The Hoya: The Guide: Sept. 20, 2013

the guide FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013

THIS WEEK

Trans

LIFESTYLE

Students at Georgetown share their stories

*

The Business of Music

Darnell Bland Jr. (MSB ’15) is founder of a record company and his hit single is circulating international Internet radio. B2

Good Reads

While J.K. Rowling’s newest novel may not be her strongest, it still provides plenty of escapism and a riveting story. B3

FOOD&DRINK

Modern Mexican

Oyamel is an upscale Mexican restaurant that adds culinary twists to traditional dishes. B4

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

Sophomore Success

The Naked and Famous’ catchy second album presents profound lyrics. B5

‘Prisoners’ Shocks and Chills

The thriller leaves viewers on the edge of their seats with unexpected plot twists and captivating acting. B5

NEW RELEASES ‘WORK BITCH’ BRITNEY SPEARS 

SARAH KAPLAN Hoya Staff Writer

It’s Friday afternoon, and Lexi Dever (COL ’16) is hurrying to get ready for the evening.

She’d received a new skirt in the mail and is eager for an excuse to wear it. Her eyeliner is missing, again, and she doesn’t have a ponytail holder to tie up her Teagan and Sara T-shirt.

She gets makeup advice from a friend via text, clips two flowers into her short dark hair and gives herself a final once-over in the mirror before heading out the door. The final effect is a good one, and Dever is more comfortable in her new outfit than she’s felt all day.

But as soon as she steps out into the LXR courtyard, her stomach begins to churn.

“I was like ‘crap crap crap,’ waiting for someone to call me out,” Dever said. “I was forcing myself to focus straight ahead and not look at people, because if you look at people you will notice them staring. And that hurts.”

As Dever walked through campus to the LGBTQ Resource Center’s weekly coffee hour, passersby wouldn’t have seen her as a woman, but as a man in girl’s clothing. Dever was born male, is known to most of campus as Matt and is in the process of transitioning into the body of a woman.

She is also part of a small but recently more vocal community of trans* students on campus. This year, for the first time in recent memory, Georgetown has two openly transgender students — Dever and Celeste Chisholm (COL ’15) — and one gender non-conforming student, who could not be reached for this article.

And last week, GU Pride named Chisholm its first ever trans* representative.

“We are definitely on the right track,” Chisholm said of Georgetown’s readiness to accept trans* students. “At their very best, the people here will understand, and at the very

least, people are respectful enough to know when not to say anything.”

But despite these gains, Chisholm and Dever feel the near-invisibility of trans* students on campus acutely.

“People aren’t as educated about it as they could be because they just don’t know anyone who is transgender,” Dever said.

Dever and Chisholm hope they can change that, first and foremost by increasing their own visibility. Dever, who still presents as male the majority of the time, says she aims to start dressing more often in women’s clothing this semester, even though she has not started hormone therapy and still has many physical attributes of a man. Chisholm, who began her transition before she transferred to Georgetown as a sophomore, says she will be more vocal about her transgender identity, rather than simply “passing” as a woman unnoticed.

“There’s an opportunity to make the best of my situation, to capitalize on the rarity of it and make the best example of myself that I can,” Chisholm said.

‘I JUST WANTED TO BE A NORMAL PERSON’ For Dever and Chisholm, the realization that they had been born the wrong gender didn’t come easily. Until they were teenagers, neither realized that a concept like “transgender” even existed. Instead, they grappled with a sense that being who they were made the people around them unhappy.

“I learned very quickly that for some reason, and it didn’t really matter why, it was wrong to do … anything I wanted to do. To act like my sister. To act like my mom,” Chisholm said. “So

I buried it pretty deeply.”

Dever said she had never been particularly feminine, though she shied away from more “boyish” activities like sports. During puberty, however, she began to realize how uncomfortable she felt in the body that was becoming more like a man’s.

“I would be jealous of girls for being girls a lot of the time. Like if a girl was walking down the street, I’d think, ‘I wish I were able to wear that. I wish I were able to look like that,’” she said. “It’s a very difficult sensation. Having to present in a way that doesn’t match who you feel you are.”

Dever began trying on her sisters’ clothes in the attic of her Florida home.

“But I was only trying to explore things that I could without my parents finding out,” she said. “I was petrified about them not being OK with it.”

Both women kept their gender identity a secret throughout high school, alternately fantasizing about life as a girl and trying to quash that hope entirely.

“I wanted to pretend it was a phase,” Chisholm said. “I wanted to be a girl, but I didn’t want to be a transgender girl, I wanted to be a real girl. I didn’t want to have to transition and still feel masculinity within me. I just wanted to be a normal person.”

“So much of my life was tragically focused See TRANS*, B2

LIFESTYLE

RCA RECORDS

The first single from her highly anticipated eighth studio album, “Work Bitch” re-establishes Britney as a force to be reckoned with in the realm of pop. While this track isn’t destined for the same attention as, say, “Toxic,” any new Britney is exciting. The track’s production isn’t very complicated — it’s not really that different from any other popular EDM song — but the bass is heavy and fast.

And for something that is obviously destined to be a club hit, she actually gives some good advice in her lyrics.

‘WAITING FOR SUPERMAN’ DAUGHTRY 

Taking Back the DC Live Music Scene Gypsy Sally’s, a new music venue, provides an affordable experience CAITLIN DESANTIS Hoya Staff Writer

Before Georgetown became the site of the D.C. cupcake wars, it was home to a constant battle of the bands. Over the past few decades, the neighborhood’s once diverse array of live music venues has slowly dwindled. But this year, Gypsy Sally’s, a brand new venue, is seeking to bring Georgetown’s live music scene back to life.

“Georgetown used to be a real music destination. Little by little,

all those venues went away until there was only one left — Blues Alley. So we want to bring the live music back and a little bit of that nightlife Georgetown has been missing,” said Karen Ensor, who owns Gypsy Sally’s with her husband, David.

Gypsy Sally’s, which opened Sept. 12, is an American music venue that will feature acts specializing in blues, rock, folk, country and bluegrass. “We are sticking to our guns on our image. We don’t want to dilute what we are trying to be by offering

RCA RECORDS

“American Idol” alum Chris Daughtry and his band released their first single off their fourth album and this track might be what brings them back into the limelight. “Waiting for Superman” features a fun, rock rhythm with hints of synth here and there. And it’s definitely catchy. But although Daughtry’s vocals are undeniably impressive, the lyrics play on a somewhat cliche storyline.

THEHOYA.COM/ THE-GUIDE @thehoyaguide

CAITLIN DESANTIS/THE HOYA

Guests can listen to live musicians from around the area at Gypsy Sally’s while enjoying specialty cocktails.

too many things. We won’t ever feature hip-hop or funk because people can go to other venues in D.C. for that,” Karen Ensor said.

Since opening its doors last week, Gypsy Sally’s has already featured artists Jim Lauderdale, New Country Rehab — who have been called Canada’s Mumford and Sons — and Mockingbird Sun. Located on the end of K Street just before the Capital Crescent Trail, Gypsy Sally’s has views of the Potomac River and the Key Bridge. The space, which used to be an ice factory in the early 1900s, is ideal for listening to music because of its wide rooms and high ceilings. The venue was also enhanced with acoustic treatments to improve the listening experience.

The husband-and-wife team spent more than two years trying to find the perfect space for their club — one without architectural elements that would obstruct concert-goers’ view of the stage.

“Finding the right space was a labor of love,” Karen Ensor said.

“When we found this location, we knew it was good right away.

It was magic.”

Gypsy Sally’s interior is divided into three different areas: a music room with standing area and tables available for reservations, a vinyl lounge and a space that the Ensors hope to develop into an art gallery.

Currently, the space holds an antique Volkswagen bus complete with a small stovetop and

sink. Reminiscent of the era they are trying to recreate, the VW is another supplement to the feeling of history that permeates the entire venue.

The walls of the music room are lined with authentic farm wood from an old Pennsylvania barn, inspired by the idea of bringing the feeling of old country blues to the city. The room features two bars, both decorated with vintage concert tickets to further enhance the sense of nostalgia.

The Vinyl Lounge has more of a rock ‘n’ roll vibe, with a dark red counter for the bar and vintage music accoutrement decorations, like the old album posters and vinyl records that adorn the bar. The lounge is outfitted with two vinyl turntables that play featured albums every night. Guests are also encouraged to bring their own vinyl records in to play, and the Vinyl Lounge will hold nightly contests for “Best Cover Art” or “Best Set” based on the albums patrons bring in.

While most concert venues serve greasy French fries and chicken fingers, Gypsy Sally’s has added a fine dining twist for guests. “We are trying to promote concert dining. We feel like it is music for adults. We want people to come have a seat, order a nice glass of wine, eat a delicious dinner and listen to some great music,” Karen Ensor said.

See GYPSY, B3

B2

the guide

THE HOYA

FRIDAY, september 20, 2013

FEATURE

In the Public Eye, a Private Search for Identity TRANS*, from B1 on normality that I had completely checked out of the idea of transitioning,” she said. “So I waited and hoped that those feelings would go away.”

‘I felt longing’ By the time Chisholm and Dever were preparing to go to college, it had become clear that their feelings about their gender were not going away. Soon after arriving at school, Dever met Chisholm, who pushed her to examine her identity more fully.

“I was very confused about what I was feeling. It was really hellish, trying to figure out,” Dever said. “But Celeste became a great mentor to me. She gave me a lot of confidence.”

Chisholm asked Dever to imagine living the rest of her life as a woman.

“I felt longing. And that that was what kind of tipped the scales for me. Because thinking about the rest of my life living as male brought nothing but pain.”

Chisholm likewise relied on mentorship to help her come to terms with her gender. She’d spent her freshman year at the University of Hawaii, where even among LGBT activists she received stares and awkward questions when she tried to discuss her gender identity.

But the previous summer she had come across a YouTube video made by a transgender girl whom Chisholm described as one “of the prettiest girls I had ever talked to, period.”

Chisholm messaged the girl, who gave her advice and directed her to websites that could help with her transition.

“That kick in the right direction was by far was one of the most helpful interactions I’ve ever had,” Chisholm said. “It was what I needed to dissuade myself towards the tendency of thinking I was this amalgamation of things that didn’t go together. It was what I needed to realize this was something real and totally cool and valid.”

years,” NCTE’s Director of Communications Vincent Villano wrote in an email.

“More and more transgender people are coming out in college or even earlier.”

This fact is no surprise to Dever or Chisholm.

“Obviously, it’s better to transition as soon as possible, but college is much more ideal than later in life,” Dever said.

“It’s a great time to experiment — you’re independent, you’re in a much safer space to do what you want. And then you can enter into the world as who you really are.”

Chisholm, motivated by conversations with her YouTube mentor, began undergoing hormone therapy while at the University of Hawaii. She also started wearing feminine clothes and practiced passing as female. But the process was fraught with anxiety.

“Every new person you meet who sees you’re transgender is a reaffirmation that you’re so different, that you’re the first person that’s been different to them,” she said.

