An Iftar for All

Two world religions united last week as the university celebrated its annual MSA/JSA iftar.  In Islam, iftar is the feast held at sunset each day during the month of Ramadan.

The Muslim and Jewish Student Associations, along with the Program Board, have been holding these feasts since 2002, following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. The dinner’s menu consisted of only Kosher and Halal food.

It was a holy time for all, with Rosh Hashanah in the beginning of next week, Eid al-fitr in the middle of next week, and Yom Kippur at the end of next week. Prayers were recited in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. President Knapp was present, and spoke at the event, mentioning his attendance at an iftar at the Embassy of Kuwait.

The overall theme of the event was, “Serving Others.” Both religious groups called for interfaith dialogues, and cooperative efforts to better the surrounding community. The event was not open to only GW students, however.

A student from American University stated that it opened her eyes, and how she was amazed when she saw that, despite the differences between the two, both religions were united for a feast. A senior citizen called the event, “Marvelous. Simply marvelous.”

The night was concluded with closing statements from both organization presidents, giving all attendees a mission to help better the world.

- Zahin Hasan

Concert to Consider: Eli 'Paperboy' Reed and the True Loves

Last week, DC was graced with a visit by Eli 'Paperboy' Reed.  The 9:30 Club was converted to a dance party as the band's wails brought back the early days of soul and funk.  From his Beaver Cleaver hairdo, to Wilson Pickett-like sound, Eli 'Paperboy' Reed was definitely worth the trip.

Click here to listen to the full review:  Eli 'Paperboy' Reed

- Shawn Willis

Review: Burn After Reading

[caption id="attachment_605" align="alignleft" width="185" caption="Brad Pitt in Burn After Reading"][/caption]

Burn After Reading, the new Coen Brother's film is ridiculous.

This is not to say that it is bad, in fact, I quite recommend it.  Far from being the best of Joel and Ethan Coen's films (I'd give that distinction to Fargo), Burn is strangely subversive and very fun. Throughout the film, no one ever knows what's going on, least of all the puzzled CIA agents who try, through not very hard, to contain the concentrated madness that follows the main characters around.

One of the best elements of the film is its wicked send-up of the CIA-scandal genre of film that has become so popular in recent years.  This film category includes Breach, Syriana, The Interpreter, the Bourne series, and last year's Micheal Clayton.  The Coens have taken the intensity, the camera angles, the music cues and the pervasive feeling of doom that has become the hallmark of these films.  All these elements help to highlight the extreme nothingness at the center of the film's plot and in turn, this nothingness is great at pointing out the inherent silliness of the norms of CIA-scandal films.

Brad Pitt gives what his character, Chad, would shurely term an, "awesome" performance, as does John Malkovich.  The film overall doesn't amount to much, even with its many clever moments.  If nothing else, this film has compounded my faith in the Coen Brothers to make funny and subversive films, while also increasing my geneal fear of John Malkovich, tenfold.

- Ahna Olson

Law & Order: GWU

Our first story today is, unsurprisingly, a liquor law violation out of Thurston. University Police received a call from an individual unaffiliated with the school who was concerned about the well-being of a GW student.  Officers, accompanied by the Community Director on duty from housing, knocked on this student’s door and entered when no one answered. Upon entry they encountered the male resident and a female GW student asleep, likely as a result of consumption of the copious amounts of beer and liquor in plain view.  Further investigation revealed that the unaffiliated individual who placed the call had received a text message from one of the GW students that led her to be concerned about the student.

There was also a report of destruction of property on campus, concerning 1925 F Street, or President Steven Knapp’s house. The front door of the residence was marred by dirt and mud, possibly as a result of a thrown dirt clod.

Another report of destruction of property: This concerned graffiti on flyers placed on a bulletin board by Ambling Management Company, which currently manages a number of residence halls at GWU.

UPD was also called to Potomac recently for a noise complaint. Upon arrival, officers were allowed entrance to the room in question, which was occupied at the time by two male residents, a female GW student, and one male unaffiliated with the school. The officers found drug paraphernalia in plain view. A search carried out by the community director yielded 2 point 4 grams of marijuana, a smoking pipe, a grinder, and some beer.

