Oct '10: Latino Heritage Celebration '10

2010 Latino Heritage Celebration

October 2010 Vol.3, Issue 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS STAFF EDITORS’ NOTE 3

Co-Editors In Chief Kwasi Agyeman Samuel Collins thenewace@gmail.com

POLITICS 4

Politics Samuel Collins sam.collins.89@gmail.com

BUSINESS 6

Business Josh Joseph josh.joseph11@gmail.com

STUDY ABROAD 8

Culture Abike Kamson akamson@gwmail.gwu.edu

DON’T ASK DON’T TELL THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND THE YOUTH VOTE ACE BUSINESS PROFILE “CHECK YOU OUT” THE ART OF ONLINE BRANDING

ACE SPOTLIGHT: NAVEED RAHMAN HOW TO STUDY ABROAD

CULTURE 10

LATINO HERITAGE CELEBRATION CAN WE AFFORD TO WAIT FOR SUPERMAN FOREVER?

LATIN KING RETURNS TO SPREAD POSITIVITY LATINO VOTES 2010 LATINOS IN HIP-HOP LATINO HERITAGE CELEBRATION THE ACE MAGAZINE TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY

SPORTS 18

STATE OF BLACK ATHELETES

MUSIC 19

GOOD FRIDAY ALBUM REVIEW

FASHION 24 CREATIVE WRITING 26

Music Eric Peavy epeavy@gwmail.gwu.edu Fashion Melissa Henderson melann@gwmail.gwu.edu Sports Nkwa Asonye nia22442@gwmail.gwu.edu Creative Writing Patrice Laquinte pl71290@gwmail.gwu.edu Layout Kelcey Abney kelcey33@gmail.com Angel Veliz Photo credits Brittany Williams MSSC Media Productions Copy Editors Samuel Collins Kwasi Agyeman Kasandra Moultrie thenewace@gmail.com

2

EDITORS’ NOTE Our last issue, “The Freshman Guide to ACE GW,” gave an inside scoop into what the George Washington University and the District has to offer. First time readers were able to check out the various students orgs on campus. We then picked our favorite DC neighborhoods and noted great places to eat. We continued on our tour of DC and debated the past mayoral election, in which GW Alum Vincent Gray Class of 1968 won the race. As always whether it is lifestyle, culture, music or fashion, The ACE Magazine strives for an open forum.

Una nueva dirección! That was Spanish for “a new direction.” This issue represents the first time the ACE has taken a monthly cultural theme and fully featured it within its pages. The theme for this issue is LHC 2010 (Latino Heritage Celebration). Our pages show a journey of movimientos that celebrate the many cultures that represent Latin America. We are really excited about this issue!

Saving the best for last, it is our 2nd Year Anniversary! We aimed to build upon the standards we set from two years ago. Every section is truly better, in this issue we offer a look back into a few memories over our past years as ACE Magazine. Take a walk down memory lane with your two favorite co-editors as we reminisce about the good, the bad, and the ugly in our gradual rise to the top.

We would like to give a great big thanks! To all our readers, past and present staff members and the MSSC for believe two kids dream to get out great print journalism.

Thanks Everybody!!!

Enjoy the magazine and talk to us! We have a twitter (@theacemag) and website ( www.thenewace.org) Youngest In Charge, Kwasi Agyeman & Five Star Journalist, Samuel Collins

www.acemagazine.org @theacemag NOTE: If we missed your organization the staff sincerely apologizes, please send information immediately when asked in the future

POLITICS

BUSINESS

INTERNATIONAL

CULTURE

SPORTS

DON’T ASK DON’T TELL: A FAILED POLICY THAT NEEDS TO BE REPEALED

By Michael Komo President of Allied in Pride

D

on’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) has continuously plagued the armed forces of the United States and harmed Americans since its inception in 1993. What was once viewed as a favorable compromise to allow all citizens regardless of sexual orientation to serve openly in the military is now viewed as an outdated policy and unfavorable solution. Since DADT’s inception, over 13,500 members of the armed forces have been discharged. The number of dismissed service members is proof of the failure of DADT. Since the passage of DADT, several groups have been formed dedicated to ending the discrimination and harassment of military personnel affected by the policy. Service members Legal Defense Network (SLDN), a non-partisan, non-profit,

“Since DADT’ s inception, over 13,500 members of the armed forces have been discharged. The number of dismissed service members is proof of the failure of DADT.” legal service, watchdog and policy organization, is the most prominent organization dedicated to this mission. The organization provides free, confidential legal services to anyone impacted by DADT. SLDN has responded to more than 9,000 requests for assistance. The goals of SLDN are as follows: -Lift the ban preventing gays, lesbians and bisexuals from serving openly and honestly in the military - Provide free legal services to service members harmed by “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and related, discriminatory policies -Protect service members from harassment based on perceived sexual orientation or gender identity -Advocate for policies and practices that improve the lives of service members -Support service member and veteran pride as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender persons -Strengthen organizational capacity to assure the freedom to serve in the most cost-effective, strategic fashion.

It is often cited as the most influential organization that lobbies Members of Congress for the repeal of DADT. According to a May 2009 Gallup poll, an overwhelming

4

majority (69%) of Americans are in favor of repealing DADT, which is up 6% from a November 2004 poll. In addition to increasing congressional support and public support, top military officials have also endorsed bringing an end to DADT. In February 2010, both Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen called for an end to the policy in a congressional hearing.

However, both officials argued for a one-year study to be conducted on the impact of the repeal before Congressional action ought to be taken. The Pentagon is conducting an 11-month review of how the ban could be lifted, which is due to President Obama in December 2010.

The Military Readiness Enhancement Act (MREA) is the legislation that would repeal the discriminatory law. It has passed the House of Representatives and is still waiting for passage in the Senate. Obstructionists in the Senate in September 2010 blocked the legislation from passage.

The MREA must be passed immediately to ensure that all Americans who are otherwise qualified can defend this nation – free of being discriminated against or having to lie about who they are.

MUSIC

FASHION

CREATIVE WRITING

THE REPUBLICAN PARTY AND THE YOUTH VOTE

By Rob Noel

T

he unfortunate consensus in the media continues to be that the current conservative revolution is the near exclusive property of an older generation of Americans, while the youth, we’re told, will forever be ‘progressive’ minded.

The overarching assumption is that conservatism and the Republican Party will naturally dwindle as the generational torch gets passed, unless drastic changes are made in terms of message, image, and core beliefs.

But like most other media narratives, the real story has quite a different texture. What does not get reported is that over the last two years College Republican chapters have been experiencing unprecedented increases in membership levels and conservative activism and political campaigning are on the rise. In fact, many of the best political minds in America are predicting that 2010 will show a steep rise in the number of youth who vote Republican and, if trends continue, in 2012 Obama could lose the youth majority that carried him so far in 2008.