Chisholm felt alienated from her friends during her transition, and decided to keep the process mostly behind closed doors. But the stress of transition didn’t just come from social stigma — the physical process was painful as well.

“The thing people don’t realize about transitioning is how much work it is.

Not only are you fighting the flow of society, but you’re fighting your body.”

Ultimately, Chisholm gave up on transitioning while at school altogether. But the isolation that came from the process, in tandem with the fact that she felt she could not express her gender identity at the University of Hawaii, contributed to her decision to transfer to Georgetown.

When Chisholm returned home for the summer, her parents would no longer allow her back into their house. She ended up living at friend’s house while she continued her hormone therapy.

By the time she set off for New Student Orientation that August, she was ready to abandon her male self entirely.

“I thought, if there’s any day to commit to a lifestyle like this, it would have to come before or on the first day of Georgetown,” she said. “So my first day at Georgetown was my first day as a female full time.”

The fact that her friends here didn’t witness her transition has made Chisholm much more comfortable at Georgetown. But she also feels guilty for having left that part of her life behind her.

“My friends so often like to tell me

*NON-BINARY

*GENDERLESS

‘You’re fighting your body’ Data on the number of transgender people who transition during college is hard to come by, as is most data regarding transgender people. The National Center for Transgender Equality estimates that between 0.25 and 1 percent of the U.S. population is transgender, indicating that the trans* student population is likely similar.

And though data is fuzzy, anecdotal evidence suggests that the number of trans* students at American colleges is increasing.

“Transgender acceptance nationally and at the college level has expanded tremendously over the last couple of

how brave they think I am, but I’ve always been like this to them, I’ve always been on this side of the tracks,” she said.

“It’s hard even for me to fathom the courage it takes to transition so publicly and so immediately, in front of all your friends.”

Unlike Chisholm’s, Dever’s transition will likely happen in full view of her friends at Georgetown.

“After years of struggling to figure out my identity, I’d come to a conclusion,” she said. “Sure, I’m scared of all the potential consequences. But I am ready to follow along and to go for it.”

Dever started accumulating a wardrobe of women’s clothes, and this summer she looked into getting hormone therapy to help bring her outward appearance more in line with her chosen gender.

She’d hoped to return to Georgetown this semester as a fully transitioned woman, just as Chisholm had, but problems with her insurance have prevented her from getting access to the hormones she needs. Now, she’s faced with the option of delaying her transition for another six months or beginning to present as a woman despite the fact that she has the physical appearance of a man. Neither option is very appealing.

“I’m very afraid of being rejected and thought poorly of, and that’s pretty hard to avoid when you’re not clearly passing as female but dressing as such. People are going to look at you and judge you,” Dever said. “But on the other hand, it feels more me. I’m much more comfortable, and that kind of helps quash the doubt.”

Dever’s answer to this dilemma has been to transition a little at a time.

She’ll wear women’s clothes to GU Pride meetings but not to class, her internship or Pep Band practices. She still tries to wear at least one article of women’s clothing, even surreptitiously — “Even if no one can tell I’m wearing panties, I know that inside, and that makes me feel somewhat feminine,” she said.

Though for now, it’s “Matt,” not Lexi, who is most visible at Georgetown, Dever is working on ways to shift that balance.

“My current plan is I will gradually phase Lexi in, so by the end of the semester I’ll only be presenting as Matt for official things like classes and internship,” she said, before listing ways that she can speed the transition without hormones — adopting more female mannerisms and training her voice.

Listening to Chisholm and Dever

speak about their transitions, it’s striking how unemotional they are about the process. If acquiring the body you’ve always wanted sounds like a romantic process, it’s not, Dever said.

With so many logistics involved, trans* people can’t afford to be anything but pragmatic.

“You have to plan ahead while not planning ahead.

You do have to think about, ‘Am I going to get this surgery or that surgery?’” she said. “I don’t have the luxury to be complacent about it.”

who dresses different, looks different.”

Simply walking across Healy Lawn amid a crowd of cardigan-clad women and polo-shirted men can be difficult for students who don’t match the norm.

“I’ve gotten some weird looks,” Dever said. “When I walk in the street you don’t see a girl, you see a guy in a dress, and it’s gonna raise some eyebrows. And that’s a reflection of how strict we are about obeying a certain code.”

The solution, Chishold says, is a combination of dialogue, education and policy changes. The creation of her new position — trans* representative for GU Pride — is intended to be the beginning of that process.

“Until the last couple years, LGBT basically meant LGB with the T stapled on,” Chisholm said. “So we’re trying to give a face and a voice to a population of people that is severely underrepresented.”

In addition to raising the profile of trans* students on campus, Chisholm and Dever want to create a support group for people who are trans* or questioning. Dever hopes that such a group would provide trans* students the confidence and mentorship that Chisholm gave her.

And some of the change will come down to simple education.

“People don’t even know what words to use,” Dever said. “Trans* is more than male to female and female to male.

There are gender non-conforming people, there are agender, bigender. But people don’t realize that.”

Georgetown’s housing and healthcare policies are another point of contention for trans* students.

Both Chisholm and Dever have been allocated singles to accommodate their gender identities — Chisholm can also choose to room with other female students, but isn’t doing so because of her plans to study abroad.

Chisholm acknowledges that Georgetown’s position as a Catholic university means it will be difficult to push for the kinds of policies that have been implemented at other schools — The George Washington University’s gender-neutral housing or American University health insurance’s coverage of transition surgery, for example. But she aims to push back.

“As a private, Catholic university, I know that Georgetown can’t do anything we want,” Chisholm said. “But that doesn’t mean I’m not going to fight as hard as I can for these things. Being Catholic doesn’t hold us back from being the people that we’re meant to be, from being the understanding Hoyas that we are, being the respectable and respectful community that we are.”

*GENDERQUEER

‘They haven’t let me down’ Despite the challenges posed by society and their own bodies, both Dever and Chisholm say that Georgetown has been surprisingly accepting of their gender identities.

“Georgetown has been a very good thing for me,” Chisholm said. “I never would have thought I would have been this out and about in the newspaper doing interviews, but being here for a year has already given me the confidence to do that.”

“Georgetown is a very friendly and open and helpful community,” Dever agreed. “When I’m thinking about coming out to people, I think, ‘These are my friends, I’ve known them for an entire year.’

I’m choosing to trust them, and they haven’t let me down.”

But that doesn’t mean Dever is happy with the status quo.

“It still kind of sucks to be trans* here — though really, it kind of sucks to be trans* anywhere,” she said.

But Shiva Subbaraman, director of the LGBTQ resource center, says that campus culture is far more embracing of trans* issues than it had been when she was hired five years ago. Before the center was established, Subbaraman had heard horror stories about the way Georgetown’s few trans* students were treated.

“I’ve heard one major difficult story from an alum who was in the process of transitioning, and her roommates set her clothes on fire,” she said. “I would hope that something like that wouldn’t happen now. … The culture is changed, and I think we are ready.”

But even if campus is physically safer for trans* students, the process of coming out can be culturally alienating.

“It’s a very conforming culture,” Subbaraman said. “You don’t see anyone

*TRANSGENDER

*TRANSVESTITE

ALMOST ADULT

Remembering Our High School Roots

I

was sitting in Regents Hall this sum- other hand, my coworkers in the kitchen mer leafing through an LSAT book definitely had ambitions very different when I heard people coming down from mine and were incredibly profane, the hallway. Loud and festooned with which in turn, gave me a bit of an educalanyards, the group was comprised of tion. At the time, I didn’t see it like that.

The most defining moment of the high school students looking for Blomsummer, however, came right before enmer Science Library.

Just like this particular guy, the high tering Georgetown. Right before school, school students that flood Georgetown my parents surprised me with a quick during the summer are especially eager, trip to Florida, and we went to the Wizcurious and clad in their large back- arding World of Harry Potter. That first packs and pimply faces. But then I re- morning we rode all the Potter rides membered that my backpack, which I and then went back to our hotel. But wear almost every day, is twice as large, after dinner, we decided to make a reand I still can’t control my acne. I can turn visit to the park. On my way to get laugh at their lanyards, scavenger hunts a butter beer, I had a grand mal seizure and their fear of breaking curfew, but in the middle of Universal Studios. I had I’m not that much different than them never had a seizure before and haven’t — or, at least, I wasn’t. Actually, they were had one since. I don’t remember the cooler than I was in high school. Looking next week at all — courtesy of Klonoback on the summer before I entered pin — and the following week, I was at Georgetown. Sunburned Georgetown, I definitely and coming off of anti-seicannot pass judgment on zure meds, I started colany of these high school lege probably more fearstudents. ful than any high school With my 2010 graduastudent I have seen all tion over, my friends and I went to the beach for a Mary Burgoyne summer. I didn’t need a lanyard to designate that week to celebrate. In the beginning, I disposed of beer cans I was new. My face said it all.

Being a high school student is hard, while others drank because I feared the cops would arrive. I even had a awkward, and I don’t think I could hiding spot (under the sink) if they ever do it again. As a senior in college, I raided the house. I eventually drank marvel at how different I am from that my first beer, but the most memo- scabby-faced, seizure girl. I’d like to rable feature of the trip was my first think of myself now as confident and bout of sun poisoning, which led to independent, but seeing those students in Regents reminded me that I really scabbing all over my face.

When I returned home, I resumed my wasn’t a few years ago. I’ve grown into waitressing job at a ritzy golf club. I nei- the woman I am today (thank God!), but ther connected with the people I served it’s important to remember those past nor the people I worked with. My day‐to- versions of myself. If any summer proday life consisted of hearing a member gram high school kids read this while tell me that the lemonade to iced tea ra- feverishly researching colleges, thank tio of their Arnold Palmer was off or that you for keeping me entertained this they wanted an “oaken wine.” I still don’t summer with your naivete, but more even know what that last one means. In importantly, thank you for keeping me preparation for hearing statements like humble. these, I frequently listened to Malvina Reynolds’ “Little Boxes,” a song that I Mary Burgoyne is a senior in the interpreted as saying, “Rich people’s College. ALMOST ADULT appears evlives suck just as much as yours.” On the ery other Friday in the guide.

LIFESTYLE

Entrepreneur Brings the Beat Kim Bussing Hoya Staff Writer

With a hit single on iTunes and his songs circulating Internet radio stations, Darnell Bland,Jr. (MSB ’15) is anything but your typical business student. Double-majoring in marketing and management and having a concentration in entrepreneurship, Bland is also quickly making a name for himself in the music world.

How did you get into the music business?

I actually am a songwriter, so that’s how I started. I’ve been writing songs since I was about 11 years old, and the funny thing is I never thought anyone would actually hear my music. I started writing with my brother one summer and that’s how I got into writing professionally. That was fall of freshman year at Georgetown.

As far as becoming an artist, that came a little bit later. I started networking and writing for other people. Once time progressed, I realized I really didn’t like the music I heard on the radio, and I feel that if I don’t like something I might as well do something about it. I figured, why not start a record label?

MICHELLE XU/THE HOYA

Darnell Bland Jr. (MSB ’15) aspires to make it big doing what he loves.