Another liquor law violation was reported after a UPD officer observed a male GW student stumble and collapse onto a bench in Kogan Plaza. When the young man was approached he became verbally abusive, and the officer had to handcuff him for security. The student was thereafter transferred by UPD to the George Washington University Hospital Emergency Room for treatment.

And finally we have a case of unlawful entry that is now a non-forceable burglary. Two residents of New Hall entered their room to find a black male subject present. They confronted the individual, and he asked if the building had rooms for rent. When they emphasized that the room was private, he mumbled something about being a repairman and left. UPD was contacted immediately ensuing the encounter and officers came to New Hall to block all of the exits. Unfortunately, the subject had already escaped. A review of security tapes in the building revealed that the individual had gone down the hall checking to see which doors were open; for this reason, it was reclassified as a non-forceable burglary. In fact, the residents of the room in question had left their door unlocked, which is why the subject was able to enter.

- Jenn Neuner

Mascot Misinformation

Contrary to an article published by our colleagues at the Hatchet last Thursday, the unofficial hippo mascot that we have all come to love is not being removed by the university.

The article was published basted on statements by John Och, GW's licensing coordinator and Elio Distaola, a spokesman for Follett, the company that manages the bookstore.  The news caused great concern among the student body, many of whom have come to appreciated the hippo as much as our team of official mascots - George and Big George.

According to Helen Saulny, the assistant vice president for student and academic Support Services, the issue was a misinterpretation regarding the placement of the hippo design on various styles of merchandise during discussions last fall between the university and the bookstore.  The discussions allowed for an opportunity to clarify how the hippo design, which is not registered as an official mascot of GW, will be used.

The misunderstanding arose from legal concerns about the protection of the hippo mascot and a directive to limit orders of hippo merchandise until an official decision was made.  This was misinterpreted as a decision to phase out the hippo entirely.

The original bronze hippo at H & 21st Streets was a gift from former university President Stephen Joel Trachtenberg to the class of 2000.  Legend has it that the Potomac was once a home for hippos during Washington's time.

Hippo merchandise is still available in the bookstore and we will continue to see the beloved mascot at spirit events.  Since the time of the original article, the Hatchet published a correction to the original article, helping to quell the campus wide hippo scare.

-Monika Wysocki

Music Minute

Itunes Top 5

1. So What - P!nk

2. Love Story - Taylor Swift

3. Whatever You Want - TI

4. Disturbia - Rhianna

5. Hot N’ Cold - Katy Perry

New Album Releases

September 16^th:

Blessid Union of Souls - Close to the Edge

Lindsey Buckingham - Gift of Screws

Nelly - Brass Knuckles

Ne-Yo - Year of the Gentleman

Pussycat Dolls - Doll Domination

Darius Rucker - Learn to Live

September 23^rd:

Cold War Kids - Loyalty to Loyalty

Jackson Browne - Time the Conqueror

Everlast - Love War and the Ghost of Whitey Ford

Plain White T’s - Big Bad World

Thievery Corporation - Radio Retaliation

Upcoming Concerts

Friday

Robin Sexsmith at Jammin Java

Saturday

Mary J. Blige at Nissan Pavilion

Sunday

The Mars Volta at Rams Head Live!

- Taylor Barnes

RAC Elections

It’s time to whip out the ballots everyone. Today is Residential Advisory Council (or RAC) election day!

All Freshman and Sophomore houses are having elections to decide who in each house will be President, Vice President, Service Learning Chair, Community Building Chair, Communications and Marketing Chair, and Representative At-Large. WRGW had the opportunity to talk with some of the candidates running for office in their respective houses.  

Of all of the candidates WRGW asked, 100% of them stated that they have had leadership positions in high school, as well as in their respective communities.  Marybeth Benton, candidate for Mount Vernon’s Communications and Marketing Chair, states, “I already possess a great sense of community within the Women’s Leadership Program and with living on The Vern.” She said, “I want to focus on quality over quantity.”  When asked about other activities on campus, Vice Presidential Candidate for Thurston, Cory Woodard, states, “I am currently in the Emerging Leaders Program and I am also involved in GW-UNICEF.”  