One reason for this shift is that the view among young people of the Republican Party being exclusively for old white men is quickly fading. Each election cycle that goes by sends more and more young, female, and ethnically diverse Republicans to major office. 80 African Americans ran for GOP nominations in 2010, not to mention the party’s leader, Michael Steele, is also African American. A great deal of buzz in the national media has been focused on the number of women who won prominent primaries for senate and governor as Republicans. Additionally, the youngest member of the US House is a 27 year old Republican and the national chairman of the College Republicans is now given a seat at the table at RNC proceedings. Young people are slowly but surely taking notice of this shift as it becomes more and more prominent. The message is clear: the principles of freedom that Republicans advocate do not apply to any specific age, race, or gender. As this realization solidifies, youth will stop viewing liberalism as “the obvious choice for me” and start giving both ideologies a better look.

In terms of issue voting, polls among young people increasingly show the economy as the highest ranking determinant in how they cast their ballot. The economy happens to be a field that Republicans can claim a great deal of authority in. Conservatives like to boast that college professors are only liberal until you look in the economics department and the media is only liberal until you look at the financial news outlets. The Obama administration, in the words of the Wall Street Journal, has “lost all authority in economic matters.” For example, in 2009 the youth watched as Obama spent non-existent money on the stimulus package, which only further limited job options for an age group that

has career plans in the front of their minds. GOP candidates in 2010 and 2012 must communicate to college students just how unproductive the stimulus package has been to the nation’s economy and how devastating the rest of Obama’s agenda, including cap and trade and various corporate tax increases, will be to employment prospects. Following the current administration’s record, the time is ripe for the GOP to convey to the youth that a market driven economy is both historically dependable and socially just.

“The message is clear: the principles of freedom that Republicans advocate do not apply to any specific age, race, or gender. As this realization solidifies, youth will stop viewing liberalism as “the obvious choice for me” and start giving both ideologies a better look.”

Another reason for the rise of Republican youth is that getting out the vote used to be Obama’s strength but now he has handed that advantage to Republicans. Winning people over ideologically is not the main problem for candidates seeking the youth vote, it is simply getting people to the polls. No one did this better than Obama in 2008 and no one did it worse than McCain. The problem for the President now is that the original energy his campaign produced has been irrecoverably lost, even among solid supporters. No one is saying the youth do not still like him and support him, many do, but few of them will have retained the zeal and excitement that caused them to head to the polls in droves two years ago. Fortunately, the opposite is true for conservative and moderate youth who now feel increased devotion to the cause of limited government due to the radically liberal Obama administration.

The countercultural tendencies of youth have found a new object of desire: conservatism. The once anti-establishment Obama has now become the establishment, status quo candidate in many alarming ways.

College students are uniquely conscious of the fact that their professors, classmates, the national media, and celebrity culture all support the President’s agenda. Conservatives must convey that they are once again the ideology of the common American and that Obama has become the elite, Washington politician. Ironically, the youth vote could prove to be both the rise and fall of Obama and the Democrats. Easy come, easy go.

POLITICS

BUSINESS

INTERNATIONAL

CULTURE

SPORTS

ACE BUSINESS PROFILE:

By Maya Frazier

F

oggy Bottom Grocery (FoBoGro) fresh from revitalization, promises hometown values with an innovative twist. FoBoGro first opened its doors decades ago in 1946. From its establishment, FoBoGro was more than just a grocery store, it was a place where the Foggy Bottom community congregated. After a successful run, the community grocery store seemed inclined to close yet GW Alum and Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity brothers Devlin Keating and Kris Hart, alongside friend Daniel Blake, who entered GW in 2007, were determined to keep the store alive. The previous FoBoGro owner enjoyed a prosperous stint at 2140 F Street NW, but after 17 years in business was ready to close. The revamped FoBoGro opened it doors to the GW community only six months ago and meshes its original community values with a modern flare. Now offering a wide variety of prepared foods, especially sandwiches, to their faithful costumers, FoBoGro is looking forward to years of success serving the Foggy Bottom Community. FoBoGro prides its self on serving quality ingredients. Owner Devlin Keating says “We are not gourmet” in regards to their sandwiches, “we just use quality ingredients”, he continued. Keating encourages students who have never experienced FoBoGro to come and stop by. He ensures that shopping at FoBoGro will be “an experience because people care about the little things.”

Q&A Maya: What inspired you to reopen FoBoGro and why on GW’s campus?

FoBoGro (Keating): Well Foggy Bottom Grocery has been on here since 1946 and I’ve been at GW since 2001 and I’ve always enjoyed going there as a student so when the opportunity personally came about I jumped right on it. I thought it was exciting. It definitely adds to the campus community, to the Foggy Bottom community. It’s also exciting to be apart of that history.

M: How did you start FoBoGro? Was it a difficult process to establish yourself on GW’s campus?

FBG: Well no, I mean the location is phenomenal and its been there for a long time so when I bought it with my investors, the approach we took was lets really invest a lot in and not cut any corners and do it right. Therefore we have a high standard of service for our clientele and good variety of products. The students caught on really quick.

M: What sets FoBoGro apart from other sandwich shops?

FBG: Well, we’re young. Probably one of the youngest businesses and we’re GW Alumni myself and my managers, most of my employees are students so we really relate to our clientele. We know what they want. We really try to just go above and beyond. With Foggy Bottom Grocery what we wanted to do was have something that people were excited to go to.

M: Where do you see FoBoGro in the next five years?

FBG: I hope it continues to be a staple in the campus community and really have an impact on campus life....I really want to increase campus spirit, campus pride and I hope Foggy Bottom Grocery is always a staple.

Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. to Midnight, Sat.-Sun. 10a.m.-Midnight

FAST FACTS

Top Selling Sandwich: The Wellesy, Grilled Cheese, P.B.-J.B. Location: 2140 F Street, NW

Online Ordering: Coming Soon!

Items Available: Sandwiches, groceries, household needs, etc.

Interesting fact: Recipes are available for the sandwiches What’s New: Look out for an exciting October Fest event hosted by FoBoGro!

6

For an online menu and more information about FoBoBro visit their website: http://fobogro. com/index.php

MUSIC

FASHION

CREATIVE WRITING

“CHECK YOU OUT...” THE ART OF ONLINE BRANDING

By Meshach Cisero

Meshach Cisero “The ACE Social Networking Guru”

Ibrand should answer that question.

f I typed your name in Google, what would come up? Your

WORDPRESS. It is more important than ever for business professionals, especially those working to break into an industry, to have a personal website or blog that reflects professional goals and experiences. It is a key way to start developing your brand by providing a place where all your online personalities meet.

Having a unified place where potential employers and the public can learn about you, your professional credentials, and contact you is essential.

Your personal website should include your portfolio, resume, demonstrations of your expertise, as well as links to and feeds from your social media presences. Do not feel intimidated by the technology. There are some great tutorials out there that will walk you step-by-step on how to set up your own site or blog. Your blog will build its audience slowly. A good way to gain some exposure is by blogging for others.

