The Hoya: The Guide: January 24, 2014

the guide FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014

Beyond the Gates Sketches of life after Georgetown reveal possibilities and challenges ahead JESS KELHAM-HOHLER Hoya Staff Writer

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t least once a year, Georgetown students can be found camped outside Healy Hall at 4:30 in the morning, waiting for admission to listen to world leaders, members of the cabinet or one of the Clintons.

Resumes are lined with internships from Wall Street and major consulting groups. Suits are kept ready for pre-professional networking events.

This attitude reflects Georgetown students’ academic paths — and their plans post-graduation. While the plurality of graduates goes into consulting, many follow less traditional paths, whether or not through their own volition.

From struggling to find full time-employment to dropping ambitions of becoming a doctor to pursue acting, three recent graduates and a current senior share their experiences of taking on the world outside of Georgetown.

See B2

THIS WEEK LIFESTYLE

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

Behind Solomon’s Story Screenwriter John Ridley discusses the making of ‘12 Years a Slave’ JOSEPH KUPERSCHMIDT Hoya Staff Writer

From Wall Street to Writing

Writer Mélanie Berliet (COL ’03) is making a living in NYC through her work on both professional and personal pieces. B2

Fanning the Flame

The Fire This Time, an online student-run publication, explores and celebrates the multicultural college experience. B4

FOOD & DRINK

Irish Indulgences

Rí Rá, M Street’s newest pub, features classic, hearty Irish dishes as well as a wide selection of delicious brews. B5

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

New Album, New Sound

Young the Giant’s second album showcases the band’s creativity. B6

Mother Dearest

From the creator of ‘Two and a Half Men,’ ‘Mom’ brings humor to an awkward mother-daughter relationship. B7

THEHOYA.COM/ THE-GUIDE @thehoyaguide

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ow nominated for nine Academy Awards, “12 Years a Slave” has had a profound effect on critics and audiences alike. The film tells the story of Solomon Northup, a free black man kidnapped and forced into slavery. On Jan. 15, John Ridley, the screenwriter of “12 Years a Slave”, sat down with NPR’s Michele Norris for a conversation about the film and his writing process.

Ridley, who has written everything from stage plays to graphic novels, was first drawn to this project during a meeting with Steve McQueen, the film’s director.

“About 2008, Steve had just finished ‘Hunger.’ He had read one of my manuscripts.

He was very fascinated,” Ridley said. “And I thought he was very fascinating.”

Neither he nor McQueen had heard of Solomon Northup, but when they discovered his memoir by the same name of the film, Ridley felt strongly about adapting it for the screen.

“Reading his story was so powerful, and I said, ‘Yeah, of course!’” Ridley said.

When they started work on the film, they had almost no funding, but Plan B Entertainment, a production company owned by Brad Pitt, promised to find money for the project once Ridley had written a script. While the latter expressed an enormous amount of gratitude to Plan B, he made it clear that “12 Years a Slave” was not a Hollywood movie.

“Fox Searchlight stepped in much later to distribute the film,” Ridley said. “That is different from going to see ‘Man of Steel’, which is, from beginning to end, a Hollywood film.”

Throughout the night, Norris, who is a very accomplished journalist, aimed to find out how Ridley transformed Northup’s memoir into a complex, haunting film that garnered such international attention.

“One of things we wanted to do with this film is make it more experimental.” Ridley said of the goals he and McQueen shared.

But while the storytelling techniques were unconventional, the story was completely authentic. Ridley did very careful research.

“Many of the things you see are sense

COURTESY AMY TA/NPR

NPR journalist Michele Norris discusses the brutality and honesty of “12 Years a Slave” with screenwriter John Ridley at an event for the movie. memory for Solomon,” Ridley said.

Remaining truthful to Solomon’s memoir became essential to Ridley.

“I wanted the script to be as informative as possible and to try and think of as many details as possible,” Ridley said. At times, however, this became a demanding task. “There were moments where there were gaps in the dialogue, and it was a bit like a restoration project,” Ridley said.

One of the things Ridley found so fascinating about Northup’s story was the role of communication.

“To gain his freedom he had to communi-

cate with his family,” Ridley said.

In the film, Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor) tries several times to write a letter to people in New York, his home state. But getting a letter from the South to the North is nearly impossible for a slave who receives harsh punishment if it is revealed he can write.

This element of Northup’s struggle hit home for Ridley who discussed how much he took communication for granted.

Also discussed was the reaction the film has received, and while nearly all feedback See NPR, B3

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the guide

THE HOYA

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014

FEATURE

Post-Graduation Stories of aWorld Unexpected “I felt like I was lost at sea.”

Robert Miller (SFS ’13) Macy’s

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obert Miller (SFS ’13) grew up in a middleclass family in Kentucky. He dreamt of traveling abroad, an opportunity he didn’t have when he was younger. With an older brother who served as a Marine in Iraq during the initial invasion in 2003, Miller grew up hearing stories of the world beyond his hometown.

“His service and stories of travel to Asia and the Middle East made me want to serve my country through an avenue other than the military,” Miller said.

Drawn to Georgetown because of its location, Miller planned on making the most of internships and academics. He majored in international politics and decided to graduate in three years instead of four, figuring that it was cost-effective and would look impressive on a resume.

What Miller didn’t plan for was a global financial crisis. According to a study done at Northeastern University, 36 percent of college graduates in 2013 were employed at jobs that don’t require a degree, a figure that has increased by about 10 percent in the last decade.

Those kinds of numbers didn’t allow for a lot of flexibility when it came to reconsidering an academic pursuit, especially since Miller’s schedule at Georgetown was already constricted by a shorter road to graduation. Unfortunately, it was at the time he was solidifying his major that he began to question how much he wanted to devote his career to the United States government.

His personal political opinions began to conflict with public political decisions and Miller began to struggle with the knowledge that he was stuck majoring in something that he no longer felt compelled to pursue.

Unfortunately, this lack of passion seemed to be evident to employers as well.

“I applied three times, unsuccessfully, for an internship with the State Department before I reached the point where I started to consider other career paths,” Miller said. “Suddenly, I was faced with the prospect of having to compete in the job market.

And I felt like I was lost at sea.”

Yet he felt confident that having a degree from Georgetown would make the world after college relatively easy to navigate. Miller encountered an entirely different reality and ended up landing a job that his classes didn’t prepare him for.

He started working retail at Macy’s.

“I nearly reached the level of long-term employment,” Miller said. “The longer you go with a job, the more employers are inclined to think that something is wrong with you.”

Miller has since moved back to D.C. and is currently considering going back to school for energy policy.

“I still have plenty of time to figure this whole life thing out,” Miller said.

“What if I studied French for nothing ?”

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or some people, there’s something irresistible about foreign languages. Liz Frothingham (COL ’14) is one of these people.

Her love of languages began back in high school, where she began learning both French and Spanish. She originally began her college education at Colby College in Maine, where she majored in French. Although she changed universities, eventually landing at Georgetown, she retained her major, an interest that was solidified by a semester abroad during her freshman year.

Georgetown offered Frothingham the opportunity to study something that she was initially interested in, and gave her the ability to pursue it on a global scale.

“I’m seeking to teach English abroad in France with Teaching Assistantship Program in France,” Frothingham said. And while TAPIF requires only a single online application it also means that Froth-

Liz Frothington (COL ’14) ESL in France

ingham is in a state of flux until she receives her admission decision letter, in the spring.

“Until the spring, I get to sit here in the unknown, being constantly peppered with the dreaded, ‘So what are you doing after graduation?’ query,” Frothingham said.

Although Frothingham is confident in her decision to teach abroad and is looking forward to applying her major to help others, she admits that she is not above the fear of having wasted her education.

“While I have ideas about what I might like to do, whenever I begin to nose around for a job within a field, I fear that what I find, or what I am qualified for, doesn’t match what I imagine the workforce to be,” Frothingham said. “It also beckons questions about my studies: Did I pick the right major? What if I studied French for nothing?”

“I’m now in my freshman year of life and I’m loving it.”

Z

oë Lillian (COL ’13) did not know that after four years of rigorous academics, she would be pursuing a career in a field that inspires high-school graduates to head to California every summer.

Originally, Lillian maintained a mentality shared by a majority of students. She had lofty ideals of one day becoming president.

She considered disciplines in which she would get her doctorate, if she decided to go that route. Despite starting her Georgetown education interested in typical Georgetown subjects, Lillian developed an interest in linguistics and later added a minor of theater and performance studies.

That’s when she decided she wanted to be an actress.

Lillian’s ambitions began to change after taking her first interna-

tional relations class.

“I thought, well, I don’t think this is for me,” Lillian said.

It wasn’t until November of her senior year that Lillian made the choice to change the direction of her life. She decided that instead of waiting to hear if she got an interview with Deloitte or Google, she wanted to wait to hear about when her next audition would be and began to seriously pursue a life on the stage.

Following in footsteps similar to those of Britt Marling’s, she drew on the tenacity she gained at Georgetown to take on Hollywood. She is currently in an 11-woman play in Los Angeles, and has started to work on a film project with a friend from Georgetown.

“I’m now in my freshman year of life and I’m loving it,” Lillian said.

“I wasn’t one of those people that knew I was going to make it.”

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riginally from San Antonio, Allie Villarreal (COL ’12) came to campus with every intention of becoming a doctor. Used to excelling in academics, she began following the pre-med track that left no doubt about where she would be in the future. That is, until Villarreal started getting her grades.

“I got my first C freshman year after my second semester of Calc II. It was unthinkable. That same semester I ended up dropping my chemistry lecture because I bombed the first exam,” Villarreal said. “Thinking I could salvage things, the next year I enrolled in physics as a sophomore only to end the first semester with yet another C.” This was a jolt to Villarreal, who began to realize that her grades were perhaps less a product of difficult coursework, but rather a lack of passion.

“At that point I realized how much I hated physics and thought about how maybe I just hated science in general,” Villarreal said.

She decided to take a risk and switch her major from one she dreaded to one that provided a bright spot in her daily routine: theater and performance studies.

“With pre-med there was no question of what I was supposed to do. But theater? Just hearing my major made people cringe.

Adults and even some friends in my life would constantly ask me what I was going to ‘do’ with theater,” Villarreal said. “I wasn’t one of those people that knew I was going to make it or thought

Zoë Lillian (COL ’13) Aspiring actress

Allie Villarreal (COL ’12) Aspiring actress

that I was going to be some famous actor someday. I still don’t think that. I changed to theater because I loved it.”

But the pre-graduation opportunities available for other majors — such as internships or other professional activities — don’t necessarily exist for those interested in theater.

“My professors were quite realistic about how hard it would be in theater … You get shows when you can, but you need the ‘other job.’ I wasn’t prepared for the ‘other job’ in any way whatsoever,” Villarreal said.

Villarreal did make the most of her major, working hard to establish relationships with her professors, who were well-connected in the D.C. theater community. With a strong support system by her side, she performed her thesis in a festival and performed in Natsu Onoda Power’s “The T Party” at Forum Theater last year.

But despite finding success in a field that she loves, what she’s done hasn’t been able to pay the bills. She is currently doing transcription work through an alumni friend — a job that is flexible enough to accommodate her theater pursuits — and substitute teaches to earn some extra income.

“Life overall is good. I’m still fresh enough out of school that I don’t have to know exactly what I’m ‘going to do,’” Villarreal said.

“Job wise, it’s month to month. Life wise, I’m just figuring it out as I go along, and that’s really okay.”

center stage

Through Writing, Alumna Explores the Value of Life After Loss ALLISON HILLSBERY Hoya Staff Writer

Based in New York City, Mélanie Berliet (COL ’03) is a Georgetown alumna who goes above and beyond for her writing career. For Berliet, the road after graduation was far from easy, and her inspiring approach to life was motivated by the premature death of her older sister. Berliet recently wrote an e-single about this tragedy that is scheduled to be released at the end of this month.

COURTESY MÉLANIE BERLIET

Mélanie Berliet (COL ’03) left the world of Wall Street to pursue her writing career and publish a book about the death of her sister.

