Complete Footage of First Lady Michelle Obama, Dr. Jill Biden at Lisner Auditorium

Musician Lupe Fiasco Headlines Film Screening on Civil Rights Struggle

Last night, the Jack Morton Auditorium played host to hip-hop artist Lupe Fiasco and producer Chris Moore for a discussion with SMPA director Frank Sesno about a film project entitled The People Speak.

The film, to air December 13th at 8 p.m. on the History Channel, consists of actors, vocal artists, and other celebrities reading and performing the works of the “dissenters” of American history.

The works include letters, journal entries, songs, and more written by people who struggled through some of the nation’s most controversial issues, including civil rights.

Lupe kicked off the event with a reading of boxer Muhammad Ali’s speech in 1966 about his refusal to fight in Vietnam. A short clip of The People Speak was played immediately following which included a reading of Frederick Douglass by Don Cheadle, and John Legend’s performance of a Billie Holiday song “Strange Fruit,” which is about lynching.

SA to Vote on New SA Consititution Tonight

The SA will likely vote on bringing the newly proposed SA Constitution to a student vote. The vote needs 2/3 of the Senate to go to a student body election for ratification. Follow on the live blog tonight at 9:00 pm for complete coverage of the meeting, including the debate and final vote.

Snapshot: Michelle Obama Honors Vets at Lisner

Check back later for the full report by WRGW News’ Jenn Neuner.

First Lady Michelle Obama praised the leadership skills of veterans and their commitment to community service upon returning home at a Veteran's Day speech at GW's Lisner Auditorium, November 11, 2009. GW students, Dr. Jill Biden and Alma Powell, wife of General Colin Powell look on. Jesse Regis / WRGW News

CRIME ALERT: Health and Wellness Center Locker Room Intruder

The following information was released by University Police.

On Nov 9, 2009 at approximately 4:45 pm, a male entered the lower level women’s
locker room in the Health and Wellness Center and looked into two shower areas
(2 females were in the showers at the time of the incident). The male was
subsequently confronted by another female in the locker room and he asked her
the location of the men’s locker room and he quickly left the area.

Subject description: white male, 30-35 years, 6 feet tall, thin build, wearing a
green shirt, blue jeans, and a baseball hat.

Tomorrow on News In Depth...

Coming up on this Sunday’s edition of WRGW’s News in Depth…

Communications Director Michael Garber of the GW College Democrats and Public Relations Director Andrew Clark of the GW College Republicans provide their analysis on Tuesday’s election results and what they mean for the Obama White House.

Then, Garber and Clark square off on Afghanistan. In the wake of Abdullah’s withdrawal from the runoff and Karzai’s victory, does the Afghani government have the legitimacy needed for the U.S. to commit additional forces? And when can we expect a decision on troops?

And later, in the inaugural edition of our “Eye on Alumni” segment, WRGW News’ Jared Pliner sits down with double GW alumna Judge Phyllis Thompson of the D.C. Court of Appeals, as she talks about her tenure on the District of Columbia’s highest court.

You don’t want to miss this Sunday’s News in Depth, from 12 to 1 p.m. on GWRadio.com!

Rep. Steve Israel Paints Vivid Portrait of Future

Representative Steve Israel, a Democrat who represents New York’s second district and sits on the House Appropriations Committee, spoke to GW students Wednesday night about the future of energy, the middle east, and politics.

“We have a commonality in what happens in the future,” he said. “We have been given an opportunity to do more for this planet than any other generation in history. The fact that you’re here tonight gives me a lot of hope for the future.”

According to Israel, this future requires a transformation of the way America produces and consumes energy, not only because it would “unleash a whole new generation of jobs,” but also because America’s dependence on foreign oil is a national security risk.

“We borrow money from China to buy oil from the Persian Gulf to fuel our tanks and planes and boats to protect us against China and the Persian Gulf,” he said. “That doesn’t make much sense.”

America’s dependence on foreign oil is also a threat because Israel considers Iran, the fourth largest exporter of crude oil, to be “the single greatest threat in the Middle East.” Israel said that the US needs to rid itself of foreign oil because if Iran were to stop crude oil flow out of its borders, “the price of gas would hit $14 overnight.”

Israel expressed optimism about the December UN environmental conference in Copenhagen on the grounds that “China and India have both realized that the current paradigm has not been working for them.”

Turning to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Israel asserted that the problem was “generational,” because Palestinian children are being educated in an anti-Israeli way.

“We believe that negotiating at high-altitude diplomatic positions will make a difference, but if we don’t reform the curricular and education for Palestinian children, all the peace treaties in the world won’t make a difference,” he said.

Speaking of the previous day’s elections, Israel – who was allegedly a key player in getting Republican dropout Dede Scozzafava to endorse Democrat Bill Owens over conservative candidate Doug Hoffman – said that “in a challenging environment, we actually added a Democrat to the House of Representatives… In the one federal election that mattered, we won.”

Saying that he “loves moderate Republicans, all two of them,” Israel noted that “the tea party has taken over the Republican party… they have hijacked the party to the right; they will not be able to sustain themselves in most future elections.”

MTV Casting for Upcoming Season of "The Real World"

Many have seen the video cameras and cast members of “The Real World” being filmed throughout Washington DC recently, but now it is your turn to be part of the longest running series on MTV, “The Real World”. This Saturday, MTV will be holding an open casting call at Town Tavern from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

MTV is looking for a diverse group, individuals who are willing to share their experience in front of millions of viewers. The show is searching for someone who stands out and has a story to share with the world. MTV would like someone “who is physically challenged, an individual struggling with weight issues, someone who has been affected by a natural disaster, a cast member who is a product of home or alternative schooling,” or someone who wants to bring attention to a specific cause or issue.

It is not a requirement for one to fit these characteristics to be casted as a roommate. If one cannot attend the casting call, applications are still being accepted via e-mail. Anyone who wants to become a cast member must be between the ages of 18 and 24. To learn more about applying online visit www.bunim-murray.com.

For those planning on trying out at the casting call be sure to bring a photo ID and a recent photograph of themselves.

Town Tavern is located at:

2323 18^th St. NW

Washington DC, 20009

Marvin Center Extends Hours

 

In response to growing demands for more student space, the ground floor, Great Hall, Columbian Square, and the entire 4th floor of the Marvin Center, will be open until 2am every night.

"We received a lot of feedback about the lack of study space currently available on campus and strongly believe that this option is the best and most creative option that has been attempted to date," said Ethan Elser, Chairman of the Marvin Center Governing Board, in a press release. "It is by no means a fix to all problems but is a great step in the right direction.”

Student Association President Julie Bindleglass said in the release that the changes are significant. "This partnership with the Marvin Center Governing Board has allowed us to present a strong case to Marvin Center and make unprecedented changes," Bindleglass said. “We are truly making great strides in our goal to improve campus life."

Fmr. President Trachtenberg Receives $3.6 Million; Highest in Country

Former GW President Stephen J. Trachtenberg received a compensation package  for the 2007-2008 year totaling $3,664,569 dollars, making him the highest paid former official of a private university, according to the Chronicle of Higher Education.

The amount is two-and-a-half times the $1,460,420 compensation package of former Oberlin President Nancy S. Dye, who ranks number two on the lis

The Chronicle of Higher Education also put GW at #5 for Most Expensive with estimated costs totaling $51,775

Trachtenberg's compensation for the 2007-08 year is enough to cover the total costs of 70 students.