SA RESULTS LIVE FROM THE BALLROOM!

Hey folks,

9:08pm
Guest blogger David Earl here saying good evening from the Marvin Center's Grand Ballroom. Candidates and their minions are waiting eagerly for election results. We're live here with WRGW, joined by News Director Mallory Thompson, Sports Director Frank Dale, Hatchet Editor David Ceasar, and currently joined by Brand Kroeger, current SA EVP.
A few notes:
- Team Aswani is sitting front and (right) center, about three rows deep. Vishal Aswani is in fact sporting purple hair to match his shirts. It looks, well, interesting.
- Elliot Bell-Krasner (EBK) is marching around the room. We don't know what he's really saying. It comes out as random noises
- The JEC, under the direction of Tim Miller, is currently huddled up. They're doing their pep talk. They seem pumped.

More on the way! SAing.

9:15pm
Brand Kroeger, when asked what candidates he supported, he rattled off the fraternity brothers of his that he supports, and chose not to endorse a Presidential or EVP Candidate. He did say, though that there were Presidential candidates who "did things negatively" and candidates who "did things positively."

Calls to mind the problems that he had with OG Oyiborhoro this year, with the accusations of racism, and Kevin Kozlowski, who has established himself as the candidate to continue the legacy of Brand Kroeger and Nicole Capp. See if we can't get more out of him for the remainder of the night.

9:31
People are milling about, doing a whole lot of tnothing while the Joint Elections Comittee also seems to be wandering themselves. A humorous little tidbit: Tarek al-Hariri was caught depositing $1 in the JEC "Swear Jar," we're all excited.

9:42
Took a walk over to see how the JEC was doing, and was promptly told to turn around, there was work going on. Must admit, its difficult to decipher what that work is.

It doesn't show many signs that these election results will come remarkably quickly. While the JEC did have the benefit of almost exclusively online voting this year, the JEC members have said little to nothing. Apparently there was only one paper ballot, but there is the pesky need to count write-in votes. OG Oyiborho is expected to have a substantial number of write-in votes.

9:57pm
Interesting point, there has been no sign of OG. He has not yet joined us here in the Grand Ballroom Ballroom.

9:58pm
Just as we brought it up, OG has joined us in the Grand Ballroom. He has come in quietly, and is only joined by a handful of friends. There are no OG t-shirts a la Vishal and Kevin, and no crowd surrounding like Tarek has enjoyed a good portion of the evening.

JEC Members are drifting right now, hard to see what's really going on.

10:07pm
Brand Kroeger has been with us here live, and, when we mentioned that Lamar Thorpe had walked into the room, Brand insinuated that the crowd was likely talking about accusations of sexual harassment. Yikes.

10:28pm
Wandering around the room, we found Presidential candidate Kevin Kozlowski sitting in a chair in the hallway outside of the continental ballroom, draped in his jacket. It looks like the campaign has taken a toll on him. He's currently sick as a dog. Stuffed up and exhausted, I joked with him that he looked like FDR in his final months.

Campaigning has left candidates weary. Vishal hasn't moved from his seat in nearly two hours, and seems pretty dazed. OG, often a very animated guy who knows how to work a room, is literally silently huddled with his supporters near the back of the room, with a group that includes former President Thorpe. Tarek seems to be in good spirits, but is certainly not bouncing around the room.

The JEC does not seem to be close to announcing just yet, and students are getting anxious. Steve Glatter, current President Nicole Capp's Chief of Staff, said that they are currently counting write-in votes, and had the opportunity to shed a little light on the OG write-in campaign. It seems that students had to have made an attempt to write the last name of "Oyiborhoro," and would be given the benefit of the doubt. "OG," "O G," etc. would NOT be counted. We'll see what that means. OG had been asking supporters to simply copy and paste his name into the ballot. Time will tell if that works for him.

10:37pm
JEC Chairman Ben Balter announces we're "10-15 minutes" from knowing the results.

10:48pm
An anonymous JEC member has just told me that Vishal won "at least 75%" of the law school vote, typically a HUGE voting block here on campus. This could mean major, major things for this election. We'll have to see if a run-off is necessary.

10:49pm
Hannah Byam, General Manager of WRGW, here and it looks like the JEC just voted to accept the results - we're standing by to see what that means for our wait here tonight.

10:57pm
The candidates and their campaigns have more clearly defined their "territory" within the Grand Ballroom. Kozlowski and team are subdued, as their candidate is feeling very under the weather and that seems to have quieted them all. The purple of Vishal's camp adds an interesting visual energy; equally enjoying themselves are the Boyer (for EVP) camp. Each campaign clearly has its own personality
Also around the room, JEC Chair Ben Balter has been walking around working the room, but Tim Miller just called him back behind the line. Getting closer to news, perhaps??

11:02pm
With three exaggerated winks, JEC Chair Ben Balter tells us about "five minutes, about five minutes."

11:07pm
Tim Miller, joining us on-air, shares that the JEC must vote on questions of the "intent of the voter" - this is particularly important in this contest, as it sounds like "OG" and clear attempts at spelling his name are being counted as votes for Oyiborhoro.

11:15pm
The crowd just reminded Tim Miller & the JEC that the 10 - 15 minutes announced nearly 45 minutes ago had clearly passed. This is not news to Miller or the JEC ... it would be interesting to know what the hold-up is, and if perhaps it is a result of the OG question.