What did you study while you were at Georgetown, and what were you planning to do after graduation?

I was a major in political economy.

It was perfect for me because I was enjoying my government and economy classes about equally when it came time to declare my major.

I had no idea what I wanted to do initially so I kind of jumped on the Wall Street internship bandwagon.

Something about Wall Street appealed to me, the idea of just working hard and making a lot of money.

I worked on Wall Street as a bond trader for three years after college, but that didn’t make me happy, so I quit.

How did you get into writing?

I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I quit Wall Street, but I knew that I couldn’t figure it out working crazy 12 hour days. I took the summer off to figure it out, and I ended up spending most of my time just reading and writing. For the first time in a very long time, I could read whatever I wanted and that was so exciting to me. I thought, “If I can make a living doing this, I can have a chance at happiness.”

You have to start writing for free so I just found outlets that accepted random submissions and wrote and wrote and pitched and pitched.

It’s a long process. In 2007, McSweeney’s Internet Tendency published a humor piece I had written. Seeing my byline for the first time meant so much to me and really cemented that writing was the right thing for me. Another turning point, which happened about a year later, was when I was published by Vanity Fair. That happened because of a relationship I had built with another Vanity Fair writer. We emailed back and forth, and when I was ready

with a piece to publish in Vanity Fair, he helped make it happen.

How does Wall Street compare to the media world in NYC? I’ve worked equally as hard in the media world as I did on Wall Street, but the work is more gratifying from an intellectual standpoint.

The industries are equally cutthroat but in very different ways.

There are different personalities in each world. On Wall Street, people work with huge amounts of money and that’s what matters. Media people are happier making less money. They know you won’t become a billionaire being a writer, but that’s OK. Do you have any advice for students who want to seriously pursue writing after graduation?

In addition to just being prepared to write for free for a while, develop a thick skin. Writing is a wonderful thing but it requires the ability to take rejection. What an editor wants at any publication is pretty arbitrary. Don’t take it personally and keep pitching. Some of my best stories were rejected 10 times before they were published. It’s all part of the process.

How would you describe your writing style?

While I enjoyed humor writing, I soon realized that it wasn’t necessarily my strength, so I started searching for another journalistic niche. It was in 2008, when I kept hearing about the naked body sushi modeling trend, that it occurred to me that no one had written about the concept from the sushi model’s perspective — and that I could thus create a new story angle regarding an otherwise tired subject

by becoming the human platter for a night and writing about the experience from the first person.

From that point forth, I focused on experience-based “immersive” journalism. I didn’t give two s---- about what anyone might think, mostly because, I now realize, I was getting an up close lesson in how short and fragile life is thanks to my ailing older sister. Doing something made it easier to write about. I formed this odd sort of career because I stopped caring about what others might think. [My sister] was teaching me through dying, how to live.

What is Surviving In Spirit: A Memoir about Sisterhood and Addiction about?

Essentially, I explore how watching my older sister succumb to alcoholism (she died in 2009 from complications with cirrhosis) informed the risky choices I made throughout my 20s in life and love.

How do you feel about publishing something so personal?

It’s definitely not easy, and yet it’s the story I have to tell and I believe in sharing the human experience. I feel vulnerable, but there’s value in sharing. All of my writing involves a personal aspect and that makes it special. You can’t care what people will think or you won’t be honest.

What do you hope that readers take away from the book?

I don’t really know. I think that people bring their own experience to whatever they read so it’s hard to predict what they will take away from it. I hope that it resonates with them. It’s essentially a story about sisterhood and in spite of darkness, it really is beautiful. It’s a human story.

the guide

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014

TECH TALK

THE HOYA

B3

EXHIBIT REVIEW

Henry Parrott

Driving The Future Of Travel

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hen you think of technology juggernauts like Google and Apple waging battles for market share, the first products that come to mind are most likely personal or wearable tech like smartphones, watches and Google Glass. But if you follow the activities of these companies closely, you will see that they are not investing all of their resources in gadgets made for your eyes or your wrist: Both companies have been allocating a great deal of time and money to devices made for the dashboard of your car.

Both Apple and Google have been aggressively seeking partnerships in the auto industry to try and create the next big thing: A dashboard unit in your car powered by Android or iOS. In 2014, a group of a dozen car companies including Honda, Ferrari, Mercedes and Ford will offer iOS 7 integration with their dashboard units.

So what could that mean for you as a consumer? In the short term, it means hopefully no more dealing with clunky built-in GPS interfaces and never again needing to balance your phone in your lap for GPS directions. Additionally, you could load your music library onto the cloud and play it directly through your car’s stereo system without reliance on any other device. Apple already mentioned other services that will be included as well, such as Siri, messaging, Apple maps (which will hopefully not be confusing your beach getaway for inner Mongolia by then), web searches and apps like Wikipedia and Twitter that will be integrated into the car itself. While I personally am not wild about the idea of driving next to someone who is tweeting, listening to music and talking to Siri while cruising down the highway, presumably safety will also be a consideration throughout the development process.

Never far behind, Google has teamed up with Audi, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai and chipmaker Nvidia to form a group called the “Open Automotive Alliance.” Google’s counterstrategy has been to offer its operating system for free, hoping to generate revenue later on through its services and software sales. Strategically, this is also an excellent counter to Apple, which relies heavily on device sales to maintain its profit margins. Android, which is the largest and most used mobile operating system in the world, would offer similar capabilities to iOS in your car. However, with Google’s vastly popular maps and GPS service, one would have to think that for a device meant for the car, Android would seem to have the upper hand in terms of functionality. However, with an enormous and very loyal consumer base, especially among Americans, Apple is a serious competitive threat to Google.

While it remains to be determined which, if either, of these two companies will gain dominant market share during this early developmental stage, the prospect of it has several exciting implications for the future of driving. Namely, the long sought-after concept of the self-driving car is much more likely to come to fruition in a world in which cars are running the same operating system. Less ambitiously, GPS tracking in each car would mean that traffic patterns could be traced in real time, and apps could be created that worked with the GPS in your car to provide accurate data on how best to avoid traffic and reach your destination as quickly as possible.

Although it creates a lot of potential for sparking further innovation, in the meantime, a fully integrated mobile operating system in the dashboard of your car means bringing an entire world of entertainment options into the vehicles of the generation that brought us the laws against texting and driving. A promising future of relaxing with full internet access while Siri drives you to lunch should not allow us to lose sight of the present, as driving is inherently dangerous and distractions have shown to be even more deadly than alcohol consumption. Changes in law to protect drivers could cut the entire initiative short by banning this kind of technology in our vehicles. As we watch the emergence of the innovations that will drive future technology, it is important that we not forget our own limitations and remain safety conscious.

Henry Parrott is a junior in the School of Foreign Service. TECH TALK appears every other Friday in the guide.

COURTESY NATIONAL GALLERY

“Heaven and Earth,” an exhibit at the National Gallery of Art, features early representations of Christ from the Byzantine period. Clockwise from left: The “Virgin of the Catalans,” exterior of National Gallery, signet ring of Byzantine officer, plaques with scenes from the life of Achilles.

Beauty of Byzantium Exhibit showcases development of Christian art NICOLE JARVIS Hoya Staff Writer

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or many students, their knowledge of the history of art begins with the pristine marble of the GrecoRomans and jumps straight to the developments in realism and perspective that dominated the Renaissance. The problem with this picture is that it skips entire civilizations that produced breathtaking and important pieces which shaped the development of modern art and religious practice. The most significant of these empires is the Byzantine, which lasted from A.D. 300-1453, a period of over 1100 years.

To modern audiences, Byzantine art — with its dramatic gold backgrounds and not quite natural human bodies — may seem quaint, underdeveloped or difficult to relate to, but “Heaven and Earth,” the newest exhibit at the National Gallery of Art that features works from Greek national collections, offers an in-depth chronological look at the development of Byzantine religious art and how it established the Christian visual language we still encounter to this day.

What sets the art of Byzantium apart from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance

is the unparalleled embracing of Christian religious ideology in its art. The images and iconography that were popularized during this period became the standard religious images for the next few centuries. Images of the Virgin Mary, infant Jesus and sparse works of Christ’s crucifixion abound in this particular exhibit, but each offers a different emotional interpretation of the same idea — the humanity and suffering of Christ the Redeemer.

What’s remarkable about the Byzantines was the sheer volume of different types of religious artifacts they left behind. This exhibit alone features intricate mosaics, sculptures, frescoes, illuminated manuscripts, tapestries, jewelry, eating utensils and pretty much everything in between.

The scale of the works also varies considerably from massive carvings to tiny personal devotional icons. This variety, as well as the relatively small size of the exhibit, helps to keep the historical narrative manageable and to keep the viewers engaged from beginning to end.

One feature of the exhibit that should not be missed is the video presentation highlighting the architecture and decoration of Byzantine churches. It can be tempting

to skip these installations in museums, but this one in particular is worth pausing for.

While seeing Byzantine religious artifacts in a museum is interesting, as a viewer you lose the religious context the images were often presented in and without this context, some of the deep religious power of the artifacts is lost. The high-definition video footage, apart from being simply astounding to look at, does a great job at building a physical backdrop for the artifacts. The scale of Byzantine churches — with massively intricate gold mosaics covering most of their interior walls — is difficult to capture, but the footage does a commendable job at showing both the remarkable size and details of these monumental churches, monasteries and chapels.

Beyond its importance and accessibility, this exhibit shouldn’t be passed by simply because there has never been a more complete chronological presentation of art of this period in the United States — especially not one composed of pieces owned by international governments and collections. All art enthusiasts should take advantage of this amazing opportunity while it is available. The exhibit will run until March 2, 2014.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

Raw Focus on Slavery’s Brutality NPR, from B1 has been positive, many people have called the film painful or difficult to watch.

“I really think people don’t know how hard, how difficult, how brutal slavery was,” Ridley said of the responses.

“Other than ‘Roots’,” Ridley said, “We know it from “Song of the South.”” The latter, despite featuring the classic song, “Zipa-Dee-Doo-Dah,” is widely considered to be a glamorization of Georgia plantation life. “It’s not even slavery,” Ridley said.

But he understands the struggle people have watching the film.

“This film, you care about the individuals. They are rendered as individuals, and that makes it more difficult,” Ridley said.

Ridley, himself, had a hard time watching parts of the film.

At the event, a scene was played showing the young slave Patsey (Lupita Nyong’o) returning to her plantation to find her vicious master (Michael Fassbender) furious at her absence. As the brief clip rolled, Ridley looked away, unable to watch the scene he had written.

Other moments of the evening were also emotional for Ridley, indicating the potent feelings that have come from exploring Northup’s life. At one point, he told the story of when he nearly enlisted in the military. In sharing this private moment and discussing people like the Tuskegee Airmen,

Ridley was moved to tears. He displayed great admiration for these oppressed men who were willing to fight for their right to fight for their country.

As the discussion returned to the subject of “12 Years a Slave”, Ridley shared an idea about what might be taken away from it.

He reflected on the progress the United States has made since the 1840s.

“We went from that to this. If we can do that, we can do anything,” Ridley said.

The event, which fell on the eve of the Academy Award nominations announcement, did eventually move to the topic of the Oscars. One audience member asked Ridley about his feelings on the prestigious award, with him being a frontrunner. Ridley, now nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay, was still waiting in nervous anticipation on that night.

“That’s a lot of weight,” Ridley said, in reference to the many people who have called him a lock for the award. In 1999, Ridley received strong buzz for his film “Three Kings”, but on the morning of the Oscar nominations, he was overlooked. To respond to the audience member’s question, Ridley insisted that he is just happy that the film’s story is getting exposure, regardless of the film’s performance at the Oscars.

“I’m truly so thankful that people are talking about Solomon,” Ridley said.

COURTESY AMY TA/NPR

John Ridley, screenwriter of Oscar-nominated “12 Years a Slave,” dicussed the real story behind the celebrated film.

