Dec. 6 issue

George Mason University’s Student Newspaper December 6, 2010

Volume 87 Issue 12

www.broadsideonline.com

The 2010

Holiday Guide Inside:

The best (and worst) holiday gifts for your loved ones

Holiday recipes that will make your season bright

Holiday celebrations from around the world

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Broadside

Monday, December 6, 2010

Holiday Guide

DOUBLE THE SUGAR, TWICE THE SPICE Cheese Danishes

Red Velvet Cupcakes

courtesy of Kerry Sheats

courtesy of countryliving.com

Cheese Danish 2 packages of 8 crescent rolls 2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese (softened) 1 cup sugar 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla

Danish Topping 1/2 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup of nuts (almonds or pecans coarsely chopped) 1 stick of butter (1/2 cup) melted

Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray 9 x 13 pan with PAM. Unroll one can of crescent rolls and press in bottom of pan and about 1/2-inch up the sides. Press perforations together.

Combine the rest of the danish ingredients and spread over the rolls.

Unroll the other package of rolls and place over the top. Press the perforations and seal the seams around the edges.

Mix topping ingredients and spread over the top. Bake 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool danish, then refrigerate if not served immediately. Danish can be served warm, room temperature or cold.

Frosting 1 cup milk 3 tablespoons flour 1/8 teaspoon salt 8 ounces of either 62 percent dark chocolate or white chocolate 1 cup butter 1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar 2 tablespoons cocoa (for white chocolate frosting, omit cocoa) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions Cake: Heat oven to 350 degrees. Line 2 standard 12-cup cupcake tins with baking papers and set aside.

Mix the cocoa, food coloring and vanilla together in a small bowl and set aside. Beat the butter and sugar together in a large bowl, using a mixer set on medium-high speed. Add the yolks and beat for 1 more minute. Add the cocoa mixture and beat to combine. Stir the buttermilk and salt together and add it in thirds, alternating with the flour. Mix the baking soda with the vinegar and blend into the batter. Fill each cupcake tin with 3 tablespoons batter, and bake until a toothpick inserted in the cupcake center tests clean — about 15 minutes. Cool in the pans on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Release cakes and cool completely before frosting with Cooked Chocolate Frosting.

Frosting: Whisk milk, flour and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat until the mixture thickens and begins to bubble — 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and let cool.

Melt either dark chocolate or white chocolate. Set aside to cool.

Beat butter, confectionerʼs sugar and cocoa (for white chocolate frosting, omit cocoa) together until light and fluffy. Beat in the cooled chocolate and add milk mixture and vanilla extract (dark chocolate frosting only) until smooth and fluffy. Use immediately.

Candy Cane Cookies (serves 28)

Gulab Jamun

courtesy of countryliving.com

courtesy of indianfoodforever.com

1 cup Carnation Milk Powder 1/2 cup Bisquick 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 2 tablespoons butter (melted) whole milk (just enough to make the dough)

Cake 1/3 cup cocoa 3 tablespoons red food coloring 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups sugar 4 egg yolks 1 cup buttermilk 1 teaspoon salt 2 1/4 cups sifted cake flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Sugar Syrup 2 cups sugar 1 cup water oil for frying

3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter 1 cup confectioners' sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons red cinnamon candies, crushed 6 peppermint starlight mints, crushed

Directions Make the dough by combining the milk powder, Bisquick, butter. Add just enough whole milk to make a medium-hard dough. Divide the dough into 18-20 portions. Make balls by gently rolling each portion between your palms into a smooth ball. Place the balls on a plate. Cover with a damp yet dry kitchen towel.

Heat the oil on high and then lower the heat to medium. Slip the balls into the hot oil from the side of the pan, one by one. They will sink to the bottom of the pan, but do not try to move them. Instead, gently shake the pan to keep the balls from browning on just one side. After about five mins, the balls will rise to the surface. The gulab jamun should rise slowly to the top if the temperature is just right. Now they must be gently and constantly agitated to ensure even browning on all sides.

If the temperature of the oil is too high then the gulab jamun will tend to break. So adjust the temperature to ensure that the gulab jamun do not break or cook too quickly.

The balls must be fried very slowly under medium temperatures. This will ensure complete cooking from inside and even browning.

Sugar Syrup: The syrup should be made earlier and kept warm. To make the hot sugar syrup, mix the two cups of sugar to one cup of water. Add four-five cardamom pods, slightly crushed and a few strands of "kesar." Mix with a spoon and then heat at medium heat for 5-10 minutes until sugar is all dissolved in water.

Do not overheat, that will caramelize the sugar.

Transfer this hot syrup into a serving dish. Keep warm on stove. Add the fried gulab jamun directly into the warm syrup. Leave them in the sugar syrup overnight for best results. They can be served warm or at room temperature.

Directions In a large bowl, with mixer on low speed, beat butter, sugar and salt until fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla. Beat in flour. Divide dough between two bowls. Knead cinnamon candies into one bowl; knead mints into other. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. On lightly floured surface, for each candy cane, roll 1 rounded measuring teaspoonful of each kind of dough into 6-inch rope. Twist ropes together. Transfer to ungreased baking sheets. Curve one end to form candy cane. Bake 12 minutes until bottoms are lightly browned. Cool for five minutes on baking sheets; transfer to racks to cool. Store in an airtight container up to two weeks.

Drink in the holiday spirit Warm Bourbon Cider 1 gallon (16 cups) fresh apple cider 5 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2 ½ teaspoons ground nutmeg 2 ½ teaspoons ground ginger 3 cups bourbon Directions In a stockpot, heat apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. When mixture is hot but not boiling, remove from heat and add bourbon. Stir to distribute spices and divide cider among 20 mugs.

(Courtesy of CountryLiving.com)

Red Hot Chocolate 1 ounce Campari 2 ounces brandy 3 ounces milk ½ ounce heavy cream (optional) 2 tablespoons chocolate chips Directions Put milk, cream and chocolate in a milk frothing cup used for espresso. Froth milk as you would for cappuccino. When milk is hot, remove frothing wand and whisk or stir vigorously until chocolate is completely melted. Add Campari and brandy. Pour into heat-resistant cup. Can be garnished with one large hand-cut marshmallow or a red peppermint stick.

(Courtesy of Whattodrink.com)

Peppermint Patty 1 ounce peppermint schnapps ½ ounce dark crème de cacao 1 teaspoon crème de menthe 8 ounce hot cocoa whipped cream chocolate shavings Directions Stir together the liqueurs and add the hot chocolate. Top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings.

(Courtesy of Whattodrink.com)

Candy Cane Swirl 1 ounce raspberry vodka 3 ounces red cranberry juice ½ ounce grenadine ½ ounce peppermint schnapps lemon lime soda Directions Rim martini glass with crushed candy cane.

Combine vodka, peppermint schnapps, cranberry juice and grenadine into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Top with lemon lime soda and garnish with small peppermint candy cane.

(Courtesy of Whattodrink.com)

Broadside

Holiday Guide

Monday, December 6, 2010 | 3

2010 Holiday Shopping Guide From unique gifts, to the ones to avoid at all costs, Broadside has your holiday shopping covered

Nice Patrick Wall Style Editor

Sure, the holiday season may be about family, friends and food, but come on – we all know it’s the gifts that make the season bright. But for those who may not be the savviest shoppers, here are some ideas for meaningful and unique gifts.

Looking for something crafty but aren’t sure you have the creative chops of Martha Stewart? Etsy.com features handmade products ranging from home décor to arts and crafts to dog shampoo. Because users run their own individual “stores,” prices vary greatly, but a little digging can yield some serious deals.

