This Year's V-Day: Grassroots and Proud

Yesterday WRGW News interviewed GW senior Laura Westman about DC V-Day, happening this weekend and comprising not one but in fact three days of performance. V-Day is an international project dedicated to eradicating violence against women. 

For DC V-Day “The Vagina Monologues” will be performed Thursday at 8:00pm, Friday at 7:00pm and Saturday at 9:30pm. Also for the event, a new play will make its campus debut; “A Memory, A Monologue, A Rant and A Prayer,” is showing Friday at 7:00pm and Saturday at 9:30pm. All performances are taking place in the Jack Morton Auditorium. Tickets are $10 per show and $15 for a double feature on Friday and Saturday for students and interns, for others those prices are $15 and $20. 

At the beginning of the interview WRGW News thought that GWU’s Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance was staging V-Day as it has in the past. Laura quickly set the record straight; in fact, due to the graduating of many of its member the FMLA would have been unable to present the event this year and it is an informal group of students who are putting it on. This grassroots movement to keep V-Day a part of GW’s events this year was begun by Megan Foster, who graduated from GW recently, Raina Aronowitz, a current GW grad student. They enlisted their friends in the effort, including Laura Westman.  

The shows are being held not only to raise awareness but also to raise money for the national V-Day organization as well as the local group Sexual Minority Youth Action League (SMYAL). 

A Sunny Day Shines On A Rainy Night

Gails of wind and pouring rain could not stop devoted music fans from packing DC9 for shoegazers A Sunny Day in Glasgow Sunday night. The six piece band from Philadelphia (no, they're not from Scotland) sparkled as they performed songs from their critically
acclaimed 2009 effort "Ashes Grammar."

They played an incredible set, selecting some of the best tracks from the 63 minute album, opening with two of their most popular songs, "The White Witch" and "Failure," moving into "Nitetime Rainbows," also the title track of a seven song EP released earlier this month. The songs sounded even better live than on the album, due largely in part to talented new vocalists Jen Goma and Annie Fredrickson, who replaced former singers Lauren and Robin Daniels.

There was so much going on at any given point onstage it was almost overwhelming, whether it was guitarist Josh Meakim blazing out a solo, Goma and Fredrickson singing intricate harmonies or Ben Daniels playing a number of different instruments, including an electric mandolin on one number.

Fredrickson took time between songs to talk to the audience. "Since we're in DC, I just want to say it's awesome that healthcare passed," she said to a roar of applause. "Well, it could be better, but it's good."

The set wasn't without some surprises. Mixed in with the ethereal, dreamy songs of "Ashes Grammar" were two heavier compositions. Drummer Adam Herndon pounded his crash cymbals and kickdrum while Ryan Newmyer turned his steady bass strumming up in the mix, laying down a menacing rhythmic foundation for Daniels and Meakim to fill out with layers of distorted chords. All the while, Goma and Fredrickson maintained their sweet, melodic vocals with Meakim adding vocoder harmonies. The energy in the room instantly morphed from a euphoric daze to a rock frenzy that was nothing short of spectacular.

A Sunny Day in Glasgow mingled with the ecstatic crowd following the set and thanked fans profusely as they made their way back into the wet DC night craving more.

-Joseph Rabinowitz

President Obama Signs for College Affordability Reform

On Tuesday afternoon, President Obama signed college affordability provisions to his health-care bill, making higher education more affordable for Americans.

Secretary of Education Arne Duncan thanked the President for his leadership and courage, as well as Congress for ‘doing the right thing,’ in a press conference after the law was signed. “Because of this legislation we can look a child in the eyes… and say that if they work hard, they can pursue their dreams,” said Duncan.

A news release from the White House Office of Media Affairs said the law will lower health care costs for American families and small businesses, raise the maximum Pell Grant (federal grant program), make loan payments more affordable, and increase investments in community colleges, at no additional cost to taxpayers.

When asked how college students will see a difference, Duncan responded that financial aid forms will be simplified, more programs and resources will be accessible, and there will be lower repayment costs for student loans. Starting in July 2014, students will be allowed to cap their repayments at 10% of their income and after 10 years of work in public service (school, government, nonprofit, etc) all student loan balances will be forgiven.

Coming up on News in Depth...

On this Sunday's "News in Depth," communications director Michael Garber of the GW College Democrats and communications director Rob Noel of the GW College Republicans face off on the week's top headlines: the passage of health care, the state of U.S.-Israeli relations, McCain and Palin back together again, and much more!

You don't want to miss this edition of "News in Depth," with WRGW's Jared Pliner and Jennifer Neuner...Sunday from 12 to 1 p.m., LIVE from Washington, D.C.

A Big Week For Don't Ask, Don't Tell

In just seven days, two major events caused Don't Ask, Don't Tell, the policy that prohibits homosexuals from serving openly in the military, to reappear under the national spotlight.

Last Thursday, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest LGBT rights organization, hosted a rally at Freedom Plaza to protest Don't Ask, Don't Tell. Headlining the event, which was attended by hundreds of gay rights supporters, was comedienne Kathy Griffin, an outspoken supporter of gay community.

Griffin, who stars in the Emmy-winning reality series, "Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List," read a letter from a closeted homosexual currently serving in Afghanistan, whose name she could not reveal for fear of damaging his career.

“‘The policy continues to make us feel like illegitimate citizens despite our willingness to protect the very government – possibly with our lives – who legitimize this law. We feel it codifies bigotry,’” she read. “As long as this law remains on the books, there is not only the fear of being caught and losing everything, but the shame of living counter to what I know are the military’s core values of living an ethical and honest life.”