I did some research in the end of April and beginning of May, and by July 1, I had the business together. My record label is called Warrior Star Entertainment.

What is the inspiration behind the name of your record label?

I have a warrior mentality. I believe that everything in life that is worth having is worth working hard for.

I feel like every artist is unique. I feel like every artist or producer or writer is a star in their own right, and if they are guided the right way they can be a superstar. My label is fighting for the underdogs. One thing that I’ve noticed is that mainstream record labels actually like to mold and change their artists to the point where they’ve created a whole new person. I don’t believe in doing that.

What are your goals with the future of the record label?

I’m open to signing all genres. I do R&B and I rap sometimes, and I also have another artist named B Harms — who is also my brother — who is an R&B singer as well. Right now, we just have R&B singers, but I really want to get more into rap and alternative and indie artists as well. I like that they’re different and have positive messages and a unique sound. But I’m open to anybody, as long as they have a good vision of what they want.

The music that we’re releasing is intellectual, it’s positive, it’s clean, it’s very honest,but still commercially viable. You won’t hear a bunch of oversexual or drug references.

What inspired you to produce your single “Killin’ Everybody?”

I wrote that during freshman year in 30 minutes. I actually bought a track from an underground producer, and I loved the way it sounded. It was very infectious. I wanted to do something crazy, something that was completely out of my personality.

I wanted to do something that would get people interested, something that was commercially viable since it

would be my first release.

How has it been received?

The song is receiving such good reviews from strangers as well as friends and family as well as my peers here. It’s just awesome because it makes me realize I’m meant to do music as well as business.

I have not heard one negative comment about the song at all. It’s on iTunes and Internet radio — iHeartRadio, Spotify, Pandora, you name it. It’s been receiving a lot of plays. My song has been played in Barbados, Hong Kong, Australia and all over the UK. It’s been very well received. I’ve been very, very happy.

What goes into the recording process?

The recording process is fun. It can be long; so I think it’s best to go into the studio knowing ahead of time what you want to do. But if I could, I would live in a studio.

You take a couple of lines from a song and then you layer it, you stack vocals, harmonies, background vocals, everything that you need for the song, any effects you want to put on your voice.

Any future projects in the works?

I’m in the process of recording an EP. I’m shooting for a January release.

I have another single that’s coming out in mid- to late October that’s called “In Your Arms.” It’s very vulnerable, and it’s about the initial phases of a relationship and vulnerability from a male point of view. I want to take music back to the days where when you spoke about love, it’s actually about love and not necessarily anything else.

I’m really leaning towards having seven songs [on my EP] with one intro. The EP is called Expose, and it’s about my introduction to the music industry as an artist.

You can find him on his Facebook page Darnell, or on Twitter at @Darnell_Junior.

the guide

friday, september 20, 2013

lifestyle

THE HOYA

B3

Books

Trying to Reclaim the Magic David Chardack Hoya Staff Writer

CAITLIN DESANTIS/THE HOYA

Gypsy Sally’s offers locally sourced food and drink as a part of their large menu of snacks and spirits.

Local Artists Have A Place to Call Home Though most shows and the Vinyl Lounge are limited to those 21 and Head chef Donald Spencer has older, Gypsy Sally’s plans to hold allcreated a modern American menu ages events in the future, and the based on the F.L.O.S.S. philosophy: Ensors hope that their venue will fresh, local, organic, seasonal and become a staple for Georgetown stusustainable. Featured menu items in- dents.

“We want to give the Georgetown clude a pulled pork sandwich topped with apples and served on brioche, a students another place to hang out. kale and cranberry salad with pine There’s food served and we’re open nuts, and Parmesan and spinach- till 2 a.m. serving late night munchcheddar sliders. The menu is reason- ies,” Karen Ensor said. “We hope stuably priced, with most items ranging dents will come and make it their own.” from $5 to $12.

To introduce Gypsy Sally’s and Bar manager Boris Umanov, who gained experience behind the bar the Vinyl Lounge to the Georgetown at Range in Friendship Heights and community, Gypsy’s will be hold Bandolero on M Street, is also elevat- a special event just for the school ing the typical concert cocktail. His Sept. 26. In the future, Gypsy Sally’s hopes to hold more expertise in mixolspecifically ogy is evident with “[T]his has been a events for Georgetown stuhis inspired craft cocktails, including dream a long time dents, including a trivia night the Big Pink, which coming, and we are music and open mike combines rye whisnights. key with fresh raspvery excited” Open until 12 a.m. berry extract and Sunday through egg white. Umanov david ensor Gypsy Sally’s Co-Owner Tuesday and until 2 plans to rotate the a.m. on Wednesday craft cocktail list in the Vinyl Lounge to highlight through Saturday, the Vinyl Lounge seasonal ingredients and provide a is the perfect place for students to more dynamic menu for frequent unwind after a long week of classes.

As opposed to going out to a club or a guests.

While customers can order clas- more raucous bar, Gypsy Sally’s prosics, Umanov recommends trying vides an ambience that is more laidsomething a little more dangerous back and offers guests the chance to such as the Diablo — a concoction of enjoy a more unique cocktail while tequila, cassis and ginger beer — or listening to classic vinyl.

Upcoming performers include the Martinez, made with gin, mararock artist Cris Jacobs, the roots rock schino and orange bitters.

Gypsy Sally’s offers a wide selec- band David Mayfield Parade, country tion of beers and wines, including band Nora Jane Struthers & the Party many local beers offered both in Line and award-winning bluegrass cans and on tap. They also make a duo the Gibson Brothers. Although fireball whiskey in-house and fea- tickets vary in price, some shows are ture an aged Sambuca. Prices range as cheap as $5.

The laid-back atmosphere is a welbetween $4 and $12.

“As a veteran musician and restau- come addition to the Georgetown rant worker, this has been a dream a nightlife scene.

“Definitely wear blue jeans. We long time coming, and we are very excited to create an active relation- want this to be a low-key place for ship with the community to grow people to come have some drinks, and create a space that Georgetown have fun and listen to great music,” can make its own,” David Ensor said. Karen said.

GYPSY, from B1

Harry Potter is the standard of literature for our generation. In my own life, characters from J.K. Rowling’s books inspired five of my first 10 Halloween costumes. In the real world, Rowling’s children’s franchise is the best-selling book series of all time. In recent years, however, Rowling has been faced with the difficult transition from childhood icon to adult author. Some make this transition with grace (I often think of Jodi Foster in the original The Parent Trap). Others seem to have gone off the deep end entirely.

(Need I juxtapose Hannah Montana with today’s Miley Cyrus?) For Rowling, evolution has been slow, and last year’s A Casual Vacancy didn’t garner a great reception in the adult fiction market. But under the pen-name Robert Galbraith, Rowling has made an impressive step toward genuinely and effectively appealing to an adult audience with The Cuckoo’s Calling.

The Cuckoo’s Calling is a mystery novel that tells the story of private investigator Cormoran Strike. Strike is called in to investigate the death of supermodel Lula Landry, who fell to her death from her third-floor apartment in London’s West End. Strike and his office temp Robin look into many facets of Landry’s past — her career, her personal life, her childhood, her origin— in order to get to the bottom of the crime.

The two are badgered by the police, who assume Landry’s death to be a suicide, and angry members of the press. The plot is fairly basic overall; no shocking twists, turns or complications change the course of the book until the very end. Strike

merely plods along, uncovering a few predictable clues and conducting interviews with Landry’s friends and family.

It’s fair to wonder how else Rowling managed to fill over 400 pages with such a simple story. The truth is, it’s easy to tell that she tries — almost desperately — to appeal to a mature audience by adding more intimate, personal details of both Strike’s and Robin’s lives, reminiscent of the strangely emotional and somewhat unpopular A Casual Vacancy. Pages upon pages are filled with the struggles that both Robin and Strike have with their significant others — details that end up being extraneous and never contribute to the novel in any significant way. They don’t help us solve the mystery or add any new captivating details to the story. In this aspect, it’s easy to tell that the author is out of her element.

Although the characters are fairly unimpressive and poorly developed, Rowling manages to effectively add critical undertones directed toward media outlets and the fetishized celebrity culture, especially in England. Above all, the conflict between Strike, the police, Landry’s family and Landry’s friends ensures that the paparazzi and the sensationalized media coverage of celebrities are two common enemies of all characters. Rowling succeeds in this aspect of adding depth to her story, which is far more successful than her failed attempt to subtly weave the characters’ personal lives into the fabric of the main story.

Although the plot was somewhat of a letdown, Rowling’s writing is a pleasure to read. Like the Harry Potter series, The Cuckoo’s Calling is written in a clear and straight-

SPHERE BOOKS

forward fashion, featuring a fun and creative diction that no other writer has managed to adequately reproduce. Even through the more unnecessarily emotional sections of Calling, Rowling’s extensive and creative vocabulary contributes to the general readability and levity of the book. It’s easy to tell that Rowling gets caught up in the musical descriptions of each awkward situation, the visualized image of every character and the life-like portrayal of each room where a scene occurs.

Rowling has announced that she will continue to write Cormoran Strike novels under the Galbraith name — and I am greatly looking forward to the next one. Although she is clearly out of her element, The Cuckoo’s Calling demonstrates that her Galbraith experiment has great potential to help her bridge the gap into the world of adult fiction. I am confident that the next book will build on what she has started and that the Strike novels will help her accomplish her literary goals.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK float on — sarah lipkin

gluten freedom

Navigating Your Dining Hall Beyond the Pasta Bar M

ost college students see summer as a break for their brains; I view summer as a vacation for my stomach. Homecooked meals replace the seemingly never-ending cycle of chicken, rice and salad from Leo’s. However, eventually all things must come to an end, even summer and good food.

Now that I’m back on the Hilltop and living on campus again, maintaining my gluten-free diet has become even more difficult and less delicious.

Upon entering Leo’s, you are greeted by the sandwich station, bread loaves and desserts galore.

For the average Joe or Jane Hoya, you’re probably already satisfied with these options, filled with their carbohydrate goodness. If you’re someone like me with a gluten allergy, then you are in cafeteria hell.

However, there is a small glimmer of hope in the lower level of Leo’s.

Tucked away between the cereal and pizza is a small gluten-free section.

On a good day, the small refrigerator is almost overflowing with gluten-free chicken nuggets, breads, burritos and — if you’re lucky — waffles and mac and cheese. On an off-day, the frozen burritos are the only thing that remains. Unfortunately, there seems to be an uneven ratio of off days to good days. So even though this is the most obvious place to go in search of food, I usually prefer to look elsewhere for hidden gluten-free options.

The keys to eating gluten-free in Leo’s are a little extra time, effort and creativity, but the results are worth the wait. Think about it: Do you want to eat an overly processed, leftover frozen burrito or a semi-homemade chicken quesadilla? I think the answer is pretty clear. Here’s my quick and

easy semi-homemade chicken quesadilla recipe: Grab tortillas from the gluten-free refrigerator, chicken from either the home station or the salad bar, cheese from the salad bar or deli and sour cream, guacamole and salsa from the burrito station.

