSSEY, voice Feb. 12 at 4 p.m. Free HT

Feb. 19 at 4 p.m. $22 $36 $44 CH ppd FreeStudent Tickets AvailableFeb. 7

Feb. 10 at 8 p.m. & Feb. 11 at 3 p.m. & 8 p.m. Gen Ad: $25 Fac/Staff: $10 Students: $5 HT

Visual Voices Series

METROPOLITAN JAZZ ORCHESTRA

Virginia Opera ORPHÉE by Philip Glass Feb. 10 at 8 p.m.; $44 $72 $86 Feb. 12 at 2 p.m.; $48 $80 $98 LimitedFreeStudent Tickets AvailableJan. 31

Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m. Free HT

Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. $20 $32 $40 CH ppd FreeStudent Tickets AvailableFeb. 14

Theater of the First Amendment

The Vision Series

VAGINA MONOLOGUES

CH CH

ppd ppd

THE VISUAL MADE VERBAL Joel Snyder, speaker

CAN’T SCARE ME, THE STORY OF MOTHER JONES

Arlo Guthrie BOYS NIGHT OUT Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. $24 $40 $48 CH ppd LimitedFreeStudent Tickets AvailableJan. 31

Feb. 17 & 19 at 2 p.m. & Feb. 17 & 18 at 8 p.m. $30/adu. $15/stu. TS LimitedFreeStudent Tickets AvailableFeb. 7

DR. RALPH STANLEY & THE CLINCH MOUNTAIN BOYS

Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. $21 $34 $42 CH ppd LimitedFreeStudent Tickets AvailableFeb. 7

COMPLEXIONS CONTEMPORARY BALLET

Feb. 11 at 8 p.m. ff $30 $38 $46 HC ppd LimitedFreeStudent Tickets AvailableJan. 31

JOHN KILKENNY, percussion & JULIANNA NICKEL, flute Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. Free DL ppd

=Pre-performance Discussion

=Family Friendly

Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. $24 $40 $48 CH ppd LimitedFreeStudent Tickets AvailableFeb. 7

BB=Black Box

CH=Concert Hall

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

Center for the Arts FAIRFAX

DL=de Laski Rm. 3001

BEFORE TONI MORRISON AND ALICE WALKER: THE FORGOTTEN FICTION OF ANN PETRY Keith Clark, speaker Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. Free CH Faculty Artist Series ANNA & FRIENDS Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. Free HT

THE “ALL NEW” ORIGINAL TRIBUTE TO THE BLUES BROTHERS

Faculty Artist Series

GTIII=Grand Tier III

Mason Players Studio Series THIS IS OUR YOUTH Mar. 1-3 at 8 p.m.; March 3-4 at 2 p.m. $12 adu., $8 stu./sen TS LimitedFreeStudent Tickets AvailableFeb. 21

HC=Hylton Center

HT=Harris Theater

TS=TheaterSpace

7 0 3 - 9 9 3 - 7 7 5 9 o r h y l t o n c e n t e r. o r g / s t u d e n t s

Hylton Performing Arts Center PRINCE WILLIAM

Broadside

Style

The number of years Volition, a literary magazine run by George Mason University students, has existed.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Rise Against Takes Patriot Center Punk Rock Group Plays Sunday Concert to Full House while I was on deployments overseas. Each of their albums was an anthem so representative of where I found myself in my own life at the time of its release. And each one of their live shows has given me an indescribable feeling of belonging. While not everyone present Style Editor at their shows share the band’s Over two years ago, I made a views — as they often point out — 17-hour trek from Chesapeake to I know that there are plenty that Chicago, Ill. for a concert. The stand in the thick of the crowd tickets sold out merely six minutes with me, singing every line of after they’d gone on sale and my every song with more passion close friend and I were lucky than they do anything else in life enough to snatch up a few in that because in those moments, they brief window. That was the last feel something indescribable. And that’s not even touching time I saw Rise Against — until on the pure kinetic energy that now. Ever since that special show, flows through every venue they they’ve released another album, play. It’s impossible not to jump, toured with iconic bands like Bad not to scream, and when they call Religion and The Foo Fighters, all for it, it’s definitely not possible to the while gaining momentum in miss out on a giant circle pit or two. the mainstream Yesterday’s without sacrificshow was the Politically charged ing what makes eighth time that Rise Against punk rockers, vegans I’ve seen Rise what they are. and embracers of Against live and Politically — yes you read straight edge — Rise charged punk that right — I Against are who they rockers, vegans, was more excited embracers of are and make no atfor this show straight edge — tempts to mold themthan I have been Rise Against are about anything selves into some who they are in a long time. and make no atideal corporate Not because this tempts to mold image. will be the show themselves into to end all shows, some ideal corI saw that one in porate image. Chicago, but beFor over a decade they’ve tackled dozens of cause I feel like there has been a issues through music and ac- void without their shows, and pertivism. In fact, the entire “Siren haps last night marked the start of Song of the Counter Culture” something new and awesome. Everyone has something that album is nothing but a giant midaffects him or her in a way nothdle finger to the Bush administraing else has the capability of tion. Even more than that, they’re doing. Rise Against shows are that completely transparent, never something for me. After all the sing-alongs, the keeping a curtain between themselves and their fans. They’ve re- acoustic set and after your arm leased multiple DVD’s that give feels like rubber because lead access to who the band is beyond singer Tim McIlrath has dejust the music — Tim, Joe, Zach manded that you put your fist in the air, I hope that at least one perand Brandon. It’s who they are, and their son left with their life having been dedication to never wavering and changed forever. Yeah I know that A Day to Renever selling out that has made member and The Menzingers also them one of the most important played and are both amazing in bands in my life. Their music kept me sane their own right, but I didn’t drive 17 hours to see those bands.

Jeff Giorgi

Photos by Stephen Kline

Man on the Street Andy Hoang, Junior, Biology Major “Really really excited to see them because Rise Against is one of my biggest inspirations. I love the messages, I love the strong political messages that they bring out. How they’re one of the few musicians who go for an actual political message..”

Above: Rise Against’s Tim McIllrath plays the Patriot Center Sunday. Below: A Day to Remember’s Jeremy McKinnon performs at the Patriot Center.

Ross Bragg, Sophomore, Computer Science “This [Rise Against] is one of my favorite bands and getting the chance to see them live is always great.”

Photos by Jeffrey Giorgi

Mason Econ Professor Schools Students Through Rap

Want Sauce with That?

Do Not ‘Fear the Boom and Bust’ — Watch It

New Website for Music Fans Has Local Bend

Jeffrey Giorgi

Lauren van Vliet

Style Editor

Broadside Correspondent

It might seem like YouTube sensations are a dime a dozen, but when you find out an economics professor at your university is responsible for one, you tend to take notice. George Mason University economics professor Russ Roberts collaborated with Spike TV and is responsible for the popular “Fear the Boom and Bust” video that’s racked up over 3 million views on YouTube. The video is a seven-plus minute rap featuring creative lyrics and catchy beats that explores issues confronting world economies. How did the collaboration with John Papola come to fruition? RR: John approached me because he listened to my podcast, EconTalk, and thought we might be able to make a film together. We spent a lot of time on the phone exploring different ideas before we came up with the crazy idea of a rap video. What's it like being responsible for a hit YouTube video? RR: It’s a lot of fun. It’s very satisfying to know that so many people are interested in what you’ve done and can access it all over the world. What brought about the video?

Bored of the limited and unimaginative music Pandora offers you? Tired of spending hours on end finding the newest and best music? Well, I’m here to pass the sauce. Founder of saucewiththat.com, Kayvon Nik asks our generation, would you like something really awesome to go with your uninspired life? Saucewiththat.com is the onestop shop for all things dance, dub-step, house and even moombahton. Nik, a business information technology major at Virginia Tech, got together with his friends and realized that their love for music should be shared with the world. “Before, when I heard an awesome song, I was only able to share it with a limited amount of people,” Nik said. “I listen to music all day, and now I want to share the best of it with the world.” What’s up with the sauce? Aiming to create a positive environment, where modern-day electronic maestros can come together and share their love for music, saucewiththat.com tracks down all types of dance music, sharing album art, informative descriptions of each song and the song file itself. Sound clips range from a fist-pumping three minutes to blood-rushing, electrifying hourlong podcasts.