In search of unique fashions on a dime? Sure, staples like Walmart and Target might have some things, but to truly find forwardthinking fashion, take a step back and check out some of the area’s great thrift stores.

With a little imagination, items found at thrift stores can become new gifts. For example, put an old record in the oven, place it over a cooking pot and presto – you have yourself a custom-made bowl.

Located only a few minutes from campus, Yesterday’s Rose is famous for its incredibly cheap record section and extensive collection of clothing, jewelry and furniture.

Naughty

For friends with a quirky sense of humor, finding the right present poses a challenge. But fear not, for IamaStuffedAnimal.com has your answer.

Simply send a picture to their website and they’ll create a stuffed animal based on the image. While they run a little on the expensive side (at around $70 a doll), this one-of-a-kind gift will be the talk of the season.

While sports fans can be some of the easiest people to shop for, most of these gifts lack a personal touch. This year, consider making the sports nut on your list feel like part of the action.

Fathead.com, the site known for its larger-than-life vinyl wall decals, can take a custom image and turn it into a unique and eye-catching decal. Fathead’s price range is varied, but tends to be somewhat pricey ($79-$199.) However, for a 6-foot decal of their favorite player (or maybe even of your sports fanatic friends in their playing days), the price is well worth it.

Instead of hitting the department stores and outlets this holiday season, checking out the Web and doing a little digging in your neighborhood can yield some pleasant and unexpected results.

Rob Bock Staff Writer

Sure, we all want to get that special someone a gift they’ll really love – something that comes from the heart. Well, if that’s your goal, make sure to avoid the following gifts this holiday season:

Fruitcake It’s the classic “I’m winging your Christmas gift” gift. For the small population of fruitcake lovers out there, great! Enjoy your fruitcake. The rest of us will be sitting in the corner, contemptuously bristling at your lack of concern. (www.haryanddavid.com, $19.95)

Calculator Watch “Look, honey! It’s a watch AND a calculator!”

These were great in 1985 when they first came out.

But a calculator watch, like most other two-in-one gifts, fails at being a calculator and at being a watch.

Just like you fail at giving gifts. (www.nordstrom.com, $80)

puppy bit your hand every time you tried to pet it.

Take it from me, there’s nothing sexy about missing limbs. (www.sharksupply.com) “The Nanny” – Complete Season Three What? “The Nanny?” Seriously? That show was terrible! No… Just no. Pick a new gift. (www.amazon.com, $13.99)

Home Depot Gift Certificate “Oh, wow. Now I get to repair my house…as my Christmas gift. Thanks, baby.” See? Doesn’t quite sound so good when you read it on paper, does it?

Gift cards in general aren’t a great idea. But as anyone who’s ever spent more than five minutes in a Home Depot will tell you, this is actually a gift certificate to Hell. (www.homedepot.com, $10-$500)

Live Shark Remember how your mom always said not to give people puppies for Christmas because they’re forced to take care of them whether they want to or not?

Well, imagine if the

The South Beach Diet book In literally any context, this gift screams, “I think you’re fat!” And before you know it, BAM! You’re in the doghouse. Enjoy your cold, empty bed tonight, kid. You’ve earned it. (www.amazon.com, $16.47)

Porn on VHS Because honestly, who has a VHS player anymore? (www.ebay.com, however much you think VHS porn is worth)

Have a Classy Holiday Making the most of your holiday Deck the Halls: Since it’s chilly outside, your home (or dorm) should have a warm feel to it. If you want to keep it traditional, go with ruby red decorations. Buy a white tree – it stands out more. Poinsettia flowers are the perfect holiday decoration and match the holiday spirit.

Or, if you want to spice things up, replace the red theme with purple, pink or turquoise. Target has a huge selection of cool ornaments in different colors. Add a table runner, a center piece, lights and voila!

‘Tis the Season for Giving:

Tea Hadzic Marcella Robertson Staff Writers

The holiday season is fast approaching, so this year, make sure it is warm, jolly and of course, classy. Take a look at our guide for tips to make this the best holiday season yet!

What to Wear: Holiday parties happen once a year. Who wants to look back at holiday photos and regret their outfit choice? This year, dress

warm, trendy and classy. Remember to keep your gear winter appropriate Ladies, velvet dresses are everything right now. Not only are they warm, but they are classy.

Stay within your budget – Charlotte Russe has 3/4 sleeve velvet dresses in dark blue and burgundy. Forever 21 is also selling them right now.

Wool sweaters and tights are in. The right pair of patterned tights can really spice up your outfit.

You also can’t go wrong with pairing a simple black dress and a

striped blazer or different colored vest.

The holiday season is the only good excuse to wear sequins, but don’t overdo it. If you wear a shirt with sequins, pair it with some basic bottoms (or vice versa). Be careful; you don’t want to be mistaken for an ornament.

Guys, leave your fitted hats and printed tees in the closet. A nice cardigan, button-up shirt or vest paired with a nice pair of slacks or jeans (depending on the party) always looks great together.

Try adding some subtle holiday colors to really get in the spirit!

Be thoughtful and take pride in buying your gifts. People can easily tell if they were just an afterthought, and nobody wants to feel like that. Buy presents for close family members, your best friends, boyfriends and girlfriends. Maybe even a co-worker, boss or professor who has helped or inspired you.

Pay attention to what your friends like. Keep an ear open for hints from your friends. For example, if you are at the mall with a friend who really likes something but doesn’t buy it, go back to the store and get it. It shows that you’re listening and you really care.

Being thoughtful doesn’t mean you have to break the bank.

Small gifts such as Kanye West’s new album or a MAC lipstick aren’t expensive but are thoughtful. Be creative! Some of the best gifts are homemade, personalized gifts such as picture frames, jewelry, decorated T-shirts and more.

If all else fails and you don’t have time to go shopping or can’t figure out what to buy, you can always stick to gift cards.

Party Etiquette: If you are invited to a friend’s holiday dinner or employee party, don’t arrive empty-handed. Bring a bottle of champagne, a homemade dessert, a nice flower arrangement or offer to cook something.

This is the most festive time of the year, full of parties and gatherings, so make sure you enjoy it!

At employee events, remember to keep it professional. Even if everyone around you is drinking, stay away from the open bar. You want to leave the party with your job!

Underneath the Mistletoe: You already know what this means. Let’s just say, “Keep it classy, not trashy!”

Be Thankful: Sometimes we forget what the

holiday season is really about. We get so caught up in the thrill of shopping, partying and decorating that we don’t take the time to think about those who are less fortunate. Make a stranger’s holiday a special one by opening your heart.

All malls and grocery stores have Angel Trees, where you can donate a gift for a child. You can also donate food or clothing to help out. This is what truly makes your holiday one to remember.

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Broadside

Monday, December 6, 2010

Holiday Guide

Come on and celebrate!

Kwanzaa Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African Heritage and culture, observed from Dec. 26- Jan. 1 in the Gregorian calendar. It was created in the mid-1960s by Ron Karenga, an author, professor and political activist who was very active in the American Black Power movement.

According to Karenga, Kwanzaa was created as a way to “give blacks an alternative to the existing holiday and give blacks an opportunity to celebrate themselves and history, rather than simply imitate the practice of the dominant society." Traditions include decorating the house with art, wearing colorful African clothing such as kente or kaftans, musical ceremonies, a candlelighting ritual, artistic performance and a feast.

