DC Sports Roundup

The George Washington Men’s Basketball Team won in over time on Wednesday evening against Charlotte. The final score was 92 to 88. Damian Hollis had 25 points on the night and scored two crucial free throws that saved the Colonials from losing in regulation. This was the third in conference victory for GW. The team will need to win its final two games if they want any chance to make the Atlantic 10 conference tournament. Their next game is tomorrow at Charlotte.

The GW women’s Basketball team did not fare as well. They lost on Wednesday at Charlotte, 57 to 59. The Women have their final regular season game at home this Sunday, against Temple. Tip off is at 1 pm.

Keeping with basketball, the Washington Wizards won last Friday at New Jersey, but then lost at home on Saturday against San Antonio, and again on Wednesday against Philadelphia. With 13 wins and 44 losses on the season, the Wizards have the worst record in the Eastern Conference. They play at home tonight against Chicago.

And finally, in Hockey, the Washington Capitals split the week with 2 wins and 2 losses. The Caps lost at home last Friday against Colorado, 4 to 1. They redeemed themselves with a strong 5 to 2 win against Eastern conference rival Pittsburg on Sunday. The Capitals gave up a one goal lead in the third period in Tuesday’s game against Philadelphia and ended up losing 2 to 4. Finally, with rookie goaltender Michal Neuvirth in net, the Caps held on to defeat the Atlanta Thrashers last night. The final score was 3 to 2. Donald Brashear earned his 10th major penalty for fighting with his second period bout with Eric Boulton. The Capitals’ next game is tomorrow at Boston.

-Joe Lewis

Tim Miller Shaves SA Senator-Elect Dylan F. Pyne

Freshman Dylan Pyne wagered that he would shave his mustache if he was elected CCAS Senator to the Student Association. Pyne won and Tim Miller, Executive Director of the Student Activities Center, which overseas the SA shaved Pyne live on air.

Footage by WRGW Reporter Jenn Neuner.

What to do this Weekend...

If you're feeling funky tonite slide on over to the 9:30 Club to see George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. You may or may not remember their song "Atomic Dog" that was featured in a classic Doug episode. You either remember it, or you don't. If I could have found a Youtube link, I would have posted it. Tickets are $40.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/music-events/george-clinton-and-parliament-funkadelic,1043537.html

Another relic from childhood, 'The Lego' is being celebrated in McLean, VA. The task: build an 8 foot-tall Yoda out of Legos. You can do this from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.  on Saturday, Feb. 28 and from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, March 1. Check out this website: http://www.shoptysons.com/events.asp?id=9472&month=2&day=28&year=2009

Did I mention it was free? Getting to Tyson's Corner may be the tricky part, but granted -- it was be well worth the trek.

Kris Kristofferson is going to be at the Historic Sixth and I Synagogue. This is not a shameless plug, for the Synagogue since I am recently employed by them. It's Kris Kristofferson. Come on, he was the original maverick. Tickets are $49.50.

Check out Sixth and I's website for more details:

http://www.sixthandi.org/

If you feel like staying close to the few blocks of Foggy Bottom and Georgetown, well don't. There is far too much coolness to be had and done in this city.

Check The Washington Post's City Guide for new and changing  and FREE things to do.  http://www.washingtonpost.com/gog/dc-events.html?nid=roll_findlocalevent

-Shawn Willis

Student Association Elections 2009!

1:00 Now back in the WRGW studios, we thank you for joining us for SA election coverage.  From all of us at the news department, thanks to all who participated in our election coverage - from our news staff:  Lex Ratner and Alex Laska running operations downstairs, Jenn Neuner and Roxanne Martin as our roving reporters, and our panel Jesse Regis, Jared Pliner and Mallory Thompson - to our special WRGW guest commentator Steve Glatter - to Adam Rosenbloom who helped us get on air - and of course, all of the wonderful guests that joined us throughout the evening.  Please watch the newsblog over the coming days for the certified election results from the JEC and tune in to News In-Depth this Sunday from 12-1 and News at 6, every weekday.

12:20 Boyer says he's moving forward and not looking at past things.

12:17 Boyer says as far as he's concerned, the results are not final.

12:16 Boyer says that he is a huge supporter of Lifton.  Boyer believes that the numbers suggest he will be the next president.

12:15 Kyle Boyer joins us.

12:11 Hearsay near the JEC table says Kyle Boyer needed 2 more votes to break the 40% margin.

12:11 Dylan Pyne has Tim Miller shave his mustache live on air.

12:08 Julie Bindelglass joins us.

12:05 Callahan points out that the JEC still has to certify the results - this means that there is a slight chance that if Boyer's total breaks the 40% there may be no need for a runoff.

12:03 In the runoff:  Kyle Boyer within .05% of winning the election outright.  And 21.3% of the total, Julie Bindelglass.

12:03 There will be a runoff.

12:01 Glatter comes in with breaking news that the last of the law school ballots have been counted.

11:59 Wesley Callahan joins us.

11:55 Glatter says that it will probably be 30 minutes before the presidential results are announced.  Dan Sadlosky joins us.

SA Presidential Candidates Julie Bindelglass, Jordan Phillips, and Senate Candidate Soham Gupte

SA Presidential Candidates Julie Bindelglass, Jordan Phillips, and Senate Candidate Soham Gupte on this edition of WRGW News at 6. Click the link below to hear the conversation.

SA Presidential Candidates Julie Bindleglass, Jordan Phillips, and Senate Candidate Soham Gupte

WRGW's ELECTION COVERAGE

Tonight WRGW will be broadcasting LIVE from Columbian Square, where the JEC will announce the results.  Be sure to tune in starting at 9pm for continuing election coverage.

Also, we'll be liveblogging the entire event, right here at wrgw.wordpress.com!

WRGW Welcomes Candidates to Wednesday News

Yesterday WRGW welcomed more Student Association and Program Board candidates to the air.

First was Sammy Lopez, candidate for SA President, followed by Louis Laverone, candidate for EVP.  Next up was Calder Stembel, PB Chair hopeful.  The show wrapped up with SA senate candidates Dan Sadlosky, for ESIA-U, and Caleb Raymond, for CCAS-U.