Screencap From YouTube

George Mason University economics professor Russ Roberts wrote “Fear the Boom and Bust,” a music video that has attracted over 3 million views on YouTube. Though Roberts does not get in front of the camera, he did work directly on the video with Spike TV’s creative director, John Papola. RR: As I said in 1, John and I batted around a lot of ideas. Eventually, we decided to write a song and we thought rap would be a good medium for reaching students and making the economics entertaining. In what ways do you think this will be applicable to students? RR: It’s been used in a lot of classrooms around the world, both high school and college. People claim that it helps them study for exams, too. Do any of your students ask you about it? RR: They get a kick out of them. How does this compare to

other ideas you may have had in the past? RR: I’ve tried to do different things to help communicate economic ideas. I’ve written three novels. I have a weekly podcast [called] EconTalk, a blog [called] Cafe Hayek and now these videos. The podcast and the videos are particularly important to me because a lot of people don’t read much or would rather get their information visually or by listening. But besides that, making a rap video is just incredibly fun. Future ideas? RR: John and I are working on a third one. Stay tuned. How involved are you in the videos? What are your

various roles? RR: John and I did pretty much everything as a team — the overall concept, the lyrics and the script. John does all the actual directing, but everything else is a real collaboration. We hired someone to write the music and do the sound but both of us spent hours working with the composer to get it the way we wanted and hours in the studio with Billy and Adam [the rappers] on getting the sound right. Thoughts on the economy at present? RR: It appears to be getting better at a very slow rate relative to past recessions.

“Where innovation is tradition.” Sound familiar, George Mason University? Nik and the fellow founders had a vision that should inspire us. The sauce is hoping to become the number one website for quality genre music. Combining passion with knowledge, Nik is poised to do just that. And he’s not done. Saucewiththat.com is only in the ﬁrst stages of development. It will soon encompass style, media and art in a whole new way. Users will be able to add their input and judgment with “sauce” and “no sauce” buttons, share their music interests and purchase all sorts of media from posters to T-shirts. Style sections will also be added for men and women to see what has sauce. Nik is meticulously grooming the next version of saucewiththat.com with the goal of delivering an even more engaging experience for users. For Nik, it’s the music that takes precedence ﬁrst and foremost, and through that, saucewiththat.com hopes to continue to innovate in an otherwise copy-and-paste world. Look out for the new version come spring break. Music will always be the primary focus of the website, and saucewiththat.com will always be on the cutting edge of design and sound. So, get with the scene, and “pass the sauce!” Tell your friends and be sure to check out the fresh daily news at saucewiththat.com and look out for more.

Broadside

Missing these tunes would indeed be a sad day The Fray, Van Halen Drop New Cuts, Pink Floyd Re-Releases 1979 Masterpiece ‘The Wall’ Justin Lalputan News Editor February is known for many things including Valentine’s Day, Black History Month and the Grammys, but this February in particular also brings some incredible albums for students to listen to.

Other February Drops:

February 7 Of Montreal – “Paralytic Stalks” Silverstein – “Short Songs” Paul McCartney – “Kisses on the Bottom” February 14 Young Magic – “Melt” Vintage Blue – “Strike the Mics” Mitch Ryder – “The Promise” February 21 The Menzingers – “On the Impossible Past” Tyga – “Careless World: Rise of the Last King” One Finger Riot – “Come Drag Me Down” February 28 Litte Barrie – “King of the Waves” Lyle Lovett – “Release Me”

Courtesy of myplaydirect.com

Courtesy of roadrunnerrecords.com

The Fray – “Scars & Stories” The Fray took the mainstream by storm with their smash-hit “How to Save a Life” which was a top-5 single in Canada, Australia, England, Spain and Ireland. Now they’re getting ready to give fans something new with “Scars & Stories” which is due to be released Tuesday. In an interview with westword.com, front man Issac Slade commented that on this album, the members of the band have really started to find their individual niches, which in turn produces some great music. “Dave is amazing at putting skin on it. He just comes up with these incredible textures and incredible melodies to counter my vocal[s],” Slade said in the westword.com interview. At a live show in Boston, the band stated that the album name came from a B-side song that didn’t make the cut to be on “Scars & Stories”. Don’t expect too much of a departure from the band’s previous album “The Fray”. There looks to be a lot of similar songs on the upcoming album, with more emphasis on the melodies and choruses. Check it out.

Courtesy of pinkﬂoydonline.com

Pink Floyd – “The Wall”

Van Halen – “A Different Kind of Truth” How long has it been since you heard a new Van Halen album? It’s been roughly 14 years since the band put out new, original material with 1998’s “Van Halen III”. And, as many, many hardcore fans of the band already know, David Lee Roth will be returning to his role as lead vocalist of the band, making this his first appearance on an album as Van Halen’s lead vocalist since 1984 (the year and the album). The first single, “Tatoo,” has a throwback feel to it, and if it’s any indication of what the rest of the album is like, old-school fans of the band are in for a treat. The album has garnered praise from several critics, showing that the aging rockers still have what it takes to put out good music. “A Different Kind of Truth” is set for release Tuesday. Don’t miss it.

Ask someone who’s not a hardcore Pink Floyd fan the name of a Pink Floyd album. Chances are they’ll mention, “The Dark Side of the Moon”. Ask them for another one, and you’re likely to end up hearing about this album, “The Wall”, originally released in 1979. This is the re-release dubbed, the experience and immersion editions. This is a part of an effort known as “Why Pink Floyd?”, which is a campaign to re-release of all of Pink Floyd’s works. There are three re-releases per album, the discovery edition, the experience edition and the immersion edition, each being more intricate and layered with material than the last. The experience and immersion editions of the re-release will be released Feb. 27, and if you’re a fan of the band, it’s worth the price tag. The experience edition will contain live material, and the immersion edition will contain a DVD alongside unreleased tracks. All of the albums are remastered, and judging from “The Dark Side of the Moon” remastering, the sound will be superb. If you’re a fan of the band, or looking to get into them, get the album. It will fulfill any high hopes you may have.

How to Get Straight A’s

Volition — What is It?

This Article is Not Serious

Student Literary Magazine Makes Published Work A Reality for Mason Students

Krista Germanis Columnist

James Bondeson Broadside Correspondent For anyone who has ever considered the prospect of publishing a piece of writing, be it a poem, a short story or an essay, even entertaining the thought can be daunting and induce feelings of stress and anxiety. But, thanks to Volition magazine, much of that strain can be alleviated. Volition is a literary magazine for George Mason University students who are interested in publishing their written work. Originally established in 1996 as Apathy, the journal has remained relatively small and underground in terms of literary journals on campus. “Pretty much since my freshman year, it’s been like a maximum of ﬁve people working at a time,” said Volition Co-Editor Kathy Morgenegg, a junior double majoring in Russian and creative writing. “It’s always been a really small magazine.” Volition Co-Editor Hannah Wing, a junior biology major, can attest to that as well. “A lot of our staﬀ has graduated, especially last year.” However, they are hoping to change that this year given the number of goals they’ve set for themselves, including the redesign of the journal’s logo, the biannual cover contest and the ever-popular open-mic night which will be held at a tentative time in mid to late February. One of the greatest attributes of the magazine is its concentration on Mason’s undergraduate students. “We strive to promote undergraduate creative writing, mostly because Phoebe and So to Speak publish almost exclusively graduate work,” Wing said. Compared to the betterknown literary journals at Mason, Volition is still small, but that is also one of its greatest assets. “It’s

