DC Restaurant Highlight: Bayou on Penn

Sandwiched between Washington Circle and the corridor of Georgetown boutiques, lies an area more familiar to GW students as home to the District's only Trader Joe's, than a culinary hot spot. But a new business aims to become a go-to bar and restaurant for its neighbors.

It is a Cajun-inspired restaurant and bar called Bayou, open for business six days a week. Diners and bar hoppers can enjoy live jazz music Wednesday through Saturday during the dinner rush, and local bands take center stage late Fridays and Saturdays.

Jason York, one of the establishment's four owners, sat down with WRGW News to discuss his vision, "We are trying to be a neighborhood bar with live music, reasonably-priced, delicious food, sports on TV and a great drink menu," he said. "We really wanted to bring the great atmosphere of New Orleans to DC."

Some must-try specialties: the fried green tomatoes (Executive Chef Rusty Holman calls them his "southern specialty"), the pork wings and the bread pudding drizzled with a bourbon caramel sauce.

The drink menu features a full selection of Abita beers from Louisiana, complemented by traditional New Orleans cocktail such as Hurricanes and Sazeracs.

"It feels like it could be a familiar place where everybody knows each other," said Kendra Johnson, a GW junior studying political science. "The flavors are unique and delicious, it's a great casual atmosphere and just two blocks from campus."

Be sure to check out Bayou on Penn first-hand on March 8th for Mardi Gras events all weekend long.

For more information, visit www.bayoupenn.com.

New Housing Option Offered to GW Students

If next year, GW students that are involved in a certain organization or have similar interests want to live together, GW is offering Affinity Housing. It is less structured than the LLC program and will be living communities based around particular needs and interests.

GW Housing Programs says the goal of the program is to provide opportunities for students to extend learning opportunities beyond the classroom into the living environment and invite students to create such opportunities for themselves.

Each Affinity Group must have at least 10 members with a Group Coordinator, who will serve as the main point of contact for GW Housing programs.

In order to apply, all members must have at least a 2.5 GPA, no active record with SJS, and submit an online application no later than February 10th at 5:00 p.m.

For more information, go to living.gwu.edu

"Study Zones" for Finals

In an effort to generate more awareness about what spaces are open during exam periods and extended hours in desired study destinations, GW has once again implemented the "Study Zone" initiative for this semester's finals.

Look for signs designating "Study Zones" across campus, including Duques Hall (now open till 2 a.m.), the Marvin Center, the Fishbowl, Eckles Library (now open 24 hours) and Gelman Library.

Also, Sodexo is holding extended dining hours for study zone. A majority of J Street Food Vendors, as well as G-Dub Java in Duques Hall, will be open until 2 a.m. from December 6th to the 10th, and the 14th to the 16th. Meanwhile, Pelham Commons will be open until 1 a.m.

For more information, go to: living.gwu.edu/studyzone

'Tis the Season to Celebrate and Give

Students have the opportunity to show their holiday spirit by participating in one of GW's many charitable initiatives this season...

Adopt-A-Family: An annual tradition at GW is to provide families in need with gifts of clothing, household necessities, and toys. Families are identified by the Community Partners, including Academy of Hope, CentroNia and the Transitional Housing Corporation. Sign up online by December 3rd. In addition, you can help the Office of Community Service pick-up and drop-off gifts on Monday, December 6th or Tuesday, December 7th.

Clothing Drive: From now until December 15th, GW is collecting clothing to distribute to families and local charities such as Bread for the City, Miriam's Kitchen, Central Mission, and Nation's Capital Young Marines. You can drop off your gently used clothing at the Academic Center, Rice Hall, Monroe Hall, the Marvin Center, Duques, Ivory Tower, Thurston or Amsterdam Hall.

Toys-for-Tots: GW's Naval Reserve officers are currently holding their annual Toys-for-Tots drive. Midshipmen are collecting donations at the GWU/Foggy Bottom Metro Station until December 3rd.

Blood Drive: On December 9th, there will be an American Red Cross blood drive in the Marvin Center's Continental Ballroom from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more ideas and charitable initiatives, contact the Office of Community Service at ocs@gwu.edu.

A Guide to Spending Thanksgiving in the District

Spending Thanksgiving in Washington? Here are some events going on in the city that you don't want to miss...

MOUNT VERNON BY CANDLELIGHT

Tour the candle-lit home of George Washington and learn about his holiday traditions. Interact with 18th century costume actors, including Mrs. Washington who will hand out her holiday cooking recipes. Sample fresh homemade chocolate prepared over the open fire during the Christmas caroling and the hot apple cider with fresh baked cookies given when you leave. Tours are Friday to Sunday from 5:00-8:30, tickets are $20.