Also, a football game has broken out in the Ballroom. Thank goodness we have Frank Dale, our sports director up here to give a play-by-play.

11:28pm
Dave again - Jay Kaplan and Brand Kroeger have just been called forward, it looks like we could be nearing our final moments of the campaign. I'm not going to lie, I'm tired, and would love to get out of here.

11:39pm
Final Moments? We here at WRGW don't lie, or get things wrong, we just have different definitions of the word "final moments." Yet, finally, the time has come.

The RESULTS: 4390 voting (5 more than OG has friends on facebook)

Senate:
CPS:
Michelle Tanney (36%)

SMHS:
JP Simon
Muhammed Ali

Grad- SHHS:
4-Way Tie. Will update when we get all the names.

UGrad-SHHS:
8-Way Tie. Will update soon.

G-SEAS:
Juan Falquez

U-SEAS:
Andrew Breest

G-ESIA:
Bianca Garcia

U-ESIA:
Patrick Hanley
and two others we didn't catch in the applause
(update: Ernesto Apreza & Louis Laverone)

GSEHD:
Archie Kuburubia
Two-way tie: Josh Hartman & Adrienne Williams

U-Business:
Dan Price
Rice Holman

CCAS-U:
Julie Bindelglass
Mike Komo
Chris Pappas
Christopher Borchert
Lee Barakalow
Logan Dobson

Grad-At Large:
Arsenio Rodriguez
Ricardo Pineres

U-At-Large:
Nick Polk
Rob Lockwood

Law School:
Arsenio Rodriguez
Ricardo Pineres

PB-Vice Chair:
Elissa Davis (63%)

PB-Chair:
Tiffany Meehan (54%)

G-MCGB:
Mike Vogel

U-MCGB:
James Barnes
Melissa Meyer
Shaun Prapaisilp
Ethan Elser

Executive Vice-President:
Kyle Boyer

SA President Run-Off Candidates:
Vishal Aswani (37.2%)
Kevin Kozlowski (30.3%)

We'll post in full very soon. Update: Official certified results can be found here.

11:52PM
Early Reflections:

It looks like Vishal and Kevin, the two candidates for a run-off, are going to be a part of a moderately close race. Vishal was only 2.8% from winning the election outright, but Kevin only trailed by 7% in the general election.

The run-off should be interesting. Expect OG Oyiborhoro to throw support to the Aswani campaign, as it is evident that he believes Kozlowski was directly responsible for his being kicked off the ballot in the first place.

Nearly a third of the campus is up for grabs, and it should be an interesting election on March 11 and 12. Generally, turnout for the run-off is significantly lower, but this election should shape up to very interesting...

Thanks everyone. We'll polish up this results as soon as we can, and we're happy to be out by midnight. Check out www.gwradio.com to hear our interviews with Vishal and Kyle live!

SA Elections Returns

WRGW News will be broadcasting the elections returns live tonight. Tune in to www.gwradio.com starting around 8:30 for the returns, interviews with candidates and analysis provided by WRGW and members of the GW Hatchet.

Hillary Clinton Barnstorms GW

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton and her campaign rolled into The George Washington University yesterday.

She held a scheduled address on foreign policy at the Jack Morton Auditorium and an evening rally at Lisner that raised nearly $200,000 to fuel her fight for the nomination.

Clinton has lost that last eleven primaries to Senator Barack Obama, including Washington D.C. However, according to polls, she is the current leader in Ohio and Texas, which will hold their primaries next month.

- Jared Pliner

GW students with Senator Hillary Clinton after the fundrasing event in Lisner Auditorium Monday night.

Photos courtesy of WRGW's Jesse Regis.

Fundraising Event Includes Special Guest

Democratic Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton had a little bit of glitter added to her campaign by comedian Ellen DeGeneres during a fundraising event at The George Washington University.

Clinton hoped to raise money from her Washington, D.C. donor base for a tough string of primary contests in March. Supporters packed Lisner Auditorium to see the Senator as she spoke about the future of her campaign. She said, “Some people think about the next election, I think about the next generation.”

Clinton’s campaign hopes to generate excitement among young voters, a demographic that has played well for her opponent, Senator Barack Obama.

As a surprise to the audience, talk show host Ellen DeGeneres joined the event via video. She jokingly asked Clinton if she would ban glitter as President because it was so messy. The Senator responded that school children needed it for their special projects, but that “maybe we ban glitter for anyone over 12.”

DeGeneres then got serious and asked Clinton if she thought she could change the momentum of the campaign by seizing victory in the March primaries - even after 11 straight losses to Obama. Clinton responded, “We’re going to win Ohio and Michigan! We’re going to win Ohio and Texas! We already won Michigan!”

-Lex Ratner

Cab Strikes Hit the District

Many of the city’s 6,000 taxi cab drivers walked off the job last week in protest of anticipated changes in the way they charge customers. This is the second protest since February 4th.

The controversy stems from a recent decision by District of Columbia Mayor Adrian M. Fenty who is mandating the change. As a result of his decision, April 6 marks the date when meter fare will replace the zone system that currently charges riders based on the number of regions that are crossed.

Currently D.C. is the only major city in the U.S. to use a zone system. The meter system would instead resemble that used in Chicago, Denver, and New York City.