Photo by: Stephen Kline

Volition, a literary magazine run by George Mason University students, has been around since 1996. The magazine features short stories, poetry and essays and is always looking for student submissions. This semester’s deadline is April 4. kind of a good outlet where un- cept any and all entries. The final dergrad students can test the deadline is April 4. water for publishing later on in “We accept poetry, fiction, life,” Wing non-fiction, said. short stories, “These newly renovated Unlike art, photograspaces will provide our Mason’s other phy and it’s literary joureven evolved incoming freshmen nals, Volition to graphic destudents an excellent is entirely run sign,” Morintroduction to life at by undergradgenegg said. Mason” uate students. “As long as it’s “We have not overtly no faculty adpornographic -Brian Davis, visor. We’ve or profane Associate Director of Housing decided that without reaServices we’re just son, we will going to run gladly accept it,” Morgenegg it.” said. And so Volition is far, things have started off a great opportunity for anyone smoothly. They have already who has ever wanted to publish a begun taking submissions for piece of art. However, Wing and their next journal and openly ac- Morgenegg caution that there is

only space for four pages of colored art in the journal. Morgenegg pointed out that it would be beneﬁcial if those who submit artwork indicate whether or not publication in black and white is acceptable. She said, “We won’t turn anything away.” Submitting art to Volition is simple. Send your ﬁle in a .doc, .docx, or .jpg format to volitionmagazine@gmail.com by April 4. For more information on submission, the cover contest — for which the winner gets a $25 Starbucks gift card — or the open-mic night, go to Volition’s website at volitionmagazine.onmason.com. Or you can like them on Facebook by looking up VolitionGMU or on Twitter.com/volitionGMU.

Some people think that in order to get good grades in college, one must spend 30 to 40 hours studying each week. In reality, there are many ways to get the same results with a lot less effort. Here are 10 ways to be a fantastic student with a minimal workload: 1. Smile in class. The teacher will think that you are enjoying her lecture. This may require work; just think about other pleasant topics, like what you will be doing this weekend with the time you used to spend studying. 2. Bring your teacher a candy bar (nobody wants an apple) and say something like, “Sweets for the sweet” when you give it to her. 3. If you don’t know the answer, be sloppy when you write but write a lot. You may get partial credit if the teacher thinks you know what you are doing. 4. If you get a bad grade, ask for an opportunity for a retest. Compare your plight to that of the financial and auto industries, noting that they are getting bailouts. It’s the American way. Before she can say no, add, “You are patriotic, aren’t you?” She won’t be able to turn you down because no professor wants to have a repSome experts say to utation as a bad American. sit in the front of 5. If you get a good grade, give your teacher credit. Say class. Sit in the back something like, “I think I really so you can doodle. get this stuff. Thanks for doing The teacher will such a good job explaining such complex concepts in simple think you are taking terms.” Tell her this even though notes and paying you know it was your textbook close attention. that really taught you the material. 6. Nominate your teacher for “Professor of the Year.” Better yet, start a petition and get other students to sign it and let your teacher know about your efforts. It’s best to give this a lot of visibility, so ask your teacher if you can make an announcement in class. Then announce what you are doing and invite others to join you. They will feel pressure to sign up with the teacher watching. 7. Some experts say to sit in the front of the class. Sit in the back so you can doodle. The teacher will think you are taking notes and paying close attention. 8. Raise your hand every time your professor asks a question even if you don’t know the answer. Timing is imperative on this one, however. You must raise it after a few classmates have already raised their hands, just as the professor has decided on whom to call. This makes you seem like the smart one in the class, but avoids actually answering the questions. 9. Skim the section of a chapter that is due a little later in the month. Ask your professor a question about a topic in that chapter and say you just couldn’t resist reading ahead. 10. Invite your professor to an expensive restaurant, your treat. Don’t worry. They won’t be able to take you up on it because of ethical reasons, but it’s the thought that counts, right? Following these tips may get you two things: good grades in your classes and hate from other students for being a suck-up. Don’t worry about the latter because they will soon realize you are the smart one in the class for doing what you have to in order to get a good grade.

If you’re interested in giving it a shot, drop by the Office of Student Media on the first floor of Student Union Building II (The Hub). We’re near the mailroom on the edge of the building. While you’re here, you can check out WGMU, Connect2Mason, Volition, In the meantime, be on the lookout for forthcoming issues of Broadside — we release a new one each Monday, and we’re Mason Cable Network and the other media outlets always available at broadsideonline.com, on Facebook — please housed in the office. Whatever it is, you can find your like us! — and on Twitter, @MasonBroadside. niche in the Office of Student Media. Broadside is looking for news and sports writers. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or you’ve never written a news story in your life, we can work with you and help sharpen your skills.

Broadside

Style

Super Powers and Found Footage Collide The Bar Has Been Raised for Superhero and Found Footage Genres

Fashion Has An Ugly Side Industry Standards Are Not A Healthy Barometer For Anyone Kaitlyn Reitz Broadside Correspondent

Jeff Giorgi

Style Editor There is no genre that found footage doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work for, is there? What started as a new and creative way to tell a horror story with â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Blair Witch Projectâ&#x20AC;? over 10 years ago has gone on to become a bloated version of itself. And now you can add superheroes to the list of ďŹ lm styles youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen through the lens of a hand-held camera. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure with that opening, it sounds like Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m not a fan of this movie at all or that I hold some kind of weird resentment toward the found footage approach to ďŹ lmmaking. Wrong on both counts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chronicleâ&#x20AC;? stands as the ďŹ rst ďŹ lm Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen this year that has me eagerly anticipating its home release. I also consider it to be my best theatrical experience since â&#x20AC;&#x153;Drive.â&#x20AC;? If you havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seen the trailers, the ďŹ lm focuses on three friends who make a discovery that brings them superpowers. What starts out fairly innocently quickly escalates until you ďŹ nd yourself picking your jaw up oďŹ&#x20AC; the ďŹ&#x201A;oor during the movieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visually stunning ďŹ nale. The ďŹ lm touches on some very heavy thematic elements at times. And without the solid casting of the three young leads, including a breakout performance by Dane DeHaan, it would have very quickly devolved into a ďŹ&#x201A;at, emotionless ďŹ lm. One of my favorite things about â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chronicleâ&#x20AC;? is how unencumbered its storytelling is. This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t any story youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve read in a comic book before, and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve long been clamoring for. A lot of my friends have been saying that they are wary about seeing the ďŹ lm because they feel there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be any payoďŹ&#x20AC;, which often happens in the found

Monday, February 6, 2012 |7

Photo Courtesy of ďŹ lmoďŹ lia.com

With great power comes great irresponsibility. What would you do if you had unlimited power and the hormones of a teenager? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chronicleâ&#x20AC;? tries to answer with its found footage delivery. footage genre. I also understand this trepidation since the trailer only shows little stunts with no spectacle and only hints at the possibility of something else.

Go ahead and cry foul. Burn me at the stake for saying a lowbudget, no-face movie could dare to be better than anything Christopher Nolan puts out.

Make no mistake about it: By the time the credits are rolling, you will have witnessed spectacle and awesomeness on a level I expect to be talked about come De-

cember, when weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re talking about movies of the year. This summer, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be seeing the release of â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Amazing Spider-Man,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Avengersâ&#x20AC;? and, of course, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Dark Knight Rises.â&#x20AC;? These ďŹ lms are guaranteed to be superhero blockbusters that will undoubtedly rake in millions, and in some cases billions, on their name alone. I dare say that â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chronicleâ&#x20AC;? has the ability to end up besting all of them in overall quality. Go ahead and cry foul. Burn me at the stake for saying a lowbudget, no-face movie could dare to be better than anything Christopher Nolan puts out. All Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m saying is that when the dust settles later this year, and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had our share of masks and costumes, think back and remember what you saw in the early goings of the year. This is one thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to be hanging around in peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s minds for a long time to come.

