Oct. 25 issue

Still trying to dream up the perfect Halloween costume for this year’s festivities? See our ideas for coming up with an original costume that won’t leave you broke. pg. 5

George Mason University’s Student Newspaper www.broadsideonline.com

October 25, 2010

Volume 87 Issue 8

Veteran enrollment up by 20 percent Enrollment has increased following the implementation of new GI Bill “Prior to the 9/11 bill, a lot of people didn’t go to school because [the previous GI bill] wasn’t that comprehensive and [veterans] had to pay a lot out of pocket to go to school,” said Emery.

Before the Post-9/11 GI bill, veterans only received the maximum benefit if they were full time. For those who were less than full time, the amount of funding was reduced proportionally to how many credits the student was taking, Emery said.

Unlike its predecessor, the Post-9/11 GI bill requires the government to pay all tuition directly to the school. Previously, the student received a stipend to pay expenses.

If a veteran takes seven or more credits, the new bill calls for a living stipend, something the older did not, Emery said.

He said Mason’s curriculum caters well to veterans.

“We’re one of the only schools in the area that offers conflict resolution,” Emery said. “Anything related to national security or something in the government vein is a big draw to the military.”

Emery said military history and criminal justice are also popular programs with veterans.

“Mason is ranked in all of those programs, and we’re a top-100 school,” Emery said. “All of those things together equate to Mason being conducive to veterans and active duty.”

Scott Myer, a junior finance major, is a veteran who works in the Office of Military Services. Both he and Emery help veterans make decisions and transfer from military life to college life.

Gregory Connolly News Editor With its proximity to so many military bases and government facilities, and easier access to money for school, it is no wonder veteran enrollment at George Mason University has increased by 20 percent in the past year.

In August 2009, the provisions of the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 came into effect. The law calls for 100 percent funding for a four-year undergraduate degree at a public university for veterans who served at least three years of active duty since Sept. 11, 2001.

“You’re seeing an increase in students who can afford to go to school,” said Aaron Emery, a military transition coordinator for the Office of Military Services.

“Most veterans aren’t going to school for the party or social aspects of college,” Myer said. “They’re going to get their degree and try to pursue a career afterward.”

Myer served in the U.S. Army for five years and said most veterans who come to Mason have a positive experience.

“Most veterans academically succeed more than they would have going into college right out of high school,” Myer said.

“The maturity level has definitely helped me out as far as being a good student.”

Emery said most veterans at Mason find success. “[At some point in your military career] you really have to learn to put your nose to the grindstone,” Emery said. “You get used to the grind. I think that that really helps people that have been in the military because college can tend to be like that, whether it’s a lot of homework or cramming for midterms or finals.”

Myer said most veterans are older than many students on a college campus.

“I’m 26 years old,” he said. “I’m in a different age group. I think that really helps me to make sure I go to all my classes. It gives me the responsibility to study and do my work.

This is more so a job than a social atmosphere.”

Emery said it took some time to get used to the vast difference between college and the military.

“Sitting in class was a little frustrating at first because in the military you’re always taught to have respect for who is talking, but in the school atmosphere, that isn’t necessarily the case,” Emery said. “Not that that’s a bad thing, it’s just different. It can be awkward.”

See VETERAN, Page 3

Walk for the homeless Delta Sigma Pi sponsors Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Mini-Walk

photo by Gregory Connolly

photo by Gregory Connolly

A mini walk suppor ng the Arlington-Alexandria Coali on for the homeless raised over $200 last Wednesday.

Gregory Connolly News Editor Even though the weather is turning brisk, George Mason University students turned out to take part in the Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Mini-Walk on Wednesday.

The mini-walk, designed to spread awareness and raise money for the homeless, was sponsored by the coed business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi and attracted 33 walkers while raising $225. Seventeen walkers registered early with a $15 donation. Beginning at Fenwick Library, the walk lasted 10 minutes and circled campus.

The mini-walk is part of an annual program sponsored by Fannie Mae, a government-sponsored enterprise that deals with mortgages.

Mini-walks are done throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area.

The proceeds are given to one of about 120 beneficiary organizations that operate in the area, said Rufaro Mandizvidza, co-vice president of community service for Delta Sigma Pi. The mini-walk benefited the Arlington-Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless.

“We picked this organization because they have done a few other things on campus,” said Mandizvidza, a junior economics major. She said Delta Sigma Pi was approached by members of the coalition who wanted to organize a mini-walk on Mason’s campus.

The mini-walks across the country lead up to the Help the Homeless Walkathon in Washington on Nov. 20.

Anyone interested in participating in the national walk can preregister up until Nov. 18 at www.helpthehomelessdc.org.

photo courtesy Comedy Central

Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear

Stephen Colbert talks to Broadside about keeping fear alive and his upcoming D.C. rally with Jon Stewart Sonya Hudson Managing Editor It’s not possible to rally for sanity, according to Stephen Colbert.

“I don’t think it’s possible to get excited about moderate behavior,” said Colbert, host of Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report.” “It’s a paradox I don’t understand. Are you going to get extremely moderate at the rally? No. You’ve got to get jacked up about something. That’s why I’m offering fear as something to get excited about.”

Colbert and Jon Stewart are hosting a rally on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.

Once dueling rallies, Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity, an attempt to unite the reasonable “Busy Majority,” as explained on its website, and Colbert’s March to Keep Fear Alive, a rally to ensure fear is not replaced by reason, have combined, presumably because Colbert forgot to get a rally permit.

As announced on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” on Oct. 14, Stewart and Colbert’s combined rally is now called the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.

Though details about what will happen at the rally have been kept underwraps, to date over 218,000 people have said they would attend on the Rally to Restore Sanity Facebook page.

Colbert hopes that this rally becomes a generation defining event.

According to Colbert, the event would be a success if it re-

sulted in raising $500,000 for Donors Choose, an organization that raises money to give to classrooms and students in need. Colbert is also on the board of directors of the organization.

Another way for the rally to be successful, says Colbert, is by getting Stewart to admit that he is scared.

“I would like to get Jon to admit that he’s terrified,” said Colbert. “I don’t believe this reasonableness business.”

Colbert admits that he is also terrified – of bears.

“Bears – the god of killing machines,” says Colbert, before he goes on to describe a specific type of bear that would be most frightening. “Gay, immigrant bears – is that possible? Canadian bears I guess would be the short way of saying that.”

Something else Colbert is scared of is that people like Stewart more than him. “I fear he’ll win the Emmy again next year,” Colbert said.

Aside from his own personal phobias, Colbert explains his views on the nation’s fears when he was an undergraduate.

When Colbert was in college, the biggest fears in America were “nuclear annihilation from the Russians ... that oh and AIDS,” said Colbert. “So, fear of communists and gay people. So, I guess in some ways they’re the same as they are now.”

Though these seemingly innate American fears are on the political side, Colbert explains that the rally is not a political one.

See Colbert, Page 6

Witch Watch morphs into Halloween festival

Student Government event invites families to campus for safe trick-or-treating Antonieta Rico Crime beat Reporter

Photo courtesty of kwbridge’s flickr account

Witch Watch is back at George Mason University, and this year it has morphed into a new being.

Mason’s Student Government is inviting the Fairfax community for the reinvented Witch Watch, now a Halloween “mini festival” where families can come on campus and enjoy an afternoon of fun, said Nathan Dorfman,

chair of the Department of Mason Affairs and State Outreach and Networking.

The event will be held at the Pilot House Plaza, by the Hampton Roads dorm, on Sunday from 3 to 5:30 p.m.

Traditionally Witch Watch involved groups of students acting as safety patrols in the Fairfax community while children trickor-treated, but this year Mason is welcoming them inside the campus, said Mary Vertucci, chair-

woman of the University Life Committee.

About 25 student organizations will man tables outside the Pilot House Plaza, Vertucci said.

The tables will include Halloween activities, games, balloons and candy.

“Children can trick-or-treat from table to table,” Vertucci said.

There will also be music at the event.

See WITCH, Page 3

2|

News

Broadside

10

The number of years Andrew Flagel has been dean of admissions at Mason.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Event Calendar Monday, Oct. 25 Mastering Multiple Choice Tests for Transfer Students SUB I, Room 3008 Noon - 1 p.m. and 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.

Discussion with author Tricia Shapiro Johnson Center, Room B 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 26 Environmental Science and Policy Seminar Innovation Hall, Room 203 Noon - 1 p.m.

Azucar Salsa Dance Lessons Johnson Center, Dance Studio 6 - 8 p.m.