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the guide

THE HOYA

FEATURE

Igniting the Fire Online magazine creates multicultural discourse JACQUELINE KIMMEL Special to The Hoya

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n 2000, when a group of black students received death threats because of their race, eight Georgetown students decided that they needed to take action to change the campus conversation about racial issues. That year, they founded an online magazine called The Fire This Time, looking to open up a dialogue about how Hoyas deal with multiculturalism.

Since its founding, the magazine has been revamped several times, most notably in 2009 after students were offended by an insensitive April Fools’ Edition of THE HOYA and in 2010, when former Washington Post writer and English professor Athelia Knight taught a class through the university to help the paper. Despite the reincarnations of the magazine, its mission remains the same: to create dialogue and awareness about different backgrounds and experiences outside of just an academic setting.

Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Dromgoole (SFS ’16) believes that the staff behind the online publication has the potential to make a significant difference on campus. The staff, comprised of students from all four years and schools on campus, represents a broad array of ethnic backgrounds, all of whom contribute an important perspec-

tive to the magazine. Dromgoole himself is from Guadalajara, Mexico, and immigrated to Austin, Texas, at a young age. He believes this background has given him a unique vantage point to address the issues of race.

“I am proud to say I am racially diverse,” Dromgoole said. “As the first fashion editor to become Editor-in-Chief, I think I have a unique ability to expand the magazine’s scope.”

The writers for the magazine argue that the campus is not as racially harmonious as one might assume. Dromgoole attests that many minorities face discrimination on campus and that it is not limited to a specific group.

“Sometimes minorities on campus are misinterpreted,” Dromgoole said. “Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, even White students on campus can and have felt segregated or pushed to the side.” The magazine tries to bring this discrimination to light.

The site features a variety of different content, from music reviews and fashion to raw short stories and poetry. Their “Things that make you go hmm … ” section, modeled after The Microaggressions Project Tumblr page, addresses several facets of racial discrimination that are often ignored. Using a thought-provoking method of challenging common societal

COURTESY THE FIRE THIS TIME

The Fire This Time, founded in 2000, seeks to create a dialogue about multicultural issues and challenge common misconceptions on campus.

NEW IN TOWN

The Greatest Gift Of All: Teaching to Read

misconceptions, it asks ironically, “In a post-racist, post-sexist, post-classist world, what problems can we possibly have?! We can make Cheerios commercials starring interracial families without large protest.

We can applaud women as they earn 100 cents for every dollar men earn. We can be a black male, live in New York and succumb to being ‘stopped and frisked’ only on rare occasions. We can bury the term ‘food desert,’ as all Americans have access to healthy food in their respective communities.” The Fire This Time argues that things that we are ready to accept as fact are in fact fictional. Thus, the magazine attempts to clarify the campus misconceptions about race, class and gender.

The Fire This Time is published online with content either written by the staff or submitted by readers. They also use Facebook, Twitter and social events like their semester launch parties to engage their readership. However, despite having many platforms to reach readers, the magazine has struggled to remain relevant.

“In an age where news is almost instantly available online and through social media, it is difficult for students to actively engage,” Dromgoole said. He believes the solution is to focus on what makes The Fire This Time unique and to keep content memorable.

Ultimately, one has to question how much of an impact these articles can have.

Will people really change their feelings about race because of something they read? The Fire This Time thinks that the most change may come through introspection by its readers. They use features such as the “Question of the Week” to invite readers to think critically about questions like “when was the last time you shared a meal with someone from a different cultural background than yourself?”

“This contemplation may sustain true dialogue and awareness concerning our different background and experiences,” Dromgoole said.

Dromgoole believes the challenges the publication faces are far from insurmountable. Building a readership is a common problem for other campus publications, and remaining relevant in the age of social media is a challenge being faced by publications the world over. Dromgoole is ready to take on the challenge.

“We hope to keep the fire burning,” Dromgoole said.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014

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Have you ever dreamed of partying with Drake? How about studying with Drake or having Drake over for dinner? With the new photo app Drake Shake, you can insert everyone’s favorite emotional rapper into any of your photos. Update all of your selfies and have Drake show up in your trips to Good Stuff, your common room and in your microeconomics class. Choose from a variety of Drake poses, and just shake to add Drake to let the fun begin.

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PEEK-A-BOO COATI | CANCUN, MEXICO

I

am an immigrant. I am an (CSJ) and concentrates on pairing American. The first half of my Georgetown students with elemenlife is colored with memories tary students in the first through and experiences of living in a de- third grade who are not reading veloping nation, under an oppres- at their respective grade levels. sive government. When I was 12, These children, often coming from my family moved to America where low-income backgrounds, attend I was able to go to a good high schools in Ward 7 and 8. Multiple school in New York City and then times a week, over 250 Georgetown attend Georgetown. As a result of students provide needed, personalthe age at which I immigrated to ized and individualized attention America, I am part of the relatively to over 450 students in nine differnew classification known as the ent locations.

“1.5 generation.” At that age, I was D.C. Reads was probably one of old enough to remember what my the hardest yet most fulfilling aclife was like in Myanmar and car- tivities I have ever done at Georgery those experiences with me but town. I became personally invested still young enough that I was easily in my kids and all I wanted was to wonderstruck at the see them succeed. Alpeculiarities of Amerithough I usually had ca. As I grew up in this trouble waking up at new country, my life 9 a.m. every Saturday, was a mixture of these I was always excited two worlds and these to promote my love often-conflicting idenfor reading with the tities. In fact, my jourchildren that came ney was what got me to the community liEng Gin Moe interested in internabrary. Throughout the tional relations and program, I was able to what prompted me to apply to the work with the same kids each week, School of Foreign Service. and it was rewarding seeing their Many of us chose to come to reading level actually improve.

Georgetown for its unparalleled Overall, it was a very humbling education. In fact, my parents’ experience doing a service like D.C. main motivation for moving to Reads. Before doing the program, I America was because they believed had taken my education for grantthat I would have a better educa- ed to a certain extent. My parents tion, which in turn would lead to and teachers had always been willa stable career. Throughout high ing to put in extra hours to try and school and even today, my parents help me understand a particularly constantly remind me that I am difficult concept until I had comextremely lucky to have been part pletely mastered it. However, the of America’s public education sys- schools D.C. Reads visits each week tem and enrolled at Georgetown. lack the resources and finances to They taught me to recognize the ensure that each and every one privilege I have just by the virtue of their students is able to underof attending a top-tier school like stand everything fully. In this way, Georgetown. Their emphasis on ed- it is easy for students to fall behind, ucation led me to understand the and once disadvantaged, it can be massive importance of education a great struggle to catch up, let and its implications for those who alone move ahead. D.C. Reads does have access to it and those who do a great job of trying to bridge that not. In fact, they inspired me to gap and teaches many Georgetown join D.C. Reads my first semester of students that education is somefreshman year and to help others. thing that should never be taken D.C. Reads is a local response to for granted. the America Reads Challenge, a national initiative started under Pres- Eng Gin Moe is a sophomore in the ident Clinton that aims to promote School of Foreign Service. NEW IN literacy. Georgetown’s program is TOWN appears every other Friday in run by the Center for Social Justice the guide.

DANIEL SMITH/THE HOYA

the guide

friday, JANUARY 24, 2014

THE HOYA

B5

RESTAURANTs

New M Street Pub Celebrates Irish Brew and Bites RÍ RÁ

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3125 M St. NW Cuisine: Irish $$$$ Emily Manbeck Hoya Staff Writer

A new Irish restaurant at the end of M Street, Rí Rá has succeeded in bringing the Emerald Isle to Georgetown.

The pub, which opened for business last month, is a welcome addition to the international fare of the neighborhood’s main drag — especially since it is a far cry from the space’s tacky, Asianfusion predecessor, Mie N Yu. When we entered Rí Rá last Saturday, we were immediately impressed by the decor. The restaurant has infused authentic Irish history into its design scheme by restoring several artifacts from Victorian Dublin and creating a sophisticated yet jovial dining atmosphere. To the left, a golden bar — sparkling with beautifully designed mirrors and chandeliers — captured our attention. A statue of St. Patrick stands prominently and proudly in an alcove behind the counter. Rescued from a burning building in 1920s Ireland, this ode to the Irish saint is in perfect condition and is an integral part of the restaurant’s patriotic vibe. We were seated behind the bar in a room with booths, chairs and a leather ceiling. The

archway, along with glass display cases, made us feel as though we were eating in an authentic Irish museum. The restaurant also has a red velvet-covered theater room as well as a Whiskey Room and Bar set to open later this month.

Our waitress arrived almost immediately and gave us water, place settings and a few meal recommendations. Attentive and friendly, her lilting Irish accent cemented the restaurant’s charm.

The Guinness ($7), a must-have at such an authentic Irish establishment, was a delicious blend of American and Irish flavors. The menu features predominately Irish fare, with some other popular snack foods from around the world.

We ordered the avocado hummus dip as an appetizer ($11). Served with toasted pita bread and fresh vegetables, the dip had a smooth consistency as well as a subtle spicy kick, and the avocado did not overpower the traditional hummus taste.

The entrees were delivered in rapid succession following the appetizers.

The Shepherd’s pie ($15) was served in an adorable ramekin along with two pieces of pumpernickel toast. The heartiness of the gravy, lamb and vegetables, mixed with the smooth mashed potato

EMILY MANBECK/THE HOYA

A classic Irish dish that also manages to showcase the country’s most iconic alcoholic beverage, the Guiness Stew was declared far above par when also served with warm pumpernickel toast. crust, melted in my mouth and left me wanting more even after I was finished.

Other popular favorites at the table were fish and chips ($16), Guinness stew ($14) and a Guinness BBQ sandwich ($15), which were all deemed to be perfectly savory and delicious.

As Rí Rá is first and foremost a pub, their drink selection bears some discussion. Far more than Guiness can be found on the beer menu, which showcases dozens of draught, imported and

craft varieties. The establishment also maintains an extensive wine list with items listed by the glass and by the bottle. Those looking to stray away from tradition should take a look at the house cocktails. The “Jameson Rose” is a blend of Jameson Irish Whiskey, Baileys Irish Cream, Sloe Gin, Half and Half and Grenadine shaken over ice and presented in a sugar rimmed martini glass. The Rí Rá Latte again features Jameson and Half and Half, but

this time with Kahlua served over ice in a tall 12 oz. glass.

Though definitely not as inexpensive as traditional bar food, the prices at Rí Rá were reasonable for a brand new urban pub. A nice place for a group event or intimate dinner, Rí Rá offers something for everyone. Plus, the restaurant recently started an ongoing series of concerts and late night events that are sure to make any weekend exciting.

RECIPES

RESTAURANTS

maple salmon

allrecipes.com Whether you’re looking to impress friends with a meal that you can throw together after a day in Lau, or just trying to find a way to make fish a little tastier, this salmon dish is worth a try. With a surprising mixture of flavors, it’s easy to make and takes minimal time to prepare. You can prepare the salmon the night before and just leave it in the fridge until it’s time to cook. If you’re feeling healthy, just serve with a green salad, otherwise serve with rice. Serves 4.

INGREDIENTS CAITLIN SANDERS/THE HOYA

Make sure to order the “Old Spoiled Daddy,” the star of the meal. Roasted peppers, feta cheese, babba ghanoush and pomegranate molasses mingle to create a delicious, unexpected flavor combination.

With Unexpected Global Flavors, Tavern Delights the District DISTRICT COMMONS

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2200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Cuisine: American $$$$ Caitlin Sanders Special to The Hoya

Journey just outside of Georgetown and you will find District Commons, an affordable, simple but incredibly delicious spin on classic American food that takes into account all its global influences. The restaurant features seasonal, sustainable seafood, locally grown fruits and vegetables, house baked artisanal breads and pastries. All these elements and more make for a classic American tavern updated for a modern taste.

District Commons also boosts a wide variation of food that is sure to satisfy every diner. For further encouragement for the over 21 crowd to make the trek to Foggy Bottom, District Commons offers a $14 bottomless mimosa brunch.