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART EXHIBITION

Sixty rare color prints and hand-colored variations by the renowned Edvard Munch are on special display at the National Gallery of Art in an exhibit titled "Master Prints." Admission is free.

JOFFREY BALLET: THE NUTCRACKER

A Kennedy Center tradition, this annual performance conceived and directed by Robert Joffrey is set to Tchaikozsky's famous score. Tickets are $29-$150.

GW Residence Halls Implementing Solar Power

On Monday, GW announced its plan to have solar thermal systems implemented in three residence halls this year. The systems work by converting sunlight into thermal energy which is sent to a hot water tank pumped out to be used by residents of the building.

This initiative, part of GW's 2010 Climate Action Plan, will make the university the largest source of on-site solar power in the district.

Skyline, a local solar energy company, is covering the costs and doing the installation after which GW will pay Skyline for the hotwater the systems produce. The system will be installed in Building JJ this semester and Ivory Tower and 1959 E Street this spring.

The systems will reduce approximately 70 tons of carbon annually, which is equal to planting 70 trees every year.

Links For Life Luncheon Series

This past Tuesday afternoon, undergraduate students from the Business School put on their best suits to attend a luncheon with alumni. Hosted by the GWSB Alumni office, the Links for Life Luncheon series is an event that takes place once a semester for students to get a taste of the work world, utilizing the skills they have learned in the classroom such as the 30-second "elevator speech," business function etiquette, and networking.

"The luncheon is a great event for our students and alumni to connect over informal conversation," said Leah Kuppersmith, Associate Director of School Alumni Programs for the Business School. "It gives students an opportunity to get insight into a career they might be interested in pursuing and it is an opportunity for alumni to hear about what's happening in the school today."

Many of the students that attended the event had been to a luncheon last year or had heard great things from their classmates. "It is a great opportunity for networking," said Christine Healy, sophomore in the business school. "These sort of events open up my eyes to different concentrations within the business school"

Students must pre-register for the event and indicate their field of interest, students are then seated at a table that is hosted by an alumnus in that field of business. Many students keep in contact with the alumni long after the luncheon is over, keeping in touch through e-mail and other alumni events.

"I really enjoy being a mentor for business students because I know it can be scary being an undergraduate student and not knowing what to expect when you graduate," said Lauren Rurak (BBA '07), account manager at the Borenstein group, a marketing firm that is located in Reston, Va. "I didn't take full advantage of the resources offered when I was here, but the business school had prepared me through out my four years when it came to thinking about the future, resume writing and my job search. I really want to give back to the school that has helped me to get to where I am today."

For more information on working with GW Alumni, go to alumni.gwu.edu or join the LinkedIn alumni group.

Guide to Colonials Weekend 2010

It's that time of year again: the leaves are changing, midterms are in full swing and parents are coming to campus to visit for the annual GW Colonials Weekend. This year the university has planned more events than ever before, here are just a few of the highlights you don't want to miss:

• Colonials Invasion: On Friday night, the Smith Center will be filled with live music, giveaways, and performances to celebrate the start of the basketball season.
• Acapellapalooza: Come see all of GW's acappella groups perform in this annual charity concert on Friday night at 20th and G.
• Lectures from GW's 'Best' Faculty: Interesting and relevant lectures will be hosted through out the weekend in various locations. A few of the topics for the weekend include "Impending Global Energy Crisis: Fact or Fiction?", "Post Obama America," and President Emeritus Stephen Joel Trachtenberg will be lecturing on his opinion of Higher Education's future.
• Dean Breakfasts: On Saturday morning, every school will be hosting a Dean's breakfast for students' families to meet the Dean and invited faculty.
• Octoberfest: The Mount Vernon Campus will be hosting students, families, and friends for entertainment, games, arts, crafts and tasty fall desserts on Saturday afternoon at the annual Octoberfest event.
• Jimmy Fallon: Comedian Jimmy Fallon will headline the Colonials Weekend with two performances on Saturday evening (7 p.m. and 10 p.m.), tickets are still available through ticketmaster!
• Foggy Bottom/West End Neighborhood Block Party: On Sunday afternoon, FRIENDS, (a local community group to promote positive dialogue between GW and its neighbors) will host its eighth annual free event that includes over 100 booths from local businesses, restaurants, groups and institutions.

For more information and events, go to http://gwired.gwu.edu/parents/ColonialsWeekend/2010ScheduleofEvents/

Clinique and Teen Vogue Make Over GW

Clinique and Teen Vogue are teaming up for the second annual Clinique Fresh Faces tour and is stopping by GW this week to provide a unique beauty experience to students. The purpose of the tour is to inspire young women interested in fashion, beauty and publishing careers and educate them about how to break into these fast-paced industries. Complimentary beauty makeovers are offered with fresh makeup and hair looks from a team of experts with a fashion photographer set up on site to take some glamour shots after your makeover.

