Broadside: Issue 3

Broadside

Sep. 17, 2012 Volume 89 Issue 3 BroadsideOnline.com

@Broadside Like us: Broadside

George Mason University’s Student Newspaper

Mason Football Works to Expand Fan Base PAGE 17

DAKOTA CUNNINGHAM/CONNECT2MASON

Mitt Romney Campaign Stops in Fairfax Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney brought his campaign to Fairfax on Thursday September 13th.

Mitt Romney held his rally in Van Dyke Park last week where he spoke to a crowd of supporters for about 20 minutes. He spoke mainly about the economy, focusing primarily on his five-point plan to get the economy working again. Romney’s plan focuses on energy independence, education, trade, cutting the deficit, and championing small business. The Romney campaign highlighted small business JENNY KRASHIN/BROADSIDE

throughout the event. Before Romney took the stage, the crowd of supporters heard from small business owners from Fairfax and the greater northern Virginia area. One of the owners who addressed the crowd was Amy Liu Jing. Her business is in the technology sector, and when asked why she supported Romney for president, she pointed to Romney’s life in the private sector.

STORY CONTINUED PAGE 7

Phi Beta Kappa Comes to Mason

The prestigous honor society, with members such as Bill Clinton and Condaleezza Rice, is coming to Mason after a decade of attempted installations PAGE 6

Broadside Remembers In memory of 9/11, Broadside held a candlelit vigil to honor the 2,977 victims of the terrorists attacks PAGE 10-11

Ice Hockey Team Builds Strong Community

After years of struggling to put enough players on the ice, the team is now making a name for themselves on campus PAGE 18

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News

Mason Named #1 Up-In-Coming School

FAIRFAX — Twitter feeds lit up Wednesday morning when it was announced by U.S. News and World Report that George Mason University had been named the number one up–andcoming school in the nation once again.

When the organization started the list five years ago, Mason was at the top. Since then, Mason has always found its way into the top five, but this year marks its first return to the top since 2008.

According to U.S. News, the list takes into consideration colleges “that are making the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, and student life.”

Recent strides taken by the university that exemplify its innovative status include a $700 million investment in construction on campus, growth in on-campus population, and the developing Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation in Front Royal, Virginia. 2012 marks George Mason’s 40th anniversary as a university.

As a relatively new university in the country, these kinds of changes are expected in order for the school to become more and more competitive in the college world. Despite being ranked number one up-and-coming, Mason is still only ranked as 139 on the overall national universities list.

Suicide Prevention Walk Held at Mason

Football is in the Air

DAKOTA CUNNINGHAM/CONNECT2MASON

The Mason club football team kicked off its season on Saturday with a 0-30 loss to Onondaga College. Many points came from unfortunate turnovers, turnovers that will hopefully be alleviated by more practice for the primarily rookie team. The team’s next game will be at Virginia Commonwealth University on Sept. 22.

500

The number of years that it takes for one plastic bag to decompose. Check out our tip for recycling your Mason T-shirts into a reusable bag on page 13.

FAIRFAX — Increased efforts to raise suicide prevention and awareness accumulated in a large event held at Mason this past week. As a part of National Suicide Prevention Week, September 10th marked the 38th Annual World Suicide Prevention Day. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) in Fairfax organized a community walk called “Out of the Darkness”. Hundreds of survivors and loved ones of victims passed gathered at George Mason University to help bring continued awareness to the issue. Organized by AFSP, the walk held at Mason and 275 others like it, are designed to help on a multitude of platforms including research, education and advocacy.

Organizers of the event speak of the shame that often accompanies psychiatric disorders such as depression, a primary cause of suicide, and say that having events like this one helps minimize the taboos around talking about the issue. Saturday’s program included informational sessions and displays hosted

by AFSP, speakers, remembrance tributes to lost loved ones and a walk to help raise money for continued research and outreach.

C4I Developing Emergency Response System

FAIRFAX — The Center of Excellence in Command, Control, Communications, Computing and Intelligence (C4I) is looking for a cross section of the United States with a total of 200 students being identified. Students will be asked to attend a two-hour training session on either Sept. 24, Sept. 25 or Sept.

26 prior to the exercise, participate in a two-hour pre-test on Sept. 27 or Sept. 28., tweet frequently during the four-day exercise period and attend a one-day feedback session after the exercise. The project is working towards developing an emergency response communication program.

At completion of the training session, students will receive $50.00 in Mason Money and will have an opportunity to compile an additional $45 and may be entered in a raffle to win the latest iPad. Interested students can email the C4I Center at Wharton@c4i.gmu.edu.

News

Broadside

Sept.10, 17,2012 2012 Sept.

OPINION

You Cannot Always Place Your Trust in the Media It may seem odd for a newspaper, one so heavily involved in the media aspect of our culture, to warn students about the danger of media. However, trusting the media in this day and age is a difficult task. Who is reporting truthful, quality news? Who is trying to sell you a story with the intention of provoking emotion?

We all make mistakes, as people, as organizations and as members of the media. It is how we react to those mistakes, though, that sets us apart from a culture of “get-em” news organizations.

Last week, Broadside hosted a moving commemorative event that intended to honor the victims of those we lost during the tragedies of September 11, 2001. Due to delayed fact-checking and an absence of mind, Broadside publicized the event on Facebook with an inaccurate number that suggested we were going to honor 2,996 lost souls – a number that, unfortunately, included the 19 hijackers.

Multiple students responded to the number and, as a result, Broadside went back and double-checked our numbers and it was then that we realized our numerical error.

Those subscribing to the “got-em” culture

of today’s journalism, writers including Oliver Darcy of CampusReform.com, picked up the non-story and ran a piece under the headline “Official student newspaper at university blames counting error for plan to honor 9/11 hijackers.”

The piece discretely suggested that both Broadside and Mason intended to honor the terrorists – an obviously heinous claim – sparking a response from commenters that suggested Broadside was a terrorist-cell – an equally ridiculous assertion.

As I said, you cannot always trust the media.

While this piece is intended to explain our side of the story, it is also meant to serve as a reminder to all students that we must always be careful about which outlets we trust.

As the upcoming election draws nearer, it is pertinent that we receive factual information from the media. It is up to us to hold the media to higher standards and to not allow people to sell us the news.

Seek the truth. Discover the truth. Demand the truth.

It starts with us.

STORY BY CODY NORMAN

Weekly Schedule Monday Mason’s Annual Constitution Day Lecture Mason Hall, Room D23 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Film Screening: Pink Smoke Over the Vatican Johnson Center Cinema from 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday SOM Job Quest The Hub Ballroom from 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Astronomy Observatory Session Research Hall Observatory from 8 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Wednesday Celebrating Mason’s Future Prince William Campus, Bull Run Hall, Atrium3 p.m.

Academic Skills Workshop: Scheduling & Time Management SUB 1, Room 3129 from 6 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.

Thursday De-Stress Day/Night Prince William Campus, Bull Run Hall, Atrium from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Study Abroad Fair Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall, Lobby 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday Patriots Day 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

HSA Comedy Jam The Hub Ballroom from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Saturday G-Men Fashion Show and Party Johnson Center, Dewberry Hall from 12 p.m. – 1 a.m.

Fairfax Symphony Orchestra Center for the Arts from 7 p.m.

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Sept. 10, 17, 2012 Sept.

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News

Romney Rallies Republicans in NOVA with Election Promises CONTINUED FROM FRONT Mitt Romney has consistently pointed to his business record as a reason for why he is best equipped to fix the economy. He told the crowd, “I didn’t just study the economy in school; I lived in it for 25 years.”

During his speech, Romney briefly mentioned the recent attacks on the embassy in Libya, which resulted in the death of four Americans. Among the dead was Ambassador to Libya, J. Christopher Stevens. Romney has been criticized by both republicans and democrats for his criticism of the Obama administration’s response to the outbreak of violence.

In a press conference earlier in the week, he made the claim that the administration was “sympathizing” with the attackers. Many saw his comments as inappropriate and as a politicization of an attack on Americans.

That feeling was expressed during

his rally when a man in the crowd ripped a Romney campaign sign and shouted, “You are politicizing Libya.”

The man was removed from the area.

In response to the heckler, Romney told the crowd, “I would offer a moment of silence but one gentleman doesn’t want to be silent, so we’re going to keep on going.” With the recent attacks in Libya and Egypt, foreign policy will become a more prominent issue on the campaign trail.

Virginia is once again a battleground state. Romney told the crowd that northern Virginia could decide who the next president will be. President Obama won the state last time around with a large turn out in the northern Virginia area. If he can peel off some of the president’s support here, Romney could make Virginia a red state again.

STORY BY SHANE SMITH

Organization Encourages Advocacy for West African Corruption A pipeline, one meter in diameter, stretches across the Nigerian landscape that was once sovereignly owned by the Ogani People of West Africa.

Here, a group of petroleum pirates sets the detonation charges and runs to the nearest barrier for cover from the explosion. Their plan is to tap the pipeline by attaching an illicit diverting pipe onto the existing one and syphoning off the gas to an illegal receiving depot located deep within the surrounding jungle area.