District Commons has a personality all its own, decorated in a contemporary style with bright punches of red and with clean, simple accents that make it feel trendy without trying too hard.

This same sense of casual confidence comes across even in the humorous menu descriptions: The description for a bowl of the satisfying Texas chili con carne ($11) is a succinct “Usual Suspects,

Cornbread.” The restaurant’s selfassuredness in delivering the best of the classics is well deserved.

Mid-morning on a Saturday, the restaurant was abuzz with friends and families, showing District Commons to be the perfect choice for any casual occasion.

Separate from the soups, salads and starters list are four choices of “crispy flatbreads from the hearth” ($12). While all four feature unconventional plates, the standout is the “Old Spoiled Daddy,” which proved to be the highlight of the entire brunch as well. Although the origin of the dish’s name may be a mystery, it was an exceptional and somewhat unexpected combination of ingredients. Roasted peppers and feta cheese were sprinkled over a spread of baba ghanoush (a Levantine dish of eggplant mashed and mixed with olive oil and various seasonings) and finished with a drizzling of pomegranate molasses. The flatbread was perfectly crispy and thin enough to not steal the show from the more flavorful ingredients.

Following the flatbread, we marveled over the delicious brunch entree options which included a variety of seafood, chick-

1/4 cup maple syrup 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 clove garlic

1/4 teaspoon garlic salt 1/8 teaspon black pepper 1 pound salmon

In a small bowl, mix the maple syrup, soy sauce, salt and pepper.

Place salmon in a shallow glass baking dish and coat with the maple syrup mixture Cover the dish and marinate the salmon in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 400 F. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake salmon, uncovered, for 20 minutes or so, until easily flaked with a fork. Serve immediately.

hot buttered rum

en and salad dishes that range in price from $14 to $26 (the most expensive being the steak, of course). After much deliberation, we ordered the “Cast Iron Skillet” Huevos Rancheros ($14), which followed the traditional set up of eggs atop black beans with a queso sauce, and the Omelet Louisiana ($15), which contains gulf shrimp, crawfish, green onions and goat cheese. Both were delicious meals, but compared to the flatbread, they seemed disappointing. We also determined that with more side dishes, both meals would have been more complete brunch plates.

The savory sides ($5) are just as appealing as the entrees and include hearty small plates such as scalloped potatoes and wild rice-sweet potato hash. To fully enjoy District Commons, patrons should return a few times and try items off of the lunch, dinner and dessert menus as well.

Overall, it would be an understatement to say that District Commons receives our approval.

It has a great atmosphere for both casual and classy dining, and each plate is sure to be a hit. District Commons successfully won over two returning customers.

foodnetwork.com Some may reserve this indulgent classic for December, but warm happiness in a mug should not be restricted by seasonal constraints.

Next snow day, skip the cold walk to the coffee shop, invite over some friends and enjoy the evening with one of these.

In a bowl, cream together 1 stick of butter, 2 cups brown sugar, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg, 1 pinch ground cloves and 1 pinch salt. Refrigerate until almost firm. Spoon about 4 tablespoons of the butter mixture into 6 large mugs. Pour 3 ounces of dark rum into each mug and fill about a quarter of each. Top with boiling water to fill up half of each mug, stir well and serve immediately.

red wine hot chocolate

saveur.com We’re used to sitting on the couch with a glass of red wine in one hand and a bar of chocolate in the other, so putting them together is just a logical time saver. Keep off the winter chill with a new and soulsoothing version of this classic pairing.

Bring 6 oz. of finely-chopped bittersweet chocolate and 1/3 cup fruity red wine (Pinot Noir or Shiraz) to a simmer in a 1qt. saucepan over low heat. Cook, while whisking, until melted or about 3 minutes. Add 2/3 cup water, 1 cup milk and a pinch of kosher salt. Bring to a boil, and cook, while whisking for 3 more minutes. Pour into 2 mugs and serve with sugar on the side if desired.

B6

the guide

THE HOYA

Album review

Mind Over Matter Young the Giant

Sami Rahman Hoya Staff Writer

With their second studio album, “Mind Over Matter,” Young the Giant is certainly proving to audiences that they have come into their own both commercially and artistically. After receiving mixed reviews from critics on their debut album, the indie-rock band has incorporated novel musical styles in “Mind Over Matter” to create a new sheen of artistry. This young group of five Californian musicians is sure to move from playing at small-time gigs to peaking on the U.S. Billboard charts in late January when their second album hits audiences worldwide.

The album covers a variety of musical styles. Songs such as “Anagram” would be perfect when getting ready to go out, while others, like “Paralysis” are better suited to listening to as you catch up on readings for class. And then there are a select few songs such

as “Waves,” that are heavy on the instrumental and lyrically toned-down for the more melodramatic listeners.

The album’s most popular single, “It’s About Time,” has elements of less mainstream music that you would not expect from the band’s reserve of low-key, more laid-back alternative tunes. However, in this single and in many others featured on the album, Young the Giant proves that it is capable of perfectly fusing together the two styles to create a very unique melody. The members of the band work well together to generate musical grace as Sameer Gadhia’s unswerving vocals do not overpower Jacob Tilley’s soulful guitar strumming, nor do they get lost under Francois Comtois’ powerful, warlike drumming.

However, toward the second half of the album, it seemed that Young the Giant was trying to take on too much.

The song “Camera” constituted the most lackluster five minutes of “Mind Over Matter.” The style is not very

BEATCRAVE.COM

Lead singer Sameer Gadhia belts out one of the band’s indie-rock originals in front of a very approving crowd at a recent show.

arts & entertainment feature

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FUELED BY RAMEN

catchy and the mundane lyrics fail to keep the song upbeat, likely resulting in listeners quickly moving on to the next track.

It’s worth noting that the title song, “Mind Over Matter,” playfully bounces between alternative indie to indie-rock and contains a few musical qualities like loud, almost-shouted lyrical statements followed by soft, quiet whispering. While these lyrics follow a peak and trough style, inspirational guitar thrumming provides a poignant backdrop to the song, and, for a moment, they invoke memories of American indie-rock band The Shins.

Integrating another band’s unique elegance without butchering the song is truly a redeeming quality to look for in bands.

For the most part, “Mind Over Matter” evokes a sense of imagery and fortitude through the frequent string-heavy styles and convincing vocals that flow in and out of each track. The most popular singles of the album, such as “It’s About Time,” “Crystallized” and “Mind Over Matter,” have definite replay value, while other songs such as “Daydreamer” and “Firelight” are more esoteric in their ambiguous fusion of folk and indie flairs. Although a little hit-andmiss at times during the latter half of the album, “Mind Over Matter” as a whole is well worth a listen.

girl meets world

No Perfect Finale for TV or Life

T

his month marks the beginning of my last semester of college, which has me feeling a little nostalgic and very sentimental. Since lately I’ve been dwelling on endings in life, I’ve also found myself thinking about how endings are portrayed in movies and television.

It’s hard to think of movies with completely unsatisfactory endings, not because they don’t exist but because endings are essential to their works. Since films are relatively short, if the ending is awful, no one will watch it again and it will be mostly forgotten. That’s how important the ending is to the work as a whole.

Television shows are more likely to end unsatisfactorily, partially because the ending isn’t usually planned from the beginning and partially because after many seasons, fans become incredibly invested in the characters. They imagine their own perfect endings and shows have to live up to that. You can spend years becoming invested and then hate the home stretch.

Part of the problem, though, is that no one can agree on what makes a good ending. When it’s vague, like “Inception” or “The Sopranos,” people complain about the ambiguity. When J.K. Rowling writes an epilogue that tells you everything that happens to the characters, she’s given away too much. “Return of the King” takes too long to wrap things up. “Friends” was too sappy, “Seinfeld” too mean. Then there’s the king of controversial endings: “Lost.”

I hold the unpopular opinion that the “Lost” finale was wonderful. The science fiction show about plane crash survivors, smoke monsters , time travel-

ling and a magical island ended with all its characters together in heaven. Many myste ries remained unresolved. Critics derided it as an over-sentimental letdown.

For me, the ending works because those mysteries were never the point of “Lost.” The show was always about the journey of the characters — deeply flawed and intensely human — as they sought salvation. Midway through the episode, Desmond

Victoria Edel tells Jack, “None of this matters” — the island, who killed who, the mysteries. What matters is that there’s a place where they can all be together and happy, a place that the show gives them in its last moments. A handful of sinners have a chance at redemption. It was the perfect finale for one of the greatest TV series of all time.

This focus on characters isn’t just what sets “Lost” apart; it is intrinsic to any good television show. If it’s all just about the puzzles — preventing the terrorist attack, saving the patient, solving the crime — or mocking characters with no heart underneath, then none of it will prove memorable in the long run.

So where does that leave me?

My college career isn’t a carefully plotted drama, but rather a hodgepodge of things I found interesting at the time. Like a final season of a comedy series,

Friday, JANUARY 24, 2014

I’m working to create meaning out of all the things I threw out there for laughs during each season. But since this isn’t actually a comedy series, I can only control my part of the story. I can’t write myself a happy ending in which I get the job or the boy or in which everything perfectly mirrors the pilot in heartfelt and touching ways. But I might be able to look at the best and worst television finales for a little guiding light.

I can be like Pam Beesly Halpert on the finale of “The Office” and take a big risk. I could fight my best friendTes like Will and Grace do in their show’s finale or I could be like Desmond on “Lost” and hold close the people I love most. I can try to run away from my problems like Ted during the last season of “How I Met Your Mother.” I can accept change with grace like Coach Taylor at the end of “Friday Night Lights.”

In the end, I’ll probably channel Liz Lemon on “30 Rock” — which, coincidentally, ended almost exactly a year ago — and combine these methods into a messy but funny ending.

Liz’s observation on endings?

“I guess there’s a reason people don’t say honest goodbyes. Because when stuff is coming to an end, people freak out and they act crazy.” Liz sucks it up though, and instead of sulking about the end of an era, she says goodbye and carries her friendships with her into the future.

I’ll be trying to take a page out of the Lemon book as this chapter of my life closes: Act a little crazy, but hold it together with the help of friends and junk food.

Victoria Edel is a senior in the College. GIRL MEETS WORLD appears every other Friday in the guide.

BEST BETS

COURTESY THE DAILY GRIND

Confident on stage, The Daily Grind prepares to leave their hometown of Pittsburgh, Pa., for a 20-city tour that kicks off in March.

Back to the Grind: A Labor of Love Emily Troisi

“Pittsburgh is more a sports town than a music town,” Hammer said.

“People don’t really get the artsy thing lthough Daily Grind has here.” only been together since While this impervious environMarch of last year, they are ment might have discouraged some, already set to release their the band grew despite the struggle first, full-length album, “The Green and managed to thrive in a less than Plan,” on March 14 and will begin a ideal environment. national tour of over 20 cities just one “I guess with it not being a great week after the debut of the album. music town, you’ve got to probably The Pittsburgh-based, alternative rock play a little bit better just to get people quartet, comprised of Brad Hammer interested. So I’d say in that regard, it’s (guitar/lead vocals), Myles Mahoney made us work harder for the things (lead guitar/vocals), Matt Majot (bass/ we do get,” Hammer said. vocals) and Chris Petteys (drums), is The Daily Grind’s hard work will filooking forward to this new chapter nally pay off later this year when they in their musical careers and the op- embark on their three-month, nationportunities al tour. that travelling “I think I think we’re going the country what I’m lookwill bring ing forward to be one of those them. to most is to Almost one bands where nothing finally get that year ago, the to go happens overnight.” chance group perwith the muformed a cover sic that I’m Matt Majot of the Red Hot Bassist and vocalist for The Daily Grind creating with Chili Peppers’ my brothsong “Don’t Forget Me” that ignited ers in the Daily Grind and really just the spark between the four friends kind of go out and hit people with it,” and provided the aha moment that Petteys said. convinced them of their potential. The The four members are both humRed Hot Chili Peppers remain a heavy ble and realistic and more than willinfluence in the band’s music, as do ing to put in the grueling work that Incubus, the Arctic Monkeys, Muse, will ensure their success.