The decision goes against the will of many drivers who prefer a more independent, less-calculated way of doing business. Drivers also fear less frequent service to local neighborhoods given the anticipated fare increase to these areas. Instead, drivers will concentrate in the downtown area and near transportation hubs like Union Station where there is a steady customer base.

While controversial, the switch may actually benefit GW students. According to a fare calculator provided by the Washington Post, the 4.7 mile trip from Capitol Hill to Foggy Bottom would cost $10.50 under normal traffic conditions. It would have cost $11.00 with the zone system.

One of the arguments, however, is that the zone fare is consistent regardless of traffic conditions and idling time. Capitol Hill to Foggy Bottom taxi service for the same trip would cost $11.25 under heavy traffic conditions, while the zone price would have remained $11.00.

It is unclear whether drivers will continue to protest the Mayor’s controversial decision, but the Coalition of Cab Drivers, Companies and Associations of Washington D.C. has given no indication otherwise.

- Jesse Regis

GW Baseball to Play at Nationals Ballpark

GW's baseball team will be breaking in the new National's field before opening day, according to the Washington Post.

On March 22nd, GW will take on St. Joseph's eight days before the Nat's season opener against the Atlanta Braves on March 30th.

Although no formal announcements have been made, the Post's sources say that only GW and St. Joe's fans will be able to attend. The game will serve as a "dress rehearsal" for the vendors and stadium employees.

Also, the Nationals announced the local vendors that they would be bringing in for food service. Included in that line-up is Ben's Chili Bowl, Boardwalk Fries, Cantina Marina, Gifford's Ice Cream & Candy, Kosher Sports, Krazee Ice, Hard Times Cafe, La Piccola Gelateria, Mayorga Coffee, barbecue from Red, Hot & Blue, and Noah's Pretzels.

- Mallory Thompson

Ogheneruemu Oyiborhoro, Write-In Candidate for SA President

OG Oyiborhoro joined the Friday news broadcasters in-studio to talk about his write-in campaign for the SA presidency. Oyiborhoro is running because he feels students are apathetic towards student government due to its bureaucracy. "Its important that every single student on this campus, whether undergraduate or graduate, involved or not involved, whoever you are, has a voice to be heard to the administration," he said.

OG's Interview

Tarek Al-Hariri, Candidate for SA President

Tarek Al-Hariri joined Friday's WRGW news to talk about his campaign for SA president. Al-Hariri is running on a platform called GW ACE - standing for advocating, creating and enriching. He believes that, GW needs to create more programs and change the way the funding is divided to enrich the GW experience by giving every student a chance.

Tarek's Interview

Logan Dobson, Cadidate for SA CCAS-U Senator

Logan Dobson visited WRGW studios for last Thursday's news show. He is a candidate for one of the Student Association's Columbian College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate senate positions.

Dobson's main purpose in running is to help students become more trustful of the Student Association and how they handle the apportionment of money. "With the recent pass of the student fee increase, the SA has more of the student's money than ever," he said. "If elected, I want to make sure that when the SA doles out money to various projects, I want to make sure that they remember they are spending student money and not just some arbitrary big pot of gold that the university hands them."

Logan Dobson's Interview

Bomb Scare Shakes Mt. Vernon

Last Tuesday marked a very tense time at the Mount Vernon campus, when a bomb threat was phoned in to an academic building Here’s how the story goes: a staff member contacted police after she received a brief, non-specific threat that a bomb was going to detonate nearby. The building was soon evacuated by UPD and swept for explosives by MPD K-9 units. The sweep, of course, was negative for such devices.

UPD Inspector Mark Balazik spoke to GW Radio about the scare. He noted that protocol was followed to the ‘t’ in this particular scenario. Normal procedure demands that a threat be called in to University Police, who then proceed to evacuate the affected area. But what begs further examination is what happens next. Depending on the specificity of the threat, Metropolitan Police are contacted; they can either elect to sweep with the use of trained dogs or call in an explosives unit if a device is discovered.

As Inspector Balazik told GW Radio a call that says, for example, “There is C-4 under such and such a stairwell and I’m doing this for such and such a reason,” demands a higher degree of concern and, of course, a higher degree of response. But what happens if the threat is non-specific, yet legitimate? This revelation has startled some students, such as freshman Amy D’Onofrio, who covers crime for The Hatchet. She maintains that all threats should be treated equally and as if they are all sincere.

Now, Inspector Balazik said that these threats are now extremely rare. In fact, they used to happen more frequently in the years immediately following 9/11. But in the wake of the tragedies at both Virginia Tech last year and Northern Illinois University last week, many are on edge (and constant alert), wondering where and when another will strike.

- Jared Pliner

Law and Order: GWU

Here’s what happened in crime on campus this past week:

Up first, the United States Secret Service (uniformed division) contacted University Police after an officer caught sight of a GW student urinating on a vehicle near the White House. The student was eventually returned to campus; the case is in the hands of SJS tonight.

Next, a drug bust out of Thurston…UPD received an anonymous complaint of a suspicious odor emanating from a room. Upon arrival, officers found four male subjects smoking marijuana. The community director was notified and an administrative search yielded 1.9 grams of marijuana, trace amounts of cocaine and LSD. All this took place at around 8:30 in the evening.