Officer Ross has had her new office in Potomac Heights for about a month, recieving mixed reviews with residents.

Police stationed in the dorms?

Student reaction to campus liaison officer mixed Antonieta Rico

Wednesday, Oct. 27 Cultural Fusion Fairfax: Awards Mixer Dewberry Hall 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Women’s Grad School Survival Hour Johnson Center, Room 240K 1 - 2 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 28 Breastival Johnson Center, North Plaza 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Japanese Movie Night SUB II, Room 7 6 - 8:30 p.m.

For more events and activities, check out: today.gmu.edu

Oct. 18

Breaking & Entering Presidents Park Complainant stated that person(s) unknown entered their unsecured room and stole their laptop.

Investigation continues. (22/Barton)

Oct. 19

POLICE FILES Vandalism Parking Lot K Complainant discovered paint on their driver side window. Damage estimated at $10. (53/Colson)

Oct. 20

Grand Larceny/Assault Original Building Christopher Anderson 23 (non-GMU), of Marlow Heights, MD was arrested and held without bond for the above offenses. He is held at the Arlington County Detention Center. (54/Galle)

Crime Beat Reporter More than a month after the George Mason University Police Department placed an officer at the Potomac Heights dorm some students say that they are not happy with the extra police presence.

Police officials had said that one of the goals of having a housing liaison officer at the dorm was to improve communication with students, but Potomac Heights residents say that they were not consulted, or even told about a police officer working out of an office in their dorm.

“I think that there is a legitimate problem with the relationship between the GMU police officers and students,” said Kaki Blackburn, a senior government and international politics major who lives in the dorm. “I don’t think this is the way to address it.”

“I felt safe before,” said Audrey Olszewski, a junior spanish and sociology major who lives in Potomac Heights. Olszewski said she had seen Officer Emily Ross, the housing liaison officer, in the dorm after a fire alarm went off in her room, but that she feels there is no reason for her to be there.

“I honestly don’t know what she is doing,” Olszewski said. “I feel it’s pretty unnecessary.”

Blackburn said that from the outset residents had no input in having a police officer in their dorm.

“No one asked me,” Blackburn said. Olszewski also said she was not asked.

Not only were students not asked how they felt about having an officer in their dorm, they were not even told there would be one working there, Blackburn said.

She said that she did not see any flyers or e-mails or any communication letting students know about the extra police presence.

“I do think it is, a little bit, an invasion of my personal space,” said Blackburn. “I’m renting this space on university grounds, but I’m paying for this, and I think I should be con-

Mason’s dean of admissions talks with Broadside

Theft From Building Science & Technology I Victim reported an unsecured purse was stolen. Numerous item such as five credit cards, Virginia driver’s license and $100 in cash were inside the purse.

(57/Cox))

photo courtesy Andrew Flagel

Gordon Day Broadside Correspondent

Simple Assault Dominion Hall Victim/offender reported a verbal and physical assault between each other. They were given options to file charges against each other. This case is forwarded to the Dean Of Students. (45/Arnold) Counterfeiting/Forgery Registrars Office A GMU diploma was found to be counterfeit. This case is under investigation. (40/Ross)

Police Files are taken verbatim from www.gmu.edu/police.

Broadside does not make any changes to public records.

dorm, but she thinks it’s a good idea.

“I feel pretty safe knowing there are police officers in the building,” Saunders said. “The safer, the better.”

As for Ross she said her first month working from the dorm has been busy. She said that she has being dealing with a lot of cases of stolen items, looking through video surveillance, providing alcohol awareness presentations and addressing drug issues.

“It seems like there is a misunderstanding that I am living in the dorm,” Ross said. She said that she just has an office there.

She said the purpose to having an office in the dorm was to make the police more accessible to students.

“I think that going to the students, rather than waiting for them to come to us, is where (there is) the greatest benefit,” Ross said.

“The point of this position is to open up communication with the students,” Ross said.

“And we had their best interest and welfare in mind when this position was established. I hope they see it that way.”

Blackburn, however, thinks there are better ways to talk and connect with students.

“They do not have a good relationship with students and I have not seen much outreach from the police officers themselves to try and fix that problem,” Blackburn said. “And I think that they are joking themselves and us by saying that stationing a police officer in our dorms, the same police officer that has arrested (students from the dorm) in the past, that that could form a relationship.”

Blackburn said she does believe that a good relationship between police officers and students is possible.

“Yeah, absolutely,” she said. “Essentially, the police officers are there to protect us.”

But, she thinks having a police officer at the Johnson Center, where students visit every day, would be a better way of reaching out to students.

“That would be something in my mind that would be a lot more reasonable,” Blackburn said.

Q&A with Andrew Flagel

Destruction of Property Parking Lot K The GMU Mean Green truck was vandalized. The front left driver side window was shattered. This case is under investigation. Damage estimated at $200.

(16/Chandler)

Intimidation Presidents Park Victim reported that threats were being made through Facebook from a student. This case was investigated and forwarded to the Dean Of Students.

(55/Higgins)

Oct. 21

sulted about what kind of safety measures (are being taken).”

Blackburn, who is a Mason Ambassador and the vice president of the Mason chapter of Students for Sensible Drug Policy, said that there was no explanation from housing, police or the university as to why an officer was put in the dorm.

“My question is what is the purpose of the police officer? Is she there to help us or target us?”

Blackburn thinks she has an answer to that question.

“The reason she is there is to target students for drug and alcohol issues,” she said.

Blackburn said she only learned about the presence of the officer through an article written in Broadside. She said some of the reasons police gave in the article for the police presence in the dorm was to tackle communication issues, sexual assault issues and alcohol and drug awareness.

“I definitely think there is a need for further outreach with students (regarding those issues),” said Blackburn. “I think that the police officer is not the way to solve that problem.”

“When students see someone walking around in uniform with a gun and handcuffs, that is not someone that seems approachable,” Blackburn said.

However not everyone feels so strongly about the police presence. Some students like Sasha Romanchak, a senior graphic information design major, said she did not even know there was an officer working in the dorm.

Another student said she really didn’t care either way.

“It’s nice to have safety, but I’m kind of indifferent about it,” said Katie DeMonsabert, a junior theater and business management major.

Another student welcomed the presence of police.

Rahneeka Saunders, a sophomore sports management major, said she had not heard about a police officer with an office in the

File Photo

Andrew Flagel is the dean of admissions at George Mason University. He also teaches in the Department of Communication, is an avid Mason basketball fan and a featured speaker.

This week, we sat down with Flagel to discuss life and the finer points of Mason admissions.

Q: How long have you been at Mason?

A: This is my 10th year. I came in as a dean in 2001.

Q: How would you describe your experience so far?

A: I have been fortunate. It has been an institution that has been changing and there is never a dull moment. There is always some-

thing spectacular being developed.

Q: What exactly does the dean of admissions do?

A: I am both blessed and cursed that I get to manipulate teenagers. I get them excited to come here, but I also have to tell some of them no. My job changes from day to day. I do speeches, pep band events and develop relationships with Northern Virginia Community College. I also do a fair amount of collaboration with the faculty here on

various projects.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: That I truly believe in what I get to do each day and that I get to work with people who are more talented than me. This includes faculty and staff. It can be a challenge to keep up.

Q: How selective do you think Mason is?

A: We are now one of the most selective in the country and we will become more so because of the experience we have here. There is a great discussion of what the university will become in the next phase; Mason has not followed in everyone else’s footsteps. We will continue to be selective and it is the result of the

incredible development of the institutions that we have here. Personally, I think it is odd that an institution would build its reputation on exclusion. We have built our reputation by being successful by building ourselves up.

Q: When you look at a college application, what are you looking for?

A: The academic record is the most important because it shows trends in grades and classes taken. I am looking for academic talent but at the same time, there is no magic formula. There are a variety of factors that change from year to year.

Q: Do you think your application would have gotten you into Mason now?

A: I would not have gotten in here. I would be a solid wait-list candidate.

Q: In one sentence, what do you think is Mason’s biggest appeal?

A: Location, location, location! It is our location paired with the traditions of the institutions here. Not many places have such a strong connection between global diversity and the campus.

Q: The Mason campus is rapidly expanding. Do you expect the student body to expand with it?

A: The construction and remodeling meets the needs of the students we have. We are creating the capacity for growth as well.

Q: Do you have any words you would like to say to prospective students?

A: I am not going to create a cure for cancer or write a great sonata, but the students we bring here will. Come to Mason and change the world.