TWITTER. Are you still skeptical about Twitter? Twitter is now vital because it brings your online presence to your audience in real time. It is the only social media site that allows you to have a continuously updating online presence throughout the day. More importantly, you can keep up and connect with other professionals that have similar interests.

Keep your tweets professional and make sure they add value for your followers. Use your tweets to share your expertise, your professional ideas, articles you are reading about your industry or blog posts you have written. Share these, but do not be pompous or spam your followers with only articles that you are featured in. Add some humor!

Your brand is important, but never as important as the community receiving the tweets. Make sure that you tweet often to keep your online presence alive. Make it meaningful.

No one likes stale users.but, no one likes users that do not add value to their network. Quality, not quantity is ultimately what matters. Most of all, be authentic and engage the rest of the community. Your brand will be strengthened if you put your network first. It’s not all about you.

Though syncing your Twitter updates with your status can be an efficient way of maintaining your presence across platforms, I would be selective in how you do this. An effective Tweet does not always translate into an effective Facebook status. However, try using TweetDeck, Hootsuite or other tools to update both simultaneously. Keep in mind the fact that your networks on these platforms may be completely different.

FACEBOOK has always been focused on networking and enhancing your real-life friendships. However, its also one of your strongest networks. Using Facebook to develop your brand and create an online presence is just as important as Twitter.

Control others access and the image that you present.

Currently, 45% of employers screen applicants’ social media sites. There are countless stories out there of applicants not getting jobs because of the photos or statuses they had on their Facebook profile. If you are concerned about this, simply make sure you control the access you give people you are not friends with. Be personable, but make sure it reflects you as a professional.

LINKEDin. No matter what anyone tells you, it is not about what you know, but who you know. LinkedIn is your active, social resume. It is Facebook for professionals and much more. Use the network and make connections with your colleagues, former classmates, business partners, etc.

What I often find is that college students and professionals do not take advantage of using and maintaining their LinkedIn profile. They’ll simply create the profile and expect the magic to happen. Building a strong network not only takes a lot of work, but a real desire to stay in touch with people that could have a business proposition for you, a job, or simply some professional advice.

POLITICS

BUSINESS

INTERNATIONAL

CULTURE

SPORTS

THE ACE SPOTLIGHT:NAVEED RAHMAN

By Abike Kamson

Naveed Rahman is a Junior at GWU majoring in Finance and International Business. A New York native, Naveed is of Southeast Asian descent, a Muslim, and a member of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc. The ACE sat down to ask him a few questions about being a Muslim at GW. Check it out!

A: Both your parents are Muslim?

N: Yes, Sunni Muslim.

A: How has GW contributed to your religion?

N: Well, there is Friday prayer here. Like how Christians go to church on Sunday, we go to Friday prayer. You see so many different Muslims: Ethiopians, Africans, and Arabs. I’m from Queens, so it’s predominately Southeast Asians that are Muslim, so it’s cool to see all these different types of people following the same religion.

A: What do you think about the negative images out there of Islam?

N: Hmm… well you know how there are scandals with the pope in Catholicism? Ya, well we have al-Qaeda and it sucks.

I don’t support that s*it and its not me.

A: What did you think about Pastor Terry Jones promise to burn the Koran on September 11th?

N: I think it’s good that people shared their views on it – good and bad. I think it helps show Americans how people really feel about the situation. Pointing out the ignorant people but at the same time having people from the religion help protect it and speaking out against, it was pretty cool and inspiring.

A: What do your friends think about your religion?

N: We joke around about it a lot. Like we’re all really good friends and feel really comfortable around each other, it’s not like there’s an elephant in the room and we can’t talk about it. But I feel like our views are the same regardless, so were pretty cool with it. And plus, they have hung out with Muslims so they’re pretty cool about it. Kwasi has family that is Muslim, so do Leslie and Pierre.

A: What do you want people at GW to know about you?

N: I don’t know. I don’t think they will think different about me, the way I am, the way I talk, that’s me entirely; you will get that vibe if I was Muslim or whatever. It doesn’t really matter.

A: What about your future? What is Islam’s role going to be in it?

N: I’m definitely going to keep it up, teach my kids. It’s bigger than me; I have to keep the tradition. I have to and I want to.

A: Have you ever been to the Middle East?

N: I stopped over in Dubai once; it was amazing. I want

8

to study abroad. I want to do the Hajj too. Like mad, really really late into my life –like when I’m 70 or 80.

A: That’s cool; Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca so our readers know. Do you speak Arabic?

N: I know the prayers. I can understand it sort of, but I would need to study it more.

A: What made you choose your fraternity?

N: The organization itself is what drew me to it – what they stand for. I wanted to be a part of it myself.

A: How does your religion factor in?

N: It wasn’t really a factor. Like a lot of people are Muslim, it’s not a big deal. Never felt awkward about it.

I never dealt with any problems with racism or anything; I never felt that when it came to being Muslim.

A: You have an Arabic tattoo on your back?

What does it say?

N: It says: “there is none worthy of worship except God all purity belongs to God surely I am among the wrongdoers”. It’s in the Koran, it’s like the equivalent to the Hail Mary’s.

A: How does this tattoo factor into your religion?

N: Well of course most Muslims wouldn’t have tattoos, it’s forbidden. My parents didn’t like it at first, but in the end they knew I wasn’t an a**hole. I did it more for myself than for anyone.

I did it in my friend’s basement. I paid nothing; I just had such a good feeling about it. He wasn’t even licensed; I grew up with him, like he tatted up his whole body himself. He didn’t fu*k my s*it up though.

A: Do you have girlfriend? Do you want her to be Muslim?

N: No, I would wish for her to be, but in reality I really wouldn’t mind what she is. My parents would want me to marry a Muslim, but they would be fine either way. There will be people in my family that would be against it. However, they would put my feelings above what is the norm or the tradition.

A: Thanks Naveed!

N: You’re welcome! Just want to give to Team Uptown and LUL!

MUSIC

FASHION

CREATIVE WRITING

HOW TO STUDY ABROAD

By Abike Kamson

I

f you’re considering studying abroad next fall, now is the time to start thinking about where you want to go and to start looking into the application process. I studied abroad last fall in Egypt for one semester at the American University in Cairo. It was an experience that will stay with me forever and it helped to both shape me and solidify what I want for my future. [Approximately 17% of students of color study abroad. Latinos make up at 6% and African-Americans make up even less at 4% ] There are so many reasons that students of color should be taking advantage of this experience, so even if you have not thought about studying abroad in your undergraduate career, listen up because it might just be the best decision you ever made

“There are so many reasons that students of color should be taking advantage of this experience, so even if you have not thought about studying abroad in your undergraduate career, listen up because it might just be the best decision you ever made.”