An incredibly bizarre and disturbing case on 22^nd and I streets…a female subject contacted University Police after she witnessed an unidentified male “handling” himself inappropriately. Surprisingly, the onlooker reported that it appeared as if the subject was engaging in sexual intercourse with a tree. The male claimed that he was just going to the bathroom on it; MPD transported the individual to DC General for observation.

And last, but certainly not least, a drug bust out of Fulbright yields a staggering surprise…a patrol officer doing rounds of the building smelled a suspicious odor emanating from a room; the community director was contacted and an administrative search was performed. UPD confiscated paraphernalia and nearly 7 ounces (198 grams; ½ pound; $2,300 value). 5 subjects were arrested and charged with intent to distribute.

- Jared Pliner

Basketball Update

The GW men’s basketball team lost to St. Louis last Wednesday night, 63-38. St. Louis was a season-best 14 for 27 from the 3-point range in the second meeting against the Colonials. They lost to GW 49-20 back on January 10^th at the Smith Center. In that game, St. Louis set the record for the lowest score in shot clock history. The Colonials were held to 26.9 percent shooting, have lost 8 of 9 and are 0-10 on the road. Rob Diggs had 14 points, but was 5 for 14 shooting.

The Colonials’ record now stands at 6-14 overall, and 2-8 in the A-10 conference. They have dropped to 13^th place in the A-10 since UMASS beat Fordham University on Thursday 74-72. For the first time, they are on the verge of not making the A-10 tournament. The Colonials will need at least two wins in their last six games to be eligible for the conference tournament. The men’s team earned a critical victory when they defeated St. Bonaventure on Saturday, 80-71.

In other news, the 14^th ranked GW women’s basketball team beat UMASS last Wednesday night, 69-45. Jessica Adair scored 14 points to lead four George Washington players in double figures. Whitney Allen had 13 points and 11 rebounds while Sarah Jo Lawrence scored 12 and Jasmine Adair added 11. The Colonials played without starting point-guard Kimberly Beck, who was sick, ending her streak of 107 starts and 119 games played. But GW didn’t miss a beat – the Colonials won their 20^th game for the 9^th straight season and 17^th of the last 18 seasons. They are now 20-4 overall, and 8-1 in the A-10 conference.

All GW men and women’s basketball games (home and away) can be heard on only one station – GW Radio, broadcasting on the web at gwradio.com!

- Lyle Leitelt

Music Minute

Top 5 Songs on iTunes:

1) "Low" by Flo' Rida
2)"Don’t Stop the Music" by Rihanna
3) "Love Song" by Sara Barellies
4) "With You" by Chris Brown
5) "See You Again" by Miley Cyrus

Upcoming CD Releases:

Janet Jackson "Discipline"
The Black Crows "War Paint"
Flogging Molly "Float"
Alan Jackson "Good Time"
Michael McDonald "Soul Speak"
Simon and Garfunkel "Live 1969"
Van Morrison "Keep it Simple"
The B-52’s "Fun Plex"
Counting Crows "Saturday Night and Sunday Mornings"
Panic at the Disco "Pretty.Odd"
REM "Accelerate"

Upcoming Concerts:

Mary J. Blige and Jay Z at the Verizon Center
RadioHead at the Nissan Pavilion
Tracy Morgan at Lisner Auditorium
Flogging Molly at Rams Head Live
Van Halen at the First Mariner Marina
The Jonas Brothers featuring Rooney at the Patriot Center
Margaret Cho at the Warner Theatre
Avril Lavigne at the Patriot Center
Chris Rock at DAR Constitution Hall
"Country Mega Ticket" featuring Tim McGraw and Sugarland at the Nissan Pavilion
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at the Nissan Pavilion
Panic at the Disco at DAR Constitution Hall

- Taylor Barnes

Law & Order: GWU

In campus crime this past week:

Up first, a bizarre case out of Crawford…University Police and EMERG responded to a complaint that a male resident was bleeding profusely from his hand. Upon arrival, the subject admitted to officers that that he was intoxicated and had punched his fist through a glass door. The individual was evaluated and transported to the GW Hospital for medical attention.

Next, a case of a roommate dispute out of Thurston has a few scratching their heads…UPD was called to settle a confrontation between two male roommates that had turned violent. One of the individuals involved reported to officers that he had been bitten in the arm. The second roommate could not be immediately located upon arrival, but was eventually found elsewhere in the building. He was summarily arrested and MPD transported him to the 2^nd District. He is charged with simple assault.

And last, but certainly not least, an odd story that takes place off campus (for the most part). A male unaffiliated with GW called University Police to inform them that he was being stalked by a female GW student. He reported that the female would show up at his residence, call, email and express interest in pursuing a relationship. He repeatedly rebuffed her attempts and filed a criminal complaint all the way in Baltimore – where he lives.

- Jared Pliner

Hollywood Update: The Strike is OVER!

It's slowly returning to business as usual in Hollywood this week. Following an agreement reached this weekend between the Writer's Guild of America and the producers, the long strike is over.

Showrunners returned to work on Monday and writers started back yesterday with production set to begin on new episodes in the next couple of weeks. The deal agreed upon gives the writers a share of the digital distribution rights they sought, though subsequent analysis has many questioning who the winner of the strike will be in the long-run.

Writers and many others are declaring the show of solidarity a resounding success, but the strike forced networks to fill the airways with cheap reality programing that has preformed relatively well in the ratings. Now studios are promising to spend less on pilots in the future.