Lt. Dan Choi, who came out on "The Rachel Maddow Show" on MSNBC last year and is now facing discharge under Don't Ask, Don't Tell, made an unscheduled appearance at the rally, telling the crowd "I am still standing, I am still fighting, I am still speaking out, I am still serving my country, and I am still gay.”

Choi then led a group of protesters to the White House, where he and Capt. Jim Pietrangelo chained themselves to the fence, resulting in their arrest. They were held in custody overnight and released the next day, pleading "not guilty" to a charge of failuire to obey an officer.

Then this Thursday, Defense Secretary Robert Gates rolled out a series of rules meant to ease enforcement of Don't Ask, Don't Tell while the Pentagon completes its study of how to repeal the law in full. Some of these new rules include:

• The firing of a gay serviceperson must now be done by an officer at a rank at least equivalent to that of a one-star general.
• Information supplied by third parties must now be given under oath, and a third party's testimony should be scrapped if that person is seeking revenge.
• Information given in confidence to lawyers, clergy, psychotherapists, or medical professionals can no longer be used in dismissal cases.

Joe Solmonese, president of The Human Rights Campaign, praised the new rules as "a positive step towards repeal this year," but Choi said on "The Rachel Maddow Show" that "it misses the point entirely." President Barack Obama himself has yet to make a statement on the issue.

Great New Music At DC9

California quartet and recent Sub Pop signees Dum Dum Girls played a show with London lo-fi trio Male Bonding last night at DC9. Dum Dum girls combine classic 60s girl-group harmonies and songwriting with garage punk edge and surf rock guitar, fitting perfectly into the new wave of beach inspired, lo-fi rock music coming out of the indie scene. The group started as a solo recording project by lead singer and songwriter, Dee Dee, in Los Angeles. Later experimentation with different lineups led to the final group of three more female musicians.

The Girls played older material mixed with a few tracks off their new LP “I Will Be” due out March 30. Despite suffering from a bad sore throat, Dee Dee fought through the set, still managing to belt out a short-but -sweet show in her deep, gentle croon. The Girls sounded great, bringing the Phil Spector Wall of Sound-like harmonies of “I Will Be” to life in heels, striped leggings and short, black dresses.

Male Bonding took the stage next, rifling through a furious set of punk-inspired garage rock. “More bass in the space!” yelled one excited fan against the stage. Singer and bassist Kevin Hendrick cranked up his amplifier and yelled back, “More bass in your face London! I mean DC!” Male Bonding will release their debut LP, “Nothing Hurts,” May 11 on Sub Pop. You can also hear them on a newly released Paradise Vendors Inc 12” compilation of lo-fi bands in the UK garage rock scene.

DC9 is the perfect venue for smaller acts. The small upper floor puts fans right up close with the performers for an intimate concert experience. The sound is great and tickets are usually $15 or less, even as low as $7. The nightclub has frequent 18+ shows and features two bars for 21+ guests. It’s located at 1940 9th Street NW, just down the street from the 9:30 Club and only a few blocks from the U Street Metro stop.

For more information about DC9 visit www.dcnine.com

-Joseph Rabinowitz

Meghan McCain Redefines Republicanism with No Labels, No Boxes and No Stereotypes

Meghan McCain walked onto the Jack Morton Auditorium stage wearing a black studded blazer, stilettos that displayed a tattoo on her foot and neon painted nails. McCain began Thursday's speech by addressing that she is a controversial figure in modern-day politics. “I say provocative things because I believe them,” said McCain. “I want to start a dialogue, not a controversy.”

Michael Komo, president of GW's LGBT group Allied in Pride (and one of the evening's sponsors) introduced McCain, calling her "a powerful role model" for young people.

GW Young American’s Foundation was outside protesting the highly-anticipated speech. The organization’s blog described it as “a demonstration against efforts to redefine marriage as well as Meghan McCain’s flawed view of conservatism.” McCain commented on the GWYAF protest during her talk, “... you guys had cake and lemonade at your protest. That’s not bad ass,” joked McCain.

McCain calls herself a "progressive Republican." McCain, who was previously registered as an independent to rebel against her father, explained her view on the political party that she fell in love with during her father’s two-year campaign tour. She believes that the Republican Party needs to eradicate the stereotypes. “Unless we unite as one. We are going to continue losing elections,” said McCain.

The 25-year old columnist and blogger wanted to be the next Betsey Johnson when she graduated from high school, but after attending Columbia University and joining her father on the political circuit she has become very passionate and protective of the Republican Party and now dedicates her time to advocating gay marriage and redefining the Republican Party’s values. “I am not saying let’s abandon all the core values that Republicanism was founded on… but we need to evolve with the times and embrace others with open arms,” said McCain.

McCain also emphasized the importance of civility in politics, insisting that she and women in the political spotlight shouldn’t be criticized for their body, hair or make-up. Conservative radio host Laura Ingraham made negative comments about McCain’s weight during a political discussion. “Too fat to be a Republican, that makes me feel really good,” said McCain. ”I am too fat to be an elephant.”

After the program, Komo called McCain's rapport and quick wit "amazing." "Her energy was second to none," he said.

In her remarks, McCain also managed to touch on the recently passed health care reform law and other critical issues, stating that she is "scared shitless" of the new plan, that the media needs to start asking the tough questions, and that gay marriage isn’t a political issue but a civil rights issue.

“Move over GOP," she said. "Because I’m not going anywhere."

Meghan McCain’s latest book, "Dirty Sexy Politics: A True Story," will be released in August. You can follow her on Twitter and read her columns on The Daily Beast.

She Got Game?