The gas is then loaded onto a freighter, which is run by local rebel groups and shipped to illegal markets for a profit, which, to the native people of the area, is more than worth the effort.

According to the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime, around 10% of Nigeria’s oil is stolen and trafficked every year. But why would an area of such rich natural resources be so compelled in the fight for compensation?

Perhaps the answer lies within the meticulous and enveloping atrocities of corruption by oil companies and ministries of the hosting nation’s Department of the Interior. After all, if a community’s payment for resources is being allocated to line the pockets of political and corporate “parties of interest”, then private investment is no help to it at all.

Enter the West Africa Oil Watch. Created by Mason’s very own Dr. Vandy Kanyako. WAOW has striven to develop advocacy within the regional plight of those who fall victim to the

corruption scandals of West Africa.

From the Land Use Act of 1978 to the endless court cases in ministerial corruption, these regions of economic development have been ravaged through the tyranny of discretionary corporate and governmental agreements.

WAOW cultivates a communal and international push towards corporate social responsibility, which will be seen at this year’s United Nations International Day of Peace event on September 21st. WAOW plans to host guest speakers from the Mason community to talk about the imperative issues surrounding economic development and the corruption existent among international entities and their operations.

As Mason holds a high regard for academic excellence and the insightful collaboration of international audiences, it has been confirmed that Dr. Arthur Romano will have the honor of taking a group of students to the UN headquarters in New York for the event.

A direct assertion of initiative has also been shown through multiple student organizations through a highly cooperative engagement to come together for the event on September 21st.

Through the collaboration of GMU’s Pakistani Student Association, UNICEF, Organic Gardening Association and the African and African American Studies Program, the event will demonstrate a strong adherence among the MASON community as an active campus passionately cooperating to

benefit the overall human condition.

PSA has been attentively driven to help those in desperate situations overseas and shows just how fundamentally MASON has held the aspect of humanitarian involvement.

As we reach a new day and age of globalization and pertinent developmental issues within a desperate outsourcing of natural resources, WAOW has taken the initiative to propel a thriving activist community by pulling together the great resources within our community here at Mason.

Together and unified, the organizations on

the Mason campus can reach new heights by collectively tackling the issues of our community, much like the efforts of the UN’s international operations.

To address the universal inquiry as to what will happen to our global society in the trying times ahead, I can give no consolation other than to say that it is up to you. Join an organization and get active because tomorrow’s silver lining comes upon the storm we fight through today.

STORY BY STEVE WOODWARD

DEREK KEATS/CREATIVE COMMONS

News

Broadside

Sept.10, 17,2012 2012 Sept.

Program Makes Good Neighbors Out Of Students In the years leading up to the 2010 school year, George Mason saw an increase in neighbor complaints about off-campus student parties and behavior. With such a large offcampus student population, Mason’s responsibility over its students does not stop at the campus boundaries.

At the International Town Gown Association (ITGA) conference in Iowa in 2010, Mason officials decided to adopt a program that would work with off-campus students to create a friendlier neighborhood environment.

ITGA, according to its mission statement, is an organization that “provides a network of resources to assist civic leaders, university officials, faculty, neighborhood residents and students to collaborate on common services, programs, academic research and citizen issues, creating an improved quality of life for all residents, students, faculty and staff.”

Traci Claar, the Director of Community Relations at Mason, points to this conference as the birth of Mason’s Good Neighbor Program.

“Many of the components of The Good Neighbor Program were happening at other institutions.” She specifically names Colorado State University as a peer school with the program already in place. “We borrowed what we thought was most needed and would best work for George Mason University.”

From here, the goals of the Good Neighbor Program were born. As Claar says, “The goal is and always has been to educate students on how to be a good neighbor. Their actions in the community directly impact the reputation of the university.”

This responsibility is communicated to the student body using four different components: Party Smart magnets, the Good Neighbor decks of cards, the Duh! Be a Good Neighbor coasters, and the Welcome Walks that are held each semester. The goal of these large-scale gestures to the student population is to “encourage students to realize they are ambassadors for the university.”

In the beginning, several adjustments were made to accommodate the new program.

Claar and the Community Relations office could not hold sole responsibility for the program. Also, due to the nature of the program, it necessitated the inclusion of other administrative offices.

“We reached out to the Office of Alcohol,

Drug and Health Education,” says Claar, who were able to help with the red cup magnets, to arrange the program’s message points to spell out “Part Smart” and coming up with the title “Cheers to Good Neighbors!” The Community Relations office also worked with Scott Blevins in the Orientation and Family Program, currently renamed the Off Campus Student Programs and Services. “We were able to use his programming efforts to off-campus students for our distribution needs.”

Ann Sharp from the Braddock District Office receives many of the complaints from the community about problems concerning GMU student issues.

The Good Neighbor Program has created “collaboration between Mason and the Braddock District Supervisor’s office,” making Sharp’s office, “better prepared to respond to those who complained and to reach out to the students against whom there had been complaints lodged.” By establishing a stronger process to deal with complaints, the university is able to ensure success in fixing issues.

“We wanted to visibly show our surrounding neighbors that we are listening to them and their concerns, and proactively doing something about it,” says Claar. This duality shown in the university’s efforts have helped to improve both off-campus student behavior and relationships with the surrounding community. “They greatly appreciate our efforts, even if we don’t have 100% improvement in our student behaviors”.

At this point in time, the program attempts to reach out to all off-campus students. With only six thousand students living on campus, the Community Relations office has taken the responsibility of working hard to reach those living off-campus and make them feel as much apart of the university as possible, which includes the responsibility that comes with interacting with the community.

Despite all their successful efforts, because the school is constantly cycling through new students as they enroll and then graduate, the education of students is never over. But with new innovative programs like this, “We are encouraging better interaction between students and community members, and it is definitely a step in the right direction,” said Sharp.

“The goal is and always has been to educate students on how to be a good neighbor.

STORY BY AARON LOCKE

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Sept. 10, 17, 2012 Sept.

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News

New Voter I.D. Laws Cause Controversy Amidst Election Season On Aug. 20, the Justice Department authorized Virginia’s voter ID law, concluding that it complies with the Voting Rights Act. The law requires voters to present an ID at the polls, but unlike Pennsylvania’s voter ID law, the ID does not have to be government-issued.

Previously, voters in Virginia without an ID could vote as long as they signed a sworn statement that they were who they claimed to be. This new law eliminates this provision and broadens the spectrum of acceptable IDs. In an effort to combat voter fraud, voter ID laws have sprung up in various states as the presidential general election nears. Generally, the laws have been supported by republicans and opposed by democrats. The GOP officially endorsed voter ID laws on Aug. 21.

In a statement by the GOP’s platform committee, the party said, “We support state laws that require proof of citizenship at the time of voter registration to protect our electoral system against a significant and growing form of voter fraud. Every time that a fraudulent vote is cast, it effectively cancels out the vote of a legitimate voter.”

“The main argument I hear is that not

everyone has an ID. You have no excuse not to have an ID; you need an ID to go to the doctor and to drive. Student IDs are even allowed at certain election places. So having no access to a voter ID is no excuse,” said Kristie Colorado, senior and President of George Mason’s College Republicans.

Democrats, on the other hand, argue that the laws target minorities, college students and the poor, groups who are the most likely to lack proper identification, but also the most likely to vote democratic, according to the Huffington Post.

The law could potentially limit voter turnout in these left-leaning groups. In June, Pennsylvania’s House Majority Leader, Republican Mike Turzai, infamously said “Voter ID — which is going to allow governor Romney to win the state of Pennsylvania — done,” reinforcing the Democratic Party’s initial concerns.

“I don’t agree with the laws in general. The timing for the laws shouldn’t be right before a presidential election. It gives off the feeling that it’s done for political reasons,” said Shane Smith, senior and Executive Editor of Mason

Votes.

According to the New York Times, the laws “will prevent something like 2 or 3 percent of registered voters from actually casting a ballot.”

“What I think is, if you have the time to register to vote, you have the time to get an ID. Everyone made it controversial in Pennsylvania, they said it would take away from the democratic voters. But you have three months to get a picture id, that’ll give you enough time to go to the DMV,” said Colorado.

However, Nate Silver of the New York Times writes, “the vast majority of adults do have some sort of identification” and asserted that “people who do not have identification are not registered to vote — or if they are registered, they are unlikely to turn out.”

Proponents of the law note that citizens are required to present an ID in much less important day-to-day situations, such as when purchasing alcohol, and that obtaining an ID is not difficult.

Last year, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to make Mason a university precinct and therefore a polling location for

upcoming elections, including the 2012 presidential election.

The polling location is in the new University Hall building, which will be open from 6 A.M. to 7 P.M.All voters should bring a driver’s license or passport, but a Mason ID or other government-issued ID is acceptable.

Out-of-state students can vote in the upcoming election as well, either by registering to vote in the Mason district of Virginia, or by absentee ballot in their home state.

The Virginia voter registration application is located at www.sbe.virginia.gov/cms/documents/VoterRegistration/sbe_voter_app_ DOJ-Printed.pdf, and must be postmarked to the Fairfax County Voter Registration Office at 12000 Govt Ctr Pkwy, Ste. 323 Fairfax, VA 22035-0081 by Oct. 15, 2012 in order to be eligible to vote in November.