Whether it’s bringing more free food to the houses, or having more concerts nearby, unity seems to be a common theme for all the candidates on both campuses. Thurston’s Presidential candidate, Oscar Brett, gave me his input. “I live on the 3^rd floor, and I don’t know a single person on the 8^th floor. We need to have more unity in Thurston. We should be going out and screaming, ‘YEAH, I LIVE IN THURSTON!’” Alex Washofsky, the Vern’s candidate for President, shares the same feelings. “Every time I visited GW, I knew I wanted to live on the Vern, and I know that's not the case with everyone, so I want to help those people realize the opportunities around them while striving to make the Vern as awesome as possible for everyone.”

 

As you vote today, remember that your vote affects how life in your house will be for the remaining of the year. No matter who wins, every candidate has vowed to stay involved. Kaylee Sager says, “I plan to make sure I am, voicing any concerns that I may hear and giving suggestions to help draw out community together.”

 

Remember to vote right, and to vote tonight! Go to http://rha.gwu.edu to vote.

 

- Zahin Hasan

SA Update

Last night, the SA approved four members for four vacant positions, two of them in President Aswani’s cabinet and two for the Student Court.

 

Sophomore Christ Franzetti became Dining Services Chair and Mattie Crealson joined the Joint Committee of Faculty and Students.  Former EVP Brand Kroegar and former contender for SA President Kevin Kozlowski became the two new judges in the Student Court.

 

EVP Kyle Boyer said in a telephone interview that he was satisfied with the events of the night.  “Everything went smoothly.  There was some confusion at one point about who was a senator, but that got resolved at the end.”

 

A big theme of last night’s meeting was finances, with Student Org allocation paperwork due by the end of next week.

 

- Sam Collins

Law & Order: GWU

Up first, University Police was called to Thurston Hall to assist with an administrative search in progress. A community director carried out the search in a room with 6 male occupants. It yielded 11 point 5 grams of marijuana. The case was then referred to Student Judicial Services.

Next up, a report of simple assault on public property: a female student alleged that she may or may not have been purposely tripped by another student.  The complainant was walking with a group of people when she tripped over the foot of an individual passing by in another group. She sought treatment for a bruised knee.

Another case of simple assault, this time off campus: a female, not affiliated with the school, filed a complaint against a male student from GW with who she was in a previous relationship.  She claims that the subject pushed one of her friends while trying to talk to her at a club, when she would have nothing to do with him. She also believes that the subject slashed the tires of her car at her residence in Virginia.

Another female complainant, this one affiliated with GW, states that she was verbally harassed while at Mount Vernon. She suspected that the subject was an employee of the Mount Vernon Campus.

Finally, an altercation occurred at a townhouse on F Street. The complainant is a male not affiliated with the school, who claims he was punched in the eye by a male GW student. The complainant allegedly bumped into the subject at a party, and was thereafter whaled on. The GW student reportedly had been drinking, but needed no further medical attention. The complainant has not filed criminal charges, and the situation has been turned over to SJS.

- Jenn Neuner

College Dems Elect Freshmen Representatives

Freshmen Alicia Froio and Emma Carpenter are going to be playing an important role in the College Democrats this year. 

Having just been elected freshman representatives – Froio for the Foggy Bottom campus, and Carpenter for the Vern – they both will have an active role on the organization’s executive board: they will be representing their class within the organization, and both have big plans for the coming year.

Froio, who is the national chair of the Teenage Dems and was at the Democratic National Convention last month, plans to hold many fun social events for freshmen, including movie nights, sleepover parties, ice cream socials, and dances.  She says, “It's really important that our class works well together and forms a cohesive team, starting in our freshman year. Socials are the best way to do that.”

She also plans to help bring more great speakers to the campus, get more internship opportunities for freshmen, and increase the number of freshmen debates between the CD’s and CR’s.

Carpenter, the freshman representative for the Mount Vernon campus who has worked as a Senate Page and helped out with Floor Operations at the DNC, also has plans to help get freshmen involved.  She says she wants to make sure that freshman, particularly those living on the Vern, stay involved in the College Dems.  She says, “The freshman at Mount Vernon have a little bit of a disadvantage because we are so far away from everyone, so maybe we could plan some events for freshman on the  Vern. I really want to make sure my class has the opportunity and the motivation to participate in all sorts of events.”