Check out the audio below to find out more about these candidates and their platforms.

Candidates Join Wednesday News

JEC Oversees Candidate Violations

Walking down H Street by the Marvin Center, you may have noticed long lines of yellow tape inscribed with the words “Campaign Limit” marking off several different areas. In these marked-off areas, candidates running for election this season – both for SA positions and otherwise – are not allowed to put up posters or distribute campaign materials. Failure to comply with this rule may result in the candidate acquiring a candidate violation, six of which will eliminate a candidate from the race. But this is only one of many different ways in which a candidate can accumulate a violation.

According to the Joint Elections Committee, a violation occurs when a candidate breaks one of the rules laid out by the JEC charter, the text of which can be found on the JEC’s website at www.gwelection.com. Violation occurrences include postering in the wrong places, hanging up a poster directly on top of that of another candidate, sending out unsolicited messages to students, campaigning before the campaigning period begins, and handing out campaign materials that have not yet been approved by the JEC.

So far, roughly fifty violation complaints have been filed to the JEC, which looks carefully at each and every case to determine probable cause; probable cause is determined by looking at whether something actually happened – there needs to be evidence of an intended violation – and whether it should be tried. When a violation is tried, the JEC decides whether or not to give the candidate one of the six violations he or she can accumulate before being disqualified from the election.

Within the first 72 hours of a complaint being filed, said complaint is only made known to the candidates, but once probably cause is determined, the complaint goes on public record: these complaints, and the proceedings, can also be found on the JEC’s website.

-Alex Laska

GW is Getting More Expensive

The tuition is increasing, the housing is increasing, and possible mandatory fees may be in our future. Money is on the mind and many GW students and their families are concerned about their economic future.

Students are well aware that GW has one of the highest tuitions in the nation and many do not understand how it can be increasing, especially in times like these. The University recently announced that tuition will increase 3%. This increase will not affect current GW students because  of the fixed tuition. Although the GW administration has also increased financial aid spending, many students will still be forced to find ways to pay the full tuition - possibly with help from loans and outside scholarships.  According to The Hatchet, GW administrative officials believe that the university is in a strong financial state and is doing everything possible to help students in this financial crisis.

Although board costs will remain $3,400, the price of housing will increase. The cost of housing depends on which residence hall you live in. The nicer the dorm, the more money the more expensive the housing cost. The average increase will be $200.

There has also been much speculation over a mandatory $50 library fee. At the moment the fee is optional and students can retrieve their money at any point throughout the school year. The fee has been a hot topic in SA meetings and the current student election.  Due to student's ability to opt-out of the fee, the library's budget is unpredictable and can vary year to year.  If the fee is made mandatory, it would be used toward renovating Gelman to make it more study-friendly.

-Roxanne Martin

Polls Are Open!

Don't forget to vote today or tomorrow. This year, voting will be done online through www.gwelection.com. It only takes a couple of minutes.

Here's this year's list of candidates:
President
Julie Bindelglass
Kyle Boyer
George Brunner
Justin Hollimon
Sammy Lopez
Jordan Phillips
Nick Polk

Executive Vice-President
Arthur Goodland
Louis Laverone
Jason Lifton

Undergraduate At-Large Senator
Michael R. Komo
Michael Shea
Connor Walsh

Graduate At-Large Senator
Justine Adelizzi

CCAS Undergraduate Senator
Erik Ashida
Jason Aul
Paul Blair
Logan Dobson
Melissa Gindin
Josh Goldstein
Christophe Hollocou
Daniel Keylin
Anthony Marenna
Amahd McDonald
Abishek Pansari
Dylan Pyne
Caleb Raymond
Carl Sceusa
Brian Teubner

CCAS Graduate Senator
Natalie Kaplan

SoB Undergraduate Senator
Nate Andorsky
Christopher Clark
Brendan Curran
Brandon Feldman
Alexander Johnson
Philip Risman

SoB Graduate Senator
Sally Schiff
Alan Susi

GSEHD Senator
Charles Shorette

ESIA Undergraduate Senator
Max Bayer
Daniel Boehmer
Soham Gupte
Travis Korson
Daniel Sadlosky
Monica Sanchez
Justin Snyder
Giovanni Tomasi

SEAS Undergraduate Senator
Jon Binetti
Zahin Hasan

SEAS Graduate Senator
Mohit Chhaya

CPS Senator
James Baker

Marvin Center Governing Board Undergraduate
Ethan Elser

Program Board Chair
Tiffany Meehan
Calder Stembel

Program Board Vice-Chair
Wesley Callahan

Washington Post Investigates GW Med School Problems

According to an article in yesterday's Washington Post, GW medical school's problems are actually much worse than originally announced.

After the report was released in October, the school said that the probationary status was a result of a lack of adequate study and lounge space as well as administrative and curriculum issues. However, the Post article cites many more problems.

For example, the evaluation noted that GW did an poor job of monitoring students while with patients and ensuring that student's clinical experiences relate to classroom learning since some of the doctors monitoring the clinics are not GW faculty.

Also, it was noted that GW's student debt levels are among the highest in the country, and that students complained of mistreatment, primarily belittlement and humiliation, at a higher than average level.  The Post cites  the national average at 17 percent.

While not directly related, the Post also brings to light a conflict of interest by John F. Williams, GW's provost and vice president for health affairs.  In addition to his role at GW, the article says that Williams also has received money and stock options for serving on the board of directors of Universal Health Services, the company which owns the university hospital.  Williams was asked to resign from the corporation board and the University has accepted his resignation, effective by the end of the academic year.

GW's School of Medicine and Health Sciences is currently the only medical school in the country on probation and in the past fifteen years, only five in the country - including GW - have earned such a status.  The school has submitted a plan to correct their errors and the American Medical Association and Association of American Medical College's Liaison Committee on Medical Education has endorsed the plan.  The school is still accredited while on probation and it has until October 2010 to regain compliance.

To read the full Washington Post article, click here.

- Mallory Thompson

WRGW Hosts CCAS & ESIA Candidates; Boyer

WRGW's Tuesday news with Jared Pliner, Roxanne Martin and Jenn Neuner hosted a full house of candidates today from the Columbian College and Elliot School tickets as well as SA presidential contender Kyle Boyer.