1 2 3 4

Add some spark to your resume

Visit the Office for Study Abroad (OSA) located on the corner of 20th and H streets NW. This office will not only help you with the study abroad process, but it is also a great resource for opportunities that are both exciting and look wonderful on your resume. Last spring, I was nominated to represent GW at the Education Without Borders Conference in the United Arab Emirates. It is up to you to connect with the advisors at the Office for Study Abroad and let them know about your interests.

Studying abroad in general gives you priceless experience and adds a whole new dimension to your resume that is dynamic and stands out to employers. You will have an automatic competitive edge.

Don’t worry about the $$

Check out the GW study abroad website, www.studyabroad.gwu.edu. There are so many opportunities on this website including additional tuition awards of $1,000 and $1,500 for participation in GW’s study abroad programs and scholarships to cover the extra costs of studying abroad such as the GW New Horizons Scholarship and the GW Supplemental Scholarship.

I applied for the State Department’s Gilman Scholarship (http://www.iie.org/en/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program), which covered my travel, living, and academic costs such as food, entertainment, and school books. So do not worry about the cost to study abroad. There are too many resources out there to take care of that part for you.

Applying is as easy as 1,2,3

Most GW study abroad programs do not require an essay. You will usually need a passport, transcript, and two recommendations in addition to attending the study abroad orientations. I applied to a GW affiliated program, meaning I had to apply to GW and then directly to the study abroad program at the American University in Cairo. Because GW is facilitates your program, you will undoubtedly receive admission to your program unless you severely miss the deadline or do not the minimum GPA requirement (2.75).

If there is a non-GW program that you are interested in, but does not have GW’s approval you can always petition, meaning meeting with a study abroad advisor and completing the petition application. The Office for Study Abroad really just wants to make sure that this is a legitimate program and how it is different or better than what they already offer. The deadline for petitions for study abroad in the fall is early March and the deadline for petitions for study abroad in the spring is early October.

Go on an adventure

When are you ever going to just go to Botswana to take courses there while teaching an English class of eighth graders or go to Tokyo and live with a Japanese family. Take advantage of the opportunity before you to do something outside of your normal day-to-day life and gain some new insights in the process. While I would highly encourage study abroad to less traditional destinations such as the ones mentioned above, studying abroad in more popular locations such as England, Spain, or France also yields an incredibly invaluable experience. Regardless, you are learning from and living in a culture different from your own and so personal growth is essentially guaranteed.

Keep in mind, most deadlines for studying abroad in the fall of 2011 will be in early March, unless you are applying early decision. That deadline is in early December. So take advantage of breaks and weekends to research study abroad programs and complete your application. The application deadline to study abroad in the spring is usually early to mid October, so that deadline might be too soon if you were thinking about studying abroad this coming spring. To sum this up, stay on top of your deadlines, do not be a stranger to the Office for Study Abroad, and if the process ever becomes hectic just remember you are doing this to make you and your future better. Wishing you the best of luck!

POLITICS

BUSINESS

INTERNATIONAL

CULTURE

SPORTS

LATINO HERITAGE CELEBRATION 2010 “MOVIMIENTOS” AND JUNOT DÍAZ

By Ernesto Apreza and Giselle Alvarado

MOVIMIENTOS. Are we talking about the rhythmic movements of the body or social movements led by passionate Latinos? We are talking about both. Movimientos was the theme chosen by the 2010 Latino Heritage Celebration Committee because of its ambiguous meaning that sheds light on modern day Latino culture.

A month of the arts, philanthropy, politics and thought-provoking dialogue, this year’s celebration saw its largest attendance in its history when the university invited Pulitzer Prize-winner Junot Diaz the night of September 16th as the keynote speaker of LHC. “The Artist knows the way,” Diaz asserted from the very beginning. A self-proclaimed nerd and “hardcore lover of books”, Junot did not just speak out to Latinos about the impact of their culture in their life. His books and poetry had managed to reach out to people of all backgrounds, the same people that attended the night of the Keynote in the hopes of hearing his words of wisdom. Diaz did not disappoint.

As he answered questions about his work and inspiration, Diaz did more than just talk about how his life as a Latino had influenced his writing. He spoke about how we all carry our past with us to all aspects of our life. Our experiences make us who we are and guide the paths to our future.”You may not see the light, but love will guide you,” Diaz said as he stepped off the podium. The 2010 LHC address was one that will resonate for many years to come in the minds and hearts of the multi-cultural community, its leaders and advocates.

WHO?

Junot Díaz was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and is the author of “Drown” and “The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” which won the John Sargent Sr. First Novel Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award and the 2008 Pulitzer Prize among other acclaimed awards. His fiction work has been featured in The New Yorker, African Voices, Best American Short Stories, in Pushcart Prize XXII and in The O'Henry Prize Stories 2009.

Díaz was the third child in a family of five and throughout most of his early childhood, he lived with his mother and grandparents while his father worked in the United States. Díaz emigrated to the U.S. in 1974, where he was finally re-united with his father.

To get through college, Díaz overcame great financial adversities to graduate with a BA in English from Rutgers University and later on with a Masters in Fine Arts from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Today, Díaz teaches creative writing at MIT and is also the fiction editor for the Boston Review. He is active in the Dominican American community and is a founding member of the Voices of Our Nations Arts Writing Workshop, which focuses on helping other writers of color.

Díaz is also active in a number of community organizations, from Pro-Libertad, to the Dominican Workers' Party and the Unión de Jóvenes Dominicanos or "Dominican Youth Union". Díaz has been critical of immigration policy in both the United States and the Dominican Republic. He has published an op-ed piece in The New York Times condemning the illegal deportation of Haitians and Haitian Dominicans by the Dominican government. Recently, it was announced that Díaz had been selected to sit on the 20-member Pulitzer Prize board of jurors – the first Latino to ever hold such a position of high distinction.

10

MUSIC

FASHION

CREATIVE WRITING

CAN WE AFFORD TO WAIT FOR SUPERMAN FOREVER?

By Amanda Nazario

G

eorge Washington University students are constantly told that a bachelor’s degree represents what a high school diploma once was. If that is the case I truly fear for the 88% of DC eight grade students who are not reading at thier apppropriate grade level. The competitive nature of education as it relates to prospective jobs amongst university students is a reflection of higher education as the norm. Yet, I cannot help but think of a quote from H. L. Bergson’s Laughter, “Each member [of society] must be ever attentive to his social surroundings - he must avoid shutting himself up in his own peculiar character as a philosopher in his ivory tower.” The documentary currently setting the education world afire, “Waiting for Superman” was a heart wrenching reminder of how fortunate we are within the Foggy Bottom community. Unfortunately, here in DC, the nation’s capital rests one of the worse public education systems in the country.

I sat in the E Street cinema watching the film as engaged. I thought about the many individuals I know who are or were Teach For America Corp members.

I thought about the debates my roommates and I have about whether we would send our children to public or private school. I thought about my own personal motivations for switching from public school to prep school when I was younger. But mostly, I thought about the high school students I had just left only an hour prior to buying my movie ticket.