Perfect skin, perfect hair and the infamous super-svelte physique: Although the beauty ideals portrayed in the fashion world today are unattainable and unhealthy, many young girls still feel the need to make themselves look like the women seen on the runways and in magazines. Fashion show producer Kelly Cutrone said that models are â&#x20AC;&#x153;anomalies of nature. They are freaks of nature. They are not average. They are naturally thin and have incredibly long legs compared to the rest of their bodies.â&#x20AC;? Most models are between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet tall and rarely weigh over 120 pounds. This means that almost every model seen across the world on the runways at Fashion Week is underweight. Though many models are in their teens and may not yet be fully developed, most are still malnourished. American fashion model Crystal Renn admitted to struggling with an eating disorder when she began modeling at only 16 years old. At the start of her career, she dealt with much criticism about her body and weight, causing her to shrink down to a mere 95 pounds. Renn then came back into the spotlight when she chose to ignore the rail-thin norm on the runways and began modeling at the plus-size level. She showed oďŹ&#x20AC; her new ďŹ gure at Jean Paul Gaultierâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spring 2006 runway show. On her weight gain, Renn said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want young women to think being thin is the only way to be beautiful.â&#x20AC;? Renn was even featured in V Magazine alongside slimmer model Jacquelyn Jablonski, both models showcasing some of fashionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hottest styles. The magazine was aiming to show that high fashion can look good on bodies of all shapes and that

it is not limited to super-skinny physiques. Recently, Renn has

Most models are between 5 feet 9 inches and 6 feet tall and rarely weigh over 120 pounds. This means that almost every model seen across the world on the runways at Fashion Week is underweight.

been seen in magazines and on the red carpet looking smaller than she had been in her plussize days. Gary Dakin, Rennâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s agent, said that she is currently

A study of mediaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s influence on 9- to 12year-old girls completed by Marika Tiggermann and Levina Clark of Flinders University in Australia showed that almost half of their participants â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;wished to be thinner, and as a result have engaged in a diet.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;

around a size 8, after reintroducing exercise into her schedule, making her neither plus-size nor the size 2 runway

model. According to Livestrong, the average American woman over 20 years of age is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 164 pounds. Attempting to live up to these â&#x20AC;&#x153;idealsâ&#x20AC;? plastered across billboards, magazines and TVs causes women of all ages to try unhealthy strategies in order to emulate what they see. But some of those most inďŹ&#x201A;uenced by these standards are young girls. The American research group Anorexia Nervosa & Related Eating Disorders, Inc. reports that â&#x20AC;&#x153;one out of every four college-aged women uses unhealthy methods of weight control, including fasting, skipping meals, excessive exercise, laxative abuse and self-induced vomiting.â&#x20AC;? Additionally, a study of mediaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inďŹ&#x201A;uence on 9- to 12year-old girls completed by Marika Tiggemann and Levina Clark of Flinders University in Australia showed that almost half of their participants â&#x20AC;&#x153;wished to be thinner, and as a result have engaged in a diet.â&#x20AC;? Young girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tendency to look up to the unattainable standard of beauty set by models can lead them down some unhealthy roads. Luckily, some members of the fashion world have realized how much inďŹ&#x201A;uence they have on women and have decided to take action. In 2006, Madrid Fashion Week decided to disallow models with a body mass index of less than 18, which is considered underweight, to walk on the runways. Also, Cindi Leive, the editor-in-chief of Glamour magazine said that, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We do not run photos of anybody in the magazine who we believe to be at an unhealthy weight. We frequently feature women of all diďŹ&#x20AC;erent sizes. We all know that you can look fabulous in clothes without being a size 2.â&#x20AC;?

CLASSIFIED Help Wanted FEMALE TALENT/HOST(s) NEEDED for local tv show on Cox, Channel 10. We cover live events such as music events, film festivals, DC Fashion Week, parttime, no experience necessary Call Chris 703-655-7273 Sales Persons, Cashiers, Spring Help Needed Fairfax Plant Nursery Now Hirin Please call 571-277-1809 to Apply

Help Wanted PERSONAL ASSISTANCE NEEDED We are looking for an Office Assistant. Duties include greeting clients, answering phones, and routing mail, data entry and retrieve, scheduling and calender maintenance, Ideal candidates will have proven customer service skills in an administrative setting and experience with Microsoft Office applications email resumes to anthonyadams0012@gmail.co m IF INTERESTED

Child Care Sitters Wanted. $12+/hour. Register free for jobs at student-sitters.com

Services Local Babsitting Jobs! Apply on-line: www.asapsitters.com

Miscellaneous Life is short. Take Vitamins! VitaminSlut.com

SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MASTERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PROGRAMS

Information Thursday, February 9, 3:30 p.m. Fairfax Campus Johnson Center, Room E

Session

Offering masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs in: t 1VCMJD 1PMJDZ t 1FBDF 0QFSBUJPOT t )FBMUI BOE .FEJDBM 1PMJDZ t *OUFSOBUJPOBM $PNNFSDF BOE 1PMJDZ t 0SHBOJ[BUJPO %FWFMPQNFOU BOE ,OPXMFEHF .BOBHFNFOU t 5SBOTQPSUBUJPO 1PMJDZ 0QFSBUJPOT BOE -PHJTUJDT -FBSO BCPVU PVS HSBEVBUF QSPHSBNT CZ BUUFOEJOH UIJT TQFDJBM JOGPSNBUJPO TFTTJPO FYDMVTJWFMZ GPS .BTPO VOEFSHSBEVBUFT 1MFBTF SFHJTUFS GPS UIJT FWFOU CZ FNBJMJOH TQQ!HNV FEV

Innovative Programs

Convenient D.C. Area Location

World-Class Faculty

Affordable Costs

WHERE INNOVATION IS TRADITION

Broadside

Opinion Monday, February 6, 2012

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down

Broadside

Thumbs up to Mason winning the homecoming game. Take that, ODU.

George Mason University’s Student Newspaper

Thumbs up to Mason Cable Network for all their new programming. Make sure to check back next week for a rundown of the shows.

Gregory Connolly, Editor-in-Chief

Cody Norman, Managing Editor Jacquelyn Rioux, Copy Chief Justin Lalputan, News Editor Hannah Smith, Asst. News Editor Rebecca Norris, Opinion Editor Jeff Giorgi, Style Editor Cody Norman, Sports Editor Colleen Wilson, Asst. Sports Editor Stephen Kline, Photography Editor

Benjamin Shaffer, Copy Editor Priya Pansuria, Copy Editor Michelle Buser, Designer Dylan Hares, Staff Reporter Janelle Germanos, Staff Reporter John Powell, Collegiate Athletics Liaison Jacques Mouyal, Business Manager Kathryn Mangus, Faculty Adviser David Carroll, Associate Director

Thumbs down to midterms starting this month. Can’t we at least get a month? Thumbs down to Chick-fil-A not being open on Sundays. Where are we supposed to go for chicken?

What Does Post-Nuclear World Look Like? No Easy Answer on Horizon

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.