Both Froio and Carpenter are excited for the year ahead, particularly the two months leading up to the presidential election.

Next week, the College Republicans will be casting their votes to elect their two freshmen representatives, who will also be serving on their executive board and representing their class.

- Alex Laska

Housing Hazards

A couple of major campus problems frustrated many students this weekend.  On Friday, a fire was reported in JBKO residence hall.  The building was evacuated by the fire department, but no one was hurt and students were allowed back into the building later the same night.

 

In Thurston Hall on Sunday, a lack of hot water forced some students to forgo their morning showers.  Emily Sieg, a 9^th floor resident, said she was shocked at first, but eventually opted for a cold shower.  Hot water has since been restored to Thurston, but students are now complaining that the thermostat regulation is too high and that tap water can become too hot.  Officials at facilities management were unavailable for comment today.

 

Several students compared the situation at Thurston with the power outage affecting the Mount Vernon campus two weekends ago.  This was mostly due to a fallen tree on Foxhall Road after tropical storm Hanna passed through the Washington D.C. region.  The storm was not as ferocious as originally feared, but its high wings and heavy rains left its mark on the area.  On the Vern, Several residence halls and Ames Dining Hall were without power.  Emergency lights brightened the hallways, where students tried to make the best of the situation.  PEPCO, the company providing electricity to the area, reported 13,000 outages in the county.

-Monika Wysocki

Fmr. Secs of State discuss issues before students, dignitaries

[caption id="attachment_567" align="aligncenter" width="500" caption="From Left: SMPA Professor Frank Sesno, Secretaries Warren Christopher, Henry Kissinger, Madeline Albright, James Baker, and Colin Powell. Not pictured - CNN's Christiane Amanpour"][/caption]

A conversation with five of the most influential decision makers of our time took place earlier this afternoon in Lisner Auditorium. The event dubbed, "The Next President, a World of Challenges" was meant to spark a public discourse surrounding the issues that face the United States.

Former Secretaries of State Madeline Albright, Colin Powell, James Baker III, Warren Christopher, and Henry Kissinger graced the stage for the ninety minute event moderated by CNN Special Correspondent and GW Professor Frank Sesno along with Christiane Amanpour, CNN's Chief International Correspondent

The event covered an array of subjects including the economy, global warming, and the situations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Georgia, Darfur, and the role of the media in public life. Generally, the secretaries were in agreement over the issues. Among these topics was whether to engage perceived enemies like Iran. Albright summarized the consensus by saying, "You need to engage with countries you have problems with," but also warned against pushing too hard against the Middle Eastern nation saying that it may only rally anti-American support behind the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Quarrels arose over issues like Darfur where the secretaries sought to stymie the genocide occurring in Africa, but stopped short of demanding action because a response allegedly would not benefit American interests and would stretch American resources thin.

Despite being within fifty days of a general election, the secretaries only briefly touched upon the actual candidates, and instead focused on one of two lenses - the role of a 21st century America in a globalized world, and how America would engage it's enemies and allies to resolve the problems circumventing the globe.

While the event was meant to be a dignified gathering of students, diplomats, and foreign dignitaries, Secretary Baker, who served President George H.W. Bush, humorously claimed the solution to Global Warming was to kill all the world's cows because their methane riddled farts contribute to global warming. Meanwhile, in an assumed jab at Alaskan Governor, and Republican Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin, Secretary Albright claimed that Global Warming occurs everywhere except in Alaska. Both were rare light moments in an afternoon meant to transcend partisan lines and offer the next President of the United States guidance in a rapidly changing world.

The event will air on CNN beginning September 20th at 9pm.

- Jesse Regis

The Next President, a World of Challenges

WRGW is inside Lisner Auditorium in anticipation of "The Next President, a World of Challenges," a conversation with five former secretaries of state. The event is being moderated by CNN's chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour and CNN's Frank Sesno, director of the Public Affairs Project at GW's School of Media and Public Affairs. Hundreds of student and media are packed inside the H Street auditorium to see the free event featuring Madeline K. Albright, James A. Baker III, Warren Christopher, Henry Kissinger, and Colin Powell speak in a round table style discussion.