Beginning Selection Sunday on March 14 until the NCAA men's basketball national championship on April 5 sports fans across the country are consumed by March Madness. Some GW students have clear allegiances to their hometown teams, while others love the unpredictability of the tournament. Groans can be heard by those who have had their brackets "busted" due to Georgetown University and Kansas University's unexpected early elimination. What many people tend to forget that as the men fight for the championship title, the women are doing the same. Their championship game happens just one day after the men's, on April 6.

The difference in popularity for the two tournaments is staggering. According to NCAA.com, in the 2008 men's chamionship final Memphis and Kansas was played in front of a sold out crowd of 43,257 this is almost double the 21,655 people who attended the 2008 Women's Final between Tennessee and Stanford. In 2009 the Men's Final was held in an even larger arena in Detroit, where 72,922 fans were in attendance. Although the Women's Final in 2009 between University of Connecticut and Louisville was contested in front of a sold out crowd, it was in a much smaller arena in St. Louis that only sits 20,551. While most of the men's games have been played in sold out crowds in large arenas, the women's NCAA tournament is still advertising ticket sales.

Although TV viewership between the men's and women's college basketball is incomparable, there has been an increase in viewership for women. In 2006 the women's championship recorded a record rating, with 1.32 million household. Last year's men's final had 17.6 million TV viewers, which was down from the year before. Some efforts have been made to increase attendance and viewership for the women's tournament: having the final games in one location and having the women's final after the men's so it can officially end March Madness. However, TV viewership for women's is expected to be lower because ESPN and ESPN2, which airs the women's games reaches a smaller audience than CBS, which airs the men's games.

We see this gap in popularity between men's and women's sports here at GW. The GW women's basketball team has performed better than the men's team, but receives much less support at games. Since the 2006-2007 season, the men's basketball team has made it to the Atlantic-10 tournament two times and once to the NCAA tournament in the 2006-2007 season. The women's team on the other hand has made it to the Atlantic-10 tournament each year since the 2006-2007 season. The women's team made it to the WNIT tournament last season and reached the NCAA tournament the two seasons before that. The women's team was able to reach the semifinals of the NCAA tournament in the 2007-2008. This past season was the first time the GW men's team outperformed the women's team in recent years.

Rebecca Dauer, a sophomore at GW, has always been surrounded by college basketball due to her close proximity to Kentucky University. While she has attended many Kentucky men's basketball games and GW men's basketball games, she has attended less than 5 women's basketball games and none were for GW's team. She believes her lack of interest in women's basketball is due to her upbringing, "older generations really do not associate many sports with women and therefore when my dad took me to a game it was men's because that was what he was used to." Dauer goes on to state that she does not believe the difference in physical abilities between men and women contribute to her lack of attendance of women's basketball games.

This Weekend on the Vern

You don't want to miss what's going on this weekend on GW's Mount Vernon campus.

As the last installment of this year's Vern Cup competition--a series of contests and events to distinguish the "best" residence hall on Mount Vernon--the Anything but Clothes Run will take place on Friday, March 26 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.

For this challenge, the competing teams, divided by each house proctor, are tasked with making a creative set of clothing that is to be made out of any material except clothes. Then, the teams will walk or run on a set course on the campus. Points will be awarded to the first, second, and third place finishers of the course and to the team that has the most participants wearing "anything but clothes" or attending the event.

Prior to this contest, there were the Iron Chef competition, video game competition, and food-eating contest.

Then, on Saturday, March 27, Vern residents may attend the third annual Mount Vernon Semiformal from 8:30 pm to 1 am in Post Hall. The Semiformal attendees are encouraged to turn off their dorm lights during the world-wide Earth Hour from 8:30 to 9:30 pm while they dance and celebrate Earth Hour together. In the spirit of Earth Hour and the on-going efforts of RecycleMania and Green GW, green living will also be promoted at the event.

Points will also be awarded to the team with the most attendees at the Semiformal.

The team that collects the most points at the end of the weekend will win the Vern Cup, gaining a money prize and bragging rights.

Mount Vernon residents have much to look forward to this weekend. Those who live on Foggy Bottom and still have not made a visit to the Vern this semester may want to hop on the shuttle and check out one of the two or both events.

GW's Plans for Earth Hour and Earth Day Next Month

If you’re wondering what plans GW has for Earth Day which is right around the corner on April 22, get prepared to get involved because GW is playing its role to contribute to a greener earth.

With two green roof projects completed, the University currently writing its Climate Action Plan, and plans for Earth Hour and Earth Day, the GW Office of Sustainability is taking action.

In an email to WRGW News, the Office of Sustainability said the University’s Climate Action Plan will lay a path for the University to become carbon neutral. The office also stated they have been working with student groups on campus and have been arranging symposium events, tree plantings, outdoor fairs and movie screenings for Earth Day. But before next month, Earth Hour is this Saturday on March 27 from 8:30p.m. to 9:30p.m., when millions of people around the world turn off their lights for one hour to call for action on climate change.

The Office of Sustainability is encouraging students on campus to participate in the hour. The Green Living Committee and RACs in residence halls have been planning events for students such as roof raves and glow in the dark parties. There will also be a contest to see which hall has the most percent of lights off and a prize will go to a large and small hall.

Student organizations such as Green GW are also contributing to making a change before Earth Day. Partnering with other area universities, including American University, George Mason University and the University of the District of Columbia, Green GW will be lobbying on Capitol Hill to promote climate action this week March 22-26. Students will be separated in groups based on their home state and meet with Congressional offices to express student support.