Johnson Center Blues

JC Far Too Chaotic for Studying Clara Everett

Columnist You know what really grinds my gears? The Johnson Center. It is an utter pit of misery due to a chaotic combination of the people, the noise, the people, the copious amounts of trash strewn about, the people, the weird games constantly being played and did I mention the people? It has got to be one of the worst places on campus. First, let’s talk about the extreme noise level. Why is it always so high? The excessive volume makes it almost impossible to accomplish anything. There are always at least three kinds of people in your immediate vicinity who contribute to this issue. The ﬁrst sort is the people who feel the need to share multiple YouTube videos with anyone and everyone possible. These people seem to never have invested in a pair of earphones like a normal person and apparently love Britney Spears, farm animals and old Dragon Ball Z video clips. The second kind of people are closely related to the ﬁrst. They’re the ones who listen to their music at full volume and also seemingly have never heard of earphones. This means that you get to listen to every word and note of every song of whichever weird playlist they’ve got playing. The third kind are the guys who have to speak to everyone around them as loudly as possible. The volume of their voices and the strength of their vocal chords are truly impressive, but not so much when you’re trying to get through six chapters of Russian in the next hour and a half. These people are the absolute worst and only succeed in distracting you. There is also an extreme amount of garbage lying about virtually everywhere. I’m not talking about those sad sacks who fall asleep at their tables and just look like

pathetic mounds of garbage. I’m talking about actual, literal trash. There are carefully arranged mountains of it crowding almost every table, and it is often very revolting. I’m so happy that you were able to enjoy your Sangam, grape Gatorade, Vogue magazine, Sour Patch Kids, condoms, Pringles and 100-calorie Oreos, but please clean up your mess. That includes your dip spit bottle and your leftover sushi. Thanks. Let’s not forget about the extracurricular activities constantly unfolding around you. Chinese checkers? Sure. Fantasy card games? Absolutely. Chess? All right. I’ve even seen games of football get started on the second floor. I mean, why is this necessary in the JC? Why can’t you play your games at home, or outside or in your friend’s dorm? Or literally anywhere besides a common study area where people are trying to get work done? The very diverse population of the JC causes all of these issues. The people who plop themselves down in the JC range from regular old weird to absolutely crazy, and it somehow seems that you always get stuck between the most bizarre people in the entire place. So what can you do about it? You could turn into a raging jackass and verbally assault anyone around you whom you find irritating. Or you could lie dormant and just let the waves of exasperation and infuriation wash over you without doing anything to counteract them. Or, probably the most realistic solution, you could just find a different location to attempt your massive piles of homework. Fenwick Library, Student Union Building I or your place of residence are almost guaranteed to be more conducive study environments than the JC. Come to think of it, Bikini Bottom, a World War I battlefield and a deepsea trench also probably fall into that category. At least if you’re studying in Bikini Bottom you can munch on a Krabby Patty rather than poor-quality Chinese food.

I woke up at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesday so that I could get to QuanColumnist tico on time. I was invited to a conference on the club of nuclear powers, speciﬁcally concerning which members were willing to either prevent or aid in the proliferation of weapons of mass detruction. The conference, which took place at U.S. Marine Corps Base Quantico and was hosted by Marine Corps University, was opened by Maj. Gen Thomas Murray, president of MCU. The keynote speaker who followed was Gen. Susan Desjardins, director of strategic planning of the Air Mobility Command within the U.S. Air Force. After her captivating speech, I was left with only one question: what are the future implications of a changing nuclear climate in relation to her policies of deterrence? As the youngest person in attendance, I wanted to make sure I thought out my question and spoke clearly. Before I asked, I conﬁrmed that she was, in fact, the head authority on the subject. I proceeded to pass along a question which I’ve been asked by many skeptics before but worded it in a slightly more appropriate, contextual manner: “Because the United States has committed to pursuance of a world free of nuclear weapons — not only as according to President Obama’s signing of the second START treaty, but also according to presidents Carter, Reagan and Kennedy — what does the U.S. Strategic Command have in mind to replace nuclear weapons as the standard power used in deterrence? What

WILL ROSE

George Perkovich, who is the director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. He spoke about Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities and how they must be handled in the realm of international politics. Many others, including Olli Heinonen of the Harvard Belfer Center, widely considered to be the go-to expert on Iran’s developing nuclear program, and Norman Cigar, director of Middle Eastern studies at MCU, ended the conference by talking about countries which have the potential to become nuclear — obviously Iran but, surprisingly Saudi Arabia as well. If you aren’t familiar with Iran’s nuclear program, it’s important to know that they are, in fact, capable of reaching the nuclear mark, especially when aided by the use of ambiguous, drawn-out negotiations and the torture and maltreatment of detainees which demoralizes opposition. Saudi Arabia also holds distinct potential, especially as one of the better endowed countries in the region. And if Iran were to acquire nuclear capability, Saudi Arabia’s political view will be that it is only fair for them to follow suit because of national pride, which, simple though it sounds, will certainly be a driving factor behind both countries’ policies. If you’d like a log of the minutes or dialogue of this conference, message me on Facebook: facebook.com/WilliamCharlesRose. And if you’re fed up with domestic politics, just remember that even Rick Santorum couldn’t ruin our country as quickly as WMD in the wrong hands could, and that your voice is probably even more powerful than your vote. So know where you stand on this stuﬀ.

Security is an Illusion, so Speak Up Without Open Communication, Love is Nowhere to be Found When I turned 18, this is exactly what used to float aggressively through my mind: “So, I’m 18! Big deal! Everything is still going to be the same.” People expect freedom, but I don’t Columnist think of freedom the same way others do. Freedom is not prancing around in a mini skirt and halter top, intoxicated and ping-ponging from guy to guy. Freedom at any age is being more aware of your surroundings and being more positively influential. You may say that I shouldn’t think turning 18 means being a positive role model, but we all have things within us that need mending and fixing, and if we’re not honest with ourselves, then who will be? If we can’t do ourselves that favor, then forget about fixing and mending; you’ll be better off dreaming. I remember being on the metro bus as a child when a couple of ladies said something to me that I was too tiny to comprehend. “When you lie, you’re only lying to yourself.” I looked at them with a dumbfounded expression and had to pretend that they weren’t completely crazy — Mom always told me to be considerate of people’s emotions. I thought about what the ladies had said to me from time to time, and a few training

Hala Numan

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

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

happens after zero?” The room with some professors and WMD went silent as I clicked off my mi- experts during the break, it crophone, handed it back to the dawned on me that the internamoderator and watched as Des- tional climate will not be the same jardins looked back and forth, in the future, and though Gen. once to me, once to her notes and Desjardins insisted that she can back to me once more. She pursed make deterrence work in a world her lips a bit and then said, where anyone can have nuclear “I…don’t know….” With her con- weapons, I’m not so positive that ventional ideas disrupted, she she was sure of that — even more continued, “I can honestly say I’ve evidently after she was stumped never been asked that, and I’ve by a hypothetical question that never thought about it.” At this was naively asked. point people were turning around The point of this anecdote is to see what I looked liked, and to get people thinking. We have to now I was positive I’d be hanged or remember that we’re the future of m a y b e domestic and drawn and ...power, in my opinion, international quartered. policy. We will is certainly going to As she be the ones looked down who need to become less and shook figure out a concentrated in the her head, she way to adapt concluded, defense to a hands of the United “Wow. I’ll more multiStates within the next write that polar world 30 to 40 years. one down. b e c a u s e When I get power, in my back to base opinion, is cerI’ll have to ask around.” That was tainly going to become less conthe last question she took, and I centrated in the hands of the was the first person she spoke to United States within the next 30 to once she stepped off stage. She 40 years. So let me ask you what came down the aisle, held out her she asked me: What do you think? hand for me to shake and whisDesjardins’ insightful pered, “So what do you think?” keynote speech was followed by There were four or five Depart- talks on South Africa and Libya, ment of State and Department of both of which relinquished their Defense employees standing by nuclear weapons programs. These my side who’d approached me to lectures were delivered by Frank hear the discourse between a Pabian of Los Alamos National nervous 19 year old and the gen- Laboratory, and Malfrid Brauteral in charge of strategically pro- Hegghammer of Norwegian Detecting our country from nuclear fence University College. Pabian war. I quickly said, “Uhhhh … explained the similarities between sanctions? Soft power? Threats of South Africa’s former nuclear proembargo?” gram and Israel’s, while BrautThe simple fact is that not Hegghammer spoke about the only can I not predict the future of implications of the lessons we can deterrence after global zero, but learn concerning nuclear proliferneither can the woman in charge ation in relation to Libya’s nuclear of it. And if you ask for my opin- disarmament. ion, I’ll probably just tell you this After a short break we heard story again. But after I took some from an acquaintance of mine and time to think about it and spoke a fellow activist with Global Zero,

bras later, I really started to understand what they meant. However, I never applied it until I came to a big point in my life when I said the wrong thing to the right person. When I attempted to take back what I said, he disappeared before I could even think of apologizing. I ended up realizing that I had