Because regulations vary from state to state, students voting with an absentee ballot are advised to check their home state’s State Board of Elections for more information.

STORY BY ALEXANDRA SUDAK

New Presitigious Honor Society to Come to Mason in 2013 After repeated attempts, George Mason University and its students have earned a prestigious prize. In the spring semester, Mason will be adding an organization to campus unlike any other.

Phi Beta Kappa, the oldest and most significant honor society in the country, has found a home at Mason. Founded at The College of William and Mary in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa Society is an organization famous for embracing “the principles of freedom of inquiry and liberty of thought and expression.”

Phi Beta Kappa is located at less then ten percent of colleges in the United States, making it desirable to those universities hoping to add a bit of prestige to their list of extracurricular activities. After applying for a chapter several times in the past decade, Mason is now apart of the small and respected ten percent.

Marion Deshmukh, a history professor at Mason spoke of the difficulty involved in securing a spot on the list: “Out of 25 universities applying this past three year period, three finally made the cut. Thus it is very prestigious for us to have been awarded a chapter.”

Unlike many other organizations on campus, students who will be accepted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society will have to be invited to join. Invitations will be based on both a student’s GPA and recommendations from professors. These students will compose of the top ten

percent of their class and have completed at least 90 hours in the liberal arts and sciences.

The honor society will be conducting their installation ceremony and first induction ceremony next spring, sparking a large impact on campus.

Once the group is formed, Phi Beta Kappa will be offering and hosting several on-campus activities consisting of guest lectures and visitors and opportunities for

scholarships. Along with these events, inductees will eligible for increased Government Schedule rankings, also known as the U.S. Civil Service Pay Scale, based on membership.

“For example, if you applied for a government position and, based on your qualifications, were given a GS 5, if a PBK member, your rank would be raised to a GS 7,” Deshmukh explains.

The long awaited arrival of the Phi Beta Kappa chapter is now on the horizon. “We are very excited about finally achieving a chapter here,” said Deshmukh.

An organization with famous members such as President Bill

Clinton, Glenn Close and Tom Brokaw, Phi Kappa Beta carries with it a history of success. The installation of this chapter will surely provide many opportunities and open many doors to the students of George Mason University.

STORY BY JACKIE MOFFITT and AARON LOCKE

News

Broadside

Sept.10, 17,2012 2012 Sept.

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On-Campus Jobs Help Students Gain Work Experience students,” Miner said. Additionally, Finding a job is difficult for HireMason provides listings for anyone. Here at George Mason, Federal Work-Study positions for there are many students who choose those students who are granted to get an on-campus job, either to Federal Work-Study. earn some extra cash, help them Aysha Abdallah, a junior at Mason with better time management or to and a Federal Work-Study student, add a little something extra to their recommends an on-campus job resume. and enjoys it, saying that it is “very Whatever the reason, jobs on flexible, it works around my class campus are not difficult to find. hours, and that’s the best part Through the Student Center’s about on-campus jobs: they know Employment Program, located in your education comes first.” the Johnson Center in room 324, However, she did find the and HireMason, an online resource account making and the resume that presents job and internship submitting processes a little diffilistings for Mason students as well cult, as she did not receive quick as alumni, students can find better responses. “When I didn’t get any on-campus job opportunities. responses, I had to personally email According to the Student Center’s an office and send my resume and website, students with on campus tell them I’m interested in a posijobs have many benefits including, tion,” Abdallah said. but not limited to, “extra income, Generally, on-campus job listpersonal and professional training, ings will specify whether or not convenience of working on campus, they are searching for students at flexible scheduling, opportunities a certain class level (i.e. freshman, to develop leadership skills, and sophomore, junior, or senior). opportunities to work with and meet However, the majority of the listings people from different backgrounds are open to any students searching and cultures.” for a job on campus. More imporThe jobs that the Student Center ALEXANDRA SUDAK/BROADSIDE ALEXANDRA SUDAK/BROADSIDE tantly, campus employers put a lot offers are ones that provide important skill sets for college students Freshman Thanh Truc Tran rings up a customer at the food court in the Johnson Center (left) and senior James of emphasis on focusing on correct Mills handles a baked-good item at La Patisserie (right). grammar and spelling on resumes. including: event technicians, recreAlthough on-campus jobs are ation managers, recreation assisflexible in their hours, work availIn 6 months, “the amount of on-campus academic information and use it to find jobs tants, and office assistants. postings in HireMason increased by 38%,” ability is also important; students are required Another way to look for on-campus job that would be appropriate for them.

HireMason is continually working on said Rachel Miner, manager of Experimental to fill out an on-campus job availability form. opportunities is HireMason. Although it Fortunately for Mason students, the resources requires making an account, HireMason is posting more and more job listings. Although Education at George Mason.

To increase the amount of job listings for for on-campus jobs are available and the another resource that offers numerous job not all on-campus jobs are listed on HireMason at this moment, University Career students, dining services also began posting opportunities are endless. listings.

On HireMason, students would need to Services is currently working on listing all all of their on-campus jobs on HireMason. This created “an additional 250+ jobs available to STORY BY RAWAN ELBABA create a profile detailing their personal and on-campus jobs online soon.

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Sept. 17, 2012

Broadside

Entertainment

RYAN J. REILLY/THE TOWER/CREATIVE COMMONS JANE RAESE/BROADSIDE

The Rho Gammas perform each of the six sororities’ chants to show their unity as a group and unbiased opinions on Greek life.

Sisters Disaffiliate for Rho Gamma

After spending three years and countless amounts of energy and money on Alpha Omicron Pi, Erin Mooney gave up her sorority letters. She deleted her Facebook and Twitter and stopped associating with any of her 73 sisters.

Each fall, the six officially affiliated sororities on campus gear up for recruitment. Hundreds of new girls are shuffled through meet and greet rooms to speed date with their potential future sisters.

For the sisters, the weekend is exhausting. For three days and nights, they get little sleep as they work to impress the recruits and convince them that their sorority is the best, and the one worth joining.

But for Mooney, the fall recruitment process was a little different this year.

Instead of joining her sisters during the frenzy of rush weekend, she and 35 other girls from the six sororities acted as Rho Gammas. Rho Gammas are specially selected from each sorority to act as camp counselors for the recruits and guide them through the process. In order to make the experience unbiased and focused on helping the individual need of each recruit, Rho Gammas pledged to separate themselves from their sorority for one month.

For one month, the Rho Gammas pledged to disaffiliate, meaning that they were allowed no contact with their sorority. They were not allowed to wear their letters or associate with their sisters.

Even associating with another chapter was discouraged.

“For me, it wasn’t that hard at the beginning, but it was hard once we got to school. I felt like I didn’t have any friends,” said Jessica Iannello, a senior and a sister of Chi Omega. “It was also really hard coming back into my sorority after I missed all of the bonding during recruitment. It was almost like being an outsider after not being in the chapter for a month.”

The process, which may seem extreme to those outside of the Greek community, is intended to create a council of sisters that represent an unbiased panel on Greek life at Mason. Since the Rho Gammas were not openly associated with their sororities, they were able to advise the recruits going through rush without promoting or swaying them a certain way.

“You can’t hang out with sisters at school or in the JC, not even if they’re not from your chapter. Girls pick up on who they see you with and then they can make assumptions,” said Erin Mooney, a senior and sister of Alpha Omicron Pi. Rho Gammas were selected by Iannello, who serves as the vice president of recruitment counseling on the Panhellenic executive board. The board is the national organization that recognizes official on-campus sororities and acts as a governing and decision-making body. The positions on the board rotate

between the six on-campus sororities to provide equal opportunities.

Last spring, Iannello conducted short interviews for Rho Gamma candidates, looking for women who were well spoken, energetic and enthusiastic about Greek life. Their most important quality, however, was their ability to be a source on all six on-campus sororities.

To prepare each Rho Gamma for their recruitment responsibilities, Iannello held a weeklong training camp where she made sure they were all well versed on the mascot, colors and founding of each sorority.

“It’s crazy in the recruitment rooms during rush week. You’re struggling to meet a million people all at once. As Rho Gammas we were able to be more relaxed and get to know the individual women better, without working so hard to impress them,” Mooney said.

According to Iannello, the women volunteer to be Rho Gammas out of a desire to experience recruitment from another perspective, meet sisters from other sororities and to be a part of the larger Panhellenic picture.

“I would’ve never known half of the girls who were Rho Gamma this year,” Iannello said. “As much as we lose bonding with our own chapters, we gain a whole new group of friends.”

STORY BY COLLEEN WILSON

The Capitol Steps is a comedy group that is famous for their political satire.

Capitol Steps Brings Comedy to Politics The air is alive with political chatter and Mason’s campus is no exception. With Election Day ever looming, the topic of “Decision 2012” has become unavoidable.

What an incredibly exciting time for the politically savvy, considering that both presidential candidates have made campaign stops in the area in the past few weeks and that local political offices are working day and night for their candidates.

At a politically charged time like this, it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but it’s also important to take time to wind down. Mason Votes has provided an excellent opportunity to do just that by hosting a comedy show this Friday night, Sept.

21.