Queens of the Stone Age and, perhaps “I think we’re going to be one of more surprisingly, Biggie Smalls. those bands where nothing happens “We’re alternative rock. I think we overnight and we’re just going to have a little bit more of a hip-hop under- grind it out as we can. I think we’ve tone than just straight alternative rock; got probably three or four grueling I think that is what we’re going for. So tours where we’re broke and sleeping hopefully that kind of sound will con- on each other in a van and you know tinue to get developed,” Hammer said. put out as many albums as we can While fans should be on the look- until we get a definitive sound,” Majot out for a future hip-hop infusion, they said. “I think we’re just gonna be that can definitely expect to hear a more band that has 13 albums and 10 tours unified sound come the release of the under our belt before anyone’s like, album. “The Green Plan” will certain- ‘Oh look at these guys.’” ly capture the band’s fresh and limitThe band’s positive outlook and less approach to writing music. perseverance is embodied in their “We never have the verse, pre-cho- name. Majot says that the title came rus, chorus, verse, pre-chorus, chorus, to them when thinking about what bridge, chorus, done. We always kind they and their fans could relate to: the of differ it up from the last song,” Ma- daily grind of everyday life. jot said of their technique.

“I know for us particularly, we’re “It’s going to be pretty eclectic. We doing this because we absolutely love don’t have a ton of stuff that sounds music, like we’re addicted to it and identical,” Hammer said. it gets us through our daily grind.

The Daily Grind suggests that new- People can come out and have a good comers to their music listen to the time and forget about their daily track “Hazy” from their new album grind for a minute,” Majot said. to get a feel for their sound and style.

With a motto of “stay grinding” “It’s trippy; it’s got like the Arctic that is both a reminder to the band Monkey sound. There’s a lot of space itself and to its listeners, the Daily in the song. Just soft lyrics on top of a Grind certainly has the right attitude driving bass,” Majot says of the track. to be successful in the music world.

“It’s definitely one of our more or- Combine this with their powerful chestrated kinds of songs. There’s a lot music and the Daily Grind is poised to more levels, there’s a little bit more ef- broaden its fan base and truly impress fects,” Mahoney added. on its national tour. To experience Although the Daily Grind’s future their energy and passion firsthand, looks promising now, initially playing check out their D.C. show April 3 and the Pittsburgh music scene was far visit their Facebook page to download from an easy start. their music.

Hoya Staff Writer

A

“

ON CAMPUS

‘A Mouthful of Birds’

2014 MLK Day of Service

Improv Show

Jesuit Heritage Week Opening Mass

WHERE: Davis Performing Arts Center WHEN: Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.

INFO: guevents.georgetown.edu PRICE: $12 General, $5 Student

WHERE: Meet in MSB Hariri Building WHEN: Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

INFO: guevents.georgetown.edu PRICE: Free

WHERE: Bulldog Alley WHEN: Saturday, 9 p.m.

INFO: guevents.georgetown.edu PRICE: $6 General, $4 Student

WHERE: Gaston Hall WHEN: Sunday, 8 p.m.

INFO: Campus Ministry PRICE: Free

Originally written by Caryl Churchill, Georgetown’s “A Mouthful of Birds” is presented as a senior thesis production in conjunction with Nomadic Theatre. The show has been called a seductive blend of “modernity and myth.” Catch the second production in the Theater and Performance Studies Program’s “Remember Me: A Season of Ghosts and Spirits” season!

Begin this semester by lending a helping hand with the CSJ at this off-campus service event.

This year, Georgetown has partnered with the D.C. Promise Neighborhood Initiative to plan a day of service in Ward 7 to reflect and celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Come out and join alumni and the community to make a difference here in the district.

Want to see a show that will never be seen again? Make plans this weekend to check out the Georgetown Improv Association’s unscripted and unrehearsed comedy production. The action and dialogue is inspired by audience suggestions so that ticket holders are involved in all the excitement. If you enjoy seeing quick wit and commitment to entertainment, this is the show for you.

Kick off Jesuit Heritage Week, an annual event devoted to exploring spirituality, social justice, the arts and education in the world of St. Ignatius of Loyola on the Georgetown Hilltop. This community-building event, open to the entire Georgetown community, will take the place of the usual Sunday evening masses and Protestant worship services. The Chapel, Contemporary and Gospel Choirs will all perform.

the guide

friday, JANUARY 24, 2014

Wanderlust Sophie Ellis-Bextor

THE HOYA

album review

MUSIC

New Releases

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‘START A RIOT’ JETTA 

Rachel Habib Hoya Staff Writer

Three years after the release of her last album, British singersongwriter Sophie Ellis-Bextor returns with “Wanderlust,” a gothic-pop concoction that is a far cry from her disco-inspired tunes of the past. This is her fifth album, and it attempts to shake up Ellis-Bextor’s dance-music image, a task made possible through the help of producer Ed Harcourt.

Although “Wanderlust” certainly finds Ellis-Bextor out of her comfort zone, the album becomes caught up in its contriteness and ultimately leaves no lasting impression.

From the moment that the Arabian-inspired strings open on “Birth of An Empire,” it is clear that Ellis-Bextor intends to follow her wanderlust to every farfetched place that it may take her. Yet, in doing so, the album immediately begins to fall prey to cliche. Overdramatic titles are given to melodramatic melodies, made even more so through contrite lyrics.

On a few occasions, such as in “The Deer & The Wolf” and “Cry To The Beat Of The Band,” EllisBextor’s vocal talent and pop sensibilities shine through. Her voice rings clearest on the album’s single “Young Blood,” where she displays considerable range and impressive power. Yet the dreary melody renders the song almost

EBGB’s

difficult to listen to, and this problem is consistent throughout the album.

One of the album’s lowest points appears in the form of “13 Little Dolls,” which sounds like a jazzed-up Evanescence reject. The overly gothic lyrics and upbeat tempo lead to an uncomfortable juxtaposition that doesn’t make for easy listening. While an admirable departure from the disco tunes Ellis-Bextor has released in the past, songs like this paint a picture of an artist with no sign of some clear newfound direction.

Overall, “Wanderlust” seems to be the sonic representation of a 13-year-old’s “gothic” tumblr.

Each song is so tightly crafted to resemble a sweet yet dark ballad, that they all quickly begin to blur into one, making for a dull overall album. Ellis-Bextor seems to want to give some neo-gothic image of her singing softly, lying on a four-

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Starring: Anna Faris, Allison Janney CBS | Mondays, 9:30 p.m.

Hoya Staff Writer

Anna Faris is pretty great at what she does: playing the stereotypical airhead, who has her fair share of issues but is lovable despite it all. “Mom,” CBS’s new comedy that runs Mondays at 9:30 p.m., casts Faris in her typical role. In the show, created by Chuck Lorre, the mind behind “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory,” Faris plays Christy, a mother of

FERGUS BENNETT

In her fifth album, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has abandoned her electro-pop style for a more emotional feel that displays her impressive vocals. poster bed covered in wilted roses as she bemoans her sadness. But, as a 34-year-old music industry veteran, it’s hard to imagine exactly what inspired Ellis-Bextor to aim for this image in the first place.

While Ellis-Bextor’s desire to revamp her persona is admirable, “Wanderlust”’s results are less so.

The step into a complete sonic departure is difficult to take, and it is understandable that Ellis-Bextor has faltered along the way. Following the relative lack of success met by her 2010 album “Make a Scene,” Ellis-Bextor had every reason to change her melody. Here’s hoping that next time the results are a little more genuine.

TELEVISION Review

Mom Charlotte Glasser

B7

two children who attempts to manage her alcoholism as she deals with the daily struggles of single motherhood. The role isn’t very imaginative, and the script is predictable, but Christy is irresistible all the same.

However, it is the rest of the ensemble that leaves something to be desired. Christy’s mother Bonnie (Allison Janney) — one of the biggest sources of anxiety in her daughter’s life — is funny, but mostly disturbing. Christy’s chil-

dren Violet (Sadie Calvano) and Roscoe (Blake Garrett Rosenthal) are flat, one-dimensional and frankly boring. While the cast of “Mom” offers moments that can make you laugh out loud, there are far more where you cringe or shudder violently at the foreseeable innuendos and lewd humor.

To be fair to the cast, it doesn’t seem like they have a lot to work with. There are so many asides and allusions to the bedroom that the show basically loses any of the comedic potential it may have originally had. This would be fun if the show had some substance, but it doesn’t. There are no relationships between characters that are interesting to watch or that demonstrate character development.

There are no plot lines outside the frustrations of being a mother, being a daughter or being a waitress.

At the end of an episode, viewers are left to wonder why they wasted their time.

CBS

Christy (Anna Faris) is trying to pull her life together while raising two kids and deal with her ex-husband, Baxter (Matt Jones), center, and her pregnant daughter’s boyfriend, Luke (Spencer Daniels), left.

Since the show is helmed by Lorre, that may explain the fascination with lewd humor, but it lacks some of the humor that his other projects had. In their beginnings, both “Two and a Half Men” and “The Big Bang Theory” were comedic due to the nature of the setup: two brothers who have almost nothing in common living in the same house or a group of geniuses and assorted friends who try to use their superior intellectual powers to deal with simple, everyday situations. There is situational comedy in these shows — moments when you really hope the characters figure it out before it’s too late. There are no such feelings associated with “Mom.” Just when you think something new might have happened, a character brushes the moment off with a shrug and a clueless look.

To be honest, watching a show and rarely identifying or feeling for the characters is unusual and disappointing. I genuinely don’t care if Christy’s mother is able to work things out with her latest flame — and it doesn’t seem like she does either.

Nominated for a People’s Choice Award in the category of Best New T.V. Comedy, “Mom” lost to “Super Fun Night,” which stars Rebel Wilson. The only surprise here is that “Mom” received a nomination at all.

There are redeeming qualities in “Mom.” First, Faris is bubbly, charming and inept — the perfect main character in an ensemble comedy that centers on family and workplace drama. Second, the parts of the show that are set in the restaurant are actually quite funny as Christy must deal with frustrating customers and infuriating coworkers, including a sex-addicted boss who smokes marijuana while on the job. This sex-addicted boss, Chef Rudy (French Stewart), is reminiscent of Sheldon in “The Big Bang Theory” because of his ability to simultaneously be horrible and the best character on the show.

For fans of “Two and a Half Men” (in its later days) and “Two Broke Girls,” “Mom” will be a smash hit.

If you’re looking for a somewhat fun show to watch when you have a few minutes to spare or time to kill, this is it. Otherwise, keep channel-surfing.

With this powerful electro-pop single, former backing singer for the likes of Paloma Faith, Jetta, is set to be a huge success. The vocals are beautiful, and the catchy, strong lyrics are sure to make it a club and party hit.

Reminiscent of the sounds of Florence and the Machine, The xx and Solange, the simplicity of Jetta’s new track still packs a lot of punch.

The stripped- back, raw vocals are powerfully complimented by the slightly more electronic instrumentals. The song has been garnering a lot of attention and was featuerd in “The Mortal Instruments.”

For those low days, this track will certainly give you a massive attitude boost.

‘CARDIAC ARREST’ BAD SUNS  The emotive lyrics alongside the funk-style base make this track an interesting listen. The fluid, alternative sound of this Southern-Californian band is similar to the music of The Vaccines or Two Door Cinema Club.

The repeated lyrics make it easy listening, and the chilled-out tone is tempered by an underlying strong rhythm. Almost addictive, the single fits any situation, and one listen will be sure to convert you to a fan of the group. Perfectly fitting the genre of alternative boy band, Bad Sun’s debut single is a simple yet enjoyable track.

‘TROPHIES’ DRAKE  To finish up a massive year, Drake has decided to release a new track, “Trophies,” which may be taken as a tongue-in-cheek response to the lack of Grammy awards heading his way. Originally the teaser for “Nothing is the Same,” the single did not make it onto the album.

