WRGW Programming Suspends for Winter Break

GW Radio's programming, news coverage and blogging will resume the week of January 21st. Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a great New Year to all our listeners!

- WRGW News Department

Knapp's House is Going Green!

Going green seems to be the thing to do nowadays and GW is making no exception to the rule!

President Knapp and his family will soon be moving into the Alumni House. The historical structure is currently being renovated. New energy efficient features are being incorporated into the building. Acquired by the university in 1974, Alumni House was built in 1849 and belonged to Charles Steedman, a navy captain.

So how will this historical building be going green? First, both the windows and lights will be energy-efficient, along with the new paint and carpet. Also, the new renovations will make it handicap-accessible.

According to University spokesperson Adela de la Torre, sustainability is a way to preserve the historical value of the building.

President Knapp will be moving into the house soon, although no date has been set because permits are still being processed.

- Claire Bauchart

Commission to Address "J Street" Woes

Tired of eating at J Street? Have way to much money left and no prerogative to spend it? That may all be changing…

As reported by the GW Hatchet, university President Steven Knapp has formed a special commission to address student concerns about the J Street restaurants. The commission includes members from the general student body, the Student Association, representatives from Sodexho and the GW Parent Association. The commission is to meet once or twice a month to discuss dining concerns and is open to anyone in the GW community.

Major policy issues being discussed include mandatory spending and weekend hours. The Student Association has already been successful this year in dealing with Sodexho, including a makeover of the freezer section to include more meats, a vegan bar, providing gluten-free items, fair trade coffee and using biodegradable napkins.

Lou Katz, the Executive Vice President and Treasurer of the university, reports an increase in the number of students dining at J Street, including those not on a mandatory spending plan. However Josh Sacks, a sophomore who attended the first commission meeting, reported that mandatory spending was immediately tabled when the issue was brought up.

But for now, there’s still two weeks to try and spend that money. Good luck and happy eating!

- Maeve Duggan

"Party Patrols" Take to the DC Streets

DC Mayor Adrian Fenty had good reason to increase Metropolitan Police foot patrols and police visibility, after four people were shot and killed in the city this past weekend. Unfortunately, there is an indication that this positive initiative could affect DC college students.

The non-student residents of the Georgetown and Burleith areas have been known to complain about noise and out-of-control parties in the past. After all, these two neighborhoods border Georgetown University and many of their fellow residents are students.

Metropolitan police has recently used the foot patrols as an excuse to crack down on these noise complaints via what have been labeled “party patrols.” Officials claim police will only interfere with parties when they can hear noise from the sidewalk and in the case of boisterous Georgetown students walking the streets. The offenders will be cited for disturbing the peace.

The question remains, however, as to exactly what the definition of “noise” is, and who will be the judge of the rowdiness of a party.

George Washington students could be affected by the initiative, in the event that these “foot patrols” make their way to Foggy Bottom and the West End.

- Julie Hyman

Democrats Get Fired Up at DNC

With election season in full throttle, the Democratic National Committee met last week in Vienna, Virginia to prepare for the upcoming months. The meeting, just a short Metro ride from GW, attracted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and presidential candidates John Edwards, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Dennis Kucinich and Bill Richardson – each of whom addressed dozens of spectators, 400 delegates and over 250 members of the national and international press. Most of the candidates spoke on the same issues including unemployment, ethics, healthcare, education and the war in Iraq.

During the meeting, former senator John Edwards declared, “America needs a fighter.” Obama proclaimed, “Our moment is now.” Kucinich touted workers rights, Richardson demanded the creation of more jobs, and Senator Biden practically asked for the nomination saying, “I can’t wait for that fight, I can’t wait to debate Romney, or Thompson, I can hardly wait for Rudy. I want it. I relish it. And I will win it.”

Senator Hillary Clinton was preparing to speak inside the Sheraton premiere, but was whisked away by Secret Service agents following a bomb threat in her New Hampshire campaign office. Senator Chris Dodd was campaigning in Iowa.

The meeting lasted all weekend and hosted meetings, caucuses, forums and activities to prepare the delegates for the road ahead.

Below is a clip from an impromptu speech by Senator Barack Obama.

- Jesse Regis

"Hellwell" Will Open to Public

The DC Zoning Commission’s decision to expand membership to Lerner Health and Wellness Center has some GW students worried about security, overcrowding and a lost sense of community.

The decision was unanimous and will give out at least 300 membership passes: 250 for area alumni and 50 for local Foggy Bottom residents. There had been rumors of Lerner opening up to the public for some time now. Well, you can expect to see the change early in 2008.

Sophomore Brianna Casciello, who works at the gym, believes the decision may have negative effects. “The gym is so popular and busy already. With the 300 something memberships they are giving out, I sense there are going to be battles over machines and gym equipment. I don’t think it is the best idea.”

Andre Julien, Lerner’s assistant athletic director, has similar concerns. He is supposedly hoping to buy more cardiovascular equipment and add more classes to accommodate the extra gym memberships.

Hopefully, this change will encourage positive relations between Foggy Bottom residents and the GW community. In the meantime, try not to go to the gym if you are in a rush!

- Connie Dekis

D.C. Holiday Happenings

December has arrived, the holidays are upon us and Washington is celebrating in style!

The Washington Post released its holiday guide last week and it is chock full of yuletide spirit. For those musicians out there, there are a ton of musical events to check out. On December 17st at 8:00 p.m. the Kennedy Center will host the annual Messiah Sing-A-Long. Also, don’t miss the Rockapella Holiday event on December 8th at George Mason University. The concert will feature a five-man a capella group signing jazz, rock and classic versions of your holiday favorites. Finally, check out the All-Star Christmas Day Jazz Jam at the Kennedy Center. Local jazz musicians will be jamming and jazzing up your holiday!

Other great events are also happening in the D.C. area. On December 5th, swing by Pentagon Row for free horse and carriage rides, photos with Santa, carolers, and the ice skating rink! Lastly, if you want something unique to give your friends for the holidays this year, stop by the Downtown Holiday Market running from the 7th until the 23rd. Toys, ornaments and other crafts can be found outside the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the National Portrait Gallery’s F Street entrance.

So take a break from studying for your finals and join in the holiday cheer!

For more information and to learn about other events, check out the holiday guide at Washingtonpost.com.

- Maeve Duggan