The event is being taped for broadcast on CNN and will premiere next Saturday, September 20 at 9pm

News In-Depth

Besides our weekday broadcasts at 6pm, you can check out the WRGW news team on Sundays at noon.  We're on air for an hour, in a longer, news magazine style show. 

Tomorrow's news in-depth will feature myself, along with WRGW's Jesse Regis, College Democrat's president Cory Struble and College Republican's president Brand Kroeger.  We'll be talking about our experiences at the Conventions and what we can expect for the next 52 days in the election. 

Tune in at www.gwradio.com or on campus cable channel 22!

- Mallory Thompson

Snapshots from the DNC

[slideshow id=2449958197299602865&w=426&h=320]

The Importance of the Youth Vote

In addition to bolstering party support, the convention season allowed the nation to consider important issues.  From the historic acceptance speech of the nation’s first African American on a major party ticket, to the acceptance of the Republican’s first female vice presidential candidate, both conventions were full of historical moments.  Another issue to make this political season one to remember is the importance of the youth vote.  While Barack Obama seems to draw in huge numbers of young voters, McCain’s camp realizes their importance too. 

 

While in Denver, we asked Alicia Froio, chair of the Young Democrats of America High School Caucus, about the youth vote.  She told us that she believed this election was our time in history.

 

For audio, click here:  Alicia on Youth Vote

 

Also in Denver, Cory Struble, the president of College Dems at GW, said that the youth demographic will be powerful in this election and we will make a difference.

 

For audio, click here:  Cory on the Youth Vote 

 

While he was in St. Paul, we spoke to president of the College Republicans, Brand Kroeger.  He agreed that the youth vote was enormously important, saying, “we’re making our presence known, even if we have a smaller number than the Obama camp.”

 

For audio, click here:  Brand on the Youth Vote

 

- Mallory Thompson

Earth Op-Ed

The debate on energy dependence and global climate change is often considered a partisan issue. But SMPA Professor Frank Sesno plans to bring all viewpoints to the table in a new forum which will promote a dynamic and unpredictable exchange of opinion.

The working title is Earth Op-Ed and it will be taking place on several media platforms, centering around a website and television show aired on public affairs programming. Earth Op-Ed will bring together people to exchange ideas, get information and engage in debate.

Sesno says that he hopes the project will be dynamic, interesting and fresh and he believes that, if done right, it will establish a leadership position for the George Washington University in both the global warming debate and in cross-platform media as a whole. The concept will be a university-based initiative, with several students and faculty members getting involved, and the television program to be shot on campus, in the Jack Morton Auditorium.

Sesno stressed above everything else that this is not a liberal activism platform. Rather, he plans to engage students, schools, advocates and interest groups from all sides of the debate the get and informative and engaging dialogue going.

Plans are still tentative, but Sesno aims to getting airing the show within the first 100 days of the new Presidential administration. Currently, his team is working on fundraising, and Sesno reports that they have already garnered over half of the funds needed to begin the project. They are also engaging potential partners and sponsors fro the operation and are recruiting students and faculty to get involved.

-Alex Laska

WRGW Sports Break

With the release of the men’s and women’s basketball schedules, Colonial fans can begin to get excited for the upcoming season. On November 8^th, the men’s basketball team will host the West Georgia Wolves in an exhibition game. The first official men’s game will be on November 19^th against the Binghamton Bearcats. It’s the eighth year that the colonials will be led by Coach Karl Hobbs.

The women’s exhibition game is scheduled for November 5^th, but their opponent is to be announced. Their first official game will be held on November 15^th against UMBC. This will mark Coach Mike Bozeman’s first season with the team, after Coach Joe McKeown’s unexpected departure earlier this summer to Northwestern University.

George Washington University has welcomed another new coach into the athletic department family – Terry Shaffer is now the head coach of the men’s golf team. Shaffer is an alumnus of GW, graduating in 1979. He was named the team’s MVP in his senior year of George Washington. Since graduating, Shaffer has been a PGA head golf professional, the head golf coach at Division I Mount St. Mary’s, and has continued to help students improve their golf skills. The men’s golf team season begins today, September 12^th.