Columbian College senate candidates were Paul Blair, Erik Ashida, Dylan Pyne and Melissa Gindon.

Elliot School senate candidates were Giovanni Tomasi, Travis Korson and Monica Sanchez.

Click below for the full audio from today's newscast:

Tuesday's News

WRGW Special Report: Fire Alarm in Thurston Hall

At approximately 2 AM this morning, the freshmen residing in Thurston Hall were forced to evacuate from a fire alarm that was tripped by the use of a fire extinguisher. According to Chief Stafford of the University Police Department, the identity of the perpetrator is still under investigation.

Stafford says that the fire extinguisher in question was “discharged for no apparent reason.” The act itself of discharging the fire extinguisher occurred on the 9^th floor of Thurston, adding another element of unwelcome surprise to the wakening of those residents to the fire alarm. The residents of that floor exited their rooms to find a haze in the air, as well as a yellowish fire extinguishing agent all along the carpeted hall. Some students, originally complacent about leaving the building because they assumed it was a false alarm, only rushed to evacuate upon seeing what looked like smoke and the obvious use of the fire extinguisher.

Evacuating students from almost all floors were, at some points, at a standstill en masse on the stairs leading down to the first floor exit. However, Stafford states, “I have no information in the report leading me to believe that the building evacuation didn’t go smoothly. It is a large building.” She added that she was satisfied with the response time of the fire department to the scene.

-Jennifer Neuner

SA-Hatchet Debate LIVEBLOGGING

9:25 p.m. EST

And with that, the 2009 SA-HATCHET Debate has ended! Thanks so much for joining us and for continuing election coverage go to gwradio.com - on the air, online, 24 hours a day! And listen every single weekday to the WRGW News at 6 and News In Depth on Sunday from 12 to 1. I'm Jared Pliner. For our News Director Mallory Thompson, Adam Rosenbloom and everyone here at WRGW thanks for reading and we'll see you on the air!

WRGW's Debate Winners:  Jordan Phillips and Louis Laverone

Final word counts:

Advocacy: 13

Nicole and Brand: 1

Negative mentions of the Aswani administration:  10

9:23 p.m. EST

Hatchet endorsements come tomorrow.  Dessert is upstairs.  Debate ends.

9:19 p.m. EST

George Bruener says he looks different...but look at our current president.  He says he doesn't have posters up around campus because he doesn't want to conform to the system.   Bruener is a man of the people....or a people person.  Says he's not an insider, but he can find the answers.

Kyle Boyer says that he's been blessed to serve as EVP.  He tried his best and ran the Senate fairly effectively.  To clarify the metro situation - Metro came to meet with GW administrators on Thursday.  He doesn't want to stand on a soapbox.  Add 2 to the advocacy count.  That makes 13.  Kyle wants us to be riled up.  And he gives several Oscar-like thank yous.  Gets rousing round of applause.

Bindleglass wants to make sure everyone feels like a part of something bigger.  It's our student government, its our campus. She says that together we can take back the SA.

9:17 p.m. EST

Sammy Lopez says he takes student needs seriously.  He wants microwaves.  Now he is taking the mic to center stage.  He's advocating for student rights to microwave Hot Pockets.  He says he's going to fight his butt off.

Justin Hollimon plugs his WANTED acronym.  He wants to advocate for student orgs.  Up to 11.  He closes with a Michelangelo quote.  Wow.  That's deep.

9:14 p.m. EST

Nick Polk wants simple attainable goals.  Find him and tell him.  He says the important thing is to vote and "thanks y'all."

Jordan Phillips says the SA is more interested in playing politics than advocating.  Count is up to 9.  He also loves sustainability.  Dining is still awful and nothing has happened to the metro cards.  Accountability.  Now we're up to 10.  Wants to bring real change to this campus.  Says he's ready to lead.

9:13 p.m. EST

Roper almost curses because he forgot the 90 second recap.  He had already dismissed the crowd.

WRGW Brings You the SA-Hatchet Debate!

Be sure to tune in at 7pm tonight for live coverage of the SA-Hatchet Debate in the Jack Morton Auditorium.  We'll also be liveblogging the debate, right here.  Be forwarned, this liveblog is not a part of our normal news content and opinions do not reflect any stance of WRGW's news department.

News with Candidates Meehan, Curran, Snyder, Boehmer, Dobson

An extended edition of WRGW News at 6 as the newsteam sits down with Program Board Chair Candidate Tiffany Meehan, and Student Association Senate Candidates Brendan Curran (School of Business), Justin Snyder (Elliot School), Daniel Boehmer (Elliot School), and Logan Dobson (Columbian School).

Monday News at 6

News in Depth: Jason Lifton, George Brunner, Dan Keylin

Jason Lifton, candidate for SA Executive Vice President, George Brunner for President, and Elliot School Senatorial Candidate Dan Keylin on this Sunday's version of News in Depth.

Jason Lifton, George Brunner, and Dan Keylin

DC Sports Round Up

The George Washington Women's basketball played at home on Wednesday night and defeated the University of Massachusetts. Final score was 83 to 62. Only three games remain in the regular season for the Lady Colonials. They are currently ranked 5th in the Atlantic 10. Their next game is tomorrow, at home against St. Bonaventure.

The GW Men's basketball team won their second conference game last night after defeating the St. Bonaventure Bonnies with a final score of 90 to 62. Rob Diggs scored 26 points, and was just one of five George Washington players with double figures on the night. The men took an early lead and held it for the entirety of the game. Despite the stellar performance, hopes for a trip to the Atlantic 10 conference tournament are waning. Only five games remain in the regular season, but all are against conference opponents. Their next game is on Sunday at Xavier.

Keeping with basketball, the Washington Wizards defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on Tuesday. The final score was 111 to 103. It was only the 12th victory for the Wizards this season. Their next game is tonight, at New Jersey.