The strike disrupted production on several shows that will not return this season. Including ratings powerhouses "24" and "Heros." The cost of the strike, which began November 5th, was crippling to the economy in Southern California. Estimates are at $2 billion, which is quadruple the damaged that the 1988 writer's strike caused.

- Jason Levin

Lack of Space for Theatre Groups

Problems are still plaguing student theater groups after officials prohibited many future performances at the Lisner Downstage.

According to reports, the noise produced by the shows allegedly interferes with performances in the main auditorium. Student run fundraising efforts will begin shortly in an effort to sound proof the Lisner downstage, but the costly project may be an obstacle, according to The Hatchet.

Earlier this week students came together to support the Pelham Hall theater slated for completion by 2010, as well as the remodeling of the Mitchell Theater, but questions over space are certain to continue until then.

The Mount Vernon Pelham Hall project concerns some who worry that its location away from the Foggy Bottom campus may affect attendance and revenue.

Meanwhile GW allegedly invested $5,000 into a sound system at the theater located in Mitchell Hall. The investment is part of a remodeling effort to improve the space and get the rock-opera “Tommy” underway within the upcoming weeks.

-Jesse Regis

Delayed Opening

Icy condidtions have caused the University to announce a delay in classes for this morning. Classes and administrative offices on all GW campuses will open at 10am.

Student Association, Marvin Center, Program Board Candidates Announced

SA President
* Vishal Aswani
* Tarek Al-Hariri
* Kevin Kozlowski
* Ogheneruemu Oyiborhoro

SA Executive Vice President
* Kyle Boyer
* Raven Burnett
* Edward O’Neil

CCAS-U Senator
* Lee Barkalow
* Julie Bindelglass
* Christopher Borchert
* Logan Dobson
* Carl Preston Fisher
* Michael Komo
* Maury Nolen
* Christopher Pappas

ESIA-U Senator
* Ernesto Aprezza
* Patrick Hanley
* Loius Lawrence

SEAS-U Senator
* Andrew Breest

SoB-U Senator
* Daniel Preiss

U at Large Senator
* Shawn Dejbaksh
* Rob Lockwood
* Nick Polk
* Michael Rabinowitz

Marvin Center GB-U
* James Barnes
* Ethan Elser
* Melissa Meyer
* Shayn Prapaisilp

Program Board Chair
* Tiffany Meehan
* Kate Prescott

Program Board Vice Chair
* Elissa Davis
* Callie Messerole

GW Basketball Weekend Wrap-Up

On Saturday, the GW men’s basketball team beat Dayton 57-54 at the Charles E. Smith center. Wynton Witherspoon hit a 3-pointer with 1.9 seconds remaining to give GW the lead, snapping the Colonials' seven-game losing streak. Rob Diggs scored a career-high 29 points and had 11 rebounds for the Colonials. Senior Captain Maureece Rice did not score for the second straight game. He entered the game averaging 11.1 points. GW led 26-14 late in the first half and 30-25 at halftime. Neither team led by more than five points in the second half. The most talked about play of the night was Rob Diggs alley-oop dunk. The play was featured on ESPN Sportcenter as the top play. The Colonials now hit the road for the next two weeks - their next match is at St. Louis on Wednesday.

On Sunday, the number 13th ranked GW women’s basketball team defeated Richmond at 78-51. Jessica Adair scored 27 points; Kim Beck scored 18. It was the 501st career victory for George Washington Coach Joe McKeown, who was honored before the game and with a halftime video tribute in recognition of his 500th victory, which came in the Colonials' 73-65 win at Duquesne on Feb. 2. In the game, the Colonials scored 28 points off of 24 turnovers. George Washington was 23 for 28 from the free throw line, setting season highs for percentage (82.1) and free throws made. Adair was 11 for 12 from the line. The 27-point margin of victory was the largest for GW in a conference game this season. The women will be on the road this week, with their next game at the University of Massachusetts on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of the Hatchet.

- Lyle Leitelt

BJ Novak Gets Laughs at Lisner

On Friday, February 8th, BJ Novak - stand-up comedian and star of the popular NBC sitcom "The Office," performed at GW’s Lisner Auditorium. In addition to staring in “The Office," Novak is a producer for the show and has appeared in movies like “Reign Over Me” and “Knocked Up."

Novak’s performance was part of the program board’s “Winter Hoopla,” which celebrates GW’s basketball teams.

Dan Mintz was Novak's opening act. Mintz is expected to have his own Comedy Central special some time next month.

Novak’s routine lasted for an hour, with most of his jokes consisting of childhood nostalgia. He also performed with ‘shy puppet’ and a briefcase full of jokes that were, supposedly, never heard before. After his performance, Novak remained in the Lisner Auditorium lobby for a "meet and greet," signing autographs and taking pictures with adoring fans.