With modest lyrics such as “This is me though” and “I’m doing this for my peeps … they don’t have no award for that”, you definitely get the sense that Drake is using this track to remind everyone that, at the end of the day, he’s Drake. And that’s that. Not his best track, but confident enough to satisfy his millions of fans.

‘DIGITAL WITNESS’ ST. VINCENT  Rising cult star Annie Clark is impressing music critics worldwide with her Madonnaesque electropop. This second single from her upcoming self-titled album is the closest to pop she is likely to go.

More alternative and clever with her sounds than the likes of Lady Gaga, this track adds jarring discord, percussion and confident off-beat saxophone instrumentals to give the single of an art-pop hit. Overall, it is refreshingly different and is impressively interesting to listen to. Although relatively unknown, St. Vincent is an artist to watch when she releases her debut album.

AROUND TOWN Novelist Reading/Discussion

Dali String Quartet

Film Program in Dialogue

Brandon Boyd and Sons of the Sea

WHERE: Bethesda Barnes & Noble WHEN: Saturday, 3 p.m.

INFO: barnesandnoble.com PRICE: Free

WHERE: National Gallery of Art WHEN: Sunday, 6:30 p.m.

INFO: nga.gov PRICE: Free

WHERE: Hirshhorn Museum WHEN: Monday, 6:30 p.m.

INFO: www.goethe.de PRICE: Free

WHERE: 9:30 Club, 815 V St. NW WHEN: Monday, Doors: 7:00 p.m.

INFO: 930.com PRICE: $25

Alice McDermott, the award-winning writer of “That Night” and “After This,” will be at the Bethesda Barnes and Noble to discuss her latest novel, “Someone,” which was on the longlist for the 2013 National Book Award. This New York writer, who taught at American University and currently teaches at Johns Hopkins University, will give great insight for aspiring writers.

As part of the 72nd Season of Concerts at the National Gallery of Art, this ensemble will be playing pieces by Johannes Brahms and Carlos Gardel, among others. A great opportunity to gain broader cultural knowledge, this promises to be a worthwhile musical experience. Seating begins 30 minutes before the concert and is on a first-come, first-seated basis, so be sure to get there on time.

The Goethe-Institut D.C. and the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen will be showing European films that deal with destruction, in response to the Hirshhorn Museum’s current exhibition, “Damage Control: Art and Destruction Since 1950.” A must for film buffs, it will be an artistic take on violence and damage and exploration of destruction.

With his introspective and eclectic sound, Brandon Boyd is an artist worth seeing. One of the most creative musical artists currently on the alternative scene, his latest album was produced by Brendan O’Brien, who has worked with the likes of Bruce Springsteen. Boyd is constantly looking for new and exciting ways to play with music, and the 930 Club is very excited to have him perform live.

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Sports

THE HOYA

Friday, january 24, 2014

track & field

women’s basketball

Hoyas Set Meet Records Elizabeth Cavacos Hoya Staff Writer

After a strong showing, which included seven firstplace finishes and two meet records, in Penn State’s Nittany Lion Challenge last weekend, Georgetown’s track and field team will return to action at the Hoya Spiked Shoe Club Invitational on Friday.

The Hoyas opened their indoor season two weekends ago with a dominant performance at George Mason University’s Father Diamond Invitational.

The Blue and Gray swept several events in the men’s and women’s competition. Riding this momentum, the Hoyas were prepared to face several challenging and well-balanced teams in their second major invitational of the season, including host, Penn State, and Cornell.

Georgetown’s track and field director, Pat Henner, was pleased with the overall performance of his team.

“The vast majority of [our] athletes did a great job of … staying relaxed with good competition,” Henner said.

Penn State proved to be tough competition over the weekend, with several of their athletes grabbing top-place finishes. The Nittany Lions boast an impressive core of athletes who run middle distance, an area of competition where Georgetown has found success this season, claiming the top spots in the men’s and women’s mile events at George Mason. The middle-distance matchup at Penn State was certainly a challenge for the Hoyas, but Henner viewed it as a good measuring stick for his runners.

“I would say that, especially on the men’s side, Penn State has been one of the best middle-distance programs in the country over the past couple

of years,” Henner said. “I think that right now in a couple different events, like the 800 and the 1000 [meter events], they’re a little bit in front of us. But I think we’ve covered a lot of ground…we want to keep closing that gap.”

Georgetown had seven first place finishes and two meet records. All-American junior Katrina Coogan placed first in the 800 meter event in 2:08.23, breaking the previous meet record of 2:08.89 set in 2010 by former Hoya and All-American Emily Infield.

On the men’s side of the competition, junior John Murray also broke a record. Murray finished first in the 3,000 meter run in 8:10.31, a time that broke the previous record set in 2012 by over six seconds.

Junior Collin Leibold finished right behind Murray, grabbing second place in 8:10.67.

For their performances, Coogan and freshman Ryan Manahan were named Big East Female and Male athlete of the week. While Coogan had a record-breaking performance, Manahan placed fourth in the 800-meter with a time of 1:49.88 — the fourth fastest in the country and fastest in the Big East this season.

The Hoyas will return to State College at the end of the month for Penn State’s National Invitational, and Henner looks forward to racing against the Nittany Lions again.

“It’s a great thing to have meets like that with such a great program,” Henner said.

Before Georgetown returns to Penn State, it will play host to La Salle University, Delaware State University and American University at the Hoya Spiked Shoe Club Invitational. The meet will be held at Georgetown Preparatory School in Bethesda, Md. on Friday.

Georgetown dominated the meet last year, finishing first in 13 events. However, this year’s invitational will not necessarily yield the same results; Henner believes the Hoyas will be matched up against stronger competition, including American University, who Henner believes has a quality middle-distance program.

“It’s going to be a pretty competitive meet across the board,” Henner said.

Not only will the opponents have changed from last year, the makeup of Georgetown’s roster will have as well.

“There are a few athletes that we won’t have compete this weekend,” Henner said.

“They’re not hurt or anything, they’re just a little bit banged up and we don’t want to take any chances.”

Graduate student Amanda Kimbers, who recently returned from an injury and AllAmerican graduate student Andrew Springer are among the athletes that will not be competing this weekend.

By resting his athletes now, Henner hopes to be at full strength in time for the Big East Championships, which are to be held less than a month from now.

With these vacancies, other athletes will need to step up.

Henner says that some runners will participate in events that are different than the ones in which they are used to competing and will need to rise to the occasion.

“This meet is going to be a great opportunity for some of our other athletes to step up, so we’re not really that concerned with how many events we win,” Henner said. “We’re looking at running events that they can be competitive in … and prepare them for faster times for their events later in the season.”

swimming & diving

Men Sweep District Rivals Juliana Zovak Hoya Staff Writer

Georgetown’s swimming and diving team had an exciting weekend against two Washington, D.C. rivals. The men’s team finished a weekend sweep, defeating American on Friday and edging out George Washington on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the women turned in mixed results, beating American before falling to GW on Saturday.

Georgetown started strong against American, opening the day with the men and the women winning the 200-yard medley. The men’s team — comprised of freshman Martin Vanin, senior Christian Kilgore, junior Michael Young and senior Matthew Mandel — finished in 1:36.48. The squad has performed strongly in the event this year. On the women’s side, freshman Emma Cammann, sophomore Erin Timochenko, freshman Molly Gaynor and senior Allison Fulenwider finished in 1:52.91.

“The relays were big to start things off in terms of winning the medley for both the men and the women,” Head Coach Jamie Holder. said “Starting off strong really helps keep the momentum going.”

The Hoyas also excelled in the diving portion of the meet.

Freshman Jared Cooper-Vespa won the 1-meter and 3-meter

dives, while junior Lauren Kahan and sophomore Casandra Schwartz placed first and second in the women’s one-meter dive respectively.

“Diving was pretty good for us too. Jared ended up getting first, and the girls really did a good job kind of neutralizing them,” Holder said.

The women’s team grabbed another one-two finish in the 200 freestyle, led by sophomore Nicole Tronolone and sophomore Erica Fabbri’s performances. The Hoyas added two more first-place finishes — Fabbri won the 100 freestyle, and junior Casey Bandman won the 200 Individual Medley.

The men’s team dominated the 50 freestyle, the 200 butterfly and the 200 freestyle medley, sweeping the top three places in each. Freshman Evan Grey won the 1000 freestyle.

Thanks to those efforts, the men’s team won 133-102 while the women won 149-92.

“Overall, it was a really good team effort,” Holder said.

George Washington proved to be the tougher opponent of the weekend. The men managed a 136-125 victory. However, the women could not match that success and lost 160-94.5.

“It was a tough meet. Clearly, we had to fight and scratch for every point that we needed.

The guys only won by 11 points, so that’s basically a race going one way or the other, but I was

ALEXANDER BROWN/THE HOYA

Freshman Jared Cooper-Vespa won the 1-meter and 3-meter dives against American this past weekend.

really happy with how they performed. Even though the girls didn’t come up on the winning end…I thought it was a gutsy performance from both teams,” said Holder.

Again, the Blue and Gray started off strong in the 200 medley relay. The men won in 1:37.25 with junior Michael Ng, sophomore Michael Smigelski, freshman David Chung and freshman Will Leach. Georgetown’s winning relay team from the American meet was disqualified.

Sophomore Austin Evenson came through for the Hoyas with two strong performances.

First, the sophomore won the 1000 freestyle and then the 500 freestyle.

“I think his races were actually kind of the keys to the men winning because when we won the medley relay, we would have one-two-ed it, but our A relay got [disqualified], so that sort of took some wind out of our sails,” Holder said. “He was able to get us back on track. …

He came from behind and won, and it was just like he wasn’t going to be denied. He just kind of kept the momentum going and then really closed the door on them.”

Ng and Chung also took home individual victories in the 100 backstroke and 50 freestyle, respectively. For the women, Fabbri won the 50 free.

The women also won the 400 freestyle relay.

“Just like American, it was very much a team effort. Third, fourth and fifth places were very important,” Holder said.

Georgetown will return immediately to action this weekend, facing off against Drexel in their penultimate dual meet of the season. The Hoyas will honor their seniors on Saturday, their final home meet of the year.

“Drexel’s a team we haven’t swam [against] in a while, but they are pretty good. They will give us all we can handle,” Holder said. “We’ll just try to make sure we are racing to our ability and doing things right.”

Based on this weekend, Holder doesn’t think racing to their full ability will be too much of a problem for his team. Their strong performances against fellow D.C. schools this weekend has shown they can compete against formidable opponents and scratch out wins.

“I think we did a great job of racing on Saturday, and I think we’ve made a statement that we could be considered the best team in D.C.,” Holder said.

CLAIRE SOISSON/THE HOYA

Freshman center Natalie Butler finished just shy of a double-double, scoring nine points while grabbing 10 rebounds, in Georgetown’s 92-69 loss against DePaul.

Loss Extends Losing Streak to Three Games DEPAUL, from B10 30 turnovers in the game, which ultimately doomed the team.

“Our intensity wasn’t the same in the second half,” White said. “We had a lot of turnovers, our defense wasn’t the same and we were giving up a lot of easy buckets. They were getting a lot of defensive rebounds.”

In the first three minutes of the second half, the DePaul defense forced six turnovers.

DePaul’s defensive successes fueled a 16-3 run to open the half which all but sealed the victory for the Blue Demons.

“Everyone saw what happened at the start of the second half, and that was an inattention to detail on our part,” Lewis said. “Throwing the ball to people in blue uniforms, unfortunate turnovers which led to easy, easy, easy layups.”

After attempts at in-game changes were unable to pull the Hoyas out of their stretch of poor play, Lewis spoke of more fundamental changes for the team.

“The adjustment and the attention to detail were obviously absent from our play,” Lewis said. “I feel for sure that this is the best team in our league at this point, and we only showed

for far too few minutes that we could compete against them. … We have to make changes, not only systemically, but personnel wise, and we will.”