2008 graduate Sarah-Jo Lawrence has been nominated for the 2008 NCAA Woman of the Year award. Lawrence was on GW’s women’s basketball team for the four years she attended the university and is currently a Presidential Administrative Fellow. She is listed as 13^th in GW’s top scoring list with 1,373 points. Nominees are selected due to their excellence in academics and athletics. There will be another three rounds of elimination before the winner is announced in Indianapolis on October 19^th.

- Roxanne Martin

Kim Beck Is Back!

The Seattle Storm announced today that they are signing Kim Beck for the rest of the season. Beck was selected by the Storm as the 36th draft pick and played 15 games before being released from their roster on June 28th.

Beck was a senior leader for George Washington on last year's Sweet Sixteen team and was named A10 Player of the Year. The Atlanta, Georgia, native averaged 12.8 points and 6.2 assists per game her senior season.

For the Storm's full release, click here.

- Mallory Thompson

J Street Changes Again

As returning students may have already noticed, a lot has changed at J Street over the summer. The most noticeable is the expansion of the J Street Café, making it even more like a traditional college cafeteria. The wall that used to separate J Street Café from the rest of the food area has been torn down to make room for a 33-foot salad bar, an extended hot menu bar and a dessert case. The bagel shop has turned into a high-rated kosher food option and is blessed everyday by a rabbi. Also, the pasta option has been replaced by food catered from a local Indian restaurant.

Many students will also be happy to learn that the Dining Services Commission is planning to place comment boxes around J Street and Ames Dining Hall on the Mount Vernon Campus. According to Christopher Franzetti, the Director of the Dining Services Commission, they are also planning to set up a table on particular days so that students can voice their opinions directly to the Sodexho manager.

Franzetti says that these changes will hopefully meet the demands of students and he considers that so far, this year they’ve been a big success.

- Ahna Olson

Law & Order: GWU

University Police paid a visit to Thurston when a smoke detector was activated. The officers keyed in after there was no response to their requests to enter the room. They reported that the room smelled strongly of marijuana. At this point, the occupants returned, stating that the smell was from lighting pieces of paper on fire. A later administrative search by a community director yielded a grinder, a pill bottle and a plastic bag. All contained trace amounts of marijuana.

Next up, A liquor law violation was reported at Thurston after UPD was contacted about a possibly intoxicated female by the front desk. The student, upon being confronted by the officers, ran through the front doors and headed west on F Street. She was apprehended at the intersection of 20^th and F. She explained that he had fled because she attempted to enter Thurston using a friend’s GWorld card and didn’t’ want to get her friend in trouble. The GWorld was confiscated and after sobriety tests, the girl was released. SJS will take over from here.

There was a report of disorderly conduct in front of Guthridge Hall. A male student was arguing with a cab driver over payment. The student purportedly vomited in the cab and the cab driver was looking for payment to clean the cab. And officer escorted the student to an ATM to obtain cash to pay the cab driver for the damage.

And finally, there was a report of indecent exposure on the H Street side of a public garage on campus. UPD officers encountered a 42-year-old white male with his pants down to his knees and no shirt on, attempting to stop people on the street in order to find a shirt. The individual was barred from campus.

- Jenn Neuner

SA Update

While running for SA President and EVP, Vishal Aswani and Kyle Boyer established themselves as reformers able to work across the aisle with the goal of improving the quality of life for GW students. This year, many eagerly wait for their first move as leaders for the most powerful student organization on campus.

On August 28^th, Aswani and Boyer released their shared vision for the 2008-2009 academic year. This comprehensive agenda addressed everything from academics to the environment. They plan to improve student advising as well as the application process for the study abroad program that many students participate in year after year. In addition, they also hope to improve GW’s sustainability ratings by adding more recycling bins and decreasing paper use in libraries and computer labs.

Parts of the vision came from each candidate’s platform during last year’s election as well as projects they have worked on in the past. Pieces of Boyer’s campaign to reduce metro fares for college students linger in the vision as well as Aswani’s plan to get federal aid for student orgs.

They hope to start working on all these issues immediately and stressed the need for cooperation from all people in the Student Association.  Check back soon for SA updates!