It is my sincerest hope that when it comes to issues such as education, as a nation or simply as the GW community we stop waiting for the “muscle and miracle” of superman and become proactive in the community.

I was asked to partake in two Caesar Chavez Public Charter School’s Hispanic Heritage Month Assemblies during the month of October. On both occasions, I shared spoken word poetry with the teenagers and extended invitations to tour GW. I told the students to not be discouraged by the tuition costs of universities and shared my knowledge about

scholarship opportunities. The young men and women were so energetic, enthusiastic, and most importantly optimistic.

One young African-American boy stood before his peers describing a service trip to a rural Latin American town he had participated in. He fought back tears as he pleaded with his fellow peers to support his fundraising initiatives.

The same young man is part of a coalition building initiative to bridge the African-American/ Latino divide that exists amongst DC youth. It would not require any leap of the imagination to picture these students sitting on the Latino Heritage Celebration Committee three years from now.

Chavez is part of the burgeoning trend toward charter schools that “Waiting for Superman” highlights.

These young individuals represent a small minority of students on course to graduate high school and yet indicators of ever present challenges exist. Many students who attended Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority Inc’s Black and Gold event, were surprised to hear King Mission, a representative of the Latin King and Queen Nation a known Latino street gang, portray the nation, not as different from what we see on campus but emblematic of some of the same desires.

-At the end of the day, the youth want to find a place to belong and to be empowered. I share far more in common with Anthony, the DC fifth grader depicted in “Waiting for Superman”, than with the majority of students on campus.

Statistically, I grew up with every indicator that I would not graduate high school much less, go to college. My saving grace and what I hope will also be Anthony’s was a chance encounter with opportunity that led me to a better school.

This year’s LHC theme, Movimientos, indicates both social consciousness about our community and most importantly action. As Mission indicated, our social consciousness needs to be programmed to be proactive rather than reactive. It is my sincerest hope that when it comes to issues such as education, as a nation or simply as the GW community we stop waiting for the “muscle and miracle” of superman and become proactive in the community.

POLITICS

BUSINESS

INTERNATIONAL

CULTURE

SPORTS

LATIN KING RETURNS TO SPREAD POSTIVITY

By Kwasi Agyeman

On Septmeber 28, the the Alpha Gamma Chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority, Inc. hosted an event called Black and Gold: The Story of The Almighty Latin Kings, as part of their national RAICES Week. It featured guest speaker and former Latin King member, Mission, as he lead a discussion using film clips chronicling youth efforts to leave behind a tradition of street violence to become an important new grassroots political movement.

The ACE Magazine sat down for a one on one interview after King Mission.

ACE:When did you become a Latin King?

KM: I was 15 yrs old and my father had just passed away. My whole world had been turned upside down. I felt that if God did that there was a reason and I had to fufill that reason. I was going to take my mother and I and meet my father. That meant I was the one they called when they was a problem to handled, I was the one that never cared and did the wildest things, because back then I realized, the worst that could happen, would what I wanted and that was to be with my father.

ACE: Are you active in the organization, if so to what extent?

KM: Yes, Im currently active, however my main focus to provide resources for ALKQN( AlmightyLatin King and Queen Nation), I do this through outreach programslike this that help fund scholaships and help community iniatives.

ACE: You said we are generation that is reactionary, as opposed to proactive, what do you mean?

KM: Our communities do not act proactive on issues, instead they let things simmer. Basically if it doesn’t directly affect us we ignore it. We wait until a byproduct of the thing we ignored earlier comes up, then everyone staarts running around to protest, rallies and watnot. Where these people are when the proposal for these bills were being discussed.

It’s all public, freedom of press, but the youth rarely take full advantage of the new technology.

12

ACE: How has the youth changed since the 90’s?

KM: The youth hasn’t changed but technology has made the planet smaller. No longer are you limited to your, block, hood, or street, you can even google earth! Instead what has happened is that young people take information for granted and no longer care to actively gain important information to help themselves. Afterall political problem that’s on facebook or myspace, then it must be important, if not who cares.

ACE:You’re alive and not with your father, how has things changed with you involvement in the organization?

KM: I’m 30 yrs old, I’ve definetly seen some krazy things , but God Bless, I’m alive ( laughs). It reached a point where I couldn’t do it anymore. I couldn’t run from the fact of my fathers death, its still something I deal with but i talk about it with others and I’m not self-destructive. Also back then, after every sitaution I would somehow make and alot of my friends wouldn’t. I knew I was meant for something different. As a youngster, I knew the organization had a real constitution, and was based of postive community activities. I wanted to get that out, especially to the public. That’s what I do.

ACE: Any last words for readers?

KM: Alot of people want to complain about petty things, this and that, the problems of our world are bigger than that.

People always try to reinvent the wheel, buts its the car that needs to be fixed.

MUSIC

FASHION

CREATIVE WRITING

LATINO VOTES 2010 : LATINOS IN THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS

By Ernesto Apreza, Mikel Pena, and Vicktery Sanchez

“The illuminating conversation gave the audience a new understanding of the Latino vote’s influence and dynamic power in the United States”

“T

he Latino population is the number one demographic to be incarcerated, the most likely to not graduate from high school, and the least likely to make it through college,” said Dr. Luna. “Before we think about voting, we have to think about education. We may be one of the largest demographics, but one of the least educated-this is an issue no one is addressing.”

The panel for this year’s Latino Votes consisted of three representatives, two representing local politics and the other academia. The panelists were Juan Camilo Barragan, membership committee chair of the D.C. Latino Caucus, Genaro Pedroarias, chairman of the Republican National Hispanic Assembly of Virginia, and Dr. Ronald Luna, a professor at the University of Maryland.

This is one of the many issues currently facing the Latino population. Many Latinos do not see any incentive for voting due to their lack of education and living at or below the poverty level. The goal of Latino Votes is to be a forum to discuss the Latino vote, in turn fostering a new, enthusiastic spirit about voting.

A majority of the conversation was focused on immigration, specifically Proposition SB1070 in Arizona that would allow police officers to check the immigration status of any person at their discretion. The panelists were able to offer a unique, personal insight because of their diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. The illuminating conversation gave the audience a new understanding of the Latino vote’s influence and dynamic power in the United States.

Latino Votes was first brought to audiences in 2008. During the presidential election, many of the issues important to the Latino community were being overlooked. There was no discussion of how the Latino population would influence the historical election. This year, Latino Votes was re-introduced with the hope of serving the same purpose; fostering the discussion about the impact of Latino votes in the 2010 midterm elections.

Although voter turnout is predicted to be low this year, we must remember that apathy does not bring about change.

Hopefully through more forums such as Latino Votes, more communities become aware of the issues impacting them and the importance of voting.