The Hoyas now turn their attention to Big East opponent, St. John’s, which is currently sitting atop the conference standings. The Red Storm have won five straight games against some of the conference’s best teams, including DePaul, Creighton and Marquette.

The Georgetown defense will be faced with trying to contain sophomore guard Aliyyah Handford, who averages 17 points a game.

“There are no weak teams in the Big East, really there aren’t, and we’re not either,” Lewis said. “I haven’t looked at them, [but] I’ve seen them because they’ve played against teams we’ve played, so I know how good they are.”

For White and the rest of the team, the game will present another opportunity to try and salvage its season.

“We’re just going to go into practice, just try hard try to get better so we can have a good game against St. John’s and win,” White said.

The Blue and Gray will look to end their three game skid Sunday when they head to Carnesecca Arena in Queens, N.Y. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.

down to the wire

Cornerback Is More Than His Postgame Comments HOFF, from B10 Sherman said himself: “Don’t judge a person’s character by what they do [on the field.] Judge a man by what he does off the field, what he does for his community, what he does for his family.”

I couldn’t agree more. I can’t begin to comprehend why many feel that an on-the-field postgame press conference after making a spectacular play to win the NFC Championship is an accurate representation of someone’s character and morality. We want our athletes to be testosterone-driven, emotional beasts on the field so that they can entertain us at the highest level; we stick microphones in their faces to get great quotes out of them before they’ve even stopped sweating. But when they actually say something interesting, we tell them to shut up. We call out their character and call them thugs because those same emotions that we ask for on the field caused an overly passionate answer. I didn’t

like Sherman’s answers, either, but I don’t hate him for them. However, I do hate the asinine things some have said about Sherman, like calling him a thug.

Richard Sherman grew up in Compton. He and his family were regarded as such good people that Bloods and Crips gang members, tried to keep Richard and his brother away from street violence. Now, he runs a charity called Blanket Coverage that helps kids in similar situations buy clothes and supplies for school.

Richard Sherman is a loudmouth, but not a thug, and he is arrogant, but not self-centered.

While I don’t know every person who will read this column, odds are that Richard Sherman has done more to help out struggling communities than you or I ever will. If you think I should’ve said that in gentler terms, sorry. I was only impersonating Richard Sherman.

Tom Hoff is a junior in the McDonough School of Business. DOWN TO THE WIRE appears every Friday.

the sporting life

Sherman Is a Needless Burden to the Seahawks MAJD, from B10 aggressive, egotistical behavior on the football field is calculated gamesmanship, designed to give him a mental edge over his competition.

His candor is entertaining at times, and it demonstrates his self-assuredness, but the reality is that nothing positive came from his comments to Andrews.

Regardless of his relationship with Michael Crabtree, Sherman’s decision to publicly criticize his abilities only shows that Sherman is incapable of taking the high road. And Sherman’s very public proclamation that he is the best cornerback in the NFL is both unnecessary and tasteless. The best don’t need to proclaim their greatness — and make no mistake, Sherman is the best cornerback in the NFL right now. When he makes statements like these, Sherman has no one to blame but himself when people view him as self-centered.

To his credit, Sherman — aside from the “thug” label — does not seem to mind any of the backlash concerning his arrogance or his ego. His statements, however, affect others.

Thanks to his thoughtlessness, Sherman has all but guaranteed that most will consider his

Seahawks the villains of the Super Bowl. Sherman may not mind being seen as the villain, but that does not give him the right to carelessly ensure the image is planted on all of his teammates.

Beyond image concerns, Sherman let his team down because his statements made a moment that should have been about his teammates, fans and city instead of only about Richard Sherman. The Seahawks have the best defense in the NFL because of the efforts of the talented players throughout the front seven and the secondary, but all anyone sees is Sherman.

When his team should be gearing up to face the most prolific offense the NFL has ever seen, led by arguably one of the best quarterbacks of all time, Sherman has created a needless distraction. He has apologized for his actions, and most likely sincerely regrets the negative impact they have had on his team, but Sherman needs to remember this incident. Without maturity on the field, his tremendous accomplishments off the field — just like his teammates on Sunday — will be denied the recognition they deserve.

Darius Majd is a junior in the College.

THE SPORTING LIFE appears every Friday.

sports

FRIDAY, january 24, 2014

FUNT & WHELAN

THE HOYA

B9

tennis

On the Complex Hoyas Set to Take on Eagles Loyalties of Fandom L Molly Malone Hoya Staff Writer

ike any loyal canine companion, Jack the Bulldog offers unconditional love. Our mascot will “eat that box” with the same tenacity when times are good or bad, and the Georgetown basketball community adores him for it.

In an underwhelming season featuring four crushing losses over the last five games, the loyalty of fans who fill the student section at Verizon Center has been tested.

Those who proudly proclaim to bleed Hoya Blue have indeed been bloodied of late, making it hard to emulate our mascot’s unyielding enthusiasm. Apparently, the Georgetown bench has taken notice.

“It’s a shame when your fan base is more excited about Chick-Fil-A than the game. The crowd makes a difference, I wish they understood that,” Eddie Bradley III, a senior student manager, tweeted after the Hoyas’ Jan. 18 home upset at the hands of Seton Hall. He was referencing a popular in-game promotion in which Chick-Fil-A gives free sandwiches to every person in attendance if an opposing player miss consecutive free throws.

Bradley is, of course, correct: Home court advantage benefits player performance. But a Verizon Center employee could press a button and have a recording of “We are Georgetown” blast from arena speakers. Fan support is inspirational not because of the decibel count of cheering per se, but because of the emotion behind it. For those fans who live and die with the Blue and Gray, Bradley and co. should neither expect nor desire blind devotion.

Sports fandom may seem too superficial to take this seriously. Go to the games, cheer and laugh, win or lose, go home, repeat. If such an approach were favored, Bradley’s criticism would be on point. But, hate it or love it, that’s not the reality of college sports. Fans spend hundreds on tickets, the school devotes millions to its programs, the country watches and Georgetown’s general reputation hangs in the balance. When the univer-

sity president is heavily involved in Big East realignment, and his salary is second only to that of the men’s basketball head coach, you can expect fans to take the game seriously, too.

Student fans are stakeholders in Georgetown basketball, and that is as much an emotional investment as anything else. You could draw an analogy to something as weighty as patriotism or as simple as friendship. Some citizens wave their flags at all times; patriots speak up when they believe the country is off course. Some friends offer positive encouragement on every occasion; great friends call you out when you need tough love. For the true fan, faithfulness to the team demands more than mindless cheering.

Sports critics know to differentiate physical and mental components of the game. It’s one thing to get frustrated by missed shots or poor defense, but what about two seasons of star players lost to avoidable academic ineligibility?

A scoring leader booted from the school for misconduct? Countless games when, after being out-hustled and out-coached, all we hear at press conferences is that the team “didn’t come ready to play?”

Under such circumstances, how does the loyal fan really show his or her true colors?

As fans, we are fully aware of how good we’ve got it. Georgetown is an elite program with high standards of excellence, and whether you’re a student-athlete, team manager or fan, that’s what makes you so devoted. A disappointing season is not a reason to turn your back on the team, but it brings plenty of reasons to feel disappointed.

After all, “we are Georgetown” for a reason, and if you’re willing to settle for anything less, you might as well enjoy a delicious chicken sandwich while cheering on a team like Seton Hall.

Danny Funt and Ryan Whelan are seniors in the College and McDonough School of Business, respectively.

As expected, the Georgetown men’s and women’s tennis teams fared very well in the 4+1 Invitational Tournament hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University last Friday.

Both teams beat Campbell University but were defeated by VCU. In addition to eight overall wins, the Hoyas gained experience from playing the talented VCU squads.

In the match against Campbell, the women went 3-2 with freshman Sophia Barnard and senior Madeline Jaeger defeating their singles opponents. Freshman Victoire Saperstein and sophomore transfer Liselot Koenen won in doubles, clinching the winning point in the team victory. Against VCU, on the other hand, the women’s team did not perform as well, losing 5-0. This result, however, is deceiving, according to Georgetown Head Coach Gordie Ernst. “[The women’s team] was close with VCU, Kelly [Comolli] was match point in her match and Maddy Jaeger was close to winning her match,” Ernst said. “So to me, we played a tough Campbell team, then to come out and play a VCU team who is nationally ranked was very impressive.

We were very excited to see that.”

The men’s team produced similar results to the women by beating Campbell 4-1, with each Hoya who participated in singles matches came out on top. Sophomore Daniel Khanin, junior Shane Korber, senior Casey Distaso and freshman Jack Murphy all beat their Campbell opponents. Following the trend of the day, VCU defeated the men 4-1. Murphy was the lone winner and eventual recipient of the Big East Player of the Week award.

“Jack Murphy won at number four, but other than that, it wasn’t that close [for the men]. ... VCU is as solid of a team as I have seen in years — their doubles team was exceptional.

The guys played really well against Campbell. We did a really good job of winning that match,” Ernst said.

Murphy’s first Big East award came after he beat both of his opponents this weekend to help the Blue and Gray split their matches. Murphy overcame VCU freshman Jack Svennson in two consecutive sets, 6-1, 6-1. Murphy then went on to defeat Campbell freshman Jean-Marc Krone

FILE PHOTO: CHRIS GRIVAS/THE HOYA

Sophomore Taylor Perz went 1-2 in fall singles play. Her lone victory came against UMBC at the Georgetown Classic. in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3. Murphy leads the men’s tennis team in wins, tallying his 11th this weekend.

“Jack is extremely enthusiastic; he has the fight in him that is needed in college tennis. He’s not afraid out there,” Ernst said. “He’s really figured out what it’s like to produce every single day — in the gym, on the track and on the court, he’s really working hard. I expect the same thing from my other freshmen as well.”

The Blue and Gray will play host to Boston College this Friday at Yates Field House. This will be the Eagles’ first match since October 2013. The Hoyas arguably have the advantage after a well-played tournament. The event will be regular match style, as opposed to last weekend’s tournament style.

“We have experience on this team, and I’m hoping we do better with this pressure. [The advantage] can slip away quickly if we don’t come out strong. We are very similar teams, and I hope we are ready,” Ernst said.

Only one returning player from BC’s women’s team held a winning record last season. Junior Wan-Yi Sweeting had an overall record of 8-3 for the combined fall and spring seasons and seems to be the only major threat to the Hoyas this weekend.

Other players on the BC women’s team to look out for are junior Heini

Salonen, who went 9-9 last season, junior Katya Vasilyev, who went 8-8 and senior Jessica Wacnik, who went 7-12.

For the BC men, no returning player had a winning record last season. However, three standouts will be searching for redemption after mediocre seasons last year. Junior Kyle Childree went 7-13 last season, senior Philip Nelson ended the year at 4-16 and senior Matt Wagner finished with a 8-12 record .

In the fall season, three Georgetown players had winning records.

Freshman Sophia Barnard went 6-3 in singles this fall for the women. The men’s team had junior John Brosens go 6-3 in doubles and freshman Jack Murphy go 9-4 in singles. Another fall standout on the women’s side was senior Kelly Comolli who split her matches, 3-3.

“We’ve beaten them in the past so they’ll feel like the underdogs. We’re excited to play at Yates where we practice every day, and I think everyone is really looking forward to it,” Ernst said.

While the match on Friday will be a seemingly even one, Georgetown’s experience and past records gives the team a slight advantage. With players like Comolli, Jaeger, Murphy and returning senior captain Andrew Dottino, the Hoyas might not be so hospitable as they play host to the Eagles.

MEN’s BASKETBALl

Bluejays Are Next Challenge for the Struggling Hoyas

TOP RIGHT: CHRIS BIEN/THE HOYA; ALL OTHER PHOTOS: CHRIS GRIVAS/THE HOYA

Clockwise from left: freshman forward Reggie Cameron had four points, junior forward Mikael Hopkins grabbed 11 rebounds and senior forward Nate Lubick had two points. Senior guard Markel Starks (bottom right) led the team with 28 points in Georgetown’s 80-72 overtime loss against Marquette this past Monday. It was the third consecutive loss for the team.