Broadside

News

Monday, October 25, 2010 |

3

‘White powdery substance’ sent to Mason Police investigating source of envelope that was determined to contain artificial sweetener Kevin Loker C2M Executive Editor Student Union Building II was evacuated Tuesday morning due to a hazardous material scare in the building’s mailroom.

Mailroom employees received and opened a suspicious envelope containing “a white powdery substance” which hazmat officials have now determined to be an artificial sweetener, university police and school officials said.

Shortly after 10 a.m., mailroom employees discovered a white envelope addressed to “George Mason University” with no stamp on it.

University Press Secretary Dan Walsch said that upon opening the

“The School of Systems Biology represents a new direction in the College’s academic structure.”

-Patty Snellings, director of college relations, College of Science envelope, employees found a “white powdery substance.”

The employees then contacted University Police who then called in the local hazmat.

Hazmat officials took a sample of

Witch Watch aims to connect students with larger community WITCH, from front One goal for Witch Watch is that the Fairfax community and Mason students connect and engage with each other, Dorfman said.

“We want to show Fairfax that we care about them, just like we hope that they would be interested in Mason,” said Vertucci. “I hope that children and their families will have fun, have a happy positive ex-

perience and enjoy their time at Mason for the afternoon.”

Free parking for the event will be available at the first and second levels of the Rappahannock River Parking Deck.

There will be signs pointing people in the direction of the event, Vertucci said.

For more information contact Student Government at 703-993-1614.

Veterans have little problem adjusting to college social life VETERAN, from front Emery said he is not aware of a veteran who has not been able to adapt socially.

“I think veterans tend to socialize more with other veterans or active duty students, but myself, I didn’t have any trouble adapting,” he said.

Emery, who served active duty in the U.S. Army for six years, said his experience at Mason has been great.

“I fortunately didn’t have any problems,” he said. “By the end of my first semester, I felt pretty good to go.”

Myer said the benefits a veteran receives will stop if

they do not do well in school.

There is only funding for four years, so it is important for a veteran to finish their degree in the allotted time.

Myer said the most common concern with veterans entering Mason include receiving benefit money in a timely manner.

“You will receive your benefits, but you can’t really expect a certain date,” Myer said. “The expectation of when is up in the air. It has a lot to do with tuition and the increased enrollment of veterans because that makes the process longer.”

the substance and conducted on- and off-site tests on the substance to see if it was dangerous. The Mason community was alerted to the situation via the text and e-mail notification system, Mason Alert.

At 12:04 p.m., a notice was sent saying the incident had been resolved and that “it is safe to return to normal operations.”

According to Walsch, University Police will be conducting an internal investigation to determine who is responsible for the incident.

“Whether they’re able to Story taken from do that or not Connect2Mason remains to be seen,” said Walsch.

photo by George Yanez

Emergency and university personnel gather outside Student Union Building II a er an envelope containing white powder was discovered in the mailroom Tuesday morning. The incident has since been resolved.

College of Science plans building addition Will also proceed with new School of Systems Biology Adam Sylvain C2M Senior News Editor The College of Science is preparing for infrastructural changes, including a 50,000 square foot addition, connecting Science and Technology I and II. The college also announced the creation of the School of Systems Biology, recently approved by the university Board of Visitors. The pending changes in the College of Science have been relayed via the COS twitter account.

The renovations of Science and Tech I and II will conclude with the creation of a “science complex,” equipped with 20 biology, geology and environmental science and policy teaching labs.

The site of the new addition will be behind Science and Tech I, on

The School of Systems Biolthe side closest to Student Union Building II. Preparations for con- ogy will centralize the faculty, struction will begin throughout management, and budget of the Department of this month, Molecular and but comple“The School of Microbiology tion of the and the Departproject is not Systems Biology ment of Bioinanticipated represents a new formatics and until spring Computational 2013. direction in the Biology, into a “The new College’s acasingle conglomstructural demic structure.” erate.

Three changes are master’s degree the result of programs will be major univer-Patty Snellings, director of offered in Biolsity growth in college relations, College of ogy, Bioinforrecent years,” Science matics and said Patty Computational Snellings, diBiology and rector of college relations in the College of Bioinformatics. In addition, the Science. “The renovations will school will offer two Ph.D. proserve to bring us [COS] closer to- grams in Biosciences as well as Bioinformatics and Computagether, in a cohesive location.”

tional Biology.

“The School of Systems Biology represents a new direction in the College’s academic structure,” said Snellings. “It allows us to pursue a broader academic agenda, including new courses and programs.”

A proposal for the new school was approved at the Sept.

29 Board of Visitors meeting and will now seek approval in the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia which submits its higher education policy recommendations to the governor.

Pending approval, implementation of the new school will begin Jan. 1, 2011.

Story taken from Connect2Mason

Have an eye for news?

Come write for Broadside!

E-mail news@broadsideonline.com

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MASONLIVE the new e-mail system for students

4|

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Broadside

598

Americans buy an average of 598 million pounds of Halloween candy each year.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Fact or Fiction:

1

Mason Urban Legends: Fact or Fiction Many areas of Fairfax, including George Mason University, have been sites of mysterious urban legends. If you are trying to get in the Halloween spirit, check out these eerie myths. They just might send chills down your spine!

Years ago at Carlos O’Kelly’s, a restaurant on Main Street in Fairfax, some of the wait staff reported strange and unusual things happening late at night and early in the morning.

Rumor has it that the ghost of a dishwasher who hanged himself haunts the upstairs dining room.

Erin Powell | Student Life Beat Writer

5

Fact or Fiction:

3 2

Fact or Fiction:

Upperclassmen might recall a squeamish rumor regarding old Ciao Hall, the main campus dining area in the days before Southside.

Students often complained about upset stomachs and gastrointestinal problems after eating there, which caused speculation that the food was rotten, or contained “supplements.”

Another campus myth relates to the beloved George Mason statue itself.

“If you rub his left foot, you have good luck. They also say [he] had gangrene on his toe, so that’s why our colors are green and gold,” said sophomore global affairs major Christine Heintz.

Since the mid-20th century, the Bunny Man Bridge in Clifton has been surrounded by ghastly rumors and speculation. Allegedly, police found rabbit carcasses hanging from trees and later received reports of a man dressed in a bunny costume wielding an axe near the bridge. Legend has it if you go to the bridge on Halloween at midnight, the man’s spirit will appear.

1. Fiction. Although there is no ghost, drop by with friends and share some spooky Halloween stories over a late-night meal.

2. Debatable. If a number of different students came forward and complained, there had to be something causing the problems.

3. It all comes down to what you believe. If you are brave enough, go visit the bridge and see for yourself!

4. Fiction. Stepping on a piece of metal will not affect your chances of graduating.

5. Fiction. But if you need some extra luck before an exam, try rubbing his foot anyway. You never know!

Fact or Fiction:

Fact or Fiction:

4

One of the most acclaimed myths on the Mason campus concerns the plaque in front of the George Mason statue.

“If you step on the plaque, you won’t graduate within four years. It could mean less or more time at school,” said Christine Heintz, sophomore global affairs major. “I don’t step on it. I’m not a superstitious person, but I always avoid it.”

Although many students tend to avoid the plaque, some could care less.

“I think [this myth] is bullcrap because I’ve stepped on it so many times and I’m getting ready to graduate,” said Alayna Woodley, a senior conflict analysis and resolution major.

Although it is not an explicitly gruesome myth, for some, extending one’s stay at Mason might be terrifying enough.

Snapshots: Pinkberry Opens in Fairfax Corner

photo by Peter Flint

photo by Peter Flint

Pinkberry provides a cool dessert alterna ve in Fairfax.

Clifton’s Haunted Trails Oct.30 , 7-10 p.m Chapel St., Clifton

Pinkberry opened its doors Thursday, Oct. 21 in the Fairfax Corner shopping center.

extreme pumpkin makeover party Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m School of art and design

Night of the Living Zoo Oct. 29 8 p.m. - midnight.

National Zoo Fields of Fear Oct. 29 - 31 7:30 - 11 p.m.

Cox Farms, Centreville

DC Drag Queen Race Oct. 26, 9 p.m.

17th St. N.W. Washington, D.C. (DuPont Circle)

Georgetown Ghost Walking Tour Oct. 29, 8 p.m Starts at The Old Stone House at 3051 M Street NW, Washington, D.C.

Halloween Woods Oct. 28-31, 7 p.m.