UCC Helps Freshmen with Homesickness

On Wednesday night, freshmen students were able to experience a little 'home away from home' at the weekly Wacky Wednesday night on the Vern that was hosted by the University Counseling Center this week. Psychologists brought a dog for students to play with, homemade treats to enjoy, classic childhood movies to watch, postcards to color and send home, and an opportunity to talk about living away from home for the first time.

"Most psychologists at the University Counseling Center see students every semester that are struggling with homesickness, especially in the beginning of the academic year when students are struggling with adjusting to college life and stress," said Gretchen Herbert Wilber, a psychologist at UCC that helped plan the 'Home Away from Home' event. "This event started last year in Thurston hall and it was a big success."

Students were able to write on a whiteboard the things from home that they missed the most; the most common answers being pets, family, high school friends and homemade food. "It didn't hit me 'till later, because I was so excited to be on my own. But then it was like, wait... I'm going to be away from home and everything that I've known," explained freshman student Lauren Mankus.

For student missing home, the UCC recommends getting involved on campus, going out with friends, keeping in touch with home, volunteering in the DC community and setting goals for yourself. For more information, contact the UCC at http://gwired.gwu.edu/counsel/.

West Hall Improves the Vern's Reputation

The Mount Vernon campus has gone through a drastic change this year, with a 40 percent increase in residents and a new dining area, event space, theatre and gym being utilized by all members of the GW community. Overlooking the tennis courts and athletic fields, the brand new state-of-the-art residence hall has drawn students from every class to live in this year.

“Living on the Vern as a junior is not bad at all,” says Summer Zhang, a current resident of West Hall. “People usually want to get into bustle and hustle on Foggy Bottom as an upper class student. I really enjoy my time on the Vern with quietness and greeneries outside my window.”

Ever since GW students started living on the Mount Vernon campus, there has been a negative stereotype about the types of students that live on the quieter, smaller campus. Now, West Hall is challenging that stereotype with its incomparable amenities being offered and attracting a diverse range of students. “Living on the Vern does not mean I don't have a social life,” says Zhang. “I spend more time in my friends' rooms when I am on Foggy Bottom and my friends will come to the Vern to visit me. The residents on the floor (composed of sophomores, juniors and seniors) are quiet but they are social. We have cabinet members, co-curriculum guides, leaders in fraternities and sororities, singers, pianists, and many others. It's a very diverse and active group.”

A recent confusion however has been with the re-naming of the residence hall, formerly known as Pelham. It has been clarified that the common area of the building (floors B1 and B2), which is accessible by all GW students and includes a gym, dining hall, black-box theatre and much more, is called Pelham Commons. Meanwhile the top four floors is all residential space, only accessible to residents of the building, and that is called West Hall.

“West Hall has truly been awesome,” says Andrew Adams, a sophomore resident. “After coming from Mitchell, West Hall is so nice - very clean and the rooms are truly the perfect size; I don't feel cramped at all. But, the best part about West Hall is that I get to enjoy the atmosphere that a city gives, while at the same time enjoying the Vern campus and its small college and suburban feel.”

“While living here has been very pleasant, there have been some hiccups along the way,” says sophomore Henry Przybylowicz. The Vern Express is still working out scheduling with the increase of students travelling to and from the Vern and students did not have access to mail for the first week of school. But that is expected with any new residence hall. “Overall the experience in living here has been good barring the small bumps in the beginning,” says Przybylowicz.

Study Zone Collaborates with Sodexo

Extended study hours for finals started on Tuesday and will continue until May 11th.

In effort to raise more awareness about what space is open during exam periods and extend hours in desired study destinations, the university implemented the "Study Zone" initiative. For the first time, Study Zone has teamed up with Sodexo to hold late night hours in Wendy's, Freshens, WOW Cafe and Wingery as well as G-Dub Java on both the Mount Vernon and Foggy Bottom Campuses. The dining locations will be open till 2 a.m. on weekdays.

Late night study hours will be held in Duques Hall, the Fishbowl, the Marvin Center on the Foggy Bottom Campus and Eckles Auditorium, Eckles Library, Ames Pub and G-Dub Java Lounge on the Mount Vernon Campus.

Go to http://living.gwu.edu/studyzone for specific times and locations.

Fountain Fling Continues in the Rain

On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of students flocked to the Mount Vernon campus for the annual Fountain Fling event, despite cloudy skies and rain.

The event was moved to the Lloyd gym due to the weather, but was still a great success with student performances, giveaways and a concert by the well-known alternative rock band State Radio. Students were crowd surfing and enjoying the band that recently had three sold-out concerts at the 9:30 club and opened for Dave Matthews Band in 2008.