The show will feature The Capitol Steps, a comedy troupe famous for their political satire. The Capitol Steps have been performing political comedy for over 30 years at venues across the country as well as on nationally syndicated TV and radio programs.

The group’s refreshing view of

the political stage is sure to entertain everyone from the most knowledgeable government student to the least politically minded.

The show will provide all who attend a new way to talk about their political views, which has lately become difficult. As Shane Smith, senior and executive editor of Mason Votes points out, “Our politics have become so polarized that we find it hard to have discussions over the issues that really matter. The Capitol Steps, being a comedy group, brings a little bit of levity and light heartedness to our politics, so I expect it to be a great show.” All are welcome to this night of political humor and the show is completely free for you and a guest with a valid Mason ID. Don’t let the election cycle stress get the better of you. Come out to Mason Votes’ comedy show featuring “The Capital Steps” this Friday from 7pm to 8:30 pm at Dewberry Hall.

STORY BY EMILY BARTONE

Entertainment

Broadside

Sept. 17, 2012

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Mayan End of the World

ALEXANDRA SUDAK/BROADSIDE

Delta Sigma Pi Dresses to Impress Dozens of people chatter quietly in their seats, the only source of light coming from a bright slideshow filled with photos of well-dressed models in professional attire.

Pop music blares, filling the room with lively energy and anticipation. Suddenly, the music cuts off. From opposite sides of the stage, Sophia Kandahari and Asad Ali proceed to meet in the center.

Kandahari, dressed in a yellow blouse, a black pencil skirt and nude open-toed high-heels, introduces herself to the crowd. Ali, wearing a lilac-colored tie, a white shirt, a black button-up vest, black slacks and shiny black shoes, does the same.

The sharply dressed duo, alumni of the fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, hosted the fraternity’s business attire fashion show on Sep. 13 to educate students on proper business-wear and to show off the fashion skills of their members. In order to give potential members a better idea of what the fraternity is about, they spoke of their personal experiences in Delta Sigma Pi. “When I joined Delta Sigma Pi, it was my junior year here at George Mason University.

And honest to God, I thought I was the most professional human being on Earth. When I started pledging, I realized very quickly that that was not the case,” Kandahari said.

“I was very jittery, I wasn’t very comfortable with public speaking, and it took me all of eight weeks to realize what my true potential was. And now I’m able to stand in front of a random, strange, spontaneous group of people today and feel confident enough to project my ideas to you all.”

They celebrated the fraternity for its ability to foster professionalism and its teaching of the necessary skills to succeed in a professional environment.

“I can tell you right now that I never imagined that I’d be successfully owning my job and be working there for one year now. I’ve definitely accomplished a lot due to all the skills and attributes I picked up from this fraternity,” said Kandahari.

Equipped with their experiences in the professional world, Kandahari and Ali had many important tips on the right kind of clothing for men and women to wear to a job or interview.

They first addressed formal

business attire.

“Ladies, always make sure that you wear light makeup and perfume, and if you really wanted to, neutral-colored panty hose,” said Kandahari.

Ali had tips for the men in the audience.

“When in doubt, be really conservative when it comes to professional dress. White shirt, solid-colored tie, red or blue if you have one,” said Ali. “Avoid stripes if you can.

Denzel Washington said it, fellas. ‘The loudest one in the room is the weakest one in the room.’ Avoid lime green, avoid all the colors that don’t make you look that great.”

After their speech, men and women of Delta Sigma Pi walked the runways in colorful yet classy outfits, featuring designers such as Ralph Lauren. Then the show moved on to casual professional clothing.

“When it comes to casual, polos are always great.

Khaki pants are even better,” said Ali, addressing men’s clothing.

For casual business wear, Kandahari advised women to “keep it real, but make sure that you’re not coming to work looking like you just rolled out of bed.” She

suggested cotton pants with a vest or a patterned blouse to spice up a casual outfit, as well as full-length sleeves or three-quarter sleeves.

Kandahari emphasized the importance of looking professional and confident numerous times.

“I actually work in the corporate world, and it’s very interesting because you do realize how much people are judging you based on what you wear,” she said. “It really isn’t a joke. I know it sounds very cliché, but you are what you wear in a lot of ways. I try to identify myself with what I wear. When I’m at work, I try not to be the most dull and boring, typical, conservative consultant, so I try to mix and match.”

In his final words to the crowd, Ali highlighted the fraternity’s prestige.

“If you’re in this crowd and you’re deciding whether or not you should be a part of this fraternity, the fraternity is ranked #1 in the nation, and there’s a reason that it is, and there’s a reason it develops young professionals like Sophia and myself,” he said.

STORY BY ALEXANDRA SUDAK

As we all know, the end is near. Many believe that the world will end on December 21st, 2012 based on the belief that the ancient Mayan calendar ends on that date. The Mayan people, whose civilization lasted from 250 to 900 AD in what is now Mexico and Central America, are known for their sophisticated writing system, architecture, mathematics, and astronomical knowledge. They are also known for their emphasis on the importance of cycles, which is what helped influence their calendar. The Mayans depended on cycles for their rituals and ceremonies, and even used cycles of time to decide if some children would be bad eggs, depending on what day of the year in which they were born.

Their calendars were so accurate that many believe they had extraordinary abilities to make predictions. But did they really predict the end of the world?

The Mayans used what is called the Long Count Calendar to mark cycles of time. For example, one Uinal would be 20 days, one Tun would be 360 days, and one Ka’tun would be 7,200 days.

In this case, December 21st, 2012 marks the end of the entire grand cycle, leading some to interpret this to

mean the end of the world.

Archaeologists and anthropologists today dismiss these theories, saying the Mayans never predicted this. People just like to believe so because, for some reason, we have a strange obsession with catastrophe.

Alexander Benitez, a professor at Mason who teaches a course on Mesoamerica, reiterates the fact that the Mayans paid a lot of attention to the importance of cycles. “They believed endings were just new beginnings, such as night and day.” It’s basically the same thing as New Year’s Day to us, or even Mondays. While Mondays mark the end of the weekend and sometimes feel like the end of the world, they also mark a brand new week. Just the same, the end of the Mayan calendar most likely marks the end of an era according to their beliefs, but not the end of the world.

In short, the Mayan calendar theory has just been hyped up and can be dismissed. So, yes, you should still worry about finals. I wouldn’t throw away your bucket lists yet, though. There are still more end of the world theories to be disproven.

STORY BY TALIA WUJTEWICZ

Broadside Bucketlist: Skydive Location: Skydive Orange Location: 11339 Bloomsbury Rd.Orange, VA 22960 Phone: 540-943-6587 Price: $255-$395 Depending on package purchased

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Sept. 17, 2012

Broadside

Entertainment

Never Forget.

On Tuesday, Sept. 11, more than 100 students gathered near Mason Pond to remember the 2,977 lives we lost in the tragic events in 2001.

An illumanaria was displayed for every victim of 9/11 and 60 floating lanterns were released, one for each country who lost a citizen in the attacks.

Student Body President Alex Williams gave an inspiring speech and Green Machine singer Sha’ Air Hawkins gave a powerful rendition of The Star Spangled Banner. Students observed a Moment of Silence at 8:46 p.m. -- 11 years and 12 hours after the first plane struck the World Trade Center. Trumpet player Jeremy Yeagley broke the Moment of Silence with a moving performance of Taps.

DAKOTA CUNNINGHAM/CONNECT2MASON

JANE RAESE/BROADSIDE

ALEXANDRA SUDAK/BROADSIDE

Entertainment

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Sept. 17, 2012

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DAKOTA CUNNINGHAM/CONNECT2MASON

DAKOTA CUNNINGHAM/CONNECT2MASON

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Sept. 17, 2012

Broadside

Entertainment OPINION

A Day in the Life of a Transfer Student It’s tough being the new kid on campus, especially for those of us who have already been in that position before.

I myself am a transfer coming from Virginia Commonwealth University located in Richmond, Virginia. Walking onto Mason’s campus was refreshing.

From city to suburb, this university moves at a fast pace, but students still take the time to wave and hold the door. It does hold a strong community feel, even though many who have never been on campus may not believe so.

Whether you are transferring in because you were at a two-year college, were unhappy with your last school, or just needed a change of pace, Mason offers something for everyone.

This year the university accepted a higher percentage of transfer students than freshmen. Mason is one of the most diverse schools in the country, and transfer students

only add to that mix.

You may have all the same feelings you had freshman year: panic, confusion and loneliness. Except this time around you are entering to school wiser and knowing exactly what you want and what you don’t want out of a school.

During my first day at Mason I observed many things. For starters, getting on campus housing was a struggle. It is first offered to freshman and upperclassman, and then transfers as space became available.

So even if you are to receive housing, you get last pick. I can only imagine people transferring in from another state and not receiving housing! Then you are dealing with the bigger issue of finding off campus housing.

Another thing I noticed was the struggle of navigating through campus. As a transfer student stood out like a sore thumb, eyes glued to the maps throughout

campus.

I was lucky enough to find out about the new Mason app, which provides virtual maps of campus.

That way, I could sneak a look at where I was going and could be discreet in how little I knew about directions. Even with this great tool I found myself walking in circles a couple of times.