POLITICS

BUSINESS

INTERNATIONAL

CULTURE

SPORTS

LATINOS IN HIP-HOP

By Malcolm Bouzi

H

ip-hop has almost always been defined as an AfricanAmerican expressive culture. It emerged out of the Bronx in the 1970’s, with New York City being a place of high cultural diversity. Although the core soul of hip-hop is undoubtedly black, Latinos have also contributed to its development. Latinos are often over looked in this genre.

Artists like Fabolous and Lloyd Banks, although having parents of Latino decent, are often identified as AfricanAmerican. With the emergence of Latino artists like Joell Ortiz in recent years this is a great time to look back at Latinos’ contribution to hip-hop.

Of the four elements of hip-hop, DJing, MCing, graffiti writing, and breaking, the Latino community delved in graffiti and breaking more frequently. The first Latinos to get into hip – hop were DJ Disco Wiz and Prince Whipper Whip.

Though the hip – hop world was small, many Latinos felt pressured to hide their identities. Many times artists would not get signed if their accent was too prominent on tracks or their ethnicity could be revealed. In the early 1980s, a group called The Mean Machine released a 12” single named “Disco Dream” the first rap record in ‘Spanglish’ a dialect with both Spanish and English origins. This opened many artists’ eyes and they saw there was no need to hide their origins.

The Latino community can be proud of their contributions to hip-hop so far and many of these people should serve as inspiration for any upcoming artist, no matter what race or ethnicity

14

The Cuban-American MC Mellow Man Ace, also known as the “Godfather of Latin rap” and a Hip-Hop Hall of Fame inductee, was the first Latino artist to have a major bilingual single. His group Cypress Hill became the first Latino rap group to reach platinum standing in 1991. They continued to release other gold and platinum albums in the years to come.

In the late 1990s, Puerto Rican MC Big Punisher, one of the greatest rappers ever known to grace a mic, became the first Latino solo artist to reach platinum sales with his LP Capital Punishment. Latino artists like Immortal Technique and Fat Joe have found success in the industry without having to compensate any of their artistic ability. Fat Joe is CEO of Terror Squad Entertainment and has released ten albums to this day.

The Latino community can be proud of their contributions to hip-hop so far and many of these people should serve as inspiration for any upcoming artist, no matter what race or ethnicity. Latinos as artists have been able to reach a wide audience and have gained a diverse fan-base over the years.

Through their music they have been able to add a level of cultural depth to hip-hop that might not have existed.

MUSIC

FASHION

CREATIVE WRITING

2 0 1 0 L AT I N O H E R I TA G E C E L E B R AT I O N

Marvin Center Grand Ballroom October 16, 2010 • 9pm - 2am Members $7, Nonmembers $10 Live Band/DJ • Latin Cuisine For more info, contact gw.olas@gmail.com

POLITICS

16

BUSINESS

INTERNATIONAL

CULTURE

SPORTS

MUSIC

FASHION

CREATIVE WRITING

THE ACE MAGAZINE 2ND YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!

An Interview with Co-Editors in Chief as they look back at the journey of ACE Magazine. Read about the ACE’s journey from a small newsletter to the premier magazine that GW students can be proud of.

By Imani Bentham How was the ACE originated? What was your role specifically?

Sam: My freshman year, it was called the Black ACE. They would feature poetry short essays, and some pictures. I was interested in what the upperclassmen were doing and what the newsletter was about. When I first started, I was somewhat of the assistant editor in chief. Then, I applied to be editor. Then, the first issue came out and Kwasi saw what it was about and joined the staff. I think we balance each other with our strong and weak points. Kwasi serves more as the creative side. You see the magazine in the context of what both our perspectives are.

Kwasi: My role started my sophomore year. I wanted to continue working with a magazine because I worked on one in my high school. There were things I saw that I wanted to be a part of. I’m kind of the creative guy. Which is kind of how I became Co-Editor In Chief.

What is “state of the magazine”? What are some of your struggles and accomplishments?

K: The magazine is popping! (Sam and Kwasi laugh) We are trying to go mainstream. We are trying to go outside the 100 people who read it. We want to expand to other people on campus. That’s where the problem arises, we want to move from the small bowl to the ocean. We would like everyone to have a general idea about what the ACE is.

S:I wanted the magazine to be taken as a serious publication where people can read it and be on the same level or better than the Hatchet. The goal for the ACE is to make it a legitimate publication.

Where do you see the Ace in 5 years?

K: (Sighs and pauses) I see the ACE as a DC magazine. I actually had a dream about that—the ACE as a DC magazine, like on every campus. We are better than College Magazine.

I want to see us eventually getting money from it. Even though people say journalism is a dying culture, I don’t believe that. I think if there was a magazine that went to the major DC schools people would read it. People still like holding something in their hand.

S: I see the ACE at the top. I see them keeping in the same

elements that ACE began with. I see it with heavy student involvement and being at the forefront of college publications in the city. There is no other product that you can find like the ACE. There is no other magazine in DC that caters to everyone. No one knows about it yet. But, they will.

What was your favorite issue to work on?

K: Working on the Obama issue is one of my fondest memories. It was the first issue where I really got to do what I wanted to do. We had never had a two page spread on the same story. We had our own pictures. Everyone was really excited for the magazine. It was like my coming of age for the ACE. S: My favorite issue was Issue 1 Volume 5. That was where we pulled people from outside of the community. Everyone had an idea of what needed to be done and how to do it. We also had our first release event, a bar-b-que in Kogan Plaza.

Even though, the grill didn’t start for like 30 minutes. (Sam & Kwasi laugh) It set a precedent for bigger and better release events. Now, we have one with every issue.

What is hardest part about running the ACE? K: Lazy college students, simple and plain. Alot of people walk around saying they have all these ideas, but when its time to submit and develop those ideas unto paper, they disappear. Kind of sucks for them, I’m generally interested in what people have to say.

S. I agree. Of course when the ACE came out, it was not the best thing out since sliced bread. But that’s the thing about movements. It takes more than one or two people. I just wished that those who criticized it would put their money where their mouth was. As for those who do, I thank them everyday and it is those people who I respect and admire.

What is the greatest thing the ACE can offer its readers?

K. Everything!

S. A piece of history. Years from now when we’re old and gray, we can look back on the ACE and celebrate past victories and relive what is called the best four years of our lives.

POLITICS

BUSINESS

INTERNATIONAL

CULTURE

SPORTS

STATE OF BLACK ATHELETES Editorial By Nkwa Asonye

A

s the saying goes, history has ways of repeating itself.

Regardless of the situation, there will almost always be past figures to draw comparisons and contrasts from. The state of the modern African-American athlete is no exception.

When it comes to how our athletes behave in the public eye, it seems like not a day goes by without someone getting into trouble. Three weeks ago, police pulled Braylon Edwards over at 4am because he was drunk with teammates less than 12 hours after the game.

Tiger Woods had sexual conquests night after night while he was on the road with his family at home.

Michael Vick was forever made an enemy of PETA thanks to his dog-fighting scheme and Plaxico Burress is still in prison after accidentally shooting himself in the leg at a club.