Algonkian Regional Park, Sterling

Clarendon Ballroom Halloween Monster Bash Oct. 30, 8 p.m.

Clarendon Ballroom: 3185 Wilson Blvd. Arlington

Nightmare on M Street Oct. 30 5 p.m. - 1 a.m.

M Street N.W. Washington, D.C.

Broadside

Style

Monday, October 25, 2010 |

5

Halloween Central Tips for coming up with an original costume that won’t break the bank RIDIN’ SOLO

Tea Hadzic Staff Writer

Marcella Robertson

Not in the mood to pair up? Go solo by picking an easily recognized celebrity. Girls, take your little black dress, a pair of big black sunglasses and a pearl necklace. Then tie your hair in a bun and you’re Audrey Hepburn.

Guys, throw on a plain white t-shirt and a pair of fitted jeans, get some aluminum foil for your “grill,” throw on some shades and a Jamaican rasta dreadlock wig and call yourself Lil’ Wayne.

Staff Writer

The party invitations are being handed out, pumpkins are carved and the candy is ready for the trick-ortreaters. The scariest holiday of the year is fast approaching and costumes are flying off of the shelves. What will you be for Halloween?

You don’t have to buy a $200 costume, instead save your money by thinking outside the box. Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect costume:

Photo taken from deonsdreamingʼs flickr account

GET THRIFTY THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX Be creative. There is nothing wrong with sticking to the traditional police officer or sexy nurse getup, but don’t forget about other possibilities. Think of a costume that you haven’t seen anyone else wear.

Instead of blowing your cash on something you’ll only wear once, remember - there are clothes you can use instead.

BE REAL Think about popular TV shows or magazines and go from there. With reality shows as popular as they are, there are many people you could dress up as without spending big bucks. For example, you could dress as Snooki from “Jersey Shore.” All it would take is some orange makeup, a tight shirt, short skirt, some heels and a poof. The best part about it is that it’s not some costume that someone else was able to buy in stores.

IT TAKES TWO Get your friends involved! Dress up as a cast from a TV show or a band. You can also pair up with someone and dress as a famous couple. Barack and Michelle Obama would be cute and easy to pull off.

Most girls have a classy, all-purpose dress. Add a cardigan or blazer, and you’re the first lady. Guys, all you need is a nice suit. You can also check out some Halloween stores for Obama masks.

Photo taken from ChicagoPhotoShopʼs flickr account

Visit your local thrift stores. Search for fabric and accessories to complete your costume.

Thrift stores are filled with vintage clothing and old-school treasures. You can buy a pair of bright spandex leggings, a fanny pack, some slouch socks and a headband, and maybe even find a retro cassette player. With all those accessories, you have your 80’s look completed. Some thrift shops even sell wigs for cheap.

Photo courtesy of Natalie Holsinger

Photo taken from cliff1066ʼs flickr account

Now that you’ve got your costume, kick off your Halloween plans with some of these festive cocktails

ghost

vampire

Wicked witch

1 oz. Jack Daniel’s 2 oz. rum, vanilla fill with cream soda

1 part raspberry liqueur 1 part vodka 1 part cranberry juice 1 part lime juice

Instructions: 1. Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Strain into a cocktail glass.

3. Enjoy.

bloodbath

Instructions: 1. Fill a 16 oz. glass with ice 2. Add 1 shot of Jack Daniel’s 3. Add 2 shots of vanilla rum 4. And top with cream soda.

1/4 oz. liqueur, maraschino 1 1/2 oz. whiskey, straight grain 1 dash lemon juice 1/4 oz. pineapple juice

Instructions: 1. Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice 2. Strain into an old-fashioned glass filled with ice 3. Enjoy

2 shots raspberry liqueur 14 oz. red wine (merlot) 1 splash cranberry juice

Instructions: 1. Shake ingredients in a cocktail shaker 2. Strain into red wine glass.

3. Enjoy

All drink recipes taken from drinkna on.com

Patrick Wall Style Editor

l a v i t s Brea Annual breast cancer awareness event returns

Breast cancer awareness has taken a unique form in recent years. Organizations like Save the Ta-tas Foundation have been gaining support.

For the George Mason University community, one of the most beloved events of Breast Cancer Awareness Month is approaching – Breastival.

The fourth annual event will take place on Thursday, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., at the North Plaza to educate students using food, fun and games.

Danielle Lapierre, associate director of the Office of Alcohol, Drug and Health Education, has been involved with Breastival since its creation. For her, working with students is her favorite part of the job.

“They are so receptive to our programs and really make me think out of the box to develop new and creative, fun and educational health promotion programs,” said Lapierre. “It is not often that someone has to research every possible way to say ‘breast’ and apply it directly to

their job.”

Breastival will feature treats like T-shirts, reusable shopping bags and breast-shaped cupcakes.

Vendors like Avon will be there and games called “Tit Tac Toe” and “Pin the Nipple on the Boob” will be available for students to enjoy.

Breastival promotes awareness for a serious cause. According to the National Cancer Institute, over 200,000 women and nearly 2,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer each year.

Lapierre says the best way for women to detect potential issues is to be familiar with their bodies. “[Women] checking their breasts every month should become more of a routine and less of a hassle,” Lapierre said. “They should know what to look for and where to go for help if something doesn’t feel right.”

In case of rain, the event will be held in the atrium of Student nion Building I. More information on Breastival and breast cancer is available on the Office of Alcohol, Drug and Health Education’s website at adhe.gmu.edu.

Did You Know?

• Nearly 210,000 men and women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.

• Over 40,000 men and women will die this year from the disease.

• One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

• The five-year survival rate for women with localized breast cancer is 98 percent.

Broadside

6| Monday, October 25, 2010

Style

The fun begins when Halloween ends Brandi Morehead Sex Columnist

Bollywood comes alive on stage

Photo courtesy of the Center for the Arts

The Center for the Arts has brought “The Merchants of Bollywood” to Mason as a part of their “Global View” Series.

Dylan Hares Media Beat Writer As part of the “Global View” Series, the Center for the Arts presented “The Merchants of Bollywood.” And no, it’s not a show about the economic situation of the Indian entertainment scene.

Based on a true story, “The Merchants of Bollywood” is about love and art crossing the generational gap. Beyond that, it’s also a satire of the industry, not only in India, but worldwide. “Merchants” goes through the story of a female choreographer, Ayesha Merchant, trying to find her rhythm in modern-day Bollywood.

Her grandfather, Shantilal Merchant, who also used to choreograph in Bollywood, left the indutry due to a disapproval of the westernization and commercialization of the art form he thought to be crucial in a post-Britain nation. Strife be-

tween the two ensues and a test to find middle ground between old and new.

“Merchants” features a slew of exciting choreography set to high-tempo traditional and popular Indian music. While the dancing is reflective of the culture, there is a strong Western flavor in the dancing, music and costumes. The familiar feelings created by “Merchants” helps those not familiar with Bollywood.

The show feaures 22 dancers in constant motion complimented by a dozen costume changes and continuous display of new and challenging dance moves. The dancers take moments to involve the crowd with rhythmic clapping and even dancing with a few lucky members of the audience.

With its great, high-octane music, exhilarating choreography and exotic atmosphere, “The Merchants of Bollywoood” is nothing short of incredible.

Halloween is the one day of the year females can dress up and show a little skin without judgment, making it the best holiday to get creative with your sexy, freaky side.

You know you’ve always wanted to wear that skimpy outfit again and rock it, just like last year. You remember the feeling: walking in the room, dressed to impress and having every male head turn as you pass. It felt fabulous!

If you have a boyfriend, do him a little favor. We all know that men love variety. Oh yes – lots of variety. (Ladies without a man: Save this one for when you have a steady boyfriend, because it will be a lot more fun with someone you care about.) Pull out that sexy Halloween costume you rocked so seductively last year and put it to use.

Whether you were a sexy bumblebee, witch or Native American, you can put the buzz in his pants, take a ride on his broomstick or have a sexy powwow in the bedroom.

Let’s get started.

Now that you have your mindblowing legs exposed, your cleavage in full view and your costume barely hiding the goods, set the scene for the ultimate spooky, spicy night. Light a few candles (the hot wax will come into play later) and put on the hottest, sex-

iest music you can find.

Put a sticky note somewhere where he absolutely cannot miss it. Write how badly you need him to come ravage you and how you’re just craving his stimulating touch.

Trust me, he will come running.

Once he’s arrived, show yourself.