Last, let me discuss the parking situation. I arrived to campus the first day 45 minutes early. It took me 20 whole minutes to find a parking spot.

I was anything but prepared for this. I saw people scrambling to class, running, yelling to their friends that they were already late on the first day. Note to self—leave earlier.

The best type of advice I can give to transfers would be get involved as much as possible. Mason provides wonderful resources in the Office of Student Involvement as well and the

Academic Advising and Transfer.

They have everything from dance clubs to an equestrian team.

Involvement is key. Figure out what wasn’t working for you at your last school, and make a change.

I know that I was not as proactive as I could have been at my last school and I suffered and missed out. I am a shy person, and know it is hard to put yourself out there.

I never saw myself getting involved in Greek Life, yet I went through recruitment this year for the sole purpose of meeting new people and expanding my network.

Try new things. You may surprise yourself.

Don’t be afraid to get out there and meet people. You don’t need to be an extrovert. Take advantage of any social opportunities that arise.

Most importantly, stay positive. Even as you are meeting new people, remember to stay in touch with your closest friends from your last school.

They will keep you grounded.

You will find that since you have already experienced another college lifestyle, you have a different perspective to offer and people will be interested to hear about it.

STORY BY JAMIE THOM

OPINION

Carouser Report The anatomical structure of any college party is always the same. Somewhere, long ago, we learned the practice of social gatherings and since then little has changed.

Critics and moralists will always condemn us for our methods, but short of that, we love the way we party.

You’re hosting the party, which means it’s time to stock the fridge. A good supply of cheap beer and liquor is in order. Like a mad scientist, you concoct a deathly mix of Kool-Aid and vodka. Not for the faint of heart, the red drink sits idly, waiting to claim its victims.

First to arrive are six halfcrazed girls dancing around your porch. They enter immediately, demanding beer and strong drink. Twenty minutes after their arrival,

they will be squawking like a flock of birds, standing around your kitchen taking pictures of themselves. In butt-out stances, they pose for an onslaught of photos.

Tomorrow, Facebook will be plastered with evidence of their presence.

Around 10 p.m., the core of the party arrives. The jesters, stoners, freaks, geeks, good ol’boys, sweethearts, and the hopeless party junkies, all funnel in, raving drunk, ready to splurge on the orgy of booze. They are a merry bunch of souls wanting nothing more than good times, fast luck, and the feeling that they belong to a greater cause.

“On with the games!” they cry. they say!” Beer pong, flip cup, quarters, and card:; the American party scene is

dependent on these activities to keep social order. Without them, no party could sustain and we’d be reduced to nothing more than a pack of depraved drunken animals.

The last to arrive are a persnickety bunch. A social order unto their own, their arrival is perfectly timed at 11:45 p.m. Their story is always the same, some patchy tale about wild parties in the city, which is hardly the reason for their tardiness. Six hours of hair, makeup, and outfit changes has brought them to this moment.

They flaunt themselves about the party, making sure their presence is wellknown. Your drunkard of a friend makes a fool of himself when he spills a beer on one of them. The gamut is up. The countless hours of primping

The Anatomy of a College Party is ruined. Self-confidence ripped away, they collectively disappear into the night like jackals.

All of a sudden, trouble knocks on your door. Men clad in blue suits are waiting and their presence is woefully unwelcome. “Why thank you officer for the break, and we’ll certainly keep the music down.”

Crank the volume to ten, and get on with it. Pass the shots around, intoxicate the crowd. It is only a matter of time now before they return; baton in hand, ready to make a scene.

The consumption accelerates, and social order begins to slowly slip away. There is no noise now, only blurred faces and blotchy memories.

Brace yourself, the fun has only begun. In the basement,

you sway to the pulse of an electronic frenzy. The sweat beads on your brow and the stench of fifty people fills the air. This, my friends, is college bliss.

The night is evolving perfectly until you look down and realize, somewhere in the turbulence, you’ve lost your pants. In the desperate hunt for them, you discover that some rotten drunk has done a number on your toilet.

Only hours now until sunrise, you make the last high speed chase of that incredible buzz. A beer in each hand, you race for the invisible finish line.

Hours become minutes, and all at once you wake up in your bathtub, half-eaten pizza slice in hand. The pounding action of a railroad

train is running through your head, but for the moment that doesn’t matter.

You’ve terrorized the neighbors, finagled the fuzz, and above all, partied your heart out. Another great night goes down in the collection of college memories.

Until next week, cheers!

STORY BY DUSTIN POST

Entertainment

Broadside

Sept. 17, 2012

Green Colleen:

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OPINION

Reusable T-shirt Bags

If there’s one thing you should never buy on this campus, it’s a t-shirt. Between special events like Gold Rush and Mason Day and the games of the week, there are plenty of opportunities to snag a Mason shirt.

But when your drawers start to overflow with green and gold, don’t feel obligated to throw them away or donate them to charity. Instead, upcycle your extra threads into a reusable bag to use as a bag for books or as a reusable grocery bag. You can never have enough reusable bags; by using a free Mason shirt, you’ll be saving time and exhibiting school spirit at the same time.

Start by laying your shirt out on a flat surface. Cut fringes across the bottom seam approximately two inches up.

Tie the fringe from the front of the shirt to the matching one on the back of the shirt. When you finish, you should have a t-shirt with a sealed bottom.

Unfortunately, my bag has small holes between the fringes where coins and pencils could slip through.

If you’d like a bag with a completely closed bottom, you could consider sewing the seams together or using smaller fringes. Cut off the sleeves to create handles for your bag. If the logo on your t-shirt is centered lower, then your handles can be longer and thinner. To finish the handles, cut a scoop out from the neckline.

Congratulations, your reusable t-shirt bag is done. Using canvas bags instead of plastic when shopping helps to keep our

landfills less cluttered with plastic waste that takes 500 years to decompose. So get crafty with this simple project and save the planet and your overflowing dresser at the same time.

Did you try Green Colleen’s project this week? We want to see how it turned out.

Tweet the results to @MasonBroadside STORY BY COLLEEN WILSON

Upcoming Events with Program Board

Program Board (PB) is a student run department of the Office of Student Involvement that is in charge of handling traditional Mason events like Mason Day and Welcome Week.

Though the events are sponsored and funded by University Life, the students on PB are responsible for promotion, behind the scenes details and gauging student interest.

PB is headed by three student leaders who are in charge of committees. Taren Henry, lead PR director, encourages all students to get involved and make their voice about on campus events heard.

“It’s also a great opportunity for experience.

Sept. 20 8 p.m. – 10 pm.

Fall concert: Wale

Anyone studying PR, marketing or events management can get involved with events for over 20,000 people,” said Henry.

In addition to being a part of the decision making process for concerts and events, students who are involved in the organization also have first pick for backstage passes and free merchandise.

Follow PB on Twitter @GMUProgramBoard and like their Facebook page “GMU PB” to keep in touch and learn more about events coming up on campus.

STORY BY COLLEEN WILSON

Upcoming Events Sept. 21 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Patriots Day

October 13, 2012 at 8:00 pm Indecision Tour 2012: The Daily Show Live

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Sept. 17, 2012

Broadside

George Mason University’s Student Newspaper

Cody Norman, Editor-in-Chief

cnorman2@masonlive.gmu.edu

Colleen Wilson, Managing Editor Stephen Kline, Photography and Design Editor Elise Baker, Editorials Editor Aaron Locke, News Editor Alexandra Sudak, Assistant News Editor Emily Bartone, Entertainment Editor Bryan Dombrowski, Sports Editor Jennifer Miller, Assistant Sports Editor Sae Rynn Kwon, Copy Editor Michelle Minnich, Copy Editor Manny Alfaro, Cartoonist Kathryn Mangus, Faculty Advisor Jacques Mouyal, Business Manager David Carroll, Associate Director Broadside is a weekly publication printed each Monday for George Mason University and its surrounding Fairfax community. The editors at Broadside have exclusive authority over the content that is published.

Editorial

OPINION

Where Construction is Innovation “Where innovation is tradition,” sounds like a phrase that is familiar to you as a student of George Mason University. That is because here on campus, that line is engraved into our consciousness.

This phrase is seen on any official paper from the university and was exclaimed by our tour guides when we visited this school.

This great university has only been around since 1957 and now in 2012, the school is ranked in the top 200 universities in the world.

This university is built on innovation and has been the main factor to its quick growth. This tradition of innovation cannot stop because we are not done growing yet as an institution of higher education.

Yes, it is annoying to have to constantly hear the sound and navigate the obstacles of construction but this sends

such a great message to the student body.

Once you get past the loud dump trucks and the bustling activity, you will notice that this construction is creating new dorms, lecture halls, and offices.

This demonstrates that our university is growing and will continue to do so as long as these construction vehicles stay on campus.

Just imagine for a second what the Fairfax Campus will finally look like when the last dump truck pulls out.