Security is all an illusion. Just make sure you always tell someone how you feel no matter what and make sure he or she knows. been lying to myself all along and not only was I irresponsible, immature and impolite, I was still in love with him like it was the ﬁrst day I heard him say it to me. The emotions vanished as quickly as it all started. Inevitably, he told me that I should expect, and not be surprised to ﬁnd out, that he would most likely be open for love in another’s heart. I didn’t understand, though, I tried as hard as I could. After that conversation, months went by and arguments came. I didn’t want to let go of my security blanket. The big strong man who

Editorial Board: Gregory Connolly, Editor-in-Chief Cody Norman, Managing Editor Jacquelyn Rioux, Copy Chief Rebecca Norris, Opinion Editor

told me that everything would get better if I just allowed my head to hit the pillow, forbid the tears to continue drowning my eyes and let the sunshine wake me up with feelings of hope and happiness was always right about that. It came to the point where I realized that he had nothing to do with me anymore. We pulled apart instinctively, and my blanket was ripped away. That’s when I realized that after all the days spent together, all the arguments, all the laughter and all the emotions — it was all worth it. The late-night cries holding my giant Pooh Bear tight and telling myself that it was the end of the world, taught me important lessons. It was the end of the world — the world of immaturity and irresponsibility. I had to grow up and realize that people will leave you and that security is never going to be steady and eternal. The lessons we learn are immortal only if we choose to pass them along to fellow friends and lovers. Security is all an illusion. Just make sure you always tell someone how you feel no matter what and make sure he or she knows. That will and should give you a sense of vulnerability, but how else can you accept true love and happiness if you have a blanket over your head, crying yourself to sleep every night? Just let go of all sense of security and tell yourself and everyone you speak to that I say, “Dance away upon the stars and don’t fall until the sun comes up. And when the sun comes up, allow the rays to dance upon your bare skin.”

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

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

Broadside

Opinion

Monday, February 6, 2012 |9

Cuban Embargo Does Not Help Anyone Time to Move On — 52-Year Embargo Has Not Stopped Castro Regime Madeline Eldridge

Columnist There’s a great quote by the comedian W.C. Fields that goes, “If at ﬁrst you don’t succeed, try, try again. Then quit. There’s no use being a damn fool about it.” In the weeks leading up to the Florida primary, Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich and Rick Santorum heaped praise on the Cuban embargo and criticized President Barack Obama for loosening some of its restrictions. In my opinion, they are being damn fools. When the embargo was implemented in 1960, the idea was that it would catalyze Fidel Castro’s overthrow by weakening Cuba’s economy and thereby stimulating populist discontent. Although the Cuban embargo has spanned more than half a century, it has categorically failed to achieve its stated goal of fomenting a democratic revolution. While the policy has certainly succeeded in exacerbating Cuba’s economic hardships, it has done

nothing to weaken the Castro regime or incite a populist revolution. If anything, the policy has strengthened Castro’s regime by increasing the Cuban people’s dependence on the regime’s welfare state and by providing Cuba’s government with a convenient scapegoat for the failure of its centrally planned economy to generate material wealth. To quote Brink Lindsey, a former senior fellow at the Cato Institute, “Sanctions against pariah countries like Cuba or Burma may make us feel good, but they don't work. The repressive regimes remain in power while their innocent victims are made to suﬀer even more by our embargoes.” Not only has the embargo been condemned by humanitarian institutions, which rightly argue that it reduces the ability of Cubans to gain access to material necessities such as medical supplies, but it has also been condemned by the European Union, Canada and the Organization of American States as a violation of international law and sovereignty. In addition to straining some of our most important trade and diplomatic relationships, the embargo has also spurred the passage of retributory laws aimed at un-

sive regimes. The Arab Spring is a dermining its enforceability. Beyond straining critical perfect example of this phenometrade and diplomatic partnerships non. Consider the critical roles and spurring legal reprisals, the that Internet technology and soCuban embargo has hurt our eco- cial media outlets played in fonomic interests by precluding menting and facilitating the uprisings that American companies from have taken place ...the Cuban capitalizing on in Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, the many trade embargo has hurt Bahrain and Jorand investment our economic dan, to name a opportunities Cuba has to few. Restricting interests by offer. For inthe free flow of inprecluding formation is, I bestance, a 2007 lieve, the primary United States American mechanism by International companies from Trade Commiswhich totalitarian capitalizing on the sion study estiregimes are able to remain in power mated that, in many trade and and continue opthe absence of investment pressing their sanctions against Cuba, people. Case in opportunities Cuba the U.S. could point: North has to offer. increase agriKorea. I suspect that cultural exports if Cubans had acby an estimated $241 million to $327 million annu- cess to Facebook and Twitter, they ally. Many economists suspect this would be far more likely to stand figure is actually a vast underesti- up against their government and mate, because it implicitly as- its many egregious human rights sumes that Cuban gross domestic violations. Furthermore, lifting product is exogenous and there- the embargo will likely ameliorate poverty in Cuba and, quite feasifore relatively static. Additionally,open trade has bly, contribute to the development historically had democratizing ef- of an economically independent fects on countries ruled by repres- and well-educated middle class

Man on the Street Who will be the Republican nominee for president? David Bier, junior, government and international affairs/conflict analysis resolution “Romney. He’s won a lot of delegates in the early primaries and all the other candidates have too many flaws.”

Climate Change is Here to Stay We Must Embrace the Green Lifestyle Rebecca Norris

Opinion Editor Grace Knight, sophomore, global affairs “Mitt Romney because he was leading in the polls, but I’m supporting Obama.”

Leland Oxenford, senior, sports management “Mitt Rommey probably. I wish it was Ron Paul even though he’s crazy.”

Krystal Thomas, junior, psychology and conflict analysis “After watching a lot of the news, I can’t help but think it’s going to be Romney.”

Andrew Lyon, sophomore, conflict analysis “I think Mitt Romney will be the Republican candidate because he’s taken most of the primaries. He and Gingrich continue to argue instead of focusing on Obama. That being said, I’m voting for Obama.” Photos by Rebecca Norris

tions on Cuba in the name of ﬁghting political repression is blatantly inconsistent with our trading policies toward other politically repressive regimes. For example, in a Census Bureau list of America’s top trading partners, China, a country whose government is infamous for its egregious human rights abuses, is listed second only to Canada. To quote Stephen Colbert, Cuba is “a totalitarian, repressive, communist state that — unlike China — can’t lend us money.” The Cuban embargo hasn’t worked. It has deprived the Cuban people of access to much-needed medical supplies and other basic necessities. It has strengthened the Castro regime’s grip on power by providing the government with an easy scapegoat for its political repression and ﬁscal mismanagement. It has hurt America’s domestic economy and strained our diplomatic relationships. It is far less likely than a policy of free trade to cultivate a populist reform movement. For years, our elected leaders in Washington have been buying votes with one hand and selling debt with the other, all the while shrouding their political opportunism in a transparent veil of feigned moral outrage. It is time for them to stop.

that is both able and inclined to demand political reform. I am a ﬁrm believer in the adage “the freer the market, the freer the people.” Economic freedom begets political freedom; without the former, the latter is near-impossible to achieve. My ﬁnal criticism of the Cuban embargo is really a criticism of why, I suspect, so many American politicians are being “damn fools” with regard to their position on the policy. I doubt any politician today seriously believes that continuing the embargo is likely to, after 52 long years, loosen the Castro regime’s iron grip on power by inciting some sort of broad-based democratic uprising. Rather, I suspect that the embargo is being utilized as a tool to attract political support from Cuban-American expatriate communities, which just so happen to be concentrated in the highly contested, electoral vote-rich swing state of Florida. I view our policy of imposing economic sanctions on Cuba less as a product of genuine moral opposition and more as “a Cold War anachronism kept alive by Florida politics,” to quote a 2009 New York Times editorial. This argument is buttressed by the fact that our policy of imposing economic sanc-