It sounds like a lot of work, but it’s worth it and, on the plus side, walk-

Christina Wing ing around Leo’s in search of food will work up an appetite. Compile all of your ingredients in your tortillas and grill the quesadilla on the panini press. (There is one in the gluten-free section for no cross-contamination.)

Unfortunately, school and work

tend to interrupt my culinary genius, so all of my Leo’s trips don’t involve such careful planning. When I’m in a time crunch, my go-to is always the salad bar. I can fill my plate with almost everything on the salad bar line and have a pretty satisfying meal — just watch out for the couscous and pasta salad. It’s basically make-your-own-Sweetgreen in Leo’s, without the walk to M Street.

Because humankind cannot live on “bunny food” alone, there are even more options as you walk around upstairs. On all of the signs, there will be information on what possible allergies the food contains (wheat, dairy, egg, etc.). You can almost always go with rice, an absolute staple in my Asian and gluten-free diet. For protein, there is normally always chicken available as well.

If you have time or are feeling lazy (or you just feel like standing

in line waiting for someone else to make your food) then I highly recommend the new burrito station or the old faithful wok line. The burrito station is a Chipotle-esque knockoff, but it will satisfy any Mexican craving with the added corn chips and guacamole. However, my personal favorite is wok. Just make sure that you tell them if you need the gluten-free pan and you’re golden.

The workers there are typically the friendliest Leo’s employees, so even though the lines move very slowly, it’s well worth the wait.

All of this talk about food is making me hungry, even if it is just for Leo’s. But if you know where to look and have some time to spare, you can leave satisfied and happy.

Christna Wing is a sophomore in the McDonough School of Business. GLUTEN FREEDOM appears every other Friday in the guide.

B4

the guide

THE HOYA

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013

RESTAURANTS

RECIPE BOX

Spicing Up the Basics

ENGLISH MUFFIN PIZZA

Pizza is a staple in a college diet, but by switching up classic pizza dough with English muffins, they you can make a bite-size version easily and quickly in the comfort of your own dorm. And with the addition of caramelized onions, mozzarella and diced ham, these are far from your typical cheese slices from the dining hall. If you’re in the mood to mix it up, play around with your own toppings to make a customized pie.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken 1 1/2 cups grated gruyere 1 cup frozen peas 1 large egg, beaten

OYAMEL



2 sheets (one 17.25-oz. package) frozen puff pastry, thawed 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Melt butter in a medium skillet on medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook for about 5 minutes or until translucent. Add the diced ham and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Mix in the sage and mustard. Remove from heat.

Put muffin halves open-side up on a sturdy baking pan. Distribute the cheese evenly. Put the onion and ham mixture on top of the cheese. If you want to use tomato slices, layer them between the cheese and onion mixture.

Bake for 8 to 9 minutes or until the muffins and toppings are nicely browned.

Cut into quarters for appetizers or just leave whole for a meal or snack.

RESTAURANTS

Quaint Cafe Brings French Flair to Georgetown EMILY MANBECK Hoya Staff Writer

Before dining at Cafe La Ruche, I always considered 31st Street the mecca for Italian food in Georgetown. Ristorante Piccolo, Paper Moon and Il Canale attract great crowds on the weekends that crave pizza, chicken parmesan and other classic Italian dishes. If you venture a little further away from these Georgetown staples, however, you’ll find an adorable restaurant inspired by a lesser-known European cuisine.

Housed in an innocuously small yellow building with bright blue shutters, Cafe La Ruche is a delightful spot for French cuisine.

Upon arriving at the cafe, my date and I were immediately seated. We had made a reservation for an early dinner, but it was refreshing to see that the hostess and other staff were ready and excited for business even at 5:00 p.m. Our waitress immediately served us water and gave us about 15 minutes to look over the menu and admire the restaurant’s decor.

The interior of Cafe La Ruche seems larger than what you would think from seeing the outside of the building. In the back of the cafe is a bar and cooler for desserts — which are both fun and perilously tempting to look at as you wait for your meal. Many international flags hang from the ceiling, and the walls are covered in pictures of Parisian streets. With a mostly French staff, Cafe La Ruche really makes you feel as though you are dining in Paris.

For starters, we ordered the petite Caesar salade and the soupe a l’oignon gratinee (French onion soup). The Caesar did not amaze us, though it wasn’t inedible either.

The soup, however, was incredible. The melted Gruyere cheese on top was creamy and tangy, and it complemented the slightly salty broth, croutons and caramelized onions well. We finished it so quickly that we almost considered asking for more.

For entrees, we ordered the poulet cordon bleu — chicken cordon bleu — and a steak special. The chicken was cooked perfectly. It cut

401 Seventh St. NW cuisine: Mexican price: $$$$

CAFE LA RUCHE

 1039 31st St. NW cuisine: French price: $$$$ easily even with the ham and cheese inside.

Breaded and fried, the dish was very rich and flavorful. I could sense the saltiness of the ham, the crunch of the breadcrumbs, the butteriness of the cheese and the moistness of the poultry all in one bite.

We enjoyed the steak special as well. Grilled to medium temperature, the steak had a beautiful reddish-pink inside and melted in your mouth.

I could even taste the herbs used to marinate the meat — rosemary and herbes Provencal.

The check’s arrival brought a sad ending to our wonderful dinner, not because of the prices — which were reasonable for a college budget — but because we did not have enough time for dessert. Cafe La Ruche offers a menu of 14 pastries ranging from tarts to meringues to napoleons, which they make fresh daily and decorate most beautifully. On my next trip there, I might just order all of them.

The only drawback for this restaurant, I would say, is the outdoor seating. While the interior of the cafe is quite charming and clean, the outside is rather plain. With a few grey tables and green plastic chairs, the exterior seating of Cafe La Ruche lacks the delightful and authentic French feel of the inside.

This little gem provides the perfect ambience for an intimate date, a weekend brunch with friends or a quiet parents’ weekend dinner.

French for “beehive,” La Ruche fits its name well — a pleasant hole in the wall abuzz with conversation and a welcoming atmosphere.

CAROLINE DESANTIS Hoya Staff Writer

At Oyamel, José Andrés masters yet another cuisine: modern Mexican. The restaurant, which opened its doors in March 2007, is in the heart of Penn Quarter and just a few blocks away from several of Andrés’ other tasty restaurants. Oyamel serves up mouthwatering modern interpretations of urban Mexican food. And, like any José Andrés menu, the food is innovative without sacrificing the traditional flavors.

The atmosphere is bright and colorful with lots of Mexican figurines and decorations adorning the walls and the bar. On one side of the restaurant, a gold mobile of butterflies hangs, while on the other, white paper-like butterflies dangle from the ceiling. These intricate aesthetic details add to the fun atmosphere of Andrés’ restaurant.

The flavors of Oyamel are also as bright and bold as its decor. The menu begins with antotjitos, small snack-like dishes such as tacos and ceviche. Upon arrival, fresh chips with a hint of tequila and a side of smoky salsa are served at each table.

I first ordered the Napolitas, a baby cactus salad with lime dressing, which was tangy and crunchy. I followed that with the Gaspacho Estilo Morelia, which is not your traditional chilled tomato soup but rather a refreshing salad of fresh fruit and cucumber. A little dash of queso fresco and a touch of chile pequin give a light creaminess and a mild spice to the dish.

One of the standouts of the menu was the ceviche de peje-sol: The Hawaiian sunfish with avocado and marinated in salsa was succulent and flavorful. The added touch of avocado made it quite a luscious dish, but it was perfectly balanced by the acidic lime juice and fresh cilantro. The camarones al mojo de ajo negro was also a stellar dish: sauteed shrimp with shallots. The shrimp were cooked perfectly and served in a flavorful chile

CAROLINE DESANTIS/THE HOYA

Oyamel’s camarones al mojo de ajo negro is a spicy and flavorful twist on traditional Mexican food. and poblano pepper broth. It was perfectly spicy and hearty without being too heavy.

One of the dishes that was more reflective of Andrés’ innovative take on classic cuisine was the sopa de quesedilla. It is a big bowl of a light and spicy tomato broth with little balls of quesadillas stuffed with Chihuahua cheese and queso fresco. The quesadilla balls are out of this world. The corn tortilla outside and the gooey cheesy inside are the ultimate remix of the traditional quesadilla.

As for the tacos I tried, the tinga poblano con puerco, which was a robust and meaty concoction. A topping of avocado was the perfect balance to the tangy shredded pork and chorizo. The pescado Mexicano taco is a lighter option compared to the other and is made with a white fish and salsa, topped with a deli-

cious pesto sauce.

For dessert, I tried the tres leches cake, and it was absolutely delectable. The cake, which is soaked in rum and three types of milk, is moist and rich. The accompanying acidic pineapple gelatin counterbalances the richness of the cake, while the scoop of caramel ice cream adds another layer of lusciousness.

The flan de comote, a sweet potato flan, is also a great finish to the meal. The rich flan is paired nicely with a tangy apple sorbet and tamarind sauce.

At Oyamel, Andrés proves that he is the master of Mexican food. Each dish is teeming with flavors that are perfectly fresh, spicy, tangy and rich.

What’s great is that although all of the dishes are innovations on the urban Mexican cuisine, they do not lose the more classic flavors.

HAPPY HOUR BRAMBLE

nationalpost.com If you’re looking for a fresh drink with an unusual kick, Bramble, a blackberry-infused gin cocktail should satiate your taste buds’ needs. Stick with a more traditional London dry gin for a classic flavor, or substitute a Plymouth gin for a fruitier twist. Lime juice can also be used in place of the lemon depending on personal preference, and for cocktail connoisseurs, add some creme de mure for a more intense blackberry flavor.

Shake 2 oz. gin, 1 oz. freshly squeezed lemon juice and 1/2 oz. simple syrup with ice in a cocktail shaker until ice is crushed. Pour into a rocks glass. Slowly pour 1/2 oz. blackberry liqueur over the top. Garnish with blackberries.

ABSOLUTE STRESS

allrecipes.com Contrary to the name of the drink, this citrusy vodka and rum cocktail is the perfect way to unwind after a stressful week. With a fusion of sweet peach and tangy cranberry, this drink pairs perfectly with a relaxing weekend or a fun night out. For those seeking a sweeter concotion, add some Malibu coconut rum in place of the other rum, or swap the orange juice for pineapple juice for a more tropical taste.

In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 oz. vodka, 1 oz. dark rum, 1 oz. peach schnapps, 1 oz. orange juice and 1 oz. cranberry juice. Shake well. Pour over ice in a tall glass and garnish with a slice of orange and a cherry.

CAFE LA ROUCHE

Cafe La Rouche spoons up European comfort food, including their decadent French onion soup topped with a layer of Gruyere cheese.

bestbets

on campus

FRIDAY MUSIC SERIES

MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL

5K CRAZY RUN

FLORENTIJN HOFMAN EXHIBIT

WHERE: McNeir Auditorium WHEN: Friday, 1:15 p.m.

INFO: Department of Performing Arts PRICE: Free

WHERE: Alumni Square Courtyard WHEN: Friday, 6 to 8 p.m.