You, the student, will view a huge campus with beautiful buildings that provide an unparalleled education and living conditions that can get any student ready to join the work force. I truly believe Mason’s tradition of innovation is making this university more elite by the day; with its continued growth, this university will be even stronger and reach

a high level of education that dream. will turn students into strong Ironically, unlike the employees. members of Mason Nation We cannot stop this who use a pen and a notegrowth now. What makes book to succeed, George Mason special from other Mason University, in its universities is our unparal- pursuit of innovation in its leled tradition of innovation: physical structures, need that philosophy has made a shovel and bulldozer to Mason into the great center achieve their goals. of higher education today Let’s be here to help and if we stop now, we will those that are building the no longer be a school “where structures that will make innovation is tradition”.

Mason become the greatest Innovation is in our blood program for higher educaas Mason Patriots; our tion and finally give it its history of innovation has just dream like it is giving us began and will continue for ours. decades with plenty of projects that will exemplify what STORY BY NATE FALK the best of higher education looks like.

We are Patriots: we are strong and we can handle the sounds of dump trucks.

We are here because we are innovative and want that to translate to our educaclassy_New Classified Template.qxd 9/16/12 5:47 PM Page 1 tion and to ultimately lead us to achieve the American

Campus Starbucks a Sinking Ship

by Manny Alfaro

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. Broadside is a free publication. Limit one copy per person.

Help Wanted JOIN AVON Need cash for books tuition or some fun$$? Ft/Pt-flexible schedule. Sell AVON/MARK on campus or to friends/ family.

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Letters to the editor are welcome and are printed on the basis of space, quality and timeliness. All submissions are the property of Broadside and may be edited for brevity, clarity and grammar. Material containing libel, racial slurs, personal attacks or obscenities may be edited or rejected. The author’s name, class year (and/or title where appropriate), major and daytime phone number must be included for verification of authenticity. The deadline for submission is Thursday by 10 p.m.

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George Mason University Mailstop 2C5 4400 University Drive Fairfax, Va. 22030 Phone: 703.993.2950 cnorman2@gmu.edu

Editorial

Broadside

Sept. 17, 2012

A Man’s Take on the War on Women Hyperbolic rhetoric is a common theme in American politics. Phrases like “The War on Christmas,” “Death Panels,” and others have littered our political sphere since its founding.

To wit, there is the popular political catchphrase making the 2012 rounds known as the “War on Women.”

Social liberals are using this phrase to describe conservatives who favor abortion restrictions or support religious organizations who refuse on conscience grounds to provide contraception.

The Democratic National Convention supports the phrase, having people like Sandra Fluke speak at their convention and by bombarding network TV with ads talking about how Republican candidate Mitt Romney is opposed to women because he is opposed to abortion.

Much can be criticized about this “War on Women” theory.

Republicans are no more literally launching war against females than liberals are literally waging war against Christmas.

One can also point to the many women

who are pro-life, thereby making one wonder if these women are making war against themselves.

Yet a much more cynically amusing course would be to note what the Democratic Convention supported while simultaneously saying they are for women.

On September 5, former president Bill Clinton gave a rousing speech to those gathered in Charlotte.

Now while it makes sense to have a still popular two-term former Democratic president speak at the Convention, think about the “War on Women.”

Here is a man who used his position of power to seduce young women.

Nothing says respect for women like taking advantage of female interns and causing great public humiliation for your wife and daughter.

On September 4, the Convention showed a video tribute to the late long-serving progressive Democratic Senator Ted Kennedy.

They cleverly included some of his criticism of his 1994 opponent Mitt Romney.

While Kennedy did much to be honored

by his peers, he is still the man responsible for the death of Mary Jo Kopechne.

It is not just that Kennedy got behind the wheel while drunk back in 1969 with Kopechne by his side: it was that Kennedy made no apparent effort to get medical help for her.

Nothing says defending women’s health like honoring a man who made no effort to save the health of a woman.

For its 2012 platform, the DNC opted to remove language from the 2008 platform that denounced the terrorist organization Hamas.

According to the 2008 platform: “The United States and its Quartet partners should continue to isolate Hamas until it renounces terrorism, recognizes Israel’s right to exist, and abides by past agreements.”

Granted, the DNC platform does not support Hamas, but it’s interesting that they removed language denouncing an organization known for treating women poorly.

As Mona El-Naggar of the New York Times wrote, “Since taking full control of the Gaza Strip in 2007, Hamas has issued decrees

Best Returning Shows: 1. American Horror Story: After a detail-oriented and consistent first season that told both a horrific and tragic story of a family in California, American Horror Story (AMS) is back for a second season, but it’s not what you might expect.

The characters, location and time period are all different.

Certainly not what you would expect from the creators of the often-erratic Glee.

According to press releases by FX Network, AMS will take place in a 1964 institution for the criminally insane.

With only twelve episodes per season, you have no good excuse not to get caught up before its premiere on October 17, 10:00 pm on FX. 2. Parks and Recreation: Lead by SNL-veteran Amy Poehler, Parks and Recreation is hands down the funniest show on television right now.

With consistently funny episodes, a fresh plot, and hilariously relatable characters, Parks and Recreation’s fifth season builds upon Leslie Knope’s (Poehler) council election win from season four.

Her new position is likely to open up a variety of new situations and shenanigans when it premieres September 20 at 9:30 pm on NBC. New Shows: 1. Revolution: From Executive Producer J.J. Abrams comes this year’s newest attempt to repeat the success found with Lost.

Abrams has put his faith in Eric Kripke, the creator of the successful CW program Supernatural.

Revolution takes place 15 years after all the power on Earth was suddenly shut off, forcing the characters into a brand new world.

“I’m interested in stories about family, in all forms,” says Kripke in an interview with Entertainment Weekly (EW), so expect to see family centric plots throughout the show’s first season that starts September 17 at 10:00 pm on NBC. 2. Elementary: Following the wild success of the BBC program

OPINION

taking aim at women, further restricting their freedoms.”

It is common for politics to give us loaded rhetoric.

Both sides are guilty: lest we forget years back when the GOP pushed the idea that to oppose the Iraq War made one “AntiAmerican” and “unpatriotic.”

Yet that does not make the “War on Women” allegation any better, especially given what else those who use that phrase oftentimes support.

STORY BY MICHAEL GRYBOSKI

Returning Fall Television Holds Promise Fall is commonly associated with the arrival of colder weather and sweaters, pumpkin spice lattes and changing leaves.

However, for us TV junkies, fall means the return of our favorite television shows and the influx of several new shows that will compete for our viewership.

For those shows that survived cancellation last spring, the coming season provides more time to build ratings and critic acclaim.

So what new shows should you watch? And what returning shows deserve more attention? Here is a list of the top two for each category.

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Sherlock, CBS hopes to hop on the Sir Arthur Conan Doyle bandwagon and find ratings boosts from the current fad.

Taking place in New York and having Watson played by a woman; Elementary is a much edgier take on a classic tale already drawing disapproval from fans and critics alike.

However, when speaking with EW, show runner Rob Doherty said, “At least give us the opportunity to turn you off.”

He’s right, Elementary has shown more than enough reasons to tune in when debuts on September 27 at 10:00 pm.

Apart from these six shows, the fall lineup is stacked with plenty of successful veteran programs and promising new ideas.

Returning favorites like Supernatural, Criminal Minds, NCIS, and Modern Family will all

OPINION

return to the screen.

Long running favorites like 30 Rock, The Office, and Fringe will all return for final seasons.

Hoping to pick up the slack, new shows like Partners, Nashville, and The Mindy Project will take over.

But stay tuned: the best ideas can go awry and turn into complete duds.

STORY BY AARON LOCKE

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Sept. 17, 2012

Broadside

Sports

AVT Student Wins T-shirt Design Contest for Race

AMY ROSE/BROADSIDE

Mason Militia Enters the Huddle One big thing that is always floating around campus is that Mason does not have a football team. That statement is far from the truth.

Mason has a very dedicated and talented club football team. Some people may think that just because it is not a Division I sport that it is not worth their time to go out and watch; Mason’s football team is looking to do just the opposite and get more fans out to games and build some school spirit.

The first step to making the Mason community believe that students have enough pride in their school to invest in a Division I football team.

One great way to do that is to support a team like club football.

Someone who is trying to make it much easier for students to get involved with club football is Jack Langley.

After playing for four years as a quarterback for the club football team, he decided to finish out his remaining credits while not playing for the team. This didn’t stop Langley from being a big part of the team and just as involved. In an attempt to get more students out to the games, he teamed up with other students and began

forming the Mason Militia.

The Mason Militia’s plan is to get students more involved and to come out to more club football games. There are already plans for a lot of interesting things to get things started off.

Langley said, “Some ideas we’ve have about this season include having the Mason drumline start a march from the clock tower on campus to the football field, tailgates in PV or Lot I (WhiteTop) including food, cornhole and whatever else, and t-shirts and posters revealing our main desire to have Division 1 football at Mason.”

The main goals of the Mason Militia are primarily to build school spirit and secondarily to get the exposure and recognition that the club football team deserves.

Langley said, “The most school spirt that I have ever seen at my four years here have been at the basketball games.”

The club football team is looking to bring that spirit that Mason students clearly have and have them support the football team also. The more teams that students can stand behind means the more pride they can have in the school they are attending.

The team’s schedule this year also has a lot more familiar names because they recently joined the National Club Football Association. Now that people around here know of the schools that the team is playing and probably have friends attending those schools, it will be easy to build rivalries that will fuel the team and school spirit.