To get more involved with greening GW, students can serve on the Green Living Committee, Campaign GW and take sustainability courses ranging from civil and environmental engineering to courses in economics. The School of Media and Public Affairs also offers a Planet Forward class in which students use multimedia to report on living sustainably, reducing carbon footprints and the topic of climate change. Students can upload videos on planetforward.com with or without being enrolled in the class.

For more information and a list of the events taking place during Earth Hour, visit www.sustainability.gwu.edu/earthhour.

While You Were Away...

Surprisingly, DC does not completely shut down when GW students go away on spring break.

Former President Bill Clinton, comedian Mo Rocca (known for his work on The Daily Show), Arianna Huffington of The Huffington Post, and Fareed Zakaria of CNN, in addition to both private and public sector technology experts, spoke at the 25 Years of .Com Policy Impact Forum held at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center last Tuesday.

President Clinton as the opening keynote speaker urged the audience to utilize technology to its greatest capabilities in regards to social issues. He came as an advocate for his organization the Clinton Foundation, specifically citing the potential of technology to deal with issues ranging from HIV/AIDS treatment in impoverished countries to healthcare in the United States.

Healthcare and the economy took starring roles in the two discussions that took place, on the impact of the Internet on society and the economy and on Internet policy of today and tomorrow. Facebook, Twitter, and the geo-social medium Four Square were big topics, as were electronic medical records and the use of technology as free speech.

The panels discussed some of the most frighteningly widespread aspects of Internet technology today. Panel moderator Kara Swisher half-joked that Google and the government now knows everything about us, and that Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg committed the greatest privacy coup in the history of the Internet with his infamous Facebook privacy setting changes.

The featured speakers made both common and surprising claims about the future of technology, and what will be the most important change in technology in the next 25 years. From fuel cells to jet packs, all of the panelists put their imaginations and the capabilities of Internet technology to the test.

For images from the event, check out our 25 Years of .Com Policy Impact Forum photostream on our Flickr site.

Fashion Show for Local Puppies

In the midst of midterms, GW’s Humane Animal Treatment Society (HATS) held a fashion show Thursday to support puppies at The Washington Humane Society.

Models from Alpha Kappa Psi, Pi Beta Phi, HATS, Balance, Alpha Delta Pi and Phi Sigma Sigma wore clothes from Seven for All Mankind, Current Boutique, South Moon Under and Gossip on 23^rd. Fashions ranged from national brands to local boutiques.

In addition to the fashion segment, there were performances by GW Ballroom and Spade.

HATS Chaiperson, Yuliya Shamailova said the event was to help raise awareness on animal welfare issues in the GW community. Fashion sponsors lent the clothes out for the fashion show and in return, they may get some new customers. Many of the models said they planned on buying an item or two they saw at the fashion show.

The day before the event, The Washington Humane Society brought puppies to University Yard to get some free play as well as raise awareness for the event.

Models participating in the show had to raise about $100 each totaling over $2100 for The Washington Humane Society. The society is the District of Columbia’s primary animal shelter and operates D.C.’s largest animal humane law enforcement. It offers humane education, sheltering and adoption in addition to other services.

GW Students Ready For Spring

After months of cold G.W. students are enjoying warmer weather as the temperature has finally allowed people to shed their jackets for light sweatshirts. Students can now participate in outdoor activities and take advantage of what seems to be an early spring.

Michelle Khodorov, a resident on G.W.’s Mount Vernon campus, for example, explained that she is pleased with the weather, which allows her to lounge on the grass while doing work and run outside in the neighborhood. “I love it,” she stated. “It’s my favorite time of year.”

Other students, like Kevin Mikus, a Foggy Bottom resident, explained his surprise that the weather changed so quickly. “Winter was extremely long, hard, and then one day spring came in,” he stated. Kevin is looking forward to wearing shorts and playing sports, such as basketball and football, outside.

Another main campus resident, Eric Gallager, had a similar response, explaining, “It’s kind of earlier than I expected… It’s nice to wear a tee-shirt, hat, and sandals again.” He too looks forward to going outside.

Students are also looking forward to the National Cherry Blossom Festival, from March 27 to April 11. In addition to my interview with Mr. Gallager, students such as Hussain Patel and Nicole McCloskey are excited about the foliage.

Combining two outdoor activities, Nicole especially looks forward to running outside to get a close view of the budding cherry blossom trees.

After gauging the campus attitude and judging by the way students are spending their time outside, it’s clear that almost everyone is ready for spring.

GW Men's Basketball Ousted from A-10 Tournament

On Tuesday, the George Washington Colonials were ousted from the A-10 Tournament in the first round by the 7th-seeded Dayton University Flyers by a score of 70-60. GW senior Damian Hollis scored a game high 19 points. GW was able to rally from behind and tie the game with less than 7 minutes remaining, but the Flyers went on a 15-2 run to close out the game. Dayton will play 2nd-seeded Xavier on Friday in Atlantic City. The Colonials ended the season with a record of 16-14.

With the temperature rising, GW can now focus its attention on outdoor sports. GW's baseball team extended their winning streak to four games on Wednesday with a 5-2 win over Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks. This is the Colonials' (8-4) longest winning streak since the 2004 season. Freshmen Ryan Heinz pitched six solid innings. He gave up two runs, four hits, and struck out five. Senior Curtis Edwards recorded two hits, an RBI and scored a run. Freshman Tyler McCarthy successfully reached base three times and scored a run. The Colonials quickly took the lead after scoring twice in the first inning. Senior Bobby Lucas pitched two innings in relief and only allowed one hit. Sophomore Stephen Oswald earned his first save for GW after pitching a scoreless ninth. GW plays their first conference game at Dayton on April 9th. This weekend the Colonials will host Cleveland State with Friday's game starting at 3:00pm, Saturday's at 1:00pm, and the series finale on Sunday at 12:00pm.