Scientists believe that there are only three possible causes of global warming: the sun, the Earth’s reﬂectivity and the emission of greenhouse gases. After careful consideration of the past, it is simple to see that the skyrocketing level of greenhouse gas emissions is where the majority of the problem lies. Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius, with knowledge that carbon dioxide traps heat, was the ﬁrst person to introduce the idea of global warming in 1896. Just as Arrhenius expected they would, humans have been burning fossil fuels at escalating rates over the past century, adding to the inescapable future of a warmer planet. The consumption of fossil fuels is not the sole reason for climate change, but combined with deforestation and other human-related acts, a life-altering combo has been met. Despite the popularity of the theory of global warming, one must realize that recent temperature changes do not necessarily entail rising mercury in all instances. According to a 2011–12 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration re-

port, temperatures were predicted to be warmer for the east coast, whereas the west coast was expected to experience unprecedented lows. Nevertheless, as each day goes by, we are learning that weather conditions can defy expectations and entirely accurate predictions are impossible. According to William & Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science, climate change is

Truth be told, climate is a relatively transparent subject to grasp. It is the average weather to dominate a region over a given span of time. felt most acutely in coastal regions. Consequently, Virginia is experiencing climatic ﬂuctuations that bear little resemblance to those seen in previous years. With the weather intermittently dunking below freezing and forcing snow to fall, which then melts away the following day with temperatures in the high 50s, people are left wondering what weather will be the norm in the months to come. Every year, Americans

count on the groundhog to determine how many more weeks of winter are in store. This year, the little fella apparently saw his shadow, dooming us to six more weeks of wintry weather. However, as I sit writing this, the sun is shining and it is nearly 60 degrees outside. So, how bad could six more weeks of winter really be, considering the 2012 season has been nothing short of unordinary? Weather can be described as an array of temperature, precipitation, humidity and so on. One faint change among these characteristics can send thermometers through the roof and make wind socks blow fervently. Yet there are meteorologists scratching their heads in awe at the idea of global warming, along with politicians who dismiss the idea altogether. Truth be told, climate is a relatively transparent subject to grasp. It is the average weather to dominate a region over a given span of time. The weather may be changing rapidly around us; however, the climate takes its sweet time to manifest itself as something greater than the weather conditions in our immediate surroundings.Ergo when climate change is the topic of discussion, it is not only the the 21st century that is to blame, but rather generations past as well. This isn’t a time to look back and cast blame, but a chance to become involved in living green in order to ensure a better future.

&% ( *+# * &%) *& &+( (&* () , &$ * %0) )* Sports

Music

Interested in joining WGMU radio? E-Mail Us wgmu@gmu.edu wgmuapps@gmail.com

Talk

Twitter @wgmu Facebook: wgmu radio

% # (&.# ) # - % ( (% % ( % # ) . % ( %

"" *# &+ ) )*( " # ( ( ** &! )

#+$% & '* (

( * &% & &+(

') #&%

* . ( *

## &%

News ,,, $+)

' &(

Broadside

Sports

The conference ranking of the men’s basketball team heading into the ﬁnal month of the season. Mason is 10-1 in the conference and 18-5 overall.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Advantage: Mason

Photo by: Stephen Kline

Nearly 10,000 fans ﬁlled the Patriot Center on Saturday night to create what ESPNU analysts called one of the “toughest places in the nation to play.”

Packed House Wills First-Place Patriots to Homecoming Victory Cody Norman Managing Editor The stage was set for another incredible CAA matchup on Saturday afternoon. The Patriot Center was filled to the brim as former and future Mason basketball players, students and fans piled into the arena for the finale for Homecoming: Where Magic Happens. Junior walk-on Jordan Baird nailed the National Anthem, igniting the crowd of 9.840 before the game began. Doc Nix and the Green Ma-

chine controlled the crowd throughout, prompting the Patriot Center noise meters to hover between 95 and 105 for a majority of the night. It was another matchup of No. 1 against No. 1 – the Patriots against the Monarchs. It was another matchup of Kent Bazemore, Preseason CAA Player of the Year, and Ryan Pearson, the likely favorite for Postseason Player of the Year honors. And, for the second time this season, Pearson got the edge. “That’s the role of a leader,” Bazemore said of Pearson. “You’re not going to have your

best night every night but, if your teammates believe in you enough, you can still be that force. That’s what good players do in this league.” Despite his inability to knock down jumpshots, Pearson willed his way to another doubledouble performance. He finished the night 3-for-11 from the floor but managed 17 points and 10 rebounds due in large part to his 11for-13 effort from the charity stripe. Fellow Christ the King alum Corey Edwards gave an outstanding effort in the second half. Edwards finished with just five

points but made an impact on both ends, knocking down the Patriots’ lone 3-pointer of the game off the glass. “When I shot it, it felt kind funny,” Edwards laughed. “I knew it was either off the backboard or it was going to be an airball. Thank God it went in.” Mike Morrison and Erik Copes provided Mason with another steady effort, combining for 15 points and 13 rebounds to help slow the Monarchs’ Chris Cooper. Sherrod Wright continued his strong play since being moved to the bench last month, playing a pivotal role in holding Bazemore

to just 11 points in his 35 minutes of playing time. “The one thing we can do [on Bazemore] is rotate some fresh bodies on him,” Coach Paul Hewitt said. “Vertrail [Vaughns] and Sherrod, they’re pretty athletic and pretty active. That helps us to keep a guy like that to 3-for12.” Despite the victory, the Patriots continued their poor shooting and only managed 13 total field goals against an active Old Dominion defense. Mason shot just 27.7 percent from the field but won the game on the free throw line, knocking down 27 of

35 attempts. “It doesn’t take Homeland Security to figure out that when you lose by four and you’re down 17 at the free throw line, that’s where the edge came from,” Old Dominion coach Blaine Taylor said. “I’m not saying anything about, you know, anything other than that’s where the game was determined. And that’s not sour grapes; that’s fact Jack.” Mason will be back in action on Wednesday night as they play host to the Hofstra Pride.

Section 124 A View from the Platoon

Play at Your Own Pace Daniel Zimmet Patriot Platoon Member Last weekend’s homecoming game was quite a memorable one here at Mason. It was President Merten’s last, and Coach Hewitt’s ﬁrst. I’ll never forget President Merten walking up the student section before the game started. He was standing right inside of the portal just taking it all in. You’d have to imagine that it was certainly a bittersweet feeling for him. The fans really started to get into it even before Morrison lined up for the tip. Walk-on guard Jordan Baird sang a ﬂawless national anthem to the sellout crowd. His rejection from American Idol was certainly not in order after last night’s showing. If only we could have gotten Randy, Paula, and Simon there last night. Asked if he’s sung the National Anthem during an appearance on The Morning Breakdown, Baird said that he’s done it dozens of times, however nothing in front of such a big crowd. Judging by his per-

formance before the game, I’d play our game that we know say he could sing it anywhere. best. That doesn’t just go for The Patriot Center was Pearson and Morrison, but the filled to capacity and I’m willing of our team as well. to bet that it was one of the top Since we do play our freshreasons we were able to pull out man very often, I think those are a victory. At one point during the three players we really need the game, when Sherrod Wright to keep an eye on down the slammed down a steal he just stretch. Edwards, Gray, and forced, the noise meter hit a Copes have not yet been in a sitscreaming 104. uation in the CAA tournament, In other words, the roof or any postseason play for that was about to fly off the Patriot matter. Center. Situations like that come All season the spotlights with nerves and adrenaline; have been on Ryan Pearson and however it will be the job of the Mike Morrison. Their emotion senior leaders who have been often drives the way that they there before to not only help play. Playing at home in front of them relax but to lead by exama sellout crowd is the pipe- ple as well. dream of situations to play There is no need to sacriunder. There is a clear differ- fice the soaring level of emotion ence, even in pregame warms- that our team plays with, but we up, in the way that they carry need to be able to channel it themselves. They walk around into peak performance as well, with a little extra confidence as keep the game on our pace. and the adrenaline gets pumping. Adrenaline played a factor against ODU and is going to play a role in all of the games here on out. A key to being able to win these games down the More from Daniel Zimmet at stretch is being able to control that feeling and being able to CourtsideSeats.OnMason.com

BE A PART OF THE 2012 TEAM Co-ed stunt and all female dance team This is your chance to represent the Ravens on Gameday, in the community and at the Calendar shoot in 2012!