Finally, in Hockey, the Washington Capitals defeated the Montreal Candiens on Wednesday in a game determined by a shoot-out. The final score was 5 to 4. David Steckel scored the game tying goal with less than three minutes left to play in regulation. Alexander Semin and Nicklas Backstrom both scored in the shoot out to seal the win. However, it was Alex Ovechkin's goal in the second period that stole the show. Ovechkin collected the puck in the neutral zone, then banked an indirect backhand pass off the wall to himself to get around Canadiens defender Roman Hamrlik. Facing the back checking of Kyle Chipchura, Ovechkin was knocked down. Sliding across the ice in the front of goal, he maintained control of the puck and put it behind Canadiens' goaltender Carey Price. The Caps play at home tonight, against Colorado.

-Joe Lewis

Justin Hollimon Visits WRGW

This Friday's News at 6 interviewed Justin Hollimon, candidate for SA President.  Hollimon believes that the key to being student body president is "to reshift the focus [of the SA] to advocacy."  He wants to make the organization more transparent, while working on practical issues that will impact students, like an improved dining plan. 

Hollimon is a junior from Baltimore majoring in history.  He's been involved in leadership roles on campus as the president of the science village his freshman year and as the president of Mitchell Hall his sophomore year.  

To listen to the interview, click below.

Justin Hollimon for SA President Interview

Oscar Weekend

Need somewhere to go to watch the 81st Academy Awards this Sunday night? You can go to one of the many viewing parties occurring throughout Washington D.C. The only official viewing party in DC is at the Hard Rock Café on 999 E Street. But to go this party you have to be willing to pay the price. General admission tickets are $85 each and VIP tickets are $180. Tickets can be purchased online.
If you want to save some money head down to the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse on 2903 Columbia Pike. DC Film Society will be hosting their 17th annual “And the Winner is…..” party. Local film critics Joe Barber and Bill Henry will be hosting the event. Doors open at 6:30 pm and tickets cost $20.
To have a weekend full of the Oscars then go to The Center for the National Archives Experience will be screening nominees from four categories: Documentary Feature, Documentary Short Subject, Live Action Short Film, and Animated Short Film. The screenings started this past Wednesday, but will continue through Sunday. The screenings are taking place at the William G. McGowan Theater. The tickets are free and tickets are first come first serve. Be sure to show up 60 minutes prior to start time.
If none of these ideas suite you then just throw your own Oscars Viewing Party!

Roxanne Martin

Law & Order: GWU

First up, a student living in Thurston Hall contacted UPD to inform them that she believes her roommate took compromising photos of her without her knowledge. The roommate also purportedly posted the photos online. The case has since been referred to SJS.

Another female student reported multiple occasions of sexual assault by another student with whom she was acquainted. The case is still open.

A female staff member informed UPD that she had obtained a temporary protection order from the city against her ex-boyfriend. The subject had reportedly waited for her on public property on campus and then followed her off campus on at least one occasion.

And finally, the intoxication reports for this week: In two separate cases, individuals unaffiliated with GW were assessed for sobriety at the concert that took place at the Smith Center this past Friday. One of the individuals was placed in protective custody and escorted to GWER. The other was released after officers found that she was not dangerous to herself or others.

Another individual unaffiliated with GW, this one male, was found sleeping in the lobby of City Hall. It was evident that the individual had been drinking. He stated that he was visiting a friend in City Hall, but could provide no information about the friend. Sobriety tests were administered, and the individual was barred from campus after he was deemed not to be a hazard to himself or others.

- Jenn Neuner

SA Senate Candidate Soham Gupte on WRGW News at 6

Elliot School of International Affairs Senate Candidate Soham Gupte sat with WRGW's Shawn Wills and Jesse Regis to discuss his platform. Click the link below to hear the conversation.

Soham Gupte on WRGW News at 6

Restaurant Week

Washington DC is full of amazing restaurants and is slowly making an imprint in the culinary world.  With famous chefs opening new restaurants here - like Eric Ripert's West End Bistro and Todd English's Olives - along with DC's unique restaurant culture, dining in the city's top restaurants almost always makes for a fun experience.

Until the check arrives.

But this week, is Restaurant Week - the weeklong holiday for foodies that comes twice a year.  During this week you can enjoy a taste of the 180 DC area restaurants that are offering a fixed price menu.  A three course lunch is set at $20.09 and three course dinner at $35.09.  There aren't many reservations left at some of the city's favorites - like 1789, CoCo Sala or Equinox, but if you don't mind eating dinner earlier or later in the evening, there are plenty of reservations left!  Get them now at www.opentable.com.

-Mallory Thompson

Hall Tours Precede Opening of iHousing

With the opening of iHousing, GW’s online dorm application system, just around the corner, dorm buildings all over campus have been opening their doors to allow potential residents a sneak peek at where they might be living next year.

The Hall tours, conducted by the Residence Hall Association, began February 10th, and provided rising second, third, and fourth-year students with the opportunity to see what rooms in the various buildings looked like. Tour guides also provided students with information on the buildings, such as the percentage of room sizes available in the building, the quality of the elevators, and other pieces of important information.

Upcoming tours include The Dakota and 1959 E Street tonight, and Ivory Towers, New Hall, and City Hall on February 24th. Tours are between 7 and 9 pm and are held continuously throughout the two-hour period.

Significantly, the newest dorm to join the GW community, 2135 F Street – which is only available to rising fourth-year students – will not be available for touring, as it will not be completed in time; applications for this dorm were due back in January.

iHousing begins next week for the rest of the GW student body: rising second-year students will apply the week of the 23rd, and rising third-year students apply the week after, beginning March 2nd.

Rooming assignment notifications will be posted online on March 31st.

-Alex Laska

Conservatory Week at the Kennedy Center

The Kennedy Center will be featuring performances from some of the nation’s top music conservatories throughout the week on the Millennium Stage. The students participating in this concert series represent some of the best talent in the world and truly are the future of professional classical music.

Students from the Cleveland Institute of Music performed on Monday evening. Members of the Indiana University Jacob’s School of Music will play on Tuesday. Wednesday will have the Curtis Institute presenting twin pianists Christina and Michelle Naughton. The University of Michigan School of Music, Theater, and Dance will perform on Thursday. Friday will feature the New England Conservatory. Finally, the Peabody Conservatory will conclude the week long event with their concert on Saturday.