Christmas isn’t the only winter holiday. Here you’ll find some of the other celebrations observed around the world.

by Ramy Zabarah | Asst. Style Editor

Eid al-Adha Eid al-Adha is a muslim holiday celebrated worldwide as a commemoration of the willingness of the prophet Abraham to sacrifice his son Ishmael as an act of obedience to Allah, before an angel intervened and replaced Ishmael with a lamb.

Eid al-Adha is celebrated every year for three days starting on the 10th day of the Islamic calendar month Dhu al-Hijjah, which falls on a different day on the Gregorian calendar every year.

Traditions include a feast where a lamb is cooked and shared with the family. The official dates of Eid al-Adha for this year were Nov. 16-19.

Diwali Diwali, or Deepavali, popularly known as “the Festival of Lights,” is an important holiday observed worldwide by people of multiple religions including Hinduism, Jainism and Sikhism, and in many countries such as India, Nepal, Malaysia and Singapore.

Diwali is a five-day festival that starts in the luni-solar Hindu calendar month of Ashvin and ends in early Kartika.

This year, Diwali started on Nov. 5. Diwali commemorates the return of Lord Rama, along with Sita and Lakshman, after his 14-year-long exile and defeat of demon-king Ravana. Traditions include the lighting of small clay lamps filled with oil to signify the triumph of good over evil.

Hanukkah Hanukkah (also spelled Chanuka or Chanukah) is a Jewish holiday celebrating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem in the second century B.C. Observed for eight days and nights, Hanukkah starts on the eighth day of Kislev on the Hebrew Calendar, which can fall anywhere in November or December on the Gregorian calendar.

Traditions of the holiday include the lighting of a nine-branched candle called the Menorah. One candle is lit every night of the holiday, with the ninth one in the middle used each night as a starter. Hanukkah started on Dec. 1 this year.

Chinese New Year Chinese New Year is a holiday observed in China and worldwide in places with significant Chinese populations. It is a celebration of the new year in the lunisolar Chinese calendar. It starts on the first day of the year and ends on the 15th day with a Lantern Festival.

Chinese New Year’s Eve, known in China as chú xī, is when families gather for an annual reunion dinner.

Traditions of the holiday include annual visits to relatives, wearing new clothes to signify a new year and the giving of red envelopes filled with money to children by elder and married people. The color red is liberally used. It is a symbol of good luck and is said to drive off bad spirits.

Broadside

Holiday Guide

Monday, December 6, 2010 | 5

Michatalie

Be their sexy Santa

explains it all

Dear Michatalie, I recently started dating a guy who goes to Mason, but is from another state and will be going out of town for all of Christmas break. I want to be faithful over break, but I feel like since the relationship is so new and we're going to be apart for so long I might cheat on him with an ex-boyfriend from home. Should I break things off before break or just wait and see what happens?

Sincerely, DazedAndConfused

Brandi Morehead

Sex Columnist

“Santa Baby” may be a cute and sexy holiday song, but it makes Christmas sound like it’s all about getting expensive gifts from your man. Make the holidays a fun and sexy time for you and your partner by experimenting with items you most likely already have in your house. Plus, finding ways to conserve money won’t leave you broke at the end of the holiday season and it will bring you and your lover closer together.

So let’s talk about the seductive things you can do with your lover at home, cost free. The holidays can be the sexiest time of the year with just a few things from your kitchen: powered sugar, honey or whipped cream. I am not saying that you will not have a mess to clean up, but I promise the fun will be worth every second of scrubbing. If you want, you can even clean naked for an even hotter experience.

Seduce your partner into baking a pie with you.

Sprinkle the powdered sugar on your creation and toss a little in their face with a sexy grin. That’ll let them know it’s game time. Use the powdered sugar creatively and seductively by putting it on their neck, nipples or any other places you dare. Then, drive your partner wild while licking it off.

If you’re looking for a cute gift to catch your companion’s attention, I know the creative value of this next gift will surely impress your mate. Buy a little bowl from the craft section in Walmart, which

should run you about $3, a couple of marbles, and four silver fish that are 17 cents each and then one big gold fish for $2-$3.

Put them all together in this bowl and write a cute note that says, “Of all the fish in the sea, you stood out the most.” This will make your lover feel like a million bucks, even though you only spent $7 on the whole thing!

Another cheap way to celebrate this holiday is to give the gift of a romantic and sexy evening. Start off by cooking up your lover’s favorite dish. Decorate with flowers or candles and dress in something sexy for your beau.

Next, lead them upstairs for a hot bath, this is one of the sexiest things you can surprise your lover with. Not to mention it’s hot, steamy and smells great. Scent is an automatic turn-on, especially if you add in some bubble bath soap.

Ladies, if you can afford to spend a few bucks, turn yourself into a present. That’s right, you guessed it – literally wrap yourself. You will need a friend to help you out with this one. Get some wrapping paper and bows and have him unwrap you. It’s a sexy yet fun thing to do for your man. Really blow his mind by having on some serious lingerie. He will be so excited to unwrap this sexy present.

Most importantly, make each other feel like the best present you could ever have for Christmas, regardless of material things. Spend some serious down time with your lover other the holidays — especially in the bedroom on those cold winter nights.

Dear DazedAndConfused, Think with your vag and not your heart – that is the best advice we can give you. Christmas break is over a month long, so is your new playtoy worth the wait? If so, we recommend getting a vibrator (MVC in Springfield is the best place to go for all your pleasurable desires) and use it while watching your favorite “adult” site.

If you think you can’t contain yourself, what your boyfriend doesn’t know won’t kill him. Was the sex that good with your ex? Seems like it if you can’t stop thinking about him. Michatalie says (butt)-fuck it and take a ride on the wild side. Happy hornydays – we mean holidays! – and Merry Chrismukkah to all.

XOXO, Michatalie

Any issues and concerns about life, college, sex, money problems or food? Let Michatalie know on their fan page at www.facebook.com/MICHATALIE. Love to write? Love pop culture? Looking to boost your resume?

Write for Broadside!

E-mail style@broadsideonline.com to find out how you can start writing!

A cure for the winter break blues From skiing to the latest flicks, the Northern Virginia area offers plenty to do over break Dylan Hares

Media Beat Writer It’s finals time and as all things go, finals too shall pass. The inevitable stress of end-ofsemester hurdles will subside and college students all over will usher in a most welcomed winter break which grants a glorious month of freedom. Generally speaking, cabin fever eventually sets in and idle hands make poor choices. Luckily, Broadside is here to help with a generous list of all the happenings over the break so that one might always stay busy.

If going to a movie seems like a fun time, there are several great movies coming out over break.

Fans of action or sci-fi will be excited for “Tron: Legacy” on Dec. 17 along with “Season of the Witch,” Nicholas Cage’s latest attempt at relevancy

on Jan. 1. Comic book fans will be looking forward to “Green Hornet” starring Seth Rogen when it comes out on Jan. 14, as the world will be interested to see if Rogen can actually throw a punch. For those wanting a good laugh, “Gulliver’s Travels” starring Jack Black and Ben Stiller’s “Little Fockers” both arrive in theaters on Dec. 22.

Movies might not provide enough mid-winter stimulation, so for those sticking around Northern Virginia and the District, there are a dozen nightclubs, bars and seedy concert venues hosting late night entertainment. After all, every day over break is a Saturday. 930 Club is hosting some big names, including Wale on Dec. 22, the Roots on Dec. 27 and 28 and Gogol Bordello on New Year’s Eve. If a show is what you want, but the concert experience is too much, be sure to check out “A Christmas Carol,” which is playing all through De-

cember at Ford’s Theater. It’s an engaging rendition of the Christmas classic by Charles Dickens that features George Mason University’s own Edward Gero as Ebenezer Scrooge.