Let his jaw drop to the floor for a moment, and kiss him hard and passionately.

Lead him to the bedroom and gradually strip him down as you walk around seductively. Lay him

on the bed and kiss him all over.

Maybe even dribble a little hot wax on his chest. This will really get his blood flowing.

Even better, throw in a sexy dance to completely blow his mind. Let him grab and touch – he will be doing all he can to not ravage you right away. After you know he just can’t take it any longer, let him have his kinky way with you!

Enjoy Halloween, but even more, enjoy the after-Halloween costume dress-ups.

Colbert: Emotion, not rationality, should be basis for decisions

Mason Players bring Shakespeare to life ager and junior theater major Jessica Poole. “We have a composer and so the actors must work with Media Beat Writer the sound, which must work with the lights. It’s For those thinking of seeing “The Town,” “Easy intense.”

With 23 actors, the show is large in scale. The A” or even “Jackass 3D,” here’s a better option. This cast sees this as a challenge they are capable of weekend, the de Laski Performing Arts Building overcoming. Of course, the play’s is home to all the on-stage content does not hurt – “Perihumor and drama you need, all cles” is a mix of music, dance and for less than the price of a movie fight scenes. ticket. The Mason Players of Although the plays of ShakeGeorge Mason University prespeare are notoriously hard to miered their fall 2010 producabsorb, the Players have been tion of Shakespeare and working hard to make sure the Wilkins’ “Pericles” on Thursday. experience is as accessible as posTo recreate the large-scale sible. While it is a distinct possiGreek epic, the mainstage probility the audience might get lost duction requires a great amount in some of the dialogue, the of effort and an expansive cast combination of the acting, talent and crew. and directing lets the audience “We try to do [Shakespeare] experience the action for themevery couple of years so each selves. generation of students gets a With a healthy dose of accouple of shots at seeing and tion, “Pericles” is a nice change performing it,” said Artistic Difrom the usual Shakespearean rector Rick Davis.

The Mason Players have put themplays. While still full of decepDespite having a successful selves to the test with “Pericles.” tion and intrigue, it has gentrack record and experience performing the works of Shakespeare, “Pericles” uinely likeable characters, humor and powerful was not an easy task for the Players. One of the emotion.

The Players’ production of “Pericles” has one biggest challenges was getting the large cast and more weekend and tickets are available at the Cencrew to work together harmoniously.

“Everything is interwoven,” said Stage Man- ter for the Arts box office.

Photo courtesy of the Center for the Arts

Dylan Hares

Photo Courtesy of Comedy Central

Colbert encourages people to a end the Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear and says he’s not afraid of anyone who a ends his rally on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. on the Na onal Mall.

COLBERT, from front “I’m not there to influence anybody’s vote,” said Colbert. “I’m there to make sure Jon Stewart does not get people to think rationally about their vote.”

Colbert encourages those who attend the rally to cast their vote based on emotions, not rationality.

“I won’t fear the vote of anyone who comes to my rally,” said Colbert. “I’m not doing this to get people to vote, but if they do vote, they should vote on their feelings.

I’m not afraid of them.”

Fear is a great motivator that leads to results, according to Colbert.

“They can feel what they want,

but I want them to be acting out of emotion and not out of reason because rationality gets you things like the atomic bomb,” said Colbert. “I mean that’s where logic gets you, whereas fearing the atomic bomb is the thing that kept us safe during the Cold War.” After people learn to act out of emotion rather than reason at the rally, Colbert hopes people continue to keep the fear alive throughout the night and the next day.

“I’m hoping that people keep the fear going through fear parties that they hold that night, where everybody is dressed up in their costumes for fear at these different parties, and maybe there’s punch and the next day they go out with

their kids, also dressed up as fearful things, and they spread fear door to door, maybe around dusk.”

For people who are afraid to go to the rally, Colbert understands that fear.

“There are going to be hundreds of thousands of people,” said Colbert. “It could be the epicenter of a new pandemic. Of course I’m concerned about that – you heard Purell doesn’t work, right?”

Along with Donors Choose, proceeds from merchandise purchased for this rally go to the Yellow Ribbon Fund, an organization that supports injured service members, and the Trust for the National Mall, a foundation to preserve the historic site.

COMMITTED TO LEADERSHIP AND EXCELLENCE IN PHARMACY EDUCATION Fall Open House—November 6 College of Notre Dame of Maryland School of Pharmacy will hold an open house for prospective School of Pharmacy students on Saturday, November 6, 2010, in Knott Science Center from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. s s

Meet faculty and students Learn about the profession and program of study

s s

Tour the campus Learn about the admissions process

Go to ndm.edu/schoolofpharmacy to register or contact Thomas Epps at 410-532-5597 or tepps@ndm.edu for more information.

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ndm.edu/schoolofpharmacy

4701 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21210

Opinion Broadside

|

7

Monday, October 25, 2010

Broadside

Getting a seat during rush hour on the Mason to Metro: This must be what Darwin meant by “survival of the fittest.”

George Mason University’s Student Newspaper Emily Sharrer, Editor-in-Chief Sonya Hudson, Managing Editor Monika Joshi, Copy Chief Gregory Connolly, News Editor Justin Lalputan, Opinion Editor Elizabeth Perry, Asst. Opinion Editor Patrick Wall, Style Editor Ramy Zabarah, Asst. Style Editor John Powell, Sports Editor Cody Norman, Asst. Sports Editor Peter Flint, Photography Editor Christina Salek-Raham, Copy Editor Benjamin Shaffer, Copy Editor Marine Jaouen, Copy Editor Mayank Mehrishi, Copy Editor

Jared Barrale, Copy Editor Heather Hamilton, Copy Editor Liz Milligan, Designer Michelle Buser, Designer Randy Urick, Photographer Stephanie Knapp, Photographer Dylan Hares, Staff Reporter Scott Miller, Advertising Director Catherine Kutz, Advertising Representative Spencer Haag, Advertising Representative Jacques Mouyal, Business Manager Kathryn Mangus, Faculty Adviser David Carroll, Tech Adviser

Editorial Policy The letters, columns and views expressed on this page are solely those of the writers. They do not reflect the views of Broadside or its staff, unless otherwise noted.

Broadside is a weekly publication printed each Monday for the George Mason University and surrounding Fairfax community. The editors at Broadside have exclusive authority over the content that is published. There are no outside parties that play a role in the newspaper’s content, and should there be a question or complaint regarding this policy, the editorin-chief should be notified at the information given above.

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Slutty Halloween Costumes

© 2007 by Broadside. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the editor-in-chief.

Is wearing a risque costume degrading, or just a tradition?

Elizabeth Perry

J u n i o r

Asst. Opinion Editor

“Halloween is the one night a year when a girl can dress like a total slut and no other girls can say anything about it.”

This statement, made by Lindsay Lohan as Cady Heron in “Mean Girls,” is one of those unique quotes which acknowledges something that is so seemingly ridiculous and yet so accurate at the same time, much like the write-ups found on stuffwhitepeoplelike.com.

In other words, it’s funny because it’s true.

However, when considering the fact

that this line appeared in a movie that successfully portrayed and exaggerated the laughable drama which girls are both instigators and victims of, we are left to question what these words really say about young females of this generation.

Was it an accurate representation of girls at Halloween when Karen showed up to Gretchen’s house in lingerie and informed her that she was dressed as a mouse (duh), when the only suggestion of this was the furry ears on her head?

Despite how exaggerated this scene appears to be, it does recognize a truth about young girls.

Whether or not we want to admit it, we love excuses to dress like sluts and Halloween is a holiday that has evolved over time into a reason for us to do just that.

A major element of Halloween celebrations for high school and college students is girls showing more skin than is normally appropriate and guys eating it up.

Yes, the Janis Ians out there will condemn this and insist that they have too much self-respect and class to conform to such a tradition.

However, the young females who love to hate on this annual excuse to dress provocatively generally do so because they are too self-conscious about themselves or their bodies to join the slutty attire trend.

Of course, there do exist young women who are perfectly comfortable with themselves and are still, for one reason or another, in disagreement with this skin-bearing tradition.

Kudos to you for standing up for what you believe in but honestly ladies, you’re a rare breed this time of year.

While there are plenty of tastefully sexy Halloween costumes out there for girls, the most common ones that every girl will wear at some point in her life are undeniably intended to arouse.