What many people fail to understand is that this far from a 21st century issue. Hall of Fame second baseman Jackie Robinson is generally seen as the first black athlete with any national notoriety because he broke baseball’s color barrier. Robinson is best remember for coldly staring racism dead in its face, silently taking everything it could dish out, and still performing at a high level. He spoke properly, carried himself modestly, and had no scandals surrounding him or his playing career.

18

However, to find the first African-American athlete in the public spotlight, you would have to go back over a century to 1908 when the “Galveston Giant”, Jack Johnson, was crowned the first-ever black heavyweight champion of the world. He held the title for over seven years and according to the Ring Record Book, Johnson tallied seventy-nine wins – with forty-three of them by knockout – and fell to the canvas in defeat only eight times. Johnson was not the model citizen that Robinson was. In fact, he was quite the opposite. He

was flashy with his money, he was brash, and did not care who knew it. He brought interracial relationships to the forefront rather forcefully as all four of his marriages were to white women. And it was not as if all of his marriages were happy either; Johnson’s second wife committed suicide and the third one divorced him due to his infidelity.

It is worth noting that much of Jack Johnson’s negative publicity was due to the rampant racism that existed in the early 20th century.

Publications beseeched the American public to help find the “Great White Hope” to unseat Johnson as champion.

Riots occurred almost everywhere he fought.

In that same regard, though many will try to sweep the conversation under the rug, American society has not quite left those roots either. Jim Crow is no longer doctrine – or law – and dialogue is starting to open up about all of the differences we have amongst ourselves. However, in today’s day and age, racism has not disappeared; it’s simply gotten quieter. Add that to the fact that we live in a paparazzidriven, breaking news society.

That is a recipe for disaster It does not matter whether you think that the personal lives of our athletes are none of our business or whether they should be role models. We need them, for all of us, to be on their toes – because more people are watching than we know.

MUSIC

FASHION

MUSIC REVIEW

ALBUMS + SINGLES

CREATIVE WRITING

POLITICS

BUSINESS

INTERNATIONAL

CULTURE

SPORTS

G.O.O.D. FRIDAYS, I Hope you have a good weekend

Kanye West released a song every Friday. Friday is no longer Friday. Friday is G.O.O.D. Friday and it is more than good.

Here is a recap of what he has released so far:

Power (Remix) – Kanye West feat. Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz Power (Remix) is an elegant and classic realization of “the remix.” If Diddy created the remix, Kanye and Swizz Beatz mastered it.

Best Line: I don’t stop until I see the end. My vision is clear, b----. I’m on my van Gogh, I don’t hear s---. – Kanye West Murderer – Kanye West

Monster – Kanye West feat. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Bon Iver, & Nicki Minaj.

Hands down, this is one of the best Kanye West songs in awhile. This song is exactly as the title says.

Best Line: Everybody wanna know what my Achilles heel is. Love. I don’t get enough of it. All I get is these vampires and blood suckers. All I see is these [dudes] I’ve made millionaires, milling about, spilling their feelings in the air – Jay-Z Murderer – Nicki Minaj Runaway Love (Remix) – Justin Beiber feat. Kanye West & Raekwon A refreshing remix to a song that probably didn’t sound this great before Kanye West and Raekwon touched it.

Best Line: Bro I give it to ya, no trivia. She used to run with my G-unit like Olivia – Kanye West Murderer – Justin Beiber…yes, Justin Beiber

20

MUSIC

FASHION

CREATIVE WRITING

Devil in a New Dress – This is classic Kanye West with a more poised and handsome delivery. Old Kanye meets New Kanye.

Best Line: Hood phenomenon. The LeBron of rhyme. Hard to be humble when you stuntin’ on a JumboTron. – Kanye West Murderer – Kanye by default Murderer – KiD CuDi

Lord Lord Lord – KanyeWest feat. Mos Def, Swizz Beatz, Raekwon & Charlie Wilson Superfly in the form of a dangerous song by Mr. West. Good song to relax to while reflecting on how generous ‘Ye is for putting out such quality songs.

Best Line: Cool ruler standing still sweating through the shade. He knew those lights only grew bright to fade. Dead wrong pageantry, lottery and games. Sleight of hand provided by extravagant and fake. – Mos Def Murderer: Mos Def

Good Friday – Kanye West feat. Common, Pusha T, Kid Cudi, Big Sean & Charlie Wilson In G.O.O.D. music family fashion, ‘Ye and company provide a good song. The hook will get stuck in your head. Guaranteed.

Best Line: I’m 2012 in 2010, which makes this a time machine, not just any Benz – Pusha-T

So Appalled – Kanye West feat. RZA, Jay-Z, Pusha T, Swizz Beatz & Cyhi the Prynce The So Appalled snippet that had been circulating for months was excellent. Now we have the whole song, and it’s even better.

Best Line: Dark Knight feeling. Die or be a hero or live long enough to see yourself become a villain. I went from the favorite to the most hated or would you rather be underpaid or over-rated? - Jay-Z Murderer: Jay-Z Christian Dior Denim Flow – Kanye West feat. Kid Cudi, Pusha T, John Legend, Lloyd Banks & Ryan Leslie This song almost wasn’t released due to the leaking of two of Kanye’s songs on his upcoming album.

After hearing this song, I was extremely thankful that Kanye released this song anyway. I cannot describe how great Kanye has become, but this song gives you a picture.

Best Line: “Hey ya”, I’m on my Andre 3000. I’m all good now, a [dude] don’t need no counseling – KiD CuDi Murderer – Kanye West Enjoy your next G.O.O.D. Friday!

-Eric Peavy

POLITICS

BUSINESS

Quadron Quadron

INTERNATIONAL

CULTURE

SPORTS

ALBUMS

By Malcolm Bouzi

4/5 ACES

Quadron is Danish R&B with their self-titled album Quadron as their first release. Lead singer Coco’s soulfully controlled voice flows over equally highquality instrumentals that make for a familiar yet fresh combination.

Standout Tracks: Slippin’, Unpatience Feel Good Track: Pressure

3.5/5 ACES

Recovery Eminem

Eminem’s recent release Recovery shows Eminem as a greatly talented emcee still struggling to find his image. He is seemingly trying to return to his Infinite days, but he needs to find a consistent image to propel himself into hip-hop history as a legend.

Standout Tracks: Cinderella Man, 25 to Life

The Black Keys Brothers

4.5/5 ACES

The Black Keys are a blue/rock band and Brothers is their 7th release together, with a fitting title for the occasion. The album really shows off how their tight chemistry between the two has developed and strengthened over the years and is definitely a contender for album of the year.

Standout Track: Tighten Up Intimate Track: Everlasting Light

4.5/5 ACES

Blu & Exile Below the Heavens

The 2007 release by California artists Blu(rapper) and Exile(producer) Below the Heavens was a special project. Upon its release, the album drew comparisons between Nas’ Illmatic and Common’s Resurrection. Traces from both shine through his smooth lyrics, as he is able to create vivid images, tell stories, as well as spit battle rhymes equally as impressively. Exile shows shades of producer/legends Madlib and J Dilla(RIP) as he is able to create the most soulful of beats. This is a great album by two guys that just love to make good, timeless music.