While each performance is unique, all of the concerts will consist of soloists and small ensembles presenting classical works from a variety of time periods.

Due to increased interest, performances will be held in the Terrace Theater as opposed to the Millennium Stage. However, like every other Millennium Stage

performance, each concert is free and no tickets are required to attend. Performances begin at 6 pm and last approximately one hour. The Kennedy Center would also like to remind anyone ages 17 to 25 to sign up for the Attend discount program. Members can enjoy drastically discounted tickets for select performances throughout the year with many seats starting as low as ten dollars.

-Joe Lewis

Presidential Candidate Nick Polk Stops by News In Depth

SA Senator Nick Polk tells all about his presidential run…

That was the topic this past Sunday on WRGW’s News In Depth with Jared Pliner & Jesse Regis.

For forty minutes, Pliner and Regis asked Polk about his reasons for running, his unique platform and how to fix a crumbling Student Association.

Polk said that his experience as a senator-at-large would help him govern, if elected. He also stressed a tendency of not taking himself too seriously (the reverse quality has plagued SA politics in the recent past).

You can hear much more of Jared and Jesse’s interview with Sen. Nick Polk right here on our News Blog. And for continuing SA election coverage, tune in to News In Depth with Jared Pliner & Jesse Regis, Sundays from 12 to 1…Only on one station: GW Radio.

Just For Fun

If you love reality TV and aren't quite up on the Obama administration, then do we have a solution for you!  Newsweek's spoof of MTV's The City, which follows the first 100 days of Obama's term in office, will be sure to give you a break from all of that midterm studying.  Episode Three is below, with a new episode out every Monday.

[vodpod id=Groupvideo.2105389&w=425&h=350&fv=]

more about "The District, Episode 3 Video", posted with vodpod

Ben Folds and Jason Mraz Woo GWU

Friday night, George Washington University's Charles E. Smith Center was filled with students eager to hear pop-rock pianist Ben Folds and singer-songwriter Jason Mraz. The concert was sponsored by both Program Board and WRGW Radio, as part of the station's 80th Anniversary celebration.

Ben Folds was best known as the former front man of the group Ben Folds Five, but the group disbanded in 2000. As a solo artist, Ben Folds produces up-beat, danceable, piano rock that is evocative of the great Sir Elton John. Suffice to say, Ben Folds brings an infusion of quirky energy and wit to the stage that cannot be measured against Sir Elton's tempered elegance.

Ben Folds did bring that same energy to the Smith Center, as he began his dynamic hour and a half long set with his song ' Effington', 'Brainwashed', the ever-catchy and ever-popular 'You Don't Know Me', and 'Annie Waits'. The songs were a mix of his early solo attempts all the way up to his most recent 2008 release from Epic Records, 'Way to Normal'. Ben first captivated the audience as he shared the story behind the song 'Bitch Went Nuts' about a young woman and the errant Republican lawyer who loves her until one fateful office party. You get the idea. A hushed silenced fell over the audience as he explained what he could do by taping two Altoid cans inside of his acoustic piano. The effect: a faux-electronic, distorted, and yet oh-so-cool- rendering of a song entitled 'Free Coffee'. After captivating the crowd as he attempted to direct a kind of harmonizing vocal melody via crowd participation. The result? Masses of GW students moaning audibly and awkwardly as Ben Folds looked the part of a mad scientist-cum-orchestra direction, perched on said piano. The crowd's impatience was audible, as many had never heard of the talented performer and were merely waiting for Jason Mraz.

After Ben Folds did the real work of playing an hour-and-a half long set, entertaining with funny stories and anecdotes to the crowd, and getting masses of GW students to participate in one, singular activity -- all Jason Mraz had to do was stroll onto the stage and the crowd went nuts. Granted, Mraz has seen immense success from his latest studio album 'We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things.', especially with his light-hearted, Grammy-nominated ballad 'I'm Your's'. But Mraz proved his vocal might and his quality as a true entertainer. Mraz was backed by a skilled band, featuring a dynamic percussion section and a mighty good horn section that created a wonderful harmony with Mraz's soaring voice. His music is filled with pop, reggae, funk, and even jazz elements that display his exemplary musical range. In between songs, Mraz started to get a little too message-y, as he was promoting notions of "self-love" and "sending out love to the universe" the day before Valentine's Day. Despite Mraz's tendency to get a little message-y, the crowd wanted more.

When he emerged for the encore, Mraz quipped "It's Friday the 13th and Jason is back".

- Shawn Willis

Camilo José Vergara and "Harlem: The Unmaking of a Ghetto"

[caption id="attachment_1108" align="alignright" width="264" caption="Beginning in 1977, Vergara began photographing 65 East 125th Street in New York City's Harlem neighborhood. From top, the address as photographed in 1980, 2001 and 2007 illustrate both the city's revitalization and the loss of local color."][/caption]

Last Thursday, the American Studies Department and the University Seminar in Urban Studies hosted photographer and historian Camilo José Vergara to present “Harlem: The Unmaking of a Ghetto.” Vergara has spent years utilizing his training in sociology to document urban areas such as Harlem, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Frank Goodyear, a curator at the National Portrait Gallery, introduced Vergara by commenting on how his viewing of the physical deterioration of urban areas has helped to bring meaning to the inequality in urban America. He presented the photographs he has taken of Harlem over the years, comparing buildings and areas to show how much things have changed.

Perhaps the most telling example of this was when Vergara, showing a picture of a piece of Harlem architecture that can no longer be found, said, “You seem them everywhere, and then they disappear, and then there’s no trace of them except in pictures.” Yet he made it clear that Harlem is a place that has turned around, and is not what it once was in terms of drugs, poverty, and violence. He stated that of all the boroughs of New York, he has found that Harlem has the highest level of recognition around the world. And as a result of Vergara’s work, the GW community now knows that much more about Harlem and its culture.

- Jenn Neuner

(photo from popphoto.com)

News in Depth: Exclusive Interview with SA Presidential Candidate Nick Polk

Jared Pliner and Jesse Regis sat down for an exclusive with Student Association Senator and Presidential hopeful Nick Polk this afternoon to discuss issues facing the student body and the upcoming 2-day long SA election February 25th and 26th.