Some of these are sexy cop, nurse, secretary, school girl, Playboy bunny,

Desperately seeking stupidity

What really scares me about Halloween

America needs more consumers with a ‘charge first, afford later’ attitude Brandon minster G R A D S T u d e n t

Opinion

Columnist

In Jasper Fforde’s imaginative novel “First Among Sequels,” the British government is wrestling with a brewing crisis: a stupidity surplus.

The Brits have managed national affairs so sensibly that the traditionally-used up amount of stupidity is left to accumulate, threatening to destroy society.

It eventually overflows in one giant ill-advised lark.

If readers need further proof that Fforde is among the most imaginative modern writers, this book is it.

It only takes a quick look around to see that the real crisis facing the U.S. today is not a surplus, but a deficit of stupidity.

Since the economy turned sour in 2008, consumers have curbed spending in unprecedented ways. Credit card use has tanked, savings have blossomed and hardly anyone is parlaying their home equity into a speed boat anymore.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say Americans have learned basic economic sense, but they are behaving as if they have learned it, and as Milton Friedman would tell you, that can be just as dangerous.

Tightening the financial belt after building an economy that presupposes extravagant spending is proving disastrous.

Investors and entrepreneurs have made business decisions based on an assumption of continued wastefulness.

How else can we explain the presence in every American mall of an “As Seen on TV” store?

Imagine buying the most successful bar in a port city, right before the fleet is expected back.

Armed with your folk knowledge of drunken sailors and their legendary propensity to consume alcohol, you paid top dollar for the bar.

Then the fleet arrives, and you learn that they all converted to Mormonism while at sea. Bottom line: the nation needs foolishly spent money.

There is a solution – students. Finally, the nation can use its millions of young scholars.

The task is so simple they can easily handle it and so vital their overdeveloped vanity won’t stop them. Who can spend money more foolishly than

America’s youth?

Designer clothing, the latest electronics, wasteful vacations – college life is a master’s course in pointless consumerism. The rest of the country is remembering to ask such questions as “Do I need that?” and “What must I not buy to afford to buy this?”

So it falls to college students to continue in the now traditional role of the “charge first, afford later” consumer. Actually needing something is so mundane, even animals do it. But you know what animals don’t do?

They don’t spend $150 on “sexy schoolgirl” Halloween costumes. It is in that area that America’s youth shine. As most young people know from rumor and hearsay, these are tough economic times. While responsible adults are cutting back on stupidity, it falls to those among us most naturally inclined to fill the gap.

When you finish this article, put down the newspaper and buy something. Buy three of them, even if it’s something as worthless as a giant foam cowboy hat. There’s a lot of stupidity missing from the economy and we all have to do our share to replace it.

Otherwise, if things keep going this way, the stupidity deficit might doom us all.

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sailor, Greek goddess, Egyptian princess, Native American, angel, devil, milkmaid, cowgirl and fairy, to name a few.

If you’re dressed as one of these and you don’t somehow slut it up, you’re about as original as an essay in 12 point Times New Roman, double spaced with one inch margins.

In other words, show some skin or choose a more unique costume.

Girls who refuse to wear a costume that accentuates cleavage, stomach, legs or buns can occasionally compensate with a strikingly imaginative costume that draws attention with its distinctiveness instead of with a lack of material.

Whichever attire you choose for this holiday, be sure to do it with a smile on your face and avoid hating on those girls who take advantage of the chance to get away with dressing slutty.

The fact is that this trashy tradition will come right back around next year and females only have flaunt-worthy bods for so long.

The idiocy of the holiday Justin Lalputan S o p h o m o r e

Opinion

Editor

It’s that time of year again when people dress like they have no sense and some people forbid their children from taking part in the festivities.

It’s Halloween.

Let me be blunt: Halloween is a bullshit holiday.

Halloween is an example of a holiday that has become so commercialized, it may as well change its name.

Does anyone know what the origin of this holiday really is?

It’s obviously not to honor the dead, like the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, because while I see people in graveyards, it’s never at anyone’s grave that they know.

Halloween is derived from Samhain, a Celtic tradition.

Samhain was a night where the line between the living and the dead was blurred.

Editorial Board: Emily Sharrer, Editor-in-Chief Monika Joshi, Copy Chief Sonya Hudson, Managing Editor Justin Lalputan, Opinion Editor Elizabeth Perry, Asst.Opinion Editor

People would attempt to ward off the spirits, which is where the tradition of dressing as scary things came from.

How did such a prestigious holiday degrade into the one that it is today? Horribly movies, idiots who try to summon ghosts and stupid costumes.

Speaking of costumes, how about those outfits some girls wear?

I’m not going to get too deep into that. If you want to know more, read Elizabeth Perry’s “Slutty Halloween Costumes,” but I doubt that sexy schoolgirls can ward away spirits.

I also have beef with people who try to summon spirits and all types of other ghosts and whatnot.

How idiotic are you? Why would you do something completely contrary to the holiday?

Whatever. You people strike me as morons.

Why do people only attempt to do this stuff on Halloween anyway?

There are days that are far better suited to communicating with the supernatural – like the winter solstice – but those Halloween posers wouldn’t know that.

All unsigned staff editorials are written to represent the view of the Broadside staff, a diverse set of opinions determined by the members of the editorial board. Letters to the editor, columns, artwork and other commentaries strictly represent the opinions of the authors and do not represent the official opinion of the newspaper.

They just try to emulate what they see in movies.

By the way, movies are another thing that annoys me about Halloween.

People just watch the same boring “classics” over and over again, like “Halloween,” ”Hellraiser,” “Nightmare on Elm Street,” Stephen King movies – the list goes on and on.

Let me repeat: People like them because they are nostalgic, but in reality, the quality of these movies is lacking. The cheesy animations, lack of coherent plot and worn-out stereotypes make many movies worthless.

I’m not talking about all Halloween movies. There are good ones, but you can’t deny that most Halloween movies are a rehashing of the same tired plot and characters who lack development.

Halloween has lost all semblance of its former self and is just an excuse to fool around.

There’s nothing that we do on Halloween that we couldn’t do on any other day of the year.

I can’t believe that people get so excited for Halloween, when they don’t even know what the holiday is about.

Honestly, that’s the scariest thing about Halloween.

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Broadside

| Monday, October 25, 2010

Man on the Street

Advice to students

What is your opinion Results of on girls wearing sexy last week’s Halloween costumes? poll:

Don’t stress yourself out with high expectations Recently, I have found the phrase “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” to be one of the most obnoxious phrases an individual could possibly utter.

It is extremely important for someone to try their best in all of their endeavors but there often comes a point when people try too hard.

Sometimes, college students set unrealistic expectations for themselves.

In the process of trying to make these unrealistic expectations a reality, students face a great deal of stress, causing them to fail.

I believe everyone should dream big but there is no need to put so much pressure upon oneself in the process.

Being stressed all the time is emotionally draining.

This week, I put a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself and felt like my efforts were worthless.

I realized that my stress was stemming from constantly worrying about my future.

Where will I end up? Will I be self-sufficient? Will my career

aspirations become a reality?

These things were constantly on my mind.

I had to take a step back and truly examine the situation to realize that the passion I felt, and still feel, in regards to my future was completely overshadowing my present happiness.

Sitting in Fenwick Library this week, I found it interesting to observe my fellow students.

Examining my surroundings, I saw a few students who appeared very dedicated to their work.

These students were glued to their computer or textbook, barely looking up from their assignments.

I also saw students who appeared to care about their work, but put assignments off until the last minute.

These students were rushing to get work done while chugging a Red Bull.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, I saw students in the library who did not appear to be studying at all.

I actually saw a student sitting in the library painting her nails. Clearly, studying was not her priority.

I recently heard a fellow stu-

dent say, “I would rather have good grades than friends. I don’t care if I don’t have friends.”

I also had another student inform me, “My freshman year I went out every weekend and grades were the last thing on my mind.”

Life can be one big process of finding happy mediums.

The phrase “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again” is incredibly annoying because it can often be discouraging as opposed to motivating.

If people continue to “try, try again” and find that they are unsuccessful, they should try something else instead of continuing to fail.

As human beings, everyone has strengths and weaknesses and no one is good at everything.

This is common sense but I feel like it is a simple concept that people often forget.

College students frequently become so wrapped up in competition and infatuated with success that they forget to do the things that make them happy.

I believe wholeheartedly that motivation and success go hand in hand, but it is very important for students to not put too much stress on themselves.

a. It’s degrading and objectifies women. b. I don’t like it, but for Halloween it’s acceptable. c. I don’t care either way. d. Girls should take advantage of the chance to dress slutty and get away with it. e. It’s why I look forward to Oct. 31. The skimpier the better.