Of course, what’s winter break without winter sports? Just because Mason students don’t find themselves in the arctic doesn’t mean skiing isn’t a viable option. Bryce Resort is a short two-hour drive west from Fairfax in Bayse, Va. and offers eight slopes and competitive prices all season long.

Just south of Bryce is Massanutten Resort, which is slightly more expensive but offers special “college days” on Wednesdays and Fridays.

If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, Snowshoe Mountain in West Virginia is four hours out and easily the most expensive, but offers the most slopes and the best value for the money. It truly provides that idyllic ski resort feeling and would

Celeb Gossip Kerry Robinson Staff Writer

2010 has been a big year in the world of celebrity gossip.

Celebrities keep newspapers and tabloids in business with their crazy and off-the-wall antics. Deaths, cheating scandals, shocking celebrity break ups and drug problems continue to turn Hollywood upside down.

However, some stories were unexpected and truly shocked readers this year. These stories include a controversial actor’s abusive behavior towards an ex-wife, a Disney starlet mysteriously taken into rehab and America’s sweetheart being thrust into the public eye because of her husband’s infidelity.

Mel Gibson is known as an award-winning actor and director. He is also known as a controversial figure who has made racist and homophobic remarks during interviews. In July 2010, his public image changed forever when several phone recordings between Mel and exgirlfriend Oksana Grigorieva were leaked on the Internet.

The recordings had Mel threatening Oksana’s life twice, saying he would burn her house down and admitting that he knocked out her front teeth. Oksana has since issued a restraining order against Mel,

keeping him away from her and their daughter.

Another huge story of 2010 was a “Camp Rock” star entering into a treatment center. Popular Disney star Demi Lovato sought medical treatment for emotional and physical issues on Nov. 1. Since her admittance, there has been much speculation on why she needed treatment. Some tabloids suggested Demi was following in a certain former Disney star’s wild footsteps.

Similar to Lindsay Lohan’s downward spiral, RadarOnline.com reported Demi was out of control at parties and was allegedly caught on tape snorting cocaine at a party during one of her tour dates in Texas. Her publicists have since rejected the claims saying that drugs and alcohol had nothing to do with Demi seeking treatment.

Other sources suggest the young actress had violent outbursts including punching a backup dancer in the face.

Speculation

make a great winter vacation to purge one’s mind of those awful memories from finals week. Plus, if another snowpocalypse hits, there’s no better way to ride it out than to literally ride it out.

If watching sports seems more appealing, there are a ton of games going on in the area. The Patriot Center will be featuring basketball games all break and the Verizon Center will of course be hosting Wizards and Caps games. More importantly, the Harlem Globetrotters will be at the First Mariner Arena in Baltimore on Dec. 28 with another mindblowing display of basketball skill.

If all else fails, there’s always Cabo. Flying south for the winter is a sure-fire way to beat the cold.

Maybe New Year’s in Miami is the way to do it right.

Either way, there’s a ton to do over winter break that’s sure to refresh and rejuvenate students for the spring semester.

A look back at this year’s celebrity scandals that rocked Hollywood ceased when People magazine reported that Demi had been struggling with eating disorders and selfmutilation. Since receiving help, Demi has reportedly been doing much better. It is only a matter of time before she returns to her singing and dancing career with the Jonas Brothers.

The last big story of 2010 involved Sandra Bullock’s highly publicized marriage to motorcycle enthusiast Jesse James. It was a huge story because no one thought someone could ever cheat on America’s sweetheart. In March 2010, a stripper named Michelle “Bombshell” McGee came forward and announced that she had an 11month affair with Jesse. Other women later stepped into the spotlight to proclaim that they also had affairs with Sandra’s husband.

The couple seemed to try to mend their relationship at first, as Jesse went into rehab for sex addiction. However, Sandra filed for divorce in April and the couple has since gone their separate ways.

Sandra is enjoying her single life with her adorable son, Louis, while Jesse has moved on with tattoo artist Kat Von D. I hope the next man Sandra ends up with gives her the fairy-tale ending she deserves.

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Broadside

Monday, December 6, 2010

Holiday Guide

Class project collects $1,300 for cancer research Three student organizations donate to management majors’ charity effort When Ben Welicka, a senior management major, set out to complete a final project for Management 463, he never expected getting student organizations to donate to charity would be so simple.

But what he and his fellow group members Sammy Kassim and Maryann Shih — both senior management majors — found was that their fellow George Mason University students were just as

interested as they were in collecting money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

For their class, “Negotiations in Organizations,” taught by Matthew Cronin, the group was told to enter a negotiation with an organization and have them donate to a charity or cause. In exchange, they would have to help the organization fulfill one of their goals.

“I was really surprised at how generous people were,” said Welicka, whose group was able to

collect $1,300 from three student organizations to donate to St. Jude.

Students against Leukemia and Lymphoma has already donated $300 to the hospital, while the Arab Student Association and Saudi Student Association have each committed to donating $500.

“It’s pretty amazing,” said Welicka. “I didn’t expect anything to turn out this well at all and to have it go to something like [St. Jude], it kind of just blows my mind that people would be that

willing to help.”

A local Best Buy also agreed to donate $100, bringing the group’s grand total to $1,400 raised.

This week, the Saudi Student Association will be collecting donations at a kiosk in the Johnson Center, for students interested in donating.

For Welicka, his foray into the world of charity work has been a valuable and rewarding experience.

“It’s a pretty great feeling,” he said.

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Fairfax Old Town Plaza 10420 North Street Fairfax, Virginia 22030 www.fairtradewinds.net 703.877.0577 info@fairtradewinds.net

An easy walk from GMU. Free parking in adjacent garage off of University Drive & Chain Bridge Road.

Fair Trade Winds is a familyrun, exclusively Fair Trade retail store in Fairfax committed to helping alleviate global poverty and increase social responsibility through Fair Trade.

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Ways to give back this holiday season Toys for Tots, food drive campaign

The Salvation Army Angel Tree

The Staff Senate, Parking Services and Military Services have teamed up to sponsor the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Food is also being collected to donate to local charities.

In lieu of paying owed parking tickets, students, faculty and staff are encouraged by Parking Services to pay off part of their parking debts by donating toys or food.

For information about the Parking Services program and how to donate, visit www.gazette.gmu.edu/ articles/18731

At different stores throughout the county, The Salvation Army has placed Angel Trees, where interested donors can select a card with a child’s name, age and Christmas wish.

Simply pick a card off the tree and return the gift and card to The Salvation Army. The organization’s main tree is located in Tyson’s Corner Center on the lower level. Gifts may also be dropped off under the tree.

For more information about the program as well as other Christmas season charities put on by the organization visit w w w. u s s. s a lva t i o n army.org/fairfax

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Free Tickets for Mason Students!

TONIGHT!

Mason Various Chamber Ensembles Mon., Dec. 6 at 6 p.m.

Free/Non-ticketed DL

The Vision Series: Is Nuclear Energy the Answer to a Carbon-Constrained World?

Allison Macfarlane, speaker Mon., Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.

Free/Ticketed CH

Flutopia

Wed., Dec. 8 at 8 p.m.

