An Iftar for All

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Zahin Hasan

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

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

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

- Shawn Willis

Review: Burn After Reading

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

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

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

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

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

- Ahna Olson

Law & Order: GWU

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Jenn Neuner

Mascot Misinformation

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

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

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

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

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

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

-Monika Wysocki

Music Minute

Itunes Top 5

1. So What - P!nk

2. Love Story - Taylor Swift

3. Whatever You Want - TI

4. Disturbia - Rhianna

5. Hot N’ Cold - Katy Perry

New Album Releases

September 16^th:

Blessid Union of Souls - Close to the Edge

Lindsey Buckingham - Gift of Screws

Nelly - Brass Knuckles

Ne-Yo - Year of the Gentleman

Pussycat Dolls - Doll Domination

Darius Rucker - Learn to Live

September 23^rd:

Cold War Kids - Loyalty to Loyalty

Jackson Browne - Time the Conqueror

Everlast - Love War and the Ghost of Whitey Ford

Plain White T’s - Big Bad World

Thievery Corporation - Radio Retaliation

Upcoming Concerts

Friday

Robin Sexsmith at Jammin Java

Saturday

Mary J. Blige at Nissan Pavilion

Sunday

The Mars Volta at Rams Head Live!

- Taylor Barnes

RAC Elections

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

- Zahin Hasan

SA Update

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

- Sam Collins

Law & Order: GWU

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

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

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

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

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

- Jenn Neuner

College Dems Elect Freshmen Representatives

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Alex Laska