- Lyle Leitelt

Music Minute

Top Five Songs on iTunes:
1. "New Soul" by Yael Naim
2. "Low" by Flo Rida
3. "Don’t Stop The Music" by Rihanna
4. "Love Song" by Sara Bareilles
5. "With You" by Chris Brown

Top 5 Albums on iTunes:
1. "Sleep Through the Static" by Jack Johnson
2. "Detours" by Sheryl Crow
3. "It is Time for a Love Revolution" by Lenny Kravitz
4. "Greatest Hits" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
5. "Juno" [Music from the motion picture] by Various Artists

The DC Concert Scene:
*Jonas Brothers with Rooney at the Patriot Center
*Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige at the Verizon Center
*Chris Rock at DAR Constitution Hall
*Barry Manilow at the Verizon Center
*Avril Lavigne at the Patriot Center
*Toby Keith at the First Mariner Arena

- Taylor Barnes

Polls

WRGW News Poll

Release: September 29^th, 2009

National Issues, Campus Issues, Student Association Approval

September 25-28, 2009

1. Survey Demographics

Gender
Male	44.9%
Female	55.1%

Class
Freshmen	27.2%
Sophomore	27.9%
Junior	25.0%
Senior	15.4%
Graduate	4.4%

School
Columbian	58.1%
Elliot	20.6%
Business	14.0%
Medical	2.9%
Law	0.7%
Other	3.7%

Note: School of Media and Public Affairs counted as Columbian College.

Greek Status
Non-Greek	75.7%
Greek	24.2%

Political Affiliation
Democrat	52.2%
Republican	14.0%
Independent	27.9%
Other	5.2%

2. National Issues

Obama Approval
Excellent	13.4%
Good	62.7%
Fair	18.7%
Poor	5.2%

Original Question: How would you rate the way President Barack Obama is handling his job as President?

Obama Approval
Favorable	76.1%
Unfavorable	23.9%

Favorable Numbers were attained by adding the “excellent” and “good” responses into a “favorable” category and adding the “fair” and “poor” responses into an “unfavorable” category.

Health Care Reform
Favor	42.2%
Oppose	20.0%
Undecided/Don’t Know	37.8%

Original Question: As of right now, do you favor or oppose the healthcare reforms proposed by President Obama and the congressional Democrats?

3. Campus Issues

Michelle Obama Community Service Challenge
Good For Community	83.0%
Politicizing	8.2%
Don’t Know/No Opinion	8.9%

Original Question: As you may have heard, on September 11, 2009, First Lady Michelle Obama challenged GW students to complete 100,000 hours of community service and in return Obama promised to be GW’s commencement speaker this year.  Do you think Michelle Obama’s challenge is good for the community and University, or is she politicizing community service, as suggested by Young Americans Foundation (YAF)?

Getting H1N1 at GW
Very Concerned	8.9%
Moderately Concerned	30.4%
Not Too Concerned	36.3%
Not At All Concerned	24.4%

Original Question: As a GW student, how concerned are you of contracting the H1N1 virus, commonly known as the swine flu?

4. Student Association Approval

Votes in SA Election (first round)
Kyle Boyer	22.2%
Julie Bindelglass	15.2%
Nick Polk	12.1%
Someone Else	3.0%
Did Not Vote	47.5%

Note: Non-Freshmen Only

Original Question: To Non-Freshman Students: Who did you vote for in last February’s Student Association presidential election (first round)?

Votes in SA Election (first round, voters only)
Kyle Boyer	42.3%
Julie Bindelglass	28.8%
Nick Polk	23.1%
Someone Else	5.8%

Note: Non-Freshmen Only

Boyer Kicked Off Ballot by JEC
Fairly	17.4%
Unfairly	42.9%
Don’t Know/No Opinion	39.8%

Note: Non-Freshmen Only

Original Question: To Non-Freshman Students: Do you think Kyle Boyer was fairly or unfairly removed from the runoff ballot in last February’s Student Association presidential election for exceeding campaign spending limits?

Vishal Aswani- Retrospective Job Approval Rating
Excellent	2.0%
Good	9.2%
Fair	22.4%
Poor	34.7%
Don’t Know/No Opinion	31.6%

Note: Non-Freshmen Only

Original Question: To Non-Freshman Students: How would you rate the overall job performance of former Student Association President Vishal Aswani during the last academic year?

Vishal Aswani – Retrospective Job Approval Rating
Favorable	16.4%
Unfavorable	83.6%

Favorable Numbers were attained by adding the “excellent” and “good” responses into a “favorable” category and adding the “fair” and “poor” responses into an “unfavorable” category.  “Don’t Know/No Opinion” answers were removed, and the percentages were recalculated.

Student Association Approval (Non-Freshmen Only)
Excellent	2.0%
Good	22.4%
Fair	19.4%
Poor	35.7%
No Opinion	20.4%

Original Question: To Non-Freshman Students: How would you rate the overall job performance of former Student Association President Vishal Aswani during the last academic year?

Student Association Approval (Freshmen Only)
Favorable	78.4%
Unfavorable	8.1%
No Opinion	16.2%

Favorable Numbers were attained by adding the “excellent” and “good” responses into a “favorable” category and adding the “fair” and “poor” responses into an “unfavorable” category.

Student Association Approval (Non-Freshmen)
Favorable	24.5%
Unfavorable	55.1%
No Opinion	20.4%

Favorable Numbers were attained by adding the “excellent” and “good” responses into a “favorable” category and adding the “fair” and “poor” responses into an “unfavorable” category.

ABC News Anchor Coming to SMPA

The School of Media and Public Affairs here at the George Washington University will welcome ABC News’ George Stephanopoulos to the Jack Morton Auditorium this coming Tuesday, February 12th at 7:00 p.m.