Free/Non-ticketed DL

=Pre-performance Discussion

Sun., Dec. 12 at 7 p.m. $20 adult, $15 senior/student CH Limited Free Student Tickets Available Now

The Waverly Consort: The Christmas Story

Leahy: Leahy Family Christmas

Fri., Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. ppd $42, $34, $21 CH f f Limited Free Student Tickets Available Now

Fri., Dec. 17 at 8 p.m. ppd $48, $40, $24 CH f f Limited Free Student Tickets Available Dec. 7

Mason Dance Company: December Concert

Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna

Synergy Brass Quintet: Christmas in Brass

Lab Band Concert

Sat., Dec. 11 at 8 p.m. ppd $44, $36, $22 CH f f Limited Free Student Tickets Available Now ff

=Family Friendly

Mason Holiday Concert

Thurs., Dec. 9 at 8 p.m.

Free/Non-ticketed CH

December 10-11 at 8 p.m. $15 adult, $10 senior, $7 student HT Limited Free Student Tickets Available Now

Tues., Dec. 7 at 8 p.m.

Free/Non-ticketed CH

ppd

Graduate Student Conductors Concert featuring Mason Wind Symphony

BB=Black Box

CH=Concert Hall

DL=de Laski Rm. 3001

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

HAVE A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY BREAK! HT=Harris Theater

TS=TheaterSpace

OR TH E RF AR

TS

Center for the Arts

Sat., Dec. 18 at 8 p.m.; Sun., Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. ppd $48, $40, $24 CH f f Limited Free Student Tickets Available Dec. 7

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Monday, December 6, 2010

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Exam-time stress

George Mason University’s Student Newspaper Emily Sharrer, Editor-in-Chief Sonya Hudson, Managing Editor Monika Joshi, Copy Chief Gregory Connolly, News Editor Justin Lalputan, Opinion Editor Elizabeth Perry, Asst. Opinion Editor Patrick Wall, Style Editor Ramy Zabarah, Asst. Style Editor Cody Norman, Sports Editor Pat Carroll, Asst. Sports Editor Peter Flint, Photography Editor Christina Salek-Raham, Copy Editor Benjamin Shaffer, Copy Editor Marine Jaouen, Copy Editor Mayank Mehrishi, Copy Editor

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Editorial Policy 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.

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Broadside is a free publication. Limit one copy per person. Each additional copy is 25 cents. © 2010 by Broadside. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the editor-in-chief.

Miracle study aids

The Christmas cover-up

Students pop pills to keep grades afloat

The one phrase that public schools will never say

Elizabeth Perry

Justin Lalputan S o p h o m o r e

Opinion

Editor

It’s that time of year again, when age-old carols play on the radio and stores start extending shopping hours.

Yes, Christmas is around the corner, but you’ll never hear a public school utter the words “Christmas break.”

I have no idea why schools don’t call winter break what it really is.

It’s a break for Christmas and we all know it.

Is it an attempt to be politically correct? A Hindu, Buddhist, Jew, or follower of any other religion knows exactly what the break is for.

Why don’t schools come out and say “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Easter?”

The issue lies within the concept of our nation’s separation of church and state. Perhaps schools like George Mason University don’t want to seem overly supportive of Christianity.

It would be better if schools actually acknowledged

other holidays besides Christmas.

I remember when Eid alFitr happened at the end of Ramadan this year.

I had to take a test that day. It would have been nice to observe my religious holiday and take a day off, but the professor wouldn’t allow me to make up the test. So I had no choice but to take it.

I’m not complaining about being forced to take the test; if I really wanted, I could have caused a stir and started a religious debate on campus.

However, that’s not what I want. What I really want is a little more recognition from public schools for holidays of religions other than Christianity. I understand that schools can’t please every individual religion.

Taking school off for every religious holiday would wreak havoc on schedules and simply wouldn’t work. But it wouldn’t hurt to have one or two days off to celebrate major events of all major religions.

Instead, we have schools trying to uphold this false pretense of separation of church and state, a principle that isn’t even found in our Constitution.

In reality though, this concept, the same one that schools are trying to uphold, is utter nonsense when it applies to this holiday.

So where do we go from here? Simple: We wish everyone a “Merry Christmas” and move on.

Some people get religiously offended, and some might want to deny that “winter break” is really Christmas break, but that’s their prerogative.

The rest of us can clearly see that this entire holiday is engineered so that students can be home for the Christmas holiday and spend time with their families, which isn’t a bad thing.

Schools need to man up and simply say, “Merry Christmas” to all their faculty and students.

They need to realize that even if none of their students celebrate Christmas, there’s no reason to try and be culturally sensitive or politically correct.

Instead of attempting to be politically correct, schools should give time off for major holidays in religions other than Christianity.

I know that it would be impossible to implement in the near future, but I hope a day comes when followers of religions other than Christianity get days off to celebrate their holidays.

This winter, we might not get to celebrate our holidays, but we all still receive the gift of a nice long break.

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down Thumbs up to the end of the semester. It’s almost time for the annual winter hibernation; a month off from school, home-cooked meals and kicking back with T.V. reruns. Viva la break!

Thumbs up to Cam Long, who has scored 998 points during his college basketball career. Keep up the good work, Cam, you’re only two points away from 1,000!

Thumbs down to the freezing cold wind that’s accompanied students to class for the past week or so.

If it’s going to be this cold, at least give us some snow, Mother Nature.

Thumbs down to winter break packing. To those of you flying home for the holidays, goodluck fitting all the clothes you need into one suitcase, those of us who can shove everything we need into a car feel for you.

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.

J u n i o r

Asst. Opinion Editor

Several years ago, a group of students at Wesleyan University in a town called Middletown, Conn. admitted to using prescription study aids to help them complete their take-home exam, leading senior Bradley Spahn, a non-study aid user, to bring his classmates’ confessions to the attention of the university’s honor code review committee.

A frustrated Spahn held that the use of medicinal study aids by students who are not prescribed to them gives them an unfair advantage in the classroom and is therefore a form of cheating.

The committee concluded that even if a student is caught illicitly possessing prescription study aids, there is no way to prove that they were using them to enhance their performance on a particular assignment.

Regardless of the committee’s ruling, Spahn’s objection raises an interesting question to George Mason University students this time of year.

Do study aids give us an unfair advantage over those who choose to rely on simple self-discipline?

Some may say that Spahn is nothing more than a bitter meddler who attempted to have his classmates prosecuted out of resentment.

While he put a great amount of time into preparing for the exam, the other students were enjoying themselves because they could simply take a pill to help them study effectively in a short amount of time.

Cheating? Not according to David Callahan, author of “The Cheating Culture: Why More Americans are Doing Wrong to Get Ahead.” Of prescription study aids, Callahan has said, “if you find a way to study more effectively, to master more information … what’s wrong with that?”

However, he also acknowledged that cases of students illegally obtaining the prescription are a separate issue.

Unfortunately for Spahn, no university has the time or resources to document which students are prescribed to amphetamines and drug test the ones who are not.

That being said, the debate is not over whether the nonprescription use of study aids is prosecutable, but rather over whether it is ethical.

Those of us who do utilize amphetamines, either by obtaining them from someone with a prescription or by increasing our own prescription dosage, often do not take into account students who do not have access to the drug or who refuse to give themselves an unfair advantage

through illegal drug use.

Simultaneously, people like Spahn are unlikely concerned with the students who are unable to obtain a prescription for study aids and are struggling to keep one or more jobs while providing for family members or children and barely have enough time to sleep at night.

Should those people be prosecuted for taking a pill to ease their studying process a little, Bradley?

Despite the endless possibility of arguments and opinions emanated from this issue, the fundamental question is why do we care?