INFO: Center for Student Engagement PRICE: Free

WHERE: Red Square WHEN: Saturday, 11:30 a.m.

INFO: BeWell Week PRICE: Free

WHERE: Copley Lawn WHEN: Monday, 1:30 to 3 p.m.

INFO: GU Lecture Fund PRICE: Free

Stop by New North this Friday afternoon to celebrate the start of the week with some good, old-fashioned jazz. This week, the Georgetown University Jazz Ensemble is featuring all of the classics of the Big Band Era for their Friday Music Series. Professor Aaron Broadus will direct the student ensemble through the works of artists such as Benny Goodman and Gene Krupa in the weekly free concert.

Start your weekend off right with the Vietnamese Student Association, Chinese Student Alliance and Taiwanese American Association’s Mid-Autumn Festival in Alumni Square Courtyard this Friday. Learn more about the VSA, CSA and TASA, listen to great music and enjoy homemade barbeque, moon cakes and tea.

Sponsored by Georgetown’s BeWell Week, the 5K Crazy Run provides a free alternative to the sold-out D.C. Color Run and is filled with everything from super soakers to beach balls. Weave your way through Georgetown before getting splattered with colored powder at the finish line! Everyone who participates will be entered into a raffle for free Yates fall fitness passes.

Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman gained international fame for his whimsical urban installations.

Come explore Hofman’s uniquely modern ascetic through his first lecture in the United States this Monday, with “The Artist Behind the World’s Largest Rubber Duck: Florentijn Hofman,” sponsored by the Lecture Fund, Georgetown’s art department and Georgetown University Art Aficionados.

the guide

friday, september 20, 2013

movies

from here to now to you

prisoners

starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Hugh Jackman

Bethany Blakeman Special to The Hoya

If you’re looking for a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat, Prisoners is the perfect choice. The film has all the components needed to create the perfect fall thriller: Dark, cold wood surrounding a suburb; two missing little girls; a lineup of mentally unstable, oddlooking suspects (one has the IQ of a 10-year-old and the other has a strange habit of purchasing children’s clothing); a badass detective who’s never left a case unfinished; and two families who test their moral limits in their quest for answers.

When his daughter and her friend go missing on Thanksgiving, Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) is prepared to go to whatever lengths necessary to get them back. His motto, “Pray for the best, prepare for the worst,” is continually pushed to the limit with each passing day his daughter and her friend remain missing.

Jackman’s character is juxtaposed with Frank Birch (Terrance Howard). Birch, the father of the other missing girl who is equally willing to do anything for his daughter’s safety, opts to handle the situation from the sidelines.

Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) faces a dilemma on how to solve the case.

Though he attempts to handle the situation in an ethically sound manner, he is torn between following protocol and listening to his intuition. Gyllenhaal plays his role excellently — with an intense gaze and a nervous eye twitch, he convinces the audience that he is incredibly keen and intuitive, but yet is confounded by the case that he tries to solve. Each suspect seems guiltier than the next. Each causes chills to shoot up your spine but also makes you question how we perceive those who have different mental capabilities.

The entire cast of Prisoners is strong, but Jackman and Gyllenhaal compete for the best performance. Jackman does a great job of playing the fierce father role.

Dover is so adamant about his plan to find his daughter that he develops a sort of tunnel vision — his passion for procuring answers intensely controls him. At times, he is so high strung and on edge that it becomes almost comical.

The storyline of Prisoners will keep you questioning which prisoners the movie title refers to. The complexity of the situation seems to turn everyone into a prisoner. The families of the missing girls become prisoners of their despair. Dover becomes a prisoner of his consciousness.

The suspects become prisoners of society’s judgments. Detective Loki becomes a prisoner of his case. The title, like the film itself, is open ended, leaving you to decide what you believe the truth to be.

Overall, the movie is worth seeing.

Though it may seem like it is a story line that has already been hashed out, the great ensemble of acting and sharp production make it a standout movie this season. Despite its length, the film’s strength and intensity will keep you riveted. And as the characters question their morals, you may find yourself questioning yours, too.

B5

music

mUSIC

Film Takes Johnson Maintains Mellow Sound Viewers Captive  

THE HOYA

Jack Johnson

Alt-Rock Album Proves Pleasantly 

Connor Valaik

Eng Gin Moe

I should probably start with a disclaimer: I am a Jack Johnson fan. The reason I say this is because Jack Johnson is often maligned for having songs that all sound alike.

This criticism is somewhat warranted, but I have always thought that although there may not be a dramatic change in the sound and style of his music over the years, Johnson has always managed to mature with his music.

There’s a polish to his newer music that isn’t as evident in his earlier works. From Here to Now to You is a prime example of a work from a more advanced artist.

Johnson’s music is still just as breezy and easygoing as it has always been. The album was recorded in Johnson’s own Mango Tree Studio in Hawaii with Mario Caldato Jr., who produced his 2005 album, In Between Dreams.

In a later album, To the Sea, Johnson moved toward a more electric sound, but in his latest release, he has returned to his familiar acoustic sound. But that doesn’t mean that this is just a reproduction of his past works.

Johnson has infused a little more folkiness and originality in these new songs. “Radiate” is an upbeat, funky tune that demands to be danced to. “Shot Reverse Shot” is another great, positive number. Going at a near ceaseless pace, Johnson delivers a toe-tapping beat that allows you to forget about the somewhat senseless lyrics. The folkier “Change” is aided by a Hawaiian slide guitar and backup vocals from Ben Harper.

Johnson has always had a knack of making songs about the mundane seem much more exciting than they should. Although no one can claim washing dishes to be their favorite activity, one of the tracks is named exactly after that chore. Johnson makes it a

While I’ve always been a big fan of the alternative and rock scene — especially artists like Alt-J — I’ve never actually sat down and listened to the relatively wellknown alternative rock band The Naked and Famous. This group, composed of Alisa Xayalith on vocals and keyboards, Thom Powers on vocals and guitar, Aaron Short on keyboard, David Beadle on bass and Jesse Wood on drums, is a postpunk revival band from New Zealand.

They burst onto the music scene with their first single, “Young Blood,” off their debut album Passive Me, Aggressive You, which became a worldwide hit. After a great deal of touring, they returned home to start working on their sophomore album, In Rolling Waves.

Despite not having heard of The Naked and Famous before, I can see why many are drawn to their music. In Rolling Waves opens with “A Stillness,” a track that goes against the norm by having the instrumentation be the main focus. Filled with both acoustic guitar and synth, The Naked and Famous expose a different side to their listeners.

Although Xayalith’s soft vocals are on this piece, they are almost secondary and lost in the background to the riffs and beat.

This instrumental trend continues into the next song, “Hearts Like Ours,” which is also the lead single of the album. This song channels The Naked and Famous’ roots with plenty of elec-

Hoya Staff Writer

Special to The Hoya

BRUSHFIRE RECORDS

lot more interesting by telling a story of a dish washer who wants a girl to fall in love with him, even though he may not yet be up to her standards.

Johnson is at his best when he is at his most mellow. It’s very obvious that he feels at home in these songs, and the mellower tracks off the albums are his deepest, most acoustically arresting pieces.

Among these is “I Got You.” It’s a slow-paced acoustic song with a gentle drum beat about how all one needs is his or her significant other. “You Remind Me of You” is the most bare-bones song on the album. It’s short and features only Johnson’s own vocal talent and his acoustic guitar. When listening to it, you can’t help but feel like you are sitting on a beach in Hawaii with Johnson strumming and singing on his guitar right next to you.

Although much of his music appears simple, “Ones and Zeros” features an impressive guitar riff.

He experiments with different vocals as well, which leads to perhaps one of the album’s most successful songs.

Jack Johnson’s new album is probably the mellowest one he’s released yet, but also the most complex and mature. He’s not an artist that relies on formulaic songs to remain relevant, but he has proven that his brand of easy listening music is not going stale anytime soon.

SOMEWHAT DAMAGED RECORDS

in rolling waves The Naked and Famous tro-pop effects and Xayalith’s strong vocals. However, the heavy presence of pop reminds us that although the band may have altered their sound, they’re still the group that won fans over with Passive Me, Aggressive You and have only become only a little more polished.

However, my personal favorite from their new release is “Waltz,” a track that features both Xayalith and Powers. I was blown away by the unexpected juxtaposition between Powers’ soft-spoken voice and the powerful words he sings. At first, Powers’ voice serenades the listener, but with the gradual introduction of drums followed by Xayalith’s voice, the song becomes full and rhythmic with spaciousness and emotion, just like the dance the song is aptly titled for.

This trend of profoundness continues in “Grow Old,” which is the longest track on the album. However, every part of the song — from the soft synth opening to the weighty instrumental lulls — adds to the almost passive, accepting tone. The haunting, regretful words are jarring: “This wasn’t supposed to be special,” “You’ve made your bed and now sleep in it” and “I wasn’t supposed to feel ashamed.” The Naked and Famous are great lyricists, and it’s a gift that we have the privilege to experience music that focuses on the lyrical quality and not just the commercial value. These songs are very reminiscent of the work of The xx, an indie-pop group who are known for their impactful words and sparse background instrumentation.

The Naked and Famous remain uniquely themselves. One of the band’s unique characteristics is that during the production of the album they wanted to make sure that whatever they produced could easily be played live, so they recorded each song without backing tracks. Their philosophy shows just how dedicated they are to creating a pure sound. Although this is just their sophomore album, the band’s ability to create hauntingly beautiful music is sure to attract listeners — even those who may not be predisposed to alternative rock. In fact, I’m probably going to be playing their whole album on repeat on Spotify for the next few days.

top shelf

Finding Life Lessons Between the Pages

D

espite the fact that with the combined amount of internships and jobs we’ve held, we’re a poor representation of the rest of the employed and unemployed America, we’re still all entitled to quarter-life crises. Let’s be honest: We all secretly and completely relate to those BuzzFeed posts pondering our 20s and the encroaching and unwelcome post-grad years.

And whether you’re determined to become the next president of the United States, the writer of the next great American novel or an internationally renowned economist, we’re all allowed our moments of holy-guacamole-I’m-officially-approaching-adulthood blues. There’s the worry of getting sucked down an easier, if less groundbreaking or individual, path, or making it close to your goals, only to fail.

Luckily for us, books aren’t there to just look pretty or be arm candy for a Starbucks run — they’re kind enough to provide some muchneeded escapism from our looming entrance into real life and make mistakes for us so we can watch and learn, instead of doing and regretting them.

Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture by Douglas Coupland is a funny little work. It’s not your tra-

ditional novel in any sense, which is do the things we’re capable of doing, kind of great, because no one’s grow- just like saying we’re never going to ing up is ever traditional and it’s nice visit London in fear of Voldemort atto be reminded of that. Its columns tacking. are riddled with definitions of supThe Emperor’s Children, the posedly trendy phrases embodying most well-known book from novelthe titular generation. There are ist Claire Messud, is a dense, meaty some cartoons, too, just in case you piece. It’s about a lot of things and feel more like looking at pictures a lot of people. You’ll meet a prestithan constantly reading. It is narrated gious journalist and his daughter, by those almost-frustrating protago- who’s almost incapable of accomnists who observe more than they do plishing anything for fear of not and who serve to tell us a story rather meeting her celebrated father’s exthan be actors in it. The pectations. There’s a colstory itself is strange as lege drop-out convinced well: A trio of friends lives he’s destined for great, in a small condo complex earth-shattering things. in the desert and tells (Then again, don’t we all each other fantastical believe we are?) There’s tales that are guises for Kim Bussing a smart, little producer their individual fears. It’s who’s feeling the tooabout people who are scared of big sharp worry of being single with no things — like bombs going off and career or relationship prospects and the world ending — which is great, nearing 30. because these people are not unlike Character-wise, the book is nothus. Maybe they’re separated by a de- ing new. We’ve known these people cade of differences and the fact that from past novels, but what differour generation knows how to use entiates them now is how fleshed iPhones while theirs doesn’t, but we out they are. Messud makes sure all have in common a fear of grand, il- we know every idiosyncrasy, every lustrious threats. And sometimes we quirk, even their daily schedules. let those threats permeate our lives, (She loves detail, and although this even when they’re more science fic- may make it difficult to wade into tion than fact. And sometimes we the novel initially, you’ll appreciate use those threats as excuses not to it later on). And by knowing how and

why and what of their decisions and mistakes are, you start to see your own. You start to see how easy it is to get trapped in a role that is cliche enough that your lines and director’s directions are made specifically for you: the charismatic journalist turned stay-at-home, resentful boyfriend; the fearful young woman masquerading as an up-and-coming writer living at home with her parents; the other woman who really, really loves the guy, whose marriage is obviously not that great and he’s definitely going to leave his wife soon.

Perhaps the most poignant connection these two books share is their sense of entitlement, something that is very easy to possess nowadays but often goes unnoticed.

They’re a reminder that no matter how smart, wealthy, talented, outgoing or driven you may be, you aren’t going to have the things you want spill out neatly in front of you. Giving up makes you average. Perseverance through the bad times is what makes you the kind of person who makes a name for him or herself, no matter what generation you’re in.

Kim Bussing is a sophomore in the College. TOP SHELF appears every other Friday in the guide.

ALCON ENTERTAINMENT

JuLIA dicicco & jessica tannenbaum Hoya Staff Writer

around town LIFE IN COLOR

the district flea

open mic stand-up

national book festival

This year, the 13th annual National Book Festival is a special two-day event. With President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama as honorary chairs, it is sure to be a true celebration of American literature. Attendees will have the chance to meet their favorite authors, listen to speeches, get books signed and have their photograph taken with various fictional characters.

Formally DayGlow, Life in Color is the world’s largest paint party. This year, the tour features some of the biggest names in electronic dance music. The show, which is meant to represent the spirit of our generation, is an experience that every undergrad should have at least once. Throughout the show, different colors of paint will be blasted from the stage to the beat of the music, so be sure to wear all white!

WHERE: 945 Florida Ave. NW WHEN: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

INFO: districtflea.com PRICE: Free

WHERE: Arlington, Va. WHEN: Saturday, 10:30 p.m.

INFO: arlingtondrafthouse.com PRICE: Free

WHERE: National Mall WHEN: Saturday & Sunday, noon to 5:30 p.m.

INFO: loc.gov/bookfest

WHERE: RFK Stadium WHEN: Saturday, 2 p.m. to midnight INFO: lifeincolor.com PRICE: $75

Come check out this new flea market, which has been brought to D.C. by the creators of Brooklyn Flea. The market will feature a wide array of vintage and antique item vendors, who are sure to be offering a host of unique items from cameras to furniture. In addition, the event will feature a number of food trucks and a beer garden; it is sure to be well worth the visit.

The Arlington Cinema & Drafthouse has slowly become an underground comedy hotspot. In recent months, many heavyweights, from Patton Oswalt to Kristin Schaal, have performed at the venue, making it a local hub for comedic activity. This weekend they will be hosting an open mic night, which is sure to bring out a great showing of local talent and make for an entertaining evening.

B6

Sports

THE HOYA

friday, September 20, 2013

Men’s soccer

Muyl Shines in Win at Penn; Princeton Up Next LAURA WAGNER Hoya Staff Writer

The underclassman trio of freshmen Alex Muyl and Bakie Goodman and sophomore Brandon Allen stole the show in Georgetown’s win over Penn on Thursday night. The No. 19 Georgetown men’s soccer team’s improved to 5-2 on the season with the victory over Penn (1-3), their third consecutive win. Muyl’s breakout game included leading the team with one goal and one assist, while Goodman and Allen scored one goal each to contribute to the 3-0 shutout.

Head Coach Brian Wiese predicted in a previous interview that it was only a matter of time before Muyl’s skill paid off.

“Alex Muyl, at some point he’s going to score 40 goals — he gets, like, six shots and some awfully good chances to score, and he puts himself into really dangerous positions,” Wiese said

after Georgetown’s win over James Madison last week, in which Muyl had several promising chances.

With his first goal now tucked away, Muyl is on his way toward living up to Wiese’s expectations. The goal itself was impressive, as Muyl dribbled past two defenders from the top of the box and finished it off unassisted in the 30th minute to go up 2-0.

The first goal, however, was scored

by Goodman, an equally promising freshman whose ability to play the gaps in the midfield has earned him a starting spot in the Hoyas’ last two games. Senior midfielder Steve Neumann crossed the ball to Goodman from the right side, and he knocked in past the Penn goalkeeper for the first score of the game. Despite several good looks, including one shot that hit the post, Hermann trophy contender Neumann, who hasn’t scored in the last five games, was

unable to convert. For Wiese, Neumann’s scoring slump isn’t something to worry about.

“Bakie got the first goal and Alex got the second, but Alex’s was more of a one-man effort,” Wiese said. “He’s been a problem for opposing defenses recently and was overdue for a goal, it’s great for him to get his first … It’s nice to have production from more than just Brandon and Steve.”

In the second half, Muyl was at it again, this time crossing the ball to Allen from the left side, who only needed one touch to put the ball — and the game — away for good.

The Hoyas outshot the Quakers 18-12, but it was thanks to Georgetown goalkeeping that Penn remained scoreless. After four saves and 70 minutes junior keeper Tomas Gomez was subbed out and senior second-string keeper Keon Parsa entered the game to make three saves of his own.

“In the net, Tomas and Keon certainly didn’t have an uneventful night,” Wiese said. “We got a lot of guys in, and got a really tough result on the road.”

On Sunday, the Hoyas face another Ivy League Team, Princeton (1-3), in their last game before Big East play begins. Due to the late-starting Ivy League season, Princeton has less game experience under its belt, something that Wiese views as an edge for his team.

“We’re getting more and more solidified in who we are and they’re a week behind us,” Wiese said. “So there is an advantage as far as our season settles.”

Though Georgetown has more experience competing this season, the Tigers have a couple players that could pose a challenge for the Hoyas’ tried and true defense, including sophomore forward and last year’s Ivy League rookie of the year, Thomas

Sanner.

“We’ll be aware of a lot of their weapons. [Sanner] is the younger brother of Matt Sanner, who graduated last year, and he’s stepping in to fill in his brother’s shoes very well.

They also have a kid who we thought was one of the better attacking players we’ve played — Cameron Porter.”

The Hoyas will rest on Friday and train lightly Saturday in preparation for Sunday’s game. A win over Princeton on Sunday is important for the Hoyas’ confidence as they open Big East play against No. 5 Creighton on Saturday, Sept. 28.

“Every game has its own mounting importance. Each game becomes bigger and bigger as the season goes on, if you’re having a good season,” Wiese said. “We talked to the boys about how our focus is on the conference. If you can do well in the Big East you set yourself up for the national stage in a good way.”

CHRIS GRIVAS/THE HOYA

Sophomore forward Brandon Allen (left), freshman forward Alex Muyl (center) and freshman midfielder Bakie Goodman (right) all scored in Georgetown’s 3-0 win over Penn.

More than a game

When Looking at Sports, Fans Must Keep Perspective A round the world, sports are often endowed with a quasisupernatural status. They represent a powerful force that brings people together regardless of age or background. They serve a transcendent, unifying role that deeply permeates society, sometimes even taking precedent over work or academic obligations. I can see it in the FIFA World Cup, when millions of fans cheer wildly in support of their national team.

I can see it in a football game at a sports bar, where fans from all over the city come together to eat nachos and watch the TV screens.

I can see it in a balmy September afternoon at Nationals Park, where people come more to socialize than to actually watch what is happening on the field.

Sports exist in their own little makeshift reality. Despite all of those overused catchphrases (which I even use for the title of this column!), sports really do seem like “just a game.” Sure, the games

can be of enormous size, and people can get a little too worked up about them. There is lots of money involved and plenty of investments on the line.

But ultimately, sports are “just a game” because they offer us an escape from all of the things we do not want to do. They carry us away from the reality of the working world, serving as one big distraction from all of the essays and assignments we have due after the weekend is over. They are a reason to have parties and celebrate with friends. They are an excuse to scream your lungs out and run around the hallway like a buffoon when you favorite team wins.

I am not saying that these distractions are not beneficial. We all need something to cheer about away from the classroom or office.

Whether we are playing or watching them, sports are the epitome of “fun.” But it is also vital to put these games in perspective.

Outside of providing you some

personal enjoyment, how much does a baseball or football game really matter? How big of a deal is it that the Seahawks beat the 49ers last weekend, or that the Nationals beat the Braves and might actually

Nick Fedyk

In the face of tragedy, sports lose importance. make the playoffs? Remember all that hype last year about Washington making the postseason for the first time since 1933? When they lost to the Cardinals in the first round and their ground-breaking

run came to an end, how many fans were still bothered a few days later? Sure, the stadium must have been deathly quiet as the fans walked out through the gates. The Cardinals’ four-run rally in the last inning sure was a “bummer” and “too bad.” But was it a tragedy?

Were people pulling their hair out or crying the next week?

For those that were, you need to get a life. You have got to put it all in perspective. Learn to value things that truly matter. Value the fact that you can attend a game and tailgate with your family without being upset that your team lost on a last-second field goal. Appreciate that you can form an intramural team with your best friends from freshman year without losing sleep over dropping the fourth-quarter touchdown. Get excited about just being a part of the student cheering section, even if the Hoyas lose by a few points to a Big East rival.

I think we all learned a valuable lesson about perspective on Monday,

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and I would be remiss to not mention the horrific shooting at the Navy Yard that claimed 13 lives, including the shooter, and wounded eight.

Only a few blocks away from the shooting, Nationals Park was closed for the evening, and the scheduled game against the Braves was postponed until the following day.

That empty stadium, with its vacant seats and dimmed lights, is perhaps the most fitting symbol of reverence for the victims of that tragedy. For at least one night, we were reminded that there are things much greater than a sports game or playoff run that deserve our attention. When you compare a sports game to moments as tragically powerful as those we read about on Monday, the game really does seem like just a game. That perspective is something worth remembering.