The Washington Capitals (45-13) defeated the Carolina Hurricanes (28-31) 4-3 in overtime Wednesday night. Alexander Semin of the Capitals scored early in the first period and Mike Green had a multiple goal game with goals in each of the first two periods. Both teams went into the third period with 3 goals, but neither team was able to take the lead. The game went into overtime and 3:20 into OT, Tomas Fleischmann of the Caps scored the winning goal. The Capitals will host the Tampa Bay Lightning (27-27) Friday night. The puck drops at 7:00pm.

The Washington Wizards (21-41) fell to the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night by a score of 105-99. Andray Blatche led the Wizards with 30 points and 10 rebounds. Blatche's double-double was not enough to beat the Hawks. Atlanta was able to avoid a three game losing streak. Jamal Crawford had a game high 29 points for the Hawks. The Wizards will travel to Detroit Friday night to play the Pistons (22-42). Tip-off is at 8:00pm.

IT'S OVER: Rob Maxim Beats Logan Dobson in EVP Runoff

Former SA Senate Secretary Rob Maxim defeated Sen. Logan Dobson Thursday night by a 51.9% to 48.1% margin. Maxim, a junior, will succeed current Executive Vice President Jason Lifton, who will serve as SA president in the fall.

Dobson was the top vote getter in the first round of the EVP race, with Maxim in second place. Sen. Josh Goldstein, who finished fourth, endorsed Maxim in a Facebook message to his supporters Wednesday night.

WMATA Responds to Wave of Theft on Metro

WMATA announced in a press release Thursday a three-pronged strategy to combat a sharp increase in theft on the Metro system, specifically targeting the theft of consumer electronics.

The press release quoted acting Metro Transit Police Chief Jeri Lee as noting that an increase in usage of consumer electronic devices on the transport system has led to a similar increase in their theft, describing the thefts as "crimes of opportunity".

A common strategy is for thieves to wait for riders standing near train doors with phones, music players, or other devices in hand, and then to grab the device from the victim's hand and flee as the train doors close.

Reported robberies on Metro increased 54% from 2008 to 2009, and current trends through January would indicate another significant increase this year. There were 122 robberies in January 2010 alone, compared to 894 for all of 2009.

In response, Metro has increased the presence of transit police in busy stations, and doubled the size of its plainclothes Robbery Suppression Team. The agency has also begun a PR push, posting a safety video to its YouTube account Thursday and planning to place a robbery-themed ad on the walls of trains and stations.

WMATA advises that customers carry electronic devices in a pocket or any place where it is not easily seen or reached, that music listeners should keep their volumes at levels that allow them to still be aware of their surroundings, and that those using handheld electronic devices not sit or stand near train doors.

Student Loans Dependent on Health Care Reform?

No topic is being discussed more than American news media today than health care reform. The legislation for reform is currently being worked through the Senate, having made it through Congress already. Now Democrats have proposed a student loans bill to reduce government subsidies of private, for-profit student loans companies that will be tied in to the health care bill. Direct-lending would be broadened under the legislation.

However, according to the New York Times, Democrats predict that student loan legislature will be removed from consideration with the health care bill, as including it with the struggling health care bill would mean the death of student loans reform.

We asked the College Republicans and College Democrats to tell us what they thought of the legislation. The College Republicans did not respond by press time, but check back here as we will publish their opinion on the issue as it is made available to us. Here's what Mike Garber, communications director of the College Democrats had to say:

"Health care reform and student loan reform are two of the top issues on the President's agenda, and both will help tens of millions of Americans and both need to be fixed urgently. However, I have personal concerns that including it in the health care bill could jeopardize the passage of the bill. On this point, I trust that the President and our leadership in Congress will not follow through with this if it will jeopardize the bill."

If legislation remains tied up between the parties, both bills could be jeopardized.

Post your opinions below in our comments section.

College Democrats, Republicans Clash on Abortion Rights

A pro-life protest in Kogan Plaza Monday brought abortion rights back to the forefront of many GW students’ minds that had been more recently occupied by economic and health care issues.

The protest, according to College Republicans Communications Director Rob Noel, was hosted by outside organizations unaffiliated with GW. Featured prominently was a set of bagpipes, the music of which was so loud that several GW students complained that their midterm studying was being interrupted. Eventually the protesters were chased off campus by pro-choice individuals.

“It is hard to say exactly what the motives of the protesters were since I have no doubt that they knew the environment they were entering,” said Greta Twombly, vice president of the College Democrats, referring to the fact that GW is typically a liberal university. “Undoubtedly though, they wanted to stir up emotions and certainly achieved this objective.”

Twombly said that Monday’s protest was a reminder that “the fight for woman's rights and the pro-choice movement is never over and should never be taken for granted.”

“The College Democrats strongly support a woman's right to a safe and legal abortion and we oppose any efforts to weaken this right,” she said.

But Noel said that the abortion debate is not about women’s rights so much as it is about the rights of the unborn child.

“Every life has the inalienable right to a chance at growth and liberty,” Noel said. “For a woman or man to decide that the timing is not right for them is to make a decision that directly infringes on the constitutional and intrinsic right of the child. Most medical and scientific professionals recognize that life begins at conception.”

Noel said there are alternatives to abortion, such as adoption, that are preferable because they are “far more conducive to protecting the human rights of everyone involved.”

Twombly agreed that the need for abortions should be addressed, citing family planning and improved sex-education as alternatives to the procedure.