SMPA professor and CNN correspondent Frank Sesno will host the evening and moderate a discussion.

Stephanopoulos is ABC News’ Chief Washington Correspondent and has hosted ABC’s Sunday morning program This Week since 2002. He graduated second in his class from Columbia University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and was a Rhodes Scholar, earning a master’s degree in theology from Balliol College at Oxford. He was a political advisor to the 1992 Clinton presidential campaign and later White House communications director. He is the author of the 1999 best-selling memoir All Too Human: A Political Education.

This event is sold out; doors open for all ticket-holders at 6:15 p.m. and all guests are asked to be seated by 6:45.

- Jared Pliner

Law & Order: GWU

A drug case out of the International House…after receiving an anonymous tip suggesting drug activity, the community director performed an administrative search in the presence of UPD officers. GW Radio has learned from an inspector within UPD, that several items were confiscated from the scene including: prescription and over the counter pills and a plastic straw which field-tested positive for cocaine. The case is in the hands of SJS.

Next, an incident on 24th and I leaves the complainants in a very messy situation – literally. University and Metropolitan police responded to a call that two subjects were throwing food items out of a window in the Elise apartment complex. Two complainants reported that they were hit with vinegar that was tossed from a window. When police arrived, two individuals were seen exiting the premises, one of whom was positively identified by the victims. The suspect male was briefly detailed, but claimed no involvement in the incident.

And last, but most certainly not least – a bewildering story out of Gutheridge Hall…Metropolitan Police were called by a female resident who reported that she was summoned to her door by someone knocking frantically. Upon opening the door and repeatedly asking the female acquaintance to leave, the individual, unaffiliated with the university, forced her way through the doorway and into the room. A heated confrontation ensued, culminating in the subject grabbing a butcher’s knife from the kitchen and threatening the GW student. The suspect then retreated to the street where she smashed taillights on the victim’s motor vehicle before taking off on foot. An arrest warrant was issued by MPD on the charge of assault with a dangerous weapon…the resident eventually dropped those charges. GW Radio was not able to learn how the suspect and victim are acquainted.

- Jared Pliner

SA Election Update

Below is a feature segment from WRGW's News Director Mallory Thompson.  Previewing candidates SA Senator Kevin Kozlowski, SA Senator OG Oyiborhoro, SA Senator Vishal Aswani and Peace Forum president Tarek al-Hariri, this piece serves as the kick off to the Student Association election season.

Students have until Monday until the filing process is complete for all SA, Marvin Center and Program board positions.

 SA Election Update

Vishal Aswani Announces Candidacy

On Wednesday night's news show, SA Senator Vishal Aswani and Business Director here at WRGW announced his bid for 2008- 2009 SA President.

Aswani is a junior in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and is the House Proctor of 2034 G Street.

In his announcement, Aswani pledged to be "a voice for all students" and to "fight for their rights." If elected he plans to work on improving school dining options, greening the university, and strengthening the university as a community - not just as a higher place of learning.

As for his competition, SA Senator junior Kevin Kozlowski, SA Senator junior OG Oyiborhoro, and Peace Forum organizer sophomore Tarek al-Hariri have all declared their candidacy.

Stay tuned for more updates on the SA race as the filing period comes to a close this weekend.

Click for audio:  Vishal Declares Candidacy

Super Tuesday Hits GW

Politically-minded people all over the country gathered to watch the results roll-in from Tuesday, February 5th, or this election's "Super Tuesday."

Twenty-four states held primaries or caucuses for one or both parties yesterday in what news organizations termed a "nearly national primary." Just that one day of voting brought in 52% of all pledged democratic party delegates and 41% of all pledged Republican party delegates.

On campus, the excitement was no different. The College Democrats and College Republicans each hosted a viewing party to watch the Super Tuesday returns starting at 7:30pm in the Marvin Center ballrooms. There was free food and games for all who participated. Students stayed up late until all the results were announced - even Alaska.

"I was really surprised by the number of people there and their enthusiasm, especially for Barack Obama," said sophomore participant Katrina Timlin. "People started cheering when certain states were announced. It was really fun to see so many people excited about such a close race."

- Julie Hyman

Student Fee Referendum Passes!

Students voted to raise the student fee by fifty cents for incoming students yesterday. The fee will now be $1.50 per credit hour per semester. The maximum fee will be $22.50 per semester, as the fee is capped at 15 credit hours.

The Joint Elections Committee has verified the results. Of the 2926 votes cast, 1871 were cast in the affirmative and 1055 were cast in the negative.

This is the first fee adjustment since the student fee was created to help student organizations in 1992. The University Trustees have pledged to match the fee which will double the Student Association's total funding.

The election took place entirely online and accessed through the myGW portal. “The election served as a field test for using the internet as a platform for online voting," Joint Elections chairman Benjamin Balter said in a press release. "Students were resoundingly receptive of the new process and we look forward to seeing the same fluidity with the general election at the end of the month.”

- Mallory Thompson

Think the National Mall is Safe? Think Again.

With GW’s campus just blocks away from the National Mall, students may be alarmed to find that the monuments are not being adequately protected, according to a report by the Interior Department’s Inspector General.