What YOU said...

“It doesn’t matter. It’s sort of expected.”

Chuck Atkins Sophomore Accounting

a. Much easier 21.43 percent

Photo By Justin Lalputan

“If that’s what they want to do then that’s what they want to do.”

c. It has not changed 7.14 percent

Photo By Justin Lalputan

Disagreement does not equal hate S o p h o m o r e

Opinion

Columnist

How far have we come from the days when dissent was patriotic?

Back when George W. Bush was president, a certain senator from New York got herself into a shrill tantrum and said, “We should stand up and say ‘We are Americans and we have a right to debate and disagree with any administration.’”

I don’t like to say it, but I agree with Hillary Clinton.

We’ve seen many examples of intellectual laziness over the past 19 months.

This manifests itself in the ad hominem use of race, class, gender and sexual orientation to defame conservatives rather than defend one’s own argument.

If you believe that Reps.

Charlie Rangel and Maxine Waters are corrupt, you’re racist. If you believe in the enforcement of our nation’s borders and immigration laws, you hate Hispanics.

If you defend the traditional definition of marriage, you’re a homophobe.

If you think the price for energy taxes is too high, you hate the planet. If you get an uneasy feeling when a mosque led by a man who blames the U.S. for 9/11 is being built near ground zero, you’re an Islamophobe.

If you disagree with Obama and attended a Tea Party rally, you’re racist. If you don’t want to pay for the government’s deficit spending, you hate America’s unemployed and working poor.

The list could go on forever.

In the professed Obama age of new politics, where there “isn’t a black America or white America or Latino America or Asian America,” where there are no more “red states and blue states,” the old identity politics and the politics of personal destruction are more rampant than ever.

The basic question we as a people must face today is can you disagree without being a vile human being?

Are there legitimate arguments for conservative positions?

The obvious answer is yes, even if you’re a liberal. I can see a liberal’s argument without saying they’re evil.

I suspect the motivation for these attacks stems from a lack of popular support, lack of ideas or lack of factual arguments.

The truest sign that you don’t have anything useful to say is when you use a “card.”

If you ever hear variations of the statements listed above, you can be sure the person talking doesn’t have the facts on his side.

It comes straight out of Saul Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals.”

In dealing with a political opponent, “pick a target, freeze it, personalize it, polarize it ... one acts decisively only in the conviction that all the angels are on one side and all the devils on the other.”

To govern is to convince people that your view is correct and the other man’s view is wrong.

That does not include convincing people that you personally are good and the other man is evil.

There is more to it than that.

Talking about issues is a lot more productive than talking personalities or motivations.

So let’s conduct this election cycle civilly and debate the merits of the positions of well-meaning Republicans and Democrats. After all, none of them are angels and none of them are demons.

“I think it kind of downgrades females. Some guys may like it. I think it’s degrading.”

Mikal Montgomery Sophomore Enviornmental Science

d. Somewhat harder 35.71 percent

Photo By Justin Lalputan

I f yo u wo uld li ke to sub mi t yo ur opi ni o n o n th e p o ll, re sp o nd at w w w.b ro ad si d e o nli ne .co m

e. Much harder 21.43 percent

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down Thumbs up to Halloween and the annual excuse for girls to dress slutty.

Thumbs up to Samy K from Hot 99.5 for coming to campus and raising money to benefit breast cancer research.

Thumbs down to the asshole who sent artificial sweetner in an envelope to Mason, causing an anthrax scare and SUB II evacuation. You have way too much time on your hands.

of the

“Bears – the god of killing machines. Gay, immigrant bears – is that possible? Canadian bears I guess would be the short way of saying that.”

Week:

- Stephen Colbert on what he fears most

Quote

b. Somewhat easier 14.29 percent

Courtney Adkisson Junior Art Major

The politics of dissent Curtis kalin

Since last year, has it gotten easier or harder to get a job?

Thumbs down to the University of California at Irvine for stealing our dodgeball record. Clearly we don’t play with our balls as well as you do.

Free Tickets for Mason Students!

Vision Series: Dirty Little Secrets of American Politics

The Mason Players Mainstage Series: Pericles

Buika

October 28-30 at 8 p.m.; October 30-31 at 2 p.m. $15 adult, $10 Student/Senior TS Limited Free Student Tickets Available Now!

Sat., Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. ppd $42, $34, $21 CH Free Student Tickets Available Now!

Mason Wind Symphony with Fairfax Wind Symphony

Lar Lubovitch Dance Company

Tues., Oct. 26 at 8 p.m. $15 adult, $10 student/senior CH Limited Free Student Tickets Available Now!

Fri., Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. ppd $44, $36, $22 CH Limited Free Student Tickets Available Oct. 26

Jazz for Justice featuring the GMU Jazz Ensemble

BBC Concert Orchestra

Friday, October 29 at 8 p.m. $20 adult, $15 student/senior CH Limited Free Student Tickets Available Now!

Keith Lockhart, conductor; Ilya Yakushev, piano Sat., Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. ppd $60, $52, $30 CH Limited Free Student Tickets Available Oct. 26

Mason Opera and Mason Chamber Orchestra present “A Tribute to the Music of Rodgers & Hammerstein and Andrew Lloyd Weber” Oct. 29-30 at 8 p.m. & Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. $20 adult, $15 student/senior HT Limited Free Student Tickets Available Now! ppd

=Pre-performance Discussion

ff

=Family Friendly

Bill Schneider, speaker Mon., Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.

Free/Ticketed CH

Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel Robert Schumann: Fantasy – Forbidden and Fulfilled Sun., Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. $38, $30, $19 CH f f Free Student Tickets Available Oct. 26 BB=Black Box

CH=Concert Hall

Mason Symphonic Band and Percussion Ensemble Tues., Nov. 9 at 8 p.m. $15 adult, $10 student/senior CH Limited Free Student Tickets Available Oct. 26

Mason Symphony Orchestra Wed., Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. $15 adult, $10 student/senior CH Limited Free Student Tickets Available Nov. 2

Mason Dance Company: Fall Concert Nov. 11-13 at 8 p.m. & Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. $15 adult, $10 senior, $7 student HT Limited Free Student Tickets Available Nov. 2

HT=Harris Theater

Call 703-993-8888 or visit cfa.gmu.edu/students

OR TH E RF AR

TS

Center for the Arts

TS=TheaterSpace

E

Kristin Steve Guest Correspondent

Opinion

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381.3

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Score registered by junior diver Bryan Bahr in the 3 meter diving event that broke the previous Mason, and personal, record of 376.0.

Monday, October 25, 2010 Far le : The team gathers a er a prac ce scrimmage to go over what the team did right and wrong.

photo by John Powell

Top right: A player gets ready to send the disc down the field to get the scrimmage started.

Bo om right: David Berg defends Eric Lu as Lu gets the disc away.

The Ultimate Sport

photo by John Powell

Ultimate team looks ahead with dedicated talent John Powell Sports Editor Across the campus of George Mason University, visitors and students alike find groups of people throwing a flying disc around. The groups wander from Presidents Park, to the Quad in front of Student Union Building I and to the grassy areas around Southside. But a few days a week, a group of students are dedicated to the subtleties and technicalities of the sport.

Mason’s Ultimate team is that group. Five years old with about 25 players, 10 of whom are rookies, these guys take the field for two practices a week, in addition to their weekend tournaments. They play in seven-on-seven games against teams mostly from the Virginia area, often competing in out-of-state tournaments.

“We’re in a conference with teams such as UVA, Virginia Tech, VCU,” said sophomore team captain

David Berg. “Virginia Tech is a good team. They will probably be at the top of the region. UVA has gone to nationals in the past. VCU is towards the bottom of the pack. We’re in the middle. We’re working towards our first regionals.”

Students at Columbia University are often credited with creating the sport during the late 1960s.

While there was not much significant growth in the sport’s infancy, there has been a boom in recent years.

The Sporting Goods Manufacturing Association (SGMA) has reported that 60 percent of players are less than 25 years old. CNBC reported that between the years of 2006 and 2008, the sport picked up one million new members, bringing those playing to 4.9 million people. That upward trend has continued.

The governing body used to be called the Ultimate Players Association, but has since undergone a reorganization. Now, the United States governing body is called USA Ultimate, and the world governing body is the World Flying Disc Federation.

photo by John Powell

“In the fall, you can go to any tournament you want to,” said Berg. “But [in the spring] there’s a series, which is structured much like college basketball.