GW was the last of seven stops on the Save My Oceans tour, which advocates against global warming, plastic pollution and overfishing. The “bag monster” also made an appearance at the event. The Bag Monster ‘attacks’ on college campuses to educate about the importance of reusable bags and the amount of unnecessary waste created from single-use plastic bags. The costume is made up of 500 single-use plastic bags and represents the amount an average person uses in one year in the United States.

The Surfrider Foundation was also in attendance to spread awareness about the protection and enhancement of the world’s oceans. Brita water filters and reusable water bottles were given out along with free food and Fountain Fling t-shirts.

“I am very impressed with the turn-out, especially considering the rain and moving of locations,” said Alyssa Abraham, who lives on the Vern and helped plan the event with Program Board. “It shows that GW students are willing to make the trip to the Vern if there is a good reason to.”

For more information on the Save My Oceans film, book and concert tour, go to www.savemyoceans.com

GWise 'Mixes' Up Some Fun

On Wednesday night in University Yard, 13 student organizations gathered to make and drink non-alcoholic cocktails for the second annual GW Mix-Off run by GWise and CADE. Teams that were voted by students to have the best cocktail were awarded cash prizes. There was also a free BBQ, personalized BAC cards being given out and music blasting.

“This is much more legit that I thought it would be,” said Cameron Smither from the Vern RAC team mixing up ‘Vern Passion.’

Each team had to come up with an original cocktail and provide educational literature for a target audience that raises awareness about safe partying or any other cause that the organization works with.

“We decided to come out for the first time because it is a great cause, a chance to meet students from other student organizations and promote all that CADE stands for,” said Ashley-Lynn Goldstein from Sigma Delta Tau’s executive board. “We are really excited and having a lot of fun.” The girls from Sigma Delta Tau were making ‘White Virgin Sangrias’ with fresh oranges and white grape juice.

GWISE has been planning the event since August; it is their biggest event of the year. The organization is made up of approximately 15 peer educators that meet once a month with the aim to address alcohol and drug abuse on campus. E-mail gwpeereds@gmail.com if you would like to get involved and become a peer educator.

First Annual Business Conference a Success

This past Saturday, the business school was bustling with leaders from the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and Delloite for GW Women in Business' first Spring Conference. Over 100 students, faculty, alumni, and friends from the GW community attended the event.

The daylong conference opened with a presentation by Dr. Eliane Karp-Toledo, former first lady of Peru and anthropologist. The program included panel discussions led by twenty executives from both corporate and government sectors. The topics discussed were entrepreneurship, international business, business government relations and corporate social responsibility, which provided a comprehensive and insightful exchange of workplace dynamics.

The day concluded on a high note with an energetic presentation by Chad Holliday, former chairman and CEO of DuPont, who encouraged students to continue to broaden their knowledge of the business world by attending conferences, being a leader by bringing out the best in people and maintaining ethics when doing business in other countries.

The day was sponsored by corporations such as Coca-Cola, TD Securities, Deloitte and Bloomberg. All of the conference attendees received Juan Valdez coffee, gift certificates for FoBoGro, Vineyard Vines and Aveda Spa, clothes from BCBG and food from SweetGreen.

The idea for the event stemmed from Harvard’s annual business conference, with top professionals and university faculty meeting with students and providing learning and networking opportunities for students from all majors.

“Today's GW Women in Business conference successfully bridged the gap between classroom lessons and real world experiences,” said Kathleen Duffy, associate director of undergraduate career management. GWWIB is working hard to make this an annual event across campus and to make it bigger and better every year.

Besty Smith, executive coordinator of GWSB undergraduate programs and previous member of GWWIB, was incredibly proud of the young women that organized the day’s event. “GWWIB has been a pioneer amongst GWSB student groups since its inception, and the School of Business eagerly awaits whatever they plan to tackle next year!” said Smith.

For more information on GW Women in Business, go to http://www.gwwib.org/

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.

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.

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.

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

The Colonial Cabinet Advantage in SA Elections

During our WRGW SA election survey, we noticed that many freshmen students were voting for Rob Maxim (EVP) and Xochitl Sanchez (President). When asked how they made their selection, the freshmen students answered that they remembered their names from the Colonial Cabinet. Both Rob Maxim, and Xochitl Sanchez were 2009 Colonial Cabinet members.

Before students even step foot on campus, brochures are mailed out to the incoming class introducting them to the Colonial Cabinet with their smiling faces. "The Colonial Inauguration is our first interaction with upperclassmen. It could impact the freshman vote because of the name recognition," said Jason Maney, a current freshman.

The freshmen class is not always targeted in Student Association campaign platforms, but they represent a quarter of the undergraduate population. Despite Sanchez being an outsider, with a majority of the freshmen vote, she has got her foot in the door.