Nick Fedyk is a senior in the College.

MORE THAN A GAME appears every Friday.

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Sruggling GU Faces Friars In First Big East Game FIELD HOCKEY, from B8 the beginning of September. Old Dominion has scored just six goals in as many matches, a sign that the team’s forwards are struggling to establish an aggressive presence in the offensive third. The defense has performed relatively well, allowing on average just over two goals per game. With only two seniors to lead the team, Old Dominion is in for a challenge against Villanova on Friday.

Villanova (2-4) has started the season in a similar manner as Old Dominion. After an opening day win at ranked La Salle, Villanova was blown out 10-0 at home against a fast North Carolina team. Excluding that match, however, the team has outscored its opponents 10-9 in 2013. Using a balanced offense and defense, Villanova is hoping to begin Big East play with a win against a vulnerable Old Dominion squad. The Wildcats certainly expect big things from junior forward Jessica Swoboda who scored two goals against Saint Louis this past weekend.

Finally, both Temple (4-2) and Rutgers (3-3) have had strong starts to the 2013 season. With decisive wins against Ohio State and Penn State, Temple is doing its best to prove its worth as a new member of the Big East. Junior forward Amber Youtz, last year’s Atlantic 10 Offensive Player of the Year, leads

the team with 20 points. Look for her to be a major factor in 2013 Big East Conference play.

Rutgers has had the most ups and downs of any Big East team so far this year, as it has struggled to get any sort of offensive or defensive consistency going.

The Scarlet Knights have outscored their opponents 16-7 this season, yet they sit at a disappointing .500.

On Sunday, Rutgers plays host to Connecticut, the Big East’s only undefeated team. A win against the Huskies could point the Scarlet Knights in the right direction, though it will take all that this team can muster to take down arguably the best team in the conference.

As for the Hoyas, Hubbard’s squad knows what lies ahead.

“The biggest challenge is playing up to the caliber of these teams — they’re going to have big talent and are going to play a very fast-paced game,” Hubbard said.

For now, however, the Blue and Gray are only focused on this Friday.

“This week of practice has been very intense, more so than the past few weeks. We know the potential that we have, and that’s why I’m excited for [Providence]. The better the teams we play against, the better we play, so I’m excited to see how we handle the tougher competition,” Hubbard said.

sports

friday, September 20, 2013

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Hoya Staff Writer

For the first time in the 2013 season, the No. 10 Georgetown women’s soccer team concluded a game without a victory, tying the University of Central Florida by a final score of 1-1 Thursday afternoon.

Georgetown (7-0-1) entered the match having won its previous 16 games at Shaw Field and having posted shutouts in their past four matches. Nevertheless, Georgetown knew that UCF (6-2-1), who was ranked 21st in the country preseason, would likely be the best team they had played thus far this year.

UCF wasted no time flashing their skill after the opening kick. Immediately forcing the Hoyas back on their heels, the Knights displayed a physicality and speed that Georgetown had not yet seen this season.

“They’re good strong physical kids that can play,” said Head Coach Dave Nolan.

“They’re not just big thugs that bash you.”

The UCF attack, spearheaded by forwards freshman Lena Petermann and junior Tatiana Coleman, proved to be a handful all afternoon for the experienced Georgetown defense.

“The thing about their offense is that they’re all so fast,” senior defender Emily Menges said. “We’re obviously not a big defense, and they were just so tall.”

Georgetown did not back down from the challenge.

As the first half wore on and the Hoyas grew accustomed to the match’s pace, the Blue

and Gray began to create some chances, finally getting on the board in the 25th minute.

Big East Preseason Offensive Player of the Year Daphne Corboz, who got her first start of the season, wove through the middle of the Knights’ defense and picked out a streaking Kailey Blain. The senior midfielder received the pass from Corboz and calmly slid the ball past UCF senior goalkeeper Lianne Maldonado to give the Hoyas a 1-0 lead.

The lead, however, did not last long. Menges said after the game that the Hoyas’ goal was to limit the Knights’ set pieces, but with just under four minutes remaining in the first half ,Georgetown conceded the most dangerous set piece possible — a penalty kick.

The foul occurred after Petermann received a pass along the end line just inside the 18-yard box and was immediately double teamed by seniors Alexa St. Martin and Colleen Dinn.

As Petermann attempted to spin her way through the defenders, she was tripped

by Dinn. The referee called the foul and Coleman stepped to the spot for the Knights. Georgetown goalkeeper Emma Newins dove right and Coleman blasted the ball up the middle to tie the game.

That would be the final goal of the match. In the second half and subsequent overtime, both ratcheted up the intensity and had quality chances, but no one could find the back of the net.

“I think both coaches probably had a couple of heart at-

B7

tennis

GU’s Win Streak Ends TOM SCHNOOR

THE HOYA

tacks,” Nolan said. “They’re a really good team. I think at the end of the season they’re going to be a team that’s an NCAA team, they’re going to be a team that’s a top-20 team.”

Menges agreed.

“This was definitely the best team we’ve faced thus far,” she said.

Considering the competiveness of the match and quality chances generated by both sides, a draw was a fitting outcome.

“We could’ve won it easily, and they could’ve won it easily,” Nolan said. “It’s one of those where draw is probably a fair result.”

The match marked the end of a three-game homestand for Georgetown, who will travel to Storrs, Conn, on Sunday to face former Big East rival UConn (5-3).

In the teams’ last meeting as league-mates, Georgetown took a 4-0 win over the Huskies. UConn comes in having won five of their past six games, and although Georgetown is the higher ranked team, the Huskies have shown that they can play with the best in the country, having respectably lost a game to No. 2 Stanford 1-0 earlier this season.

“It’s going to be another dogfight,” Nolan said. “They play a unique style and they play a unique system. They’ve got two kids up front that really are a handful and Storrs is never an easy place to go.”

It will be the final outof-conference match of the regular season for the Hoyas.

Big East play opens up next Thursday with a home tilt against DePaul.

ALEXANDER BROWN/THE HOYA

Senior midfielder Kailey Blain (left) scored on an assist from junior midfielder Daphne Corboz (right). This was Corboz’s first game starting this season due to injury.

FILE PHOTO: CHRIS GRIVAS/THE HOYA

With four new freshmen on the team, Head Coach Gordie Ernst will count on senior co-captain Casey Distaso (pictured) and senior co-captain Andrew Dottino to lead the squad.

Classic Gives Individuals A Chance to Prepare TENNIS, from B8 For those who lose there, a consolation bracket will follow. The players will not compete as a team but will be slated as individuals either in the singles or the doubles tournament.

“I think this weekend will be a test to see what

they did this summer,” Ernst said.

According to Ernst, the competition this weekend is all about getting back into the swing of things and preparing for the spring season.

Georgetown will look to gather some momentum with strong performances, and gain momentum to power them through the fall tournaments.

down to the wire

Dennard’s Case Illustrates NFL’s Skewed Pgriorities HOFF, from B8 The policy is as much of a joke as the naive idea that teams care more about their players’ morality than winning; it’s in effect only for political and business reasons.

The policy is in place not because the NFL truly cares about its players’ morality but so that Roger Goodell can deal with certain cases in ways that allow the league to protect its public image. For example, when there was intriguing evidence against Ben Roethlisberger in a rape case in 2010 and when women’s groups started coming after the Steelers and the NFL, Goodell could calm those voices by saying, “We suspended him for six games, so we’re taking firm action.” (Never mind that the suspension was later shortened to four games.) Also, Goodell suspended Michael Vick for the first two games of the 2009 season after Vick had just finished serving a 21-month prison sentence because Goodell supposedly wanted to remind Vick that he was on thin ice. After all, if 21 months didn’t fix his character, two more games definitely would.

However, many believed that Goodell simply didn’t want Vick to be the focus of Week 1.

The NFL uses the Personal Conduct Policy to calm critical voices and keep the focus off the league’s troubled players because, in ways similar to how individual teams care about winning more than their players’ morality, the league cares more about the business’ product than the employees’ morality. If the NFL primarily cared about the morality of its players, it wouldn’t allow the Patriots to keep playing Alfonzo Dennard, let alone whatever they’re probably doing

to help him in court.

While it sounds like I disagree with signing players with questionable characters, actually, I don’t. As I’ve written before in a column on “Hoya Paranoia,” I don’t mind teams taking on players with dirt under their fingernails (with some extreme exceptions), because fans and media alike will judge coaches harshly for not showing a “commitment to winning” when they don’t go the extra mile to be victorious.

Part of going the extra mile is taking chances with risky guys.

But what I don’t understand is why many fans and media continue to believe that the NFL and its teams put a huge emphasis on employing good guys. It’s simply not true.

Examining a case like Alfonzo Dennard’s will show that NFL teams will not only deal with a troubled player but might even reach outside the scope of football to get him back on the field faster. And examining the ways that the Personal Conduct Policy is used will prove that it’s more of a business and political clause, not a moral one.

As a Pats fan, I hope that Dennard isn’t found guilty of a DUI, gets his December sentencing date moved back two months and records the game-winning pick-six in February’s Super Bowl right before being whisked off to prison. I just hope that nobody claims that the Patriots or the NFL care more about his criminal record than his play.

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

Football

Hoyas Aim to Avenge Last Year’s Homecoming Loss FOOTBALL, from B8 Tomorrow’s game will be the Bears’ season opener as they begin their quest for their sixth consecutive winning season.

Brown finished last year third in the Ivy League with a 7-3 record, including a 3-0 out-of-conference record.

“It’s a blind [game]. Like I said, they have a veteran staff that has been there a long time,” Kelly said. “I am sure they are going to have some wrinkles, but for the most part, I think their concepts are going to be the same. Again, we have to worry about what we do and not so much what Brown does. We are prepared for everything, and that is the mentality that we take in these kinds of games.”

The Bears’ offense finished fourth last year in the Ivy League in total yards. Returning for Brown includes senior quarterback Patrick Donnelly, the Ivy League’s third-ranked passer last season, as well as Donnelly’s two favorite targets, senior Tellef Lundevall and senior Jordan Evans. After struggling last weekend against Marist, the Georgetown defense made several adjustments in order to slow down the veteran Brown of-

fense.

“We have tweaked some things [on defense] that we are doing scheme-wise,” Kelly said. “There also have been a couple different changes as far as personnel. We are trying to get healthy; we have had guys nicked up, so hopefully we’ll get some guys back.”

Last week, the Hoyas were

“Wharton and Alfieri’s status is day to day right now — literally.”

Kevin Kelly Football Head Coach

without their two leading tacklers, senior linebacker Dustin Wharton and junior linebacker Nick Alfieri, whose absences were reflected in the poor defensive showing. The Blue and Gray are hopeful that both Wharton and Alfieri will return for Saturday’s contest, but both are gametime decisions. “[Wharton and Alfieri’s] status is day to day right now — literally,” Kelly said.

Senior quarterback Isaiah Kempf threw for 398 yards on

35-of-52 passing, a career high and the most for a Georgetown quarterback since 1998, last week against Marist. Kempf and the Hoya offense will look to continue this momentum as they take on the Bear defense, which allowed the fewest points in the Ivy League last year. Although Brown returns seven defensive starters, they did graduate two of their all-Ivy players.