Feel Good Track: First Things First (feat. Miguel Jontel) Standout Tracks: Simply Amazin’, Good Life (feat. Aloe Blacc), In Remembrance

22

THROWBACK/ FUTURE REVIEW

MUSIC

FASHION

CREATIVE WRITING

MOVIES/DVD

By Brendan Pailet

The Social Network

5/5 ACES

This biopic of the creation of Facebook, directed by David Fincher (Fight Club) with a screenplay by Aaron Sorkin (The West Wing), is an absolutely exhilarating and brilliant movie watching experience. I know it seems like a lame concept on paper, a movie about Facebook, but that could not be further from the truth; everything here, from the performances to the feel of the film leaves you absolutely entranced from start to finish.

Easily one of the better movies of the year, and a must see.

“An absolutely exhilarating and brilliant movie watching experience.”

Catfish

4/5 ACES

This independent release tells the story of a New York photographer who begins a relationship with an attractive girl he meets on Facebook, and the mystery that follows when he actually goes to visit and meet her. Structured as a documentary, the movie is successful for holding your interest and keeping you guessing throughout the run time.

The only thing that I would question is whether some emotional parts of the movie seemed almost too good to be true to be captured perfectly on camera, which can take you out of the feel of the movie. Either way, I guarantee you will be thinking about this movie for days to come, and the shocking twists and turns of it.

“I guarantee you will be thinking about this movie for days to come”

Get Him to the Greek

3/5 ACES

The DVD release of this Judd Apatow produced comedy serves as a spinoff to the movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and centers on a record label scout’s (Jonah Hill) quest to get boozing drug-addicted rockstar Aldous Snow (Russell Brand) from London to LA in 36 hours, and the comical mishaps that ensue. The movie is good for a number of laughs, and has a hilarious character played by P.Diddy, as the larger than life record label executive. The DVD release sees some of the extra R-rated humor that had to be cut from the movie, which is hit or miss depending on the joke (one scene of Hill and Brand doing cocaine while jogging is pretty funny). If you’re into the Apatow brand of comedies, this one is good for a weeknight watch while bored.

“ The DVD release sees some of the extra R-rated humor that had to be cut from the movie, which is hit or miss depending on the joke.”

POLITICS

BUSINESS

INTERNATIONAL

CULTURE

SPORTS

FASHION "Prep is always better.

With the fall here, it’s time to break out the Barbour, throw on the rugby, and lace up the vintage duck boots.

Whether its L.L. Bean, Vineyard Vines, or Ralph Lauren, you can’t go wrong.

Like I said, prep is always better."

"Get the look: 24

By Erin Levy

Men’s: Colored cords and khakis, houndstooth and tweed, hunting jackets Women’s: Tailored blazers, riding boots, costume jewelry, light scarves"

MUSIC

FASHION

CREATIVE WRITING

Name: James Williams Year: Junior Favorite place to study: My room, Ivory Tower Signature Piece: Silver bracelet from Senegal Beauty product you must wear daily? Soap and water and Vaseline lotion Hometown: Boston

Name: Yulia Huang Year: Sophomore Signature piece: sunglasses Who are your shoes by?

Steve Madden Favorite drink at Starbucks? Hot greentea latte Daily must wear beauty products? Clarins total body shape cream and

Name: Nick Rice Year: Freshman Signature piece: Sperry Chukka boots Do you collect anything?

I collect vintage shoes. My favorite pair are floor shine wing tips.

Health or beauty product you must wear daily?

Crew molding clay from

Name: Yiran Chen Year: Sophomore Signature Piece: Converse Favorite place to study: First floor Gelman Who is your sweater by?

Massimo Dutti Key beauty product you must wear daily? Giorgio Armani UV master primer

POLITICS

BUSINESS

INTERNATIONAL

CULTURE

SPORTS

CREATIVE WRITING THE BEST OF CAFÉ CON LECHE Unlaced “Excerpt of poem”

By Emily Manning My dying wish is to meet a shoeless boy To walk down 21st street with in the dead of winter, The snowflakes falling over us like eraser residue from Imperfect pages but We’ll open our mouths because these castoffs wont be Tainted by the marriage of regret and impermanence— they are pure.

And when I search for something warmer than his hand in mine, We’ll swap spit that contains zipcodes Touch teeth like the ones we’ve both known From the jagged jaw silhouettes of city skylines and Though our feet will be covered in snow, Our fragile skin frost bitten until blue, Our hearts will be on fire.

THE VASE

By Imani Bentham Off the ledge I fell Shattered into pieces on the ground To the left, there was my heart Broken into tiny shards Fractured by your words On the right, there was my soul Split by your actions Cracked by your lies And then there was the rest of me Scattered on the floor An entangled web of deceit Smashed into pieces But, here you come with your truth With your love Trying to med what was broken The jagged parts of me slicing away at your fingers Leaving scars so you can’t forget

26

MUSIC

FASHION

CREATIVE WRITING

MEANINGLESS PASSION

By Patrice Laquinte Aches of the past always last!

I would climb the highest mountain, or swim the deep blue sea just to see if we were meant to be.

We were meant to be you say, but maybe its just me.

I can simply say im free, but feels like I lost a part of me.

Remembering the days when I would sink in your sea joined in unity, while I look in to your pools of intimacy.

I love the faces you make, the breathes you take as you body quakes.

What we once thought was true could have been meaningless as a present, store bought.

I have twisted and turned, guess the lesson is learned for a basic touchdown.

I have touched ground into you way, as you lay still gripping my back.

Now it is as if we barely knew each other.

A touchdown has been recorded but the extra point was not earned.

WORDS

By Aaron Friedman Words cannot convey anticipation inhaling or in-taking information colliding sounds and colors or streams of realization, that the world I desire is merely fabrication a misnomer of memory as age is an allegory a tale you tell when there’s no time for story.

I’m mad with a flood of thought painstakingly bought it strikes at my heart as I yearn for what ought to be for me and see me on my knees closing my eyes I pray to thee!

But heart’s vast heights fall down to none transforming in to recollection comfort and joy to a poor reflection and it’s the truth no matter what’s at stake dreaming is better than the day’s violent shake because I can’t control the sun in the sky or make a bird fly when it’s ready to die.

Here is the place I dare to go where we rest our minds even though we know one might not return when the sun starts low so we think we win when we see the glow as we look to the east but I disagree we left the places we love to see and argue if they even be real or imaginary I care little so if you force my tongue to speak the dribble you paint with mud and call syllable it won’t live up to what I thought past or present or future naught passion and memory cannot be taught.

Vote for Angel Veliz’s Submission in the Art4Dilla Competition! www.art4dilla.com

28