We have conferences, we go compete in a region, [and] then you play in a bracket-style tournament for the national championship. They have not named the conferences. They just went through a restructuring program. Our region used to be the Metro East, which ran through Fairfax to the north.”

The team has been getting some new players in the 10 rookies, and practice hard. Even in the practices, it seems like the players play their heart out.

During last Thursday’s practice, the players, and especially Berg, thought they did not practice well, so they ended up playing two scrimmages to three points to prepare for the weekend tournament in Edinboro, Pa. “Our whole team comes through,” said Berg when asked if anyone particular contributes more than the others. “But, I know there are some guys on

the team who go to the gym five or six days a week, who run on their own and work out on their own.”

The team is always looking for more dedicated players, so they can have depth as they look to move up in their conference in the future.

“We’re always looking for new players. My personal goal is that I would like to have a ‘B’ team and use it for developmental program,” said Berg.

For more information about Mason’s ultimate frisbee team: Visit www.masonultimate.com or send an e-mail to Ultimate.GMU@Gmail.com Follow the team on Twitter at MasonUltimate!

Sports in a Minute Mason’s weekly scoreboard

She was also a member of the first place 200 yard medley relay team (1:47.18).

Cody Norman Asst. Sports Editor

Gilbert Arenas fakes injury, saga continues Cody Norman Asst. Sports Editor The Word is back this week, ladies and gentlemen. I will admit that I faked an injury last week to get out of a little bit of writing. I just wanted to give my younger teammates an opportunity to write a little more. So it’s OK. Wait, who am I kidding?

What kind of fool would fake an injury to give his younger teammates an opportunity to play and then admit to his fans that he lied? Well, I suppose it’s the kind named Gilbert Arenas.

After a regular season, fol-

lowed by an offseason, plagued with struggles and difficulties, Arenas seemed to have undergone some sort of transformation before reporting to training camp. He wasn’t the same Agent Zero that we’ve all seen in the past.

He had a very business-like mentality; he wasn’t smiling a whole lot – which was very noticeable when the Wizards had their tip-off event at the Patriot Center; but he looked to have learned a valuable lesson after being suspended for the remainder of the season last year, following his poor decision to bring guns into the locker room.

But it didn’t take long before he went back to the same, naïve Arenas. Prior to a game on Oct. 12, Arenas complained about a sore knee to Coach Flip Saunders and, therefore, missed the game against the Atlanta Hawks.

Right after the game, Arenas confessed to reporters – and the few fans he has left – that he had to fake the injury so that a younger teammate could get some playing time.

Huh? Then, a few days later, he spoke to the media and gave yet another sob story saying, “I screwed up again, so I just want

to say sorry. I wasn’t really thinking that this was going to be another media outburst. It’s like everything I do now, someone, tit for tat, tries to blow it out of proportion.”

Allow me to clarify: Arenas lied to the coaching staff about an injury, told the media that he faked an injury, and then proceeded to get upset because the media blew it out of proportion.

Makes perfect sense to you, right?

Well apparently it does in the mind of Agent Zero, the “Zero” apparently indicating his lack of intelligence.

Women’s Volleyball: Oct. 23 Mason 2, JMU 3 For the second cosecutive match, the Patriots forced a fiveset match against a Colonial Athletic Association conference opponent. However, the result remained the same.

Mason dropped their second conference match on Saturday evening to James Madison.

Set scores were 25-21, 24-26, 2516, 20-25, 16-14.

Women’s Swimming/Diving: Oct. 23 Mason 132, Bucknell 165 The Patriots got another strong performance from junior Ashley Danner who came in first in the 100 yard breaststroke (1:02.85), the 100 yard freestyle (51.82) and the 200 yard breaststroke (2:20.04).

Men’s Swimming/Diving: Oct. 23 Mason 145, Bucknell 153 Junior Bryan Bahr won the one-meter (312.07) and the three-meter (381.30) diving events. His 381.30 score broke a personal and Mason record of 376.00 in the three-meter dive.

Women’s Soccer: Oct. 24 Mason 1, Drexel 0 Late in the second overtime, senior midfielder Omolyn Davis found sophomore forward Tiana Kallenberger who scored to give the Patriots a 1-0 victory.

The victory put Mason in control of their own destiny.

With a win or a tie on Friday night, the team will advance to the CAA tournament for the first time since 2007.

Patriots slingshot toward top Men’s soccer team tied for fifth in the CAA John Powell Sports Editor

Calendar

Over the last two weeks, George Mason men’s soccer has gone from a 0-3-1 conference record, tied for last in the conference, to a 3-3-2 record, tied for fifth with Old Dominion and Hofstra.

While William & Mary sits atop the conference with a 6 point lead and a 6-1-1 record, Mason has been looking to get in playoff contention with their recent play.

Going into their game against Delaware, both teams were tied with a 2-

3-1 record. While Mason had the clear advantage in shots, 17-10, but only four of those shots were on goal to Delaware’s three.

No one player on Mason’s side had more than one shot on goal. The real star of the game was the freshman goalkeeper Sean Core who recorded a clean sheet for his fifth shutout of the season.

Playing Northeastern, Cote picked up another clean sheet with the help of his defense. Mason had a late goal in the game to seal the win.

Senior midfielder Brent Brockman shot for the score from the corner of the box. Freshman midfielder Alex Herrera and junior midfielder Ryan Gracia were credited with assists.

To round out the season, Mason will play two teams with a better record, Georgia State (4-4-1) and the University of North Carolina-Wilmington (3-1-4), and Hofstra, who they are currently tied with.

The final stretch of the season will decide whether the Patriots will be in the playoffs, and what seed they will have.

Tuesday, Oct. 26 Men's Golf ODU Invitational All Day Wednesday,Oct. 27 Men's Soccer vs. Hofstra 7 P.M.

File photo

Mason men’s soccer team is now ed for fi h with Old Dominion and Hofstra with a 3-3-2 record.

Friday, Oct 29 Women's Soccer @ Towson 2 P.M.

Saturday, Oct. 30 Men's Soccer @ Georgia State 2 P.M.

Friday, Oct. 29 Women's Volleyball @ Towson 7 P.M.

Saturday, Oct. 30 Women's Volleyball @ Delaware 7 P.M.

10

| Monday, October 25, 2010

Broadside

Senior PORTRAITS!!!!

Do it for your family and friends. Sign up to have your Senior Portrait taken for gradua on and get a yearbook photo at the same me.

Senior portraits will be taken between November 1-5, 2010.

Sign up at www.ouryear.com or 1-800-ouryear The GMU School Code is: 700 Purchase your yearbook when having your portrait taken.

GET A HAIR CUT! HAIR opened on Broadway in 1968 and changed the face of Broadway forever. It’s now back in a critically acclaimed Tony Award®–winning revival. HAIR is a celebration of life, a love letter to freedom, and a passionate cry for hope and change. Join the tribe of the Age of Aquarius for the story of a group of friends choosing to speak up and sing out in celebration of love, life, and freedom.

SPECIAL OFFER! Just $19.68 for 2nd Tier Seats (reg. $39-$74) Tue.-Thu., Oct. 26-28 at 7:30 p.m.; Tue.-Thu., Nov. 2-4 at 7:30 p.m.

Mention offer code PEACE to receive your discount at the Box Office or charge by phone (202) 467-4600, or order online at kennedy-center.org/PEACE. *Offer valid on indicated perfs. 10/26-10/28 & 11/2-11/4 in 2nd Tier section only. Offer subject to availability. Not valid in combination with any other offer or on previously purchased tickets. Offer may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Service fees may apply.

INTENSE, UNADULTERATED JOY. Ó Ñ THE NEW YORK TIMES

PHOTO BY JOSH LEHRER / ART BY AMY GUIP

ÒTHRILLING,

JOIN ATTEND FOR MORE GREAT TICKET DISCOUNT OFFERS! Are you between 17 and 25?

Then you can totally save! Register online as an Attend member to receive monthly emails about substantial savings on many Kennedy Center performances—some as low as $10!

Visit kennedy-center.org/attend to join today!

Tickets at the Box Office or charge by phone (202) 467-4600

HAIR is made possible through the generosity of The Adrienne Arsht Musical Theater Fund.

Online at kennedy-center.org | TTY (202) 416-8524 | Groups call (202) 416-8400

Please note: this performance contains strong language, mature content, and brief nudity.

The Kennedy Center welcomes patrons with disabilities.