However, more importantly, Georgetown will have to limit their turnovers tomorrow. Last week against Marist, the Hoyas committed three turnovers — two fumbles and an interception. In order to win tomorrow, the Blue and Gray will have to do a better job protecting the football. “[Turnovers] are something that we are focusing on. Not only did we give up three turnovers [against Marist], but we didn’t get any,” Kelly said. “So it was 3-0 in the turnover ratio. More often than not, if you are minus three, you are going to lose the football game, so we have to correct that on both sides.”

The Blue and Gray will face off against the Bears tomorrow in Providence, R.I. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m.

CHRIS GRIVAS/THE HOYA

Senior quarterback Isaiah Kempf will need to limit turnovers in Saturday’s game against Brown. The Hoyas have played — and lost to — the the Bears three times.

SPORTS

Men’s Soccer Georgetown vs. Princeton Sunday, 1 p.m.

Shaw Field

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013

WOMEN’S SOCCER

The Hoyas’ 1-1 draw with UCF snaps their seven-game win streak.

See B7

TALKING POINTS

“

FOOTBALL

Hoya Staff Writer

It’s easy to say that the Georgetown football team (2-1) is looking for revenge against Brown tomorrow in Providence, R.I. Brown leads Georgetown in the all-time series 3-0 and last season, the Bears spoiled the Hoyas’ homecoming weekend by embarrassing the Hoyas, 37-10. Tomorrow, the Blue and Gray are looking to do more than just avenge last season’s loss.

“Going in against Brown, we expect to win the football game. It is going to be a tough task,” Head Coach Kevin Kelly said. “It is just another opportunity. We didn’t play well against Brown on homecoming last year. It was closer than the score probably indicated.”

Georgetown enters tomorrow’s

It’s going to be another dogfight.

” 27

Women’s soccer Head Coach Dave Nolan on the upcoming game against UConn

The margin of victory in Brown’s victory over GU last year.

FIELD HOCKEY

GU Is Underdog in Big East

Brown to Challenge Depleted Defense CAROLYN MAGUIRE

NUMBERS GAME

JONAH CASHDAN Hoya Staff Writer

game a week removed from a shocking 43-23 loss to Marist. The Hoyas, who were without key players, gave up a staggering 505 yards of total offense to the Red Foxes, including a season-high 230 rushing yards.

The Blue and Gray will look to get back in the win column against the Bears. Brown — perennial Ivy League contenders — returns eight offensive starters as well as the core of their defense. “[Brown] is a very good football program — very solid, physical program,” Kelly said. “We have had a great week of practice so far, so I feel good about where we are at this point. They are a veteran team. All of their offensive starters are seniors, and seven out of the 11 on defense are seniors.”

See FOOTBALL, B7

CHRIS GRIVAS/THE HOYA

Sophomore defensive back Ettian Scott will have to pick up the slack on defense if senior Dustin Wharton does not play on Saturday due to injury.

This week, intraconference play begins for the Big East field hockey teams, and after a rough start to the season, no team is more excited for the chance to start fresh than Georgetown (0-6). On Friday at 7 p.m., Georgetown will face off against Providence (3-3), a tough team that boasts a 6-1 record against Georgetown since 2006.

Before conference play begins and each match bears increasing significance for the postseason, here’s a look at the talented Big East field hockey teams.

Starting out west, the Louisville Cardinals (4-2) are off to a hot start this season. Their two losses, each by only one goal, came against No. 4 Virginia and Michigan, but Louisville has outscored its opponents 21-6 so far this season. Freshman forward Shannon Sloss leads the Cardinals with 9 points, while her teammate junior back Alyssa Voelmle follows closely behind with 8.

Looking north, No. 3 Connecticut (5-0) has also started its season on the right foot. Junior forward Chloe Hunnable leads her squad with 14 points this season, and the Huskies expect big things from Hunnable this year as a returning Big East first team player.

With victories against Stanford and Penn State already in the books, Connecticut knows that it has a shot at the Big East title.

Providence (3-3), Georgetown’s opponent this Friday, is in a good position heading into Big East play. With two of their three losses coming by just one goal, the Friars have a solid defense that can keep them competitive in any match.

“It’s going to be hockey that a lot of

TENNIS

CHRIS GRIVAS/THE HOYA

Junior midfielder Molly Denzel, along with the rest of the team’s veterans including leading scorer Emily Weinberg, will lead the team into Big East play.

these girls have never seen — it will be eye-opening for us, but I am so ready for these young ones to see it,” Head Coach Tiffany Hubbard said about this Friday’s match against Providence.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how we stand against them. This is their Big East home opener, so it should be an exciting setting for this team,” Hubbard said.

The Friars have a potent scorer in junior forward Daniella Bernasconi, who leads her team with an impressive 8 goals and 16 points this season.

The next closest player is Henni Tietze, who has just 1 goal and 3 points.

While Georgetown plays Providence on Friday, No. 20 Old Dominion will be at Villanova in a battle between the old and the new.

“We added Old Dominion as a member, which is typically one of the best programs in the nation,” Hubbard said of the Big East conference realignment. “It’s not going to change too much from a field hockey standpoint though,” she added.

So far in 2013, Old Dominion (1-5) has struggled to get into a rhythm.

The team has only one win on the See FIELD HOCKEY, B6

DOWN TO THE WIRE

GU Sizes Up the Competition NFL Stance on Character JULIANA ZOVAK Hoya Staff Writer

This weekend, Georgetown tennis will host the Georgetown Classic, an individual tournament that will feature players from both the men’s and women’s teams. It’s the first home competition this year for either squad, and although the tournament won’t count toward the teams’ records, it will be an opportunity for the Hoyas to see how they stack up against the competition.

On the women’s side, this weekend’s classic will feature players from schools including George Washington and UMBC. The tournament will mark the start of competition for the women’s team, which was 15-8 last year with a 6-2 home record. Featuring six new team members, they will be led by senior co-captains Kelly Comolli and Madeline Jaeger. “[The new student-athletes] are fitting in great. Their personalities, their work ethic — they’re just great to have around. Overall, we’ve had really, really good chemistry,” Head Coach Gordie Ernst said.

Two new student athletes, freshman Victoire Saperstein and sophomore Liselot Koenen, a transfer from the University of Houston, are recovering from injuries. Even though they are unlikely to participate in the classic this weekend, Ernst is excited about the contributions that they will make to the team.

“Both of our high-ranking, incoming players still haven’t really had an opportunity to play healthy,” he said. “When they do, that’ll be good.”

Freshman Sophie Barnard, from Mill Neck, N.Y., is excited for the season and the camaraderie that will come with it.

“I’m looking forward to finally being able to play on a team. I’ve always played individual tennis, and now I get to have a group of girls cheering for me and I get to cheer for them,” she said.

The team will also include freshmen Margaret Psyhogeos and Madeline Foley, as well as sophomore walk-on Mimi Lynham.

Ernst looks forward to seeing the connection that the players will develop in the absence of Tina Tehrani, who left Georgetown two seasons ago to play professionally.

“She had the potential to be an All-American for us, and she wanted to stay on the pro circuit and play, and so I think the [women’s] team has come together because of that and worked harder,” he said.

For the men’s team, the classic will be this year’s second tournament. The Hoyas will face the women’s aforementioned competitors as well as adversaries from Christopher Newport, Johns Hopkins and Norfolk State.

Last week, the men’s team began their fall competition at the Farnsworth Invitational in New Jersey. The Hoyas saw strong play from multiple players who went deep into their brackets. Freshman Jack Murphy played in the Cordish Singles Bracket, and, although he dropped his first match, he proceeded to win the consolation bracket.

Sophomore Daniel Khanin lost a close three-set match to a Princeton player who competed in the U.S. Open Juniors tour-

Comes as No Surprise

O

FILE PHOTO: CHRIS GRIVAS/THE HOYA

Junior Shane Korber won his match at the Farnsworth Invitational.

nament, which features some of the best young players in the world.

“I was very happy with [their play],” Ernst said. “I didn’t know if the guys would be ready, and they looked pretty good. We had some good wins and we had some very close loses. So, overall, I would say I was content.”

The Hoyas return six athletes and add four freshmen: Murphy, Max Novak, Jordan Portner and Yannik Mahlangu, who won three matches on the first day of the Farnsworth Invitational.

Senior captains Casey Distaso and Andrew Dottino lead Georgetown this season. In its 2012-13 campaign, the team went 12-11 and an impressive 10-1 at home.

In the tournament, there will be one main draw.

See TENNIS, B7

n Monday, a Nebraska judge rookie who finished college at age 24 in ruled that Patriots cornerback part due to being arrested seven times Alfonzo Dennard could stay free by age 18. Patriots’ roster-builder Bill until sentencing, even though he had Belichick is known for signing players just admitted to violating probation. with dubious criminal histories, but his To understand the situation fully, it’s team isn’t the only one doing it. Only important to take a look at everything 11 days before releasing wideout Cedthat has led up to this point: Dennard rick Wilson for punching his girlfriend, was the Patriots’ seventh-round pick in the Pittsburgh Steelers didn’t discipline 2012, falling several rounds on draft linebacker James Harrison for slapping day because he punched a cop a week his girlfriend. The difference? Harrison before. In his rookie was an amazing player, season, he played well Wilson was OK. Also, while awaiting his the Baltimore Ravens felony trial for the copchose to continue empunching incident. ploying both All-Pro This April, his sentenclinebacker Ray Lewis, ing mandated that he who pled guilty to obwould begin his (seemstruction of justice in ingly short) 30-day sena murder case and AllTom Hoff tence in March 2014, Pro running back Jamal about four weeks after Lewis, who was charged the NFL season ends. with conspiring to disFootball fans Then, Dennard viotribute cocaine. lated his probation by I could go on, but the shouldn’t be naive drinking (as he admitpoint is clear. Teams in about teams’ ted) and by allegedly the NFL are not going driving drunk (which to change their ways priorities when he denies due to quesregarding players and tions over the breathatheir legal matters anysigning players. lyzer samples). His time soon. While there court date for the DUI are notable exceptions, arrest is Oct. 8, but he’s lucky that the like the Patriots’ immediate release of judge has allowed him to remain free Aaron Hernandez because he was alafter violating his probation stemming most definitely involved in Odin Lloyd’s from a felony conviction. It seems ob- murder, the actions teams will take to vious that that the reason Dennard’s protect their chances of winning are legal situation has proceeded in such a nearly universal: If he’s a great player, favorable manner is because he’s a pro- you stand by him and make sure he can fessional athlete and that the Patriots still play on Sunday. are probably assisting his legal case.

It confuses me when people have a Dennard’s case shows why the idea problem with this recurring process that the NFL, and especially the Pa- and then insist that Roger Goodell triots, have “learned” from the Aaron should suspend a troubled player unHernandez situation is laughable. In der the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy. addition to Dennard, the Patriots’ rosSee HOFF, B7 ter consists of Kenbrell Thompkins, a

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