A student should not be concerned with how the girl who sits behind him in math went about studying for the final; he should be concerned with how he went about it. The studying habits and grades of others do not affect us.

Yes, people will cheat but unless it is our work that they are taking credit for, what sense is there in making it our business to ensure the integrity of their schoolwork?

Attempting to have them prosecuted for dishonest methods of studying may lower their grade, but it will certainly not raise ours.

If prescription study aids are part of your studying method then that’s your prerogative, but if they’re not and you become aware of a student who used them receiving a higher grade than you, maybe you should’ve taken better notes.

Quote

of the

Week: “As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December's bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same.”

—Donald E. Westlake Editorial Board: Emily Sharrer, Editor-in-Chief Monika Joshi, Copy Chief Sonya Hudson, Managing Editor Justin Lalputan, Opinion Editor Elizabeth Perry, Asst.Opinion Editor

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.

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Sports

Broadside

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1,000

11

The number of points senior guard Cam Long will have scored after he scores his first basket on Wednesday night.

Monday, December 6, 2010

Photo by Peter Flint

Cam Long drives against UNCW Seahawks in the beginning of Saturday night’s win.

Patriots clip ‘Hawks as Long draws nearer to century mark Cam Long just two points shy of 1,000 point plateau for career Cody Norman Sports Editor

As Saturday night’s conference opening match-up with the UNCW Seahawks came to a close, senior guard Cam Long found himself at the end of the bench.

Long — who entered the game with 993 career points — and his teammates outperformed the Seahawks in the first 25 minutes of game and led George Mason University to an early 35point advantage.

But his value to the team does not end when he reaches the sidelines.

“Teammates, you’ve got to

cheer for each other,” Long said.

“It’s really going to count during away games. We’ve got to have each other’s backs.”

Last season, Long was one of two players with a significant amount of playing experience. He was forced to carry the load for a youthful team and was seemingly affected by the heavy burden.

“I think Cam, more than anybody, felt the burden of having to carry such a young team last year,” Coach Larranaga said. “And no player can make up for as many youthful errors as we were making.”

In this young season, however, Long has been allowed the

Patriots’ coach earns Hall of Fame bid at former school Dottie Porch inducted to IPFW HOF after incredible four year career Cody Norman Sports Editor

Calendar

On Saturday evening, Dottie Porch, assistant coach for the Mason women’s volleyball team, was recognized by her former college and was inducted into the Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne Hall of Fame.

In her time at IPFW, Porch excelled as a two-sport athlete. Originally recruited as a women’s basketball player, Porch had an incredible four year career for the Mastodons’ women’s volleyball program.

“It was a really exciting time to be an athlete at IPFW,” Porch said.

She was named All-Great Lakes Valley Conference FirstTeam three times and helped lead her teams to two GLVC Champi-

onships. In 1997, she was named the Conference Player of the Year and was labeled an AVCA Division-II All-American.

On two separate occasions, Porch was named IPFW Female Athlete of the Year while performing well on and off the floor for both the volleyball and basketball programs.

Porch recently finished her fourth season as assistant coach for the Patriots and works to instill hard work and dedication into each and every one of her players.

“IPFW taught me about hard work and dedication while I was there,” Porch said. “It was an exciting time. And I try to teach that to my girls. Hard work, dedication and respecting your competition will take you a lot further than volleyball.”

opportunity to focus on the execution of his own role. He has played a more relaxed brand of basketball and is among the leaders in nearly every offensive statistical category this season.

“It definitely takes a load off because I don’t have to do as much [this season],” Long said.

“That’s one thing I’m glad I can see this year. I don’t have to be the guy that’s trying to do everything.

We’ve got other people on the team that are capable of doing the same things that I’m capable of doing. That’s one thing I’m real happy about.”

Entering Saturday night’s conference matchup, Long

needed just seven points to push him over the century mark in the scoring category.

He was averaging a steady 11.8 points, 3.4 assists and 4.6 rebounds per game. But, with his team up big, Long wasn’t on the floor late in the game to notch his seven points and finished two shy of 1,000.

Needing just a bucket to reach the milestone, Long is expected to hit the mark at the Patriot Center in Wednesday night’s meeting with Loyola.

It’s just two points,” Long said. “I have to get it this time.”

Photo by Peter Flint

Cam Long shoots a three point shot to extend Mason’s lead in the first half of Saturday’s game.

Patriots give Star Spangled performance Trumpet ensemble plays before Wizards at the Verizon Center John Powell Staff Writer

As a prelude to the Washington Wizards’ 109-point rout of the Toronto Raptors on Nov. 16, George Mason University’s Trumpet Ensemble played the nation’s anthem.

It was a beautiful sound for those in attendance, pairing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” penned during the War of 1812, with one of the country’s newest musical groups. Mason’s trumpet ensemble was formed in September, a brainchild of professor Dennis Edelbrock.

“I started the national trumpet competition here 20 years ago and several years after that, we decided we will have a trumpet ensemble division,” Edelbrock said. “Well, there weren’t any schools that really had a trumpet ensemble, like Julliard and Indiana, so they all have them now.”

In its first months of existence, the 14-man ensemble has

Wednesday, Dec. 8 Men's Basketball Loyola MD Fairfax, Va. 7 P.M.

quickly gained traction in the area. Edelbrock and his team have high expectations for the future and are fueled by the quick success the group has already had, playing for professional sports teams.

“I’m even thinking we can get a Redskins game next year,” Edelbrock said. “I have crazy ideas. I’m going to see if I can get us into the Virginia State legislature.”

Edelbrock performed with the United States Army Band beginning in 1975. Only recently did he retire from that band to become more involved with Mason’s music program.

His background in music is quite extensive, and he uses it as a motivational tool for himself and his students.

“I’ve been playing since I was two,” Edelbrock said. “My dad retired in 1987, the Iowa bandmaster of the year. My mom, I watched her play with The Supremes, she played with shows that came through town,

little Michael Jackson when he was still singing with the brothers.”

Even though the students do not always have the same extensive background as their professors, they have the same motivation now that they are working on their craft with a high level of professionalism.

They push each other to be better in the best case of peer pressure.

“It has really stepped up a lot of the players who haven’t been in the practice room as long and it gives them something to work on,” said Buddy Deshler, a sophomore music major who is a member of the ensemble. “Now everyone has seen what this group is capable of doing and what direction [Edelbrock] is helping us go in.”

As the newest arm of the university’s music program, opportunities are abounding for students in the music program.

Deshler plays in the pep band and the trumpet ensemble and

Thursday, Dec. 9 Women's Basketball Stony Brook Fairfax, Va. 7 P.M.

has played for a variety of events.

Every opportunity must be taken for those who want to pursue the field of music as a career. It is definitely not for the faint of heart.

“There’s a lot of freshmen that are taking the initiative to be part of a group like this. I didn’t have an opportunity like this my freshman year and a lot of the upper classmen really did not have an opportunity like this,” Deshler said.

Mason benefits as well. Not only do dedicated students have an opportunity to play for the group, but the university can use the group as a face of their program and student population.

“It’s become a recruiting arm as well as a public relations arm,” Edelbrock said.

With dedicated and driven members who have done much in the short time they have been together, the sound of Mason’s Trumpet Ensemble will only get sweeter with time.

Saturday, Dec. 11 Menʼs Basketball @ Liberty Lynchburg, Va. 7 P.M.

12 |

News Event Calendar

Broadside

5

The number of regular school days left in the semester.