Student Org. Project Nur Hosts Egyptian Human Rights Activist

“It’s not easy to be an activist in the Middle East. Especially if you’re a woman,” Dalia Ziada told the audience Monday night.

The George Washington University chapter of Project Nur, a student-led initiative of the non-governmental organization American Islamic Congress interested in fostering dialogue and understanding between Muslim and non-Muslim students, sponsored a reception honoring Egyptian blogger and human rights activist Dalia Ziada to mark its fresh start as a re-established student organization on campus.

Ziada is the director of the American Islamic Congress’s Cairo branch and advocates the freedom of expression in nonviolent action. Though she lives in a society that restricts total freedom of expression, her blog is her outlet, in which she speaks out against discrimination impacting Muslim women and discusses Middle Eastern politics and Islamic society.

In an e-mail to WRGW News, Amanda Sawit, a Project Nur intern this semester and a member of the executive board of the GW chapter of Project Nur, wrote, "We want people out there to know that this organization is immensely helpful for networking, researching, and learning about Islam and the societies/countries that are grounded in its teachings."

Though there are currently five students in GW's Project Nur, the new student organization is looking to expand. For GW students interested in Middle Eastern studies, politics, foreign policy, communication, Project Nur provides the opportunity for students to apply their interest and studies outside the classroom.

GW's Project Nur will continue to host a variety of events, lectures, films, and other kinds of forums between Muslim and non-Muslim people to promote interfaith dialogue and understanding.

Dupont Circle Restaurant has Generosity on the Menu

Often, when dining out with friends the bill can cause nervous tension with dilemmas of how to best split the bill, controversy over who is paying and tips being calculated. At Karma Kitchen, this is never an issue.

The bill arrives in a green envelope and reads “Your Bill Total: $0.00. In the spirit of generosity, someone who came before you made a gift of this meal. We hope you will continue the circle of giving in your own way!”

Karma Kitchen is open only for Sunday lunch, when Dupont Circle’s Polo India Club becomes a ‘volunteer-run, pay-it-forward restaurant within a restaurant.’

Owner Arbinda Rajbhandari heard about the original Karma Kitchen in Berkeley, California, and decided to try it in Washington. It opened on February 14^th 2009 and has been able to sustain itself over the past year through guest contributions.

The food is delicious. There is always naan bread, basmati rice and chai tea served. Otherwise the meal is whatever the chef feels like making that day. All of the food is traditional Indian vegetarian cuisine and extra helpings and drink refills are generous.

“Karma Kitchen has become a part of my weekly routine,” said Caitlin Carroll, a sophomore student. “It is a community gathering of people who take time from their busy schedules to share a meal. The positive energy energizes me and inspires me,” said Carroll.

Karma Kitchen is located at 1736 Conntecticut Ave. NW (Polo India Club) on Sundays from noon till’ three.

Students Gear Up For Alternative Spring Break

While some GW students finalize their spring break trips to Cancun, Europe, and other relaxing destinations, others are looking forward to volunteering across the US as part of Alternative Spring Break.

Madeline Bush and Charlie Guinn are leading ASB Kansas, where volunteers will help rebuild the town of Greensburg, Kansas, which was devastated by a tornado in May 2007.

“I was a participant last year on the Kansas trip and absolutely fell in love with the program. I wanted to be a leader for the Kansas trip this year because I felt that my experience last year was so great and I wanted to give the same to another group of GW students,” said Bush, a sophomore who is a double major in human services and psychology. “The Kansas trip is truly eye-opening about the different cultures that exist within the US.”

To raise the $5,000 needed for the trip, each participant sent out 10 letters to friends and family asking them for monetary donations. They also had a late-night bake sale in Ivory Tower, as well as other fundraisers such as the Halloween candygrams and Christmas candy cane deliveries.

Bush said she is anxious about the trip because she and Guinn have been planning it for the entire school year.

“We definitely want to make it the best possible experience for every one of our participants. I think we’re both just really looking forward to the moment when we can be getting our hands dirty in the work and seeing the impact that it makes on our participants.”

Sarah Leibach, who is going on ASB Appalachia to rebuild a room in a family home, is also anxious but excited for the week.

“I’m a little bit nervous just because this is a completely new experience for me; we talked a bit about the region and the problems that people in small Appalachian towns face, but seeing it in reality is sure to be a huge shock,” said Leibach, a junior. “But I’m also super excited: we just got our itinerary and the week just looks incredible.”

“Everyone I knew who went on a trip said they came back with amazing friends and a sense of accomplishment,” said Leibach. “I had no plans for spring break and really wanted to do this before I graduated, so I made it a priority to go.”

Orange Line Delays Expected this Weekend

Track maintenance this weekend will cause extensive delays on the Orange Line, WMATA has announced.

Metro is welding new pieces of track between the Vienna/Fairfax and West Falls Church Orange Line stations, and trains will be forced to share one track for the duration of the weekend. Customers utilizing the Orange Line in general, and the sections between the affected stations specifically, are advised to add at least 30 minutes to their anticipated travel times.

In an effort to make Orange line travel as efficent as possible, every other Orange Line train traveling in the direction of Vienna/Fairfax will treat West Falls Church as the end of the line, as opposed to Vienna, and will then return to New Carrollton station to facilitate the movement of passengers. Those customers riding Orange Line trains should pay close attention to each train's destination, shown on the green electric signs on the front and side of each car, to ensure their train is heading the full distance required.

ExxonMobil on Energy in the 21st Century

The Honor Society for International Studies, Sigma Iota Rho hosted Madhav Achary, a research and engineering specialist from ExxonMobil, Wednesday evening.