- Sam Collins

Construction on Campus

[caption id="attachment_511" align="alignleft" width="266" caption="A photo from September 5th, showing the progress on Square 54."][/caption]

"All clear!" has been a very common phrase to hear for those living in Munson Hall and JBKO this semester.

Controlled blasting, up to three times a day, occurs at the excavation site of Square 54, across from the Foggy Bottom metro station and GW hospital.  Square 54 is planned to provide various benefits for everyone in the area, bringing residential buildings, business buildings, and of course, a full service grocery store!

The new architecture has also been planned with the environment in mind, set to include over 26,000 square feet of green roof elements in hopes of helping to improve GW's green rating.

For more information, and weekly updates, the university has provided the public updates on the development through their neighborhood website:  http://neighborhood.gwu.edu./campusdev/square54_updates.cfm

- Zahin Hasan

On Campus Politics

The next few months are going to be very busy for the College Democrats and College Republicans.

The two groups are gearing up for the upcoming presidential election. The campaign season is in full swing, with Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden on the Democratic ticket and Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin on the Republican ticket, both organizations are making plans to help their candidate take the White House in January.

According to Brandon Hines, public relations director for the College Republicans, the CRs have plans to hit the campaign trail at the grassroots level in both Pennsylvania and Virgina. In the weeks leading up to the election, task forces will be sent to key battleground states to help get out the vote. The College Democrats have similar plans, including campaign trips to Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Hampshire and frequent trips to Virginia to help out in races there.

Both organizations will be holding debate watch parties and will be hosting several get-out-the-vote events here on campus. According to Matt Ingoglia, the College Democrats have created several events to bring in freshmen – to add to their estimated membership of 1500 – including last night’s Barack-and-Bowl, a social event that took place in the Hippodrome. The College Republicans will be hosting a John McCain week, which will highlight the candidate’s accomplishments and goals for his presidency if elected.

Both groups stressed the importance of the youth vote and their dedication to reaching out to new voters. In addition to the presidential election, both organizations will be helping their parties’ candidates in local elections throughout the DC Metro area.

For more information, visit: www.gwcollegedemocrats.com or www.gwrepublicans.com

- Alex Laska

It Isn't Easy Being Green

GW was named one of the least eco-friendly campuses in the country by the Sierra Club – one of the country’s oldest environmental groups. This new label was given to GW after GW systematically failed to implement policies to combat climate change.

The report appeared in the Sierra Club’s August magazine, citing the university’s failure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, to implement green building policies or to create incentives to ride public transportation.

GW was the first school in the District of Columbia to create an eco-friendly twenty year campus plan, according to University President Steven Knapp. Last year, Knapp also commissioned a task force to improve sustainability on campus.

Still, according to the report, GW is considered to be far behind many other private and public universities concerning environmental matters.

- Shawn Willis

Interview at the RNC: Brand Kroeger

While WRGW wasn't able to attend the Republican National Convention in St. Paul, MN, several GW students were able to make the trek.  GW College Republican chairman Brand Kroeger was there for all of the action.  We talked to Kroeger just a few hours before McCain's speech on the final night of the convention.

Click here for audio:  Brand Kroeger Interview 

 - Mallory Thompson

Students at the DNC

[caption id="attachment_496" align="alignright" width="256" caption="The College Democrats and Young Democrats mostly met in the Convention Center."][/caption]

While in Denver, we were able to meet up with several GW students.  We had students participating in a wide spectrum of roles - from passing out press credentials or interning for the DNC to volunteering as staff or being a delegate. 

However, a lot of GW students weren't just in town for the Democratic Convention.  The College Democrats and Young Democrats were holding their annual conferences in Denver too.  To get their take on the convention, we caught up with Alicia Froio, the chair of the Young Democrats of America's High School Caucus and an incoming GW freshman, and Cory Struble, the president of the GW College Democrats.

Click here for audio:  College Dems at the DNC

- Mallory Thompson

New Campus Choices

Hungry students have a variety of new options to choose from on campus this fall.  Wasabi To-Go features modern Japanese cuisine in a convenient location - right next to Au Bon Pain in 2000 Penn.  Their menu includes Japanese staples like sushi and sashimi, as well as vegetarian options.  The to-go Wasabi location takes GWorld, just like their original location. 