Monday, December 6, 2010

News Briefs

Snapshot ROTC cadets a ended a presenta on Thursday that featured representa ves from law enforcement, a district a orney’s office and an insurance company.

The presenta on was put on to raise awareness of DUI.

Monday, Dec. 6 CHSS: Faculty Assembly Mason Hall, Room D3 A, B 3 - 4:30 p.m.

Latin Music Performance Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 7 Tuesday Jams: Open Mic SUB I, The Rathskellar 12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

Light the Way LGBTQ Candlelight Vigil Johnson Center Clock Tower 5 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 8 Farmers’ Market Southside Plaza 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Stories of the Prophets West Building, Room 1004 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 9 George Mason's 285th Birthday Celebration SUB I, Patriot’s Lounge 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Graduate Student Conductors Concert Concert Hall 8 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 10 Program Board Movie: Easy A JC, Cinema 9 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 17 Liminal Reception: 60 graduating artists exhibiting their work School of Art & Design Building 6 - 9 p.m.

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

POLICE FILES

Dec. 1

Accident Roanoke River Lane Vehicle #1 struck Vehicle #2 on the passenger’s side door. Driver of Vehicle #2 was transported to Inova Access. Damages estimated at $2,750. (45/Arnold) Accident University Drive/ Ox Road Two vehicles were involved in an accident. Both drivers were transported to Fairfax Hospital. (50/Issa) Medical Assist Student Health Services Victim was feeling dizzy with high blood pressure. Victim was transported to the Fairfax Hospital for evaluation. (45/Arnold)

Dec. 2

Warrant Service Fairfax County Adult Detention Center Rachel Lee Shearer, 19 (GMU student), of Fairfax, VA was arrested on a warrant for the charge of Possession of Marijuana. She was transported to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center where she was released on a $250 unsecured bond. (40/Ross) Possession of Marijuana Shenandoah Hall Martin McDonald, 20 (GMU student), of Springfield, VA was issued a summons for Possession of Marijuana.

(16/Chandler)

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

Broadside does not make any changes to public records.

Stay healthy for exams Experts discuss safe, effective methods to prepare for finals Antonieta Rico Crime Beat Reporter

As finals week approaches students might start turning to Adderall-assisted cramming and energy-drink-fueled all nighters, but study experts have other suggestions for acing finals that do not involve legal problems or crash and burn side effects.

Adderall is a prescription medication for people with ADHD, said Mary Ann Sprouse, director of George Mason University’s Office of Alcohol, Drug and Health Education.

Some students who do not have a prescription use Adderall because they believe it helps them focus and stay alert to study for finals. Sprouse said her office sees more incidents of illegal Adderall use around finals time.

“They say it is very effective,” said Krystal Moore, a freshman communication major who admits to never having used the drug, but says she knows people who have. “They say it will help you completely concentrate in doing one task,” Moore said.

But Sprouse said student’s who do not have ADHD might be misjudging Adderall’s effect.

“For people who don’t have problems focusing or problems with attention, you are really going to primarily get just the stimulant effect of being awake,” Sprouse said.

Besides it being illegal to take Adderall without a prescription, Sprouse said it also violates Mason judicial code and has a high risk of being habit-forming.

“I just can’t say enough how dangerous it is to take somebody else’s medication,” Sprouse said.

“There have been cases of seizures from taking Adderall, because your heart rate gets so high, and heart problems and it’s just scary; you have no idea how that’s going to act in your body.”

Although finals are scheduled for next week, students can still formulate a plan to ace finals without the legal repercussions of Adderall or the jittery effects of

energy drinks.

Vicki Dominick who works at Learning Services, a section of Counseling and Psychological Services, said that students can implement the Preplanning, Listing, Activating and Evaluating strategy now to prepare for finals.

Learning Services has a worksheet available in their office or by e-mail to get students started in implementing the strategy, Dominick said.

Preplanning means that students should find out everything they can about their upcoming commitments and map them out in a calendar, Dominick said.

That includes everything from papers, to tests, to work obligations, date nights and mealtimes, she said. Once that is all captured on a calendar, students can move to the next step.

Listing means that students will write down a plan of specific things they will do to study and fulfill their obligations outlined in the preplanning stage, Dominick said. She said in this stage students have to be specific about their behavior. Instead of saying they will “study” they have to list the action, such as “write out flash cards.” Dominick said students should also specify a time and a place for the action, which will make it more likely that they will follow through. The worksheet available at Learning Services specifies that in this stage for every action students should figure out: “What will I do,” “When and Where,” “For How Long,” “Why” and “Did I do it.” Once that is completed, students can move on to the next step.

Activating means students will actually follow the plan, Dominick said. The PLAE worksheet says student’s should also “monitor whether the plan is being followed. If not, determine what is interfering and decide on changes that should be made.” The final step of the PLAE strategy is about feedback.

Evaluating means assessing why, or why not, students followed the plan, Dominick said.

Study expert offers tips for finals success College expert Cal Newport, author of “How to Win at College,” and the Study Hacks blog, also has some advice on how students can prepare for finals effectively.

“Never ‘study.’ That word is too vague,” Newport said in an e-mail. “For each class, lay out a specific set of specific actions, that, when completed, means you are done.”

He added that while following the specific actions students should avoid “passive review” such as “silently reading your notes or text book to yourself, or recopying notes.

This is a slow way to learn. Instead spend all of your time with active review; actually explaining concepts out loud, in complete sentences, without looking at your notes.”

“Once you have these specific action steps, consisting mainly of active review, start assigning the steps to specific blocks of free time. This is your study schedule. Follow it,” Newport said.

For additional resources on how to prepare for finals, as well as tips on healthy ways to deal with the stress, students can visit Learning Services, Dominick said. Learning Services has an extensive media library with resources, she added. Students can also schedule an appointment with an academic counselor for an individuaalized plan. For additional information students can go to the Learning Services website at caps.gmu.edu/learningservices/ and to request the PLAE worksheet students should email LSStaff@gmu.edu. Learning Services is located in Student Union Building I. They can be reached by phone at 703-993-2999.

Five days instead of three?

New pill prevents pregnancy after five days Antonieta Rico Crime Beat Reporter

Whether he just couldn’t pull out in time, the condom broke or you somehow forgot to use contraception, there is a new pill on sale that will help prevent an unwanted pregnancy up to five days after the unprotected deed, but it won’t prevent STDs, according to a press release Wednesday by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Women in the U.S. can now get the emergency contraceptive called “ella” with a prescription, according to the release.

Ella was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August. The other emergency contraceptives currently on sale, such as Plan B, are approved as effective for only three days after unprotected sex.

Mason Student Health Services does not currently provide

ella, but they said they do carry emergency contraception that is effective “within the first 72 hours,” according to the Student Health Services website. Student Health Services charges $25 for the emergency contraceptive and $10 for a pregnancy test which is required with the emergency contraceptive.

Calls placed to several pharmacies in the Fairfax area confirmed that none carry ella yet, but according to the press release

by Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., students can get ella online through www.KwikMed.com, “a licensed online pharmacy.”

The cost for ella is $55 and next day delivery is available through FedEx according to the KwikMed website.

The FDA press release says that ella’s “likely main effect is to inhibit or delay ovulation.” But

the ella website adds that “ella may also work by preventing attachment (of the fertilized egg) to the uterus.”

According to the FDA press release ella is not intended for use as regular birth control and listed the most common side effects as “headache, nausea, abdominal pain, pain/discomfort during menstruation (dysmenorrhea), fatigue, and dizziness,” which are comparable to the side effects of approved emergency contraceptives currently available.

Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc., said in the press release that women who suspect they are pregnant or know they are pregnant should not use ella.

For students who want to know more about the emergency contraceptive, Watson Pharmaceuticals, Inc. provided a website ella-rx.com.

Lonely Souls: some students to stay on campus over break Many will go home, some will study abroad, and then some will choose to stay behind and endure the winter ghost town. When classes end and the residences shut down on Dec. 22 George Mason University will go into hibernation mode for winter break.

“The RAs will still make their rounds, and some restaurants in the Johnson Center will still be open,” said Resident Adivsor Michelle Garafalo a sophomore majoring in government and international politics.

Even though the residences will be closed, students will still be able to stay behind, Garafalo said. Some of those staying behind are athletes, international students, and those who are working internships in the area.

Not just anyone can stay behind over winter break. Special access must be requested on the select housing.gmu.edu webpage, Garafalo said.

Skyline, Southside, Pilot House and other facilities will either follow a limited schedule or go into repose. The university will spring back to life Jan. 21, when residences re-open, and students return for the spring semester.

-Mohammad Chowhan, Broadside

Washington Post columnist to join Mason faculty Washington Post columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner Steven Pearlstein is joining the Mason faculty. Beginning in fall 2011, Pearlstein will become Clarence J. Robinson professor of Public and International Affairs. In his new role, Pearlstein will teach classes in economics, public affairs and media.

In a press release, George Mason University President Alan G. Merten welcomed the university’s newest Robinson professor. “George Mason University is pleased and proud to have Steve Pearlstein join our faculty as a Robinson professor,” Merten said.

In addition to beginning his academic work at Mason, Pearlstein will continue to write at the Washington Post, reducing his twice weekly column to once a week.

“I’m excited – and a little bit nervous – to be embarking on this new career as a college professor,” said Pearlstein in the press release. “And yet I still get to keep my hand in journalism and maintain my association with one of the world’s best news organizations.”

Pearlstein has worked at the Washington Post for 22 years. In 2008, he won the Pulitzer Prize for his columns regarding the recent financial crisis. Prior to working for the post, Pearlstein had been a reporter at WGBH-TV in Boston, an editor at Inc. magazine and founding editor and publisher of the Boston Observer.

-Adam Sylvain, Connect2Mason

Tyson's Corner tragedy has Mason tie The parents of the 2-yearold girl allegedly thrown from a fifth-story walkway by her grandmother at Tyson’s Corner Center last Monday evening had connections to Mason’s campus.

According to a Washington Post story published last Wednesday, the child’s mother is a Mason graduate and both the grandmother and her husband have worked part time as ushers at the Patriot Center.

The child died from injuries sustained in the incident and police have charged the grandmother, Carmela Dela Rosa, with murder. Dela Rosa has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Jan. 4 and is currently being held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center.

-Jordan J. Frasier, Connect2Mason

News

Broadside

Monday, December 6, 2010 |

13

2010 in photos: the best (and worst) of Mason The year is already almost over, and this is the last Broadside of 2010. Here’s a look back in photos of some of Broadside’s biggest stories of the year. Photos include their original captions.

Snowpocalypse

Obama visits Mason

photo by Peter Flint

President Obama was greeted at George Mason with mixed emotions by both a packed Patriot Center and a crowd of protestors. (From the March 22 issue)

Striking against Sodexo

photo by Peter Flint

George Mason University staff work hard to clear the snow in an effort to open classes. (From the Feb. 15 issue)

‘White powdery substance’ Emergency and university personnel gather outside Student Union Building II a er an envelope containing white powder was discovered in the mailroom Tuesday (Oct. 19) morning. The incident has since been resolved. (From the Oct. 25 issue) photo by Peter Flint

photo by George Yanez

About 100 on-campus Sodexo workers went on strike Thursday, con nuing a debate between workers and oncampus Sodexo management over the workers’ right to unionize, wages and alleged harassment on the job.

(From the April 19 issue)

Greeting FIFA

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX Photo by John Powell

George Mason University President Alan Merten was at Patriot Stadium along with Tom O’Connor, assistant vice president and director of Athletics, Greg Andrulis, men soccer’s head coach, and the men’s soccer team to greet FIFA officials as they viewed the fields. (From the Sept. 13 issue)

Wizards hold court at Mason

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NEW LATE HOURS Sunday - Thursday until 1 a.m.

Friday - Saturday until 2 a.m.

Photo By Stephen Kline

Wizards Training camp came to the Patriot Center and brought the crowd along with them. (From the Oct. 4 issue)

Now online at Dominos.com

14

| Monday, December 6, 2010

Broadside

George Mason is turning 285!

Come out to celebrate his birthday with University Life and the Office of Student Media on Thursday, Dec. 9 in the Patriot’s Lounge in SUB I from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

The event will feature food, games, prizes, music from WGMU, an appearance by The Patriot and a few words from President Alan Merten, so don’t miss it! *Check Connect2Mason for updates about the event

CLASSIFIED

Office of Student Media is moving to SUB II next semester.

Broadside, Connect2Mason, WGMU Radio, Mason Cable Network and the Literary Journals will all be located in the bottom floor of SUB II,

Help Wanted

Child Care

Due to an Expansion program, Our company AMAGALERIE CRAFT PRODUCTION COMPANY is looking for a Sales Manager and Accountant representative, for immediate employment. If you are interested Please do not hesitate to contact us for more details by email. Mr Donald Owens at Woodytextiles@aol.com

Part-Time Sitter/Nanny $20/hour: We are searching for a babysitter for our 4 month old son. Preference to applicants with/earning a grad degree in education, childhood development, speech pathology, ot/pt, or similar fields. Desired hours are 7:30 11 am on M and W, and Tues. from 7:30am-1pm. Please contact Courtney at courtney.storm@gmail.com

Child Care

next to Mail Services.

Enjoy the Holidays and come visit us next semester in our new location!

Work with Orientation and Family Programs

Childcare for Kindergarten & 5th grade girls in Mclean, Va. M-F Afternoon (20-30 hours/wk). Van will be provided to drive to activities. Must have good driving record, references, and be able to demonstrate a good role model for girls.

Contact: Anita @ 703-2441656.

Sitters Wanted. $12+/hour.

Register free for jobs at student-sitters.com

Miscellaneous Chemistry Tutor Needed for high school student. chris.bo@indererex.com Pregnant? Think about adoption as an option! Warm, loving nurse wishes to adopt a baby.

I promise a lifetime of love, happiness and security.

Contact Susanne anytime at 1-571-882-3533 www.babyloveva.com

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ALL student residences will close for As the world’s oldest and largest graduate school focused exclusively on psychology and related fields, The Chicago School gives you virtually limitless ways to put your passions to work and make a difference that matters. We offer an unrivaled range of programs to suit your unique interests and aspirations—and provide the intensive real-world training and professional mentorship you need to make your goals a reality.

• On-campus and online-blended graduate programs • Fully accredited, nonprofit institution • Recognized by the National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology

Master’s and Doctoral Areas of Study Clinical Psychology Counseling Psychology Forensic Psychology Business Psychology Applied Behavior Analysis School Psychology International Psychology Organizational Leadership

Winter Break on December 22nd at 12 pm.

Residents should plan to leave 24-hours after their last final, or by December 22nd at 12 pm… whichever comes first.

Halls will reopen for the Spring semester on January 21st at 10 am.

Call 800.721.8072 or visit thechicagoschool.edu for more information.

Visit our website for more information. housing.gmu.edu

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