The report found that the U.S. Park Police, who protect the National Mall, Statue of Liberty, and Golden Gate Bridge among other locations, are understaffed, poorly trained, and are without the equipment necessary for protecting visitors. As reported in the Washington Post, these inadequacies leave sites like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument vulnerable to terrorist attack.

The 40-page report includes claims of security guards sleeping, reading, and talking on cell phones while on duty. According to one observation, a briefcase was left unattended at the base of the Washington Monument for five minutes before the owner returned to claim it.  Asked by a reporter about the inadequate protection of national monuments Police Chief Dwight E. Pettiford said, "They're still standing."

Some claim that officials knew of the problems years ago. In 2005 U.S. Park Police Chief Teresa Chambers was forced from office when she spoke to the press about budget and staffing problems thereby violating a federal law prohibiting her discussion of that topic.  According to the Washington Post, security at national landmarks has increased with the addition of barriers and carefully planned landscaping. Staffing, however, has decreased since 2001. 

Established by George Washington in 1791, the U.S. Park Police now includes 592 sworn officers, 97 civilian employees, and 30 private security officers spread throughout the country. It is under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service, which is within the Department of the Interior.

-Jesse Regis

iHousing is Looming!

It’s that time of year again…time to pick roommates and residence halls for the 2008-2009 academic year. That’s right – it’s time for iHousing here at GW!

Rising sophomores should be ready to fill out the iHousing application from February 18^th – 22^nd. They must also keep in mind that that there are important changes to second-year housing options. Fulbright Hall will move from quads to triples and Francis Scott Key hall will no longer be an option for rising sophomores.

Rising juniors must complete iHousing applications from February 25^th – 29^th. Their options will include more City Hall doubles and the addition of Francis Scott Key hall to the list of available dormitories.

Rising seniors should be ready to fill out applications from February 25^th – 29^th, with no changes to housing availabilities. Seniors will, however, be provided the opportunity to “squat” in their current rooms, if so desired. “Squatting” applications will be made available February 11^th.

The housing assignments for all students will be announced April 1^st. Rising juniors and seniors will have until April 4^th to cancel their housing without incurring a 300 dollar penalty fee.

There will be various information sessions around campus in the coming weeks. As always, you can contact GW Housing Programs at the John Quincy Adams House or by phone at 202-994-2552.

- Taylor Barnes

Coach Joe's 500th Win!

GW Women's basketball head coach Joe McKeown became the 34th Division I women's basketball coach all-time to reach 500 career victories while playing against Duquesne at Palumbo Center Saturday night.

McKeown, who won 68 games at New Mexico State from 1986-89, improves to 432-151 in his 19th season at GW.

Below is an except from WRGW Sports Director Frank Dale's blog.

"When I was a young reporter in my first season of covering GW basketball, I was sent on a Friday-Sunday road trip with the women's team at Duquesne and at St. Bonaventure. While it was exciting to head out on my first road assignments, the prospects of a seven-hour Greyhound ride (during which I was offered drugs twice) and visits to Pittsburgh, PA and Olean, NY in early February dampened the joy just a little bit.However, looking back on it now, it was the best decision I've made in my time at WRGW. For those of you who don't know, McKeown and the rest of the players and coaches on the women's squad treat us like members of the team when we're on the road with them. Whether it's coordinating travel or paying for the occasional meal, we have been spoiled by McKeown's crew over the last few years.Anyhow, it was a Saturday night in Olean when we were invited to watch the coaching staff break down some film of St. Bonaventure in preparation for the following day's contest. It was a pretty cool experience. Then, once all the coaches had left, McKeown sat with the two WRGW underclassmen, both of whom he barely knew, and talked about basketball and life for about two hours. As I have said in the past, most of it was off-the-record, but it was a conversation I'll never forget.

Including the time I spent reporting on high school sports for various publications in northern Massachusetts, this is my eighth year covering athletics. In all of that time, I have never encountered a coach like McKeown. He calls the team's beat reporters by name, answers the tough questions with class, and has never once disrespected a journalist. He's the type of coach, educator, and person you'd want your children to be around.

As a journalist, I've learned a lot from McKeown in my nearly four years here, and not all of it has to do with my profession. Whether it's the way he talks about and treats his family or the work he does with Autism awareness, there is a lot to commend. It has been an honor following McKeown's squad for the last few years and I look forward to hopefully continuing to do so deep into March. Congratulations, coach. 500 victories couldn't happen to a better person."

 

Referendum Election Today!

A university-wide student referendum election to raise the student fee by fifty cents per credit hour is taking place on February 5th.

The proposed increase would triple the funds that the SA currently receives to allocate to nearly 400 student organizations. As a show of their support, Lou Katz, the university treasurer, along with the Board of Trustees, offered to match the fee increase should the referendum pass.

Months after the first referendum failed, SA President Nicole Capp showed confidence in this election saying, "student leaders are a bit more energized this time because the university is ready to assist us...with more funds."

Other SA officials attribute this referendum's potential success to increased amounts of advertising made this time around. Senator Matt Cohen, Chairman of the Finance Committee feels that the SA presented the referendum correctly and students "got the message the second time around."

The student fee is currently at $1 per credit hour per semester to a maximum of 15 credit hours. If the referendum is passes, the fee will become effective for the incoming freshman class. Current students will pay the current fee for the remainder of their time at GW.

You can vote online here. The vote continues until 9pm tonight.

- Ahna Olson & Sam Collins