While it will build school spirit, it also will be great exposure for the football team. The team always has to defend their existence here on campus, which is hard to believe seeing as they brought home their division championship last season.

The players dedicate so much of their time and would love to have all the effort they put in be recognized by hearing chants and cheers while they play their games.

Although the Mason Militia has great ideas in the works, they are having a small issue getting everything started up. After Langley had some very unsettling interest meetings with very little people showing up, it all seemed like it might all fall through.

This was until Langley heard back from Sarah Kahler, the other originator of the Mason Militia, that the

tailgate for the October 13th game here at Mason on the RAC Field against Coppin State University had been approved.

Langley and the rest of the football team are looking to get as many fans as possible out to this tailgate and to continue building the fan base larger and larger for each game.

Another great thing that is starting this semester is the broadcasting of their games. Mason Cable Network (MCN) will broadcast games on the Connect2Mason and their network channel 231.

MCN General Manager, Jake McLernon, arranged for these broadcasts. Their hope is that with the help of the broadcast, it will show the team’s effort and hard work, as well as Student Media’s capabilities to broadcast sports.

The next time someone says that Mason does not have a football team, hopefully there will always be a massive response from dedicated fans that we do indeed have a team. A team that could even bring back a National title this year.

STORY BY JENN MILLER

On Oct. 21, more than 30,000 runners will line the streets of downtown Washington D.C. wearing a T-shirt designed by Peter Pawlak, a 21-year-old graphic design major at Mason, for the 28th annual Army Ten-Miler.

While enrolled in AVT 311: Graphic Design Methods and Principles during the spring semester, Pawlak worked with Professor James Hicks, an avid runner and a frequent participant in the Army Ten-Miler race. Hicks, who was not impressed by the T-shirt designs in the past, gave his class an assignment that contained the same guidelines as those set forth by the Tshirt design contest held by the third-largest 10-mile race in the world.

“I haven’t been impressed with the T-shirt designs in the past,” Hicks said. “So I handed out this assignment, challenging my students to come up with something better and more creative.”

Pawlak began working on his design, knowing only that he had to include the official Army Ten-Miler logo, the date of the race, Washington D.C. and various themes from running and the Army.

He began pondering the idea and wondered how he could capture the essence of the race in a simple graphic.

“I wanted people to look and immediately know what it was,” Pawlak said.

When he developed the idea, Pawlak began building a design that consisted of a set of dogtags draped across

the front of an American flag.

Within one dogtag, Pawlak created the silhouette of the Capitol Building, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial, all landmarks that runners will pass on race day.

“When I think of the Army, the first thing I think of is dogtags,” Pawlak said.

Upon submitting his work to Hicks, Pawlak and other students were encouraged to submit their pieces into the contest. Hicks was unsure if any of his students would win, but he was sure that their designs were significantly better than T-shirt designs he had seen in the past.

“I was impressed by the work overall,” Hicks said.

“Many students had topnotch designs. And, in fact, most students did designs better than what I had seen in the past.”

After submission, Pawlak’s design made it into the top five designs selected by the Army Ten-Miler Blue Ribbon Panel. The top five designs were then passed on to the race website where registered runners could vote on their favorite design and Pawlak’s design claimed the top prize: a 17-inch MacBook Pro and, most importantly, an opportunity to have his design printed on the official race shirt for over 30,000 runners and volunteers.

“Right now, it’s pretty cool,” Pawlak said. “When I actually see it in D.C., that’s when it will really hit me.”

STORY BY CODY NORMAN

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Sept. 17, 2012

MATT RICCIARDI/MASON ICE HOCKEY

The Wolf Pack is Back A few years ago, Mason Ice Hockey was not on anyone’s radar.

“When I came to Mason, it was for school, not hockey.

The program was a joke”, said Assistant Captain Brian Bock.

After going through some rough seasons and several coaching changes, Mason Hockey has turned into the next big thing. When senior Goalie Keelan Carpenter started playing here four years ago, the team barely had a single line and struggled to find bodies to put on the ice every game. The team now rolls 22 players deep and has its own fan club, The Wolf Pack.

Named after former player and current assistant coach Spencer Wolf, the pack is known as the the Patriot Platoon of the Prince William Ice Center.

Bock and Carpenter agree that a lot thanks is owed to Head Coach Steven Hijeck.

“Steve’s the man. He gets us sponsorships; we’ve got team gear and jerseys from Reebok” said Brock.

“After our first coach was caught up in a money laundering scandal, we literally burnt every bridge we had… it was a huge reset button,” explained Carpenter. A good coach who can also work the PR game is helpful, but this new team wasn’t made by pro staff alone. The players have worked hard to get their team

into position to hopefully be ranked nationally this season.

This is one of their two main goals, the other being to build a stronger hockey community here at Mason.

“It all started when Ovechkin came to the Capitols: they turned D.C. into a hockey town,” said Brock. Kids started playing at a younger age, which leads to better players at all of the later levels of competition. Junior International Business Major, Scott Bangert, explained how he even took two years off just to work as a youth league referee and work on expanding the community.

He said, “It’s a family. Like any fraternity or sorority, you’re all out there for one another.” Now, if you haven’t been to a hockey game, it’s an experience you’ll never forget; the chill of the arena, the bone crunching hits, and the roar of the goal horn and crowd are enough to get any fan up on their feet.

A new coaching staff, loads of new sponsors, and improved players: where has it gotten Mason Hockey?

Into the post season last year and in striking distance of becoming nationally ranked this season. The team just lost a very close game to the College of William and Mary this past week; which goes to show how far this team has come in the past four years.

In order to get that rank,

the Patriots are going to have to win all of their exhibition games. Mason will be competing against several Division II schools in this fall: Duke University, the University of Virginia, The US Naval Academy, and George Washington University.

Coming up on October 13th is the home game against VCU, dubbed the Commonwealth Cup. “Yeah it’s something we made up last year, and we ended up losing it … so we’re hoping to bring it back,” Carpenter said.

“I believe in this team, we can do something big here. For us, and for Mason,” Bangert said. These guys are so committed, they even offer to give rides to the arena to come out and support them if students don’t have transportation.

“Mason hockey belongs here, and we’re here to stay,” Broch said. A hot up-andcoming team, an incredible coaching staff, and a chance to continue one of the greatest traditions and rivalries here at Mason, not to mention some sick hits. What is there not to like? I know I plan to be out there cheering these guys on against VCU come October and I hope to see many of my fellow Patriots out there in the arena as well.

STORY BY BRYAN DOMBROWSKI

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Sports

Ultimate Player Soars to Freshman of the Year Anthony McLean, a Mason sophomore, really has a way of stumbling upon his fate.

While passing a Frisbee in Presidents Park, someone approached him about Mason’s Ultimate Frisbee team. Being athletically involved in high school, he decided to try out, despite never playing before. He had no intentions of becoming Freshman of the Atlantic Coast Region in the upcoming year, but that’s exactly what he did.

For anyone that doesn’t know, ultimate frisbee is a game that is set up similar to football with games beginning with a throwoff and the players on either team containing seven people trying to make it into endzones. Where it differs from football is that players are not allowed to run when they have the disc, but they are allowed to pivot like in basketball.

The team is divided into handlers and cutters.

Handlers are known for being the best throwers and most intelligent on the field while cutters are receivers who are usually faster and taller players.

McLean excelled in ultimate frisbee because of a very athletic background. He played tennis, football, and basketball in high school. His speed and ability to jump from basketball made him stick out among his new teammates.

This was not the first time that McLean had something suddenly connect for him. When he was on his senior trip to Disney World, something clicked in his mind of what he would want to do for the rest of his life. That trip would lead Anthony all the way from New Jersey to Mason where he is an integrative

studies major concentrating in advertising.

One day, he hopes to be making the amazing posters or commercials that bring millions to the theaters like his favorite Disney movies, Lilo and Stitch and Finding Nemo. His love and skill in graphic design also really came in handy with helping to design flyers, jerseys, and team gear.

Mclean said, “My original plan was to try out for the Mason basketball team, but after being voted Freshman of the Year I knew that ultimate was my sport to play,” If you are looking to stumble in to something you love or want to try a new and growing sport, take a whack at ultimate frisbee.

No extraordinary athletic skill is needed.

Mclean said, “Anyone can play the sport.

Before my freshman year, I had never played a game of Ultimate. Ask the returning players, my throws were horrible!”

One great thing about ultimate frisbee is that it is a great way to get involved on campus and create friends from other schools. There is a great sense of community in the ultimate frisbee circle. Every tournament even presents an award for the team that represents the “Spirit of the Game” the most.

If you think you have the spirit to practice and learn a game that combines skills from many different sports, get out to Intramural Field five on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30 - 7:00pm. This fun sport and great community might be just what your college experience is lacking.

STORY BY JENN MILLER

CHANG LEE/MASON ULTIMATE FRISBEE

Anthony Mclean skying his defender from Old Dominion University at College Ultimate Sectionals which were held at Liberty University.

Fitness Tips and Facts for Women We all know the frightening phrase ”freshmen 15” but what some students fail to realize is that those 15 pounds can creep up at any time.