 

Expect construction to begin on a CVS in 2000 Penn soon.  The store will open next semester in the former Tower Records space, bringing the total number of CVS stores in a three block radius of campus to five.  Like the other locations, CVS will take GWorld as well.

 

Another addition to the list of locations you can use your GWorld card is the Marvelous Market at 2424 Pennsylvania Avenue.  The store opened late last semester.

 

Coinciding wtih an emphasis of recycling on campus is a soon to be open, eco-friendly restaurant, Founding Farmers.  It's located in the IMF building at 1924 Pennsylvania Avenue.  Developed by the National Farmers Union, the restaurant will feature fresh local produce and meats to emphasize the importance of sustainable agriculture.  Employees will follow strict guidelines for reducing energy use and waste, while menus will be printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.  Also, their water will be filtered in-house to eliminate throwaway bottles. 

 

And if you're looking for a place for happy hour, Tonic, on the corner of 21st and G Streets now serves liquor along with beer and wine.  In a long fought battle, the restaurant was granted a full liquor license over the summer.  Just remember that you are not allowed to purchase alcohol with your GWorld card, so make sure to stop by an ATM first!

 - Monika Wysocki

Fall Fest Lacks Crowds, Big Act

Hurricane Hanna dampened Saturday's Fall Fest plans this past Saturday.  The Program Board event was moved to the Smith Center after wind and rain made it impossible to host the event in University Yard.

Canon Logic and the Virginia Coalition played back-to-back around 5:30 in the afternoon to a small crowd of around 50 students.  Wale didn't fare much better, drawing a little over 100 students to the Smith Center for his performance.

Despite the small crowd, some students embraced the lineup, joining arms, swinging from side to side, and singing along to one of Virginia Coalition's songs.

Lead singer of the Coalition, Andrew Poliakoff, said that he and his band were excited to be at the university and that the energy of the crowd more than made up for the small size.

The fair also featured local vendors like DC Snacks, free food, giveaways and performances by students.

Popular band Rooney and DJ Girl Talk, were slated to headline Fall Fest, but both were unable to do so as a result of booking problems.

Tiffany Meehan, chair of Program Board, spent countless hours coordinating last Saturday's event.  She didn't think the lost of Girl Talk affected attendance and said an estimated 1,200 students had come through the doors as of 4:30 that afternoon.

But, GW student Erica Bibbly, who attended the event, said she wished the line-up had been better advertised.  Little was known about the Fest's band line-up until a blast GW email was sent the day before the event, announcing Wale as a last minute addition to the repertoire.

- Matt Rist 

Interview at Invesco: Michael Ray Huerta

On night four of the Democratic National Convention, WRGW was able to gain access to the floor of Invesco Field.  Right after New Mexico's Governor Bill Richardson spoke, we bumped into New Mexico delegate and GW student Michael Ray Huerta.  We spoke with him about the convention events and what the delegate experience has meant to him.  Click below for the audio.

Huerta at Invesco

- Mallory Thompson

It's a New Year!

If you're interested in joining WRGW News, we'd love to have you!  Our first meeting is this Sunday at noon in the WRGW studios.  Shoot me an email at wrgwnewsdirector (at) gmail.com if you have any questions!

Broadcasting starts next week, so we'll be having regular news updates in the near future.  Until then, more convention coverage is on the way!

- Mallory Thompson

A Top 10 Moment

WRGW caught up with Mike Panetta, D.C. Shadow Representative shortly after Barack Obama accepted the Democratic Nomination for President. He said the experience was among the more memorable moments of his life.

-Jesse Regis

Day 3 Recap - DNC

Another great day at the DNC. This recap features among others, Political Consultant Terry Mcauliffe, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, Keynote Speaker and Former Virginia Governor Mark Warner.

Also watch as Barack Obama is made the official nominee of the Democratic Party during the roll call vote by D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton. WRGW was on the floor of the Pepsi Center to bring you the coverage.

Student Soundoff

A number of GW students were in Denver during the DNC. WRGW caught up with Alicia Froio, an incoming Freshman in the Elliot School. Watch the interview below

- Jesse Regis