CREIGHTON, from B10 for success is straightforward, although difficult.

“We’re not making winning plays at the end [of games],” Thompson said. “Once again, we’re giving up threes at key times.”

Creighton will be sure to take advantage of any cracks in Georgetown’s three-point defense. The Bluejays come into the game fresh off their most impressive win of the season — a 96-68 drubbing at No. 4

Villanova — in which they hit a Big East record 21 three-pointers. Senior forward Ethan Wragge led the team with nine made threes.

In addition to the Bluejays prolific three-point shooting, The Hoyas will have their hands full with two-time consensus first team All-American Doug McDermott. The senior forward currently averages 25 points and seven rebounds per game. McDermott’s ability to score forces defenses to focus on him and often opens up perimeter looks for his

teammates. The Bluejays utilized this strategy in their win against Villanova.

Creighton’s season, though, has not been perfect. Last Saturday, the Bluejays dropped an 81-68 defeat to Providence on the road. Creighton struggled from behind the arc in that game, hitting beyond four of their 19 three-pointers. The Friars demonstrated it is possible to slow down the Bluejays’ group of shooters; the Hoyas must do the same if they hope to pull off the upset on

Saturday in Omaha.

At this point, each game is an opportunity for Georgetown to right the ship. But with every missed opportunity, the following game becomes more critical for the Hoyas if they hope to remain in the NCAA tournament discussion for long. In Thompson’s nine previous years, only twice have the Hoyas failed to qualify for the national tournament.

Still, with the next three games against highly regarded opponents, the Hoyas will have plenty of chances

to turn it around.

“We are seven games into an 18 game season,” Thompson said, speaking of the Big East conference schedule. “There is a lot of season to be played. Are we in a funk right now?

Absolutely.”

While Thompson recognizes his team’s poor play, he is committed to looking at the bigger picture for Georgetown.

“This team, this program, wasn’t built to feel sorry for ourselves,” he said. “We’ve got to fight.”

SPORTS

MEN’S BASKETBALL Georgetown (11-7) at Villanova (16-2) Monday, 9 p.m.

Verizon Center

FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 2014

TENNIS

TALKING POINTS

The Hoyas will face Boston College in their home opener on Friday.

See B9

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

“

NUMBERS GAME

7 ”

Clearly, we had to fight and scratch for every point that we needed.

Swimming & Diving Head Coach Jamie Holder

The number of first-place finishes the track and field team recorded last weekend.

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Hoyas Look to End Skid at Creighton ASHWIN WADEKAR Hoya Staff Writer

CLAIRE SOISSON/THE HOYA

Senior forward and co-captain Andrea White finished with a game-high 25 points.

Second-Half Disaster Seals Loss MATT RAAB

Hoya Staff Writer

DePaul’s 56-point second half (14-5, 5-2 Big East) ran the Georgetown women’s basketball team (7-12, 1-6 Big East) into a 92-69 rout Wednesday at McDonough Arena. A fullcourt press forced Georgetown turnovers, ultimately overwhelming Georgetown’s efforts offensively and defensively. The Blue and Gray have lost three consecutive games and nine of their last 10.

“I think the misnomer when you look at a great team — and I think DePaul is a great team — is that you look at the offensive productivity,” Head Coach Jim Lewis said.

“They’re leading the league in scoring. But they maximized their opportunities off their defense and transitioned well. [DePaul] plays with really four perimeter guards, skilled kinds of players.”

Georgetown and DePaul were evenly matched in the first half. Although the Hoyas initially struggled with the Blue Demons’ press, they eventually made the necessary adjustments. Georgetown then proceeded to keep pace with DePaul, through senior forward and co-captain Andrea White’s production in the paint.

Georgetown was able to match this style of play in the first half with successful rebounding and points in the paint. The Hoyas dominated the boards in the first half, outrebounding DePaul 25-10.

“We had mismatches [in the first half],” Lewis said. “Andrea hurt them when she had mismatches.”

While the rest of the Georgetown offense struggled against the active DePaul defense, White was able to exploit presented mismatches. She scored 16 of her 21 points during the first half “We have some shortcomings and that’s fine, you can still be successful if you maximize your strengths, and she’s our strength,” Lewis said. “She’s the best player we have.

She can make plays unlike any other player on our team, so I don’t care if she’s a point or a two or a three; she’s a basketball player, and you saw her today do some of those things, breaking the press … good decision making, not only dribbling but making advance passes and finding a mismatch once she got down there.”

Georgetown did not trail by more than three points until the final seconds of the half, when a layup after a Georgetown turnover extended the DePaul advantage to five.

But in the second half, the Hoyas continued to struggle with turnovers. The Blue and Gray committed 13 second-half turnovers, which created an insurmountable deficit.

“That’s their standard way of playing,” Lewis said. “Like any good team, if they press and we beat it, then they get out of it. But if they press and we don’t beat it and turn it over and they score, then it just fuels their aggressiveness, their desire to want to press more.”

The Hoyas, however, were unable to maintain their high level of play in the second half. Georgetown committed an astounding See DEPAUL, B8

Once again, Georgetown (11-7, 3-4 Big East) has little time to shake off an embarrassing meltdown in order to prepare for another quality opponent, Creighton (16-3, 6-1 Big East).

Having lost four of their last five games, including the last three, the Hoyas will be in desperate need of a win against the Bluejays on Saturday night. Georgetown’s current skid began a little over two weeks ago at Providence after Head Coach John Thompson III announced that junior center Joshua Smith was tending to an academic issue. The Hoyas lost to the Friars by 18 points but bounced back to beat Butler in overtime just three days later.

Since then, though, Georgetown has been in a frustrating free fall, marked by a lot of up-and-down play, which resulted in losses. Junior guard Jabril Trawick broke his jaw and is out indefinitely, and the Hoyas have blown second-half leads of 17, 10 and seven points in their last three contests to Xavier, Seton Hall and Marquette. While each result has been closer than the last, Georgetown has failed to find a win.

Without Smith, Georgetown is left with only two true scoring threats on the team: senior guard Markel Starks and sophomore guard D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera.

Against Marquette, the backcourt tandem combined for 52 of the team’s 72 points on 17-of-35 shooting.

CHRIS BIEN/THE HOYA

Sophomore guard D’Vauntes Smith-Rivera scored 24 points and shot 4-of-5 from three in the Marquette loss. Smith-Rivera is averaging 17.5 points a game this season.

The backcourt earned high praise from Marquette Head Coach Buzz Williams: “Both [Starks and Smith-Rivera] are firstteam all-conference players.”

Unfortunately, the rest of the team has not stepped up to help the backcourt duo. Against Mar-

quette, the rest of the team combined for only 20 points on 6-of-26 shooting — which includes senior forward Moses Ayegba’s 3-of-3 performance. The starting frontcourt — senior Nate Lubick, junior Mikael Hopkins, and freshman Reggie Cameron — managed a total of

12 points on 3-of-17 shooting. Hopkins, to be fair, has produced more of late, which showed in his 11 rebounds and five blocks against Marquette.

For Georgetown, the formula See CREIGHTON, B9

Sherman: Misunderstood or Vilified?

THE SPORTING LIFE

DOWN TO THE WIRE

Star’s Interview Distracts Media Fails to Present From Teammates’ Success Sherman’s True Nature

I

n the aftermath of Richard This diligence was rewarded Sherman’s now infamous with a 4.2 GPA, which combined postgame interview with Erin with tremendous athletic ability, Andrews, much has been said of helped Sherman land a full ride the star cornerback. While some to Stanford; he was the first from of the criticism has been over the his high school to do so in over top, it gets at a more important two decades.

Not satisfied to be just another point: By making himself the story of the game, Sherman denied collegiate athlete, Sherman conhis teammates the praise they tinued to apply himself at Stanford, graduating with a 3.9 GPA deserved.

It should be made clear that in — somewhat fittingly — comRichard Sherman is not a thug. munications. Education is still a Anyone who has said as much af- passion for Sherman, and as he alter watching Sherman on TV this luded to in his recent comments, he gives back weekend is doheavily through ing so based solehis charity Blanly on superficial ket Coverage, judgments and The Richard preconceived noSherman Famtions. Given the ily Foundation. presence of playSherman’s comers who have ments in a proactually done file for Sports criminal things Darius Majd Illustrated sucin their lives, the cinctly sum up label “thug” in difference the context of The comments in the his between percepSherman’s anpostgame interview tion and realtics just seems ity: “I know the prejudiced. It is with Erin Andrews jock stereotype why Sherman — cool guy, walkis bothered the were misguided. ing around with most by this deyour friends, not scription — he sees people perceiving his appear- caring about school, not caring ance and his background, and about anything. I hate that stereotype. I want to destroy it. I want nothing more.

Further investigation reveals a to kill it.”

However, all of this does not very different — albeit still confident and passionate — man. make Sherman a victim, but rathSherman grew up in Compton, er makes his antics all the more the notorious region of Los An- frustrating. When I think of both geles, but he never let this define Sherman’s NFC Championship who he was or what he could ac- postgame comments and the complish. Sherman displayed a coverage that followed, only one profound value in education that word comes to mind: misguided.

Misguided not just because is uncommon among gifted athletes who can find success with- of the superficial judgments of out the help of academics. While Sherman, but also because Sherbeing recruited, he once made man did not think about the Pete Carroll wait two and a half impact his actions would have hours to meet him because he on his teammates. Sherman’s did not want to leave class early.

See MAJD, B8

Visit us online at thehoya.com/sports

I

f I had a choice, Richard Sher- Andrews is attached to an incredman would not have done the ibly popular interview. If anyone interviews with Erin Andrews is trying to paint Erin Andrews as the way he did. I have never been a victim in order to hate on Richa huge fan of bragging after the ard Sherman, please graduate fact, and I actually have taken from the “Skip Bayless School of issue with some of Sherman’s Using Dumb Points to Make a Bad previous antics. He clearly has a Argument” and join us all in the history with Michael Crabtree, real world. and I can kind of understand his I also find it funny that so wanting to get in a guy’s face who many people ripped Richard talked trash but couldn’t back it Sherman on Sunday night while up. However Sherman making lauding Muhammad Ali’s greatthe choking sign at Colin Kaepe- ness on Monday — Martin Luther rnick, getting in Trent Williams’ King Day. I, along with the majorface after the Seity of America, ahawks beat the believe MuhamRedskins a year mad Ali is aweago in the playsome. Let’s juxoffs or confronttapose Ali and ing Tom Brady Sherman and see after a Week six if a re-evaluation victory last year, of our opinions seemed more on trash talkers unprovoked is necessary. On Tom Hoff than what transMonday, many pired on Sunfocused on Muday.

Athletes are imposed hammad Ali’s Nevertheless, role in Martin Luwith unrealistic Sherman does ther King’s fights not even remoteracism expectations in post- against ly deserve the and the Vietnam villainous status War. People game interviews. that many are talked about Ali giving him. Liswith justified estening to those who brand him a teem, and many even embraced thug, it’s clear that their reason- the fact that he was the biggest ing is irrational at best and plain trash talker of all time. Muhamstupid at worst. mad Ali’s quotes to the press Let’s start off with a reason to make Richard Sherman’s time hate Sherman that is so illogical in front of a microphone look as that I can’t help but laugh: “Sher- bland as Bill Belichick’s. Granted, man shouldn’t have yelled at Erin Ali did the vast majority of his Andrews like that — he shouldn’t talking before a match and not have treated her that way.” For after, and Sherman is being critithose who haven’t heard some- cized for what he said after the one use this talking point: Yes, game was over. I still can’t help there are people actually say- shake the feeling that people are ing it. First of all, Andrews later being just a little bit inconsistent said of the interview, “That was by embracing the trash talking of so awesome. And I loved it.” Sec- Ali while hating Sherman’s. ond, sideline reporters make part The most important issue of their living off of how much here, though, is one that Richard airtime they receive, and now See HOFF, B8