Saturday, March 3 Tryout Information can be found at: BaltimoreRavens.com/Cheerleaders *(must be 18 years or older by July 1st)

Sports

Broadside

Monday, February 6, 2012 |

HOMECOMING 2012 Where Magic Happens Photos by: Stephen Kline

Baird Delivers Flawless Anthem Walk-On Guard Performs in Front of Packed Patriot Center From ANTHEM, Front He hasn’t given up his music entirely though. By majoring in music, he’s been able to keep up with his singing, which he plans to pursue after college. He describes his musical style as melodic singer-songwriter. “I’m the kind of guy who, if you hand me a guitar and a mic, you’ll get some chill, laidback music,” Baird said. However, he also mentioned that he could see himself putting out a pop, R&B or soul record sometime in the future. In high school, he sang in a choir in front of 13,000 people, but Saturday night’s Homecoming game was the largest crowd he’s faced solo. “It’s a really different story when you’re out there alone,” Baird said. Just months after graduating from high school, Baird auditioned for “American Idol.” He made it to the top 40 in the 2009 season, which Kris Allen ultimately won. “Simon [Cowell] was really cool,” Baird said. “He had good constructive criticism. He said no, but he told me if I took it seriously, that I could come back and do well.” After the first round of contestants was cut down from

19,000 to 200, Baird started to take the competition seriously. “When you go there, it’s just like a cattle call,” Baird said. “Four people sing, and then it’s like, yes,

“Choosing between music and basketball was a decision I had to take time to make — but it wasn’t a hard one. Playing college basketball is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” - Jordan Baird

yes, no, no or whatever the case may be. Then they rip the reins off you and send you home.” Baird was voted off the show after receiving a yes vote from both Paula Abdul and guest judge Kristin Chenoweth and a no from Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson. Even though he didn’t make it to Hollywood, Baird took a lot away from his run on “American Idol.”

“Something like that happening right out of high school, it was a blast,” Baird said. “I got to like the fourth or fifth round and the judges were there. It’s like anything really. The experience always benefits you somehow. You can learn from everything. There’s something you can take away from every experience.” Baird also auditioned for “The X Factor” this past summer. After submitting a YouTube video of himself singing, he was able to skip the first several rounds of competitions. He sang in front of 5,000 people in Seattle during the first round. Cowell recognized him on stage and asked if they had met before. When Baird confirmed that they had, Cowell asked where. “I was like, ‘Uh, “American Idol”?’ The crowd went wild. It was hilarious,” Baird said. Baird did not make it past that round of judging. Auditioning for “American Idol” again is one of Baird’s options after he graduates. He has kept in touch with his contacts in the music world and plans to reach out to them again once he is finished with school. He is also looking into the newer television show “The Voice” with judges Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera.

Photo by: John Powell

Walk-on guard Jordan Baird delivered a ﬂawless rendition of the National Anthem before the Homecoming game against Old Dominion on Saturday evening.

Interested in pursuing a career in sports writing? There is no better place to get your start than Broadside. Stop by the Student Media in SUB II or email Cody Norman at cnorman2@masonlive.gmu.edu.

Broadside

12 |

Women's Season Best Under Porter

Photo by John Powell At 11-11 overall and 5-6 in the conference, the Patriots are putting together one of their most productive seasons since Jeri Porter was hired.

Upperclassmen Step It Up in Successful Season John Powell Staff Writer After the 2003-04 women’s basketball season, Coach Debbie Taneyhill was reeling from a successful season. Her girls went 1811 and won 11 games in the CAA. Of course, these were the days when Old Dominion ran the conference. They had won every regular season and every tournament in the conference since 1992. This season, the Patriots sit in the middle of the conference with a 5-6 record, not quite like the early 2000s, but more reminiscent any year since. They’re coming around to playing CAA basketball “There’s another element on this level,” Coach Jeri Porter said. “There’s a mental and physical toughness, playing 40 minutes, being able to handle somebody’s run, and answer it.” The Patriots took second place in the 2004 CAA tournament, losing to Old Dominion by

an 85-81 final score and the Monarchs would continue to dominate the Atlantic seaboard through the 2008 season. But the conference was headed to change. It was the Patriots last season with a winning record. The next year went a bit worse. A firstround CAA loss ended the season after an 8-10 conference mark. The 2006 season took them a round further before Old Dominion ended their postseason hopes again. It was clear that the program had collapsed. Taneyhill won two conference games in 2007 and three in 2008. An eight-game losing streak was enough to end the coach’s career in Fairfax, officially a resignation. Jeri Porter came to lead a dismal, disheartened team after that season and had little success. She won five conference games over the next two seasons, but last year showed a change. A 7-11 conference mark put the Patriots back into the conference conver-

sation as new powers were on the rise. “We have really, really challenged our kids to be tougher mentally, to be tougher physically,” Porter said. “You know, I think skill-wise, talent-wise, I feel like we can compete. With anybody in the league.” Breakout starters like Taleia Moton, Amber Easter and Janaa Pickard were central to turning the program around. Moton, already a disciple of Porter’s offense from her days at Radford, started off a bit slow, but hit her stride as the season progressed. The Patriots lost four of their first five conference games before turning it around. Moton had to compete with the best the conference had to offer. Her 22-point-per-game average was central to the offense, and her 52 steals led the defense. Going in to yesterday’s game at James Madison, her scoring mark was 10th in the nation. “That’s what college is all about, not having to be that one

that has to score every night, even though that has become her role for us this year,” Porter said. “I think she’s comfortable in several different roles and has had to take on different roles over the course of her career.” In taking the Player of the Week award three times this season, she had to topple national powers. Elena Delle Done, leading No. 12/13 Delaware’s historic season, has stood as the nation’s leading scorer with 28.4 points per game. VCU’s Courtney Hurt is second in the nation with 12.4 rebounds per game. When Mason lost its sixth consecutive game at UNCW, those high expectations had nearly crashed. The team’s 6game win streak, started after dropping a final-second loss to American, seemed all for naught. “I think we’re growing up a bit and I think we learned a lot of things in the middle of losing that really – you couldn’t see it because we weren’t winning – but I think we learned a lot of good

stuff that’s paying off for us now,” Porter said. A three-game home stand turned the season around and the upperclassmen stepped up. Amber Easter picked up the rebounding lead – as a guard – with 6.1 per game, adding to her 44 assists. Pickard, historically a good shot-blocker, leads the team with 37 blocks. Her total is more than double that of the second-place blocker on the team, fellow forward Evelyn Lewis, who has 17 on the season. And team depth helps the overall scenario. Any starter can make a difference in any game. Even in a 45-49 loss at James Madison yesterday, Rahneeka Saunders, who usually pulls third billing as a guard, had the best statistical afternoon. Her 11 points was second only to Moton’s 13 and her 11 rebounds led the team. The Patriots have seven games left in their schedule, four at home. Just three more wins in

those seven would make their best record since going toe-to-toe with the Monarchs in 2004. Similar performances to the commanding win against VCU could give more momentum to a growing team. The head coach realizes the importance of a maturing team. “Kids grow up,” Porter said. “When you’re building, there is an element of maturing that people don’t see because freshmen are freshmen and seniors are seniors, and your seniors, even as freshmen, don’t look exactly the way you want them to.” After yesterday’s loss, they will want revenge against the Dukes when they close out their season playing Kenny Brooks’ girls again at home. Flashes of dominance will come back and if Jeri Porter has it her way, they’ll put those flashes together for the best finish Fairfax has seen in years.