Polk discussed J-Street mandatory spending, the proposed library fee, the rising cost of tuition, a proposed amendment to the SA constitution, and much more. Click the link below to hear the conversation.

Nick Polk on WRGW News in Depth

DC Sports Update

After 11 strait losses, the George Washington Men’s Basketball team finally won a game after defeating conference rival Fordham last Saturday in the Smith Center. The final score was 87-62. The victory was the men’s first conference win of the season. Success was short lived for the Colonials, with a loss against LaSalle on Wednesday. Final score was 57 to 68. Time is running out for the Colonials and the Atlantic 10 conference tournament. Only seven games remain in the regular season, but all are against A-10 teams. Hope is still alive, but the men are going to need a hefty dose of that Karl Hobbs magic we all know and love. The men’s next game is tomorrow, at Charlotte.

The GW women’s basketball team lost on the road Wednesday against 19th ranked Xavier. The final score was 62 to 82. Xavier is undefeated in A-10 conference play. Unlike the men’s team, the lady Colonials, ranked 5th in the A-10, are comfortably positioned for a return to the conference tournament. The women’s next game is tomorrow, at St. Louis.

In professional basketball, the Wizards started the week with a win at home against the Pacers on Sunday. Caron Butler made a buzzer beating field goal to keep the game from going into over time. Final score was 119-117. The Wizards lost at Atlanta 90 to 111 on Tuesday, and then traveled to Charlotte where they were defeated 89 to 110 on Wednesday. The Wizards’ next game in Tuesday at home against Minnesota.

Finally, in hockey the Washington Capitals suffered a shoot-out loss on Wednesday to the New York Rangers. The final score was 4 to 5. Every goal of the game for both teams was scored in the first two periods. Mike Green scored twice for the Capitals, and tied the NHL record for consecutive games with a goal by a defenseman. For just the fourth time this season, the Caps had multiple fights in the same game as Donald Brashear took on Colton Orr and Matt Bradley squared off with Aaron Voros. Brashear earned his 201st five minute major for fighting with the bout. Ranger’s all-star goalie Henrik Lundqvist made the game breaking save against Brooks Laich in the shoot out to seal the win for New York. The Capitals play again tomorrow, in Tampa Bay to face the Lightning.

-Joe Lewis

Jason Mraz & Ben Folds Concert Tonight!

Come down to the Smith Center tonight  at 7pm to hear Jason Mraz and Ben Folds perform!  Don't have tickets?  They're are still available!   Tickets are $33 with any college student ID.

Student Court Overturns Veto

In last night's Student Court hearing, the Court sided with EVP Kyle Boyer and overturned President Vishal Aswani's veto.

Signatures are no longer needed to apply for candidacy within the Student Assoication.

A 2-2 decision, the Court ruled that EVP Boyer and SA Secretary Alex Fitzsimmons made the correct assertion that a "two-thirds majority" does not need to be of all SA Senators, just of those present and voting.

The Court's decision also extended the candidate registration period until noon on February 17th.

- Mallory Thompson

Gwen Ifill at Jack Morton

Gwen Ifill, managing editor and moderator for PBS's Washington Week and senior correspondent for The News Hour with Jim Lehrer, spoke Thursday night before GW students, faculty, and members of the Washington D.C. community at the Jack Morton auditorium in the School of Media and Public Affairs. There she promoted her new book, The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama is a New York Times bestseller.

SMPA Professor Frank Sesno conducted the hour-long interview, at one point playing a clip from Saturday Night Live in which Ifill was parodied by actress Queen Latifah for her role as moderator during the 2008 Vice Presidential Debate.

Student Court to Hear Argument on Aswani's Veto Override

The Student Court will convene tonight at 10:30pm for a hearing on the override of SA President Vishal Aswani after the validity of the vote was questioned by Jordan Chapman, Aswani's vice president for judicial and legislative affairs.

The vote concerns Sen. Logan Dobson's (CCAS-U) bill which proposes the elimination of a signature requirement for those wanting to run for a SA position.  Last Thursday, the Senate passed the bill by a super-majority.  Aswani vetoed the legislation because he feels that students should have to collect signatures to prove they are servious about working for students.  The Senate overturned Aswani's veto on Tuesday, but early this morning Chapman filed a complaint with the student court.  The complaint comes from what Chapman sees as not enough students present to override the veto.

The Hatchet reports that 18 senators were eligible to vote at Tuesday's meeting. Of those 18, five abstained, bringing the total number of voting Senators to 13. Of those 13, nine voted to overturn Aswani’s veto, garnering a two-thirds majority. The decision to accept this two-thirds majority was made by Executive Vice President, Kyle Boyer, and Alex Fitzsimmons, the SA’s secretary.

In the end, if the Senate's override stands, students wishing to run for office will not have to collect signatures in order to be placed on the ballot.  If it is ruled unconstitutional, students will have to collect signatures from 1 percent of the student body just as they have in past elections.

The Student Court also can extend registration period to apply for candidacy of a student association position if the latter decision is made.

Aswani said in an emailed statement this afternoon, "This suit was not filed with any malcontent toward the SA Senate and it's membership nor was it filed with any malcontent by any member of the executive to the Executive Vice-President or his staff, but in order to ensure a fair election. I commend Jordan for his service to the Student Association and (more importantly) to the Student Body. Additionally, I commend him for working with all the parties involved to ensure, more than anything else, that the election process will be as minimally interrupted as possible."

- Mallory Thompson

Catania Accepts Position at SPHHS

D.C. Council member David Catania (I-At-Large) announced today that he has accepted a position in the School of Public Health and Health Services after a unanimous decision by the University’s Committee on Appointments, Promotions and Tenure.

"I am very excited about the opportunity to teach at the GW School of Public Health; I look forward to sharing our experiences in the District of Columbia with the students," Catania said in a statement according to DCist. "The number and complexity of the health care challenges that we confront in the District are fascinating subjects for advanced study in health policy."

According to a press release, Catania will host periodic lecturers on issues of importance in health, law and policy for law students, graduate students and PhD candidates in the Public Health and Policy program.  In order to avoid any conflicts of interest, Catania will not be paid for the teaching position.