After working for Mason Recreation for over a year, I have some experience on how to be fit. So how does a girl stay healthy at Mason? I may shock some of you with this information, but here it goes… EXERCISE! Yes, getting off your butt and moving around a bit will help you keep that ladylike figure, and no, playing beer pong does not qualify as exercise. Even those girls who are blessed with a high metabolism and naturally look like a Victoria’s Secret model can benefit from exercising a bit. It’s a no brainer that exercising can contribute to having a fabulous body: flat abs, lean legs, and a tight derriere. Exercising has tons of other benefits as well. Exercise

reduces stress and anxiety, increases metabolism, improves strength, and even balances out hormone levels.

Stressed with school, family, or friends? Lacking energy to get through the day? Trying to fit into that new micromini skirt? Regular exercise can be a key part to helping.

Luckily, Mason has a vast amount of resources when it comes to exercise. Like to pump iron and use cardio equipment?

We have three gyms spread throughout campus with a large variety of equipment, machines and even a pool. Don’t like exercising inside or all those sweaty people freak you out? Go for a run around Patriot Circle, which happens to be about 1.5 miles, or check out the outdoor tennis and basketball courts on a nice day. If you are the more sporty type, you can even get a group of friends

together to join an intramural team!

Mason even has resources for the girls who don’t like to run or do competitive sports, such as yoga, Pilates, and other fitness classes. For those of you who have not taken yoga before, it actually can be quite challenging. Want to know the secret to why Miley Cyrus has been prancing around in nothing but bras and spandex? Pilates! Regardless of what you like to do to stay healthy Mason has something for you: get out and get moving!!

STORY BY COLLEEN ZIMMERMAN

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Sports

Broadside

Sept. 17, 2012

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Croatian Volleyball Player Flourishes on Mason Team Lana Zonjic Brings Intensity and Experience to the Roster

MASON ATHLETICS

Looking through the window into the main gym at the RAC, the volleyball team practice for the last time before travelling to PLACE for their NUMBER tournament of the season.

Each woman walked out of the gum, tired from a grueling practice, but Lona Zonjic exited the gym, smiling with energy.

A native of Croatia, Zonjic reflected upon her experience playing volleyball in the United States. She remembered her time growing up in Croatia, learning the basics of the sport, all the while continuing to improve as she plays on the RECORD women’s volleyball team.

“There was not a huge culture shock,” said Zonjic, recalling her arrival to campus three years ago.

Though there were little things about her home she missed, the atmosphere on campus made the transition as smooth as possible.

Despite the distance and her appearance on an athletic team, Zonjic is still able to return home for both summer and winter breaks, yielding some of the homesickness.

While many athletes encounter growing

pains, shifting from high school sports to collegiate sports, the transition was more difficult for Zonjic, who was learning country and a new culture while honing her skills in American volleyball.

“Changing coaches and having different styles of playing is what made the opportunity to play at Mason appealing,” Zonjic explained.

In athletics, Zonjic learned that the only difference between volleyball in Croatia and volleyball in the states is that Americans are much more intense.

“It brings a different flavor,” said Pat Kendrick, coach of the women’s volleyball team.

Though Zonjic is not the only international player the Patriots’ have fielded, Kendrick believes there is an inherent benefit to having international players on her team. The experience offers the opportunity for the individual to grow outside of their comfort zone, as well as allowing the team the opportunity to learn from another culture’s style of playing the game.

Having international players is a common thing within the sport at the collegiate level.

Since Zonjic showed a direct interest in playing for Mason by reaching out to Kendrick, it was the perfect opportunity to join two styles of training in volleyball.

“Every team has their own little details in playing,” explained Zonjic.

Though there are some differences in training for the sport from Croatia to the United States, Zonjic realizes that may be the case regardless of which team she played on. With this year’s team having a lot of potential, it is always the team members getting into the flow of working with one another that creates success.

It is clear that Zonjic’s opportunity to play in the United States has made her progress as a player as well as a person. Zonjic is an example of how working in a new environment and challenging the boundaries of your skills can lead to growth and success.

STORY BY RYCKI ROBERTSON

Changing coaches and having different styles of playing is what made the opportunity to play at Mason appealing.

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THANK YOU

Sports

Mason Nation!

The Welcome Week 2012 Committee would like to thank each and every person that help to make The Preamble and Welcome Week 2012 a huge success. With well over 250 volunteers we would not have been able to acheive the same level of success without you. As a team we have shared in the experience of what being a Patriot means to us, our campuses, and to our students.

The committee would like to recognize many of the volunteers, workers, staff, faculty, students, and departments that helped to create an energizing environment for our campuses.

Aaron Hood Abdullah Abood Adam Hunter Alan More Alcohol, Drug and Health Education Alesia Smith Alex Nackley Alissa Karton Allen White Allison Aycock Allison Ritchie Amanda McConnell Amy Snyder Andrea Cordray Andrew Bashuk Angelique LeBlanc Angie Hattery Ann Ludwick Anne Driscoll Anne Reynolds Arinna Sengchanh Ashley McCartney Ashya Majied Assad Khan Athina Tjorvatjoglou Barbara Campbell Becky Nemeth Beth Pullias Bethany Usher Bette Clark Brandice Rogers Brandon Wagner Brian Gillette Brian J. Waidelich Brian Papajcik Brice Struthers Caitlyn Beisley Cara Cox Carol Houser Carolyn Horton

Carrie Klein Catering Catherine Wright Cathy Wolfe Chad Fehr Charvis Campbell Christine Cruzvergara Christine Mutch Cindy Koo Claiborne Gayden Claire Forman Cody Laughinghouse Colby Grant Corrine House Dan Waxman David Atkins David Farris David Gauntlett David S. Anderson Debbie Mitchell Debbie Williams Debby Gregg Debi Corbatto Deborah Boehm-Davis Debra Simmerman Denis Brosnan Denise Taylor Dennis Hicks Dennis Webster Derek Smith Diane Swain Dolores Gomez Moran Dolores Gomez-Moran Doug Hallock Elizabeth Bernard Emily Grant Emily Kasper Emily Williams Ethan Carter Evan Baum Events Management

Events Productions Francina Osoria Gail Sutton Garey Davis Ginnie Mahoney Heather Cruz Heibatollah Baghi Hope Savolainen Hortense Rascoe Jackie Inskeep Jackie Nash Jade Barricelli Jake McLernon Jamal Myrick Jana Fryman Janae Johnson Jane Bennett Janet Faughnan Janet Walker Jasmine Young Jeanne Medford Jeannie Brown Leonard Jennifer Crewalk Jillian Zalewski Joanne Hawk Joe Brooks Joey Allen John Cicchetti Jordan Dahmen Jordana Harshman Juan Miller Judy Doyle Juliana Jung Juliet Blank-Godlove Kaitlin Oyler Kara Danner Karen Kitching Karen Underwood Kate Hogan Kathryn Mangus Kathy Shifflett

Katie Murray Kelly Foster Ken Locke Khorey Baker Kim Edwards Kimberly McFarlane Kristen Schada LaShonda Anthony Laura Poms Laura Van Slyke Lauren Long Lauren Mauriello Lauren Pope Leah Quinn Lesley Perez Leslie Steiger Lewis Forrest Libby Klatt Linda O'Connor Lindsey Hammond Lisa Snyder Liz Boyen Lora Learmont Lori Cohen Scher Lori Yi Mahogany Murray Manish Kakadiya Mariama Boney Mason Cable Network Mason Cheerleaders Matt Barnhart Matt Green Matt Kuder Maureen Strauch Meeghan Harrington Melanie White Melissa Alen Melissa Allen Melissa Masone Melitta Igwe Micah McFarland

Michael Galvin Michelle Coleman Mike Hurley Nathan Smuckler Neha Seth Neil Paz-Cruzat Nicholas Brightwell Nick Lennon Nicole Stevens Office of Housing and Residence Life Office of Orientation & Family Programs & Services Office of Student Involvement Office of Student Media Olivia Cheatham Oscar Barzuna Hidalgo Paisley Martin Pat Carretta Pat Rabb Patrice Levinson Patrice Winter Patrick McCavitt Patrick Rock Patriot Leaders Paul Bazzano Paul Brown Paul King Phil McDaniel Phil Rippa Rachael Miner Rachael Smith Rachel Lindsey Raechel Hester Randy Salter Rebecca Walter Rhett Wilson Rich Eggleton Robin Herron Ron Lim

Rosanna Duran Rosie Essiem Ruth Townsend Sally Lorentson Sara Morrisroe Sarah Mournighan Sarah Williamson Scott Bailey Scott Blevins Scott Turyn Sean Marcia Sean Renfroe Stan Strutz Stephanie Payton Supansa Kitjaroen Susan Kehoe Susan Swett Susan Trencher Suzy Wiedemann Team OSI Teejay Brown The Broadside The Green Machine The Masonettes The Patriot Tia Cook Tiffany R. Harris Todd Rose Tori Stotzer Tracy Cunningham Tremayne D. Robertson University Information V (Tevah) El Emmet Will Cultice Winston Jones Yulia Lama Zac Pope

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