Despite their role in the oil and gas industry, Achary discussed the company’s main plans and strategies to help support energy efficiency in the 21st century. He mentioned the role technology plays to meet the energy challenge as well as the steps necessary for energy security. He stated some statistics on what has been taking place globally regarding energy: there are 150 tons of coal burned each hour, half a million cars use half a million tons of petroleum each day and the world is using 15 billion BTUs of energy every second. Achary stated a main reason for this extreme energy usage is population increase and with population on the rise, energy demand will follow.

According to Achary, even if the energy use is reported in such high numbers, the key challenges are reducing poverty, improving living standards, supporting economic growth and minimizing the impact on the environment. And just who is it that is responsible for tackling these issues? A country’s national government. This can be done by implementing laws or policies to cap greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and providing alternate forms of energy. Achary says governments should encourage open international trade and free markets while promoting diversity supply.

According to his presentation, the use of wood for energy since the 1920’s has declined rapidly while the use of coal, oil, gas and nuclear energy has gained prominence. Maybe the negative effect the use of these newer forms of energy is being acknowledged, as there has been a rise in the use of renewable energy since the start of the 21st century.

Achary acknowledged ExxonMobil’s influence of greenhouse gas emissions released from cars and stated that they are encouraging automobile companies to improve their vehicles’ engines, transmissions and A/C units to be more energy efficient and while helping to reduce car exhausts. In addition, cars are being manufactured with more lightweight materials.

Achary said ExxonMobil is working to help mitigate emissions to reduce an environmental impact.

Larry King Visits SMPA and Talks With Frank Sesno

As part of The School of Media and Public Affairs ongoing “Conversation series” The George Washington University had the distinct privilege to host Larry King Thursday afternoon.

In front of a crowd of about 200 students, faculty, and outside attendants in the Jack Morton Auditorium, the usual roles were reversed, as SMPA director Frank Sesno conducted the interview with Mr. King as his guest.

Mr. King described the luck he has had over the course of his career. After the death of his father, he claimed, he “lost interest in school,” leading to his choice to skip college. He did, however, have a dream to go into radio, one that would lead him to a small Miami station, WAHR. After learning the trade, young Larry Zeiger, was presented with an opportunity to host his own show.

Immediately before going on the air, the station manager informed him, Mr. King explained, that he would have to change his name, Zeiger was simply too complicated for the radio. Quickly flipping through a newspaper, an advertisement for King’s Wholesale Liquors inspired his now famous moniker.

After leaving radio to switch over to television, he described his job as host for “Miami Undercover,” moderating debates about contemporary issues, the first step on his path to global stardom as a world-renowned interviewer.

Though the next segment of the interview was mixed with personal anecdotes about his show, “Larry King Live,” many of them funny, Mr. King proceeded to speak directly to the SMPA students, giving them important lessons about journalism and life.

Perhaps one of the most important issues, one that bothers him about news anchors today, is the fact that some journalists have large egos. Instead of simply letting the guest speak, they often include themselves too much in the conversation, using the word “I,” which, as Mr. King explained, rarely shows up in his diction.

It’s important to let the interviewee speak because that’s where the knowledge comes from, a fact that allows Mr. King “to go to college each and every night” because, as he explained, “I never learned anything while I was talking.”

Mr. King also emphasized the point that it’s important to remain calm, no matter who’s sitting in front of you. They’re just people, he stated, “they put their pants on one leg at a time just like everyone else.”

Lastly, he criticized the 24-hour news cycle because it forces organizations, such as CNN, to “run with things” and air a story even if all the facts haven’t been collected yet.

Recently, he stated, his show was contacted by the Guinness Book of World Records, and was presented with the award for longest running show in television history with the same network and the same host. Thinking back about all he’s done, Larry King humbly stated that through all the fame and success, “I’m basically still a little Jewish kid from Brooklyn.”

Colonials Unable to Win Final Regular Season Home Game

The Colonials (16-12) lost their final regular season home game on Wednesday to the St. Joseph's University Hawks (10-19) by the score of 80-71. Junior Joseph Katuka of the Colonials led the team with a career-high 15 points while the Hawks were led by Darrin Gavens, who scored 19 points. GW is currently tied for ninth place with Duquesne University in the Atlantic-10 division. The Colonials' final regular season game will be at Temple University on Saturday. Tip off is at 2:00 pm and be sure to follow the game at gwradio.com.

Now that the 2010 Winter Olympic games are over, the National Hockey League has resumed play. On Thursday night, the Washington Capitals (43-13) defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning (26-26) at home, 5-4. The Caps got one goal in first period from Eric Fehr, followed by two in the 2nd from Mike Knuble, and another two in the third from Scott Walker. This was Walker's first two-goal game in over three years. Walker, along with two others, were recently acquired by the Caps and this was their first home game. The Capitals will host the New York Rangers (29-27) on Saturday at 7:00 pm.

The Milwaukee Bucks (31-29) defeated the Washington Wizards (21-37) on Wednesday night, 100-87. Recently acquired John Salmons led the Bucks with 22 points. Andray Blatche and R. Randy Foye led the Wizards with 18 points a piece. The Wizards return home Friday night, facing off against the Bucks again. Tip-off is at 7:00 pm.

The Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan: The Journalistic Challenges

The Institute for Security and Conflict Studies hosted a forum titled “The Wars in Iraq and Afghanistan: The Journalistic Challenges” on Monday in the Elliott School of International Affairs. The Washington Post’s Rajiv Chandrasekaran and Ann Scott Tyson and the New York Times’s Michael R. Gordon joined moderator Marc Lynch, the director of GW’s Institute for Middle East to discuss the challenges that face journalists covering the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The reporters spoke of the surprising level of access embedded journalists have to many levels of military personnel and operations. But they also stressed the danger of their situations, as well as the difficulty of gaining access to the Iraqi and Afghan people and government officials. Their narratives covered topics from the intensity of firefights to the tragedy of losing a colleague to kidnapping or murder. The reporters made it clear that war reporting is not at all similar to reporting domestically.

This forum sparked a discussion on the role that the media often takes, of analysts. The panelists agreed that journalists provide intriguing perspectives on and incites into the causes and effects of wartime conflicts, especially when they are able to get truthful opinions from otherwise recalcitrant citizens.

Marc Lynch, in concluding the forum, remarked that we cannot form national opinions or construct security policy on reporting alone. The panelists had varied reactions to this, Gordon perhaps most strongly. Ultimately the speakers agreed that media does have, at the very least, a significant role in shaping the national conscious and some policy. However, Lynch stressed there must be a clear distinction between journalists and policy-makers.

On a more editorial note, international conflicts are never as simple as journalists often paint them - either by necessity or by choice - in order to more aptly appeal to their audiences. Gordon especially focused on the difference between reporters actually working overseas and those reporting from their offices here in the U.S. The perspectives and the knowledge gained from each foster opposing opinions that have contributed to the confusion of finding a solution for an already complicated situation. Ending these wars is likely not as simple as pulling the troops out; nor is increasing troop unequivocally the most effective way to “win” the war.

This discussion may continue on in the public sphere, especially within the media, but the decisions will ultimately be made by policy-makers. Hopefully those policy-makers will take some of what these reporters have learned into consideration when these decisions must be made. The intention of these journalists to learn and tell the true opinions of Iraqi and Afghan citizens, as well as the stories of the American troops, has been vital to obtaining the whole picture of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.


More Information
- Marc Lynch's post on the discussion: http://lynch.foreignpolicy.com/posts/2010/03/01/war_reporting
- Michael Gordon's articles for the New York Times: http://topics.nytimes.com/topics/reference/timestopics/people/g/michael_r_gordon/index.html
- Rajiv Chandrasekaran's articles for the Washington Post: http://projects.washingtonpost.com/staff/articles/rajiv+chandrasekaran/
- Ann Scott Tyson's articles for the Washington Post: http://projects.washingtonpost.com/staff/articles/ann+scott+tyson/

The Last Lecture Series: "Hot Decisions"

On Tuesday night, Prof. Nils Olsen gave his 'Last Lecture' on "Hot Decisions." Dr. Olsen is an assistant professor in Organizational Sciences and Communication teaching statistics, negotiation, and the course he introduced to GW called extreme decisions.

During his lecture, Dr. Olsen did an interactive activity with the audience to demonstrate contextual decision-making and discussed how Olympic bobsledding is psychology with safety and medals on the line. Olsen also admitted that despite all of his research in psychology and decision-making, he still bases his life decisions on passion, emotion, and what will make him happiest.

The Last Lecture Series is run by the GW SAC Leadership & Development Program. During each lecture, a faculty member is invited to share reflections and stories on their personal and professional loves.

All of the lectures are based on the question: "If you knew this was the last lecture you'd ever give to a captive audience of students, what would you say to them?" There are no pre-determined boundaries; the program is designed to be entertaining, emotional, moving and inspiring.

The next lecture will be presented by Prof. Michael Wenger on April 6th and the topic will be "A Recipe for Trouble." If you know a faculty member at GW who would be interested in participating in the Last Lecture Series, email Leadership4Change@gmail.com

Same-Sex Marriage Licenses to be Issued Tomorrow

For the first time in its history, the District of Columbia will issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples beginning Wednesday morning.

The D.C. Superior Court is bracing for a massive influx of requests at its marriage bureau, located within the Moultrie Courthouse on Indiana Avenue. 

"We're anticipating a lot of excited residents from the District and suburbs coming down to the court to apply, and we want to make it as smooth an experience as possible," Superior Court Chief Judge Lee Satterfield told the Washington Post Tuesday.

Couples are instructed to report to the marriage office in Room 4485 with completed applications, which can be downloaded from the court's website, along with $35 for processing and $10 for an official license. The application fee is waived for couples legally registered in the District as "domestic partners."

Because the process takes no less than three business days to complete, the first wave of licensed couples will be eligible for marriage on March 9. 

Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin" Graces the Kennedy Center

London Symphony Orchestra principal conductor Valery Gergiev and the famed Mariinsky Orchestra and Opera premiered at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on Friday evening with its rendition of Tchaikovsky's "Eugene Onegin."

Based on the Russian classic novel by Alexander Pushkin, the opera follows the urbane, worldly gentleman Eugene Onegin, who comes to regret his coarse rejection of the love-struck country girl Tatyana and his careless incitement of a lethal duel with his best friend Lensky. 

The one-night performance featured the baritone Alexey Markov as Onegin, the soprano Irina Mataeva as Tatyana, the tenor Sergey Semishkur as Lensky and the mezzo-soprano Ekaterina Semenchuk as Olga. 

The Washington Post's Anne Midgette praised the evening and the raw emotion that seemed to permeate the opera house. 

"[The performance] was sustained by vivid, almost crazy energy emanating from Gergiev and the orchestra," Midgette wrote Monday. 'Onegin' is easy to make pretty; here it came across as visceral as heart's blood." 

The novel - one of the most revered pieces in Russian literature - has been adapted for the stage, opera, ballet, and film and translated into five languages.