SPHHS is the only public health school in the District and Catania believes that “We are very fortunate to have a nationally recognized school of public health in our city. It is something that our government should take better advantage of.”

-Mallory Thompson

Black Heritage Celebration 2009

The Multicultural Students Association, SA, and the University have collaborated to present Black Heritage Celebration 2009. In 1926, Historian and scholar Carter G. Woodson pioneered Negro History Week to mark the second week in February, coinciding with the birthday’s of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. Black Celebration Heritage 2009 is themed: “Sankofa: Writing the Black Autobiography”. So far, various organizations on campus have contributed to what is now a month-long celebration.

Upcoming events include:

• A panel discussion on Monday, February 16th entitled: “Before there was Barack: A Discussion of Black Leadership”

• On Wednesday February 18th a lecture and discussion will be given by Dr. Leonard M. Moore entitled: “Why are there more Black men in Jail than in College?”

• Thursday February 19th is the Black and Latino Panel Discussion and Mixer, hosted by the MSSC

• Friday, February 20th is the NAACP Soul Revue- “Soul Train” in the Jack Morton Auditorium • Sunday February 22nd is the Cultural Cook-off • Monday February 23rd will be a screening of the film “Flag Wars”, featuring a discussion afterwards about the challenges of gentrification

• Wednesday February 25th is the 2nd annual celebration of Bob Marley

• And the Celebration will culminate on Saturday February 28th with the 4th Annual Semi-Formal Boat Cruise

For more information about any of the events, visit:  http://gwired.gwu.edu/mssc/BHC2009/

- Shawn Willis

Law & Order: GWU

The big crime story this week is a burglary at Pita Pit. UPD was contacted by the complainant, who indicated that money had been stolen from Pita Pit. MPD was contacted to search the scene. From surveillance video taken of the Ivory Tower food concourse, it seems that two subjects lifted the gate at Pita Pit and crawled under it. They then took cash from a drawer under the cash register area. This crime is still being investigated.

A female GW student was the victim of an attempted robbery off campus. The student was walking at the intersection of 19th and I Streets when a man approached her and grabbed her purse, demanding the student to relinquish it. She yelled loudly in response and was overheard by a group of individuals nearby. The attacker saw the individuals and took off running, empty-handed.

A GW staff member was assaulted at the Froggy Bottom Pub. The complainant says that he asked someone he knew, an individual unaffiliated with GW, to move his food off the pool table on which the complainant wanted to play. The subject then assaulted the complainant. The subject has been charged with simple assault.

And finally, your illegal substance consumption updates for the week:

In Potomac House, a UPD officer smelled a suspicious odor while on patrol. The officer contacted the community director on duty, and they entered the room to find two male GW students. The community director then performed an administrative search, which yielded 3.7 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. The case has been closed and referred to SJS.

- Jenn Neuner

Valentine's Day Update!

Saturday February 14th is Valentine’s Day, and various groups across GWU have been celebrating all week. If you’re all out of ideas or need some help, here’s a couple of ideas:

Want to serenade your significant other? You can purchase a song ($2 for local calls, $3 for long distance) that the Mu Delta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority will sing to your loved ones over the phone on February 13th. You can stop by our their table in the Marvin Center on Tuesday February 10th or email aka@gwu.edu to purchase and for more information.

Or if you want to opt for something more traditional, stop by Colombian Square, J-Street, in the Marvin Center and buy some Valentines Day Candy. The girls of Alpha Epsilon Phi are hosting a candy sale from hearts, to roses, and even cakes. Cash and GWorld will be accepted as a form of payment. All proceeds from the sale will be donated to Sharsheret, a not for profit breast cancer foundation.

Class Council is also hosting three events targeted at Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors. On Tuesday, February 10th, stop by Thurston Hall between 1 and 4 pm to fill out a free Valentine’s Day gram. On Wednesday, those of you without a date can celebrate Anti-Valentine’s Day in Kogan Plaza with free candy and condoms. Finally, on Thursday, you can stop by the Potomac Hall lobby between 3 and 5 pm to decorate cookies for yourself or your Valentine.

Also as Valentine’s Day approaches, GWU C.A.R.E.S. (Campus Access to Resources and Education Services), the University Counseling Center and the University Police Department along with the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance invite you to a brown bag lunch panel on Healthy Relationships, Warning Signs and GW Resources, on Tuesday, February 10th from 12:30-1:30 in Marvin Center 402.

- Monika Wysocki

One Life: The Mask of Lincoln

[caption id="attachment_1034" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Abraham Lincoln, 1865 "][/caption]

February 12th will mark the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth. His face adorns some of the most recognizable currency in the world and only a few hundred thousand or so people stood in his shadows during the Inauguration. The image etched in many Americans' mind is of a worn middle-age man with a grim look; a reflection of the monumental task of leading a divided nation through The Civil War, emancipation, and rededicating the nation to the ideals of unalienable rights. Lincoln was the first President whose entire political career took place in an era when light could capture images forever. The National Portrait Gallery is exploring Lincoln's public and private greatness in the exhibit entitled "One Life: The Mask of Lincoln". The exhibit will be up through July 5, 2009, but man original photographs will be replaced with replicas after his birthday, Feb. 12th. Go see it and wish President Lincoln a Happy Birthday, and maybe a 'Thanks Mr. President'.

The National Portrait Gallery is located at 8th and F St, NW and is open from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

http://www.npg.si.edu/exhibit/lincoln/

- Shawn Willis

Law & Order: GWU

First up on Law & Order this week:

A GW alumna was barred from campus after being found in the Pennsylvania Avenue properties and Rice Hall. According to the report, the alumma acted disorderly while trying to get in to see the Office of General Council.

Liquor law violations for this week occurred in Ivory Tower, Thurston Hall, and Somers Hall on the Mount Vernon campus. A male GW student was found unconscious in the the food court men's room in Ivory Tower. He was transported to GWER for treatment. In Thurston, a female GW student was found banging on a door, thinking it was the door to her own room. UPD arrived and discovered that the girl was intoxicated, so she was transported to GWER. And in Somers on the Mount Vernon campus, an intoxicated female GW student was encountered falling in and out of consciousness. DC Fire EMS was contacted and administered medical attention on the scene.

The sole drug case on campus this week occurred in Potomac Hall when a suspicious odor was reported. The only resident in the room was a female GW student The UPD officer on patrol contacted the Community Director on duty, who performed an administrative search. The search yielded 3.2 grams of marijuana, alcohol, and prescription medication.

Finally, an off-campus theft was reported to UPD at Soho, a restaurant at the intersection of 19th and Pennsylvania Avenues. A male customer reported his wallet missing from his coat. The restaurant manager later contacted the complainant, stating that surveillance video had captured a subject taking the wallet from the coat pocket.

-Jenn Neuner

Ivory Tower Quad Goes for $4600 at Martha's Marathon

A large crowd was gathered in Columbian Square in the Marvin Center on Tuesday as the RHA auctioned and raffled off several dorm rooms for next year as part of Martha’s 2009. The event coincided with a Mexican-themed Freshman Feast.

While students dined on tacos, the RHA auctioned off nine different rooms, including a quad in Ivory Tower that went for $4,600 to a group of four friends.

“A friend of ours won the room last year, and he suggested we go for it,” said Anurag Ambasht who, along with his three friends, won the highly-contested auction for the room in Ivory Tower. “We plan on holding the room for a few years.”

However, not all of the rooms offered went for so much. A double in FSK had to be tabled due to lack of interest; the starting bid had been set at $250, but was lowered to $200 before finally being closed when no one would bid. A large Munson Hall double, expected to bring in a large amount of money, went for a mere $550.

Other prizes besides rooms were also auctioned off, including two season passes to Six Flags that went for one hundred dollars. The package also included two free massages.

Raffle tickets, which were being sold at $2 each, gave students another way to win a room, with one raffle winner receiving the option to choose any room on campus to live in next year, along with the ability to choose their own roommates. 2,500 raffle tickets were sold.

Before the auction, students had the option to play Bingo for various prizes, including movie tickets.

Proceeds from Martha’s 2009 went to the General Scholarship Fund.

-Alex Laska

Upcoming Events at the Lisner Auditorium

Starting on Thursday, February 12^th, Noche de Sevilla: Arcángel, Dorantes, Rosario Toledo will be performed at the Lisner Auditorium. This concert, hailed by officials at Lisner as a “captivating concert of vocals, piano and dance” that “features award-winning artists from the prestigious Bienal de Flamenco de Sevilla.” That show will feature a variety of dances, songs, and instruments. Tickets can be ordered online, or bought at the box office. They are on sale for $20 for GW students.

Following, on Saturday the 14^th, is a production of Carmen by the Antonio Gades Company. According to Lisner, this production is “Based on Carlos Saura's Oscar-winning film and performed by one of Europe's premier dance troupes, Carmen is the masterpiece which catapulted choreographer Antonio Gades and his company to international fame.” The show will feature over thirty dancers and musicians. According to the UK Times, the production is “drama of the highest order” and “heart stopping.” Tickets can be purchased at the box office, or online for a cost of $20 for GW students.

Additional information on these shows, and the rest of Lisner’s spring lineup, can be found at www.lisner.org.

-Pat Miller

It's Almost Time...

Student Association elections are coming!  Be on the lookout for lots of candidates stopping by the station in the coming weeks, the Presidential-EVP Debate and WRGW's annual live broadcast/blogging of the election returns.

Registration- February 9-13, 2009

Official Candidate’s Meeting- February 17, 2009

Campaigning Begins- February 18, 2009

General Election- February 25-26, 2009

Run-off Election (if necessary)- March 11-12, 2009

Steelers Win Record Sixth Super Bowl

The Pittsburgh Steelers ended the Arizona Cardinals’ Cinderella story Sunday night and captured a league record with their sixth Super Bowl victory. The final score was 27 to 23.

Expectations for the Cardinals were grim going into the game. Arizona was entering their first Super Bowl following a strong playoff run, but their regular season record of 9 and 7 was less than compelling. On the other hand, the Steelers were just three years removed from their last world championship and boasted the league’s best defense.

Pittsburgh controlled the flow of the game in the first half and dominated in time of possession. Sitting on Pittsburgh’s 1 yard line with 18 seconds left on the clock, the Cardinals were poised to either tie the game or take the lead going into Halftime. That is until Kurt Warner’s pass was intercepted and Steelers’ linebacker James Harrison ran the length of the field for a record breaking 100 yard touchdown return.

Arizona regrouped in the second half, allowing only a field goal in the 3rd quarter and scoring 16 unanswered points in the 4th. The Cardinals’ high flying offense kept them in the game, but their final touchdown was scored too quickly. The Steelers got the ball back with two and a half minutes left in the game and drove 78 yards in 8 plays. Pittsburgh receiver Santonio Holmes held on to an awe inspiring touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger to give the Steelers a 4 point lead with only 35 seconds left on the clock. The game was sealed when Warner was sacked by Steelers’ linebacker Lamar Woodley and the fumbled ball was recovered by Pittsburgh. For the second year in a row, the Super Bowl was decided by a touchdown scored in the last 35 seconds of the game.

The unexpectedly close match turned out to be a night of new records. Warner threw for 377 yards and now has the three highest passing-yardage totals in Super Bowl history. Cardinals Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald set the record for receptions, yards and touchdowns in a single postseason. Also, Pittsburgh's Mike Tomlin is the youngest coach to win a Super Bowl.

Holmes was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Warner was honored before the game with the Walter Payton man of the Year award for his charity work off the field. He was quoted saying before the game that regardless of the outcome he would consider making this his final season.

-Joe Lewis

Keeper of Secrets: Frank Warren

WRGW had the opportunity to interview Frank Warren, the creator of the online phenomenon Post Secret.  Post Secret is an ongoing art project where people are encouraged to send a secret on a post card to Warren.  Out of the 1000 postcards he recieves weekly, every Sunday several are chosen to be placed on his blog.  Warren also has four books that share the postcard secrets.  For the full interview, look for WRGW News on itunes or check out the story by WRGW arts reporter Shawn Willis below:

Keeper of Secrets